Series 'Texas Historical Marker'

Morrison Funeral Home. Mississippi native John Edward Morrison (1848-1926) and his family moved to Texas in 1874, settling first in Tarrant County. They arrived in Young County in 1876, and Morrison purchased several tracts of land. By January 1877 he had opened a blacksmith shop on the Town Square, and in 1884 he formed a partnership with Spencer Boyd Street. Their new venture was called Morrison & Street Family Grocery. Over the years, J. E. Morrison expanded his business interests to include dry goods, hardware, and lumber. Eventually he opened branch stores in nearby towns. In 1888, with the addition of undertaking supplies to the company's inventory, the Morrison Funeral Home was begun. The partnership with Street was dissolved in 1895, and several of Morrison's children joined the family businesses. Following Morrison's death his son, Adger A., became head of the undertaking business. He expanded the company, and a new building was completed in 1938. The businesses of John E. Morrison have played an important part in Graham's history. Now in its second century, the Morrison Funeral Home continues to be operated by descendants of John Edward Morrison. #3476

700 Oak St., Graham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03477

Moses Hughes Home, 1856. Family kept a mule tied to live oak in the yard, to bray and warn them of Indian attack. RTHL - 1966 #3477

?, Lampasas, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03478

Moses Johnson, M.D. Born in Virginia and educated in New Hampshire, Dr. Moses Johnson lived in Illinois before moving to Port Lavaca about 1837 and then to Austin in 1840. A physician and an active Mason, he also served as mayor of Austin and treasurer of the Republic of Texas during the presidency of his friend, Dr. Anson Jones. Dr. Johnson died of yellow fever and was buried on his ranch. He was married to Olivia Huggins of Illinois, who is also buried here. They had three children.

?, Port Lavaca, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03479

Moses William Hindes. A pioneer in settling of southwest Texas. Born in South Carolina; married Mary Jane Mason. Moved in 1840's to Alabama, then to Mississippi. With wife and 6 children came in 1855 by ox-wagon and horse-drawn hack to Texas. After a year in Lockhart, moved (1856) to this area of sparse settlements. To have adequate water for cattle raising, tried living on Ash and San Miguel Creeks. Then settled on the Frio, where in drouths "wells" were sunk in the river bed. During the Civil War (1861-1865) Hindes and his son George were Confederate scouts. In that time Indians plundered this area, stealing children and horses. On Aug. 1, 1865, warning came of a new Indian raid. Neighbors went to Hindes' home (9 mi. sw) for safety. 6 men took turns guarding 40 horses held in the corral. At daybreak when the Indians attacked, Moses Hindes was shot to death defending his homestead. Buried at first in this Boothill, he was later reburied in Pleasanton Cemetery, Atascosa County. His heirs remain loyal to this area for which Mr. Hindes died. George, the eldest son, founded the town of Hindes, Atascosa County. The Hindes & Beever Store, Pearsall, sold first pearburner ever marketed. Every generation has had men who rode with Texas Rangers. 1968 Incise in base: Erected by great-grandchildren, carrie Hindes eppright and Leroy Hindes. #3479

?, Tilden, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03480

Mother Neff State Park. First official state park in Texas; suggested the idea for the State Parks system. Originated with a 6-acre plot willed to Texas in 1916 by Mrs. Isabella E. Neff, mother of Pat M. Neff, Governor of Texas (1921-1925) Because Texas then had no state parks, Mrs. Neff stated the land was to be used for religious, fraternal, political, and educational activities. Seeing the need for more such areas, in 1923, the 39th Legislature created the State Parks Board. In 1934 Pat Neff deeded 250 acres, and other owners 3 acres, to enlarge the original tract. #3480

?, The Grove, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03481

Mother Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Basil Tolson, an African American farmer in eastern Matagorda county, joined with his neighbors in 1887 to form a Baptist congregation which they named Mount Zion Baptist Church. Tolson was elected pastor, and served the congregation until he moved to Bay City in 1905. In 1906 Tolson led a small group of people in organizing mother Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Bay City. Charter members of the church included Isaac Wiggins, Manuel Mills, Simon White, Martin Hardin, Allen Frazier, John Tolson, Birdie Tolson, Harriet Peters, Nellie White, George Edward McNeel, and Amanda Tolson. The Rev. Basil Tolson served as first pastor of the congregation, and his brother, John Tolson, was elected superintendent of the Sunday School. The Congregation's First Sanctuary, built in 1907 by the Alamo Lumber company, was destroyed in a 1909 hurricane. The members quickly rebuilt, however, and eventually erected larger structures to house church programs. Throughout its history, the church has been active in community and foreign outreach programs, including aid to the poor and educational programs for youth. The church continues to play an integral role in the religious life of Bay City citizens. (1994) #3481

?, Bay City, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03482

Mothers Park. Established by the Mothers' Club, founded in 1909. Site, a 1910 gift of Mr. and Mrs. E. O. Thomas, was improved with walks and shade trees. In 1934 the sponsor group changed its name to "The Pioneer Study Club." With the help of the city of Hereford, it continuously maintains the park. #3482

?, Hereford, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03483

Motley County. Formed from Young and Bexar territories; created August 21, 1876, organized February 5, 1891. Named in honor of Dr. Junius William Motley, 1812-1836, signer of the Texas declaration of Independence, aide to General Rusk at the Battle of San Jacinto where he was mortally wounded. Matador, the county seat. #3483

US 70, in Virgina Walton Park, Matador, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03485

Moulton. Founded (about 2 miles northwest) in early 1850s. Moved to this site after 1887 when the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad extended its line from Yoakum to Waco, placing a station at this point. Sam and Will Moore, brothers, took lead in building an outstanding school here in 1901. Town remains an agricultural and shipping center. #3485

?, Moulton, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03486

Moulton Lodge No. 298, A.F. & A.M.. First meeting held July 20, 1866. Chartered June 15, 1867, with 18 members. First building erected in cooperation with Live Oak Church, in 1874. Through the years, this Lodge has shared its building with other groups. It moved in 1894 to New Moulton. A new hall was built in 1910. #3486

300 S Main St, Moulton, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03487

Mount Calm Cemetery. Settlers began arriving in this part of Limestone County in the 1850s. Soon Mount Calm community developed with a Masonic Lodge, stores, post office, school, and churches. James Samuel Kimmel, a pioneer settler, donated land for this cemetery, and the first marked grave is dated 1870. In 1881, when the Texas & St. Louis Railway bypassed the village, residents moved north to the railroad line and began New Mount Calm in Hill County. The cemetery, which has been enlarged and is still in use, is all that remains of the earlier settlement. 1984 #3487

S. of Mount Calm about 2 mi. on CR 106, Mount Calm, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03488

Mount Calvary Cemetery. Initiated by the burial of 16 soldiers massacred during the Texas revolution of 1836. The bones of Capt. Amon King and his men--scattered on the Prairie--were buried by Refugio citizens. Later forgotten, the site was rediscovered in 1934. Grave of J. Hampton Kuykendall (1820?-1882), revolutionary soldier, journalist, congressman, and scholar, lies near north fence. Also interred here are Irish settlers of the 1830s Powerheweson colony. Among them is Empresario James Power, who also signed Texas declaration of Independence. #3488

W end of Santiago St., Refugio, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03490

Mount Gilead Baptist Church. The earliest religious meetings here began in the late 1840s as part of Lonesome Dove Baptist Church. The Mt. Gilead Congregation was chartered in 1850 under the direction of the Rev. John Allen Freeman (1821-1919) with 8 members, including 2 slaves. It was the first church started after the formation of Tarrant County in 1849. Early services were held in homes and in a log schoolhouse at this site on land owned by Daniel Barcroft (1812-81). Except for a time in the late 1870s and early 1880s when meetings were held elsewhere, the church has worshiped at this site. (1981) #3490

SW corner of Bancroft & Ottinger Roads, Keller, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03491

Mount Gilead Baptist Church. The organizational meeting for this congregation was held in October 1917 by the Rev. A. Wilson. Although early problems plagued the fellowship and many members left the church, a successful cotton harvest in September 1919 attracted more people to Lubbock, which helped increase membership in the church. Mt. Gilead has been host to the West Texas Association of Baptist Churches and has long promoted programs of music and evangelism. Believed to be Lubbock's oldest black congregation, Mt. Gilead maintains a significant role of leadership in the community. 1984 #3491

2512 Fir Avenue, Lubbock, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03492

Mount Gilead Cemetery. This burial ground originally served a pioneer settlement of related families who migrated to the area from Missouri in 1847 as members of the Peters Colony. They were headed by a widow, Permelia Allen (d. 1866), who is buried here in an unmarked grave. This tract, adjacent to the Mount Gilead Baptist Church and School, was first owned by her sons-in-law Daniel Barcroft (1812-81) and Iraneous Neace (1816-79). The earliest marked gravesite is that of William Joyce (1836-54). Homemade grave markers here reflect the pioneer lifestyle the early settlers. (1981) #3492

Bancroft Road at J.T. Ottinger Rd., Keller, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03493

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church. Born a slave in Virginia, Peyton Roberts became a freedman in Caldwell County, Texas, at the close of the Civil War. He soon moved west to this area and the settlement that developed around his farm became known as Peyton Colony. In 1874, under the direction of the Rev. Jack Burch, residents of the community established the Mt. Horeb Baptist Church. Early worship services were held in a log building also used as a school. Since the reconstruction era, Mt. Horeb has served as a focal point for the community and for a widespread rural area. (1988) #3493

?, Blanco, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03494

Mount Marion Cemetery. Located on land once owned by William W. Johnson, whose coal mining operations spurred major development in nearby Thurber, this cemetery was named for Johnson's daughter, Marion, who died at age three. It later became the primary burial ground for the town of Strawn. The earliest documented burial dates to 1883. Interred here are many area pioneers, including town founder Stephen B. Strawn, former Texas Rangers, veterans of wars from the Civil War to World War II, and victims of the devastating 1918-19 influenza epidemic. It is a reflection of the area's heritage. Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845-1995. #3494

?, Strawn, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03495

Mount Olivet Cemetery. Encompassing almost 130 acres, the Mount Olivet Cemetery was founded in 1907 by Flavious G. McPeak (1858-1933) and his wife, Johnnie Clara Lester McPeak (1858-1936), who arrived in Fort Worth in 1894 from Tennessee. The land on which the cemetery is located was purchased by Mrs. McPeak in 1895, and the family built a two-story home in 1896. The parents of ten children, the McPeaks moved to a home on Lake Street when they founded this cemetery. Flavious McPeak, a respected Fort Worth businessman, had visited the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee, and was so impressed with its design that many of its features were incorporated here. A mausoleum was completed in 1909, but only served as a temporary receiving vault. It was torn down when a new mausoleum was built in 1983. A variety of free-standing and relief sculpture can be seen throughout the grounds. Containing over 47,000 burials, this was the first perpetual care cemetery in the county. The oldest marked grave is that of Zenas Ewin Kerr, buried April 11, 1907. Also interred here are 594 victims of the flu epidemic of 1918, the McPeaks and members of their family, and many Tarrant County pioneers. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986. #3495

2205 N. Sylvania, Fort Worth, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03496

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Organized under a brush arbor, with 21 charter members, Oct. 16, 1892. First pastor, F. M. Herring, and E. M. Moore, Jesse Cunningham and C. C. McCurdy composed the presbytery. Will Dewitt gave land, Nov. 26, 1892, on which the first building was dedicated, May 1893. Tabernacle was built in 1906 and present church, 1913. The charter members were The Revs. and Mmes. Frank Herring and Jim Fagan; Messrs. and Mmes. Will Dewitt, Jake Hodges, John Cameron, Dave Coker, Alfred Loftis and J. A. Payne; also Mrs. E. B. Farmer, Beckie Leech, Green West, Cordelia McNutt, Z. K. Smith. (1969) #3496

?, Comanche vicinity, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03497

Mount Salem American Baptist Church. In 1872 this church was organized in Indianola by 25 charter members as the Mount Salem American Baptist Free Mission Church. Two major hurricanes struck the gulf coast in 1875 and 1886 and destroyed the Mount Salem Church building. In 1886 the Reverend Robert Greer and more than 20 members moved to Victoria, bringing with them the bell and pulpit and some salvaged lumber. The congregation purchased a house to use as a sanctuary, placed it on the corner of Depot and River streets, and installed the bell and pulpit from the Indianola church building. In 1896 the congregation moved its facilities to Mantz Street, and additions were made to the building as the membership grew. A Sunday School and choir were organized. A new church building was constructed in 1932 and a baptistry was added. In 1939 the name of the church was changed to Mount Salem American Baptist Church. The membership purchased a new building in 1962. The bell and pulpit used by the founding members were prominently displayed in the fellowship hall. The church has been an integral part of the community, supporting activities and outreach programs. It continues to serve the area as it has for more than a century. (1997) #3497

609 E. North Street, Victoria, TX, United States