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CCHC members Jim Cromwell and Mary Taylor are seen with items from the estate of Leon and Ethel Pledger. The metal sign is from the Rusk Cherokee Riders Quadrille. Leon called the motions for their square-dance on hourseback routines.

The 2012 calendar--A Salute to the Rich Hertiage of Cherokee County-- is filled with images of the county. On sale at our office for only $5. Special thanks to John Thomason, CCHC member and owner of Jacksonville business Creative Graphics--beautiful print job! Only $5 each! if you have photographs you would like to share for future displays and/or used in a future calendars let us know!

Thanks to our members we are off to a great start in 2012! Chair Elizabeth McCutcheon, Vice Chair Shelley Cleaver, Secretary Bindi Caveness, Butch Holcomb, Charlie Mae Esco, Maxine Session, Cynthia Pryor, John Thomason, Dr. Richard Hackney, Dr. John Ross, Dr. Deborah Burkett, Charles Davis, Jim Cromwell, Mary Taylor, Terry Guinn, Willie Acker, Kevin Stingley, Evelyn Ezell and Mavis Wallace.

CCHC Chair Elizabeth McCutcheon accepts the 2010 Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Historical Commission. The Cherokee County Historical Commission once again was recognized by the state for their worthy historical projects. Left to right, Shelley Cleaver, Dr. Richard Hackney, Mavis Wallace, 'Butch' Holcomb, Dr. Deborah Burkett, Willie Harold Acker, Terry Guinn, Elizabeth McCutchein and Judge Chris Davis.

Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, near Bullard, Texas celebrated 147 years! On June 12, 2011 Corinth Pastor John D. Johnson III welcomed guests, friends and representatives from churches throughout Smith and Cherokee Counties. The Corinth Choir sang and praised God for his many and continued blessings. Tyler Pastor Derry Hinton of God’s Way Baptist Church provided the 3 o’clock message. Seated and in front is the oldest active member. CCHC member Dr. Richard Hackney and wife Teresa are on right in back row.

Thanks to artist Audrie Hendrick for loaning several of her paintings for the CCHC window display. On the left is member Deborah Burkett who spear headed the 'Artists in Cherokee County' Project.

Rusk resident, Mary Goff turns 100! A birthday party was held at the Rusk First Baptist Church and everyone who attended felt blessed to be there. Seen left to right with Mary are members of the Cherokee County Historical Commission: Mavis Wallace, ‘Butch’ G. Holcomb, Deborah Burkett and Shelley Cleaver. (not pictured is Elizabeth McCutcheon).

The Rusk Courthouse Photo Preservation Committee is seen presenting Sheriff James Campbell with a canvas of a rare 1930s photo of Sheriff Bill Brunt and his horse Traveler. Long known as a history buff and leader of preservation projects in both Anderson and Cherokee Counties, District Judge Bascom Bentley III speared headed this effort and is seen on the left. Next is Sheriff Campbell, then Jacksonville lawyer Ricky Richards, and County Judge Chris Davis. Not pictured is the final member of the committee, Deborah Burkett. She took this photo and is proud to be a committee member, representing the Cherokee County Historical Commission in this effort.

Sam Pat Thompson Barbershop, Jacksonville, Texas, 1920s
Located downtown near the railroad depot, this thriving business supported three barbers--Sam Pat Thompson, Claud Langston, (barber working the center chair) and Alvin Gray. During the Depression when ‘times were hard’ and people were cutting their own hair; Sam had to provide other services--a back room with a full size tub and hot water for men to bathe after a hard day’s work. Soon Sam Pat had to downsize the entire business and it was then Claud Langston decided it was an opportune time to further his education. Claud entered Jacksonville Baptist College, became a teacher and also served as Cherokee County School Superintendent. Thompson kept the shop open for a number of years after the Depression.

Descendants of Jacksonville Founder Visit Historical Commission Office

Sarah M. Kathan and her son, Kenneth Kathan from Anahuac, Texas. He is a decendant of Jackson Smith.

Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary to Wardell and Verion Starling! Seen here eating chocolates at the Cherokee County Retired School Personnel Meeting.

Retired School Personnel Walk Down Memory Lane A recent meeting of CCRSP provided an opportunity for everyone to remember their courting days. Deborah Burkett of the Cherokee County Historical Commission presented the monthly program which included several tri-fold posters. One was filled with photographs of club members as sweethearts in all phases of their lives—going to the drive-in movie, walking down the aisle, and through a lifetime of joy. Several images were of war brides which spoke to the cherished relationships forged during troubled times. The other poster paid homage to our pioneer ancestors and courting practices in the 1800s. Deborah’s concluding remarks covered the historical impact of Esther Howland (1828-1904), considered the mother of the American Valentine whose business led to sales of $100,000 per year.

Congrats to Chair Elizabeth McCutcheon for submitting the 2011 Annual Report see the Activities section of this website for details.

Seen below at the Reitired School Personnel Meeting left to right and reminiscing about their younger days are: Rose Ann Cunningham, Mary Taylor and Peggy Mullinix. On the far right examining one of the posters are Glenda Humphreys and Sandra Slawson.