Freestone County, Texas Communities Old Ghost Towns - Never had a post office: Union / Tacker [Note - There is a different Union Church located NE of Fairfield. See Chancellor Union Cemetery.] Union was near the county line with Limestone County. Union was located south of Teague going to Donie. The area is drained by Bear Branch of Sanders Creek. Union was located near the old communities of Beene and Freestone. Providence Church was next to the Union Church. The local school had 41 students in the 1891-2 school year. The cemetery of the area was named Tacker Cemetery 1865 to 1871 until renamed in 1871 to Union Cemetery. Historical Marker at the cemetery: Used as a burial ground since 1860. This two-acre tract was given in 1860 by Jacob W. Tacker for use as cemetery and school site. Area was known as "Tacker School and Graveyard Community." First church on the land-- a log building-- was erected in 1866. It also served as school. A second, frame structure was built 1891, named "Union Church." At same time the cemetery was renamed "Union." The premises were cared for by local people until the "Union Cemetery Association" was formed in 1900 to maintain property and buildings. Present brick chapel was built in 1962. School: Union Church school Austin Lockhart taught at the free public school in January 1872 . Tacker School [Probably the same school as Union Church] - (1866-?) 35 pupils in 1887 41 pupils in 1891 Social Organizations: Relief Grange #632 [met at Tacker's school house in 1888] (a.k.a. National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry) Churches: Union Church (1891-present) Providence Church (1866-?) Businesses: Trotter and Savage's Gin and Mill Oakes and Savage's Gin and Mill Cemeteries: Tacker Cemetery (later Union Cemetery) Nearby Cemeteries: Oakes Cemetery in Limestone County Nearby Communities: New Providence (a.k.a Providence) Enon Beene Town Pin Oak Personville (in Limestone county) Luna Known Former Residents: Baty, James Asberry & Louisa Beaver, J. C. Beene, William Betts, I. R. Betts, John Bond, John Alexander Bond, Thomas Wingfield Bryant, Rev. Sam Canady, Andrew Cobbs, Cora Cobbs, William Craig, Andrew Gardner, Frank Hancock, H. T. Jolly, W. S. Lummus, Bill Lundy, J. Q. Martin, B. F. McLeon, Andrew J. (later moved to Greer County) Newsom, Joel Newsom Sr. Oakes, J. D. Oakes, Monroe Sanders, Frank Savage, James T. & Susan Savage, John & Martha Savage, W. R. Tacker, Jacob Wesley & Mary Tacker, John Melton & Martha Tacker, Joshua Alexander & Lucy Tacker, Robert Alexander & Etta Tacker, Wesley Summerfield & Sarah Trotter, J. A. (later moved to Greer County) Trotter, John Isaiah & Rebeeca Trotter, J. T. Trotter, W. A. Warsaw, "Brother" --------------------------------------------------------------------- Interesting News Articles (from the Fairfield Recorder) Submitted by Ann Farnsworth on 22 Feb 2006: TACKER SCHOOL HOUSE NEWS Transcribed from “The Fairfield Recorder” April 6, 1888 Tacker School House Editor Recorder-As you have no regular correspondent from our community, I thought I would send to you briefly a few items from our neighborhood known as the TACKER School community. We believe we have as honest and enterprising citizens as are in the county. Elder J.B. CHILDS, preaches for us once a month at New Providence Church. I can safely say our people regard that old prohibition question as settled and that the man who expects to affect our vote by its agitation will be badly left. Frank SANDERS is our teacher. His school will soon be out and he will go to his new home near Thornton where he has brought land. We are sorry to loose such a good citizen as Frank. And now rumor has it that the colored people must be admitted into primaries reckon it is upon the hypothesis that the News says: “If a man wants to be a Democrat, let him be one, whether his skin is white or black.” Such an unreasonably disorganizing procedure as this, I think, could not be resorted to except by those that want to rule or ruin. A correspondent of the Fairfield News says there are two parties, Democratic and the Prohibition and suggests that the line be drawn between them. Now, Mr. Editor such stuff as this is not worthy of the consideration of conservative peace loving people. I have too great a faith in the reason and good sense the good people of Freestone to be lashed into any such measures. Now, Mr. Editor, I have no political axe to grind and no ambition to gratify and hope what I have said may result in good to the people of my county. Notwithstanding more true than the old adage: “A difference of opinion is no crime; the evil lies in the bitterness of controversy. Watchman ~~ April 27, 1888 Tacker Schoolhouse April 23, 1888 The probability is that B.F. MARTIN of this place will be a candidate for commissioner. Growing corn is the order of the day now, but we will not be able to finish planting cotton until it rains. Squire T.W. BOND who has been sick so long is slowly improving. He is not able to be up but little yet. Hurrah! For TERRELL whose letter has the right ring to it and he puts the right issues before the people I think. The stock law fever is still raging here notwithstanding it was defeated last winter. The sheep immigration here is the cause of it. A singing class has excellent singers led by Mr. J.C. BEAVER and Wm. BEENE. The next singing convention will be here in July. The kangaroo court meets semi occasionally and woe! be unto the man that comes under its jurisdiction. John TACKER is presiding judge; W.B. BOND, prosecuting attorney and John ALLISON, Sheriff. I agree with the Fairfield news as to who should vote in the primary. I don’t think a bahoheyite nor any other ite should vote in the primary who will not abide by its decision; but I think it would be a hard job to chalk the back of those who that will not stick; therefore we should very cautious how we act in this matter. Watchman ~~ May 11, 1888 Tacker Schoolhouse May 7, 1888 The Tax Assessor has not appeared in these parts yet. Mr. W.R. SAVAGE has bought a half interest in J. I. TROTTER’s gin and mill. Mr. Will HAIL of the Enon neighborhood was over among us last week prospecting for a school. The recent rains have kept us out of crops for the past weeks and the prospect is gloomy at present. Our two candidates have as yet to put in an appearance among us; Mr. J.C.T. HENDRIX and our friend T.B.KENDRICK. Everton’s show at this place on the 26th of last month failed to come up to its promises. They had a very small attendance. Died-May 5th, 1888 at 9:00 pm, Mrs. Mary TACKER, wife of Mr. J.A. TACKER, her affliction was cancer of breast and she suffered long and bore her suffering with patience. She leaves a husband and seven children besides a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn her loss. She was a pretty lady and her life was one of good examples and worthy of imitations. “Death will invade us all by the means appointed, and we must all bow to the key of terror. Neither am I anxious if I am prepared, what shape he comes in.” Watchman ~~ June 1, 1888 Tacker Schoolhouse May 28, 1888 The heaviest flood of the season fell here last Tuesday night. The prospects of corn is gloomy; and unless the weather changes the yield will be very light. Some of our farmers are plowing up the cotton, planting over to get shed of the grass and damage done by the rain. The patrons of the school here met the 26th and elected B.F. MARTIN, John TACKER and H.T. HANCOCK as trustees. Over 30 free scholars were enrolled. There are about a half dozen candidates here for the office of constable. The present incumbent, John TACKER, is not a candidate again. It occurs to me that at the county convention is the place to adjust matters pertaining to the primary. The petition that’s going over the country here seems to go to certain individuals. It is appears that since the people have repudiated the idea prohibition an issue that some of our would be dictators would want to turn their prejudices against the reliance. The Watchman ~~ June 29, 1888 Tacker School House June 25, 1888 Some cases of flux here, but none fatal. Oates have been badly damaged by the rust. Corn has come out wonderfully and the prospect is we will make plenty to do us. Cotton is looking well, but it is in worst fix that I have ever known it for this time of year. Mrs. BOND, wife of J. A. BOND has been very low this past week with congestion of the liver and dysentry but is now convalescent. Mrs. BEENE, wife of Squ. Wm. BEENE a well known citizen, died on the 15th inst. Mr. and Mrs. BEENE were among the pioneer settlers of this county and have done much toward its advancement. Mr. Joshua SEALS of Pottersville, Limestone county was here on Sunday, 17th and gave us a lecture on sacred songs. Mr. SEALS is president of the Central Excelsior Singing Convention which is to convene at this place the second Sat. in July. After the lecture we had some of the best singing I ever listened to lead by Prof. GOODWIN of Pottersville, J.E. THOMAS of Oletha, and others. As the majestic songs greeted our ears, I thought of the following beautiful lines: “Hear I or dream I of the distance strains, Sounding sweet to my soul and tasting strong of heaven.” ~~ July 20, 1888 Tacker School House July 16, 1888 Dr. J.A.S BAILEY, our young physician, reports a considerable amount of sickness in our country. The Texas Excelsior Singing Convention convenes at New Providence on the night of the 6th inst. Joshua SEALE presiding. M. DUNNAGAN of Thornton was elected secretary. Seven classes out of 23 were represented. After the appointment of some committees the convention adjourned until morning. Sat. morning 9 o’clock the convention was called to order by reading Psalm 103 and prayer by the president. During the day delegates came in from most all of the classes and some new ones were received. Lectures were delivered by Profs. DUNAGAN and DAVIS of Thornton. A resolution was adopted to petition the legislature to make it the duty of teachers to teach the science of music in our literary schools. The committee was appointed to solicit signatures and they succeeded in procuring a good number of signatures. The evening was consumed with miscellaneous business. The night session was termed a “critic’s meetings’ The various leaders led in music and the “critic’s” criticized the defects. The benerable Joshua SEALE presented a sympathetic and constructive address after which the convention adjourned. On Sunday probably over 1000 people were in attendance to witness the grand achievements of the champion singers of this convention. Mr. C.C. CARR of Limestone delivered an eloquent address on the progress of music. This was a masterly effort for as young man as he is. The next session of the convention will be held at Independence Church, Limestone County. We are glad to note the fact that our people had plenty of dinner for all that were present and we trust their visit among us was one of pleasure. ~~ Aug. 24, 1888 Tacker School House Aug. 20, 1888 There is more sickness here than has been in several years, it is mostly ague and billious fever. Most of the farmers here are raising sorghum this year. They will be hard pressed to get thru making up their molasses as cane mills are so scarce. Prof. J.E. THOMAS of Oletha is teaching an interesting singing school at New Providence; he has two more schools engaged at Boggy Prairie and Enon making 30 days in succession. The drought and boll worm are destroying the cotton at a fearful rate. If not a change soon, the crop will be a flat failure. We are informed that the army worm has made its appearance in the bottom farms. Miss Cora COBBS, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William COBBS, died on the 8th inst. of congestion. The parents have only one child left, a daughter aged 14, to cheer them through life. Miss Cora was buried in the cemetery at TACKER’s School House and around her grave the many relatives and friends and by request sang that good song: ”Shed not a tear o’er our friend’s early bier. When I am gone, when I am gone.” ~~ 21 Sept. 1888 Tacker School House Sept, 17, 1888 Picking cotton and gathering corn is the order of the day with us now. Messrs. TROTTER and SAVAGE have started their gin with a fair prospect to do a good business this year. The army worm has begun on us in earnest and are liable to damage the late crop considerably. We learn that the people of BEENE Town are trying poison on them. Mr. and Mrs. B.F. MARTIN had the misfortune to loose their little son, Bennie Lee, on last Wed. night, after an illness of eighteen days with typhoid flux. “They are gathering, slowly gathering, One by one, they gather home.” ~~ Oct. 18,1889 Tacker Schoolhouse Oct. 14, 1889 Health very good except a few chills. There are more weevils in corn in the field than ever known before. Fine weather for gathering crops and our farmers are making good use of it. What is to be thought of a young man buying a milk cow while he is single and is not keeping house? Messrs. B.F. MARTIN, W.S. JOLLY, and J.A. BOND are the Baptist delegates to the association at Brewer. T.W. BOND of this place and F.W. DeLOACH of Dewie Prairie attended the Grange fair at McGregor last week. T.W. BOND, J.C. BEAVER, and J.A. BOND, the school trustees here, have contracted with Mr. D.A. MANDEVILLE of Luna. Some of our citizens are offering to engage pork at 4 1/2cents but before we will take that we will eat ham and eggs and “brindle gravy” and barter our bacon next summer. The Baptist church at New Providence has called Rev. J.L. WARD of Jewett to preach for them next year. Rev. W.B. CHILDS preached his farewell sermon last meeting having served there as pastor about eleven years. We wish to state for the information of Bro. WARSAW that we are one of the authorities to say that Mr. Bill LUMMUS have got the best, largest and tallest horse lot and highest corn pen in this country; but in reference to that pitching mule with a hindrider, we never said it. Watchman ~~ Nov. 22, 1889 Tacker Schoolhouse Nov. 18, 1889 Cotton must be picked and sold. The potato crop is very good. We have got plenty of hog and hominys down here. This country is better supplied with ribbon cane syrup that ever before. Professor D.A. MANDEVILLE began school here the first Monday in November. Mr. Don McLEOD of BEENE Town has rented out his place and will move to Hood county. Mr. A.J. McLEOD has sold out his place and gin and will move to Greer county. Andy is a good citizen and when he gets tired of Greer we will gladly welcome him back. Mr. J.D. OAKES has bought J.T. TROTTER’s interest in TROTTER and SAVAGES’s Gin and Mill. The firm is now OAKES and SAVAGE. Notwithstanding the low prices of farm products some of our fellow citizens are getting $16.00 per mouth per hand to make another crop. It is said of an Irish man that to have “easy job” he would choose the position of a bishop, but considering the many civil suits now pending in justice WEBB’s court, your correspondent would be satisfied to be squire or constable just now. Hon. G.W. WHITE writes in the “Texas Farmer” that sulphor is a sure remedy to destroy the weevil in corn. Such a remedy is greatly needed now and we think should be generally known. Watchman ~~ Dec. 27, 1889 Tacker School House Dec. 23, 1889 Heath good except a few lingering chills. J. I. TROTTER has rented out and will go west. Cotton picked and ginned and nearly all sold. There was a party at Mr. T.W. BOND’s on the 20th inst., but please excuse us from recording the results. Mr. CANADY and family of Louisiana, parents of our neighbor Andrew CANADY, have just arrived and will live in our vicinity next year. Why is it only a few of our citizens serve as jurors; especially grand jurors? Is it because only a few or worthy and qualified? We think not. We greatly sympathize with Mr. and Mrs. I. R. BETTS in the loss of their son, John, who died recently of black jaundice. He was their only child. We heartily endorse the actions of Prof. WILLIFORD and patrons of Brewer school in stopping the children from going to parties. We think it a step in the right direction and will be glad to see such a movement inaugurated in all of our schools. Some of our friends are taking advantage in the low rail rates by visiting friends and relatives in other states. Mr. J.A. and J.I. TROTTER have gone to Miss.; Mrs. B.F. MARTIN, Frank GARDNER and Monroe OAKES to Alabama; and J.Q LUNDY to Louisiana. Watchman ~~ Jan. 23, 1891 From Tacker School House Jan. 16, 1891 Health good in the community. Mr. B.F. MARTIN has returned from his visit to Alabama. We are sorry to note the death of Mr. Sterling BULLIN of Luna who died last week. The new church of this place is complete and Rev. Sam BRYANT got the first shake at the box last Sunday. Mr. J.A. TROTTER is going to move to Greer County. He is a good neighbor and we regret to see him leave. Messrs. W.A. TACKER and Andrew CRAIG have gone to Erath County to visit Mr. John TACKER who was very ill. Mr. T is quite an old man and it was thought he would not recover. Success to the Recorder and its editor. Watchman