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Masonic Lodge #411. Hall built 1875 at Deming's Bridge, near Pierce Ranch, by John...
Branecky School. BRANECKY SCHOOL IN THE MID-1930s, AREA RESIDENTS COMPLETED A FRAME S...
Grave of Elizabeth Crockett. Mrs. Elizabeth Crockett, wife of David Crockett, born in B...
Texas Historical Marker #17465

Kildare Cemetery. As the Kildare area was being settled, the need for a cemetery was met by the donation of land from the Moor family, local plantation owners. The earliest dated burial is that of Risdon Moor (1803-1868), but older burials likely exist. John T. Moore donated another acre in 1937 and an association formed in 1982 has continued to expand and improve the site. Since 1980, the Kildare Memorial Day Ceremony annually honors its veterans. The community has a long history of actively caring for this site that remains as a chronicle of the pioneers and families that made this plantation and timber area of Cass County their home. Historic Texas Cemetery- 1999 #17465

?, Kildare, TX, United States

Subjects
Texas Historical Marker #17466

Laws Chapel Cemetery. Originally a family cemetery, this burial ground began upon the death of Henry G. Law (1813-1854), son of George and Martha McDonald Law, who died shortly after the family moved here from Georgia. The site eventually became a community cemetery and another son, Richard R. Law, donated 6 acres to the Laws Chapel Church and Cemetery in 1869. The graveyard later was shared with nearby Piney Grove Baptist Church after it was established in 1887. Expanded by 1.5 acres in 1941, the cemetery continues to serve the community and remains a chronicle of the pioneers, veterans, and families of Cass County. #17466

?, Atlanta, TX, United States

Subjects
Texas Historical Marker #17467

Pine Crest Cemetery. Located on the highest elevation of Atlanta, the first two acres of this site were formally deed to the city for cemetery use by Preston Rose Scott in 1887. The earliest marked grave, that of Esthre Fitts, dated August 7, 1878, indicates its earlier use as a burial ground. The oldest grave in a segregated area once separated by a fence, now removed, is that of R.A. Williams (d. 1880). A four-acre gift by the H.G. Goree Estate in 1934, and a land acquisition in 1984, have allowed for the growth of this cemetery where the descendants of those who developed the Atlanta area continue to honor their veterans and loved ones. Historic Texas cemetery-2001 #17467

?, Atlanta, TX, United States

Subjects
Texas Historical Marker #17589

W. T. and C. Valerie Williams House. This historic home was constructed in 1933-34 by William Kutalek and Peter Mansbendel for William T. Williams, Jr. and Clotilde Valerie (Mansbendel) Williams. With motifs drawn from the Tudor Revival Style, the house features a u-shaped plan surrounding an enclosed courtyard. Wood and stone carvings by noted local artisan, Peter Mansbendel, Valerie’s father, adorn the home’s interior and exterior. William was a successful city leader and attorney who was a leading contributor to Austin’s growth and development. Valerie was active in many civic, church and school organizations.

3820 Avenue F, Austin, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #17655

Dr. Ferdinand Ludwig Von Herff. In the 1850s, a few courageous and well-trained European doctors responded to the health needs of the citizens of San Antonio. For more than fifty years, Dr. Ferdinand Ludwig von Herff worked tirelessly to provide leadership and medical knowledge and to improve medical practices in Texas. He was born Ferdinand Charles von Herff in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany on November 29, 1820, but he never used the name Charles. When he later became a United States citizen, he dropped the von from his name and was called Dr. Herff. In 1847, with a group of idealistic young Germans, die vierziger (the forty), Dr. Herff failed in an attempt to establish the Bettina Socialistic Colony in Texas. He returned to Germany and married Mathilde Klingelhoffer (1823-1910) in 1849. The next year, they immigrated to New Braunfels and settled in San Antonio. Herffs second home here on a ranch in Boerne was a family retreat. Dr. Herff practiced medicine here and was instrumental in bringing to Boerne the railroad and Saint Marys Sanitarium. During the Civil War, he served briefly as a Brigade Surgeon for Gen. Robert E. Lee and the Confederacy. However, the Herff ranch was occupied by Confederate Rangers as Herff was known as a Union sympathizer. He treated all in need, including Native Americans. Dr. Herff achieved many medical breakthroughs in surgery, as well as introducing new procedures to the medical community. As one of the great pioneer doctors, he held many distinguished positions in local and state organizations, and received honors for his many contributions. His diligent efforts for the profession and patients whom he loved helped set standards for the medical profession, facilities and continuing advances. (2013)

33 Herff Rd., Boerne, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #17662

Conroe Fire of 1911. On February 21, 1911 around 1:30 in the morning, a fire broke out in the Capitol Drug Store on Chambers (today North Main) Street. The blaze was well underway before it was discovered and northerly winds began sweeping the flames southeastward toward the railroad tracks. The volunteer fire department had only one hose cart which was pulled by hand to fight the inferno and the lack of water pressure led to the fight being called off. The post office, meat market, saloon, grocery store and Masonic lodge were among the businesses caught in the path of the fire as well as the homes of their owners who lived above their stores. Sixty-five buildings, store inventories and personal belongings were lost that early February morning, costing an estimated total of $150,000, over 3.5 million dollars in today's money. The following business day, the city council created an ordinance requiring buildings to have "fire proof" materials protecting the wooden structures. A year later, the city council voted to amend the ordinance to require buildings to be constructed out of brick and stone. The 1911 fire in downtown Conroe and the prompt response to its destruction by Conroe residents reflected the resilience of Texans as they settled, struggled and prospered in southeast Texas. Despite the tragedy caused by the fire, the resurrection of stately brick business buildings provides current city visitors with a picture of a bygone era with buildings over a century in age. It further echoes the town's nickname, "The town that faith built!" (2013)

N Main Street, Conroe, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #17952

Illinois Bend School Located in the bend of the Red River in northeast Montague County, Illinois Bend received an official title in 1877. By the 1890's, Illinois Bend was a thriving community where cotton farming swelled the population. Many churches and schools were conducted in private homes prior to 1845 when the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas set aside provisions to aid local lodges in erecting educational buildings. In January 1893, a Masonic building for fraternal, educational and spiritual purposes was erected here. During the week, the lower level was used as a one room school and a church on Sundays. The original name of the school district was Valley Branch School District No. 14 due to the location near the branch which feeds into the Red River. Over time, it became known as Illinois Bend School District No. 14. All age levels were taught in the same room and the first teacher was W.O. Edwards. There was no electricity or plumbing i the school until 1945 so outhouses were erected behind the building. The lower portion of the building was also the social center of the community, hosting reunion, wedding receptions and other group activities. With the onset of WWII, the school closed in 1944. Church services in the lower leel ceased in the 1920s with the establishment of local churches. In 1968, the building was no longer used on a regular basis; however, an Illinois Bend Community Homecoming was held each fall and continues today. The building was refurbished by the Illinois Bend Community Club in 1987 and is a remnant of the community partnerships formed with the help of the Masonic Lodge. Marker is Property of the State of Texas (2014)

, Saint Jo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #18127

Charlie Brown, born a slave in the late 1820s, came to the Brazoria County area from Virginia before the Civil War. Despite being illiterate and using an X for his mark beside his name on legal transactions, Brown acquired a vast amount of land according to the Brazoria County tax records. Between 1889 and 1910, he owned approximately 3,000 acres, including much of the land in West Columbia. He donated some parcels for area churches and schools. In 1896, Brown deeded land in School District Sixteen (Colored) within the city limits of West Columbia. This school at West Bernard and Brown Street, was the first in the community to serve African American students and was later named Charlie Brown School in his honor. Brown married Isabella, a former slave from the Dance Plantation. When he died in 1920, he owned several businesses, including grist, sugar and saw mills and the countys first cotton gin. A Houston Post article identified him as a millionaire and the wealthiest African American in the state. Brown was the single largest landowner and taxpayer in Brazoria County and was appreciated by a diverse citizenship of West Columbia. He was buried in Brown Family Cemetery at Danciger. The City of West Columbia formally honored Brown at least twice. At a special session of the City Council on February 28, 1955,, Brown Street was named for him. The city also proclaimed August 30, 2014, to be observed as Charlie Brown Day. On February 24, 2015, the State of Texas recognized Brown when the 84th Texas Legislature passed House Concurrent Resolution 58 for this man whose life and legacy are indeed worthy of tribute. His impact on his neighbors and his community continues to be felt today.

325 W. Brazos Avenue, West Columbia, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #18203

Bankhead Highway in Aledo Commonly referred to as the "Broadway of America," the Bankhead Highway linked cities and towns throughout the nation as one of the first transcontinental highways of the 1920s. In the wake of the first World War, the American government sought to ensure proper defense and military transportation through an extensive national highway system. Senator John Hollis Bankhead of Alabama, along with the National Good Roads Congress, organized the Bankhead Highway Association in 1916. This paved the way for modern American tourism, commercial travel and daily transit. The Bankhead Highway extends more than 900 miles within the state of Texas, from Texarkana to El Paso, totaling about one-third of the National Road's complete length. Initially, the City of Aledo was located one mile south of the Highway, which stretched from east to west through Parker County. The route currently establishes the northern boundary of the future city limits of Aledo. The segment of the Bankhead Highway which connects Watherford to Aledo, remains the most frequently utilized and longest, continuously-named portion of the entire road. Amidst the growing addition of new housing developments, one can still find remnants of old diary farms, as well as rows of sycamore trees planted in memory of WWI veterans. Today, the Bankhead Highway represents an important transitiion from the 19th century to the modern age. It is one of the most significant infrastructure developments in American History, connection people and communities from across the nation.

FM 1187 at Bankhead Hwy, Aledo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #1. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2000

Cesko Narodni Hrbitov. The Cechomoravan Lodge No. 105 formed in Ellinger in 1884 as part of the national Cesko-Slovanska Podporujici Spolecnost (C.S.P.S.) fraternal society, which offered benefits to Czech immigrants. In 1897, the Ellinger lodge joined other Texas lodges in a new group, the Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas (Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas), or S.P.J.S.T. Tthe Cesko Narodni Hrbitov, or Czech National Cemetery, was later called Ellinger National Cemetery. It served as the burial ground for early Czech settlers, including Thomas Hruska, C.S.P.S. member, and charter member and first president of the S.P.J.S.T. Lodge #1. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2000 #12957

?, Ellinger, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #24.

Order of the Eastern Star, Kerrville Chapter #24. #15351

?, Kerrville, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #267.

Stephenville Masonic Lodge #267. #17230

244 S. Columbia, Stephenville, TX, United States

Subjects
Texas Historical Marker #3. Thirty former members of the nearby Macedonia Baptist Church organized the New Hope Baptist Church

New Hope Baptist Church #3. Thirty former members of the nearby Macedonia Baptist Church organized the New Hope Baptist Church #3 in 1893 with The Rev. C.J. McDonald serving as its first pastor. The congregation shared facilities with its parent church until 1899 when they built a sanctuary on two acres acquired from J.C. and Laura Bargsley. The sanctuary was destroyed by fire in 1902 and replaced by a new building. Church members met once a month until 1948 when a full-time pastor was called. In 1993 the congregation celebrated its 100th year of service to the rural LaCasa community. #3582

FM 717, S of Caddo about 7.3mi., Caddo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #411. Hall built 1875 at Deming's Bridge, near Pierce Ranch, by John Pierce and Masonic brothers. First floor used as Baptist church and community hall. Moved about 1903 when town of blessing was founded. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1965

Masonic Lodge #411. Hall built 1875 at Deming's Bridge, near Pierce Ranch, by John Pierce and Masonic brothers. First floor used as Baptist church and community hall. Moved about 1903 when town of blessing was founded. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1965 #3243

?, Blessing, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #426 A.F. & A.M., 1952. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967

Dripping Springs Academy. Founded 1881 by W. M. Jordan, noted Baptist preacher. Its stone building was given to Pedernales Baptist Association 1883; then to public school district, 1889. Second floor was added, 1920. It became property Rambo Lodge #426 A.F. & A.M., 1952. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967 #10261

?, Dripping Springs, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #479. Built 1877 at Old Aurora (2 miles east). Lower floor used first as school with rent $2.50 a month, then as drug store, post office. Second floor always lodge hall. Moved here 1900, in one piece, as Aurora, missed by railroad, began to decline.

Masonic Lodge #479. Built 1877 at Old Aurora (2 miles east). Lower floor used first as school with rent $2.50 a month, then as drug store, post office. Second floor always lodge hall. Moved here 1900, in one piece, as Aurora, missed by railroad, began to decline. #3244

S Evans at W. Rock Island, Boyd, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #56. THE SCHOOL BUILDING WAS LATER RAZED. (2008)

Branecky School. BRANECKY SCHOOL IN THE MID-1930s, AREA RESIDENTS COMPLETED A FRAME SCHOOL BUILDING AT THIS LOCATION. THE STRUCTURE REPLACED A SMALLER BUILDING NAMED CEDAR SPRINGS SCHOOL. THE NEW SCHOOL WAS NAMED BRANECKY SCHOOL, FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS JOHN AND PAULINA (MACHAC) BRANECKY. THE COUPLE SETTLED IN THIS AREA IN 1896 AND DONATED THIS PROPERTY FOR EDUCATIONAL USE. THE SCHOOL WAS A CENTER FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS, HOSTING MEETINGS, SOCIALS AND DANCES, IN ADDITION TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES. THE BRANECKY SCHOOL SERVED THE AREA UNTIL 1950, WHEN WAELDER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNEXED BRANECKY SCHOOL DISTRICT #56. THE SCHOOL BUILDING WAS LATER RAZED. (2008) #15099

?, Waelder, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker # 5. N/A

Enlisted Men's Barracks, # 5. N/A #1487

Ave. C & Burgess, Fort Concho, San Angelo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #6256, 6257 (On right and left sides) 1788 1860 1911 (Rear) Crockett

Grave of Elizabeth Crockett. Mrs. Elizabeth Crockett, wife of David Crockett, born in Buncombe Co., NC, May 22, 1788, married to David Crockett in Lawrence Co., Tenn., 1816; died in Johnson Co.--now Hood Co.--Jan. 31, 1860, age 72 years. (death date and age are incorrect, see marker #6256, 6257 (On right and left sides) 1788 1860 1911 (Rear) Crockett #6249

?, Acton, TX, United States

Subjects
Texas Historical Marker # 6. N/A

Enlisted Men's Barracks, # 6. N/A #1486

Ave. C & Burgess St., Fort Concho, San Angelo, TX, United States