Texas Historical Marker #08312
W. W. Browning House. A native of South Carolina, William Westcoat Browning (1808-1871) moved to Texas in the 1850s with his wife, Elizabeth (Gilmer), and their children. This Greek Revival plantation home was built for them in 1856-58. The house is a fine example of the architectural style brought by early Texas planters from their former homes in the southern states. Outstanding features include the false graining on the interior woodwork, the widow's walk, and the two-story porches. #8312
?, Chappell Hill, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08313
Moses Austin Bryan. Grandson of Moses Austin, whose 1821 contract with Mexico opened Texas to Anglo-Americans. Moses Austin Bryan came to Texas in 1831; worked with his uncle, Stephen F. Austin; fought (1836) in Battle of San Jacinto; served as secretary, Republic of Texas Legation to United States, 1839; joined 1842 Somervell Expedition to resist Mexican aggressions in Texas; rose to major in Confederate army in Civil War, 1861-1865. Bryan was father of 5 children. #8313
?, Independence, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08314
Burton Cafe. Built in 1937 by Edward Whitener and Quintus Zwernemann, this cafe has been a popular feature of downtown Burton through the years. Serving as both a cafe and social center for generations, it also included a liquor store at one time. Outdoor bathroom facilities were replaced in 1984. Its simple architectural features include a false front stepped parapet sheathed in metal stamped in a brick pattern. #8314
?, Burton, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08315
Burton Community. John M. Burton (1806-77) of Georgia came to Texas in the 1820s, and to this area in 1834. When the Houston & Texas Central Railroad was being built in 1869, he sold land for townsite. Post office opened Sept. 23, 1870, with Charles Huberich as postmaster. Early businesses included a mercantile store, lumber yard, blacksmith, tin shop, cotton gin, oil mill, drugstore, and leather shop. The noted Texas Ranger Captain L. H. McNelly lived here. After service with State Police, he came home and raised two Ranger units that reflected credit on citizens of the Burton community, 1874-1877. #8315
?, Burton, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08316
Burton Depot. Burton began as a terminal on the Houston & Texas Central Railroad in 1870. A depot, built that year, burned in 1898 and was replaced by this structure. Built according to standard plans of the Southern Pacific Railroad (which absorbed the Houston & Texas Central), it exhibits elements of the Queen Anne and Italianate styles. Outstanding features include wide overhanging eaves and "sunburst" gable windows typical in Southern Pacific structures. #8316
?, Burton, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08317
Burton Farmers Gin. In December 1913 a group of local farmers met to organize the Burton Farmers Gin Association. This two-story corrugated metal-clad gin building was constructed in 1914. The gin's machinery was steam-powered until 1925, when an oil engine was installed. The only cotton gin in town after 1948, it continued operations through 1974. The Burton Farmers Gin is one of the few remaining complete gin and mill complexes in the United States. #8317
?, Burton, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08318
Burton State Bank. Chartered in 1906, the Burton State Bank was founded by C. W. Homeyer (1855-1932), who also served as first bank president. Members of the first Board of Directors included Thomas Watson, H. Knittel, Ed Schatz, I. N. Carmean, W. Bauer, and O. A. Schatz. The Burton State Bank was closed during the Great Depression of the 1930s for three days, was found solvent, and reopened. The bank was located at this site from 1906 until 1965, when it was moved to a new building. #8318
Burton, Burton, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08319
Chappell Hill. Founded 1847. Named for Robert Chappell, an 1841 settler. Early education center, with Chappell Hill Male and Female Institute, 1852, and Soule University, 1850. Male students marched away to Civil War in 1861. C.S.A. Quartermaster Depot located here. #8319
?, Chappell Hill, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08320
Site of Chappell Hill College. Established in 1852 by the Methodist Church as Chappel Hill Male and Female Institute. After Soule University for Boys was established in 1856, Chappel Hill College was a school for girls. Existed until 1912. #8320
?, Chappell Hill, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08321
Chappell Hill Female College Bell. Chappell Hill Male and Female Institute (founded 1850) pioneered in higher learning in Texas. Under Methodist Church after 1854. Women's branch was chartered separately, 1856. Rebuilt after a fire in 1871; this bell, cast 1873, is only relic of the old college, closed in 1912. #8321
?, Chappell Hill, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08322
Chappell Hill Masonic Cemetery. Opened as Masonic burial ground, 1853. Jacob Haller, founder of Chappell Hill, was first interment. Final resting place of pioneers, soldiers, statesmen, heroes of Texas. Until formation of cemetery association in 1965, cared for by Hubert Lodge No. 67, A.F.&A.M. #8322
?, Chappell Hill, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08323
George Campbell Childress Statue. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, January 8, 1804. Died in Galveston, Texas, October 6, 1841. Before coming to Texas in December 1835, he assisted in raising funds and securing volunteers for the Army of Texas; delegate from the Municipality of Milam to the Constitutional Convention held here from March 1 to 17, 1836, chairman of Committee of Five which drafted the Texas Declaration of Independence; appointed by President Burnet March 19, 1836; agent of Texas at Washington to secure the recognition of the sovereignty and independence of Texas by the United States. #8323
Park Road 12, Washington-on-the-Brazos, TX, United States
Subjects
Texas Historical Marker #08324
Christian Church Cemetery. This burial ground originally served the early residents of McClellan's Settlement, named for William B. McClellan who operated a store and gin here. A church, later called Bethany Christian Church, was organized at the McClellan Schoolhouse in 1876. Three years later a chapel was dedicated at this site. The church cemetery was first used in 1877 for the burial of George McCausland (b. 1863), brother of church benefactor Eleanor (McCausland) Barham. The congregation, renamed First Christian, moved to Burton (5 mi. S) in 1913, but continues to care for the Pioneer Cemetery. #8324
?, Burton, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08325
Dr. Horace G. Clark. Born in Massachusetts. Coming to Texas (1850) with wife, Martha Davis Clark, he was principal and second president of Baylor Female College. Mrs. Clark also taught and counseled students. Family operated dormitory on this site 20 years. Dr. Clark, with $1,000 gift from Dr. Asa Hoxey, built 3-story main hall. He was ordained to ministry (1858) at Independence Baptist Church. Family opened Clark's Academy, Houston, 1871; Dr. Clark took Holy Orders (1880), Christ Episcopal Church, Houston, and was a rector in Corpus Christi. Mrs. Clark, a lifelong Baptist, died in 1896. #8325
?, Independence, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08326
John Prince Coles. A native of North Carolina, John Prince Coles brought his family to Texas in 1821 with Stephen F. Austin's "Old Three Hundred" colonists. Arriving in present Washington County on New Year's Day in 1822, Coles received a Mexican land grant in 1824. He founded Coles Settlement, which was later renamed Independence. He was appointed alcalde of the municipality of Washington by the Mexican government in 1828. After service in the Republic of Texas Army in 1836, he held a number of public offices, including senator in the First Republic Congress, 1840-41. #8326
?, Independence, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08327
Texas Confederate County Commissioners Court. Composed of a chief justice (now county judge) and four county commissioners, these elected governing boards directed vital Civil War programs. Provided arms, clothing, horses and saddles for troops from county. Gave aid to wartime factories. Obtained and distributed to soldier's families scarce medicine, food, cloth, salt and cotton and wool cards. County patrols and home guards were set up in many counties and supplied lead, powder, gun caps to guard against the enemy, Indians and bandits. Funds were raised by issuing bonds and scrip and assessing a special war tax on property. Tax credits were given to citizens for contributions to soldier's dependents. Unbranded cattle were gathered and sold to benefit orphans and widows. Rich, heavily-populated Washington County through its court financed hospitals in Hempstead and Chappell Hill; contracted the making of army uniforms; bought kegs of powder and held gun inspections to maintain home defenses; printed county scrip in 50 (cents), $1, $2, $3 bills; established at Old Mt. Vernon a camp of insctruction and in Brenham a soldiers home. Judges, commissioners and other dedicated public officials did much to strengthen Texas' war effort. #8327
?, Brenham, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08328
Davis Family. Renowned educators; family of The Rev. Abner Davis, founder (1827) of Shurtleff College, Alton, Ill. A daughter, Martha (d. 1896), joined the Baylor Female College staff with her husband, Horace Clark, in 1851. Baylor in a few years drew rest of family here: Marcia (Mrs. Abner) Davis (1794-1882); George B. Davis (1828-1906) and wife, Fannie Breedlove (1833-1915); Harriett L. Davis (1832-1917) and husband, B.S. Fitzgerald (1827-1904); and Mary Russell Davis, "Little Mary" (d. 1865), who taught Indians briefly after the father died (1852), then like the others devoted her talents to Baylor. #8328
?, Independence, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08329
Early Texas River Steamers. River-shipping efforts in pioneer Texas by steamboat were centered primarily on the Brazos (about 2 mi. E.), and Washington-on-the-Brazos (about 15 mi. N.) was an important distribution point for commercial interests. The Brazos flowed through most productive cotton and sugar region in Texas; steamers greatly aided shipment of these items to markets in New Orleans. The first steamer reached Washington in 1840; by 1849 its docks were busy with steamboats making regular river trips. Between 1820-1840 settlers made journey to Texas on the Red River in steamers if the river was high enough and there were no obstructions. Buffalo Bayou, extending from Houston to Galveston Bay, was waterway traveled most often by steamers, and took over trade from Brazos River because it had better outlet to the sea. Navigation on the Trinity, Colorado, and Sabine rivers also increased inland growth and development. While rivers in Texas seemed to offer possibilities for steamboat travel, the story of river navigation is largely one of disappointment. Most meandering rivers were too shallow, often flooded, needed clearing; many were choked with driftwood. These hazards greatly retarded economic and social development of the state. By 1865 the importance of river steamers was gone. #8329
?, Brenham, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08330
Eben-Ezer Evangelical Lutheran Church. Spiritual center of the Berlin community, which was settled by Germans in 1847. On a missionary visit, Dec. 24, 1854, The Rev. Johann Ebinger (1828-1908) of Harris County held earliest Lutheran service in Washington County. On July 1, 1855, he founded Eben-Ezer Church with William C. Bohne, F. H. Ehlert, F. F. Spreen and others as trustees. Ludwig C. Lehmann (1794-1855) donated 11-acre church site. Landowners gave post oak logs, renters gave labor for building first church, incorporating a parsonage. The early pastors taught school in that first church building. #8330
?, Brenham, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08331
Evangelical Lutheran Colleges of Texas. The first Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Texas was organized in 1851 by eight pastors who would gather fellow-immigrants from Europe in congregations. Synod bought an existing campus at Rutersville in 1872 and operated her German-American College there until 1881 with Pastor H. Merz as president. In 1891 the Synod acquired a school plant on this site and established her Evangelical Lutheran College here. The courses were preparatory, commercial, teacher training, and classical. A dormitory for boys stood at Pecan and Clinton. Successive administrators were Pastors G. Langner, O. Hartmann, J. H. Romberg, E. Gerfen, F. Zimmermann. Synod closed the college in 1906, then founded an Evangelical Lutheran Pro-seminar on this campus to specialize in training students for entrance to a theological seminary. Launched Sept. 18, 1906, it prospered for six years under leadership of Pastor C. Weeber. Synod's fourth venture in field of higher education blossomed on Sept. 10, 1912, at Seguin, with the dedication of a new institution known later as Texas Lutheran College. Pastor C. Weeber, first president, served until 1929, raising its status to the rank of a junior college. #8331
?, Brenham, TX, United States