A VISIT TO TYLER IN 1880 - Smith Co, TX

Submitted by East Texas Genealogical Society
P. O. Box 6967, Tyler, TX 75711

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TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 17, 1880, p. 4, c. 4

A Visit to Tyler.

We decided to take a holiday; and why not? A preacher may recreate as 
well as the members of his flock. Twelve months had elapsed and this 
preacher had taken no vacation—had not been released from official 
duty a single week. This continuous labor and responsibility gave him 
a keen relish for relaxation among friends, with new surroundings and 
pleasing associations; and Tyler, above all other places on this green 
earth, promised the most real pleasure. For six long years it had been 
our home. Five years a pastor and one year on the district, had the 
effect to so perfectly identify us with the place and the dear people 
we served, that we longed to see and spend Christmas with them.

We took the train at 8 P.M. of the 22d, and after a pleasant night 
ride, we landed in Tyler at 2 A.M., of the 23d, to meet a most 
affectionate welcome at the home of our daughter, Mrs. Ophelia Haden.

We were amazed and delighted at the improvements the little queen city 
had made in the short space of one year. Splendid brick business 
houses had gone up in close proximity to each other on three sides of 
the public square, presenting the most imposing fronts, with 
symmetrical and pleasing outlines. Quite a number of fine residences, 
with a much larger number of neat, comely cottages adorn and beautify 
what was vacant space a year ago.

We found business promisingly brisk, with cheerful faces and an air 
of thrift and prosperity in every direction. The coming St. Louis 
and Texas narrow gauge railroad, which will reach Tyler by April, 
has given the place increased confidence and imparted new life to 
every branch of business.

The growth of Tyler has been slow—gradual, but solid. If has never 
outreached itself. Should the machine shops of the new road be 
located there, and the additional narrow gauge road from the south 
terminate there, as is confidently believed it will, the future of 
Tyler will be a fixed certainty.

We spent one of the most pleasant weeks of our life in the city—
worshiped with large congregations on Sabbath, both at 11 A.M. and 
at night; were feasted on Christmas dinners—spiced with the richest 
social element; married a fine looking couple, baptized three 
children, and finally left, not of choice, but of loyalty to duty 
elsewhere.

But it would be in bad taste to leave Tyler and make no mention of 
the splendid Herndon Festival. The Hon. W. S. Herndon, who has been 
identified with the history of Tyler for many years, had recently 
finished a splendid residence, and furnished it in elegant style. 
He invited his friends by the hundred to a social festival. I see 
it stated that he ticketed 800 guests. On the evening of the 30th 
ultimo the spacious mansion was full to overflowing with a gay, 
joyous crowd of the elite of the city and country. It was estimated 
that 125 could find places at the splendid tables at one time. The 
tables were artistically arranged, so as to form the letter H—and 
were loaded with the richest luxuries of this and other climes.

The array of beauty and richness of apparel were in harmony with 
the splendor of the house, its gorgeous furniture and the tempting 
table, which soon became the center of attraction and maintained 
its supremacy until long after 12 o'clock. The honorable host and 
his estimable lady made everybody feel, not only easy, but happy.

The occasion was truly an enjoyable one, and will be long 
remembered by the many who were feasted and honored as guests in 
that social, bright assemblage.

A thousand blessings on my old friend and all his guests. F.