Jones Co. TX - Newspapers - The Stamford American: March 20, 1925 *********************************************************** Submitted by: Dorman Holub Date: 28 December 2019 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/tx/jones/jonestoc.htm *********************************************************** The Stamford American Friday, March 20, 1925 Fort Phantom Hill Note - Following is one of a series of history writings by the pupils of the High School in Prof. U.G. Knightís classes. Bibliography My own knowledge and that of my mother and Mr. Ray. Rector. By Dawson Duncan A long time ago when the buffaloes roamed wild over the vast plains of West Texas; when the Spanish ponies inhabited the grassy banks of the lazy Clear Fork River; when the Indian made his home where we now make ours; when the coyotes howled in triumph from their secret homes; when the eagles soared above the plains we now call our own, some brave pioneers made their way through unknown perils and dangers and founded, upon a knoll, a fort. This fort derives name through the physical geography of its location, as the tradition goes. When the soldiers approached this hill from afar the officer in command decided that this apparent great elevation was the ideal location for his perspective fort. Thus convinced, the troops eagerly approached their future home, each congratulating his companyís good luck in finding such an advantageous location. But as they drew nigh, their enthusiasm diminished, instead of standing at the foot of a high, steep hill, they were apparently standing upon a slightly elevated plain. With their spirits blighted, they marched on to the top, or the highest point of this strange hill. After acquiring the summit, the soldiers realized that the hill had regained its former splendor and majestic proudness. The deceptiveness of the hill made one soldier say that it was not a hill but that it was merely a phantom. From this occurrence the fort obtained the name of Fort Phantom Hill. According to Texas Historians, this fort was founded in the year 1850, or soon thereafter, by Texas Rangers. The idea has until recently been maintained that the great Southern leader, Robert E. Lee, established this fort but we have two facts that conclusively prove that the fort was not established by General Robert E. Lee. First, letters of General Lee show that he was not in Texas until 1856. Secondly, State records show that in 1853, Texas Rangers escorted Field Surveyors to the field. This section is designated Section 1 of the original survey. General Leeís letters show that his first trip to Texas was in 1856, under Col. Albert Sidney Johnson, as Lieut. Colonel of the Second Dragoons. Shortly after Leeís arrival in Texas he was called back to the Southern states in behalf of his native state. So General Lee was evidently not founder of Fort Phantom Hill. Another old tradition held itself secure and fast until a few years ago. This one was that one of Leeís children was buried in the fort. Not many years ago one of Stamford historians wrote to one of General Leeís descendants, asking him if this tradition had any foundation whatsoever. His answer said that this tradition was positively groundless for they could account for the burial place of every child. when the Second Dragoons came to Texas, they assumed every outpost, Fort Phantom Hill being one of them. These soldiers undoubtedly enlarged the fort, as it runs indicate a much larger fort than described by early letters and papers. Little activity was encountered during their five years stay and therefore have no detailed account of the place during that time. When these soldiers were called away by the Civil War, they probably burned the fort or Indians burned it soon after they vacated it. Although we have several chimneys standing, they are in a very dilapidated state and will soon fall down. The former powder house and portion of the main wing are still standing the latter being in use by persons living at the former fort. Although Fort Phantom Hill is history and has been for many years, and no valorous deeds or bravery was shown in protection of our early settlers, it is undoubtedly the most historic and revered place that we have in Jones County so why not convert it into a State park, enclosing within its limits a section of the beautiful Clear Fork River, the best of rivers that we have? On last Saturday at 12:25 p.m. at his home in Stamford, Walter B. Johnson passed away. Born in Weakly County, Tennessee, hardly 54 years ago on March 14, 1925. Rev. Edmonds of Hamlin, a friend of the Johnson family since Walter B. was but a lad, conducted the funeral service at the First Baptist church at 3 p.m. Sunday, assisted by the Rev. Hammer of Anson. The deceased is survived by his wife and two daughters - Mrs. John McDonald of Wichita Falls and Miss Cornelia Johnson of Stamford; three brothers - A.C. of Stamford; Rev. T.B. of New York and A.W. of Springtown; two sisters - Mrs. Dr. Rogers of Rule and Mrs. Robert Prichard of Anson. Blue Lodge Masons, Knights Templar and the Eastern Star attended his body. Mr. Johnson was buried in his Odd Fellows uniform. Penick Hughes undertakers and burial was in Highland cemetery. (Kinney, #21) The little two months old infant of Mr. and Mrs. J.O. Cook of the New Hope community passed away on Thursday the 12th and was buried at the New Hope cemetery on Friday. Rev. Fielder of Anson conducted the service.