HAMILTON COUNTY HISTORICAL MARKERS Contributed by: Joan Renfrow ******************************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES(tm) NOTICE All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities so long as all notices and submitter information is included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net ******************************************************************************** HAMILTON COUNTY HISTORICAL MARKERS The Texas Historical Commission http://www.thc.state.tx.us/index.html WILLIAM THATCHER BAKER Marker # 282 Location: I.O.O.F. (International Order of Odd Fellows) Cemetery, (7-8 blocks) (north of Courthouse Square on US 281 north), Hamilton (Marker is located in rear northeast corner) City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1970 Marker Text: Farmer, rancher, merchant, and ginner. Born in Ohio, in 1850 he moved to Pleasant Run, Dallas County, Texas. Married Miss Emily Beeman, the daughter of James J. Beeman, Dallas pioneer. Although a Unionist, as a loyal Texan he made shoes for Confederacy in Civil War, 1861-65. Later he ran ferry 1-1/2 miles below Dowdy's Ferry on Trinity River. Moved (1879) to Plum Creek Farm, Hamilton County. Established post office named "Ohio" there on May 4, 1882. J.G. BARBEE HOUSE Marker # 302 Location: From Hico take Highway 6 east 8/10 miles turn south on first CR after Hico cemetery; proceed 1 7/10 miles south on CR, turn west on B sign onto CR 240, proceed 1 mile to house. City: Hico Marker Erected: 1963 Marker Only CARLTON CEMETERY Marker # 11924 Location: FM 2823 City: Carlton Marker Erected: 1998 Marker Text: Carlton Cemetery is commemorative of the growth and decline of a fading community as agriculture and railroads changed the destiny of small Texas towns. Local lore places the first grave at this site in 1867 when J. E. Pinkerton, a farmer, was killed by a band of Indians. After hitting solid rock, area settlers moved 200 feet to the north, where they established Pinkerton's grave with a 16-inch high solid native stone bearing only his initials on a chiseled shield. The village of Carlton was organized in 1876 and named for Dr. F. M. Carlton, who was buried here in 1897. James Monroe McCarty rests in the first dated grave, inscribed January 21, 1872. Of 1,278 graves counted in 1997, 213 are unmarked. Of these, 22 anonymous graves date from the influenza epidemic of 1918-1919. Also buried here is Deputy Sheriff Audie Gibson, killed by bandits in 1932. Carlton natives have faithfully maintained the cemetery in honor of their relatives, friends, and the many local veterans who served their country. The Carlton Cemetery Association was formed in 1957. L. W. Fine, cemetery overseer, was the last person to be buried by his neighbors in 1957. Burial services have since been assumed by funeral homes. (1998) COLE HOUSE Marker # 938 Location: 105 West North Street City: Hico Marker Erected: 1988 Marker Text: This home was built by real estate investor J. Van Steenwyck in 1901-1902. It was purchased by John Baldwin Cole (1860-1924) and his wife, the former Minnie Victoria Grace, in 1907. A druggist, Cole operated the Cole and Grace Drugstore in partnership with his father-in-law, Dr. J. W. Grace. The two-story wooden home features an offset gable front, one-story wraparound porch with a Chippendale screen, and a steep-pitch hipped roof. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1988 DURHAM RANCH HOUSE Marker # 1304 Location: From Hamilton, take 281 north 1/2 mile from Town Square, go east on FM 2905 5.9 miles, go south on CR 9/10 mile to house on east side of road with stone gate entrance City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1963 Marker Text: -- from application - Built 1873 by John Jefferson Durham; 2-story rock, colonial residence. J. J. Durham was first to teach school in Hamilton. Owned several thousand acres of land, fought in Civil War, was an early merchant of general merchandise, a builder, and a man of great influence in the area. J.J. ("JACK") DURHAM HOUSE Marker # 1305 Location: 801 East Ross Street City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1976 Marker Text: This 2-story residence was built by Alabama-born John Jefferson ("Jack") Durham (1835-1921), who settled in Hamilton County about 1860. He lived on his large ranch before erecting this town home in 1884. The stone for the structure came from his land. Durham, a teacher, rancher and merchant, served as a director of Hamilton College, 1884-89. He donated $5,000 to help bring a railroad here in 1907. This house was purchased in 1973 by Rusty Burkett, who restored it. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1976 JOHN J. "JACK" DURHAM Marker # 1306 Location: In Hamilton Cemetery, Hamilton (just off US 281 north 7-8 blocks north of Courthouse Square) (marker is in rear-take first entrance into cemetery-marker is about 100 yards east of first curve in road) City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1972 Marker Text: Born in Larkinsville, Ala.; came to Coryell County, Tex., 1857, and Hamilton, 1860. Taught school here. Acquired much land; traded 200 cattle for C. C. Bumgartner's Store and Hotel. Helped found and direct Hamilton College, 1884- 89. He was one of five men who each gave $5,000 for locating (1907) Stephenville North and South Texas Railway line through Hamilton. Married (1) Elizabeth McCutcheon, and (2) Mrs. Docia Mae Price Frost: was father of 17 children. Recorded-1972 FAIRY CEMETERY Marker # 1557 Location: From Hico southern city limits take FM 1602 south 9.5 miles to Cemetery (on East side of road) City: Fairy Marker Erected: 1994 Marker Text: First called Gap for its geographic setting between two hills, this sparsely settled community became known as Martin's Gap in the 1860s after a man named Jim Martin reportedly was killed by Indians while traveling through the area. When local citizens applied for a United States Post Office in 1884, the name Fairy was chosen in honor of Fairy Fort Phelps (1865-1938), the petite daughter of pioneer settlers Battle and Sallie Fort. Fairy and her father taught area children in a school in their home for many years, and the Fort family donated land to several area churches. Although the earliest known burial occurred here about 1880, deed records show that this graveyard was not officially set aside as a community burial ground until 1890. Among those interred here are numerous pioneer settlers, dozens of victims of the 1918 influenza epidemic, at least one Texas Ranger, and veterans of the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Encompassing three sections, the cemetery contains many distinctive handmade gravestones and other types of grave markers. Maintained by a local association of descendants, the cemetery is a reflection of the area's pioneer heritage. Recorded-1970 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HAMILTON Marker # 1639 Location: 220 South Bell Avenue City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1971 Marker Text: Outgrowth of earliest known religious work in this county--preaching by Baptist Elder D. S. Babb, 1867-73. Organized in 1873. Known charter members: Col. G. R. Freeman, S. C. Messer, J. P. Murphree, Mrs. Elizabeth Rice, Capt. A. H. Watson, and W. B. West. The first pastor was the Rev. Dave White. In 1874 joined the Leon River Baptist Association, to which in 1875 its 18 members gave $12. After meeting in Capt. Watson's box schoolhouse (305 East Henry), the Courthouse and the Presbyterian sanctuary, members in 1896 built a native stone church. Present structure was erected in 1971. FREDERICK B. GENTRY Marker # 2145 Location: In Graves Gentry Cemetery at corner of Francis Mourion Rd. and old Hwy 22 (7-8 blocks north of Courthouse Square) (marker is in northwest corner of Graves-Gentry) City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1962 Marker Text: Texas War for Independence Soldier, 1836. Later commanded a frontier Minuteman Company (sm) Erected by the State of Texas, 1962 FREDERICK B. GENTRY Marker # 9409 Location: In Graves Gentry Cemetery at corner of Francis Marion Rd. and Old Hwy. 22 City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1962 Marker Text: Texas War for Independence soldier, 1836. Later commanded a frontier Minuteman Company. Erected by the State of Texas, 1962 FRACIS MARION GRAVES HOME Marker # 2258 Location: 201 West Ross Street City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1963 Marker Text: Built 1872; early Texas ranch style; 2-story, hewn rock HAMILTON COUNTY Marker # 2346 Location: From Hamilton, take US 281 north one mile (Marker is on west side of 281 at city limits) City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1936 Marker Text: Created February 2, 1842 from Montgomery and Houston counties; recreated January 22, 1858, organized August 2, 1858. Named in honor of General James Hamilton, 1786-1857. Lawyer and Governor of South Carolina; appointed diplomatic agent to Europe by President Lamar Hamilton; the county seat. HAMILTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE Marker # 2347 Location: Junction of US 281 and SH 36 City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1967 Marker Text: Before era of this impressive courthouse, Hamilton County's government was housed in stores, a rustic school, a former livery stable, a 2-story building with top floor especially designed for a courtroom, and briefly in a saloon. Fire razed two of the early, improvised courthouses. First permanent one, built 1878, also burned in 1886. In those days, outlaws were so numerous that guards were hired to protect visiting judges. This 1887 structure of native limestone, quarried 2 miles east of Hamilton, remained unchanged until it was remodeled in 1931. HAMILTON COUNTY MUSEUM Marker # 2348 Location: 100 block of West Henry City: Hamilton Marker Only HAMILTON COUNTY, C.S.A. Marker # 2349 Location: From Hamilton city limits, take US 281 north 6.6 miles to marker (in roadside park on east side of road) City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1965 Marker Text: Created and organized in 1858. By 1860 had 489 people in 78 families from 15 states. Vote in 1861 was 86-1 in favor of secession. 60 farmers were organized as Hamilton County Minutemen, a unit of part-time soldiers. Others joined Confederate regiments and fought at Vicksburg, Shiloh and other memorable battles. During the Civil War, travel was on horseback and hauling by ox wagon. Homes were of logs split from timber along creeks and rivers. About half an acre a day was farmed, with homemade wooden tools. Corn and wheat were raised. On burned-over ground each family grew its own tobacco, hanging the leaves inside the living room to dry. Diet was mostly beef, cornbread and coffee substitutes. Homes were lighted by wicks stuck into tallow-filled eggshells. With few men on hand to brand and herd, feuds rose over thefts and straying cattle. In differences over war issues, 2 men fled to Mexico to join Federals. Later they returned, trying to recruit neighbors into a unit disloyal to Texas, to welcome planned Federal invasion. Further trouble came from many Confederate deserters who took refuge along the streams and lived by theft and violence. HAMILTON NATIONAL BANK Marker # 2350 Location: Northwest corner of Town Square (Courthouse Square)(corner of US 281 and East Henry) City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1966 Marker Text: J. T. James and Z. C. Law had the town's first drugstore in 1876. Law appointed postmaster, used a small safe in official duties. In 1881 Dr. George Perry bought law's interest, but the safe remained in the store. The first bank in county began when James and Perry let friends keep buckskin bags of coins in the safe. This private bank was in service for several years. In 1890 Hamilton National Bank was chartered with Dr. George Perry, president; J. T. James, vice-president; J. L. Spurlin and J. A. Eidson, directors. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1966. SITE OF OLD HICO Marker # 2467 Location: From southern city limits of Hico, 2.5 miles south of FM 1602, marker is on west side of road City: Hico Marker Erected: 1963 Marker Text: This site on Honey Creek marks the beginning in 1896 of the settlement of Hico. Earliest families to locate here J. G. Barbee, James R. and Henry Fuller, Isaac Steen, Isaac and Thomas Malone. In 1860 John R. Alford, a merchant, became the first postmaster. Rocks from ruins of the mill were used in the erection of this memorial. KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS LODGE HALL Marker # 2968 Location: 110 West Main Street City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1987 Marker Text: Built about 1900 by C. W. Cotton, this structure was originally a one-story brick and stone building used for mercantile stores. A second story was added in 1913 to serve as a meeting place for The Hamilton Knights of Pythias Lodge. Following World War I, the building was used for numerous civic functions. Exhibiting simple Italianate detailing, the building features first floor shop windows, a central arched rear entry, and an awning across the front. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1987 MANNING-GORDON-HENDERSON HOUSE Marker # 11925 Location: 121 S. Rice Avenue City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1999 Marker Text: Local contractor Louis V. Manning built this house between 1880 and 1885 on land inherited from his father, pioneer Exekiel Manning, and lived here until 1904. The John H. and Abbie Gordon family owned the house from 1907 to 1936 and the Oliver Dow and Minta Henderson family took up residence here in 1936. A simple example of a cross-gabled roof Queen Anne house, its distinguishing details include fish-scale textured gables, cutaway bay windows, and a front entry porch with ornamental posts and brackets and a jig sawn frieze. Also of interest is the unusual siding flanking the entry door. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1999 MARTIN'S GAP Marker # 3230 Location: From Hico southern city limits, take FM 1602 south 9.8 miles to marker (on west side of road in front of gazebo) City: Fairy Marker Erected: 1964 Marker Text: Mountain burial site for frontiersman Jim Martin, killed here by Indians in 1860s, when county had fewer than 500 people. Gap bore his name for 20 years. Settled in 1873 by Capt. Battle Fort, Confederate veteran and lawyer. A post office established 1884 was named Fairy to honor Mrs. Phelps, Fort's beloved young daughter. ANDREW MILLER Marker # 6373 Location: From Hamilton, take SH 36 west about 8.7 miles to CR; follow signs to Gentry's Mill Cemetery; marker is in middle of cemetery City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1978 Marker Text: (1823 - 1900) A frontier settler from Monroe County, Virginia. Andrew Miller migrated to Texas while still a young man. In 1856 he settled in Comanche County near the Hamilton County line. He married Hannah Margaret Shockley in 1861. They had seven children. Miller served with the 2nd Frontier Ranger group, defending nearby pioneer settlements against Comanche Indian raids. A founder of the First Presbyterian Church of Hamilton, Miller also donated land for Warren's Creek Church, a church school, and cemetery at Gentry's Mill. OLIN BAPTISH CHURCH Marker # 3847 Location: From Hamilton city limits, take US 281 north 11 miles to church and marker (on east side of road) City: Olin Marker Erected: 1991 Marker Text: Founded in 1878 by five charter members, this church originally was named Kings Chapel. It was also known as Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church and as Dry Fork Church. The church deacons purchased land at this site in 1899, and when a post office for the community was granted under the name Olin, the church was renamed Olin Baptist Church. Serving the community for well over a century, this church has offered a variety of worship and educational programs and has supported both domestic and foreign missionary endeavors. PECAN WELLS CEMETERY Marker # 3971 Location: From Hamilton take FM 2005 west about 18 miles, marker is in front of cemetery on north side of FM 2005. City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1995 Marker Text: A pioneer community named Lookout began to develop in this area traversed by the Lampasas River and nearby Lookout Mountain during the 1870s and 1880s. Lookout School opened about one mile southeast of here in the late 1870s. This cemetery began with the burial of Barnard and Maria Schmith Pfluger's infant son Heinrich K. Pfluger in 1893. In 1904 Civil War veteran and early area settler W. M. Kemp and his wife Margaret donated land here for cemetery purposes. According to local traditional the Kemps conveyed the land under the condition that grave sites continue to be available at no cost. In the early 1900s Merrill Creek School was established about two miles west of this site. Lookout and Merrill schools closed in 1921 and a new school by the name of Pecan Wells was opened about one half mile west of the cemetery. At that time the community and cemetery were renamed Pecan Wells. Pecan Wells School closed in 1944 when it merged with the nearby Pottsville School System. Maintained by an association of descendants of people buried here, the cemetery contains more than 200 graves including those of veterans of conflicts ranging from the Civil War to the Vietnam War. CAPT. JOHN STEPHEN POTTS Marker # 4101 Location: From Hamilton take FM 218 west about 11.7 miles to Pottsville, go north on CR 7110 mile to cemetery (marker is near one tree in the cemetery) City: Hamilton vicinity Marker Erected: 1972 Marker Text: Born in Bradley County, Tenn. married Malinda Davis, cousin of Jefferson Davis, president of the confederate states of America. Lived in Carthage, Mo., where he was justice of the peace, then sheriff (1850-52), and confederate soldier during the civil war. Moving to Texas, he paid $500 in gold for Hamilton county sheep range, 1872; later had more land. An ardent baptist, a mason, donor of cemetery site, he was honored in naming of Pottsville, 1878. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Marker # 4113 Location: 500 North Rice Avenue City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1967 Marker Text: Organized Sept. 5, 1880, by Rev. John A. McMurray, evangelist of Central Texas Presbytery. Its building of early 1880s was first frame church erected in Hamilton; used by other faiths on Sunday evenings for years. Charter members included W. T. Cropper, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Foster, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Howard, Andrew Miller and D. L. Reynolds. Other early members were Robt. Miller and Mrs. Tom Brunk, Mrs. Jane Roddy and Mrs. Mary Taylor. The church was moved intact from original site at 119 South College Avenue; was incorporated in this new structure, 1947. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967 ROCK HOUSE MASONIC LODGE Marker # 4318 Location: From Hamilton Eastern city limits take SH 22 east about 3.5 miles, turn south on CR 301 and proceed about 2.2 miles to site City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1963 Marker Text: Built 1874 of hewn rock SAINT MARY'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH Marker # 6375 Location: 120 West Main Street City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1965 Marker Text: First Episcopal Church in Hamilton County. Services were begun 1868 in home of Mrs. E. D. Bell, Rt. Rev. Alexander Gregg; first bishop of Texas, who rode here horseback from Galveston. Site given 1891 by Maj. C. W. Cotton. Building committee: S. D. Felt, J. L. Spurlin, E. R. Williams. Gothic architecture. Bell given by a St. Louis merchant. Consecrated 1896 by bishop A. C. Garrett. Rev. W. W. Patrick was the first rector. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1966 SHIVE Marker # 4687 Location: From Hamilton take US 281 south about 8 miles to FM 221, go west about 5 miles to marker (Marker is at intersection with spur 221 on north side of FM 221) City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1970 Marker Text: In area settled in 1870s. Some of the earliest settlers were Connels, McKinleys, Nettletons, and Roddys. First school, Union Hill, opened in 1883; A. S. Andrews, J. H. Clark, L. C. Sloneker, trustees. Post office, established Jan. 18, 1884, was in first store, owned by J. W. and R. L. Shive (with R. L. as postmaster). In 1885 came the first German settlers: Louis Bethke, August Kelm, Albert Kunkel, Paul Neese, Joe Schwartz. Others followed, giving town new traits of culture and economy. By 1908, Shive had 4 churches, a school, 4 stores, 2 blacksmiths, a hotel, a gin, a barber, and 2 doctors. ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH Marker # 5074 Location: From Hamilton, 7 miles southeast on FM 932 towards Aleman, then 1.5 miles south on FM 3340 City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1989 Marker Text: A number of German immigrants settled in this area in the late 19th century. Initially known as Pleasant Point, the settlement was later renamed Aleman. Traveling Lutheran missionaries held worship services for the settlers until a congregation was officially organized. An evangelical Lutheran congregation was established on September 24, 1886, with fourteen families. Johannes Barthel was called as the first pastor, and the name adopted for the church was St. Paul's. The first worship service was held on October 3, 1886, in the nearby Pleasant Point schoolhouse. Although plans to build a sanctuary were begun in 1890, the building was not completed until 1900. The Rev. Emil F. Moerbe began a thirty- year ministry at St. Paul's in 1909. Worship services were conducted exclusively in the German language until 1913, when English services were introduced. Rudolf Krueger donated land across the road from the 1900 building for a new sanctuary. Designed by Emil Waiser, this building was completed in 1916. A fine example of the Gothic revival style of architecture, it features simple detailing, arched windows, and a central entry with extended porch. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1989 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH Marker # 5562 Location: From Hamilton, take FM 218 west about 11.5 miles to church and marker (on north side of road) City: Pottsville Marker Erected: 1991 Marker Text: German Lutherans in Pottsville and surrounding communities formed an evangelical Lutheran congregation in 1891. The first resident pastor, the Rev. F. Naumann, served from 1898 to 1903. Church services were held in the McGirk Community Schoolhouse (12 miles south) until 1907, when a sanctuary was built near Pottsville. The congregation established a German school in 1908. Worship services were conducted exclusively in the German language until 1929. A new sanctuary was built at this site after the original church building was destroyed by fire in 1937. TWIN OAKS Marker # 5582 Location: End of Baker Street at Campbell Lane (in front of house), Hamilton 222 Baker Street (off US 281) City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1968 Marker Text: Named for historic trees. Built 1904 by Dr. Chas. C. Baker (1872-1942), city's first resident dentist, descendant of the Beemans, one of Dallas' founding families; graduate, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Republican state executive committeeman for 26 years. Dr. Baker built "Twin Oaks" with ball-and billiard rooms unique in Hamilton. At death of widow, Alma Nicholson Baker, 1958, the home was sold to Andrew Campbell. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1968 TWIN OAKS Marker # 9410 Location: 222 Baker Street City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1967 Marker Text: Between these trees Wm. Willis took refuge on Dec. 24, 1866, but was shot fatally by Indians. He was riding a mule to a dance when attacked. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967 UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Marker # 5599 Location: 215 West Main Street City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1970 Marker Text: Congregation formed by local settlers in 1850s. First known pastor was the Rev. J. H. Perry, in 1870. Among early members were families of Isaac Steen, J. Hogue Pierson, J. A. Eidson, Thomas Dean, and Dr. George F. Perry. Pioneer ministers of the Waco circuit braved hostile Indians to serve this church. In 1871 a band stole the horse of William Monk at Indian Creek, forcing him to walk 12 miles to Brownwood. Members worshipped in various places, then built frame church on this site about 1887. Present structure was erected 1924; wing for Sunday School was added 1953. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF FAIRY Marker # 9411 Location: From Hico south city limits, take FM 1602 south 9.8 mi.; church is of 1602 on west side up the hill (behind Baptist Church) City: Fairy Marker Erected: 1970 Marker Text: First church organized in Fairy. Chartered as "Martin's Gap Methodist Mission" on July 3, 1886, under the Rev. J. S. Moore. Charter members were Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Steward, Lee Anderson, and Mesdames Hattie Chenault, G. W. Goyne, Lou Harvey, and J. S. Moore. Church building was erected first year, land for it and a parsonage being given by Capt. Battle Fort, local settler. In 1888 membership was 122. In 1920 original building was replaced by present structure. Continuous services have been held here since the church's founding. ELISE WAERENSKJOLD Marker # 5699 Location: Howard Cemetery (corner of Howard and Gentry Streets) (enter at north entrance, marker is in middle by cedar tree) City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1968 Marker Text: (1815 - 1895) Gifted pioneer whose 1846-1895 writings brought many settlers to Texas from her native Norway. Countrymen also found her home open to newcomers. She is now called "Lady with the Pen". She and her husband had 3 sons, many descendants. ELISE WAERENSKJOLD Marker # 5700 Location: Courthouse lawn; junction US 281 and SH 36 City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1968 Marker Text: Influential early promoter of Norwegian emigration to Texas; born Elise Tvede in 1815. In 1846, after John Reiersen migrated to Texas to found the first Norwegian settlement in the state, she became editor of his periodical "Norway and Texas." Through her articles, many were inspired to move here. In 1847 she, too, moved to Texas, and resided in both Van Zandt County and Hamilton County. She married Wilhelm Waerenskjold. Often they welcomed grateful newcomers into their home. Here she helped preserve the history of her people. Died 1895. DR. WILLIAM MADISON WEST Marker # 5763 Location: From Hamilton, take US 281 south about 8 miles, turn west on 221, go 2.1 miles to 2414, go south 2.3 miles to CR, west on CR about 7/10 mile to dirt road off CR (on right) (cem. is approx. 100 yards off CR) City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1967 Marker Text: Born in Tennessee, studied medicine by apprenticeship. Married Elizabeth Jane Reynolds; had seven children. In 1874 came to Hamilton County. A church leader, he farmed, practiced medicine. Gave land for West Point Cemetery-- named for him. ANN WHITNEY Marker # 5793 Location: Located in center of old Hamilton City Cemetery, just off US 281 north 7-8 blocks from Courthouse Square City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1993 Marker Text: (1839 - 1867) Described as a stout lady with an engaging personality, Elizabeth (Ann) Whitney confirmed that she could be strong, brave, and resourceful on one fateful July day in 1867. Ann was a teacher at a nearby frontier school. Suddenly, during the course of a typical school day, a party of Comanche Indians attacked. Reportedly pierced by 18 arrows during the ordeal, Ann Whitney nevertheless helped all but a young boy escape before dying herself. ANN WHITNEY Marker # 5794 Location: Located at intersection of US 281 and Francis Marion Rd. (about 7.8 blocks north of Courthouse Square) City: Hamilton Marker Erected: 1993 Marker Text: Elizabeth (Ann) Whitney, a native of Missouri, accepted a teaching position at a newly erected rural school located about seven miles north of present day Hamilton in 1867. This school, called the Leon River School, was situated on a rise overlooking the Warlene Valley. On a hot summer afternoon in 1867 Ann and her students were suddenly attacked by Comanche Indians. According to local tradition Ann was repeatedly struck by arrows fired through cracks in the schoolhouse walls. Although fatally injured she nevertheless bravely aided the escape of all but one of her young students.