USA > Texas > Eastland County > History of Eastland County, Texas > Part 6
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The charters granted by the State to the Memphis, El Paso and Pacific Railroad, and to the Southern Trans-continental Railroad, were the results of efforts made by the people of the counties of Bowie, Red River, Lamar, Fannin, Grayson, Cooke and Denton, to secure this great East and West Railroad.
The construction of railroads was in its infancy in the early fifties. not alone in 'Texas, but in all other sections.
The numerous laws passed by the early Legislatures of Texas, offering subsidies to induce capital to come here and construct railroads, etc., clearly evidence that the early pioneers and settlers of this goodly country duly recognized and appreciated the necessity for artifi- cial means of communication and transportation facili- ties. This was practically true of Northern and Middle Texas on account of the absence of rivers and other waterways.
The building of the great East and West Railroad across the State seemed then of early consummation and efforts to secure it created considerable rivalry in the counties in the Northern half of Texas.
These people were particularly strenuous in their ef- forts to gain an advantage over the people living on the line surveyed to Dallas and Fort Worth, now the main line of the Texas and Pacific. As early as 1852, this
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
line, known as the Texas Western Railroad had obtained a charter, which later became known as the Southern Pacific, then the Texas and Pacific.
Little, however, was accomplished in the way of extensive construction of any of these lines until that master spirit, Colonel Thomas A. Scott, became identi-
THE STEAM SHOVEL AT WORK
fied with the Texas and Pacific enterprise, which was in the year of 1871-his connection continuing until 1881, or nearly up to the time of his death. During the Scott regime that portion of the road between Tex- arkana and Fort Worth, via Sherman, was constructed, and from Texarkana to Abilene, via Marshall and Shreveport.
Mr. Jay Gould acquired control of the properties
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
early in 1881, and to him is greatly due the credit for the large extensions which were made to Texas and Pa- cific properties about that time, to-wit: The extension of the line to El Paso, and from Shreveport to New Or- leans. More than half of all the mileage of the Texas and Pacific was added during the incumbency of Presi- dent Jay Gould, and was added (contrary to the idea of the general public) without any aid or subsidy, landed or otherwise, national or state.
This railway line extends entirely across Eastland County, and has contributed largely to its agricultural and commercial development.
With a diversity of soil-from sand to rich choco- late loam; with an average rainfall ; high hills and their rich store of minerals, and the uplands and valleys that produce anything agricultural, lands in Eastland have increased in value and now sell from $5.00 to $40.00 an acre.
While the road winds its way along the leading of the Palo Pinto Creek and bridges the deep gullies that feed it, and crawls around the cliffs and hills that abound, the traveler, sitting in his comfortable sleeper as it glides over the steel rails, looks out and admires the rugged scenery with the little patches of valley that make the picture more beautiful, but does not know over what historic lands and scenes of romantic adven- ture he is passing.
Eastland is rich in possibilities and offers the man seeking a home many advantages.
Under the present management of Mr. L. S. Thorne, Vice President and General Manager; Mr. John W.
A WHEAT FIELD
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
Everman, Assistant General Manager; E. L. Sargent, General Freight Agent, and Mr. E. P. Turner, General Passenger and Ticket Agent, and its efficient corps of Superintendents, the "Old Reliable" has grown in popu- larity and to-day stands without a peer in the State.
Mr. J. W. Ward is Superintendent of the Rio Grande Division-Fort Worth to El Paso-with headquarters at Big Springs.
The Passenger Conductors, Fort Worth to Big Springs, are Messrs. McCleod, Bogart, Tobin, Cole and Smith ; Engineers, Messrs, Foy, Baker, Craig, Dean and Wohlenberg.
THE TEXAS CENTRAL RAILWAY
Made its entry into Cisco, May 20, 1881, and has been a very great factor in the agricultural and com- mercial development of the County.
In 1866 or 1867, the *Houston and Texas Central Railway Company, which formerly controlled the Texas Central, sent out Captain William Armstrong to locate all public lands still unsurveyed. In this way Eastland was sectionized, that is, the land was surveyed and cut up into sections of six hundred and forty acres each.
When the road was disposed of to the present owners it was in a most deplorable condition-a mixed train ran every other day being the only passenger service. Shortly after the present management assumed control,
*The State of Texas gave this company sixteen sections of land for every mile of railroad it built between Hous- ton and Denison.
Texas Quadrat Railroad Company.
| Freight te
Texas Central Railroad Company Generaloffice
THE . Developer
GENERAL OFFICE BUILDING, WACO
RANCH SCENE NEAR STAMFORD, TEXAS CENTRAL RAILWAY
A NURSERY SCENE, TEXAS CENTRAL RAILWAY
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
in the person of Colonel Charles Hamilton as Vice Pres- ident and General Manager, and W. F. McMillan as Gen- eral Passenger and Freight Agent, daily passenger trains were put on and the interests of the line began to brighten.
When the Texas Central was built through Eastland, lands along its route "that could hardly be given away, are now worth from $20.00 to $40.00 an acre." This is due to the discovery that in the sandy loam district- which includes fully one-half of the County -- there is a clay subsoil which holds the water. *
About four years ago the travel on the road had so increased that double daily trains were put on from Waco to Dublin and in a few months this service was extended to Cisco.
Many signs of improvement evidence the prosperity and popularity of the road. The wooden bridges across gullies and creeks, which gave two bridge gangs constant employment from frequent replacing of timbers, have been replaced by cemented stone structures, and only one carpenter crew is required. A little curve in Steele's Creek, between Morgan and Fowler, was cut out liter- ally, expense and all, by building a new track around the curve. Carefulness and keen oversight seem to be Colonel Hamilton's watchwords.
Not the least thing this management has done is the
*It is a well-known fact that sand, though not able of itself alone to hold moisture very lond, parts readily with what it has and makes vegetation welcome to almost every drop it contains. Other soils, though capable of retaining moisture, are chary of giving it to the roots that forage for it.
A FARM SCENE, TEXAS CENTRAL RAILWAY
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
system of small parks and spots of green it maintains about its depots all along the line. The Company knows the investment is a good one, and keeps up the improve- ments, although it is repeatedly rumored that different roads want the property and would secure it if they could.
In the early days a joint ticket agent served the two roads at Cisco. Mr. George Langston, present station agent of the Texas and Pacific, and who filled the same position at that time, served as first, and only, joint agent. The present agent is Mr. Bulbrook, Sam Green- hill, cashier, and Mr. Brown, operator.
Superintendent Ramsey Cox maintains headquarters at Waco. The passenger conductors are Messrs. Holt. Hawkins, Hooper and Webster; Engineers, Bettis. Wig- gins, Uloth, Myers and Cottrell.
1 pos
JOYCE LANGSTON-"GOOD MORNING"
PERIOD III-1881-1904
CHAPTER I. GROWTH AND PROGRESS.
CISCO.
In 1879 (?). when there were not more than half a dozen families in this locality, Reverend C. G. Stevens established a postoffice at a passway in the hills, one mile west of town, and called it Red Gap. A floorless log school house, with one small window was built, and Mrs. Colistie Green taught school. One half mile west of Red Gap Postoffice, W. T. Caldwell had a store in which he kept dry goods and groceries.
In 1880 the Texas and Pacific Railway pushed its line on westward through Eastland County, but Red Gap continued its existence, the railroad locating its depot at Delmar. It was expected, however, that when the Texas Central reached the Texas and Pacific a town would be located at the crossing of the roads. Each day, as the iron rails led nearer and nearer to this point of crossing, saw new tents stretched, new covered wagons taking their stand, and new faces in the rapidly growing town which was called Red Gap. With the Texas Cen- tral within one mile of the junction, and the Texas and Pacific only a short distance west, many laborers and their families helped to swell the number of inhabitants, which now reached six hundred. Accommodating them- selves to the only expression where it was supposed the new town would be located, which was a wagon road
O COOPER LIVERY STABLE
FEED & SALE
VOTE
COOPER'S LIVERY STABLE
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
running east and west, the people had "squatted" on either side of this thoroughfare. In this white town were two or more stores of general merchandise, two or three grocery stores, a number of restaurants, doctors' off.ces, and Mrs. Haws' hotel, which stood about the mid- dle of Broadway, between the Daniels and Broadwell homes. Dr. Vance, who arrived in Cisco April 1, 1881, officed in the hotel group of tents.
Major Bob Elgin of Houston, who had charge of the Land Department of the Houston and Texas Central Railway, assisted by Mr. Metzo, an engineer, with T. E. Johnson as chain bearer, laid off the town. A platform was put up where Mayhew & Company's feed store now stands, and Major Elgin (who is a brother-in-law of N. R. Wilson and lives in Houston), stood there for two days and cried the lots. Mr. White secured the *first lot, paying $175.00 for it, and selected from the huge map of the town Major Elgin had at hand, the one now occupied by Cooper's livery stable.
As soon as the town was located and laid off, the inhabitants accommodated themselves to the permanent arrangement and shifted to the most desirable positions attainable and profitable to their business.
Among the business firms in the town at that time were W. A. Stevens, general merchandise, who put up the first store building); James Caldwell, Campbell Bros., Adams & Sons, Miller & Wike, Porter (Will) & Park, (who bought out Ammerman's yard) and Camer-
*Mr. R. G. Luse is the authority for the above statement. I. Lamb thinks the first lot fell to Adams & Son, and was the one now occupied by Mayhew & Co.'s warehouse, the town being first built facing the Texas Central railroad.
A ROUND-UP SCENE
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
on & Company, lumber, Taylor & Bedford (for whom William Gaultney, now banker, clerked), John Bice and Yarbrough & Martin, druggists .* The front of a lit- tle ten by twelve box store was given a coat of red paint, and the always and still popular "Red Front Drug Store" came into existence.
Mrs. Haws began the building of her hotel, which was blown down in a furious gale but immediately re- placed before the sale of lots, and managed the same until her death in 1890. The Majenta, standing near where Hall's wagon yard is, was kept by Mr. Hoddinger. Mr. W. D. Chandler had a boarding house where the Broadway now stands, and Mrs. Parker kept private boarders.
Shortly before the sale of lots took place a large number of Millet's cowboys came into town and created great consternation among the tent dwellers, as they exercised great freedom in the use of their pistols, so much so, in fact, that the constables of both Cisco and Eastland City, together with the men summoned to as- sist, were all night long (in somet safe place) devising means for their capture. They made two arrests next day, and this is no reflection on the courage of Constable Alex Simerl, either.
The first bill of lumber sold in Cisco was to Hor- ace Donaldson, who built the first residence on the lot now occupied by Moody's blacksmith shop. About the
*Dr. Vance and Dr. McNeil witnessed the contract be- tween the members of this last firm, Yarbrough furnishing the means, and Martin the brains and time.
t Authority, I. Lamb,
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
same time W. D. Chandler, T. M. Taylor, W. A. Stevens and others were building homes, and J. K. Miller, Ed Eppler, I. Lamb, B. F. James & Son, and Mr. McCor- mick were the carpenters.
Some of the names of those who were here in 1881, not mentioned above, follow :
John F. Patterson, R. G. Luse, Charley Parks, Seth Ramsey (now of Cottonwood), David Redfield of Ard- more, Judge Flemming of Seattle, Henry Hilliard of St. Louis, J. E. Luse and wife, Major Preveaux and wife and sister (Mrs. R. G. Luse), J. Alexander and wife, Mr. Turknette, W. A. Rhoads, Captain Whiteside, R. B. Vaughn, T. J. Worthington, W. J. Walker, Hugh Corri- gan, Frank and Lee Jordan, Dr. Mancill, J. T. Yeargin, J. R. P. Chapman (who built the old Bunnell resi- dence), J. W. Smith and wife, Nat Noel, Ed Morehead, Traveling Auditor Perry of the Texas Central, John Collins, G. W. Graves, T. E. Larimer, W. M. Freeman of Dallas, J. R. and K. S. Fisher, John Gude, M. B. Owen, who lost his life in the cyclone of 1893, J. J. Wallace, B. L Pate, Mr. Bunnell and family. Gomer Williams, and Miles and Quitman Eppler, George Daniels and W. A. Gude .*
A sixteen by twenty school house was put up free of charge by B. F. James and Sons and J. K. Mil- ler. In this building a Baptist minister, J. C. Finnell, taught a day school. Here, also, a union Sunday school was conducted. Mr. Chaffin, a contractor on the Texas Central Railroad, was the Superintendent. At the
*These names were furnished by Dr. Vance, W. D. Chan- dler, I. Lamb and R. G. Luse.
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
weekly prayer meeting every Wednesday night, which was attended by all denominations, there was frequently not standing room, "many being turned away." This school house was used for church purposes until the different denominations erected their own buildings. From time to time additions were made to the 16x20 school building, until it grew to be about sixteen by one hundred and was known as the "long school house."
Mr. Frank Kynette, assisted by Miss Sallie Greer, now Mrs. Reed, were succeeded by Dr. Stout, who did so much for the school and town. Dr. Stout might prop- erly be called the introducer and founder of the Public Schools of Cisco. He came here when educational in- terest was chaotic in condition, and being a man of deep learning he proved himself a Joshua, leading his people into a promised land that has since blossomed and fruited many times.
Judge Flemming, aided and encouraged by Dr. Stout, worked for a special tax for the enlarging of the school house and the incorporation of the school dis- trict, which at that time included four sections of land ! He lived in the town long enough to see his desire ac- complished. Hugh Corrigan was a warm supporter of this measure.
G. W. Graves was first Mayor of the town and Ed Campbell, Constable.
The first graduating class was Burette Patterson. Mamie Blake, Eva Winston and Laura Richardson. This was in 1888 while Charles T. Alexander was Su- perintendent.
As the Texas and Pacific pushed farther westward
L
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
inland mail routes were changed. It is interesting to note the difference in conditions and times twenty years ago and now. The Government now pays from $600 to $700 for the mails to be carried from Cisco to Rising Star. In 1882 it paid W. R. Chandler $2400.00 an- nually for carrying the mail from Cisco to Brown- wood. There was no road. W. W. Smith and Jim Tyson cut one through and the stage, which held fron. six to eight passengers, began its daily run each way (except Sundays). The first stand was at H. Mer- !ill's, the second at Uncle Tommy Anderson's, where the richly promising town of Rising Star is now lo- cated, and the third at Clio, thirteen and one-half miles north of Brownwood. The horses were changed at each stand.
Travel and express being heavy, the coaches would frequently be over full, and extra hacks would be pu: on, the lines sometimes clearing $100.00 per day. Drivers were paid $30.00 per month and board. Mr. Chandler kept two stables, one at DeLeon and one at Cisco. Fifty-five horses were used, twenty on the Brownwood line.
During the four years Mr. Chandler held the con- tract the stage was robbed several times. At last, people demanded that an officer go along. A Deputy Sheriff at Brownwood accordingly climbed up on the seat by the driver. After having left Mr. Merrill's a couple of miles behind, he saw a man coming toward them. The Sheriff held his pistol cocked under the laprobe. but coming nearer and seeing that the man was a mere slip of a boy, he let the hammer down. When the care-
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
less, kind-looking boy, was even with the driver, he cov- ered the men with his pistol and ordered "hands up." The bewildered Sheriff, however, presented his gun in stead, and several shots were exchanged, as the frightened horses broke into a wild run. Mrs. Bryan's trunk on the back of the stage had four bullet holes in it, and probably saved the lives of the passengers. Dave Hick- man was the driver on that trip.
Life in the new town was gay from sunrise to sun- rise, but gradually the fever heat passed away and the people began to grow accustomed to each other and to the conditions and assumed a more substantial attitude.
Cisco has never been a dead town, but has had sea- sons of "excitement." Twice has a *coal mine been worked rather extensively within three miles of D Ave- nue. Property has always been held at good figures. Its two railroads and eight daily trains easily give it a commercial standing superior to any other in the county.
The first National Bank organized in the County was located at Cisco. J. H. Halcomb, President; F. C. LeVeaux, Cashier. Directors: J. J. Winston, C. H. Fee, J. F. Patterson, A. B. Smith.
On April 28, 1893, Cisco was swept by a cyclone that left but few houses wholly intact. At the time there were only three storm houses in the town, and the people were unprepared and unwatchful. The awful
*As an evidence that coal does actually exist in paying quantities in this locality, the fact is cited that these mines have been extensively worked. Twice have two or three hundred miners been employed. The mines have never been abandoned because the supply of coal was exhausted, but for lack of funds.
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
storm came down upon them in all its resistless fury -- tearing, ripping and making havoc of homes. It dashed and hurled man and beast, houses and trees and fences in its mad rage, as it tore its way through the heart of the town, leaving in its terrbile wreckage twenty-eight dead and dying bodies for the glorious moon, which came out immediately, to cast its pure light upon and dispel the darkness. For months the debris lay in the streets and on the corners, so entirely was the town wrecked. To-day, however, there is no sign of the tor- nado except the stunted tops of the hardy oaks which still mark its path, while the residences are more mod- ern and the business houses are of brick or stone.
There are five churches-Baptist, Presbyterian, Christian, and Northern and Southern Methodist; the Masonic Lodge, the chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and the Masonic Lodge of the Right of Adoption, who own a large corner building; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekah Lodge, who are arranging to put up a building ; the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World, the Civic Improvement League, the XX Cen- tury and the Young Ladies' Departmental Clubs (both literary), the J. U. G. (young ladies' social club), and the W. C. T. U .; the active Ladies' Societies, Sun- day Schools, Senior and Junior Epworth Leagues and Endeavor Societies in all the churches; and the Country Club, Park, and Cemetery Associations make an aggre- gate of concentrated energy along all lines of physical, mental and moral development.
Perhaps the one thing in which Cisco, as a town. is most interested is The Public Library, founded by
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
Mr. Frank Vernon, in 1894, with one volume, Ben Hur, which he purchased. The town responded then to the call, many books being sent in at once. Shortly after this Mr. Vernon wrote Mr. Carnegie for a contribution and secured $250.00.
When it contained four hundred volumes, the founder, whose health had failed, turned the Library over to the XX Century Club as a precious legacy, be- queathing with the books all his love and energy for the enterprise. Right well have the ladies kept the trust, for it now contains one thousand volumes, has a furnished room, and a paid librarian.
The one thing lying closest to the hearts of the mem- bers of the XX Century Club is a Public Library Build- ing, for which they have a gradually growing fund. The Young Ladies' Departmental Club, also working for the building, has a bank account for the same purpose. It is hoped that the town and the railway companies will join in the near future in the City Park and erect a handsome structure that shall be known as the Cisco Union Depot and Public Library Building.
THE CISCO CEMETERY ASSOCIATION was organized March 15, 1899, with ten active and a number of asso- ciate members. Mrs. J. D. Alexander was elected Presi- dent ; Mrs. C. S. Vance, Vice President; Mrs. M. T. Whiteside, Secretary; L. E. Brannin, Treasurer.
A charter was applied for and granted, and the mem- bers went to work at once to raise funds to enclose the grounds. This and much more has been accomplished. Not only has a substantial fence been placed around the grounds, but a handsome iron gate swings on huge
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
stone posts that were contributed by the owners of the Leuders Quarry, and their transportation given by the accommodating officials of the Texas Central Railway Company. The caps were contributed by Messrs. Ay- cock & Allen, of Cisco. All unknown graves have been marked with head and foot boards. Two hundred and fifty shade trees have been planted, and last year twenty- seven hundred and fifty feet of pipe were laid for water service.
Through the efforts of Mrs. Alexander a tract of land contiguous to the Cemetery grounds was deeded by the Texas Central Railway Company to the Associa- tion for a park, and many trees, evergreens and flow- ers have been planted under the supervision of the Tree Committee. The finances are reimbursed, when neces- sary, by a most efficient Soliciting Committee. In fact the work accomplished in the short length of time is unparalleled. The present officers are Mrs. J. D. Alex- ander, President; Mrs. C. S. Vance, Vice President ; Mrs. J. H. Holcomb, Second Vice President; Mrs. Augusta Mason, Secretary; L. E. Brannin, Treasurer. Trustees : L. E. Brannin, C. S. Williams, J. J. Winston. J. Alex- ander, Mrs. M. T. Whiteside.
Under the efficient management of these excellent officers the work will progress until the Cisco Cemetery will stand abreast of any.
REBEKAH ODD FELLOWSHIP is to-day a great order: symbolizing in itself strength, unity and sympathy. and the desire to help that has made woman such a factor in the organization. And this spirit, which gives force to the principles of Friendship, Love and Truth, bind
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
together more than two hundred lives in Eastland Coun- ty for the purpose of correcting the besetting sin of self- ishness and for moral betterment of mankind.
The Good Will Rebekah Lodge, No. 102, of Cisco, was instituted by Mrs. Cynthia A. Brown, February 27, 1892, with ten charter members. To-day there are four Rebekah Lodges in the county-Cisco, Rising Star, Gor- man and Ranger-with a membership of over two hun- dred members.
Rebekah Odd Fellowship simply nieans making the very best of life "I count this thing to be grandly true, That a noble deed is a step toward God."
The material for the above was furnished by Miss Alice Eddleman, Past Noble Grand of the Good Will Rebekah Lodge, No. 102, Cisco, Texas.
Odd Fellowship, as a fraternity, stands without a peer in number of members, wealth and activities for good. Its Grand Jurisdictions, Subordinate Lodges, Grand Encampments and Rebekah Lodges girdle the whole earth.
Eastland County is blessed with six Subordinate Lodges with a membership of over three hundred in line, located at Cisco, Eastland, Ranger, Carbon, Gor- man and Rising Star, which are working gloriously for Friendship, Love and Truth, the grand pillars on which our order stands for the uplifting of hunmanity. *
Cisco is a progressive and up-to-date town, with a population of three thousand people. It has an altitude
*These paragraphs on Odd Fellowship were furnished by Rev. W. A. Mason, a pioneer Texan, and Past Grand Chaplain, now residing in Cisco.
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