{"sEcho":1,"iTotalRecords":100,"iTotalDisplayRecords":100,"aaData":[{"twn_id":1,"twn_name":"Allens Chapel","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.647325","twn_lon":"-95.960250","twn_elev":620,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":75446,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"allenschapel.jpg","twn_caption":"Photo is of a wedding celebration in Allens Chapel.","twn_text":"

Situated five miles northeast of Honey Grove. Allen's Chapel has many beautiful farms in the area and an abundance of fruit of all kinds. At one time the community's founder, Willson B. Allen<\/sa> who came from Tennessee in 1836, grew sugar cane, manufactured excellent brown sugar and established a lucrative market. Some of the good folks who settled in the area were Methodists and others were Baptists. A Methodist Church was organized and called Allen's Chapel. A Baptist Church was organized and called Vineyard Grove. Cemeteries were established by both places and are still kept in good condition. This community has the distinction of having organized two of the first churches in the county.<\/p>

The Allen's Chapel Methodist Church was disbanded in 1925. The church's building and fixtures were donated to the new Baptist Church building in the community which was completed and dedicated in 1934, continuing under the name of Vineyard Grove which had been taken in Nov. 1847 when the church was instituted under the direction of Elder Willie Pickett<\/sa>.<\/p>

During the decade beginning with 1879, German Lutherans of Bavaria came to the county and settled in or near Honey Grove. Another group came from Michigan established themselves north of Honey Grove on Michigan Prairie along with a family from Peoria, Illinois. After becoming acquainted, these groups all being Lutherans, made known their desire to be served with preaching in their own language and of their own convictions. So under the guidance of Rev. Kohn<\/sa> in the fall of 1884 the first church was built on a little hill west of Honey Grove. By 1902 the majority of the membership had settled in what became known as the German Settlement. They sold their property near Honey Grove and built a new church and parsonage in the Allen's Chapel community.<\/p>

There was once a cotton gin on the Avery Young<\/sa> place, Preston Johnson<\/sa>'s and one at the R. L. Bright<\/sa> place. During the Civil War Bill Johnson<\/sa> owned and operated a water mill. The wheat for bread was cut with a scythe, gathered by hand and taken to this mill for grinding. The old log school house was torn down, another built, later torn down and replaced in 1916 with a modern two-room structure. In 1924 the building was moved to a new location and another room was added. This was used until the school was consolidated with the Honey Grove district in the 1950's.<\/p>

Game of all kind was plentiful as well as wild fruits. Vineyard Grove got its name because of the abundance of grapes in the area. The people of this community are justifiably proud of their ancestors and the part they played in the growth and advancement of Fannin County. By Golda Loschke and Dorothy Louise Witcher. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":2,"twn_name":"Allens Point","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.644825","twn_lon":"-95.907747","twn_elev":640,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"allenspoint_school1938.jpg","twn_caption":"Photograph from JoLynn Self","twn_text":"

The origin of Allen's Point community took place in 1836 when 18-year-old Wilson Allen<\/sa> left Tennessee on horseback for Texas. He pressed on west blazing a trail as he went. Finally he reached a spot that suited his fancy. These were his words: \"Here is where I intend to live and die.\" He staked a claim to 640 acres where he set to work clearing and building a log cabin. It wasn't long until other families had come to the vicinity to settle. It now because a settlement instead of a community. This was an ideal place to settle as the woods abounded with game of all kind, the soil was fertile and a creek furnished water. He decided to move across the creek to the west side where he built a chapel and the settlement grew until it was necessary to build a school. The crudely furnished school was in session two or three months a year.<\/p>

A good place was found to cross the big creek and this crossing soon became known as Allen's Point. There were about nine families living in this area. More families became interested in the fertile soil and good water and gradually came to the area to live. It was the custom to have a log rolling, the cutting of huge logs and rolling and pulling them with oxen to the site of the new buildings. When the Gwaultney<\/sa> house was raised (the remains still stand in the community), from the 18 families who comprised what is now Fannin County, 17 of them were present and contributed their labors. While raising the house, five barrels of whiskey and three large cows were consumed. Occasions such as these were of great importance to the settlers in developing love and understanding for their fellow man. The hills from which these logs were cut produced 75 bushels of wheat per acre. As time wore on, a wonderful spring of water thought to have healthful benefits was found. A small hotel was built and this because known as a health resort. These springs were later known as the Meade Springs and were located on the present ranch of Henry Skinner<\/sa>.<\/p>

When the Civil War broke out, Allen's Point contributed its share from the Allen lead mine using the ore to make bullets. On farther west across the creek, coal was mined and used in shoeing cavalry horses. After the war settlement was faster and a post office was established. As long as the post office remained the community was known as Yew. The former name, Allen's Point, came back into use when the first school was built. At one time seven cotton gins were in operation in the present Allen's Point community.<\/p>

Having an historical community such as Allen's Point has inspired the descendants to keep up its community spirit and pride. The people have maintained the school house as a community center. This one of the most widely used places in the area. It is vital to the entire community as a meeting place for various clubs, family gatherings, reunions and homecomings. The little, but well-kept cemetery has interments as far back as 1848 and is still a community pride. By Mrs. Verge Deyhle. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":3,"twn_name":"Anthony","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.676772","twn_lon":"-96.373319","twn_elev":535,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Located in the far northwestern part of Fannin County, this community is six miles north of Savoy and one mile south of the Red River. It was named for the Anthony<\/sa> family which was prominent in the community in the 1880's. The settlement had a post office from 1894 through 1906. By Wright Patman. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":4,"twn_name":"Arkada","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.488480","twn_lon":"-95.999700","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

No longer identified on county maps, this community was once a bustling area in the 1880's. It was located about 16 miles southeast of Bonham and seven miles northwest of Ladonia. It was situated on a high, rolling prairie called Woods Prairie and was founded by the Woods<\/sa> brothers who came to Texas from Illinois in 1844. It was the site of a post office from 1882 to 1890, a drug store, a gin and mill, a blacksmith and wood shop, a church and a school. By Mrs. Dean Newhouse. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":5,"twn_name":"Bagby","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.484550","twn_lon":"-95.919411","twn_elev":564,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"bagby.jpg","twn_caption":"This historical monument is about all that remains of the community of Bagby.","twn_text":"

Bagby, located in southeastern Fannin County, was established in 1895 on a branch line of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad. For a short time W. C. Reeves<\/sa> operated a post office which was discontinued in 1903. In 1900 the town reported two gins, a sawmill, school, church, general store and a population of 25 in 1940. The railroad was discontinued in 1944. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>

\r\n\r\nThe following information is from Ladonia's Lasting Legacies<\/i>, published in 2004 by the Ladonia Historical Preservation Society.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nBagby Store<\/b><\/p>

\r\n\r\nBagby Store was built in 1890 by George Castle Sr. and Eugene Castle. It was large two story building. \"Old Bob\", the little train that ran from Honey Grove to Ladonia and back, ran right in front of the store and stopped there to take on and let off passengers as well as hauling supplies to the store. At one time, the store had its own Post Office. [See information about \"Old Bob\" on the website of the Honey Grove Preservation League]<\/a><\/p>

\r\n\r\nThe store was later sold to William (Bud) Castle, brother to George and Eugene. He owned it until his death in 1930 (from pernicious anemia). He was 56 years old. His widow, Maggie sold the store to Earl H. Castle, my father, in 1930. He sold gasoline, kerosene (coal oil), ice and a full line of groceries. He rode \"Old Bob\" to Ladonia to pick up supplies for the store, including ice and drinks - then rode the train back to Bagby and unloaded. \"Old Bob\" made two trips a day at that time. Most of the time, the train consisted of one mail car one passenger car, and the balance was freight cars. There were times when it hauled 50 car loads of cotton per day. Cotton was \"king\" in our country at that time.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nIn the early years of its existence, there were 5 peddler wagons going out into the community from the store. The second story of the building was used as a \"Woodman of the World\" hall. It was also used as a rehearsal hall for he community plays which were \"put on\" at the school.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nThe store was always a community center where people gathered. There were domino games going any times the men weren't in the fields. Teenagers got together in the yard to see and be seen - walking up and down the roads as far as to Bugtussle and even sometimes to Oak Ridge.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nIn the winter time, there was always \"slang jang\" cooking or some other activity.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nIn 1935 or 1936, my father Earl sol the store to his father, O. B. (Eashie) Castle. He tore the big store down and built a small one story building. He kept the store open during the World War II years and into the middle 50's, when it was closed for good.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nThis little store was very important to our community surviving through the depression and World War I and World War II. During the depression, some people were hungry and would break in and steal food for their families.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nIf my father knew someone was hungry, he would let them have groceries with their word that they would pay when they could. Only one person never paid. There were many nights when my father got out of bed to chase someone out of the chicken and turkey house. On one occasion, the man jumped over our garden fence and ran through a corn field. The next morning, we would see where he knocked down two rows of corn as he ran.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nWe had our own version of \"fast foods\". We sold bologna slices from a stick, cheese sliced from a round, crackers, Vienna sausage, pork and beans, and soda pop. Nothing ever spoiled before it was sold. A real favorite of our customers was a \"peanut rounder\" and the R. C. Cola.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nThere is no sign of the landmark left. When my father ought the place in the 60's, he tore down the little vacant store and built a garage out of the lumber. We do have a Historical Marker on the spot where \"Old Bob\" ran courtesy of Oscar Thomason.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nInformation: June Castle Kinnaird
\r\nThis area was survey by James Bagby
\r\nSubmitted by: Muriel Burleson<\/p>"},{"twn_id":6,"twn_name":"Bailey","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.432053","twn_lon":"-96.165808","twn_elev":712,"twn_size":"0.4","twn_pop":213,"twn_zipcode":75413,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"bailey_1910town.jpg","twn_caption":"This photo from 1910 shows the original United Presbyterian Church with an arrow.","twn_text":"<\/p>

Soon after 1860 Dr. A. J. Ray<\/sa> bought land and settled in what is now the north part of Bailey. He had an office, a store and a blacksmith shop. Not long after Dr. Ray<\/sa> settled, Dr. Josiah S. Bailey<\/sa> bought land and settled in what is now the south part of town. He was not only a physician, but operated a general store and farmed land which he purchased for $3.00 an acre. Both Dr. Ray<\/sa> and Dr. Bailey<\/sa> wanted the town to bear his name. As a result of the argument, legend has it that they constructed a barbed-wire fence across the middle of their properties and called one part \"Ray\" and the other part \"Bailey\". The town remained divided until 1885 when the Cotton Belt Railroad came and Dr. Bailey<\/sa> donated land for the right-of-way. The fence was removed and the town united under the name \"Bailey\".<\/p>

By the early 1900's Bailey had a population of about 250 citizens, a post office, bank, school, two churches, the Lambert House hotel, two chicken peddlers' wagons, saloon, barber shop, cafe, livery stable, millinery store, several grocery stores, dry good stores, a picture show and a printing office. One unique store that operated in Bailey for about 50 years was the Hugh Leslie<\/sa> Drug Store. From this store one could get most any kind of patent medicines, coal, dynamite and other commodities including coffins. The first school house was a two-story structure built in the 1890's. The second building was a brick one built in 1915. This building had an annex added in 1936 when the Bailey school became accredited with the state school board. Bailey built the first school gymnasium in Fannin County in 1930. It also operated the first free lunch program in the county.<\/p>\r\n

The Continental Bank established before 1890 was sold between 1910 and 1918 and a new bank established, the First National Bank, where J. G. Wilson<\/sa>, Hugh Leslie<\/sa> and C. J. Leslie<\/sa> served as bank presidents until the bank sold to the Bonham State Bank. Two of the first fraternal organizations which still exist are the Masonic Lodge chartered Dec. 12, 1889 and the Odd Fellows Lodge chartered Feb. 7, 1895. Churches in Bailey include the First Baptist Church organized May 28, 1888 under the shade tree at the home of H. A. Adkins<\/sa> one mile east of town and called the Corinth Church. The first service was held in the Portland school house northeast of Bailey. Services continued in the school for two years until a building was erected on the present site in 1890 when it was renamed the First Baptist Church. In 1913 the old building was razed and a new structure was built which served the congregation until 1940 when the present structure was erected. The Bailey Methodist Church erected its first building in 1890 on land donated by Dr. Josiah S. Bailey<\/sa> and wife. During the early part of 1912 the present building was constructed. The parsonage of the First Methodist Church, a two-story structure, was built in 1905. After more than 80 years of service to the community, the Bailey United Methodist Church closed it doors.<\/p>

Bailey is located 11 miles south of Bonham and lies in the heart of rich black land suitable for farming. Until recent years cotton and corn were the chief products. By the early 1930's three cotton gins operated in Bailey and as many as 12,000 bales were gined in a year. At the present time cattle raising and small grains are the principle products. After the naming of Bailey in 1885, the town was not incorporated until July 26, 1933. An election was held and the majority vote was for incorporation. It had 200 residents then who selected a slogan \"Biggest Little Town in Texas\". G. E. Carpenter<\/sa> was elected mayor. C. J. Leslie<\/sa> and M. C. Clayton<\/sa> were councilmen. Early transportation consisted of horseback riding, wagons, one-horse buggies, two-horse carriages and walking. By 1885 the railroad came through Bailey from Commerce to Sherman.<\/p>

The early founders of Bailey had a love for God, family and community. The same compelling forces of our forefathers still hold strong in Bailey. There is a neighborly love, a sense of law and order and hard work. Bailey expects to always remain the little town with a peaceful, quiet, Christian atmosphere where people love to live. By Emma Cross Traylor. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>

\r\n\r\nThe following is from the Bonham Herald<\/i>, October 19, 1933<\/p>

\r\n\r\nBailey Fifty Years Ago<\/b><\/p>

\r\n\r\nFifty years ago September 25, ___ the State of Texas patented to J. N. Hume 160 acres of land which includes the confines of the town of Bailey, one of the most progressive towns of its size to be found anywhere.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nIt now has a population of 355 and on July 25, 1933, adopted the commission form of government and elected G. E. Carpenter, cashier of the First National Bank of Bailey its first mayor and C. A. Leslie and M. C. Clayton its first commissioners. This election was held that they might make application for Federal aid for municipal waterworks and other improvements.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nAt that time 2 new gins were being built and 5 new residences had been completed within a year's time. Building permits for the early part of 1933 amounted to between fifty and sixty thousand dollars, and the improvements included, besides those mentioned, a new filling station and the topping of highway 78 for 5 1\/2 miles north of Bailey.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nEd and George Cline purchased land from J, N. Hume as early as 1888 and A. T. Leslie, C. T. Leslie and W. T. Leslie figure in land titles as early as 1886.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nIn 1887 W. T. Leslie sold to Dr. J. A Bailey 40 acres and the town took its name from this man who became the first postmaster of the town when the \"Cotton Belt\" as the St, Louis, Arkansas and Texas Railway is known came through there.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nThe railroad bought its right of way through the town from J. T. Leslie, father of Judge S. F. Leslie of Bonham and Commissioner C. A. Leslie of Bailey from J. S. Bailey and G. B.. Tefteller.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nThe original plat of Bailey filed by Dr. Bailey covers 12 blocks and Atkins plat, filed about the same time covers 32 more blocks. Streets on the original plat are Cleveland, Lusk, Madison, Main, Monroe, Morgan and North and South Front. Atkins plat shows streets named Atkins, Elm, Bonham, Lee and Dio.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nIt appears that about the first sale of town lots was to J. F. Graves who on January I, 1888 bought two lots 25x115. J. L. Snead and J, A. and W. T. Leslie were other early buyers of town lots.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nDuring 1888, 1889 and 1890 John Halford. W. T. Bell, W. W. Smith, J. W. Brown, A. J. Ray, J. E. Dulaney, Wm. Hares, W. H, Fairchild, Henry Hearon, S. H. Culver, James ,Bell, B. G. Collins, S. H. Leslie, Mrs. M. S. Dulaney, Holman Sawyer, S. A. Leslie, J. S. Crawford and Wm. Sanders purchased land there.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nThe Baptist church and Masonic lodge bought a lot August 20, 1889. The Methodist church bought on Novemher 14, 1890, and a deed to the school lot was signed on November 21, 1892. Another lodge and church lot was sold in 1905 and the Church of Christ bought In 1920.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nIn the fifty years of development the owners of this tract of land have, grown' from one to many and to a thriving town settled by men active in church financial and civic matters and women interested in church, club social and home matters. Its boys and girls furnish a part of the college and university students each year."},{"twn_id":7,"twn_name":"Bantam","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.640550","twn_lon":"-95.992470","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":8,"twn_name":"Bartley Woods","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.488994","twn_lon":"-96.027192","twn_elev":633,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

The Bartley Woods community is located southwest of Windom on Highway 1550 between Brushy and Pickle Creeks. It is on the north perimeter of the southern section of the Caddo National Grassland. It was named for members of the Bartley<\/sa> family who lived in this community built in a wooded area surrounded by blackland prairie. By Mrs. Dean Newhouse. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>
"},{"twn_id":9,"twn_name":"Bentonville","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.526497","twn_lon":"-96.217756","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

At one time Bentonville was located five miles southeast of Bonham and had one store, a gin, blacksmith shop and school. The land in the vicinity were rich brush lands, mostly undeveloped, but suited to cultivation. By W. A. Carter [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>
"},{"twn_id":10,"twn_name":"Bettis","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.746214","twn_lon":"-96.143592","twn_elev":604,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":11,"twn_name":"Blantons Chapel","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.395900","twn_lon":"-96.291900","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

In the late 1840's Josiah Blanton born<\/sa> in North Carolina in 1808 migrated to Fannin County following the advice of pioneer Joseph Boone<\/sa>, who had settled near the present-day Randolph about 1842. Josiah<\/sa> and his wife, Lucy Westbrook Blanton<\/sa>, had a family of 11. He bought land east of Whitewright and built his large log cabin on this property. He died in 1876 and she died in 1903. The fourth son Benjamin F.<\/sa> born in 1837 and in 1872 was licensed to preach and organized Blanton's Chapel where he preached for 18 years. Blanton<\/sa> gave the land and a large sum of money to build the church. The property of the church was accepted in 1895 by the North Texas Conference of the Methodist Church. Blanton's Chapel was remodeled in 1916 by Charley Blanton<\/sa>, son of Rev. B. F. Blanton<\/sa>, Herman Tilger<\/sa>, Bud Wilson<\/sa>, R. W. Simpson<\/sa>, John Ellis<\/sa> and other members of the church after a storm had damaged the original structure. Among the families active in the church during the last 50 years are Herman Tilger<\/sa>, church school superintendent for many years. A. H. Henry<\/sa>, church school superintendent for 32 years, Marion Carpenter<\/sa>, son director for almost 50 years. Other families who have been faithful in attendance and active in other phases of church work are the Hall<\/sa>, Karr<\/sa>, Spangler<\/sa>, Golden<\/sa>, Keg<\/sa>, Latimer<\/sa> and Dodson<\/sa> families.<\/p>

Blanton<\/sa> raised his children as faithful members and even though they are all dead, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren still love to return to the chapel for special occasions. By Mrs. C. H. Carter [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":12,"twn_name":"Bonham","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.577328","twn_lon":"-96.178311","twn_elev":610,"twn_size":"9.4","twn_pop":9990,"twn_zipcode":75418,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"bonham_main.jpg","twn_caption":"Bonham Turns out in 1920's
(note the Baseball team in the front and the street cars stopped in their tracks.)","twn_text":"

Bonham, one of the oldest towns in Texas, was settled in 1837 when Bailey Inglish<\/sa> built a two-story log forth about a mile east of the present square. Inglish<\/sa> was joined by John P. Simpson<\/sa>, Mabel Gilbert<\/sa> and other settlers in the summer of 1837. The community was called Bois d'Arc until 1843 when the name Bloomington was first requested in the Texas Congress. The name Bonham won over Bloomington in honor of James Butler Bonham<\/sa>, hero of the Alamo. Between 1843 and 1845 the county records from Old Warren and the post office from Fort Inglish were moved to Bonham and the town was incorporated on February 2, 1848.<\/p>

In 1873 a charter was granted to Bonham incorporating all lands within a mile radius of the courthouse. In 186 a general charter was adopted with a mayor, ten aldermen, a marshal, city secretary, tax assessor and collector, city attorney and others that the council saw fit to appoint. In 1911 a special charter was granted Bonham and the city is still operating under this charter.<\/p>

Growth of the community was slow until the building of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1873. By 1885 Bonham had eight churches, three colleges, Carlton College, Fannin College and the Masonic Female Institute, two public schools, three weekly newspapers, a furniture factory, a sawmill, two grist mills and gins and a population of 2300. By 1890 an oil mill and an ice plant were in operation and population had increased to 3361.<\/p>

By 1889 the first telephone exchange came to Bonham preceded by the first electric light plant in 1885. Bonham was one of the first cities in Texas to have electric light service. The first electric light plant was the old Bonham Electric Light and Power Company. In 1890 a competing electric plant, the Catron Electric Company, was established. Three years later the two plants consolidated and were successfully operated by Col. J. F. Strickland<\/sa>, pioneer electric utility builder in Texas. In 1912 Strickland<\/sa> established the Texas Power and Light Company, making Bonham one of the seven original electric properties. In 1925 the Lone Star Gas Company connected the main gas line at Denison with that of Paris and passed within two miles of Bonham.<\/p>

Beginning in 1894 Bonham was known for several unusual markets. W. R. White<\/sa> began selling eggs and chickens brought to town by farmers outside of Bonham. In less than two years he was shipping eggs out of Bonham by big carloads. He also was able to make Bonham well-known for cotton-tail rabbits. He paid farmers five cents for all the rabbits brought to him and it was not unusual to see wagons loaded with as many as 1000 rabbits at a time. These rabbits were shipped to New Orleans and newspapers all over the United States commented on Bonham's rabbit market. Next to being famous as a rabbit market, Bonham was also known as a horse market. During the Boer War in South Africa, thousands of horses were brought to Bonham where a feeding station was set up to await boats in New Orleans on their way to South Africa. Col. Ed D. Steger<\/sa> created the horse market which attracted more visitors than any other thing in Bonham's early history.<\/p>

Bonham's population was 4844 in 1910, reached 5655 in 1930 and was 6349 in 1940. An air force training school was located at Bonham during World War II and helped increase the population to 7043 by 1950 when the town had some 20 manufacturing plants to make it an industrial area in the county. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":13,"twn_name":"Boyd","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.652047","twn_lon":"-96.179700","twn_elev":604,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":40,"twn_zipcode":75418,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Boyd is located north of Bonham on Highway 78 near Sand Creek just west of Lake Bonham. It is a small settlement developed on property owned by the Boyd<\/sa> family. By Mrs. Dean Newhouse [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>
"},{"twn_id":14,"twn_name":"Brotherton","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.576217","twn_lon":"-96.109419","twn_elev":607,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":75438,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":15,"twn_name":"Bug Tussle","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.483717","twn_lon":"-95.943578","twn_elev":581,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":75449,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"bugtussle_main1.jpg","twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Located between Honey Grove and Ladonia, Bug Tussle boasts one of the most famous community names in Texas. This small farming community was once a very popular place for Sunday School picnics. As legend has it, after these Sunday School picnics there was nothing to do but to watch the tumble bugs tussle. Another legend maintains that the swarms of bugs attracted to an ice cream social ruined the party. Stories generally agree, however, that the area was a favorite gathering place for both bugs and Sunday School outings. The 1970 population listed 30 residents. By Wright Patman [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>

Though the Store and early post office went by Bug Tussle, the community was named Truss after the John Truss Family<\/sa>.<\/p>"},{"twn_id":16,"twn_name":"Burnett","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.555661","twn_lon":"-96.029139","twn_elev":663,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":75492,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

\"My name is Joe Richardson and I spent my childhood summers on my granddad's 160 acre farm which comprised most of the old Burnett Community. My great-great granddad Zachariah Bullock Tate<\/al> came to Texas from Georgia in 1869 after the War between the States. He was a teenager when he and his older brother joined the Confederate Army. Waddy<\/sa>, the older brother was killed at Gettysburg and Zac<\/sa> left him in a shallow grave before marching back south with the Army of Northern Virginia. Returning to his family farm in Georgia after the war he found his mother and father dead, the farm in the possession of strangers. Alone except for his riding horse, a pack horse, a bird dog, and barely 19 years old, he headed to Texas, a place he had heard great stories about from Texas soldiers. He stopped at Burnett to renew his money by clearing brush for Abner Raney<\/sa>. He met Abner's<\/sa> daughter, Eliza Ruth<\/al>. They fell in love and married and never left. A year later he bought 160 acres between Bullard creek and Burnett creek from the T&P Railway at 10 cents an acre and began what became 4 generations of cotton farming, beekeeping and bird dog breeding.\"<\/p>\r\n

\"As a child during the summers I played in and out of the gravestones of Burnett Cemetery<\/sl> where Zach<\/sa> and Eliza<\/sa> are buried. There's the first well that Zach dug by hand out there and there is also an Indian burial mound just southwest of the cemetery that was very old at the time Zach arrived and every generation plowed around it as a show of respect and I suspect out of superstition. I've found several arrowheads as a kid and my dad found several buckets full of them while growing up there. The Baldwins<\/sa>, <\/sa>Selfs<\/sa>, Raneys<\/sa>, and Henrys<\/sa> were the predominate families back then before Windom or Dodd City were towns and I know where the first homesteads are located and the original garden flowers brought from the east still grow around them but have evolved into a wild variation over the past 100 years. Joe.\"<\/p>"},{"twn_id":17,"twn_name":"Carson","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.702047","twn_lon":"-96.005808","twn_elev":561,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

North and east of Bonham some 20 miles, it was first known as Gum Springs. Some of the early settlers were the Elijah Blair<\/sa> family and the Wash Leonard<\/sa> family. In Elijah Blair<\/sa>'s family there were 20 children. Keen Blair<\/sa> the oldest, Frank Blair<\/sa> the youngest. Keen Blair<\/sa> was County Judge at one time and Frank Blair<\/sa> was Sheriff of Fannin County in the seventies for two terms.<\/p>\r\n

Carson was quite a little town, at one time the writer spent the day in one home, a Mr. Leonard<\/sa>'s home whose father moved there before the Civil War. He was a slave owner. Lake Crockett is only a few miles north of his home.<\/p>

Much land was in cultivation in the early day and fine cotton was grown but much good land has been allowed to wash away. Sam Rayburn<\/sa> was right when he said, \"Our land is one of the most valuable things we possess. It should be taken care of for the use of the coming generations.\"<\/p>

Early day Carson had a post office, old time cotton gin, blacksmith shop and you would always find a saloon in those early settlements. It has a school and a church where all denominations worshipped in peace together. They fought the wild Indians, wild animals and had to stick together to keep from being annihilated. By Author Unknown [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":18,"twn_name":"Clutter Point","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.508161","twn_lon":"-96.093583","twn_elev":692,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":75418,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":19,"twn_name":"Cotton Center","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.509828","twn_lon":"-96.121919","twn_elev":702,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":75418,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Cotton Center, a small farming community concentrating on cotton ginning and is considered a focal point in the blackland cotton area. It is located five miles southeast of Bonham between the Moore Chapel community and Gober. By Mrs. Claude Bolin [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>
"},{"twn_id":106,"twn_name":"Covey","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":null,"twn_lon":null,"twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"covey.jpg","twn_caption":"Map provided by the Burleson History Center. Map includes the Covey School, as well as the communities of Lost Prairie and Muddig. Most of the area in the map is not in Fannin County.","twn_text":"Click on the map for a larger image."},{"twn_id":20,"twn_name":"Danner","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.675381","twn_lon":"-96.113589","twn_elev":591,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"danner_1880.jpg","twn_caption":"According to the Bonham Daily Favorite, July 4, 1976, this is the Danner Store in which the Danner post office was located, and it was taken in the 1909 era. Seated on the steps at left is Milam Anderson, who later became sheriff of Fannin County. Also pictured are Mr. and Mrs. Bill Herd. Mrs. Herd was Anderson's sister.
[Photo provided by |119|.]","twn_text":"

The Danner community is located nine miles northeast of Bonham. It was named for its first postmaster, Wiley L. Danner<\/sa>, who served in 1901. Cornelia J. Crockett<\/sa> was the second postmaster and served until the office was discontinued in November 1906. By Lou Lloyd Butler [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":21,"twn_name":"Delba","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.375111","twn_lon":"-96.331092","twn_elev":666,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Delba is located five miles northwest of Leonard. The community had only one grocery store which also contained the post office and dry goods store and was owned by Ed Bailey<\/sa>. He also owned the cotton gin. Near the gin lot was the hardware store which sold buggies, wagons, plows of all types and all kinds of hardware. This was owned by Jim Darst<\/sa>.<\/p>

In the other direction across the creek was the schoolhouse. The main teacher was Mr. Kelly<\/sa> who was a very good teacher. He had the name of turning out more doctors, lawyers and teachers than any other teacher in Fannin County, considering the size of the samll community and school. The other teacher, who taught first, second and third grades was Minnie Weaver<\/sa>. The community's doctor, Dr. Lewis Watkins<\/sa>, lived by the school. Lewis Watkins<\/sa>' brother Homer<\/sa> also made a doctor and their father was a doctor before them. A Woodman's Hall was across from the school.<\/p>

Many of the people of the Delba community went to Indian Creek Baptist Church, where Brother Henderson<\/sa> preached in the mornings. Then Brother Carpenter<\/sa> held Sunday School in the afternoon at the Delba schoolhouse. Often as many as 20 couples of young people would walk the two miles back to Indian Creek Church at night for preaching. About five miles east at East Shady Grove, brush arbor meetings and special singings were held in the summertime. Many young people would get together and walk to these. This was the main form of recreation for the young people of the community. In later years, a combination drug store, cafe and barber shop was added to the community between the grocery store and the school. Told by Ela Evans Blakenship, written by Layana Price. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":22,"twn_name":"Dial","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.496494","twn_lon":"-95.868022","twn_elev":568,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"jean_w_pic.jpg","twn_caption":"

The photo is of the Will Jean<\/sa> and his Blacksmith Shop located in the Dial community years ago.
With him is his wife, Maggie Claterbaugh<\/hi> Jean<\/sa>.
Just over Mrs. Jean's<\/sa> left shoulder can be seen a part of Dr. H. B. Savage's<\/sa> office.
Thanks to |697| for correctly identifying his great-grandparents for us.<\/p>","twn_text":"

In 1837 Fort Lyday was built about a mile southeast of present-day Dial to protect about 25 to 30 families living in the area. The settlers built a one-room school made of logs in 1840 and named it Bethel. In 1846 the Bethel Presbyterian Church was organized here making it the oldest church in Fannin County. In 1880 a site for a new school was selected where the present Dial community center now stands. The name of the school was changed to Lane<\/sa>'s Academy after its founder, Robert W. Lane<\/sa>, a Tennessee scholar.<\/p>

On May 24, 1880 a post office was established in the Joe Wise<\/sa> home and was given the name Dial after the Dial<\/sa> family who had owned the cotton gin and grist mill. It was sometime in the 1890's before the name of Lane's Academy was changed to Dial School which operated until 1948 when it closed. Congressman Sam Rayburn<\/sa> taught in the Dial School from 1903 to 1905.<\/p>

The Dial cemetery is located south of the Presbyterian Church originally built in 1900 and rebuilt in 1925. The Baptist Church was originally built in 1909 and a new structure was built in 1965. By Jean Yant [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>

\r\n\r\nA great deal of additional information on Dial is on the Honey Grove Preservation League<\/a> website."},{"twn_id":23,"twn_name":"Dodd City","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.575383","twn_lon":"-96.074975","twn_elev":673,"twn_size":"1.7","twn_pop":419,"twn_zipcode":75438,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"doddcity_hotel.jpg","twn_caption":"The Dodd City Hotel","twn_text":"The history of Dodd City began in 1839 when two Kentucky immigrants, Major Edmund Hall Dodd<\/sa> and his wife, Elizabeth Garnett<\/sa>, settled one mile west of the present site of Dodd City. When they arrived in the Republic of Texas, they built a log cabin which was remodeled in 1850 and enlarged to a two-story structure about 1900. It served not only as the Dodd<\/sa> home, but also as a stagecoach inn and post office. The Inn was operated by Mrs. Dodd<\/sa> who also served as the postmistress for the office established in 1845 and named Lick.<\/p>

From 1839 to the Civil War the community grew as pioneer families moved into the region. By 1852 the name of the settlement had been changed to Quincey, although the name of the post office remained Lick until the Civil War began in 1861. During the 1850's Quincey had two businesses, the Brown and Glover saloon and a grocery store. In 1860 the settlement had its first hotel which was operated by Mrs. John Charters Organ<\/sa>, a widow. It was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt in 1865. During this period I. J. Sadler<\/sa> and W. C. Whitsett<\/sa> were the town's physicians.<\/p>

The Civil War had a disruptive effect on the development of the community, but the 1870's prosperity had returned. In 1873 the settlement was named Dodd City by Luke Smith<\/sa> and in 1879 was incorporated. The citizens elected their first mayor, Dr. O. H. Caldwell<\/sa>. When the railroad reached Dodd City in 1872, the station was named Dodds<\/sa> in honor of Major Dodd<\/sa>. The name created considerable controversy. The people wanted to use the name Dodd City; however, the railroad was unyielding. From 1873 to date the community has had the distinction of having two names, one used by the railroad and another used by the town.<\/p>

The depot operated until 1944 when it was closed, although passenger and freight service were still available for several years with freight service being handled from the Bonham depot. Passenger and mail service were continued until 1950 with two passenger trains daily. The first passenger train came through Dodd City in August 1876 and the last passenger train was discontinued July 6, 1950.<\/p>

There have been four churches in Dodd City; three of which, the Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian, were established during the 1870's. The oldest church is the Baptist established in 1873. In 1874 the Methodist congregation was founded. The Presbyterian Church was moved to Dodd City in 1879 by Rev. R. R. Dunlap<\/sa>. The Dodd City Christian Church building was erected in 1889 on land donated by I. D. Beasley<\/sa>. In the early 1900's its name was changed over a period of time to the church of Christ. The Dodd City Cemetery was established east of town on land donated by Frank D. Stewart<\/sa>. The first school at Dodd City was organized in 1877 by a Mr. Gill<\/sa>. James M. Biggs<\/sa> joined the staff in 1878 and later became the county's first superintendent of public schools.<\/p>

Dodd City was a business center for many years but has gradually declined from a peak in 1890. Dodd City has had three financial institutions which served the community for varying periods from 1885 to 1941. Cotton has been an important commodity in the town throughout the community's history. In 1882 the town had two steam-powered cotton gins and three by 1890. Four newspapers, Dodd City Weekly Spectator<\/sa>, Dodd City News<\/sa>, Gazette<\/sa> and Advocate<\/sa> have been published at various times. Between 1914-1917 electric service was made available, in 1926 Lone Star Gas installed its lines and the Dodd City Water Company was organized in 1911.<\/p>

Today, Dodd City is primarily a residential community. Its population in 1970 was 302 and in 1976 it had five businesses, three churches and a public school. Although many of the landmarks and pioneers are gone, the community has contributed to the history and tradition of Fannin County and today its inhabitants have a strong sense of community. By Millard Doan Brent [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":24,"twn_name":"Dotson","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.739267","twn_lon":"-96.035808","twn_elev":548,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":108,"twn_name":"Duckworth Flat","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":null,"twn_lon":null,"twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"duckworth.jpg","twn_caption":"Thanks to Dorothy Whitehead for providing the map and the remembrance.","twn_text":"

The Duckworth Flat, by Dorothy Whitehead<\/b><\/p>

\r\nThe little community we moved to when we first came to Fannin County had no little store or Church to be named after. The school was on the outer edge of our little community and it was named New Fulp and that is another story. <\/p>

\r\nWe lived in the Duckworth Flat. The roads were all dirt roads and when it rained they were muddy. The main road was what is now 898. We lived off that main road. It went across two bridges and through a gate we opened before we got to the house, and the road stopped at our house. At one time the road to our house went on by the house on north to another road. You could see the old road bed but it wasn't passable. It could have been, but there was a deep ditch with no bridge. Our mailbox was on the main road. I have no sense of distance but if I were guessing I would say the distance from our house to the mail box was maybe one fourth of a mile, maybe less. When you go east from our mail box a few hundred yards there was a house where Mr. Ed Duckworth<\/sa> and his wife Ethel<\/sa> lived. If you go west from our\r\nmail box to a corner there was a house that the people always referred to as the old Duckworth<\/sa> place. No Duckworth's<\/sa> lived there at the time but I am assuming they once did. You go north from that corner a few hundred yards to another house. It was across the field due west of our house there lived Mr. Bob Duckworth<\/sa> and his wife Aunt Zizza<\/sa>. I do not know what her real name was but I called her Aunt Zizza<\/sa>. Between their house and ours was an open field. All around the other sides of our house was trees. When you go on past Mr. Bob's<\/sa> place to the next corner that turns east again down that road at the next corner that turns north again is a house where Mr. Wallace Duckworth<\/sa> and his wife Nora<\/sa> live. Do you begin to see the picture yet? We lived in the Duckworth flat.<\/p>\r\n

Wallace Duckworth<\/sa> and his wife had eight children four boys and four girls. Two boys were already married. The youngest son was still in school and went to school where I went. Our school had no high school and that was during the time that children only went eleven years. I don\u2019t know just what grade he was in or what grade I was in. I was very little at the time and it was his last year there. His name was W. L.<\/sa> but he was called Buddy<\/sa>. He walked across the end of our north field and through the woods and ended on our road as a short cut to school. One morning as I was going to school he caught up with me and I didn't hear him. He followed me a long way before I knew he was there. He liked to tease me and he went to school that morning and told the other kids he heard me talking to myself and about my boyfriend. I was not talking about him and he was not my boyfriend. He just picked out the one person he thought would make me the maddest. <\/p>

\r\nWhen World War II started Buddy<\/sa> went into the service and didn't come back alive. That is just one of my memories of that family. <\/p>

\r\nGoing back up the road to Mr. Bob Duckworth<\/sa>, I can remember sitting on the porch and listening to Aunt Zizza<\/sa> tell stories. I liked her and her stories. One Sunday morning someone came to our house and told us that Mr. Bob<\/sa> died that morning. We always went to church on Sunday morning. We went to Pecan Grove Church of Christ which was north and east of Savoy. Daddy was the song leader. That morning one of the songs that Daddy led I thought was odd. I don't know the name but I can quote the words:<\/p>

\r\nThis morning the sun in it's beauty arose
\r\nTo drive nights dark shadows away
\r\nTo someone it's setting will surely disclose
\r\nIt is someone\u2019s, someone\u2019s last day<\/p>

\r\nIt is someone's, someone's last day
\r\nWith it its moments gliding away
\r\nThe bright golden sunset will surely disclose
\r\nIt is someone's, someone's last day <\/p>

\r\nI do not know why he led that song that day but that memory has stuck in my head all these years. I don't even know how I remember the words to the song. it has been years since I heard it. It was not a song we regularly sang. Soon after that there was an auction sale and Aunt Zizza<\/sa> went to Trenton to live with her daughter. My future mother-in-law bought her treddle sewing machine and I have made lots of clothes for my kids and myself and I still have that sewing machine upstairs.<\/p>

\r\nBack down the road to Mr. Ed Duckworth<\/sa>. I never did know them I just knew who lived there. It was across the road from our field and the house was made exactly like the house I live in now. My father-in-law has told me this story. His mother and daddy lived down a lane south from Mr. Duckworth's<\/sa> house. My father-in-law said they would plow the field west of the house but would have trouble with the mules when they went to turn around. Mrs. Ethel<\/sa> had a parrot that could talk and mock what people said. It sat in a cage by the west window. Now when they would get to the end of the row they would say, "Whoa." Then they would turn around and start back the other way that parrot would say "Whoa." They would get them started again and that parrot would say "Whoa." I\u2019m thinking they probably wanted to wring its neck.<\/p>

\r\nThis is just a few of the memories I have of living in the Duckworth flat.<\/p>"},{"twn_id":25,"twn_name":"Duplex","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.777878","twn_lon":"-96.139147","twn_elev":564,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Fifteen miles northeast of Bonham, two miles south of Tulip and one mile east of Lake Fannin lies Duplex. It is not known the exact date of the first settlers, nor the origin of the name. A legend has it that soon after the Texas Revolution the name was Needmore, coined from the express, \"I need more corn ground and must go to the grist mill.\" Another legend has it that the name was derived from a dual name taken from two families who lived in the area in the 1850's. The name became official when the post office was established in 1889.<\/p>

Some of the early settlers moved from the Tulip Bend area, as did Richard L. Locke<\/sa> who came from Kentucky with Daniel Rowlett<\/sa> in 1836. The rich sandy soil of the area produced diversified products including cotton, corn and wheat. The area was a natural for fruits. Grapes grew wild and peaches, apples, pears and plums were all raised for home use. Some of the earlier settlers who helped develop the area include: Evans<\/sa>, Robert Darnell<\/sa>, Dr. William H. Trimble<\/sa> of Indiana, Henry Pope <\/sa>of Mississippi, Joseph Teague<\/sa>, Harrison Eller<\/sa>, James Shap<\/sa>, William McDade<\/sa> of Alabama, Henry Capers Cross<\/sa>, Robert C. Platt<\/sa> of Louisiana, Peter Paterson<\/sa>, Jim Wafers<\/sa>, Ballards<\/sa>, Gibbs<\/sa>, Willis<\/sa>, Rice<\/sa>, Griffin<\/sa>, Nichols<\/sa>, Chapman<\/sa>, Wright<\/sa>, Lozier<\/sa>, Heckfang<\/sa>, McCraw<\/sa>, Nelley<\/sa> families and many others too numerous to list.<\/p>

Duplex had schools both for the white children and the colored children. The colored school was called the Bethlehem School. The white Liberty School was a one-room building heated with a wood-burning stove. There were churches with the principle religious beliefs Methodist, Christian and Baptist. In early days protracted meetings were held where families went staying the night and the fathers returned to farm in the daytime, returning to the meeting and family at night. Today old landmarks are gone and very few if any of the descendents of the early pioneers are there. By Emma Cross Traylor [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":26,"twn_name":"Ector","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.577328","twn_lon":"-96.273314","twn_elev":650,"twn_size":"1.2","twn_pop":600,"twn_zipcode":75439,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"ector_ 1900.jpg","twn_caption":"Ector around 1900. Photo contributed by Joe Large.","twn_text":"

Established in 1874 two years after the Texas and Pacific Railroad was laid through the site, Ector was first called Victor. Upon discovery of another town by that name, the title was changed on suggestion by Hicks Owens<\/sa>, an early settler, that it be named after his son, Ector Owens<\/sa>.<\/p>

Ector is six miles west of Bonham on Highway 82 (now 56) and the railroad. The first train ran on July 4, 1872. D. F. Linton<\/sa> helped to construct the railroad bed and lay the track. In later years he owned a lumber yard and then a grocery store.<\/p>

The first store here was operated by Bob Alderson<\/sa>. The late Dr. Phillips<\/sa> was first postmaster and druggist. Pioneer residents who saw the town develop included Judge J. P. Simpson<\/sa>, Moses Allen<\/sa>, Chris Nelms<\/sa>, Josh Linton<\/sa>, John Dulaney<\/sa>, Bill Fitzgerald<\/sa>, J. R. Bales<\/sa>, Jonathan Mitchell<\/sa>, Bob Pierce<\/sa> and others. All have descendants living here today. The town has reared and sent away many useful men and women.<\/p>

Description of Ector in the Pictorial Annual for 1886 (Bonham News<\/hi>) pictured Ector in much the same friendly atmosphere of today: \"Victor is situated on the railroad, six miles west from Bonham. It is only a few months old, and originated from a necessity. Situated as it is in a beautiful valley, bordering on Caney Creek, where the settlements were so thick, the farmers so industrious, the soil so rich, the great amount of produce raised, that it was too far to haul to Bonham, hence they had to have a shipping point near home.\"<\/p>

The first school in Ector was taught by Tom<\/sa> and Frank Moorman<\/sa>. In 1894 F. M. Gibson<\/sa> moved here from Ravenna and established the Ector Normal and Training School. It became widely known and a number of boarding students attended, for whom a dormitory was erected. Among the early days the doctors were: Dr. N. D. Hampton<\/sa>, Dr. G. M. Cobb<\/sa>, Dr. Boyd<\/sa>. Houston<\/sa>, Pritchett<\/sa> and W. R. Luton<\/sa> were extensive corn and grain buyers here in the horse and buggy days, shipping many carloads of grain annually. The Dulaney<\/sa> brothers operated a gin here for 50 years, selling out to M. G. Davis<\/sa>. The cotton gin is no longer here, but Gaylen Murray<\/sa> operated the Gaylen Murray Grain and Elevator on the site where the cotton gin was originally located and in 1975 shipped 22,500,000 pounds of grain.<\/p>

In 1904 a bank was organized with W. R. Luton<\/sa> as president. It was sold to the First National Bank of Bonham in 1929. In 1939 Ector was a thriving town with three churches; First Baptist, First Methodist and the Church of Christ, all three being very active today and have added much to the spiritual growth of Ector community. Business men included H. D. Ray<\/sa>, grocer and past postmaster; J. F. Wagoner<\/sa>, barber; W. F. Ferguson<\/sa>, grocer; R. R. Morgan Drug Store was managed by Bill Finnell<\/sa>; B. F. Butts<\/sa>, merchant and railroad agent; T. T. Dunn<\/sa>, grocer; E. E. Ohmer<\/sa>t, garage and service station attendant; Floyd Gatlin<\/sa>, grocer and filling station attendant; R. M. Cassidey<\/sa>, mechanic; Carl Orndorff<\/sa>, filling station attendant; W. H. Hall<\/sa>, blacksmith; and B. F. Hardy<\/sa>, operator of the LaRoe Lumber Company.<\/p>

Postmasters as records show were Dr. Phillips<\/sa>, John Burge<\/sa>, Jim Linton<\/sa>, Bob Linton<\/sa>, Mr. R. R. Morgan<\/sa> (Postmaster and druggist for thirty years), H. D. Ray<\/sa>, M. E. Ray<\/sa> and our present postmaster, Tommy C. Keener<\/sa>.<\/p>

Lodges were real strong in Ector. The Woodman of the World was promoted by many including Mr. Bill Tidwell<\/sa> and Mr. B. F. Butts<\/sa>. The Odd Fellows was strong, but no records were found. The Masonic Lodge was chartered December 12, 1889 with T. J. Kennedy<\/sa> as the first Worshipful Master and the present one is J. W. Langford<\/sa>. The Eastern Star was organized October 25, 1945 and the present Worthy Matron is Vera Ruth Hill<\/sa>. These organizations have always stood for equal rights, education made possible for all and high moral standards.<\/p>

Editor incorporated March 17, 1902 and the men serving as mayor: Bill Tidwell<\/sa>, Henry Allen<\/sa>, R. R. Smith<\/sa>, Collie Hodges<\/sa>, Calvin Witherspoon<\/sa>, Ed Ohmert<\/sa>, Robert Bellows<\/sa>, E. W. White<\/sa>, Jack Bellows<\/sa> and Lynwood Hogue<\/sa>, who is our present mayor.<\/p>

In 1948 some very interested citizens worked and organized the Ector Fire Department under the leadership of Clyde Jennings<\/sa>. At the first meeting Oron Witherspoon<\/sa> was elected fire chief. A historical point near Ector is the beautiful, well-kept Carson Cemetery. Tradition says the cemetery was named for John Carson<\/sa>, who once owned the adjacent land. Some say it had one grave before 1842. Others say the first grave was dug after the 1842 Indian raid at nearby home of Dr.<\/sa> and Mrs. W. M. Hunter<\/sa> left three victims: Minerva (Mrs. W. M.) Hunter<\/sa>, her young daughter Elizabeth<\/sa> and a maid servant. By 1878 the cemetery had trustees, who acquired title to the land and added acreage. Mrs. Hunter<\/sa>'s grave was marked in 1942, a century after her death. The simple white marble stone bearing these words: \"In memory of Mrs. Hunter<\/sa>, wife of Dr. Hunter<\/sa> who was killed and scalped by the Indians at the Jenkins<\/sa> Farm on Caney Creek. Erected by Citizens of Ector and Vicinity\". Entrance to the cemetery: An archway built in 1938 bears the names: W. A. Tidwell<\/sa>, J. A. Denton<\/sa>, J. M. Andrews<\/sa>, Beulah Skipworth<\/sa>, Lila White<\/sa>, Eura Ray<\/sa>, Bethel Hardy<\/sa> and Maggie Tidwell<\/sa>.\r\nEctor has a population of 549. People are friendly and helpful, energetic and honest, industrious and intelligent, who are faithful to their religious beliefs, strive for high moral standards and never too busy to lend a helpful, friendly hand. By Mrs. O. W. Witherspoon [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>

\r\n\r\nFor more information on Ector, see the Towns and Communities page<\/a> of the Fannin County Historical Commission website."},{"twn_id":27,"twn_name":"Edhube","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.526497","twn_lon":"-96.217756","twn_elev":623,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"edhube_1938_homecoming.jpg","twn_caption":"Edhube Homecoming 1936 - group of old timers. Click on Photo Album to see list of names on the back of the photo.","twn_text":"

Edhube is located seven miles southeast of Bonham. The small settlement was named Bentonville for Colonel Ed Hugh Benton<\/sa>, a Confederate soldier who came to Texas in 1867. The name was later changed and shortened to \"Ed-Hu-Be\". The community had a post office from May 1894 until it was discontinued on March 17, 1906. James W. Benton<\/sa> and John C. Benton<\/sa> served as postmasters. By Wright Patman [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>
"},{"twn_id":28,"twn_name":"Elwood","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.811767","twn_lon":"-96.073867","twn_elev":512,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"hopper_ store_elwood.jpg","twn_caption":"Photo is of the old Hopper Store in Elwood.","twn_text":"

Elwood is located 18 miles north of Bonham. In the 1890's the community was a flourishing village which supported several prosperous businesses. By 1964 however only one store remained. In an article in True West<\/hi> magazine (October, 1974), Jerry N. Haddock<\/sa> related some of the history of the settlement and his own memories of earlier days.<\/p>

\"Elwood's geographical location being not more than three or four miles from Red River ... leaves me in wonder that someone did not, in its earlier days, recognize the possibility of a ferry. I guess the early-day men of Elwood were farmers rather than river men. One reason that some enterprising young gentleman may have failed to undertake that project could have been the treacherous action the Red River sometimes displayed ...\"<\/p>

\"Elwood's blacksmith shop was located about 30 or 40 yards east of the general store. Shelton \"Shorty\" Parker<\/sa> was the blacksmith. The Elwood schoolhouse and church used to be located across the road from the cemetery. I believe that originally the school offered 11 grades, but by the time I attended grade six was the highest academic achievement possible. Mrs. Opel<\/sa> was the only teacher, dividing her time between six rows of children seated at desks with carved initials dating back to 1890 ...\"<\/p>

A man named Charles Douglas McRay<\/sa> is said to have been the first settler of Elwood. He was prospecting for a place to settle and once walked all the way from Bonham to Dallas when there was only one house between the two towns, according to the story. McRay<\/sa> was born in Georgia, went to Arkansas and finally to Texas. He put in the first grocery store in Elwood. Author Unknown [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":29,"twn_name":"Ely","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.522886","twn_lon":"-96.312758","twn_elev":732,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Ely, in west central Fannin County, was established in the 1890's and in 1895 was granted a post office, but it only operated for a few years. Ely had a population of 40 in 1940 and 25 in 1947. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>
"},{"twn_id":30,"twn_name":"English","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.549828","twn_lon":"-96.135808","twn_elev":650,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":31,"twn_name":"Enterprise","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.521775","twn_lon":"-96.349981","twn_elev":728,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":32,"twn_name":"Fairview","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.663683","twn_lon":"-96.315833","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

In the early part of the 19th century, a small settlement lying 18 miles northwest of Bonham could have been called the Price<\/sa> community because it was made up of Prices who had made their way by covered wagons to stake claims in Texas. Although Prices<\/sa> remained in the majority for many years, the community bore the name of its first church Fairview.<\/p>

The Fairview Cemetery site located across the road from the church was donated by one of the Price<\/sa> founders and for many years was known as the Price Cemetery. Many early graves were marked by stakes which have been destroyed, leaving a number of unidentified graves. Graves which are marked date back to the 1840's.<\/p>

A few years ago the cemetery was made larger by a donation of land on the south side and a purchase of land on the north by Ada Cowan<\/sa>, a descendant of one of the pioneer Price families.<\/p>

In 1873 Colonel Bradford<\/sa>, a Civil War veteran, deeded 1\u00c2\u00bd acres of land across the road from the Price Cemetery to be used for a Church of Christ. Orin Price<\/sa>, A. Duckworth<\/sa>, and L. Whedbee<\/sa> were the men with whom Colonel Bradford<\/sa> made the transaction. The church and cemetery became known as Fairview.<\/p>

The Fairview Church site became the Fairview Common School District for many years.<\/p>

The school was transferred to Savoy (southwest of Fairview) many years later, leaving the church land abandoned. Through the efforts of Clarence E. Price<\/sa>, John W. Price<\/sa>, Joe L. Price<\/sa>, Rex T. Miller<\/sa> and others a new Church of Christ was built in 1966 and again the land houses the church as the deed of 1873 stated by Colonel Bradford<\/sa>. By Melba Price Miller [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":33,"twn_name":"Finley","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.746214","twn_lon":"-96.186092","twn_elev":528,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":34,"twn_name":"Flagg Springs","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.516494","twn_lon":"-96.011636","twn_elev":650,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":35,"twn_name":"Flat Prairie","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.462606","twn_lon":"-95.978303","twn_elev":561,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":75449,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":36,"twn_name":"Fort Lyday","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.474889","twn_lon":"-95.877369","twn_elev":594,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Fort Lyday was the home of 25 to 30 families in the early 1800's in Fannin County. The stockade was fortified by a ranger force of 85 men under the command of Colonel Isaac Lyday<\/sa>. Its site was ten miles northeast of the present-day Ladonia, just inside the Lamar County line, but its cemetery and bridge were in Fannin County.<\/p>

Lyday<\/sa> was the leader of a band of sturdy pioneers who left Tennessee on a two-fold mission to Texas. The settlers intended to make land claims for permanent homes and Lyday was instructed by the Government to subdue the Indians. Despite the precaution of families and the ranger force, life and property were secure only within gunshot of the fort. The Indians rode into the country during the light of every full moon and the scouts were constantly on the alert. Even so, the Indians managed to penetrate their lines, steal horses, kill cattle and massacre settlers and travelers. Hunting was carried on by ranger scouts for the barricaded settlers. The fort itself was made up of two rooms about 18 feet square. Within the stockade, small log cabins were built. The fort stood until about 1890. A freed slave, Jeff Leftrick<\/sa>, lived on the site many years.<\/p>

In the Bledsoe<\/sa> community near the site of Fort Lyday, a cemetery of the early pioneers remains today. Nearby is Colonel Lyday<\/sa>'s burying ground where he buried the earliest Negro and white settlers.<\/p>

Some of the early settlers at Fort Lyday included Isaac<\/sa> and Andrew Lyday<\/sa>, Wiley B. Merrill<\/sa>, James McFarland<\/sa>, the Dillingham<\/sa> brothers, Elbert Early<\/sa>, Ansalum<\/sa> and Andrew Terry<\/sa>, David Waggoner<\/sa>, James H. Woods<\/sa>, the McCowan<\/sa> family, the Lane<\/sa> family, M. W. Bledsoe<\/sa>, G. W. Wilkerson<\/sa>, R. Brown<\/sa> and Al Miller<\/sa>.<\/p>

Settlers of the fort had a favorite pet, a gentle hog. It spent much of its time on the porch of the fort. One day while the men were away, the women heard screams in the woods nearby. They thought Indians were trying to coax them from the fort so that they might raid it. The women grabbed their guns and started to the woods in the direction of the screams. Instead of finding Indians, they found the pet hog clutched in the embrace of a huge bear. One woman shot and killed the bear and saved the pet hog. This woman was Minerva<\/sa>, sister of Bailey Inglish<\/sa> and wife of David Clark<\/sa> of Clarksville. By John Avery [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":37,"twn_name":"Gober","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.468997","twn_lon":"-96.088583","twn_elev":650,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":75443,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"gober_post_office.jpg","twn_caption":"Gober Post Office","twn_text":"

Gober is located ten miles southeast of Bonham. The village is 131 years old, dating back to the time when Texas was a republic. In 1845 the town was known as Gritterville and located west of the present-day townsite. It acquired the name because of a steam-powered grist mill that stood on a two-acre plot, located between the present-day Paul Hilliard<\/sa> and Vernon Sudderth<\/sa> homes.<\/p>

Gritterville in 1845 had a general store operated by T. B. Yarbrough<\/sa>, a grist mill and cotton gin owned and operated by two brothers, James<\/sa> and Wisdom Gober<\/sa>, and a post office. James Christian<\/sa> was recorded as the first postmaster being appointed in 1879. The deed to the plot of land where the grist mill stood was recorded in August 1880, and stated that James F. Gober<\/sa> and wife sold their two-acre plot to T. B. Yarbrough<\/sa> for $10 under the condition that no intoxicating liquor of any kind ever be sold under any circumstances upon said lot and that the sale of such would forfeit all rights to Yarbrough<\/sa> and his heirs to the land. Yarbrough<\/sa> sold the grist mill (recorded March 24, 1884) and lot to A. H. Pickens<\/sa> and L. P. Thomas<\/sa> for $200 under the same conditions.<\/p>

In 1885 Jim Eads<\/sa>, Charlie Stafford<\/sa> and Lijah Peters<\/sa> helped lay off the present townsite and the name changed from Gritterville to Gober in honor of J. F.<\/sa> and Wisdom Gober<\/sa>.<\/p>

The Texas State Gazette and Business Director<\/sa> of the 1890's recorded, \"Gober, Texas, a post village in Fannin County, 318 miles northeast of Austin and ten miles southeast of Bonham the county seat, settled in 1845. It contained a steam-powered grist mill, a cotton gin, two churches and a public school. The population is 250 and the mail is tri-weekly.\" In the early days of the 1880's Gober had many businesses. They included a drug store, wood shop, undertakers, tailor and pressing shop, butcher shop, shoe shop and shoemakers, syrup mill, several blacksmiths, barbers, restaurant, ice company, saw mill, general mercantile store, boarding house and several groceries.<\/p>

A famous stone quarry was located at Gober. Charlie Stafford<\/sa> operated the quarry. In 1888 the Fannin County courthouse at Bonham was constructed of limestone quarried at the Fannin County Stone Quarry at Gober. The stone was hauled in wagons pulled by mules to Bonham over rough roads. This stone was used in more than 20 counties in the state.<\/p>

Disaster struck the Gober community on June 9, 1911 when fire destroyed the buildings on the south side of Main Street. The public school was destroyed by fire in the early 1920's. Sometime later the gymnasium burned. In 1946 some of the buildings on the north side of Main Street were destroyed by fire. On Thursday morning, September 13, 1973 the modern school building was destroyed by fire. The school district consolidated with Bonham in 1969. The school building was then used for a vocational school and community center until it burned. After the building was destroyed, the Gober Community Improvement Club, with the help of area residents, renovated the old agriculture building into a community center which is used by local churches, clubs, family reunions and all community activites. The old gymnasium still stands and is used for the entertainment of large groups and the annual barbecue. Some 800 people attend this event each year.<\/p>

The Gober school system had its beginning in a one-room building located south of the main road. This building was used as an educational and social center in the 1800's. In the original records of the Gober Baptist Church in 1889 and the Gober Church of Christ records in 1893, it is stated that these congregations held their worship services in the one-room Gober school until they built their own church buildings.<\/p>

Some Goberites may not be very proud of the fact that the town once had a saloon, as did most towns in that day, but it is a fact. It was located across today's Highway 68 near the cemetery. The story was told of two Gober housewives who got tired of their husbands drinking at the saloon and set fire to the building one night. The whiskey, the saloon and almost one drunk husband were burned to the ground. One resident remebers a barber shop in the saloon.<\/p>

Many residents recall the summer revivals which the churches conducted lasting two to three weeks. In earlier days they were called protracted meetings and held under a brush arbor or just out in the open. One of the most active groups in Gober is the Home Demonstration Club which was organized in 1926. Mrs. O. W. Woodson<\/sa> is the first recorded president. The Gober Cemetery records memories and the spirit of early Gober residents. One of the noble deeds of the community can be seen at the grave of Aaron Hassenger<\/sa> (1860-1907). The citizens raised money to buy a marble slab for his grave since his relatives were unknown. The cemetery still has the earliest markers of the county, so worn by time and weather, that the carvings are almost unreadable. By Mrs. Euclid (Ida Lee) McDonald [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":38,"twn_name":"Green's Chapel","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.729660","twn_lon":"-95.943310","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"greens_chapel_map.jpg","twn_caption":"Map of Green's Chapel community as remembered by Clarice Banker<\/sa>.","twn_text":"

This small community was originally settled after the Civil War and was named for its founder, Parris Green<\/sa> and his family. No trace can be found of the settlement although at one time it had a chapel and a school. It was located north of Honey Grove near what is now the southern edge of Lake Davy Crockett. By Mrs. Dean Newhouse [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The following lists the families in the Clarice Banker map.
\"Map<\/p>"},{"twn_id":39,"twn_name":"Grove Hill","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.423770","twn_lon":"-96.220320","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Grove Hill community is located about 12 miles south of Bonham and about four miles northeast of Leonard. It lies between Sugar Loaf and Burr Oak Creeks. The settlement was named after three Grove<\/sa> brothers who lived in the area in the 1850's. By Mrs. Dean Newhouse [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>
"},{"twn_id":40,"twn_name":"Hail","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.498994","twn_lon":"-96.057750","twn_elev":650,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"hail_school_1908.jpg","twn_caption":"1908 Photo of the Hail School (showing a flag with 38 stars) provided by |270|.","twn_text":"

The small community of Hail is located on F.M. Rd. 1550, 12 miles southeast of Bonham.<\/p>

In the year of 1876, Elligh Jackson (Lige) Clark<\/sa> and his family settled in this area. A grocery store was soon built and later a one-room school house, which was also used as a church. This was called Clark's Chapel. About 1894 the population had increased enough to ask for a post office. A name had to be sent to the Post Office Department and Clark's Chapel was shortened to Clarksville and submitted. They were notified that there was a Clarksville Post Office and to submit another name. Several names were suggested and placed in a hat and Lige<\/sa> drew the name of Hail. The post office was built in the front of the general store and remained until 1906 when the rural route out of Windom was begun. First postmaster at Hail was J. T. Clark<\/sa>, Jasper Lawrence<\/sa> followed him and Robert Morgan<\/sa> was postmaster when the post office was closed.<\/p>

As more people began to settle in and around Hail, more stores were built. As the farmers were raising cotton, a gin was needed. Pat Clutter<\/sa> built the gin in 1902. There was a Woodman of the World hall. Mr. Morgan<\/sa> ran the first drug store. Later Tyler Brewer<\/sa> was the druggist. The first doctor to come to Hail was Dr. Hampton<\/sa>. When Dr. Hampton<\/sa> moved away, Dr. Spence<\/sa> came. There was a barber shop, blacksmith shop and a second grocery store. The First Methodist Church was built about 1900. The Congregational Methodist Church was built in 1903. It was called the lower church. Jake Cluck<\/sa> was pastor for a number of years. In 1915 the First Christian Church was built. Each of the three churches had Sunday Schools and preaching and were well attended. Luther<\/sa> and Arthor Reynolds<\/sa> built a garage in 1915 as cars were plentiful then.<\/p>

In 1918 Hail was a thriving community. Soon after the end of World War I, business began to diminish and people began to move to towns where jobs were available. The two teacher school consolidated. The lower church closed about 1930 and the First Christian Church closed in 1936. In 1938 the First Methodist Church sold their bilding to be torn down and bought the Christian Church building to be moved to its present location. A homecoming was announced. More than 100 people attended. Brother Morgan<\/sa> was pastor at that time. Attending the homecoming was the first pastor that served the church, Brother Ely<\/sa>. The first Methodist Church is still very active.<\/p>

In the late 1930's the W.P.A. built the first hard top road to go through Hail. In 1950 this road was widened and black-topped. It was then known as F.M. Rd. 1550.<\/p>

In 1945 Lige<\/sa> and Opal Clark<\/sa> bought the last remaining grocery store and gas station. After Lige<\/sa>'s death in 1952, Opal<\/sa> continued the business until 1954 when the last store in Hail was closed. By Charles Smith [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":41,"twn_name":"Hilger","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.622047","twn_lon":"-96.096919","twn_elev":587,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"hilger_home.jpg","twn_caption":"One of the last homes standing in the Hilger Community. Photo was taken about 1974 and shared with us from the photo collection of the Fannin County Museum of History.","twn_text":"

The Bonham Herald<\/bi>
22 Feb 1934, p. 4 <\/p>

Hilger<\/bi><\/p>

\r\nDear Editor, by request so of our correspondents will give a few notes on the origin or our little village.<\/p>

In the early settling of this community it was known as \u201cLast Chance\u201d taking this name from a \u201cRace Horse\u201d which tried his speed on the race tracks across our lone prairies as horse racing was a favorite amusement of our early settlers for both pleasure and profit. Later a public free school was established and our name was changed to New Prospect and this name prevailed until a mercantile business was established by Pearson Bros., who decided they wanted a post office also and made application to the post office apartment at Washington, D.C. and by the aid of Joseph W. Bailey Sr. our Congressman at that time, the office was established with J. E. Pearson postmaster and C. V and E. T. Pearson assistants, and non-residents christened our little burg, Pearsonville as five brothers by this name lived here, but Uncle Sam had his say and when this name with a number of others, was submitted to the postoffice department, the present name of Hilger was selected after a very rigid questionnaire was filled out giving population and location as follows: Hilger is 4 miles north of Dodd City, 2 miles west of Lannius and 8 miles north east of Bonham. The post office department delivered our mail only 3 times per week for quite awhile but later on when rural free delivery was established our post office was discontinued and our mail is delivered daily at our homes of which we are very grateful indeed. We now have a modern 2 teacher school building with Rupert A. Taylor as principal and Miss Greta May Donaldson as assistant who are doing excellent work and are a great help in many other ways to our community.<\/p>\r\n

++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/p>\r\n

The Bonham Herald<\/bi>
\r\nVol 11, No 100, Ed 1,
\r\nThursday, 4 Aug 1938<\/p>\r\n

C. V. Pearson<\/sa> of Hilger was in Bonham Tuesday, C. V.<\/sa> is a good farmer, and he has a good farm, as a consequence. He was asked how the town came to be named Hilger, He said it was named for Paul Hlger<\/sa>, a German who lived there years ago. The place had been called Last Chance, but the people know that was too undignified to submit to Washington as a postoffice, so four names were sent to Washington, and the list was Pearsonville and Hilger. The post office department took the shorter name, Hilger, and Hilger it is today. It might be said in passing that the people of the community had a hard time getting the postoffice established. After many futile efforts Congressman Joe Bailey<\/sa> was appealed to, and in just a little while the office was opened up. Joe Bailey<\/sa> had his faults, but none of them consisted of going back on his friends. When they ask him for anything, if possible they got it.<\/p>"},{"twn_id":42,"twn_name":"Honey Grove","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.583439","twn_lon":"-95.909967","twn_elev":673,"twn_size":"2.7","twn_pop":1746,"twn_zipcode":75446,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"honeygrove_main.jpg","twn_caption":"Honey Grove, Texas in 1886. Honey Grove, Tex. Fannin County. 1886, 1885.
Toned lithograph, 12.8 x 20. 9 in., by Beck & Pauli, Litho. Milwaukee, Wis.
Published by Norris, Wellge & Co. Amon Carter Museum, Fort Worth.
View this map full size at Wikipedia.org<\/a> or at birdseyeviews.org<\/a>","twn_text":"

While traveling through North Texas in 1836, J. P. Simpson<\/sa> and a friend occasionally met hunters or trappers who were familiar with the virgin territory and one such group gave an account of interesting and exciting scenes in Texas which they had seen some 20 years before in 1816 while hunting and camping. They described a site on the south side of Red River and a beautiful grove \"which was a place of resort for the sportive backwoodsmen of the day to gratify his love for that kind of life -- among the immense herds of buffalo, antelope, elk and deer.\" They talked about the \"immense quantity of honey found in the timber around and in the grove and along down the creek,\" and they had given it the appropriate name of Honey Grove.<\/p>

J. P. Simpson<\/sa> was not the only one to view this wonderful hunting ground. He was preceded by a hunting party led by a 17-year-old scout named Henry Stout<\/sa>, who was a guide for a woodsman from Tennessee named Davy Crockett<\/sa>. Crockett<\/sa> had come to visit his friend John Stiles<\/sa> but found him away from home. At the suggestion of others, he decided to join in a hunt for bear and buffalo and shortly thereafter found himself at the grove of honey trees. David<\/sa>, like the trappers, called it Honey Grove. Years later when a town was erected on and near Crockett<\/sa>'s old campsite, it was decided to use his suggestion and it was then named Honey Grove.<\/p>

The first permanent settler was Samuel Erwin<\/sa> of Tennessee who came here in 1842. He soon built a log cabin for his family some distance west of what is now the public square, the present site of Crockett Park on West Main Street. For three years the Erwin<\/sa> family was the only one in the area. Their only neighbors were Captain Yeary<\/sa> who lived three miles south of the grove and Dr. Nicholson<\/sa> and his brother, A. J. Nicholson<\/sa>, who had come to Texas in 1837. Other original settlers included John McKinzie<\/sa>, J. T. Allen<\/sa>, James Gilmer, Wilson Allen<\/sa>, Dr. Gambill<\/sa>, J. Fuqua<\/sa>, David Drennan<\/sa> and Thomas Hobbs<\/sa>.\r\nShortly after his arrival at the grove in 1845, Gilmer<\/sa> purchased 320 acres at $2.19 per acre from John Nicholson. The land was the south half of Honey Grove. Gilmer<\/sa> built a log house for his family near the west side of the present public square, a few yards south of Main Street. He became ill and died in the same year. Gilmer<\/sa> left three small sons and a wife. A fourth son was born three months after his death. Benjamin S. Walcott<\/sa>, a millwright who had left his home in New England for the Ohio Territory and then Mississippi, came to Honey Grove in 1846. He is known as the developer of Honey Grove. He apparently received the hospitality of Sam Erwin<\/sa> and not long after his arrival, he sent to Jefferson for two ox-wagon loads of \"coarse good\" to begin, at first in partnership with Erwin<\/sa>, the first mercantile in the town.\r\nIn 1848 Walcott<\/sa> married Gilmer<\/sa>'s widow and that year he and Erwin began surveying the town on the land which his wife had jointly owned with her late husband. Walcott<\/sa> soon acquired other land adjoining on the north of the property of his wife and this purchase gave him title to virtually all of the land on the present townsite. Walcott<\/sa> appears to be North Texas' first land developer since he could sell lots to newcomers. The original plat for Honey Grove made provisions for a public square one block long in each direction. The present Main Street was the square's south side.<\/p>

J. B. McKee<\/sa> began hauling lumber into the north Texas area from Jefferson with a wagon pulled by ox-teams to provide building materials for the area. A saw mill was opened in Red River County, probably near Clarksville, which also made lumber available. Walcott<\/sa> built the first real mercantile building on the west side of the square.<\/p>

By 1856 enough people were coming into Honey Grove that Granville Tucker<\/sa> built a two-story hotel on the southwest corner of the square directly south of Walcott<\/sa>'s store. In 1858 Tucker<\/sa> either sold or turned over management of the hotel to Orville Smith<\/sa> and from that time it was known as the Smith<\/sa> Hotel.<\/p>

Honey Grove quickly took strong position in favor of the Confederacy and almost every able-bodied man joined some unit, probably most joining Company \"F\" of the 11th Texas Cavalry. Several units trained near Honey Grove. West of Honey Grove was Camp Benjamin, training camp of the 9th Texas Infantry. Honey Grove had an ordnance shop during the war where wagons, harnesses and saddles were made for the cavalry. W. F. Woodson<\/sa> had a blacksmith shop where he made swords and \"Bowie\" knives for soldiers.<\/p>

By 1888, Honey Grove had grown from a Civil War population of 300 to more than 400. It had a newspaper called the Semi-Weekly Texas Citizen<\/sa> edited by John B. McCraw<\/sa>. The town had 72 business houses including 12 dry goods establishments. In 1888 Honey Grove had two cotton gins, two railroads, two banks, seven churches, four large frame hotels, two lumber yards and was well supplied with restaurants and boarding houses.<\/p>

The town was incorporated in 1873 with J. H. Smith<\/sa> as the first mayor. The first Honey Grove school was taught by Judge Rutherford<\/sa> in a rough building a little north of the Union church in 1853. The Honey Grove Masonic Lodge opened a school in an attic room of the Smith<\/sa> Hotel in 1856. The school was considered ahead of its time as it was co-educational.<\/p>

In 1856 a small Union church was built on what is now school property on the north end of Sixth Street. This church was the first public building in the community and was used by Methodist, Baptist, Cumberland Presbyterians and Disciples of Christ. The various congregations pooled their resources and bought the first church organ in the 1870's. Sometime in the same period the Methodist built a frame church building on their own. Other congregations followed. By John B. Black, from The Honey Grove Signal and Sherman Democrat [as found in Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":43,"twn_name":"Hudsonville","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.710936","twn_lon":"-96.039975","twn_elev":571,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"hudsonville map.jpg","twn_caption":"

Map from the Collection of the Fannin County Museum of History.<\/p>","twn_text":"

\"ArticleBonham News<\/bi>
27 Oct 1911<\/p>

Town in Fannin County Receives New Name<\/bi>
\r\nVillage known as Stool Grub Has Been
Named Hudsonville in Honor of
the Late E. C. Hudson<\/sa><\/hi>.<\/p>

The little burg or village which has for the past few years been known as Stool Grub has now received the name of Hudsonville, in honor of Mrs. E. C. Hudson<\/al> deceased.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Some ten or twelve years ago, Mrs. E. C. Hudson<\/sa> donated eight or ten acres of land for a campground. Upon this ground was erected a large tabernacle for the purpose of holding religious services. This building probably holds from 1500 to 2000 people and has been the place where many a sinful soul has changed its ways of error and been lead to paths of peace.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Around this building there have been erected many residences and the orphan\u2019s Home, which is under the management of Oscar Hudson<\/sa> and wife Mrs. Nettie Hudson<\/sa>, is there.<\/p> \r\n\r\n

The people in that section of the County appreciate the work which has been done by the Hudson family and last Sunday the citizens of that place decided that the nickname, Stool Grub, should be brushed aside and the name Hudsonville substituted in it's place.<\/p>"},{"twn_id":44,"twn_name":"Ivanhoe","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.713158","twn_lon":"-96.143867","twn_elev":610,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":75447,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"ivanhoe_town.jpg","twn_caption":"This photo was published in the Bonham Daily Favorite with the following caption:

\r\n\"Trades Excursion - Here's a group of Bonham business men calling on the folks back in 1912 to invite them to Bonham to trade.\"","twn_text":"

Located in northern Fannin County, Ivanhoe was established in 1885 and had a post office before 1890. In 1890 the town reported daily stage connections with Bonham.<\/p>

\"At first the embryo town was called Hawkins Prairie, but when mail service became available there was demand for something more attractive. Capt. J. E. Dupree<\/sa> in public meeting rose and made an eloquent plea that his chosen spot be dubbed Ivanhoe for his favorite hero. Impressed, the citizens accepted the name confident that the coming upon a title so apropos to their own faith in the community was a good omen.<\/p>

\"Gabe Parker<\/sa>'s big barn-red store dominated the business area, which over the years, consisted of six other stores, a restaurant, two blacksmith shops, a garage, saloon, school house, church and courthouse. Above the stairs in the red store, the Woodmen of the World held their fun-filled \"goat-ridings\" and the solemn conclaves which bound large membership in fraternal feeling.<\/p>

\"Almost from its nebulous beginning in the wake of the Civil War, Ivanhoe had a school -- a mighty good one the old-timers declared. The summer revivals were important in life at Ivanhoe. The older people gathered under the big tabernacle and talked, trying to fit their lives to the pattern laid down by the ministers or seeking scripture to justify their own way of living. To the young folk, the revivals were a time for dressing up, for meeting friends, both male and female, and for the pleasant and sometimes terrible reminders of the goals for which they must strive as adults.<\/p>

\"But those days are not without commemoration. Two early merchants, not many years in their graves, built for the future they believed their town would have. Today their big, two-story, white houses, like huge markers with dedication in every line, stand beside the crossroads to hold fast the site of the town that was until the unpredictable hand of fate set up again a town that is.\" By Glenna P. Middlebrooks from the Dallas Times Herald [as found in Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":45,"twn_name":"Jones Mill","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.704264","twn_lon":"-95.912796","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":46,"twn_name":"Ladonia","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.424831","twn_lon":"-95.946356","twn_elev":627,"twn_size":"1.8","twn_pop":667,"twn_zipcode":75449,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"ladonia_main.jpg","twn_caption":"Ladonia, Fannin County, Texas in 1891. Toned lithograph, 9.5 x 20.1 in.
Published by T. M. Fowler & James B. Moyer. Amon Carter Museum, Fort Worth.
By Thaddeus Mortimer Fowler (1842-1922).
View this map full size at Wikipedia.org<\/a> or at birdseyeviews.org<\/a>","twn_text":"

Ladonia is located in southeastern Fannin County and was established in 1840 by James MacFarland<\/sa> and Daniel Davis<\/sa>. In 1885 the town had daily stage connections with Honey Grove and in 1887 offered a bonus to the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad to run its line through the town.<\/p>

1893: \"Ladonia is a thriving and handsome town, beautifully situated in southeast Fannin County at the junction of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroads 25 miles south of Red River.<\/p>

\"Ladonia is comprised of a cottonseed oil mill, five churches, six drygoods stores, one editorial sanctum, eight groceries, two hardware stores, two saddle shops, three confectionaries, three drug stores, two banks, three blacksmith shops, one woodwork shop, furniture store, shoe shop, bakery, meat market, two hotels, one nursery, two livery stables, one gardener, three gins, one flour mill and one of the best public free schools in North Texas. the college, a beautiful brick building on the west end of South Main Street is convenient to both country and town. It is furnished with all the conveniences required to make a good school. This school was called the U.S.D. Society. This Society has a ruling influence over the school. It encourages within its members, honor and obedience, and also has a great power over those that are not under its control.<\/p>

\"The population of Ladonia is about 1,000. The refinement and morality of its citizens, the advantages for social and religious improvements, the lovely park and salubrious climate make it a desirable place to dwell and pleasant to visit.<\/p>

\"The temperature is mild and regular. The mercury rarely registering above 90 degrees or below 30 degrees. It is surrounded by beautiful country adapted to the growing of cotton, corn, oats and wheat and exporting cotton and cattle. The farmers are energetic and take price in beautifying their land. The first settler of Ladonia was Patrick Old<\/sa>. He lived in a house built of logs and clapboards. The next settler was Frank McCown<\/sa>, who was the first merchant. His store was situated north of now present post office. He dealt in dry goods, groceries, hardware, and drugs. He was also the first postmaster.<\/p>

\"This office was known as McCownville. Among the early settlers were Messers Terry<\/sa>, James<\/sa>, Cummens<\/sa>, Redner<\/sa>, Fry<\/sa>, Cox<\/sa> and Dillingham<\/sa>. Some of these settlers hauled goods for McCown<\/sa> from Jefferson, which was the nearest seaport, a distance of 120 miles. Most hauling was done with ox teams. The settlers (haulers) were paid from $1.50 to $2.00 per hundred and paid for their goods with beeswax, hides and some money.<\/p>

\"In 1854 the first barrel of sugar was brought to McCownville. The first grist mill, a tread-wheel power, was owned by Messers Fry<\/sa> and Bradley<\/sa> with one horse.<\/p>

\"The first school building, situated north of the park, was built with posts in the ground, weatherboarded and covered with clapboards; seated with split log benches. This building was also used for a church.<\/p>

\"The first preacher was Bob Jones<\/sa>, and Old School Presbyterian. The first Baptist preacher was Whatley<\/sa>. The first blacksmith shop was built in 1853. The first well was dug on Bonham Street. In 1857 McCownville was called Ladonia. The first newspaper The Ladonia Enterprise<\/sa> was edited in 1873 by Tom Burnet<\/sa>. The first drug store was owned by Fathere<\/sa>, situated on the northeast side of the square. The first brick store was built in 1860, situated where the National Bank now stands.<\/p>

\"In 1887 Ladonia was made a railroad town, which is now the pride of its citizens\". Written by Willnora Long Eagleton in 1893.\" Submitted by Mrs. O. C. Skipper. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":47,"twn_name":"Lamasco","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.695103","twn_lon":"-96.066642","twn_elev":587,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Lamasco is located ten miles northeast of Bonham. The names of three men, Law<\/sa>, Mason<\/sa> and Scott<\/sa>, were combined to produce the name of the town which was established in the late 1800's. In 1890 the town had a general mercantile store, a drug store, a blacksmith shop, a steam grist mill, a saw mill with a shingle machine, a school house and church building. There was a post office in the community from 1886 until 1920. By Mrs. Dean Newhouse [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":48,"twn_name":"Lannius","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.608161","twn_lon":"-96.056083","twn_elev":623,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Three-and-a-half miles northeast of Dodd City is the small community of Lannius. First called Stevensville, it is said to have later been named for a family practitioner in the town, a Dr. Lannius<\/sa>. Another story says it was named for an early cotton ginner. The first school opened in 1862. At that time the community had a saloon and a blacksmith shop. The post office was in operation from 1891 until 1906. By Wright Patman [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>
"},{"twn_id":49,"twn_name":"Leonard","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.379556","twn_lon":"-96.247478","twn_elev":719,"twn_size":"2.0","twn_pop":1846,"twn_zipcode":75452,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"leonard_town.jpg","twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

On February 8, 1845 Anson Jones<\/sa>, as President of the Republic of Texas granted to Martin Moore<\/sa> five grants of 320 acres each south of Bois d'Arc Creek in Fannin County. These five tracts were contingent to each other and so situated that some part of the town on Leonard is situated on one or more of them. Martin Moore<\/sa> conveyed these tracts of land to Henry Sampton<\/sa> in 1851, who in turn conveyed them to E. J. Hart<\/sa> in 1853 for $4000. On January 22, 1859 E. J. Hart<\/sa> conveyed these tracts and others \"totaling 3520 acres situated in Hunt and Fannin Counties to S. L. Leonard<\/sa> for $10,560 cash in hand paid for this and other land\". Solomon L. Leonard<\/sa> died about the year 1862 or 1863 on his way from his holdings in Texas to his home in Buchanan County, Missouri.<\/p>

In 1880 the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad extended its line from Denison to Greenville and located a town on the Martin Moore<\/sa> tracts owned by the Solomon L. Leonard<\/sa> heirs. The town was platted and named Leonard. A public sale of lots was conducted with a picnic and the annual Leonard Picnic was started.<\/p>

The first lot was sold to Mark Daniels<\/sa>. It was located on the southeast corner of the square. In less than a week he had erected the first building and opened a saloon. H. L. Parmlee<\/sa> erected the second business, a general merchandise store located on the northeast corner of the square. In the same year the first hotel was built by John Mantooth<\/sa>. It was a two-story frame building located on the east side of the square and was later operated by Ed Groves<\/sa>, father of the late George Groves<\/sa>. The first blacksmith shop was erected near the northwest corner of the square, built by a man named Staley<\/sa>. His was one of the first graves in the cemetery. John Roberts<\/sa> bought the shop and operated it for a short time. He sold it to John Hickman<\/sa> under whose name it was operated over 75 years.<\/p>

Other business establishments sprang up around the square: Allison<\/sa> and Grider<\/sa> Hardware, J. O. Kuyrkendall<\/sa> Dry Goods, G. W. Cund<\/sa>, J. R. Wilson<\/sa> Company which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1938 and is the oldest business in Leonard. Thomas<\/sa> and Wilson<\/sa> Livery Stable, Thomas<\/sa> & Saxon<\/sa> Dry Goods, Denny Brothers<\/sa> Dry Goods, James Shiels<\/sa> Dry Goods, J. D. Albright<\/sa> General Merchandise and Billy Womack Grocery were other business establishments. In 1880 the principal trading center of the area was Valley Creek about 3\u00c2\u00bd miles north of Leonard. By 1885 most of the town of Valley Creek had moved to Leonard.<\/p>

The Thomas Glade Baptist church which became the First Baptist Church, the Valley Creek Presbyterian which became the First Presbyterian Church and a Methodist Church from the Delba community became the First United Methodist church moved to Leonard in the 1880's. The predecessor of the Leonard Church of Christ was Macon's Chapel, located about three miles east of the new townsite and moved to Leonard in the 1900's. Also moving from Grove Hill in 1882 was Grove Hill Lodge No. 373 A.F. & A.M.<\/p>

In 1885 the town of Leonard was incorporated. The city limits extended 1\/2 mile east, south, west, and north from the present city square. By the early part of the 20th century Leonard was a thriving town with several cotton gins, an oil mill, a flour mill, a bottling plant, four dry goods stores, three banks, four doctors and a college. An unusual business in Leonard during this period was F. N. Rigney<\/sa> & Company which operated peddling wagons as far as 15 miles away. This firm sold dry goods, notions, groceries and what-have-you. They bought chickens, turkeys, eggs and butter from the farm wives.<\/p>

The first City Hall was located downstairs in a two-story frame building situated in the center of the square. The Grove Hill Masonic Lodge occupied the second floor. A two-story brick building was erected in 1909 on the square and housed the City Hall, fire station, a meeting room and the post office downstairs. An auditorium occupied the second floor. This building was replaced in 1964 by the present building.<\/p>

Leonard's first school was located where the Bailey home now stands and Professor Dicke<\/sa> and W. S. Farmer<\/sa> were the first teachers. The first brick school building was built in 1901 and it later became a primary building for the Leonard system. Leonard, neighboing Whitewright and Savoy, had a college. In 1908 Rev. Dodson<\/sa> put up a frame building and with Miss Lucky Alexander<\/sa>, who for many years was missionary to China, taught a private school known as the Leonard Collegiate Institute.<\/p>

Dodson<\/sa> sold the school to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the church organized Manton College with Dr. J. W. Pearson<\/sa> as president. The Leonard Independent School District purchased the property and erected the present Dodson High School building. In 1934 a gymnasium was erected at the site of the girls' dormitory which had been partly destroyed by fire a few years before.<\/p>

The Grove Hill Lodge No. 373 A.F. & A.M. is the oldest organization in Leonard, having been granted a dispensation by the Grand Lodge of Texas in June 1872. A year later, June 7, 1873 a charter was granted. The oldest continuous business in Leonard is the Leonard Graphic<\/sa> established in 1890. The second oldest is the Leonard National Bank established in 1898. General Telephone Company of the Southwest furnishes the telephone service to the Leonard area. The first telephone company to serve Leonard was established in the late 1880's by local capital. The Katy Depot still stands and is leased to the O. K. Feed Mill. The last passenger train was in 1963. the M. K. & T. Railroad continues to operate freight trains only through Leonard. By Tom Hymer [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":50,"twn_name":"Lyday Crossing","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.463439","twn_lon":"-95.877742","twn_elev":466,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":110,"twn_name":"Mayfield","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":null,"twn_lon":null,"twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

This community is twenty-three and three-fourths miles northeast of Bonham, On the road to Red River bridge. This crossing on Red River dates back to the era of Filibusters, in 1797 when Philip Nolan<\/sa> made his first expedition into Texas for the Governor of Louisiana, He came to Red River at this place, and made a treaty with the Indians, as is recorded on his map, he camped on the bluff bank off Red River and called the \"Nolans Bluff,\" in honor of' himself, The new Fannin-Bryan suspension bridge which joins Texas and Oklahoma is now on the site of Nolan's camp.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Mayfield is an out-growth of two early settlements Orrs Chapel and Mud Branch. As early as the year 1840 there were plantations and an established church and school at what is now Orr's Chapel Cemetery, this was the burying ground of most of the old settlers, among then two of the notorious Dyer<\/sa> Bros.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

In 1885 J. R. Mayfield<\/sa> gave land for a school and the building was erected on the present site and the name of Mayfield<\/sa> was given. There is now a two-room modern building for school and at different times church services are held there.<\/p>"},{"twn_id":51,"twn_name":"McCraw's Chapel","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.526217","twn_lon":"-95.957233","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"mccraw_methodist.jpg","twn_caption":"McCraw's Chapel Metodist Church","twn_text":"

In 1859 a group of citizens gathered in the home of E. P. Warren<\/sa> to organize what is now known as McCraw Chapel Methodist Church. The church became the nucleus of the community. The chapel was accepted into the North Texas Conference of the Methodist Church in 1877. In the later part of the 1800's, John M. Raiden<\/sa> taught school in the church. Among his students were the Cox children whose father owned and operated a general store just north of the church. The school, known then as Nubbin Ridge School House, was used as a meeting house when the church was destroyed by a tornado in 1918. The next year a new church was completed. In 1955 a group met and organized the cemetery association and have maintained the community cemetery. Homecomings are now an annual event. By Mrs. Dean Newhouse [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":52,"twn_name":"Michigan Prairie","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.680000","twn_lon":"-95.867800","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"colby_house_michigan_prairie.jpg","twn_caption":"Photo of the Colby House - Michigan Prairie from the collection of the |280| provided by the |281|.","twn_text":"

In 1877 there were only two or three families living on a broad prairie of several square miles along the eastern edge of Fannin County about eight miles northeast of Honey Grove. That year two brothers, Warren<\/sa> and Philetus Weydemeyer<\/sa>, came from Michigan looking for new country. They learned of this prairie as public school land, available for $2.50 per acre and immediately bought, prepared to build and sent for their families.<\/p>

Glowing reports reached Michigan and soon other families sold and headed for the Lone Star State. They came by train, the Texas & Pacific Railway having been built through Honey Grove about 1873. Among the first to come in the spring of 1878 were the David Kane<\/sa> and Charles Zinnecker<\/sa> families. They were followed by Jerry<\/sa> and John Miller<\/sa>, Robert Brode<\/sa>, the Saylors<\/sa>, Birdsalls<\/sa>, Hixons<\/sa>, Meyers<\/sa>, Morrises<\/sa>, Foxes<\/sa>, Sherwoods<\/sa> and others. All bought land and erected substantial and some handsome homes. They engaged in farming and in cattle and horses. At first the wild land was unfenced, but soon the pastures had to be fenced and grazing was not as profitable.<\/p>

The community was called \"Michigan Prairie\" and had a church and school district for many years. The church burned in the 1920's, but the school operated until consolidation with Honey Grove in about 1935 or 1940. Gradually the farming land changed to grazing. People moved and houses were deserted, so that the area lost its identity as a neighborhood.<\/p>

It is identifiable now by names of land surveys on the Fannin County map, such as: Thomas Sherwood<\/sa>, John Miller<\/sa>, John Kane<\/sa>, Massengale<\/sa> and Weidenger<\/sa> (this last one being in error, for the original Weydemeyer<\/sa> can be found on an older map circa 1890). By Mrs. Wade McKee [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>\r\n\r\nHoney Grove Signal, 1927

<\/p>\r\n\r\nFor half a centuery there has been a community seven miles northeast of Honey Grove known as the \"Michigan Settlement.\" While very few, if any of those who came to us from Michigan reside there now, the name still clings to the community and will do so perhaps until the end of time.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nIt was in 1877, just fifty years ago, that this section of country received its name. Prior to that time that portion of the country had been sparsely settled, only two or three families living on the broad prairie of several square miles. In 1877 Warren Wydemeyer<\/sa> and his brother, Philetus Weydemeyer<\/sa>, tiring of their residence in Michigan, and being somewhat of a restless nature, accepted the advice of Horace Greeley and turned their faces westward. One fine day they showed up in Honey Grove and began looking over the country contiguous thereto. They wandered out northeast to the prairie which now bears the name of Michigan and were charmed with the country. Upon investigation they learned that this particular section of the moral vineyard was state school land, and could be purchased for the modest sum of $2.50 per acre. They immediately purchased land and made ready to build, in the meantime sending for their families.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nThey sent such glowing reports of Texas back to Michigan that a furore was created in the community in which they had lived and the Texas fever spread from family to family. Soon others sold their possessions there and headed for the Lone Star State. Among the first to follow the Weydemeyers<\/sa> were David Kane<\/sa> and wife and their seven children. Mr. Kane<\/sa> soon after his arrival made a large purchase of land. The next spring Charles Zinnecker<\/sa> came. He bought land and began the errection of a home. Six months later, upon the completion of his residence, he was joined by his family. By this time an organized line of emigration was formed from Michigan to Texas. Among those who came were Jerry<\/sa> and John Miller, R. Brode,<\/sa> the Emorys, Saylors, Birdsalls, Hixons, Meyers, Morris, Sherwoods, Foxes<\/sa> and others. The names of all who came can not be given, but there were twenty-five or fifty people in the settlement. All who came bought land, some a section, some a half section and some a quarter section. All built homes, most of the houses being handsome and substantial structures. All of the settlers engaged in farming, but some gave special attention to cattle and horses. This was especially true of the Weydemeyers<\/sa> and Zinneckers<\/sa>. None of the wild land was fenced at this time, and cattle had a wide range. Soon, however, the pastures were fenced and cattle raising was not so profitable. The Weydemeyers<\/sa> and Mr. Zinnecker<\/sa> took their cattle to the Wichita country. In order to get the benefit of pasture they had to take upu government land. This they soon relinquished, the land not being worth the taxes. These lands are now in the center of a big oil field, worth thousands of dollars per acre.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nOf the heads of families who came from Michigan fifty years ago and established the Michigan settlement, it is believed that W. C. Winnecker<\/sa> is the only one now living."},{"twn_id":53,"twn_name":"Midway","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.570383","twn_lon":"-96.221647","twn_elev":650,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":54,"twn_name":"Monkstown","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.790933","twn_lon":"-95.928306","twn_elev":495,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"monkstown_methodist.jpg","twn_caption":"Monkstown United Methodist Church","twn_text":"

Monkstown was named after James Monks<\/sa> who donated land for the town. Monks' land came off Stephen Briggs<\/sa> survey. Briggs<\/sa> was a colored man. It's not known when Mr. Monks<\/sa> came here or anything about his family. It is thought he died with consumption at a Saylor<\/sa> home in Honey Grove.<\/p>

In 1895, Monkstown was reported to have 12 businesses, a school, church, Masonic Lodge and a post office with a population of 400. The post office was closed in 1927 and mail was sent to Telephone.<\/p>

In 1919 a three-room school building was built. There were some 150 pupils enrolled. In 1955 the school was transferred to Honey Grove. For years there had only been enough pupils for one teacher. Mrs. Minnie Winningham<\/sa> was the last teacher. Since then the school building has been used as a community center. There are no clubs, but a homecoming is held every year on Sunday before Labor Day.<\/p>

The upper floor of the building was used by Woodmen of the World. Union Church services were held on the lower floor of the masonic building for a good many years. In 1910, the Baptists built a church. The Methodist Church was organized here in 1925. They continued to hold services on the lower floor of the building until 1914. The Grand Lodge of Texas, Ancient and Accepted Masons deeded the building and ground to the United Methodist Church in July 1941. The two-story building was torn down and a one-room building was built. The bell the Masons used is still useable and is on a pull on the church ground.<\/p>

The cemetery has been abandoned for several years. the oldest headstone is dated 1870. Thomas Bridges<\/sa> and J. Haralson<\/sa>, a Confederate soldier, were buried in 1882. Other names on headstones are: Adams<\/sa>, Bernaethy<\/sa>, Brownfield<\/sa>, Favor<\/sa>, Hart<\/sa>, King<\/sa>, Martin<\/sa>, McDaniel<\/sa>, Pate<\/sa>, Tynes<\/sa>, Wells<\/sa>, Wills<\/sa>, Wilhite<\/sa> and Steelman<\/sa>.<\/p>

The first cotton gin was hand-fed by a broom. Cotton was carried upstairs in baskets and then fed in by a broom Cottonseed went down under the buildings. There was no market for cottonseed. Dick Moulten<\/sa> built that gin. Later Bob Gray<\/sa> ran a gin where steers were used to turn a treadmill. Alex Brown<\/sa> brought the first suction gin to the community.<\/p>

Alex Brown<\/sa> and family came here in 1893 from Allens Chapel. He ran a general store and a blacksmith shop. Love Traylor<\/sa> and Willis Barton<\/sa> later ran blacksmith shops.<\/p>

Since most families had their milk cows, chickens and hogs, raised their Irish and sweet potatoes and could dry apples and peaches, there wasn't much left to buy. They also had their dried beans and peas. Several bought their flour in the earlier years.<\/p>

There was a courthouse and a jail here. Squire Goss<\/sa> is remembered as the earliest justice of the peace. He was also known as a doctor. Newt Ball<\/sa> was a later justice of the peace.<\/p>

Most of the stores were known as general stores. They handled a variety of things. Joe Brownfield<\/sa> is thought to have had the largest store here. He even handled furniture as well as ready-made clothing. There was even a building where caskets were stored.<\/p>

Some of the records are missing from earlier land owners but names of some are: Williams<\/sa>, Tray<\/sa>, Ray<\/sa>, Wells<\/sa>, Lane<\/sa>, Sides<\/sa>, McPhail<\/sa>, Monks<\/sa>, Hart<\/sa>, Salgle<\/sa> [sic, Slagle<\/sa>], Richardson<\/sa>, Merrell<\/sa>, Hinkle<\/sa>, Black<\/sa>, Weldon<\/sa>, Bonds<\/sa>, Taylor<\/sa> and Boyd<\/sa>.<\/p>

Leonard Stroud<\/sa>, whose name is in the National Cowboy Hall of Fame at Oklahoma City, was born here in 1893. We now have good roads. It wasn't always that way. During rainy weather you cold hardly get across Bois d'Arc bottom with several mules hitched to wagons. Lots of cotton used to be raised here and the cotton buyers were in Honey Grove. Supplies for the stores came from Honey Grove also.<\/p>

Most of the land is now pasture. Crops grown are peanuts, soybeans and grain.<\/p>

Monkstown's population is 75. By Eva Edwards [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":55,"twn_name":"Moores Chapel","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.531250","twn_lon":"-96.139800","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Moores Chapel is a quaint church structure with an adjoining cemetery located south of the Bonham State Park. It was named in honor of Alexander Moore<\/sa>.

The community at one time had a cotton gin, store and a school. Dr. J. F. (Frank) Rayburn<\/sa> was the country physician. By Mrs. Dean Newhouse [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>

Note: It is our understanding that the Church building was razed in the Spring of 2010 and only the cemetery now remains.<\/p>
"},{"twn_id":56,"twn_name":"Mulberry","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.704547","twn_lon":"-96.281094","twn_elev":548,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"mulberryastown52.jpg","twn_caption":"Town of Mulberry about 1952.
Thanks to |144| for this and many other Mulberry photos. Be sure to visit his Mulberry Website<\/a>","twn_text":"

Founded in the early 1880's and named for the many mulberry trees in the area, the community is located about 12 miles northwest of Bonham, four miles from the Red River and five miles northwest of Ravenna.<\/p>

Although now centered primarily around the Methodist Church and cemetery, the community once had a post office, shops, gins and mills. The post office was discontinued in 1904 after serving the area since 1886.<\/p>

The soil around Mulberry is known for its diversity: dark loam, red sandy and red waxy. Through the years it has produced corn, cotton, millet and cotton. At one time many orchards were in evidence growing an abundance of apples, peaches, pears, apricots and grapes.<\/p>

In early days Mulberry was known throughout the area for its healthy atmosphere. Being away from lakes and swamps, it was free of malaria which plagued other parts of the county. The area water, being \"pure freestone\", was considered unequaled. By Mrs. Dean Newhouse [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":105,"twn_name":"New Harmony","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.445883","twn_lon":"-95.916350","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"newharmony.jpg","twn_caption":"Map provided by the Burleson History Center of Ladonia.","twn_text":"Click on the map to view a larger image. GPS Coordinates shown are for the location of the New Harmony Cemetery shown on the map. Since there is no longer a \"town\" these coordinates will give a good estimated area where the New Harmony Community was located.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nThe following is taken in part from Ladonia's Lasting Legacies<\/i>, published in 2004 by the Ladonia Historical Preservation Society.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nThe New Harmony community was a small farming area about 3 miles east of Ladonia.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nIt had a white and a colored school, and a white and colored church. There are two cemeteries, Pleasant Grove, and New Harmony, which are adjacent.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nSome of the families calling this community home were Wisdom, Martin, Massey, Cummings Champion, Slater, McKinney, Simmons, Honeycutt, Whit, Swiney, White, Clements, Hidler, Hughes and Burrell.<\/p><\/p>\r\n\r\nClick on the Photo Album to see a photo of the New Harmony Church.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nInformation on the Pleasant Grove Church is available on the Fannin County Historical Commission website<\/a>,"},{"twn_id":57,"twn_name":"Newt","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.838711","twn_lon":"-95.898861","twn_elev":476,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":58,"twn_name":"Nobility","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.375944","twn_lon":"-96.366372","twn_elev":666,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Nobility, located seven miles west of Leonard, is about a mile from the Collin County line. It was first named Gentry in honor of one of the early settlers, William Gentry<\/sa>, the first postmaster. When the town secured a post office, the name had to be changed since the state already had an office by that name. The local citizens decided on a synonymous title, Nobility.<\/p>

In 1881 the first church was organized by Reverend Martin Gentry<\/sa>. B. D. McClary<\/sa>, F. S. Homer<\/sa> and A. S. Holcomb<\/sa> were early merchants along with the Gentry<\/sa> and Holcomb<\/sa> gins. George Cund<\/sa> and Harvey Diggs<\/sa> were druggists. The local physicians were Harrison Morrow<\/sa> and his wife, Sarah<\/sa>, the town's \"lady doctor.\" J. Phelp<\/sa> and V. T. Conway<\/sa> taught school.<\/p>\r\n

Nobility was a thriving community in the 1880's and 1890's. It had a consolidated school. In later years the population declined to only a handful of residents and a small store.<\/p>\r\n

In 1911 a deep well was installed and a bountiful water supply was available and most of the citizens had it piped to their homes. Bill Buchanan<\/sa>, the local blacksmith, kept the water pump and when he discontinued his business, the use of the well stopped also. Now the area is served by the Rural Electrification Association.<\/p>

The other early settlers included: T. J. Wheat<\/sa>, J. I. McClary<\/sa>, S. A. Golden<\/sa>, Andy Cowan<\/sa>, P. A. Johnson<\/sa>, E. E. Golden<\/sa>, the Holcombs<\/sa> and the Webbs<\/sa>. They had all come from states where the opportunities were not so good, left their homes and friends and loved ones, and came to a new country that was almost a wilderness. But the soil was rich and fertile. They carved roads out of the woods and they built log cabins. By Layana Price. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":59,"twn_name":"Nunnelee","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.616494","twn_lon":"-96.221647","twn_elev":643,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":60,"twn_name":"Oak Ridge","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.481217","twn_lon":"-95.971636","twn_elev":597,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

The first record of a church and cemetery in the Oak Ridge area was found in a deed dated June 19, 1874 showing a transfer of two acres of land from John Hulsey<\/sa> and his wife, Naomi Burnett Hulsey<\/sa>, to the following trustees of School and Community #43: Arthur McFarland<\/sa>, S. D. Johnston<\/sa> and Joel T. Hulsey<\/sa>. The deed reads as follows: \"The first parcel, one acre more or less, to be used and occupied for scholastic uses, by said trustees ... with the understanding the the premises are to be used for religious purposes when the same does not conflict with scholastic uses. The second parcel, one acre more or less is to be used as a cemetery or burial ground for said community and shall be forever held for this purpose.\"<\/p>

This property was used as a school and as a church building until 1879 when a church building was erected just west of the original site. When the original 1879 structure was remodeled in 1923 a plaque was placed on the front of the building showing the following information: 1879 Church of Christ 1923.<\/p>

Since that time it has been remodeled again, at which time running water and bathrooms were added as well as a new baptistry. Lucinda Pettit Hulsey<\/sa>, who passed away on April 23, 1948, was the last charter member of this congregation. Many descendants of the charter members meet there at the present time. Early ministers were Thomas Burnett<\/sa>, Brooks Stell<\/sa>, John Denton<\/sa>, John T. Lauderdale<\/sa>, Tom Milholland<\/sa>, J. B. Nelson<\/sa>, Robert Cook<\/sa>, Reece Lee<\/sa>, Chess Lee<\/sa>, J. T. Dodd<\/sa> and Brother McCauley<\/sa>. By Mrs. John Mann. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":61,"twn_name":"Oakland","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.670936","twn_lon":"-96.155253","twn_elev":594,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":62,"twn_name":"Orangeville","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.478442","twn_lon":"-96.339703","twn_elev":696,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Located about three miles north of present-day Trenton, Orangeville was one of the county's earliest settelements because of its natural resrouces on Chinaquepina Creek. Orangeville was settled in the summer of 1836 by Daniel Dugan<\/sa> who was joined in 1837 by Samuel G. Washburn<\/sa>, Israel Gabrile<\/sa> and Jonathan Anthony<\/sa>. The town was not established until 1859.<\/p>

The first building in Orangeville was a fortified ranch house that was surrounded by Bois d'Arc pickets and hedge. Orangeville lay across the favorite trail of Indians looking for horses to steal from the Settlers. They met their match when they attacked the ranch house because the buckshot from the frontiersmen cut them down.<\/p>

Some of the early settlers were the Yearouts<\/sa>, Browns<\/sa>, Scotts<\/sa>, Fairchilds<\/sa>, Aldridges<\/sa> and the Chadwells<\/sa>. Lem Blanton<\/sa> located on land extending from Blanton Springs west to Orangeville about two miles. He operated a freight line, a cotton gin and supplied a commissary. Another cotton gin was operated by Ike Davis<\/sa>, John Pennel<\/sa> operated a saloon and a wagon factory was operated by the Kinghorn<\/sa> family. By the 1870's Orangeville had a general merchandise store, blacksmith shop, saloon, post office and grist mill. The Cumberland Presbyterians were the first church.<\/p>

The settlement was at its peak in 1890, when four churches, a post office, about twelve businesses and a population of 175 were reported. The post office was discontinued about 1910. In 1949 one business and a population of 25 were reported. By Barbara C. Jones. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":63,"twn_name":"Pecan Gap","twn_county":"Delta","twn_lat":"33.438164","twn_lon":"-95.848817","twn_elev":571,"twn_size":"0.6","twn_pop":214,"twn_zipcode":75469,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":64,"twn_name":"Pettigrew","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.645658","twn_lon":"-96.019417","twn_elev":591,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":65,"twn_name":"Pleasant Grove","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.431775","twn_lon":"-95.907744","twn_elev":617,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":66,"twn_name":"Portland","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.445270","twn_lon":"-96.147490","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

The Portland community is located five miles southwest of Gober. A congregation found religious significance in the name of Portland when their church was constructed in the settlement in 1882. At one time the town had a blacksmith shop, and woodshop and a combination school and church building. The Congregational Methodist Church was organized and has served the community ever since While Friday nights may be devoted to football in most area towns, the main attraction in this rural community on that night is old-time gospel singing.<\/p>

As many as 100 singers and listeners assemble each Friday from the North Texas area for the sheer enjoyment of the singing. The event is strictly non-denominational.<\/p>

Actually the old church was closed about four years ago, but now the exuberance of the spirited singers is reviving the congregation. These weekly songfests were organized by Lynwood Hale<\/sa>, Harlos Stephens<\/sa> and J. L. Sewell<\/sa> in August 1974. Since then about 12 church members regularly attend the worship service on Sunday. The pastor is Rev. E. W. Verner<\/sa>. By Mrs. J. H. Stephens and Mrs. J. L. Sewell. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":67,"twn_name":"Post Oak","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.714547","twn_lon":"-96.083867","twn_elev":597,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":68,"twn_name":"Prairie Point","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.521772","twn_lon":"-96.080806","twn_elev":702,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":69,"twn_name":"Ragsdale","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.844260","twn_lon":"-95.941830","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

While David Crockett<\/sa> and the group of people were camped at Honey Grove part of the group went north to Red River and settled at Ragsdale. They named the settlement after a man named Ragsdale who was in the group.<\/p>

In the year which followed, two thirds of the people died of fever. (Typhoid, although they did not know then, was the fever.) A man rode a horse to Kentuckytown and told of the illness and death of so many in the group. He said they took the bodies south (now Monkstown) in the woods and buried them. They put a fence of pickets around the whole plot and some graves had individual fences around them.<\/p>\r\n

In 1899 D. B. Smith<\/sa> bought the land where the cemetery was. He built a barbed wire fence around the pickets and as long as he owned the land had the place kept clean.<\/p>

There were pieces of dishes, shells and other things on the graves and some had stones, but all the carving was worn off. D. B. Smith<\/sa> sold the land to the Underwood<\/sa> brothers in Honey Grove who, in turn, sold it to the government. The fences were torn down and nothing remains of the cemetery except the ground is sunken where the graves are. No one has been able to find out who was buried there. The cemetery is located about 25 miles from Bonham and about 2.5 miles south of Monkstown. By Mrs. Bess V. Freeman. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":70,"twn_name":"Raleigh","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":null,"twn_lon":null,"twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":71,"twn_name":"Randolph","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.483997","twn_lon":"-96.252478","twn_elev":663,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":75475,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":72,"twn_name":"Ravenna","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.672881","twn_lon":"-96.241647","twn_elev":597,"twn_size":"1.3","twn_pop":215,"twn_zipcode":75476,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"ravenna.jpg","twn_caption":"Photo of the Ravenna gin in the early 1990s from the Bonham Daily Favorite, July 4, 1976.","twn_text":"

The quiet little town of Ravenna is located in Fannin County nine miles north of Bonham and about seven miles from Red River. The first name given to Ravenna was \"Willow Point\", but later this was changed to Ravenna because of the numerous ravines in the area.<\/p>

In the beginning it was governed by a company of soldiers, finally it attained a corporate form of government and was incorporated in 1888. The first cemetery established here has an old handhewn gravestone of sand rock which identifies the person buried as \"Daniel Tackett<\/sa>\" who died May 8, 1859. That generally sets the date when the first settlers came to Ravenna. L. B. Grogan<\/sa> and Daniel Grogan<\/sa> were the original founders of Ravenna building residences and a steam mill here in 1875. By 1870 a Christian Church was built and four or five families had settled in the community by then. A bank was founded in 1902 and two frame buildings were erected, one being used for a lodge room. A little later a box factory and a brick yard owned by Mr. Steger<\/sa> was placed in the community. Ravenna had a post office in 1879.<\/p>

The first school in Ravenna was taught in the christian Chruch by Professors Walker<\/sa> and Tarpin<\/sa>, but by 1887 a new house, which was called a college, was built and school was held in it. In 1917, the frame school house was moved and a brick building was put in its place. In 1949 the Ravenna School was annexed to the Bonham School system. The first railroad crossed Ravenna in 1891, coming from Bonham to Denison. This railroad was discontinued in 1929. During the railroad era, Ravenna was at its height. Several sawmills were put into operation by J. E. Spies<\/sa> and lumber was shipped out by rail.<\/p>

In 1905 Ravenna had a bank with J. F. Anthony<\/sa>, J. E. Spies<\/sa>, and C. T. Christian<\/sa> of Bells as directors. There are three churches, the Methodist, Christian and Baptist. The Methodist Church was organized in 1884 by Rev. W. J. Bloodworth<\/sa> with 18 charter members. Land on which to build a church was given by Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Morrow<\/sa>. The deed was filed in 1885. In 1874, on land donated by the Grogan<\/sa> estate, the Ravenna Christian Church was erected. Being the first church here, it was built on Main Street and soon businesses began to flourish all around it, including several saloons. In 1891 land was bought for the Baptist Church site from J. C. and E. C. Trout<\/sa>. The first church building was constructed in 1893.<\/p>

In August 1965 downtown Ravenna was wiped out by fire. For the first time in at least 62 years, Ravenna was left without a grocery store and post office. Only the Community Center, which was the former bank building, escaped the fire on the block. At the present time Ravenna has two modern grocery stores. There is a service station and the post office is housed in a modern centrally heated and cooled brick building There is a garage and machine shop and Ravenna boasts of a public water system and all kinds of modern conveniences that make for comfortable living. Submitted by Mrs. Hubert Eaton. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":73,"twn_name":"Rehobeth","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.395942","twn_lon":"-96.024136","twn_elev":610,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

My great-grandparents and grandparents, the Holmes<\/sa> and the Whatley<\/sa>s, both Baptist ministers, brought their families and some of their congregation from Georgia to settle in this locality in 1848. It took quite some time to make this trip in wagons and I have been told that on Sundays they would rest and my Grandfather Whatley<\/sa> would preach to them.<\/p>\r\n

Later, other families came, among them the Pyle<\/sa>s, the White<\/sa>s and the Gilliam<\/sa>s. Since the country was so sparsely settled there were few young people to meet and as a result two of my Grandmother Whatley<\/sa>'s children married into the Pyle<\/sa> family, two into the White<\/sa><\/sa> and two into the Gilliam<\/sa><\/sa> of whom I am a descendant.<\/p>

Then other families came, the Bourland<\/sa>s, Terry<\/sa>s, Nail<\/sa>s, Moore<\/sa>s and Benge<\/sa>s. These early settlers founded this community and the Rehobeth Church.<\/p>

Families brought back barrels of flour, brown sugar and syrup from Jefferson and as I had never heard of candy, we looked forward to the barrel of sugar for sweets. We had our corn ground into meal at Wolfe's Mill, five miles away. It's now called Wolfe City.<\/p>

When one person in the community went into Ladonia he brought back the mail for all of us. It consisted mostly of the Atlanta Constitution<\/sa>, for that paper was our only way of learning about the rest of the world. If anyone needed a new pair of shoes he would tell the person going into town the number he wore, give him the money and he would bring back the shoes. Usually they cost around $1.50 unless they were Sunday shoes. By Mrs. Fannie Gilliam Farmer. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":74,"twn_name":"Ridings","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.699547","twn_lon":"-96.184425","twn_elev":591,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":75,"twn_name":"Riverby","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.844267","twn_lon":"-95.929697","twn_elev":479,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"riverbyschool.jpg","twn_caption":"Riverby School, 1929<\/p>

\r\nTeachers: Mrs. and Mrs. Luther Burkett and Miss Mabel McCaster.<\/p>

\r\nPupils: Cecil Beezlley, Jettie Beezley, Hubert Peel, Lucille Peel, Perry Northcut, Chrystel Vaught, James Philpot, Beachel Fair, Beatrice Fair, John Vaught, Bessie Flood, Madge Fair, Marie Compton, Tom Pierce, Mamie Smith, Grace Smith, Denton Swearingen, Willard Orum, Freda Morris, Dorothy Smith, Clarence Perdue, Hershel McDonald, Jessie Smith, Lloyd Compton, Junior Jackson, James Weaver, Orville Carlisle, Odell Carlisle, J. W. Hopkins, Pauline Flood, Daisy Dodd, Willie Goss, Mary Sue Roach, Marie Ellington, Anne Varie Hopkins, Leonard Hopkins, Claude A. Peel, Lena Ellington, Lois Richardson, and John Goss.","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":98,"twn_name":"Rock Point","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.511200","twn_lon":"-95.903140","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"Formerly three miles south of Honey Grove","twn_image":"rockpoint_presbyterian.jpg","twn_caption":"Rock Point Presbyterian Church. Built in 1901-1902. ","twn_text":"At one time there was a school, a Methodist Church and a Presbyterian Church."},{"twn_id":76,"twn_name":"Rogers","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.541772","twn_lon":"-96.247481","twn_elev":673,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":77,"twn_name":"Sash","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.747322","twn_lon":"-95.911361","twn_elev":541,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

The Sash community was once prosperous in the early part of the 1900's and could boast of a fine school, churches and stores. It was the hub of the neighboring rural areas. All that remains today is a small chapel of the Assembly of God Church. The settlement was located on Highway 100 north of Honey Grove near the entrance of the Davy Crockett Lake recreation area. By Mrs. Dean Newhouse. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>
"},{"twn_id":78,"twn_name":"Savage","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.365440","twn_lon":"-96.157320","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"Northeast of Leonard.","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

To a person living in a city whose address can be definitely stated, it might seem difficult to explain some rural communities of the past. Such a one in Fannin County was located approximately three miles south of Bailey. The mail delivered to residents bore the address Route 2, Celeste, Route 2, Leonard, or Route 2, Wolfe City, Texas. When the children were asked where they attended school, the answer was Evans. Upon similar questioning as to Sunday School, the reply was Antioch, and still further questioning revealed that the community bore the name of Savage. Yet all these were included within approximately 36 square miles. It grieves me to see no buildings now standing where once was a church, a school and a store. By Mavis Felty Coleman. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>
"},{"twn_id":79,"twn_name":"Savoy","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.599272","twn_lon":"-96.366650","twn_elev":679,"twn_size":"0.7","twn_pop":850,"twn_zipcode":75479,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

The Denison Daily<\/bi>
18 Mar 1873<\/p>

Bills are posted on our streets advertising the first sale of lots in the town of Savoy. Savoy is located 14 miles east of Sherman and 12 miles west of Bonham, on the Trans-Continental railroad, in the midst of a thickly settled country. It is, we understand, very pleasantly located, the streets wide and laid out with regularity. Good water is found by digging 25 to 30 feet. Fine groves of timbers skirt the town on elevated ground, just suitable for residences. The sale of lots is to take place on the 29th day of the present month. The Town Company donates two lots to each of the several religious denominations, also two to the Masonic, Odd Fellows, and Temperance societies; ten acres are set apart for a fair ground. A good male and female institute will receive, each, two lots. We presume Savoy will make a town of considerable importance, as it is situated in a fine agricultural country.<\/p>"},{"twn_id":80,"twn_name":"Selfs","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.692325","twn_lon":"-95.914414","twn_elev":620,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"selfs_cotton_gin_sm.jpg","twn_caption":"Selfs Cotton Gin","twn_text":"

Selfs community is located about eight miles north of Honey Grove on Farm Road 100. Settlement of the community began around 1848 when John Western Jones<\/sa> (1785-1850), and his wife Tomagine<\/sa> (1791-1853) and their son John<\/sa> came from Cincinnati, Ohio and settled about one mile north of the present community. Jones<\/sa> and his son built a steam-powered flour mill on the banks of the creek which was near their house. An explosion at the mill killed three men, so the mill was then run by horse-power. The Jones<\/sa>es also built a cotton gin and the settlement which grew around these businesses was called Jones<\/sa>' Mill.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"Selfs
Selfs Store<\/div>\r\n\r\n

During the 1840's the area was very sparsely populated and settlers who were within a few miles of each other were considered neighbors. A large Indian camp was located near some springs to the west between Shiloh and Selfs. Local residents call this area where the camp was \"the Sand Banks\" because for years sand which was used to make concrete was taken from this area.<\/p>

In the early 1880's George W. Self<\/sa> and his brother<\/strike> [sic, son] G. T. Self<\/sa> built a cotton gin and grist mill at the present location of the community. The community was then called Selfs for the two brothers<\/strike> [sic, Self<\/sa> men]. This is the reason that the name is plural. Selfs became a large settlement with several hundred residents. Most of the people were farmers or farm laborers with some merchants, smiths and doctors.<\/p>

When a community had enough children the residents would hire a teacher and have him board with some of the citizens. The earliest known school at Selfs was built prior to 1880 and located about a mile east of the community. Later a three-room school building was erected at the site of the present community center building. When the population of the community had declined, the school closed in 1958. In 1963 the building burned when a grass fire got out of control.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Around 1900 a Baptist preacher, C. B. Hammett<\/sa>, opened a business college at Selfs and called it North Texas Business College. The college offered courses in office machines, telegraphy and other business related subjects. Students came from Arkansas, Oklahoma as well as other parts of Texas and boarded with the residents of the community. The college was in operation for about 15 years.<\/p>

From 1895 to 1910 a Mr. Hayden<\/sa> operated a post office in a general store. One of the earliest stores which was operating before 1880 was owned by William Baggett<\/sa> and Hollie Bell<\/sa>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

When the community was large there were several stores, and barber shops, but by 1940 there were only two. Since 1960 when Raymond Copening<\/sa> moved from the community there has been no store in Selfs.<\/p>

After World War II when the migration to urban areas began, the population of Selfs dwindled to less than 50 residents. At present young families are returning to the area around Selfs. By Phyllis Ryser. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":81,"twn_name":"Shady Grove","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.537328","twn_lon":"-96.054417","twn_elev":663,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":97,"twn_name":"Shiloh","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.687180","twn_lon":"-95.934020","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"shiloh_map.jpg","twn_caption":"Shiloh landowners in the early 1900s.","twn_text":"

The first known permanent settlers came to the Shiloh area in the early 1840\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s and 1850\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s. One was William Newton Wright<\/sa>, who came in about 1852. His homestead was about one mile northeast of the present day Shiloh Cemetery. There is a Wright Family Cemetery on the land that was once his. Buried there are Newt Wright<\/sa>, two of his wives and two of his children. Also said to be buried there are early settlers Melchezedec Self<\/sa> and wife Catherine Moore Self<\/sa>. They had come to the area in 1845. There are many Wright descendants buried in Shiloh Cemetery. <\/p>

\r\n\r\nOne of the earliest settlers in the entire Honey Grove area was Wilson Bruce Allen<\/sa>. He came in 1836 and settled about 4 miles south of Shiloh, first at Allen\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Point and then at Allen\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Chapel. Both communities are named for him. Soon after he arrived in 1836, he rode over the entire Honey Grove area and decided on the place to stake his land claim. He spoke of visiting the Indian village located about one mile north of present day Shiloh Cemetery. He described the village as being a friendly tribe of Shawnee living in pole or log houses, having cows with bells, horses, and dogs. The chief was big chief Shawnee Bill<\/sa>. He spoke broken English and the tribe was considered semi-civilized. <\/p>

\r\n\r\nAllen and his friends enjoyed a feast with the Indians, which he described as being the best he had ever eaten. Roasting on the fire were bear and buffalo meats with large amounts of honey.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nFollowing the feast, Allen was invited to smoke their friendship pipe with them. <\/p>

\r\n\r\nThese early settlers came to the Shiloh area with the flow of migration of the immigrants from the old states. The allurement at the time was free land or very cheap land. Many settlers homesteaded land or purchased land for as little as 25 cents per acre. <\/p>

\r\n\r\nThe Shiloh area was composed of almost self-sufficient family farms. Virtually all of their food was raised on their small farms. They raised vegetable gardens and field corn to not only feed themselves, but their livestock as well. Everyone had their horses or mules to make their crops, generally two or three milk cows, a few hogs, which were fattened on corn and butchered and a flock of chicken for meat and eggs.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nThere was never a store at Shiloh, but there was one at Selfs community, 2.5 miles east. A doctor was located at Selfs, which served the Shiloh area. His name was Dr. Whittenberg<\/sa>. The big trade center was at Honey Grove, about seven miles south.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nFollowing the Civil War cotton was grown in the area as a cash crop. There was a small cotton gin at Shiloh at one time. It was located about \u00c2\u00bc mile northwest of the Shiloh Community. Jim Newhouse<\/sa> owned and operated the gin. This was the old Oscar Bell<\/sa> place which Jimmy and Mark Newhouse<\/sa> own today.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nThere was a school in the community known as the Shiloh School which stated in 1880 and locsed in 1940. A tabernacle once stood on the west side of the school ground on land dominated by the Lochridge family.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nThis history was prepared by Larry Dobbs for his volume Families of the Shiloh Cemetery<\/hi>.<\/p>"},{"twn_id":82,"twn_name":"Silver City","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.488161","twn_lon":"-95.999414","twn_elev":604,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"silvercity1.jpg","twn_caption":"","twn_text":"From Ladonia's Lasting Legacies<\/i>, published in 2004 by the Ladonia Historical Preservation Society.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nSilver City was located on FM 1550, 6 miles south of Windom, 6 1\/2 miles northwest of Ladonia. To get to Silver City today, you would go west pass Bo Hicks on 1550, turn north at the first county road and the store set directly in the corner. It wasn't tn yards from the county road.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nOne fourth of a mile east of the Silver City store, there was an old large oak tree which housed honey bees. The tree was probably three feet in diameter. It was in the middle of the road, south side. Guy Samuels and Max Samuels lived there and Fed Davis was the last to live in it as we remember.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nAnother house at Silver City was occupied by Tate Wilburn and Guy Samuels.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nIn 1917, when Cora Sue Woods Wishard was a little girl, she stopped there with her daddy at Silver City. They were selling homemade ice cream. She got an ice cream cone and a strawberry soda pop. The store was run then by Tate Wilburn. He ran the store util Mr. Andrews Samuels took over around 1918. Mr. Samuels ran the store for many years.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nClarence Russell ran the store at one time probably about 1935. They remodeled the store and tore the top story off. They lived in the back end of the store while he ran it.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nMr. Samuels then sold the store to Dewey Holland in 1936. Mr. R. B. Tompkins ran the store for about a year. Mr. Tompkins was Staley Seal's father-in-law, and he also ran the Butussle store for awhile. They sold groceries and kerosene at the store. I don't remember them having cheese at the store. I always thought they should have sold cheese.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nMax Samuels was the last one to run the store. The store burnt while he was running it, and he never rebuilt the store. <\/p>

\r\n\r\nThe Woodmen of the World Club held their meeting sin the upstairs of the store. They would have slang jang suppers. I'm not sure if they were for fellowship or fund raisers. It has been rumored that some of the young boys, including Hulsey Thompson, Ed Samuels, John Samuels, Till Rogers, and probably others used to go upstairs and dress up in the robes that belonged to the Woodmen. They would pretend that they were members.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nHenry Yarbrough, of Windom, remembers that the mail would be delivered to Silver City, and someone from Windom would go to Silver City and pick up the mail that belonged to Windom.<\/p>

\r\n\r\nSubmitted by : Wayne & Cora Sue Wishard<\/p>"},{"twn_id":83,"twn_name":"Sowell's Bluff","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.749825","twn_lon":"-96.194425","twn_elev":525,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":84,"twn_name":"Spring Hill","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.608992","twn_lon":"-96.010250","twn_elev":646,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"springhill_school.jpg","twn_caption":"Spring Hill School","twn_text":"Drawing of the Spring Hill School by Bill Rigsby was provided to us by Charlotte Bankton. Thanks, Charlotte! Another of his drawings of the Spring Hill Presbyterian Church<\/a> is also posted on site."},{"twn_id":85,"twn_name":"Telephone","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.781211","twn_lon":"-96.018033","twn_elev":568,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":75488,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"telephone_1900.jpg","twn_caption":"This photo was published in the Bonham Daily Favorite on April 20, 1976. The caption reads:

\"Telephone's Main Street Way Back\" \"The postcard mailed at Telephone back in 1909
shows the main street of the town around 1900, according to Calvin Felts who brought the picture in. It belongs to Gene Jackson<\/sa> and was mailed to C. B. Jackson<\/sa>, Afton, Texas, June 21, 1909, by Rule Darling<\/sa>.\"<\/p>","twn_text":"

The first place of business in Telephone was a general store. It was opened in 1886 and owned by Poke Hindman<\/sa>. This town did not have a name so the citizens sent in the name of Telegraph. It was rejected because there was already a town in Texas by that name. Mr. Hindman<\/sa> had the only telephone at that time and the name of Telephone was given to our town. The Post Office was established here on December 27, 1886. The first postmaster was Calvin Kemmins<\/sa>.<\/p>

Telephone has been blessed with good churches. The Church of Christ was organized in or about the 1870's. The Methodist Church was moved from Forest Grove Cemetery to its present location in about 1900. The High Prairie Baptist Church was organized December 1, 1883. The land was given by J. G. Phillips<\/sa> and M. E. Phillips<\/sa> to the trustees who were L. P. Hawkins<\/sa>, H. T. Phillips<\/sa> and Pinkey Martin<\/sa>. It was a two acre tract located one mile east of Telephone. The date is not known when the building was built. The members met in the homes of members until the building was finished. In 1936 the building was town down and moved to Telephone where it now stands. The name was changed from the High Prairie Baptist to Telephone Baptist in 1936.<\/p>

The Forest Grove Cemetery was established in January 1884. The first body that was removed from the High Prairie Baptist Church lot to the cemetery was the body of Dixie Mitchell<\/sa>. In 1945 the Cemetery Association was formed and the first caretaker was a Mr. Hood<\/sa>. We have had several caretakers and each one has done a good job. Our present caretaker is Mr. H. R. Davis<\/sa>. Looking at the cemetery today we give a big thanks to the caretakers and the many, many who have been so faithful with their donations.<\/p>

The Telephone school was first located one and a half miles north and east of Telephone. In the 1860's or 1870's the building is said to have been a large one room building. The name of the school then is not known as this was before Telephone was named. This was told to Calvin Felts<\/sa> by Mr. Henry Hawkins<\/sa> who remembered his father telling about it. We do have the records of the school in 1905; there were three teachers with an enrollment of 240. Only grades one through nine were taught in 1905.<\/p>\r\n

In the early years Telephone had a drug store, blacksmith shop, two grist mills, barber shop and two or three general stores where you could buy anything from a coffin to a pair of shoe laces and even a buggy. Some of the early merchants were J. M. Darling<\/sa>, J. C. Neal<\/sa> and Mitchell Mayfield<\/sa>.<\/p>

Telphone has had several doctors. Dr. Cooper<\/sa> and Dr. Cravens<\/sa> practiced here and some that followed in later years were: Dr. Pirth<\/sa>, Dr. Williams<\/sa>, Dr. Price<\/sa> and Dr. Yarbrough<\/sa>. Submitted by Calvin Felts. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":86,"twn_name":"Trenton","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.430664","twn_lon":"-96.338592","twn_elev":761,"twn_size":"1.6","twn_pop":662,"twn_zipcode":75490,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Trenton is situated in the southwest part of Fannin County, some two miles from the Grayson County line. Some of the finest black land in Fannin County can be found here. This part of the country was known as Wild Cat Thicket. There were wildcats, panthers, bears, deer, wolves, turkeys and prairie chickens in abundance. The first settler was a man named Saunders<\/sa> who settled in 1849. The south portion of Trenton was built on the Saunders<\/sa>' land.<\/p>

In 1852 a number of people arrived to settle Wild Cat Thicket. They settled northeast of Trenton. A wagon train came from Tennessee bringing the Burns<\/sa>, Aldredge<\/sa>, Squires<\/sa>, Andrews<\/sa>, and Chadwell<\/sa> families. They built their homes and fenced the land for cultivation. Wild cattle, bears and hogs had to be fenced out. Mrs. Dunn<\/sa>, who died in 1976, was a Squire<\/sa>. She remembered seeing a bear in their yard when she was a small child about 80 years ago.<\/p>

Trenton came into existence when the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad came in 1881. The town took its name from Trenton, New Jersey. The post office was established on December 2, 1881 and the first postmaster was George H. Saunders<\/sa>. The first hotel was operated by Burgher Reed<\/sa>. W. A. Jackson<\/sa> operated the first furniture store. The first school in 1884 was taught by Ferdinand Eddie<\/sa>. Mrs. Lula Moss<\/sa> from Kentuckytown was also a teacher. Masonic Lodge No 761 was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Texas on December 7, 1893. The first church was used jointly by the Methodist, Baptist and Christians. The First Baptist Church was organized January 7, 1877 as the Smyrna Baptist Church of Christ. In 1886 the name was changed to the First Baptist Church of Trenton. The First United Methodist Church was organized in 1887, the present building erected in 1896. It was located south of the railroad.<\/p>\r\n

The first newspaper was published in Trenton by Harvey Diggs<\/sa> and J. G. Talbot<\/sa> in 1893 and was called the Trenton Review.<\/sa> In 1930 large-scale commercial planting of onions began and today Trenton is the third largest shipping point for onions in North Texas.<\/p>

The First National Bank of Trenton was founded in 1901 by three men: John Donaghey<\/sa>, Y. B. Reed<\/sa> and J. B. Robinson<\/sa> who served as principal officers for the first 33 years of its existence. Today some of the third generation of the founding fathers serve as directors. They are Lewis W. Donaghey<\/sa>, James W. Donaghey<\/sa> and Jimmie Reed Butler<\/sa>; also Roy G. Robinson<\/sa>, Lewis Wheeler Donaghey<\/sa>, J. T. Holloway<\/sa>, Joe Wolfe<\/sa>, Elizabeth Donaghey<\/sa> and Mrs. Henry Donaghey<\/sa>. Author Unknown [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":87,"twn_name":"Tulip","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.808156","twn_lon":"-96.131369","twn_elev":489,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Tulip, the oldest community in north Fannin County, was located in Tulip Bend of Red River. It became the first permanent settlement in the county in April 1836 when Dr. Daniel Rowlett<\/sa>, John<\/sa> and Edward Stephens<\/sa>, Daniel Slack<\/sa>, Richard Locke<\/sa>, Jabez Fitzgerald<\/sa> and Mark Roberts<\/sa> came by boat up Red River and located a settlement called Lexington. Jacob Black<\/sa>'s cabin at Lexington was named the seat of justice when Fannin County was created in December 1837. After the county seat was moved to Old Warren in 1840, Lexington was usually called Tulip.<\/p>

In 1885 Pope Spurlin<\/sa> Company operated a general store, J. N. and R. C. Thompson<\/sa> ran a sawmill, a grist mill and a gin and P. L. McRae<\/sa> dealt in liquors. A tri-weekly stage coach was the public transportation to Bonham and other communities. There was a one-teacher school until 1914 when another building replaced it. A Methodist Church financed by a note signed by T. M. Spurlin<\/sa>, Henry Pope<\/sa> and T. E. Lawrence<\/sa>, who donated the lane for the church site.<\/p>

A post office was located in McRae<\/sa>'s liquor establishment in 1890. The first official business of Fannin County was transacted in the cabin of Jacob Black<\/sa> at Tulip Bend the same year.<\/p>

A farm road has made transportation more pleasant than the narrow, dusty one. Modern farm equipment which requires large acreage has replaced the small farmer. The school was consolidated with Ivanhoe, the church building was moved to New Hope, the store closed and the blacksmith left because there were no horses to shoe. Tulip is a thriving agricultural center today. By Mable Laughlin. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":88,"twn_name":"Union Hill","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.464275","twn_lon":"-96.280814","twn_elev":646,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":89,"twn_name":"Valley Creek","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.462610","twn_lon":"-96.248460","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":12,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"valley_creek_store.jpg","twn_caption":"Photo from The History of Leonard, Texas, Volume II<\/i>.","twn_text":"

Valley Creek was established 12 miles south of Bonham and surrounded by productive land and plentiful timber. In 1888 it had one store, one steam gin and mill, a planing mill where spokes and wagon timbers were put up, a church building a schoolhouse and a population of 200 residents. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>
"},{"twn_id":90,"twn_name":"Virginia Point","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.656217","twn_lon":"-96.374986","twn_elev":650,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

North Texas' oldest church is the Virginia Point Methodist Church, located six miles northeast of Bells. It dates back to the pioneer days of the circuit riders and traveling preachers who rode horseback through the wilds to carry the word of God to the people who braved the new frontier.<\/p>\r\n

The present church site is about a quarter of a mile west of the first site, known in 1834 as the Illinois School. This was because the people who settled in this area in those days all came from Illinois.<\/p>

The school building was hewn out of native oak timber and the old oak timber and the log house was heated by a large wood burning fireplace that reached almost the entire width of the room. The seats were backless, made of hewn logs pegged to the floor. One of the early day teachers was a Captain Ben Williams<\/sa>.<\/p>

Services were held when a visiting preacher showed up. And, although this was long before the days of telephone and telegraph, the pioneers still got the word out and when a visiting preacher was in the area, people came from miles. In those days this was the only church between what is now Bonham and Denison, neither of the two towns had even come into being.<\/p>

Church records were kept in the home of a member and when that home burned around 1858, the records went with it. As a result, present records start from 1860, when the Virginia Point site was chosen. And again, the name, \"Virginia Point\", came about because, by then, the people settling here were mostly from Virginia.<\/p>\r\n

A local carpenter, Peter Turner<\/sa>, supervised the building of the Virginia Point Church in 1860 and the building was completed in 1861. The foundation and the lumber for the floors and seats came from oak timber sawed at the Red River. The pine siding came from Jefferson. It was hauled by R. T. Fleming<\/sa> and Riley Chaffin<\/sa> by ox wagon, taking a month to make the trip.<\/p>

As was customary in the old days, the churches had their own cemeteries. However, since the Virginia Point Church started out in homes, later moved to the Illinois school, the first cemetery used by church members was donated by the Andy B. Youree<\/sa> family and is a mile away from the churchyard established in about 1870 at the church.<\/p>

Both Andy B. Youree<\/sa> and his wife, Atayaliah Youree<\/sa>, are buried in the Youree Cemetery. In both cemeteries there are many unmarked graves which shelter the bodies of slaves owned by the Youree<\/sa> family and others prior to their emancipation.<\/p>

Soldiers returning from the Civil War camped in the school house and several died from smallpox. Shortly after, the school house burned leaving the Virginia Point Methodist Church, the monument to remind the present descendants of the faith and love that must have motivated its origin. By Mrs. Mable Gregory. [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>"},{"twn_id":91,"twn_name":"Warren","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":null,"twn_lon":null,"twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":92,"twn_name":"White Rock","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.474417","twn_lon":"-96.193400","twn_elev":568,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":93,"twn_name":"White Shed","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.632603","twn_lon":"-96.165533","twn_elev":597,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":94,"twn_name":"Whitewright","twn_county":"Grayson","twn_lat":"33.511136","twn_lon":"-96.393400","twn_elev":751,"twn_size":"2.1","twn_pop":1740,"twn_zipcode":75419,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":""},{"twn_id":104,"twn_name":"Willow Grove","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.425533","twn_lon":"-95.998617","twn_elev":null,"twn_size":null,"twn_pop":null,"twn_zipcode":null,"twn_areacode":null,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"willow_grove.jpg","twn_caption":"Map provided by the Burleson History Center of Ladonia.
\r\nThe Black Church at Stalcup was the first location of Little Bethel Baptist Church.","twn_text":"Click on the map to view a larger image. GPS Coordinates shown are for the location of the Mt. Zion Cemetery shown on the map. Since there is no longer a \"town\" these coordinates will give a good estimated area where the Willow Grove Community was located.
\r\nAccording to Granville Fields, Willow Grove did not have a white church but had a church type meeting once every 2-3 years in the school house. Children from Silver City went to Woods School and Dog Town children attended the Bartley Woods School.
\r\nThe Mt. Zion Baptist Church was on the grounds of the Mt. Zion Cemetery."},{"twn_id":95,"twn_name":"Windom","twn_county":"Fannin","twn_lat":"33.565381","twn_lon":"-95.999136","twn_elev":696,"twn_size":"0.5","twn_pop":245,"twn_zipcode":75492,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":"windom.jpg","twn_caption":"","twn_text":"

Into this unchartered realm came Nancy Fitzgerald<\/sa> and her children, the Abraham McClellans<\/sa>, Jacob Baldwin<\/sa>, Major James Donaldson<\/sa>, Billy Longmires<\/sa> and others. The land on which these families settled were the surveys of Nancy Fitzgerald<\/sa>, John Bolser<\/sa>, William Perry<\/sa> and Jemiah Pennington<\/sa>. They acquired this land by purchase or by grant.<\/p>\r\n

As the early settlers came and the settlement began to grow, the Texas and Pacific Railroad came in 1872. The early settlers brought their meat, milk, butter, eggs, cakes and pies to sell to the workmen on the railroad. At this time this place became a flag stop for the train. Tradition has it that this place is the highest point between Texarkana and Fort Worth. It was so windy from the rolling prairie breezes, that it took its name Windom. Others say the conductor's name was Windom<\/sa> and they named the town for him.<\/p>

In 1876 or 1877 Windom was laid out in blocks and lots on the Bolser<\/sa> survey. By 1890 Windom was a prosperous town of 100 people. There was a post office and a railroad station. J. F. Steelman<\/sa> was postmaster and also agent for the Texas and Pacific Railroad; Windom received mail daily. B. J. Cagle<\/sa> had lumber; the Hooper<\/sa> brothers had a gin and a grist mill; J. M. Neel<\/sa> was the physician; Smith<\/sa> and Settle<\/sa> had groceries; William Self<\/sa> was the blacksmith and wagonmaker. The three oldest houses in Windom are on the north side of town. They are the S. D. Wright<\/sa> home built in 1887, the Joe Steelman<\/sa> and the S. D. Settle<\/sa> homes which were built about a year later.<\/p>

The town of Windom was established in 1880, incorporated in 1918. There were two stores, a hardware and a drug company. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows built a two-story building. The lodge was instituted January 22, 1894, demized in 1902, resuscitated in 1904, and again demized December 3, 1929. The first one-room school house was established in 1884. On June 12, 1897 the school district sold a lot to the Christian Church stating that the money was to be used for paying for another lot and house for school purposes. The lot bought is the present school lot bought from A. A. Troutman<\/sa> on the same day. This was the second school house. It was made in the shape of a \"T\" with the two large rooms on the south and the small one on the north. The school continued there until about 1906 or 1907 when the Windom school district bought land from M. Word<\/sa> adjoining the one owned by the school. On these two lots they built a two-story frame building which stood until about 1924 when the building became unsafe. Another building was built and is standing today.<\/p>

The Methodist Church was built in 1891. It was a long frame building in which the people faced the west and the preacher the east. Later another room was added and the same building is still standing today. The first pastor of the church was Thomas W. Lowell<\/sa> and the first wedding held in the church was that of Betty Robertson<\/sa> and Wiley Husley<\/sa>.<\/p>

The Baptist Church was built in 1886 and the first pastor was Reverend E. Owens<\/sa> and the first wedding held in this church was Annie Wright<\/sa> and Dr. George W. Whitley<\/sa> on November 20, 1895.<\/p>

The Christian Church was built in 1897 or 1898 and the first wedding was Elizabeth \"Lizzie\" Baldwin<\/sa> (a granddaughter of Nancy Fitzgerald<\/sa>) and Fred Williamson<\/sa>.<\/p>

The Presbyterian Church was built in the 1890's and moved away in 1930. This church was built on the addition west of the original plat of Windom, known as the Starling<\/sa> addition.<\/p>

On December 3, 1898 from the Nancy Fitzgerald<\/sa> survey in the south part of Windom, land was sold by A. A. Troutman<\/sa> to Madison Word<\/sa>. This land was laid off in blocks and lots to correspond with the streets of Windom running east and west. They are Maple, College and Hackberry Streets.<\/p>

The addition east of the original town plat was opened about 1917. This land was sold by M. T. Starling<\/sa> out of the Bolser<\/sa> survey. Windom and its people went through a very prosperous time from 1900 to 1929. When the town was incorporated in 1918 the population was 350, in 1930 317 and in 1940 the population was 240. By Mrs. E. A. (Ruby Wigley) Pulliam<\/sa>, Our Town<\/sa> [Fannin County Folks and Facts]<\/sa><\/p>

\r\n\r\nInformation on the Fairview Baptist Church<\/a>, the First Christian Church<\/a> and the Windom United Methodist Church<\/a> is on the Honey Grove Preservation League<\/a> website."},{"twn_id":101,"twn_name":"Wolfe City","twn_county":"Hunt","twn_lat":"33.367996","twn_lon":"-96.070430","twn_elev":692,"twn_size":"1.5","twn_pop":1566,"twn_zipcode":75496,"twn_areacode":903,"twn_dir":"","twn_image":null,"twn_caption":"","twn_text":"Wolfe City is approximately seventeen miles north of Greenville in north central Hunt County. The city was settled in the 1860s or 1870s when J. Pinckney Wolfe built a mill near the banks of Oyster Creek."}]}