East Texas history uncovered through Family Bible.

A family Bible that has survived a journey of over 150 years has been gifted to the Cherokee County Historical Commission for preservation purposes by Karen Senesac Langston and her husband Les.

The Discovery

Karen Senesac Langston’s family discovered the Bible in a cedar chest while organising their belongings. The Bible, which appeared to be very old, was handed over to the Cherokee County Historical Commission to be preserved.

The History

While photographing the Bible, the Cherokee County Historical Commission discovered a small handwritten note tucked inside. The note detailed the history of the Bible, which was given to John Senac by his father Edd Senesac in 1850 in Mankato, Minnesota. John Senesac passed the Bible down to his son Henry Dewit Senesac in Nacogdoches, Texas, in 1912, who then passed it on to Nolan Senesac in Tatum, Texas, in 1956. According to the note, Nolan Senesac’s grandparents lost everything they had in a fire, and the Bible was one of the few possessions that made it to their new home in Texas on a covered wagon train.

Preserving Family History

The Senesac family Bible is a reminder of the struggles and faith of early settlers in America. It is a testament to the enduring power of belief and the importance of preserving family history. Karen Senesac Langston and her family have decided to purchase a clear archival box for the Bible so it can be displayed at Mixon First Baptist Church as a symbol of God’s enduring grace.

If you have a story to share, please contact Deborah Burkett at debbietroup7@yahoo.com or 903-752-7850.