JACK 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 ******************************************************************************** JACK COUNTY HISTORICAL MARKERS The Texas Historical Commission http://www.thc.state.tx.us/index.html ANTELOPE CEMETERY Marker # 174 Location: From Antelope take FM 175 east to cemetery on northeast side of town City: Antelope Marker Erected: 1969 Marker Text: Established as early as 1882 (date of the oldest tombstone). Site was sold to Antelope Methodist Church in 1890 by Texas Land & Mortgage Company. The church deeded tract to the Antelope Cemetery Association in 1954. W. R. Hill gave an additional 2-acre tract in 1955. (1969) ANTELOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Marker # 175 Location: 1 mile east of US 281 on West Antelope Rd City: Antelope Marker Erected: 1985 Marker Text: The Rev. Isaac Newton Crutchfield organized this congregation in 1879 as the Antelope Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Charter members were Mollie Edwards, James and Sarah Nicholas, and W. L. Eliza, and Emma Patton. A Sunday school program was established as early as 1887. Materials for the church building were hauled by wagon from the nearest railheads in Graham and Henrietta. The structure was shared with the local Baptist congregation until their own sanctuary was completed. (1985) TOWN OF ANTELOPE Marker # 5520 Location: US 187 City: Antelope Marker Erected: 1970 Marker Text: Named for springs where herds of antelope watered and Kiowa Indians had a campsite. In 1875, Walter S. Jones platted townsite on Henrietta-Graham mail route. By 1887, place had 400 people, a general store, post office, a school, doctors, hotel, and spa built around its mineral wells. Town was overnight stop and supply point for cattle trails leading north. The G. R. Christian Camp No. 703, United Confederate Veterans, active 1895-1941, served as city's park association. Economy is based on ranch and oil income; area is known for its churches and hospitality. (1970) FIRST BANK BUILDING IN COUNTY Marker # 1600 Location: US 281 at US 380, west side of Courthouse Square City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1969 Marker Text: Built 1897 of native stone from Lost Creek Quarry, on land of H. H. McConnell, a soldier at Fort Richardson, author of "Five Years A Cavalryman". Local firm, Risley Brothers, built the bank. Architecture is outstanding. First National Bank had opened December 10, 1890, in courthouse. The first president was Judge T. D. Sporer. Longest-term president, J. W. Knox, served 1893 to 1932. Management is still in hands of descendants of organizers. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1968. Incising on base - Mrs. J. W. Knox and son, H. H. McConnell, III, donors. BRYSON Marker # 551 Location: US 380, on north side of road, one block east of traffic light City: Bryson Marker Erected: 1968 Marker Text: Jack County Petroleum Capital. Founder, Henry E. Bryson (September 1, 1839 - October 25, 1909), a Civil War veteran, farmer and stockraiser, built first log cabin here in 1878. After Bryson post office was established in 1882, the town developed as a center for the growing of cotton and grain. Rock Island Railroad reached here in 1902. The first oil well was drilled 1925; town in 1920s and 30s had a gasoline plant; from 1935 until late 1954 an oil refinery was in operation here. Churches, schools, social and civic clubs and Masonic bodies have contributed to growth. (1968) BUTTERFIELD STAGE LINE Marker # 588 Location: City limits on US 281, just north of Lost Creek Bridge City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1936 Marker Text: Here ran the Southern Overland Mail Line connecting St. Louis and San Francisco with semi-weekly stage and mail service, 1858-1861. The length of the route, 2,795 miles, and the superior service maintained made this a pioneer enterprise of first magnitude. G.D. CROSS Marker # 2087 Location: Picnic area, Sewell Park (south section of Jacksboro, US 281 and Lost Creek) City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1969 Marker Text: (1855 - 1941) Born in Arkansas. Served in Hunter's Texas Ranger Company 1873- 1874, helping remove Indians from Texas. Later became merchant and farmer. Married Mary A. E. Shawver, 1881. Had 13 children. Built this picnic table (where his ranger unit once camped) to be used at family reunions. (1969) JAMES B. DOSHER Marker # 2714 Location: US 281, Jacksboro and Fort Richardson State Park, interpretive center City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1997 Marker Text: James B. Dosher moved to Texas in 1847 and served in Cureton's Company of the Texas Rangers. Discharged in 1848, he married Velma Eddings in 1851. They settled in Jack County in early 1855 and worked their farm south of Jacksboro. Dosher also served with Captain Tackett's Company of Texas Rangers. During the Civil War he was active in the Texas State Troops and the Confederate Army. In 1870 as a civilian guide for the U.S. Army, he received the Medal of Honor for gallantry in action during an engagement at Bluff Creek, Texas. (1997) FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF JACKSBORO Marker # 1640 Location: 200 N. Knox City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1976 Marker Text: United States soldiers still manned nearby Fort Richardson when this church was organized with seven charter members in 1875. The congregation met in the Masonic Lodge hall and county courthouse before erecting their first church building in 1889. One pastor, the Reverend Rice C. Farmer, was largely responsible for the location of North Texas Baptist College in Jacksboro, 1891- 1897. The second church building was erected in 1906, the third in 1928-1959. The Rev. Alvin R. Bilberry (b. 1885) served the longest term as pastor here, 1925-1952. (1976) FIRST METHODIST CHURCH Marker # 1778 Location: Corner of S. Wise and 1st streets City: Jermyn Marker Erected: 1968 Marker Text: Organized November 24, 1909, by the Rev. L. D. Shawver, pastor, in first house built in Jermyn - home of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Jones. The original trustees were J. D. Gillespie, H. T. Jinks, and W. T. Jones. This church (first in area) was built 1910 on present site, 1st Avenue and Wise Street. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1968. FORT RICHARDSON Marker # 2008 Location: Fort Richardson State Historical Park, at interpretive center City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1936 Marker Text: As partially reconstructed in 1936. Established by the United States War Department on November 26, 1867 as a protection of the frontier against hostile Indians. Named in honor of General Israel B. Richardson, U.S.A., killed at Antietam, September 17, 1862. Abandoned May 23, 1878 as the line of settlement had passed westward. FORT RICHARDSON Marker # 2009 Location: From Jacksboro take US 281 .5 mile south to marker on east side of highway City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1936 Marker Text: Established November 26, 1867 by the United States Army to defend the frontier against the Indians. A mail station on the Butterfield Overland Stage Line, 1858-1861. Abandoned as a military post May 23, 1879. FORT RICHARDSON CAVALRY POST HOSPITAL Marker # 2010 Location: Fort Richardson State Historical Park City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1965 Marker Text: In fort built to halt Indian depredations in North Texas. One of buildings and units on inspection in May 1871 by General William Tecumseh Sherman, when news came of massacre of Warren Wagon Trail, 24 miles northwest. Killers, later found at Fort Sill, were brought to trial in Jacksboro - first time Indians were ever tried in the white man's court in North Texas. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1965. FORT RICHARDSON HOTEL Marker # 2011 Location: US 281 and US 380, SW corner of Courthouse Square City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1967 Marker Text: Built by H. J. Hensley and L. A. Wilson, 1899, on site, old Wichita House, run by Mrs. Francis Duke. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967. Incising on base: Preserved by Ruth Hensley Richards. FORT RICHARDSON OFFICERS' QUARTERS Marker # 3674 Location: Fort Richardson State Historical Park City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1964 Marker Text: Built in 1867 of lumber cut from cottonwoods growing in nearby river bottoms. One of 5 original officers' quarters. Outlasted fort's barracks and stables, which were built of small vertical timbers (pickets). Style typical of 19th century army posts in the west. Only one left standing the United States. Among men quartered here was General Ranald S. MacKenzie, who sent Indians back to reservations, 1871-74. Restored by City of Jacksboro. Maintained by Girl Scouts. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1964. FORMER GULF, TEXAS & WESTERN RAILROAD DEPOT Marker # 1947 Location: 302 S. Main City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1968 Marker Text: Erected 1910, of stone from nearby quarry; Risley Brothers, contractors. A facility of Jacksboro's second railroad, built by local effort, with backing from New York bankers, R. C. Megargel & Company. Recorded Texas Historical Landmark, 1968. Incise in base: Marker given by Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Hull OLD HESS BUILDING Marker # 3743 Location: 102 n. Church Street City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1967 Marker Text: Built in 1898 by Crummel Oric Hess (1853-1945). Native sandstone. Contained the Hess furniture and undertaking business 43 years. Hess came to Jacksboro in 1882. Married Miss Lizzie Longmire in 1885. Was one of first licensed embalmers in state. Prominent civic leader. Served on city commission in early years. Helped organize Jacksboro National Bank; had first long distance telephone in this area. Organized first cemetery association here. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967 incising on base: Presented by Mrs. J. F. Boyd in memory of her father. JACK COUNTY Marker # 2698 Location: At west entrance to Courthouse, Courthouse Square City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1965 Marker Text: Created 1856. Organized 1857. Named for W. H. and P. C. Jack, brothers and patriots in the Texas Revolution. Butterfield Overland Mail, 1858-1861, had 3 stage stops in county. In 1861, Jack County voted against secession, 76-14. Most men fought in frontier units. Some were Confederates; others joined Federal army. Fort Richardson was established in 1867. In 1871 near Jacksboro, Kiowa massacred Warren Wagon Train teamsters. General of the Army W. T. Sherman, then at the fort, sent General Ranald S. MacKenzie, commander, to arrest the Indians. Chiefs Satanta and Big Tree were convicted in first non- tribal trials of Plains Indians in North Texas. By 1875 MacKenzie's raiders had opened West Texas for settlement. A Corn Club founded in Jacksboro by County Agent Tom Marks on September 8, 1907, was the forerunner of the International 4-H Clubs. Fort Richardson, with 7 original buildings standing, is now a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. Museum is open the year round. Other attractions include circular high school building and old limestones on square, Jacksboro. Recreation centers about lakes, parks, campgrounds. Economy is based on agriculture, oil, cattle, sheep, and goats. (1965) OLD JACK COUNTY COURTHOUSE CORNERSTONE Marker # 3754 Location: NW corner of Courthouse lawn City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1967 Marker Text: Removed 1885 from third Jack County Courthouse when building was razed. Mounted here in 1966. Old Courthouse was of native limestone, quarried in Jacksboro. For its day, workmanship and stone of finest quality. Bell is also a relic of the third courthouse. It was part of the mechanism in the building's clock tower, and was mounted in frame here by Jacksboro firemen. (1967) JACKSBORO'S FIRST RAILROAD DEPOT Marker # 2700 Location: At end of Depot Street, at east gate of Fort Richardson State Historical Park City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1974 Marker Text: Built 1898 of native stone by Risley Brothers of Jacksboro, for the Chicago, Rock Island & Texas Railway, on site bought from F. F. Foscue (1819-1906), a Texas legislator, owner of Fort Richardson lands. In typical railroad architecture, the depot housed waiting rooms and offices. Mrs. Edith Wilmans, a local rancher, Texas' first (1923) woman legislator, often traveled from this station. The Rock Island system sold the structure in 1973 to Texas Export Railroad Company. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1974. COMMUNITY OF JERMYN Marker # 1010 Location: SH 114, 1 miles E of Jermyn City: Jermyn Marker Erected: 1972 Marker Text: Located on the western edge of Lost Valley, a 20-square mile area of Jack County, Jermyn was founded in 1909 as site of the roundhouse, depot, and office building for the Gulf, Texas & Western Railroad. It was named for J. J. Jermyn (1852-1928), line's president. Land for the town was donated by Oliver Loving II (grandson of "Dean of Texas Trail Drivers") and W. P. Stewart. Many lots were sold and the town embarked on two decades of prosperity and progress. A school was built about 1912 and Jermyn came to have numerous businesses, including a hotel, garage, bank, two general stores, blacksmith shop, land office, cotton gin and warehouse, restaurant, drugstore, ice house, lumber yard, confectionary, U.S Post Office, and a newspaper --The "Enterprise" - succeeded by the "News". With the sale of the G.T. & W. Railroad to the Frisco system in 1930, however, a gradual decline set in. By 1936 the line curtailed passenger service, then all service. Highway construction hastened the railroad's -- and the town's-- economic demise as citizens moved to the cities to find work, and businesses closed. Today the post office, two churches, and a general store still function and part of the school serves as a civic center. Current economic base is ranching. (1972) MOBILIZATION SITE OF LOST BATTALION Marker # 3429 Location: At interpretive center (Post Hospital) of Fort Richardson State Historical Park City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1968 Marker Text: Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 131st Field Artillery, 36th Division, Texas National Guard mobilized here November 1940, for active duty. Sailed from San Francisco, November 1941, was at sea when Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Went to defend Java where unit was captured March 1942. Prisoners in many parts of Asia for three and one-half years. Performed forced labor for Japanese, suffering untold hardships and starvation. 8 of original 63 died. Most deaths occurred building Burma-Siam Railway. Survivors returned after Japanese surrender. (1968) LOST VALLEY Marker # 3132 Location: From Jacksboro, take US 281 about 12 miles north to Roadside Park City: Jacksboro vicinity Marker Erected: 1970 Marker Text: Marked by "Seven Blue Hills" in distance. To right is Spy Knob -- a lookout during pioneer days. Noted atrocity site: In 1857, the Cambren and Mason families, settlers, were victims of white renegades and Indians. On May 18, 1871, on western rim, teamsters of Warren Wagon Train were killed soon after General W. T. Sherman of the U.S. Army had traveled safely through this valley. On July 12, 1874, the escort part of Major John B. Jones, Commander of the Frontier Battalion, Texas Rangers, was ambushed here, with two men killed. In later years, this has been peaceful farm-ranch area. (1970) SITE OF THE LOVING RANCH HOUSE Marker # 4824 Location: From Jermyn, take SH 114 west about 3 miles to ranch site City: Jermyn vicinity Marker Erected: 1968 Marker Text: Built 1872 by J. C. Loving, the son of pioneer trail driver Oliver Loving. J. C. Loving was an organizer and first secretary of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Organization's first office was at the ranch, which was later operated by Loving's son, Oliver II. (1968) JAMES MADISON McCLOUD Marker # 2729 Location: Roberts at Center Street City: Bryson Marker Erected: 1981 Marker Text: Tennessee native James Madison McCloud (b. 1845) served with an Alabama cavalry unit during the Civil War. In 1881 he moved to Texas with his wife Ruth Elizabeth (Sampley) and children. Shortly after settling in the Bryson vicinity in the spring of that year, he established a church at Cottonwood Springs (3 miles east), which became the Bryson United Methodist Church. A farmer and preacher, McCloud served for fifty-three years as a Methodist circuit rider in Northern Texas and Southern Oklahoma. He died in his home at Bryson in 1934. (1981) Incise on back: Dedicated by the following grandchildren: E. C. McCloud, W. L. McCloud, Grace Reynolds, and O. M. McCloud OAKWOOD CEMETERY Marker # 3657 Location: Church and Oakwood Streets City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1968 Marker Text: Burial ground for over a century-- graves dating from 1859. Land was given by old settlers, 1883-1904. Maintained by Oakwood Cemetery Association, organized August 22, 1899, with Miss Alice Rogers first president. Charter was issued January 1908. Endowment fund started October 5, 1947. (1968) Incising on base: Given in memory of association pioneers by Ruth Hensley Richards, Pres. SEWELL PARK Marker # 4646 Location: S. Lost Creek, near bridge on US 281 City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1972 Marker Text: This site became Jacksboro's first park after tract here on Lost Creek was donated to city on June 25, 1921, by pioneer teacher-lumberman-rancher-public benefactor Dan Roland Sewell (1872-1957). City's first waterworks were installed during Sewell's service as mayor, February 17, 1913, to April 11, 1921. (1972) SQUAW MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY Marker # 11939 Location: 17 mi. N of Jacksboro on US 281; 2 mi. E on FM 2190 City: Jacksboro vicinity Marker Erected: 1998 Marker Text: Legend tells of a mountaintop skirmish between Native Americans and Texas Rangers in 1875. A woman was accidentally killed; the Rangers buried her on the mountain and named the place for her. In 1877 pioneers began to settle here, and in 1892 a post office and a stagecoach relay station were established. At its peak the Squaw Mountain community included two cotton gins and a thresher, a general store, blacksmith shop, school, and church. By 1917 a flowing water well and two coal mines had been discovered. In 1997 only the Squaw Mountain church and a few scattered buildings remained. (1998) BIRTHPLACE OF TEXAS 4-H CLUBS Marker # 416 Location: 237 Belknap Street City: Jacksboro Marker Erected: 1968 Marker Text: First Texas Boys' Corn Club was founded in Jacksboro, 1908, by Tom M. Marks (1865-1906), first Jack County agent. This was a forerunner of U.S. 4-H clubs, now international, and part of the cooperative extension service. Lack of adult interest in a 1907 corn show prompted friends to tell Marks, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". Marks replied, "Then I'll start with the pups". 111 boys enrolled as demonstrators. Marks' 1908 show drew national attention, and he was called to Washington to aid in setting up extension program. Erected by Jack County 4-H Clubs. (1968) WINN HILL CEMETERY Marker # 5869 Location: From Jacksboro, take US 281 to "Y", continue on SH 114 .5 mile; then south on county road for 2.5 miles, turn west onto county road about 2.75 miles to cemetery City: Jacksboro vicinity Marker Erected: 1991 Marker Text: Located on the historic Butterfield Stage/Overland Mail Route which traversed this area from 1858-61, this graveyard is named for William H. Wynne, who was killed by Indians in this vicinity in 1863. The Winn Hill community grew up around a rural school in the 1870s. The settlement soon included homes and a church, and by the 1880s this cemetery had been established. The earliest documented burial is that of Callie A. Beauchamp, who died in 1884. The county purchased the cemetery property in 1904. It is the last physical reminder of the Winn Hill community. (1991) WIZZARD WELLS Marker # 5884 Location: 10 miles east of Jacksboro via US 380 and FM 1156, in Wizard Wells City: Jacksboro vicinity Marker Erected: 1980 Marker Text: The Kiowa Indians first visited this location and used the mineral waters for medical purposes. George Washington Vineyard settled here in the 1870s, taking up a claim originally established by David Rowland. Vineyard dug this well for his home but the mineral-tasting water was not used. He suffered from sore eyes and from ulcers on his legs but was cured by bathing in and drinking the water. The news spread and visitors suffering from arthritis, rheumatism, stomach disorders, and skin diseases began coming to the well. Those seeking treatments often camped along Bean's Creek in their wagons. Soon three hotels and several bath houses opened to serve the increased visitor population. The town of Vineyard was laid out in 1882 and J. H. Grisham opened the first general store. The town later included several churches, a newspaper, school; sawmill, blacksmith shop, and post office. In 1898 the Rock Island Railroad bypassed Vineyard and Sebree community was started (2 miles south). Visitors arriving by train took a hack to the resort. H. F. Stamper and his sons, Clint and H. F. Jr., petitioned the Legislature in 1915 and the name of Vineyard became "Wizard Wells". Sebree was changed to Vineyard. (1980)