Two new members chosen for Van Zandt Historical Commission in Canton
by Sibyl Creasey

The Van Zandt County Historical Commission met at a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 8 at the commission office in the courthouse annex in Canton and welcomed two new members who have been appointed to the commission by the commissioners' court.

The commission newcomers are Benja Mize of Canton who was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Ruth Abbott who passed away several months ago, and Brooks Gremmels of Ben Wheeler. Both have expressed great interest in preserving the history of the county.

Commission chairman Dr. Rollin Sininger of Canton presided over the meeting and one of the first orders of business was to appoint Benja Mize historian for the group.

Member Elvis Allen of Fruitvale reported on the status of several cemetery historic designations and applications for historic markers that are in progress.

The Boxley-Wade cemetery designation is near the last stage of approval. Applications for markers for the Cherokee Boundary Line and Jordan's Saline have been submitted.

More research for a marker is being done by Nelba Walters of Canton for Mt. Pisgah Cemetery which was designated as historical in 2007.

Allen also reported that he is working with Mrs. Ruby Oliver of Canton to apply for a marker to be placed in a cemetery known locally as the Enas, Allen, Oaks Cemetery but has been designated historical by the state under the name Owlet Green Cemetery. He told the group that the correct name is Dawson Cemetery.

Member Sibyl Creasey of Ben Wheeler reported that she had received permission from the commissioners ' court to build a historical commission website to be linked from the county website.

The next meeting of the historical commission will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 1:00 p.m. at the commission office located in the courthouse annex. The public is welcome to attend.

For further information on the Van Zandt County Historical Commission and its activities, contact Chairman Rollin Sininger at 903- 567-6657, or write to the commission at P.O. Box 434, Canton, TX