The town of Millheim was established about the year 1845.  It was originally called Muehlheim, “Home of the Mill”.  Millheim is located eight miles south of Bellville in central Austin County on part of the original land granted by the Mexican government to Stephen F. Austin.  The founders of the community were German immigrants who moved southeast through the Mill Creek Valley from settlements in the vicinity of Cat Spring.  The town received its name in the 1850’s at a meeting held in the Engelking and Noltke general store.

 

            In the 1850’s E.G. Maetze started the first school at the settlement with courses conducted in German.  He had attended the University of Breslau and was a member of the German Parliament.  A post office was established in the community by 1878.  In 1885 the town had a population of 100, as well as a brewery, a gin, grist mill, saw mill, blacksmith shop, bowling alley and several stores.  Prospects for further development were dimmed, however, when the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway survey bypassed the town to the east.

 

            In 1872 the community felt the need of having an organization to carry on their German traditions, as well as a place for entertainment and social activities.  The Millheim Harmonie Verein was formed for the enjoyment and benefit of its members, their families, and friends.  The Harmonie Hall was then built to serve the Verein and its members.  Even though the number of residents declined rapidly after World War II the hall today is still the center of activities in this community.

 

            Until 1882 there was no public cemetery, and people were buried in small family cemeteries on individual properties.  On April 12, 1882, citizens of the community met and formed the Millheim Cemetery Association.  Minutes of this first meeting and deed records show that Mr. & Mrs. William Bunge and Mr. & Mrs. J.H. Swearingen each donated one acre of land for the cemetery.  Deed records also show that one-half acre of land was later acquired from Mr. & Mrs. J.H. Krancher.

 

            Minutes of the association were written in German from 1892 through 1950.  In the translation of the minutes of the first meeting it is interesting to note that lots sold for $2.50 and twelve lots were sold.  Lots for the poorer population sold for $1.25, but no mention was made as to who qualified for this category.  Dues were also assessed yearly according to the number of gravesites a person purchased.

 

            By-laws were written for the cemetery and directors were chosen.  The officers of the association were selected from the directors.  An annual meeting, usually held at the Millheim Hall, was decided upon.  Also directors’ meetings could be called as needed.  The approximate number of graves is 444 with the oldest grave dating back to 1868.  Some of the older headstones reflect their German heritage by having inscriptions written in German.  Burials in the cemetery include veterans of all major conflicts since the Civil War.

 

            Over the years many improvements have been made to the cemetery by volunteers.  Mr. Herbert Bolten donated a portion of land to the cemetery and the water well was drilled in 1954 on part of this land.  St. Augustine grass was planted the same year.  A chain link fence was erected in 1955.  Concrete enclosures around family plots were removed so the caretaker could mow more easily.  During the 1960’s perpetual care became a requirement and was included in the purchase of lots.  An additional acre of land was purchased in 1991 and more fencing was added.  A covered structure was donated by Mildred Hillboldt in 2004.  This structure is used to conduct services at the cemetery before interment.  An irrigation system was added in 2006 to expedite watering.  Earl Meyers financed and oversaw this venture.  Adding to the beauty of the cemetery are the water oak, cypress, pine and crepe myrtle trees growing there.