Elmira and Aaron T. Castleberry, II

Elmira and Aaron T. Castleberry, II. . The rich farming land and timber forests in what is now known as Gregg County was first settled in 1835 under the Republic of Mexico and then under the Republic of Texas. In 1838, the republic began to issue land grants and, by 1858, the area was surveyed and patented, and the rate of settlement increased. Among northeast Texas' oldest communities is Pine Tree, established in 1845 in the area currently located in the western boundary of Longview., Among the Pine Tree community settlers was the second child of Aaron and Sarah Castleberry, Aaron T. "A.T." Castleberry, II (b. 1815). He and his wife, Elmira Pierce (1822-1897), settled this area along with a number of extended family. , Upon arrival, the brothers, sisters and cousins created a residential plantation community on individually patented homesteads. The surrounding pine forests provided food and building materials for the families. The Castleberry family home was built in 1845 on a hill overlooking the Sabine River, along the Monroe-Dallas stagecoach trail. As the family grew, additional homes were built for children and grandchildren., Elmira and Aaron, II, were leaders in the pioneer community and instrumental in founding the first church, school and cemetery. These organizations and the Castleberrys' generous outreach to the community live on through the Pine Tree Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Pine Tree School and Fisher Cemetery, a testament to their lasting influence in Gregg County.