Hemphill, Sabine County
The Macedonia Baptist Church was established on this site in 1885. Though it is likely that there are burials dating from that time, the earliest marked grave is that of Olin Robertson (1828-1906). Ten graves are those of World War I veterans, and more than 35 are those of veterans of World War II. Other wars and conflicts are represented as well. Four of those interred here in the 1970s lived more than 100 years. Many burials are those of persons born into slavery who lived to pave the way to freedom for succeeding generations of African Americans. There are more than 500 graves on this site. Of these, about 193 are unmarked. The high number of early unmarked graves is one reflection of the social and economic status of black people in this area at the turn of the 20th century. The cemetery is a chronicle of African American heritage. (2000)