Derden is located in Northern Hill County, Texas. The town was first known as “Brushy Knob” for it’s high wooded hill. Pioneer residents have said that in early days, Indian Tribes passing through the area, camped on the area now known as Derden. Because of the elevation, they were able to give and receive smoke signals from other tribes. Over the years, many people have enjoyed hunting for flint arrows and broken bits of pottery left there by the Indians.

Some of the earliest settlers of Derden were the Ince family. The family first arrived in Derden in 1854. William McCammett Ince and his son, George Washington Ince, arrived in Derden, Texas in1858.

By 1884, Derden had become a thriving little town. Several businesses were established, consisting of two general stores, a blacksmith shop, two cotton gins, a drug store, and a post office. It is believed the name of the town was changed to Derden in 1881 when the post office was established. It is said that the name “Derden” was taken from a prominent citizen but there are no records to verify this.

The community had a school from early pioneer days. It was first called “Brushy Knob” but was later changed to Derden School. It operated as Derden School until 1919.

Derden had two doctors in the late 1890’s and 1900’s. They were Dr. Jess McClane and Dr. Isenberg. Dr. Isenberg left Derden about 1904. Dr. McClane also moved from the community but returned years later to practice in the area. He is buried in the Derden Cemetery.

In the years 1875 to 1879, the settlement, being in a rich agricultural area, had an active Grange Chapter with membership of 29 at various times. The Ince family was one of the active members. The minutes of many of the old grange minutes remain in the Ince family. The Derden Cemetery still exists and is taken care of by descendants of George Washington Ince. The cabin originally built by Willian McCammet Ince still stands and is owned today by his descendants.

The Derden Cemetery is located at the foot of Brushy Knob, on it’s east side. No records are available for the cemetery. Some of the graves are marked but many are not legible.

Twice each year, on Memorial Day and on Labor Day, people who are interested in the Derden Cemetery, meet there to eat, visit and make contributions for the cemetery’s upkeep. Many are descendants of Derden Pioneers.









Story by Ruth Lewis
Cabin Pictures provided by Rex Bullard

DERDEN CEMETERY
INCE AND CALVERT PHOTOS

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