USA > Texas > Harrison County > Marshall > History Of Marshall Texas > Part 4
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On May 17, 1927, the voters of the City of Marshall voted for twenty-three amendments to the city charter which changed the Commission form of 'City Government to the City Manager form. Marshall was one of the first
29 Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
80Mr. J. A. "Joe" Riley. Newspaper clipping.
HISTORY .SINCE THE CIVIL WAR
cities to use the City Manager form of government in the State of Texas.
"On April 4, 1939, the voters of the City of Marshall voted for an amendment to be added to the city charter. The amendment had to do with making it where the city could take in any territory outside of the city limits without the consent of the people, living in the territory if it did not" have a government of its own.31 The amendment to the city charter giving the city this authority was used when in December 1945 the Victory Drive' section was annexed, bringing into the city eighty-eight more families,'In 1947 the Glendale Addition was annexed to the city. 32
At a meeting of Council' Chambers of August 9, 1881, a new office - Street Commissioner - was created to build and repair streets. At a meeting on October 4, 1881, the duties of the mayor and the city secretary were made. The Mayor's salary would be $50 a month and the Aldermen would be paid $3 for the attending of each meeting as set at the meeting of December 20, 1881. At the meeting on May 9, 1883, the bids on Marshall Messenger and Tri- Weekly were referred to the Finance Committee. At the meeting of May 15, 1883, the Marshall Messenger was ac- cepted as the Marshall newspaper.3,3
The first bank came to Marshall in the year of 1877. It was the Garrett and Key Bank, 'a private enterprise. Later it was changed to the First National Bank of Mar- shall. It has been one of the most successful banks in the city.
The Marshall National Bank was first organized by business men of the city on July 25, 1889. The bank has proven to be one of the best in the history of the city.
On November 5, 1913, there was organized the Guaranty State Bank that had a capital investment of $75,000. Later on it changed to the State National Bank that became im- portant in the City of Marshall as long as it lived. 34
Many business firms and industrial plants came into existence as the little town expanded.
The Texas and Pacific Shops, which have proved to be a great aid to the City of Marshall, were begun in 1870.
In 1875 a group of men, recognizing Marshall's 'need of an ice supply, met with M. Israelson. They constructed the ice plant and from it developed the Marshall Ice and
. 31City Charter of Marshall, Texas.
32Mrs. Chesly F. Adams. Letter.
83Minutes, City of Marshall, Texas.
34Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
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HISTORY OF MARSHALL
Electric Company. The company was helpful to the people of Marshall for the time it lasted. 35
On September 2, 1878 a partnership, composed of Joe Weisman and Dan Dopplemayer, started a business located at 100 North Bolivar. Later on it became the Joe Weisman and Company department store. ' The Joe Weisman and Company department store has become known as one of the most outstanding department stores in East Texas. 36
In the late 1880's there was a one horse light machine operated where the Marshall Mill and Elevator Company is now located, at the Texas and Pacific tracks. From this machine has, developed the Southwestern, Gas and Electric Company, a successful business concern.
Sometime in the 1880's telephones came into existence in the City of Marshall; Texas. The first few phones have developed into the Southwestern Bell Telephone Com- pany.37
The Logan and Whaley Hardware Store, which has proven to be one of the best in East Texas was first organ- ized at Marshall in 1884.38
The Fry Hodge Drug Company was established in Mar- shall in 1884. It has been one of the most outstanding drug stores in East Texas.
The Marshall Compress Company started in 1885 at Marshall under E. L. Wells, Jr., as superintendent. It is a successful business in the city.
One night in June 1892, during the middle of a ball the roof of Capitol Hotel caught on fire and by heroic work it was put out with only damage being to the roof. At that time the Capitol Hotel was under Dr. G. M. Phillips. The building was purchased about twenty-five or thirty years ago by Sam B. Perkins who changed the name to Hotel Marshall and made Perkins Brothers Department store on the lower floor. The upper floor continued to be used as a hotel.
The McPhail Hardware Company was established in the City of Marshall in 1891 to become one of the oldest con- cerns in East Texas. 39
The Marshall Pottery Company was begun in 1891 by a
35Sketches Drawn From Marshall and Vicinity, Past and Present. 36 Marshall News Messenger, August 31, 1947.
87 Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
38Sketches Drawn From Marshall and Vicinity, Past and Present. 39Marshall News Messenger, August' 23, 1936.
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HISTORY SINCE THE CIVIL WAR
Mr. Rocker who in .1904 sold it to Mr. S. H. Ellis. It has been successful since its organization. 40
The Hub Shoe Store was established at Marshall in the year 1897 by M. L. Weisman. It is well-known through- out East Texas as being an old and successful firm.
The Star Bottling Works opened at Marshall on January 2, 1902. Later on it was changed to the Coca-Cola Bottling Company which has become one of the most important busi- nesses in the city.
In 1903,John Harter, Sr., established the City Laundry Company in' Marshall. It has been a successful business. In 1904 the W. D. Allen Agency which was later on known as Brownrigg Insurance Company was in operation. It has been very successful in Marshall as a business. .
In 1905 the Marshall Marble and Granite works were established; it, also, has been a successful business.
The Matthewson-Pelz Jewelry Company was organized in 1907, and is today a successful business in Marshall,
The Windt Jewelry Company was established at Mar- shall on August 1, 1912. It became one of the important jewelry stores in the city.
On May 24, 1909, Marshall had the honor to be one of the first four cities in the State of Texas and in the United States to have natural gas piped to it. As part of the cele- bration of the connection of the gas line that night, a gas pipe twenty feet high, that had been connected to the mains and set upon the court-house lawn was set ablaze. The natural gas came from two gas wells at Waskom, Texas and it amazed the people of Marshall, who saw the event, to see a flame go so high into the air. The first manager of the Marshall Gas Company was W. H. Sedberry. A Shreveport firm, Hunter and McCormick, financed the first gas project in Marshall. In 1911 the following made the' office force: W. H. Sedberry, W. B. Currey, and Clar- ence Hall. In 1936 W. B. Currey was manager, E. L. Covin was chief clerk, J. E. Hendry was foreman of construction, W. M. Stephens was industrial engineer, and William Biggio was construction engineer. The company is known as the United .Gas. 41
In 1911, the Marshall Brick and Manufacturing Com- pany was organized with an investment of $40,000. It later became one of the important industries of the City of Marshall.
40 Sketches Drawn From Marshall and Vicinity, Past and Present. 41Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
38
HISTORY OF MARSHALL
In 1911, under the laws of Texas citizens of Marshall, Texas and Plymouth, Indiana, organized the Marshall Manufacturing Company in Marshall. It later became one of the most important industries of the city. 42
Marshall has made rapid progress in the business world during the last two or three decades. For example the city now has an excellent business center, modern schools and churches, good recreational facilities, and last, but not least, a radio station.
The Darco Corporation was established at Marshall in May 1922. It has become one of the leading industries in the city.
The Palace Cleaners was established at .Marshall in 1922. It is one of the leading businesses in the city.
The J. C. Penney Company was established at Mar- shall in 1922. It is one of the leading firms in the city. 43
Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Hendry and son, Percy T., started a grocery business in 1924. It has become one of the lead- ing businesses in the Van Zandt section of the city.44
In July 1929, Mr. Frank Banta started the Home Gro- cery food store. It has become one of the leading businesses in the city.
In 1925 Dr. N. C. Matthewson established the Made Rite Company at Marshall. It has become a well-known firm in Marshall.
In October 1926 Mr. A. W. Dunn organized the A. W. Dunn Transfer Company in Marshall. It became one of the leading firms in the city.
The Texas Milk Products Company was organized in 1928. This business became one of the most influential businesses in the city.
The Harkrider Furniture Company was first opened on February 4, 1930, and is owned by Mr. W. W. Harkrider. It is one of the leading furniture stores in the city. 45
In early 1947, the Blue Buckle Overall plant was opened in the City of Marshall. It should become one of the leading industries in the, city. 46
On March 12, 1947, Marshall became headquarters for KMHT, a Mutual Broadcasting System station, broad- casting on the frequency of 1450.47
42Sketches Drawn From Marshall and Vicinity, Past and Present. 43 Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
44Mr. W. T. Hendry.
45 Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
46 Marshall Chamber of Commerce.
47 Marshall News Messenger, March 11, 1947.
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HISTORY SINCE THE CIVIL WAR
Educational development in Marshall had begun with the Marshall University school, as we have recorded else- where. But progress in education had not come to a stand- still, even during Reconstruction.
In 1873 Wiley College in the City of Marshall, Texas opened its doors for negroes. It has become one of the most outstanding negro schools in the United States.
Bishop College, another negro school of high grade, that has proven to be successful first opened its doors to students in the fall of 1881.48
The College of Marshall opened its doors to the young people of East Texas and the surrounding area in the sum- mer of 1917. It became one of the most outstanding Junior colleges in the State of Texas. On January 31, 1944, the Board of Trustees of the College of Marshall voted to change the name of the institution to the East Texas. Baptist Col- lege and make it a senior college at the same time. The East Texas Baptist College has been an active influence in the'lives of the people of Marshall. 49
Marshall was feeling the need of a city library by 1900. Several enterprising citizens decided to remedy this situ- ation. Mrs. E. Key, Mrs. T. B. Owens, and Professor W. D. Allen met with a group of Marshallites at the old Knights of Pythias lodge building and discussed ways to raise funds for a library. They were successful in organ- izing the Marshall Public Library. The library was destined to do much toward the creation of a cultural-minded citizenry.50
Several churches were formed in the 1870's and 1880's.
In 1874 the Catholic Church was founded in the City of Marshall. It has proven to be a success in the long num- ber of years it has been, at Marshall.
The Northside Methodist Church that is now known as the Summit Street Methodist Church was established in Marshall in 1885 or 1886.51
The Jewish families that lived in the City of Marshall formed a congregation and organized a church in the year 1887. It has proven to be a successful church in the city.
The First Christian Church of the City of Marshall was first organized in 1888.52
48Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
49The East Texas Baptist College Bulletin of 1945-1946.
50Mrs. W. A. Nunley. Newspaper clipping.
51Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
52Sketches Drawn From Marshall and Vicinity, Past and Present.
40
HISTORY OF MARSHALL
The Church of Christ, Scientists, was organized in'1889. It has been successful in its work in the city.53
Several more churches were organized in the last thirty-five years.
In 1915 a small band of people started meeting in the City Hall of Marshall and organized the Church of Christ. It is one of the important churches in the city.54
In July 1932, the Nazarene Church was organized in the City of Marshall. It has become one of the leading churches of the city.55
In 1937 the Memorial Baptist Church was organized in the City of Marshall. 56
On November 7, 1943, the Central Baptist Church was organized in the City of Marshall. It has done much in church activities in its short history.57
Several newspapers were published in Marshall in the 1870's, but not all were successful. The Tri-Weekly Herald, published by Howard Hamments and Eugene Sloan soon went out, of business. But there were still two newspapers in Marshall in 1869, and as the field was limited, there was hearty competition.
The East Texas Bulletin, an early Marshall endeavor in the newspaper field, published by Hamments and Sloan, went out of business in 1870. The' Marshall Reporter, published by Mr. Kennedy, remained as the victor.58
The Marshall Messenger, destined to become one of the best dailies in East Texas, was established as a weekly in 1877 by E. M. Ragland.59
On September 2, 1919, Homer M. Price and Bryan Bla- lock started the newspaper, Marshall Morning News. It was important and influential in the city. 60
In 1912 the Progressive League, an organization of business men, was organized in the City of Marshall. Mr. Marvin Turney was the president of the organization which continued until the World War One when it sus- pended. 61
58 Marshall News Messenger, October 26, 1941.
54Mrs. G. C. Sikes. Newspaper clipping. 55 Mrs. Elmer Wheeler.
56Mr. J. Wesley Smith.
57 History of the Central Baptist Church, Marshall, Texas, 1943-1946. 58Marshall News Messenger, February 9, 1947.
59Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
60Sketches Drawn From Marshall and Vicinity, Past and Present. 61Mr. Marvin Turney.
HISTORY SINCE THE CIVIL WAR
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The Marshall Chamber of Commerce was founded on April 23, 1919. It has become one of the most influential organizations in the City of Marshall. 62
The Marshall Rotary Club was organized on June 15, 1919. It has been one of the most helpful clubs in the city. 63
The Marshall Lions Club first organized in 1921 and later disbanded but re-organized on May 12, 1938, and since that time has been actively identified with the prog- ress of the city. 64
The Marshall Kiwanis Club was first organized in 1923. It has become one of the most influential clubs in Marshall. 65
The Marshall Junior Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1936. It has become one of the important organizations in the city. 66
The Marshall Altrusa Club was organized in the city in January 1942. It is one of the leading women clubs in the city.67
The Marshall Optimist Club was organized in November 1945. It has become one of the leading clubs in the city. 68
The City of Marshall had a big struggle on the question of prohibition in 1910. Many of the people of Marshall were against prohibition; some people argued that liquor demoralized. Many who were against it wanted to sell whiskey, for profits were high. Money, to many, was more important than the morality of the town. It was against the law to sell liquor to boys under eighteen, the law was openly disregarded. In 1910, Harrison County was the only county in Texas east of Dallas that had saloons. There were sixteen saloons. Nine-tenths of the business men of the city were for the whiskey crowd and were against prohibition.
In April 1910, a meeting was held in the First Metho- dist Church composed of one hundred men selected by the pastors of the city. Dr. J. F. Rosborough, Homer M. Price, N. C. Matthewson, W. T. Twyman, W. A. Adair, Harry McGee, and F. H. Prendergast made up the executive com- mittee. A petition was circulated to be signed in Precinct One. The County Commissioner's Court refused, however,
62Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
63Mr. N. D. Goldberg.
64Mr. Ernest Smith.
65 Mr. Arnold Milner.
66 Marshall News Messenger, October 26, 1941.
67 Miss Margaret Bracher. 68Mr. Max Lale.
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HISTORY OF MARSHALL
to grant the petition of the prohibitionists, but granted instead the petition of the saloon element. The prohibi- tionists thought it unfair; the election was hotly contested. Both sides brought speakers into Marshall to aid in the campaign. Marshall business men would not advertise in the newspaper, The Sentinel, published by Homer M. Price, since this newspaper had started the county cam- paign for Prohibition. Parades were held, and great excite- ment prevailed throughout the city. Some of the stores closed for several days for the important election. On election day even the school was dismissed. When the smoke of battle disappeared it wa's evident that the Pro's had won by a majority of 157 votes. A few months later the county was voted dry. Thus Marshall, voted, liquor out before either the State of Texas or the United States did.
The city, although it has been equipped with an excellent. health department for many years,, has had its share of epidemics.
There was a yellow fever epidemic in the City of Mar- shall beginning September 10, 1873 to October 30, 1873. Everybody who was out of town was asked to remain. Seventy people, died as a result of this epidemic in less than two months
In 1900 the City of Marshall had an epidemic of small-' pox.
In 1912 there was an epidemic of meningitis in Mar- shall. No record was kept of the number of deaths and cases. There were many cases and several of them proving to be fatal.
In the latter part of 1918 and the early part of. 1919 there was an epidemic of influenza in the City of Marshall. There were between 600 and 700 cases; however only seventy of them proving fatal. 69
The City of Marshall during these years was rapidly becoming one of the most outstanding, progressive and essential cities in the State of Texas.
Chapter V
Educational Development of Marshall
The" excellent educational facilities afforded by Mar- shall have proved throughout the years to be one of the' chief factors in the city's growth and development.
One of Marshall's earliest educational endeavors was Marshall University, originally known as the Van Zandt University.1 It was a well known school in its day; indeed, Marshall at the time was termed the "Athens of Texas." The president of the last Board of Directors of the school, was T. P. Young with C. W., Feilds, secretary, and the members of the board were Julian Pitts, Joe Andrews, W. T. Twyman, T. L. Whaley, Y. D. Harrison, 'R. P. Little- john, J. T. Rosborough, and J. T. Carter.
It was in the year 1842 that Sam Houston first gave Marshall University the authority to prescribe courses, confer degrees, and receive donations. On March 23, of the following year, Peter Whetstone donated a ten-acre plot to the school. Whetstone, able neither to read nor write, made a mark on the deed after Isaac Van Zandt signed for him.2 If not used for educational purposes' the land was to revert back to Whetstone or his heirs.3
Success seemed assured after this first donation. Many land grants were later made to the University.
The first building was a log house, 20 by 40 feet.4 In December 1849, an addition was made to this original building. To the female department an addition of 20 by 60 feet was made and to the male department an addi- tion of 30 by 60 feet.5
The school's first President was Virgil M. DuBose. In 1849 he was succeeded by James M. Morphis, who had formerly served as principal of the Male Department. Heading the Female Department at the same time was Rev. E. J. Dickey, who, in 1850, was succeeded by Thomas Wilson. W. A. Tarleton was added as Professor of Foreign Languages. 7
1Sketches Drawn From Marshall and Vicinity, Past and Present. 2Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.,
3Sketches Drawn From Marshall and Vicinity, Past and Present. +Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
5Armstrong, J. C., History of Harrison County, Texas, (1839-1880). 6Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
Armstrong, J. C., History of Harrison County, Texas, (1839-1880).
69Sketches Drawn From Marshall and Vicinity, Past and Present.
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HISTORY OF MARSHALL
The first spring session was organized in 1850, and before long more adequate buildings became necessary. On May 1, 1851, Marshall University signed a contract with George B. Adkins to erect a new building. It was to be a two-story brick affair, fifty feet wide and seventy-five feet long. Erected in due time, it cost approximately $10,000.
But in spite of its excellent service to the community and its widespread popularity, Marshall University was a university only in 'name. The school was a pioneer insti- tution, and over which Marshall can be justly proud today.& Its successful organization and long continued service. illustrates the early interest taken by Marshallites in the progress of educational opportunity and culture in their community.
Many prominent citizens attended the school. Both Dr. Oscar H. Cooper, State Public School Superintendent, and United States Senator from Texas Charles A. Culber- son graduated from the University.9
It was not until March 23, 1910, exactly sixty-seven years after Whetstone's original land grant, that Marshall University closed its doors. All property of the school inside the city limits was turned over to the public school trustees. 10
The Marshall Masonic Female Institute was established at Marshall, Texas in, 1843 by the Marshall Masonic Lodge 22.11 The first president of the school was Dr. T. B. Wilson, who taught 112 girls. He taught this large girl's school for many years. After him Major, Blanch and then, Rev. C. B. Stuart presided.12 In January 1850 the Mar -: shall Masonic Female Institute erected a two-story brick building that was not razed until 1910.13 It was located where the Church of Christ, Scientist, and the late Dr. Rogers Coke resided, at the corner of North Franklin and West Burleson Streets. 14
The Marshall Masonic Female Institute was the only southern school that women might attend many years. 15 The school taught the young women of East Texas for
8Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
9Armstrong, J. C., History of Harrison County, Texas, (1839-1880).
10 Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
11Sketches Drawn From Marshall and Vicinity, Past and Present. 12Mrs. Chesly F. Adams. Letter.
13A Brief History of the First Baptist Church of Marshall, Texas, 14Mr. J. W. Cyphers.
15Sketches Drawn From Marshall and Vicinity, Past and Present. 1845-1928.
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EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF MARSHALL
fifty years, becoming one of the most popular schools in East Texas. 16
The Old Marvin Chapel, opening its doors in 1878, was a school for both boys and girls. It was named after Bishop Enoch M. Marvin, who was once pastor of the First Methodist Church in Marshall. The school was located near the Texas and Pacific Railroad yards. The building was heated by wood, which had to be kept inside for the sake , of dryness. Water came from the school well and was kept by the teachers' desks.
The entire faculty consisted of three teachers, who taught the grades one through nine. The curriculum con- sisted of arithmetic, geography, history, and spelling. Two examinations were given each year. There were ten ques- tions on each examination, and the paper had to be com- pleted within thirty-nine minutes.
The school term lasted eight months. The first six months were free, but tuition was charged for the remain- ing two months. . Those who were under eight years of age paid one dollar per month; those over sixteen years of age paid $2.50 per month.
Marvin Chapel remained for several years, but was finally forced to close because of insufficient funds.17
In the 1890's another school was organized in Marshall, this time destined to endure. It was the Marshall High School. No separate buildings were erected at the time, however; the students met classes in the Marshall Masonic Female Institute. In 1900 the first class graduated from Marshall High School.18
Then, in 1902, a high school building was erected in East Marshall, but the people in that section of town man- aged to have the board change plans and organize an ele- mentary school instead.19
After this failure, the school board decided to carry out the requirements stated in Whetstone's land grant, and erect a high school building on his ten acre plot. The old Marshall University building on this plot was now being used by the West End Elementary School. Thus the High School was erected on the same plot with the elementary school in the year 1912.20 This building served the needs
16 Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
17 Sketches Drawn From Marshall and Vicinity, Past and Present. 18Marshall News Messenger, August 23, 1936.
19Mr. J. W. Cyphers.
20 Sketches Drawn From Marshall and Vicinity, Past and Present.
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EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF MARSHALL
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