African-American cemetery receives honor

State historical recognition bestowed on burial ground established in 1881

Community members gathered Saturday to celebrate a new state historical marker at a small African-American cemetery in Kohrville, saying the designation signifies its importance in a northwest Harris County community settled by former slaves more than a century ago.

The marker, awarded by the Texas Historical Commission, recognizes the Amos Cemetery as the community’s oldest burial ground. About 200 people are buried in the cemetery, which was established in 1881.

Freddie Solomon, a pastor at the Carverdale Community Church of God in Christ, noted that many of the headstones belong to members of the community’s earliest residents, most of whom overcame immense hardship to own property and earn a living.

“Sometimes, in our society today, we don’t want to remember past events, especially those that were cruel and evil,” he said. “All of that is important and must be remembered.”

Kohrville, an unincorporated community, was settled before 1870 by freed slaves from Alabama who had bought land or cut timber for a nearby sawmill, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

At the intersection of Spring Cypress Road and Texas 249, the community had a population of about 50 in the early 1990s.

Decades later, much has changed within the community, now surrounded by highways and suburban development. But the cemetery has survived and continues to serve as a final resting place for the relatives of those who remain in the area.

“The foundation of what we have today is based on what they’ve done,” Solomon said.

Most of the people attending the ceremony had relatives buried there.

Chronicle columnist Jerome Solomon, Freddie Solomon’s cousin, called the historical designation a proud moment. His father, brothers and grandparents are buried there.

“Every significant funeral in my family has been right there,” he said.

The Kohrville Community Amos Cemetery Asso- ciation, which worked for years to secure the designation, funded the marker.

“We have come a long way,” said Irene Mosley, the association’s treasurer.

The Harris County Historical Commission has also recognized the significance of the site.

Yi-Chen Lee / Houston Chronicle Pilgrim Branch Baptist Church members gather for the unveiling of the Texas historical marker at the Amos Cemetery on Saturday. Guests from various civic and religious organizations include, from left, Paul R. Scott, Joanne Green, Cathyrine Stewart,...