CITY DIRECTORY OF THE CITY OF SHERMAN, GRAYSON CO, TEXAS FOR 1876 & 1877 Material furnished by the DENISON PUBLIC LIBRARY Typed by Helen Logue USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *************************************************************************** Part 1 PREFACE Among the many conveniences which civilization has conferred upon humanity, but few are to be rated higher than the City Directory. Particularly is this the case in cities where the population is continually changing and increasing, and where a majority of the citizens have not as yet settled in permanent abiding places. Communities may be able to do without such a publication where the houses are today but a duplication of what they were a quarter of a century ago, the only difference being that the moss on the roofs is somewhat thicker and the walls considerably more dilapidated, and where the principal change among the residents is that some of them die and the children that grow to middle life appear to do so only that they may "move west to grow up with the country." But no city with the spirit and ambition of either Sherman or Denison feels at all supplied with the common necessaries of life unless it possesses something to which it can refer to find the name of every inhabitant, and where he may be found - where he eats, sleeps, works or plays. No man can carry in his head a recollection of the dwelling place of every person in even a single community, and still every man has a desire to know sometime or another where somebody or another lives. For the accommodation of the public in this respect we have compiled and published a Directory of the cities of Sherman and Denison, and in placing it before you we do so with the belief that it will be found to be as correct as a work of the kind can well be. Doubtless a few errors occur in its pages, but it must be expected, as it is almost impossible to keep up with the progress of such rapidly growing cities while such a work is being compiled and printed. The material contained in the historical sketches has been collected from the most reliable sources, and will be of interest to strangers who desire to learn something concerning the resources of the "Queen of the West" and "Infant Wonder." The result of a complete canvass of Sherman shows 1, 787 names. Taking three and a half as the ratio would give her a population of 6, 254. The same of Denison shows 1, 687 names, and the same ratio gives her a population of 5, 904. The Business Directory represents the manufactures and different pursuits carried on in each city. The Miscellaneous Directory gives the city government and the various societies, institutions and corporations of the cities. To those who have extended to us their liberal patronage and cheerfully aided us in our undertaking we feel under many obligations, hoping they in return will be benefitted many fold. Mooney & Morrison, Publishers. HISTORICAL In order that the reader may better understand the situation of the City of Sherman and be the better prepared to judge of its future, it will be necessary, by the way of exordium, to give at least a brief description of the county of which it is the capital, as the prosperity of every town depends greatly upon the wealth and advancement of the surrounding country. GRAYSON COUNTY Grayson County is one of the Northern tier of counties in the State, and has an area of 900 square miles. Every character of soil can be found within its limits, but the greater portion of it is the black, waxy prairie land, with a depth of soil ranging from five to over thirty feet, inexhaustible in its productive capacities, and has never been known to fail making a crop when properly cultivated. Few prairie counties are better supplied with springs and running streams. In nearly any portion of the county good well water can be found at a depth of between twenty and fifty feet. There are several medicinal springs in the county such as the Chalybeate Spring, known as the Martin Spring, the Glaubers' Salt Spring and the Copperas Spring, from the latter two of which large quantities of Glaubers' salt and copperas were manufactured during the late war. Large quantities of coal, lead and iron are known to exist in various parts of the county. The iron deposit on the land of F. M. Goode, only a few miles from town, is reported by the State Geologist to be unusually rich. The climate is all that could be desired. A cool breeze blows from the South during the summer, and the winters often pass without forming ice. For good health Northern Texas cannot be surpassed. There are but few swamps and consequently the county is comparatively free from malarial diseases. Though Grayson county is generally a prairie country, in many places various kinds of valuable lumber grows in abundance. Where rails are difficult to obtain, hedges are used. Any one desiring a home to raise cotton, tobacco, any of the cereals or fruits, can find it in the county with as many natural advantages as can be found combined in any country. It is in the centre of the celebrated wheat growing region of the State. The population has increased from 14, 387 in 1870 to more than 35, 000 at the present time, and yet not exceeding one third of our best land is in cultivation. Large numbers of stock can still be seen upon the prairies. The county is bounded on the north by the richest farming and most thickly settled portion of the Indian Territory - Red River being the diving line. On the west is Cooke county, on the south Denton and Collin counties, and on the east Fannin county. All of these have nearly the same natural advantages and character of soil, and are filling up with as good a class of immigrants and almost as rapidly as Grayson. Near the centre of the county of Grayson is located the beautiful and rapidly growing City of Sherman. CITY OF SHERMAN It is the county seat of Grayson and the principal trading and shipping point for the Territory and counties above named, together with Montague, Clay, Jack, Wise, Hunt and Delta counties. Sherman was first located three miles west of its present location. The only remains of improvements on the old site is an old well in the prairie. In 1846 it was removed to where it now stands. Forty acres of land were donated by Samuel Blagg and Robert McIntyre, out of the Samuel Blagg and McAnair headright. Lots were advertised to be sold on the last Friday and Saturday in October of that year, on a credit of twelve months, by Messrs M. C. Davis, J. B. Shannon, Jas. G. Thompson, Robert McIntyre and Geo. C. Dugan, commissioners appointed for that purpose. Col. Dugan is still living and remains a citizen of the town he took so much interest in founding. The town took its name from Gen. Sidney Sherman, an old resident of Texas, who died last year, (1875) in the city of Galveston. Ten years after it was located it had five hundred inhabitants, and in 1866 numbered one thousand people. Capt. Tom Randolph settled here in 1853, and in the early part of 1857 purchased four lots on North Travis street, where Dr. Freeman now lives, for $400. In the latter part of the same year the Butterfield Stage Line, running from St. Louis to California, was established, and in order to have it come by Sherman the citizens gave the proprietors a champagne supper. Soon thereafter Mr. Randolph sold his lots for $1,000. As that supper was the cause of the establishment of the Butterfield line through the town it was also the beginning of all its greatness. In 1858 N. W. Townes, who was then practicing law here, white-washed his residence and built the little brick office 12 feet square and 7 feet high, which still stands on North Travis street for which acts he was considered exceedingly aristocratic - a by no means enviable reputation for a man to possess in those days in Texas. At that time there was no other brick building within one hundred miles of Sherman. From the day the stage line was established the town grew rapidly and was then, as it still is, the most important point in this section of the State. For many years after the location of the town antelopes and various other kinds of game could easily be killed within a few miles of it. Much could be said of the hardships and troubles endured by the early settlers that would not only be interesting but is worthy of perpetuation. And many anecdotes could be related illustrating the pleasures experienced by this advance guard, even amid all the dangers through which they were called to pass. But want of time to collect and put in shape these various incidents, which can only be done with the assistance of those conversant with the early history of the place, prevents any attempt to record them, and this sketch can not be considered complete without them. A most agreeable time conversing on "the days of old" can be spent with Dr. R. L. Bullock, Tom Richards, G. C. Dugan, G. A. Dickerman, Tom Randolph, J. P. Hopson, Dr. Saunders, and many others of the pioneers, in whose minds these scenes are vividly portrayed, and will not be eradicated even by time. Colonel Dugan who has been here almost from the "time whereof the memory of man runneth not to the contrary" can relate some thrilling incidents of fights with indians on spots where fine buildings now stand, while Tom Randolph, Dr. Saunders, J. P. Hopson, and others can give the particulars concerning the tearing down of the old log court house one night by a party of gentlemen who "were glorious O'er all the ills of life victorious." And doubtless Mr. Thomas Williams of Bonham can pick the same tune on the banjo that he played that night sitting on the horse-track, while the aforesaid court house was being demolished. Capt. Thomas Randolph was then Sheriff and had some notices which the law required to be posted up at the court house door, but as that building had been destroyed he propped to door of it up and tacked the notices to it. In 1873 the city had about 3,500 inhabitants. The hotels and boarding houses were full to overflowing with men from nearly every State in the Union, hunting homes in this section, which for want of proper facilities had only recently begun to increase rapidly in wealth and population. Many of these men were prevented from settling here on account of the exorbitant prices asked for land. Railroad excitement was at its highest and property was held at almost fabulous prices. Men with little experience in railroad towns did not know then what they afterwards learned - that the best time to sell was just before the coming of the road. Perhaps at no period in the history of Sherman has there been a larger floating population, more money in circulation in proportion to the number of people and which was spent more recklessly. In February of 1873, the Houston and Texas Central Railway was completed to Red River city, connecting there with the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway, thus affording us one line to St. Louis and one to Galveston. It was not long, however, before the H. & T. C. R'y Co., effectually abandoned three miles of their road and made the enterprising village of Denison, the junction and transfer station of the two roads. After the citizens of Sherman had given the H. & T. C. company a large bonus for the completion of the road they certainly had just cause to expect favors in return. But they were doomed to disappointment. When the connection was made between the two roads and they began to work together, the rate of freights from Sherman to Galveston was much greater than from Denison to the same place - a distance of ten miles further. Notwithstanding this unjust discrimination and oppression Sherman has continued to thrive and now has a population of 6,000. The citizens also gave a large bonus to the Trans-Continental R'y Company to build their road to Sherman by a specified time. The company complied with the letter but not with the spirit of the contract, leaving a gap of many miles between Texarkana and the eastern terminus of their road. Sherman has never had a more difficult barrier to overcome than the ill effects suffered by this act upon the part of that company, though it was doubtless for want of means at that time as it was certainly to their interest to complete the gap. Since January, 1876, this road has been completed, which, with its connection with the International and Great Northern and Iron Mountain roads, gives us two lines to Galveston and two to St. Louis; this being the only city in this portion of the State having that number of competing lines. Cotton can now be shipped from here to either of the above named places for $3 per bale, whereas, prior to the completion of the Trans-Continental road, it cost $4.50 to $5 per bale. Other freights have been reduced in the same proportion. Sherman has more competing lines and is the best shipping point in North Texas, because of the fact that freight on cotton from McKinney, Dallas, and Ft. Worth is $1.50 per bale more than from Sherman. The Trans-Continental Railway Company now have their extensive stock yards complete, and have better facilities and offer greater inducements for the shipment of stock than any other road in the State. From this source alone thousands of dollars are brought and distributed in our city monthly. In February, 1875, many of the best business houses and some large stocks of goods, all amounting in value to about $100,000, were destroyed by fire. In an almost incredibly short time the burned district was covered with brick buildings of mammoth proportions and metropolitan styles, filled with goods, and all traces of the sad disaster had passed away. During the remainder of that year many frame houses were town down and brick building erected in their stead. A steady and rapid growth continued until on the night of the first day of November, 1875 - "the saddest of all the year" - when a fire broke out in the St. Cloud Hotel, situated on the corner of South Travis and James Sts. A strong wind was blowing from the southwest and the fire spread rapidly. The fire company and all the citizens worked as best they could, but it was beyond the power of man to stem that onrolling wave of destruction, and in the brief space of three hours one-half million dollars worth of property had been swept away, and many families left without homes. Among the number left destitute was B. B. Jones, a helpless old man with a family, who had been living from the rents of some small houses. As his lots were within the fire limits a frame house could not be built on them. The citizens made up a purse and purchased brick, and Messrs. Ely, Meader & Brown, a firm of contractors, put up the house, and in a few days the old man and his family were installed in their new home, feeling that they owed a debt of gratitude to the people among whom they had lived for many years, that they could never repay, while those who helped them felt amply remunerated when they witnessed the happiness of the family. This fire would certainly have sounded the death knell of a town of less public spirit. But even it did not dampen the ardor and determination of citizens to build up a city of which they would be proud. Scarcely had the smoke ceased to ascend from the ruins when all the brick that could be purchased in Sherman, Denison and McKinney had been secured, and the work of rebuilding the city of North Texas begun with increased vigor. Every printing office in town - three in number - had been wholly destroyed and the people of Sherman had no medium through which to proclaim to the world their determination to rebuild and continue business, and to solicit their assistance by a continuation of patronage. In a few weeks two of the printing offices were reestablished, and soon thereafter the third had resumed business, and they continued, as they had done in the past, to fight nobly in the interest of the seemingly unfortunate city. Since that memorable night - not yet twelve months gone - nearly forty magnificent brick business houses and residences have been built and many more are under contract and in process of erection. Those who were unable to rebuild sold their lots at from $3,000 to $5,000 to successful business men of other cities, who were anxious to settle in a growing town, and who have now became permanent citizens, and are active workers for the advancement of the common interests of Sherman. Since January last, despite the almost ruined condition of the city at that time, and the railroad oppression and other obstacles with which the city had to contend, the population has increased perhaps fully one-sixth. But the two great fires are not the only events which mark 1875 a memorable epoch in the history of the beautiful city; for while it was during that year that she passed through the "fiery furnace", it was in the same year that many of her most profitable industrial enterprises were established, among them the steam cracker factory of G. Y. Gray & Co., the only one of much magnitude now in the State. It employs the most improved machinery, which was invented by Mr. Gray, and is acknowledged to possess advantages over any other machinery used for the purpose. The business of this factory increased so rapidly and to such an extent that it became necessary to enlarge their buildings, and a large two story fire-proof brick building, 42 by 110 feet, was erected on Houston street, which is now occupied by the firm. The daily work of the factory is from 100 to 200 barrels, but its full capacity is much greater. Twenty-six different kinds of crackers are manufactured, and they are considered by all who use them to surpass any in the marker, both as to quality and price, and are sold in every town between here and the Gulf. A company of capitalists from Chicago speak of erecting works near the cracker factory for the purpose of manufacturing cigars, and they will receive every encouragement that the wide awake people of the town can give them. The tobacco factory of Zac Farmer & Co., was located on Jones street in 1875, and is now doing a large business. H. C. Holcomb & Co. also established in 1875, a candy factory on South Travis Street, but were burned out and are now doing business on North Travis street. They are enterprising men and are selling large quantities of goods throughout the State. In the same year the St. Louis Gas Company spent more than $50,000 erecting works and laying pipe along our streets which are now well illuminated, and, as many of the citizens own stock in the company, they receive substantial benefits from the large quantities of gas manufactured and used monthly. The Merchants' & Planters' Bank was organized in October, 1872, with an authorized capital of $250,000. The deposits of the bank range from $150,000 to $300,000. The City Bank was organized in September, 1872, with a capital of $200,000. The deposits average $150,000. The stock in both of these banks is owned almost exclusively by Sherman people. There are within the city limits five fine flouring mills, all of which put up immense quantities of the best grades of flour. The brands of these various mills are known and sold in nearly every county of the state, and in a large portion of the Indian Territory. The largest grain elevator north of Dallas is located here, which probably accounts for such large quantities of grain raised in this and adjoining counties being shipped from this point. The Elevator is of sufficient capacity to do all the business of this section of the State. Some months since the question of building a cotton compress was agitated among our citizens, but was temporarily abandoned for the purpose of embarking in other enterprises. Recently, however, Mr. Bearce, a gentleman of wealth, located in this city, realizing the immense revenue that would accrue both to himself and the town by building such an institution, took the matter in his own hands and now has in successful operation an extensive compress with a capacity sufficient to do all the business of this section. Another public enterprise and great source of revenue, both to the town and lessees, is the Iron Foundry which was built by a joint stock company, formed by citizens of the place. It is doing the casting for all the new buildings now going up, and , though it has been in operation only a few months, is getting patronage from nearly every county in North Texas, and all of the settled portion of the Indian Territory. It will have to be considerably enlarged as soon as the smelting furnace gets into operation on the iron deposit near town. Sherman has also within her corporate limits one of the most extensive tanneries in the State. Large quantities of leather are shipped monthly. Perhaps no city of equal size can boast of better educational facilities than Sherman. A bonus of $35,000 was given for the permanent location of the Austin Male College at this place. It is situated east of town on a high hill, which not only overlooks the business portion of the city but all of the magnificent suburban residences and many miles of the surrounding country, dotted with farm houses, peach, pear and apple orchards. It is in full view of the Trans- Continental and Houston & Texas Central Railways. The main building, which is now going up, is to be 46X66 feet, the two wings will be 40X60 feet each, two stories high with a mansard roof. When complete it will be more substantial, convenient and imposing than the Bryan Agricultural College. The trustees have rented the Odd Fellow's building, in which the school is now being conducted, and will be continued until the completion of their new edifice. This institution is under the supervision of the Old School Presbyterian denomination of the State, and under the immediate control of Prof. Whorton, assisted by an able corps of teachers. The Methodist Female Academy for this section of the State is situated on Mulberry street and is presided over by one of the ablest and most experienced faculties in the south, at the head of which is Profs. W. I. Cowles and J. R. Cole. Besides, there are a number of private schools, prominent among which is that of Capt. LeTellier's on South Travis street. The fact that there are seven church organizations, owning their own houses of worship, and all well attended, is a sufficient guarantee that the morals of the community are of the best grade. The Catholic and Methodist churches are situated on South Travis Street, the Cumberlan Presbyterian on the corner of South Travis and Cherry Streets, the Presbyterian and Episcopalian on North Travis, the Baptist on the corner of Crockett and Pecan Streets, and the Christian on Houston Street. The Young Men's Christian Association has a good membership and is accumulating a large number of books. Efforts are being made to secure a moral and scientific lecturer for the town, and the ultimate success of the undertaking cannot be doubted. Both the Masonic and Odd Fellow societies have a large membership and are prompt in the performance of their duties. The Patrons of Husbandry have selected this as the most suitable location for the mammoth ware house, soon to be built by the members of that order, living in this and adjoining counties. If Sherman had no other advantages and offered no additional inducements, that alone would insure the shipment of the major portion of cotton and produce raised in this entire section of the State, from this point. This order is a "power in the land" and its members have sufficient means to carry into effect the grand scheme they have inaugurated. The magnificent court house just completed is plenary proof of the fact that the people of the county are imbued with the same pride and public spirit possessed by those of the town who have worked so persistently to build it up. This splendid edifice is located in the center of the square and is 100 by 100 feet. The distance from the ground to the top of the dome is 140 feet. The first floor is divided into large, well ventilated offices, and has a secure fire-proof vault for the county records. The second story has two court rooms, one 45 by 100 feet, the other 40 by 80 feet, with convenient jury rooms. This is a considerable improvement on the old pecan tree, standing only a few steps off, and under which court was held in the days that "tried men's souls," though, doubtless the quality of justice received by litigants under the "old pecan," a quarter of a century ago, was as good as that dispensed to them at the present time in the costly building which graces the square. In order to supply a want long felt, Messrs Henry & Andrews have erected an Opera House on Houston street, the auditorium of which will seat comfortably more than 2,000 persons. It was built under the immediate supervision of S. B. Haggart. The several frame Hotels, now open for the accommodation of the public, are manifestly insufficient. The lack of good hotels has doubtless been an injury to the city, but this want will no longer be felt. The same public spirited men who have always been found ready to meet every emergency have gone to work to supply this demand. A joint stock company has been formed for the erection of one of the finest building in the State. Work is progressing rapidly and it will be completed soon. It will front 100 feet on North Travis by 140 on Pecan street, and will be three stories high, supplied with all the modern conveniences and improvements. It will be known as the "Binkley Hotel", receiving its name from Judge C. C. Binkley, one of the largest stock holders in it, and a man who has done as much or more to advance the interests of the community than any one else. Another joint stock company has been formed and a sufficient amount of stock subscribed to build another hotel of equal dimensions on the corner of the square and West Lamar street; it will also be completed in a few months. Messrs. Goode & Quisenbury expect soon to have their street railroad in running order. This is an institution Sherman has long needed, and the above named gentlemen will receive the sincere thanks of Sherman citizens for pushing it to completion. Building has continued so rapidly that the three brick yards in the city, which keep large numbers of hands always at work, are strained to their utmost to supply the demand. Though they manufacture large quantities of brick they are all needed for home consumption, and none of them are permitted to leave the town. There has been in existence for some time past a charter for a railroad, known as the Sherman, Tyler and Henderson Railway, with a subsidy of sixteen sections of land to the mile. This road would doubtless have been completed and in running order now had it not been for the great fire. The effects of that have now passed away, and the city is in a better condition than before it occurred. The attention of Sherman citizens is once more turned to this grand enterprise, and they have taken hold of it with a zeal that knows no bounds, a determination that can not be thwarted, and have such advantages that success is beyond question. A few months since a proposition was made to the citizens by the vice-president and the superintendent of the International & Great Northern Railway Company, to the effect that if the people of Sherman and along the line would grade the road, that company would tie iron, bridge, equip and run the road, they to begin their part of the contract as soon as twenty miles were graded. A meeting of the citizens was called, and largely attended. The proposition was made known to them, and a subscription taken to determine what amount could be raised. In a few moments $11,000 had been subscribed by the best citizens. A committee was then appointed to solicit subscriptions from those not present. A few days sufficed for that committee to raise the required amount. An engineer has been employed to survey the entire line and locate the first twenty miles, and work will begin as soon as there is a meeting of the directors of the I. & G. N. R'y Company to ratify the contract of its officers. Sherman is the only city in North Texas with competing lines to the Gulf, and when the Sherman, Tyler & Henderson road is completed she will have another line, which will be fifteen miles nearer to Galveston than by the H. & T. C. road, and which will penetrate a long belt of the finest section of the State and give her the advantages of the pine mills of central and eastern Texas. The people have the assurance that if the Sherman, Tyler & Henderson Railroad is built, the Missouri, Kansas & Texas R'y Company will extend its line ten miles further south, making this its terminus, and there can be no doubt that the S. T. & H. road will be ready for business at an early day. An act has also passed the legislature chartering the Sherman, Wichita & Pan Handle road, which is to be a narrow gauge, and has a subsidy of sixteen sections of land to the mile. Tom Scott, the railroad king, has assured the people that if they will grade the road, he will assist them to mortgage the bed and raise money to complete and equip it. As a considerable scope of the country, through which it is to pass, is comparatively level, the grading will be easy. Enthusiastic meetings have been held and preparations are being made to begin the work. The city government has been so well managed that the rate of city taxation is only $1.52 on the hundred dollars, or about one-half that of Denison, Dallas and other cities in the State. The prompt and liberal manner with which the larger portion of the citizens have ever responded to the various calls for money to foster all public enterprises calculated to increase the wealth of the city, enlarge her bounds and exalt her standing in the commercial world, is gratifying and proves beyond cavil or question their determination to keep advancing. A city peopled with such men cannot retrograde. A few of that class known as "old fogies" - relics of the Dark Ages - infest this portion of the "Lord's Moral Vineyard." They give sparingly indeed of their wealth for the good of the community, but use it fully to enlarge their present possessions, and are happy in the thought that the energy and pluck of their neighbors will enhance the value of their property nearly fifty per cent, every twelve months. Be it said, to their credit, however, that they have so far advanced in the scale of civilization, and imbibed the spirit of progression to such an extent, that they are willing to give their moral support to any enterprise set on foot, and backed by the money of their fellow citizens. Some of these men have become rich following the occupation of "growing up with the country," and doubtless the best interests of the community and the parties themselves would be subserved if they would "go west," and engage in the same lucrative employment. This class is not confined to either the old or new settlers. There are some of them among both. But the larger portion of the old citizens are as good as Sherman can ever have. The following statement of shipments on the Houston & Texas Central Railway will give some idea of rapidity with which the country is settling up. It will be remembered that the statement for 1876 is for only a portion of the year - the cotton season having only just begun - and does not include business done by the Trans-Continental, it having been in operation only a few weeks. The increase in the shipment of grain has even been greater than that of cotton and hides: 1873 Bales of cotton 12,026 Loads of hides 84,046 1874 Bales of cotton 29,054 Loads of hides 348,927 1875 Bales of cotton 46,096 Loads of hides 683,359 1876, (to Oct. 24.) Bales of cotton 38,452 Loads of hides 645,387 The streets of Sherman are thronged with cotton buyers and the best prices are paid. The streets are wide enough for all practical purposes and as well cared for as those of most cities. A uniform grade has been established and good side walks constructed on all the principal avenues, some of which are built up a distance of one and a half miles. In some parts of the city the best freestone water can be found near the top of the ground, and within the corporate limits are several fine springs, from which the streets are watered during the summer months. Coal is extensively used for heating purposes, though wood can be had in abundance for three dollars per cord. Sherman did not, Minerva like, spring into existence fully grown: nor is it a town of a few months or a few years growth. It was settled many years since by men of nerve and daring, who worked together and fought side by side to protect their families from the raids of savages. The toils and hardships they endured for each other in those early days have bound them together by ties lasting and indissoluble, and makes them feel a pride and an interest in the country, won by their toils, and made sacred by the blood of many of their number. They watched over the little town during its years of infancy, and felt a thrill of pride when it reached such proportion and possessed such brilliant prospects for the future as entitled it to be classed among the important cities of the West. Many of this brave band who are now living are still battling as nobly and with as much determination to conquer every obstacle as when they fought Indians on the spot where the town now stands more than a quarter of a century ago. What Sherman is, her natural advantages, the wealth and energy of her citizens made her. She is not indebted to any corporation for her existence. On the contrary, she can and does claim the honor of being the parent of several powerful, influential and beneficial corporations and industrial enterprises, which are constantly pouring a stream of wealth into her lap. The wealth drawn from the different portions of the State by her various manufacturing establishments is clean gain. Sherman has been many years growing to its present proportions, but it will be remembered that until a few years back the surrounding country was sparsely settled. The increase of the town in wealth and population has always been rapid, considering the condition of the country tributary to it. One of the healthiest indications and strongest arguments in favor of the permanence and stability of the city is the fact that is has never outgrown the country from which it derived its support and could always rely upon, but has kept pace with it. When the territory adjacent to Sherman is thickly settled its local trade alone will be ample to support a city of four times Sherman's present proportions. During the last five years the population, wealth and industrial enterprises of the country have been more than trebled, and will increase at a much greater ratio in the next half-decade. But Sherman is not dependent alone on her local trade for sustenance: She is enabled by virtue of her railroad facilities to go an immense wholesale trade, and since she has had these advantages she has been reaching out and drawing trade from every county in North Texas and her growth during these few years has been at least one-third greater than during all the period of her existence prior thereto. That there must be a city of great commercial importance near the center of the wheat growing region of the State is admitted by all: that it must be on the line of the Central Railroad is self-evident, and that Sherman is destined to be that city can not ge doubted by those who are acquainted with all her surroundings. As has been stated, it is the only city in the State with competing lines to the Gulf, and she has two of the best routes to St. Louis and other points east and north that leave the State. These together with her projected lines west, southwest and southeast, make it a grand railroad centre. It is settled that the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway will be extended to this point when the Sherman, Tyler & Henderson road is completed. But we will give the rivals the benefit of the doubt, if they think there is any, that the S. T. & H. road, will be built, and , we assert that the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company will make this the southern terminus of their line because they cannot compete successfully with the Trans-Continental and the connections and the Houston &f Texas Central Railways without coming to this point, and every road will work for its own interests. The greatest benefit that would enure to Sherman by having this road would be its influence in her behalf, as she now has the advantage of its cheap freight rates. The newspapers published in the city are The Sherman Courier, edited by Crooks & Allen: The Daily and Weekly Sherman Register, edited by Martin & James: and the Patriot, by A. L. Darnall & Co. The Courier and the Register are Democratic and the Patriot Republican. All of them rank among the first class journals of the State, and receive the liberal support they deserve. The citizens are not content to sit still and rejoice over their past achievements. What has been accomplished in the past and the means by which it was done will serve as lamps of experience to guide their feet in the future, and even greater exertion will be made hereafter than has been done in the past. The citizens throughout the country realizing the fact that a first-class market near them will greatly enhance the value of real estate. In this and adjoining counties, and insure them better prices for all produce raised by them, are giving Sherman their almost undivided support, and feel as much interest in her advancement as do those who live within her corporate limits. The steady, rapid and healthy growth of the city, and the energy and public spirit of her citizens have effectually put a quietus to the rhodomontade of other towns, once claiming rivalship with her, and they now acknowledge that her prospects are brilliant, her ultimate success beyond question. She needs no encomium from us, having stood the test more than a quarter of a century and brooked all opposition. She is emphatically the "QUEEN OF THE PRAIRIE" MISCELLANEOUS CITY DIRECTORY CITY GOVERNMENT City Election first Tuesday in April of each year. Council rooms corner of South Travis andCherry streets. Regular meetings of council first and third Saturday of each month. Specials intervening. S. S. Fears, Mayor: R. R. Dulin, Secretary; Geo. B. Greene, Treasurer: S. O. Doane, Attorney: Samuel D. Ball, Marshal: W. E. Oxford, Assessor and Collector: Milton Watkins, Engineer: ALDERMEN 1st Ward, A. R. Andrews and J. A. Trumbull. 2nd Ward, J. H. Henry and G. W. Gearhart 3rd Ward, W. C. Batsell and J. Dorchester 4th Ward, T. J. Crooks and S. R. Caruthers STANDING COMMITTEES Finance - Henry, Andrews and Dorchester Streets - Gearheart, Trumbull and Batsell Fire - Caruthers, Batsell and Crooks Sanitary - Henry, Dorchester and Andrews Cemetery - Batsell, Gearhart and Caruthers Tax - Gearhart, Trumbull and Henry Engine House - Wells and Cisterns - Crooks, Caruthers and Trumbull Gas - Gearhart, Trumbull and Dorchester Police - Trumbull, Batsell and Caruthers Printing - Crooks Batsell and Gearhart POLICE DEPARTMENT Samuel D. Ball, Chief Police and City Marshal POLICEMEN L. B. Potts, George W. Bond and J. P. Long SHERMAN FIRE DEPARTMENT "Sam Houston" Steam Fire Engine Company, No 1. Organized 1873. Present membership about 60. Hold meetings first Tuesday of each month, at engine house, corner of South Travis and Cherry streets. Officers - Thomas Forbes, Jr., foreman: Geo. H. Green, assistant foreman: William H. Lankford, secretary: Jesse Cannon, treasurer: William S. Morrison, engineer: C. Moody, first hose director: James Zimmermann, second hose director: Ed Levy, third hose director: L. Pandres, fourth hose director: Ed. Douglass, first pipeman: Polk Gatewood, first assistant pipeman: A. P. Chamberlain, second assistant pipeman: Richard Bowles, third assistant pipeman. GRAYSON COUNTY GOVERNMENT Court House on Public Square. The next election takes place in 1878: the present officers hold office till that time. Silas Hare, County Judge and Superintendent of Schools: J. R. Cowles, Attorney: W. C. Everheart, Sheriff: E. G. Douglas, Deputy Sheriff: M. O'Callahan, Deputy Sheriff: W. H. Lankford, Clerk District Court: G. A. Dickerman, County Clerk: H. N. Tuck, Deputy County Clerk: J. C. Williams, Deputy County Clerk: J. P. Loving, Treasurer: W. P. Stone, Assessor: G. M. Etter, Tax Collector: R. M. Hall, Surveyor: E. E. Winn, Physician: T. A. Allen, Hide and Animal Inspector. Commissioners - W. W. Wheat, J. M. Batsell, J. W. Stewart and T. A. Sullivan. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE J. G. Rainey, 1st Precinct, Sherman: W. D. Kirk, 2nd Precinct, Denison: H. B. Lindsey, 3rd Precinct, Kentuckytown: E. E. Miller 4th Precinct, Farmington: T. W. Hudson, 5th Precinct, Collinsville: J. R. Diamond, 6th Precinct, Whitesboro: H. H. Hayes, 7th Precinct, Cedar Mills: Calvin Sellers, 8th Precinct, Reevesville. CONSTABLES J. E. Logsdon 1st Precinct: J. F. Spence, 2nd Precinct: J. A. Brown 3rd Precinct E. P. Mayrant 4th Precinct J. C. Keltner 5th Precinct J. R. Love 6th Precinct J. R. Crabtree 7th Precinct L. E. Mitchell 8th Precinct Grayson county jail corner of Travis and Cherry streets, M. O'Callahan, jailor. COURT District Court held at Sherman 2nd Monday in March and 2nd Monday in September of each year. STATE GOVERNMENT Officers at the Capital, Austin, Texas: Governor - Richard Coke: Lieutenant-Governor - Richard B. Hubbard: Attorney-General - H. H. Boone: Secretary of State - A. W. DeBerry: State Treasurer - A. J. Dorn: Comptroller of Public Accounts - Stephen H. Darden: Commissioner of General Land Office - J. J. Groos: Senator 11th Senatorial District - William Blassingame: State Representatives 48th Representative District J. M. Martin and J. S. Pattie: CHURCHES First Presbyterian - East side North Travis street between Mulberry and Pecan streets, Rev. J. G. Fackler, pastor. Services 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. Cumberland Presbyterian - Southwest corner Cherry and Travis streets, Rev. Benjamin F. Spencer, pastor: Services 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Sabbath School 9:00 a.m. First Baptist - Northeast corner Crockett and Pecan streets, Rev. J. C. Carpenter, pastor. Services 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sabbath School 3:00 p.m. First M. E. South - South Travis street, Rev. J. M. Binkley, pastor. Services 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. Episcopal - West side North Travis, north of T. & P. R'y, have no regular pastor. St. Mary's Roman Catholic - East side South Travis street between Cherry and King streets, Rev. Father L. S. Granger, priest. Services - First Mass 7:30 a.m. High Mass and Sermon 10:00 a.m. Sabbath School 9:00 a.m. Harmony Baptist - (colored), corner Lincoln and Pecan streets, Rev. T. Cleveland, pastor. Services 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Sabbath School 9:00 a.m. African M. E. - Corner Houston and Lincoln streets, Rev. Samuel Townsend, pastor. Services 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sabbath School 3:00 p.m. EDUCATIONAL Austin College - Northeast part of city, Prof. J. E. Whorton, principal. North Texas Female College - West end Mulberry street, Profs. W. I. Cowles and J. R. Cole, principals. Besides the above named, there are three public and several private schools in the city. FIRE LIMITS Beginning at junction of Jones and Walnut streets, thence north up Walnut to Pecan, thence west from Pecan to where it would intersect Elm street if opened, thence south along the line of Elm street to Jones street, thence east to the place of beginning. SECRET SOCIETIES MASONIC Masonic Hall west side public square. Travis Lodge No. 117 A., F. & A. M. - Organized January, 1852. Present membership about 100. Hold regular meetings first Thursday of each month. Officers - T. J. Brown, W. M., J. R. Jeter, S. W., G. A. Brown, J. W., George B. Greene, Secretary: H. N. Tuck, Treasurer: Wm. H. Lankford, S. D.: L. L. Stowe, J. D.: W. B. Johnson, Tyler. Sherman Chapter No. 62, R. A. M. - Organized June 24, 1858. Regular meetings second Thursday of each month. Officers - W. E. Saunders, H. P.: J. C. Statler, K.: W. E. Staples, S.: L. F. Ely, Treasurer: W. H. Lankford, Secretary: S. S. Eakin, C. H.: T. S. Freeman, P. S.: J. R. Jeter, R. A. C." G. A. Brown, M. of 3rd Veil: W. E. Oxford, M. of 2nd Veil: C. W. Moore, M. of 1st Veil: E. F. Halsell, Sentinel. ODD FELLOWS Sherman Lodge No. 45, I. O. O. F. - Organized September 27th 1854. Present membership 75. Hold meetings every Saturday evening at Odd Fellows Hall, Walnut street near T. & P. R'y. Officers - T. E. Bomar, N. G.: F. Scoville, V. G.: S. W. Porter, Secretary: J. G. Robberson, Treasurer. Sherman Encampment No. 21. I. O. O. F. - Hold meetings second and fourth Monday of each Month, at Odd Fellows Hall. Present membership 40. Officers - S. W. Porter, C. P.: F. Scoville, S. W.: Dick Hopson, J. W.: S. D. Cook, H. P. T. E. Bomar, Scribe: J. P. Loving, Treasurer. SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS "Sam Houston" Lodge, No. 253. Organized May 1876. Hold meetings every Thursday evening at court house. Present membership 50. Officers - J. T. Cunningham, W. C. T.: T. E. Brown, W. P. C. T.: T. W. Caskey, W. Chaplain: Mrs. W. S. Chevalier, W. V. T.: W. S. Chevalier, W. Secretary: T. Chamberlain, W. Marshal: Miss n. Gatewood, Deputy W. Marshall: Miss Mattie James. W. Treasurer: L. Melton, W. Financial Secretary: T. H. Parker. W. O. G.: Miss Anna Moore, W. I. G. Sherman Lodge, L. O. G. T., No 245 - Organized January 1876. Membership 200. Hold meetings every Tuesday evening at Female College, west end of Mulberry street. Officers - J. McFarland, W. C. T.: Miss Emma Hendershott, W. R. H. S.: Miss Laura Moore, W. L. H. S.: Miss Ellen Sloan, W. V. T.: J. M. Binkley, P. W. T.: H. D. Bradley, W. Secretary: G. Brooke, W. Financial Secretary: J. W. Gray, W. Treasurer: H. Mitchell, W. Marshal: Mrs. Mallow, W. Deputy Marshal: Ed O. Hagee, W. Chaplain: Miss Caddie Hendershott, W. I G.: Lem. Moton, W. O. G. MISCELLANEOUS CITY DIRECTORY Young Men's Christian Association. Organized May, 1876. Membership 75. Regular Meetings third Sunday of each month, over southwest corner Lamar and South Travis streets. Officers - J. W. Hearne, President: S. S. Fears, Vice-President: Horatio Waldo, Secretary: G. B. Greene, Treasurer: Fred Cockrell, Corresponding Secretary. Board of Directors - George Gordon, J. G. Rainey, R. M. Beard, E. Dwyer, E. Jouvenat, Dr. T. J. Allen, and Dr. E. E. Winn. PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY - GRAYSON COUNTY COUNCIL P. OF H. Officers - J. D. George, President: H. N. Tuck, Vice-President: J. A. Oslin, Secretary and Treasurer. Organized February, 1875. Regular meetings first Saturday of every third month, commencing first Saturday in February. At present there are 30 subordinate Granges in Grayson County. BANDS Sherman Mechanics Cornet Band. Organized November 15th 1875. Officers - Samuel Lloyd, Leader: J. A. Lowe, Secretary and Treasurer. Crescent City Brass and String Band. Composed of colored members. Organized June 10th 1876. G. D. Joiner, leader.