Series 'Texas Historical Marker'

John Closner Home. Built 1887, enlarged 1888. Social center. Had county's only piano. While pioneering in farming and irrigation, Closner also brought law and order to the outlaw-plagued county. After 1884-1890 service as deputy, was elected sheriff in 1890-- the ninth in 7 years. Without using six-gun or killing a man, tamed gangs of rustlers and bandits. When he retired in 1912, he had enforced six-shooter law (no guns worn)-- a border first. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1966 #2773

?, Edinburg, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02774

John Duncan. A San Jacinto veteran, born in Pennsylvania in 1788. Died March 21, 1878. #2774

?, , TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02775

John Duncan's Fort. A private, or settler's fort, built 1858. Cabins of 4 families (30 people) formed a stockade for defense against Indians. Daily a hunting party would go out for meat; other men stood guard. Residents went home to farm in spring, but through 1865 "forted up" each fall. #2775

US 190 & hwy. 45 intersection, Richland Springs, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02776

John E. Gardner Place. Oldest house in Reagan County. Had no window glass. Used swing shutter. Mud mortared native stone Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1964. #2776

Santa Rita Rd, via RR 1676 and US 67, 5 mi from Big Lake, Big Lake, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02777

John Ellison Burns. Trained as a blacksmith by his father in Alabama, John Ellison Burns (1853-1940) brought his hand-forged tools to Texas in 1874. He settled in the new town of Lockney in 1900 and opened a blacksmith shop. As his business expanded he hired his three sons and ten craftsmen to service the freight wagons that hauled farm commodities to the railroad in Lockney. When the town developed into a rail center, the freighting business declined. However, Burns continued serving the community as a blacksmith, repairing farm machinery and implements. (1983) #2777

218 E. Locust St., Lockney, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02778

John F. McGuffin. Star and Wreath Born in South Carolina in 1813; came to Texas in 1837; a soldier in the Army of Texas; He participated in the struggle for Independence in 1835 and 1836; died September 10, 1887. Erected by the State of Texas 1956 #2778

?, Seguin, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02779

John F. Torrey, Site of Early Mill and Factory. (1821- 1893) Pioneer promotor of Texas industry. He operated a flour, grist and saw mill, a sash, door and blind factory (1850), a cotton factory (1863) and the first woolen factory in Texas. With indomitable spirt he rebuilt the plant, after partail destruction by tornado and floods, until all was swept away. #2779

?, New Braunfels, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02780

Texas Panhandle Pioneers - John F. Weatherlys Family. Among first landowners in area. In 1898 started ranch 25 miles to the north. Ran country store, post office, phone exchange. Moved 1915 to Panhandle. The 1924 discovery of oil on their ranch led to the founding of Borger. They gave land to every church and school, and for a park, there. Weatherly (b. 1865, Tenn.) was a church, civic, Masonic leader; one of organizers of Hutchinson County. He died in 1944. His wife, Maggie Marie Deahl Weatherly (b. 1875, W.Va.), built Weatherly Hall at Texas Christian University, Fort Worth; educates missionaries and others; endows churches and Girl Scout work. #2780

501 Elsie, Panhandle, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02782

John Gerham Hardin. Pioneer settler, financier and philanthropist. Came to Texas in 1876 and to this area in 1879, living at first in a dugout. Operating a store and owning extensive lands, he amassed a fortune that he left as a rich legacy for Texas children. He gave six million dollars to Buckner Orphans Home, Baylor Hospital, Baylor University, Mary Hardin-Baylor College, Abilene Christian College, Howard Payne College, Hardin Junior College, Hardin-Simmons University and local churches and schools. This park was one of his gifts to children. (1970) #2782

Davey & Williams Drive, Burkburnett, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02784

John H. "Shorty" Brown Cemetery. After living for a time in Arkansas, John H. "Shorty" Brown (1817-1896), his wife Jane Ann, and some of their children came here. Brown helped found San Saba in 1854 and became a civic leader. Although San Saba County provided a graveyard, Brown and his wife deeded this plot near their home for a family burial ground. Jane Ann, who bore 17 of Brown's 21 children, was probably the first burial here about 1874. Brown's son and a son-in-law who were murdered are buried here along with other family members and friends. #2784

US 190, San Saba, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02785

John H. Reagan. As congressman, 1876-1887, sponsored bill creating Interstate Commerce Commission; resigned 1891 from United States Senate to head newly-formed Railroad Commission, modeled after I.C.C., and created to regulate shipping rates and practices. In his term, 1891-1903, railway transportation of petroleum became important in Texas, the Commission was given jurisdiction in 1917 over pipelines. This led to formation of the oil and gas division. The Legislature made the Commission responsible in 1919 for oil and gas conservation. Probation began in 1920s. Complete regulation came in the 1930s with 1,700,000-barrel-a-day production in East Texas. Commission policies were acclaimed when in World War II Texas was able to supply the allies with great stores of oil necessary for victory. The Commission's goal is to prevent waste and protect oil and gas reserves by orderly regulation of exploration, production and transportation. Such men as chairman Reagan have set high ethical standards that have continued in the Commission, causing it to merit the confidence of the people and of the petroleum industry. Commemorative series on Texas Railroad Commission. Erected in Cooperation with Abell-Hangar Foundation, 1966. #2785

US 67, corner of Main and 2nd Street, Big Lake, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02786

John H. Reagan. Delegate Texas Secession Convention. While member 1st Confederate Congress, made postmaster general C.S.A. 1861. Difficult job begun by raid on U.S. Postal Dept. for southern personnel asking them to get maps, forms. Despite seizure mail by enemy, army draft of clerks and carriers and split of South, department carried on. At war's end imprisoned Boston. Later U.S. Senator, first chairman Railroad Commission. A Memorial to Texas who served the Confederacy. Erected by the State of Texas 1963. #2786

3rd and Plaza Streets, Big Lake, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02787

John H. Shary Home. Built 1917 by Father of the Texas citrus industry, pioneer developer of Rio Grande Valley, and the Intercoastal Canal. For 20 years chairman Sharyland School Board. Here in 1953, Mrs. Shary, her daughter, Mrs. Allen Shivers, and Governor Shivers entertained President Dwight D. Eisenhower during Falcon Dam dedication. Shivers, 1949-1957 Governor, was chief executive longer than any other; headed one of state's most progressive administrations, a major event of his regime was the restoration of the tidelands to Texas. (1964) #2787

?, Palmhurst, TX, United States

Subjects

General Dwight D. Eisenhower OM
(1890-1969) United States Army General

Texas Historical Marker #02788

John Hemphill. (1803 - 1862) Star and Wreath. On the eve of secession, U.S. Senator Hemphill set forth to Senate January 1861 Texas' right to secede and again became a sovereign nation. Elected delegate provisional Confederate Congress at Montgomery, Alabama which drafted the new nation's constitution, mobilized manpower, set up financial structure, elected political leaders. Died in Richmond, Virginia, Confederate capital. A memorial to Texans who served the Confederacy erected by the State of Texas 1963. #2788

?, Canadian, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02789

John Ingram. A San Jacinto veteran, born in Kentucky, March 10, 1808. Died in San Angelo, February, 1896. #2789

Fairmount Cemetery, 116 W. Ave North, San Angelo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02790

John Karner. Came to Texas 1835, served in Texas War of Independence at San Jacinto. Erected by the State of Texas, 1962 #2790

Mexia City Cemetery, Mexia, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02791

John C. Collier Home. This structure was built in 1877 as a residence for the founder of Mansfield Male and Female College, John C. Collier (1834-1928). A native of South Carolina, Collier was distinguished educator and Presbyterian minister who in 1869 was asked to establish a school in Mansfield. The college operated from 1870 until 1887 and produced outstanding graduates and community leaders. Located west of the college, the home served also as a residence for female teachers and students. From 1890 to 1909, the A.J. Dukes family owned the Collier house. They made some major alterations to the home, including the addition of Mansfield's first indoor bathroom. Occupants of the home from 1909 until 1944 were Dr. William B. and Sallie (Hodges) McKnight, both of whom had graduated from Mansfield Male and Female College. Dr. McKnight established a medical practice in Mansfield in 1895 and also served as physician for the Southern Pacific Railroad. The house was adapted as Mansfield first funeral home by T.E. "Ernie" Blessing in 1944. Significant for its association with an early Texas educational institution and with several families of community leaders, the John C. Collier Home has remained a landmark in Mansfield. (1985) #2791

401 E Elm St, Mansfield, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02792

John Leakey. Tennessee native John Leakey (1824-1900) came to Texas in 1847, settling for a time in Henderson County where he was a brickmason and rancher. He and his wife Nancy (Patterson) moved to Uvalde County in 1852 near present day Sabinal. A desire to pursue other endeavors took him to the Frio Canyon where there was an abundance of cypress timber. Despite constant threats of Indian attacks, Leakey settled his family and started a cypress shingle business. He served the Confederacy as a freighter during the Civil War, hauling provisions for the troops. Leakey returned to his home after the war to establish a steam sawmill and to attend to his ranching interests. He also began a school for the children of the community, and his home often served as a resting place of itinerant preachers. The town, situated on the Bandera-Edwards County line, was laid out in 1833 and named in honor of the resourceful pioneer who donated land for this plaza, a church, school, and cemetery. Leakey served as county seat of Edwards County until 1891, and became county seat of Real County when it was organized in 1913. A successful businessman, Indian fighter and pioneer, John Leakey's contributions and leadership were vital to the early growth of the area. (1983) #2792

US 83, on Courthouse grounds, Leakey, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02793

John N. Sowell. Star and Wreath Born in Tennessee; came to Texas about 1829. Served in the Army of Texas, 1836; brother of Andrew Jackson Sowell, and son of John Sowell, who participated in the Battle of Gonzales; died in 1858. Erected by the State of Texas 1956 #2793

?, Seguin, TX, United States