Athens in Henderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Shelby Chapel Church and Cemetery
The extended Shelby family relocated again in 1891, this time to an area three miles northeast of the center of Athens. Amanda Ann Henderson Shelby lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Jeff Decal and Susan Ella Shelby Horn. Mrs. Shelby gave the Horns seven acres of land, reserving two acres for a Presbyterian church and cemetery. Religious services were held in the Horn home until Thomas Dunklin, another Shelby son-in-law, received the contract to construct a church building called Shelby Chapel in 1895. Amanda A. Shelby died in 1896 and was interred with her husband. The first burial in Shelby Chapel Cemetery was that of J.D. and Susan Horn's infant son in 1897. Shelby Chapel and the Athens Cumberland Presbyterian Church were united between 1901 and 1905. The church remained Presbyterian until 1964 when it became a non-denominational community church.
Many armed forces veterans are interred here, including Confederate soldiers. Members of Shelby Chapel and their descendants continue to be interred in the cemetery, which remains as a chronicle of area settlers.
Erected 1999 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12056.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 32° 14.235′ N, 95° 49.228′ W. Marker is in Athens, Texas, in Henderson County. Marker is at the intersection of Farm to Market Road 1616 and County Road 3714, on the left when traveling north on Road 1616. The marker is located on the southwest side of the chapel. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6701 FM1616, Athens TX 75752, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Richard Columbus Fisher (approx. 2.4 miles away); Site of Blackshear/Fisher School (approx. 2˝ miles away); Mt. Providence Baptist Church (approx. 2˝ miles away); Athens Lodge No. 165 A.F. & A.M. (approx. 2.8 miles away); 1925 Henderson County Jail (approx. 2.9 miles away); First United Presbyterian Church of Athens (approx. 2.9 miles away); Jess Sweeten (approx. 2.9 miles away); United Methodist Church of Athens (approx. 2.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 74 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.