Texas Historical Marker #12681
Texas Business Pioneer Pleasant C. Sams. In 1850's came to Texas from Arkansas. At 16, on outbreak of Civil War, was left in charge of family mills, instructed by his father to give entire flour output to widows of Confederates. In 1862, captured in Missouri, as he went through enemy lines to get his bride; "escaped" from Federal who also admired bride. Wedding trip was horseback ride to Texas. He served 1864-65 in Confederate frontier regiment. Pioneer cattlemen; business and financial leader. Founder and president, Benjamin Commercial Company. President and director, First National Bank, Benjamin. #12681
3.5 mi E of Benjamin on US 82, Benjamin, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #09430
Benjamin School (razed). Built in 1896. Only early school building still standing. Bought 1910 by Benjamin Lodge No. 976, A.F. & A.M., and moved to this site. Lower floor serves as community center, meeting place for Sorosis Club, organized here in 1924. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1966 #9430
?, Benjamin, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #03871
Original Old Rock Courthouse Cornerstone. Erected in Benjamin in 1891, when the officials of Knox County were: J.J. Truscott - judge; W.H. Benedict, T.P. Reeder, J.A. Spinks, G.B. Stewart, commissioners; T.D. Isbell - sheriff. Rock structure, replacing wooden courthouse of 1886, was in use until 1935. (1967) Incise in base: Presented by M. J. Spinks, Dallas #3871
?, Benjamin, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #02970
Knox County. Formed from Young and Bexar Territories. Created February 1, 1858. Recreated August 21, 1876. Organized March 20, 1886. Named in honor of General Henry Knox, 1750-1806. Major General of the Continental Army, 1781, Secretary of War, 1785-1794. Benjamin, the county seat. #2970
?, Benjamin, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #01865
First Settlement in Knox County. One side: In the immediate area of the L Bar Ranch were 12 families, most of them stockholders in the Wichita & Brazos Cattle Company. To assure them church and school privileges, in 1885 H. G. Bedford started the town of Benjamin, located 6 miles west of The Narrows, naming it for his eldest son. In 1886 he was instrumental in getting Knox County organized with Benjamin as county seat. FOUNDERS of BENJAMIN H. G. Bedford, Rufus Browder, G.B. Stewart, L.W. Ricketts, R.P. Dimmett, W.W. Wetherly, T.G. Stewart, Ed W. Bedford, J.W. Hinton, A.E. Brannin, R.D. Goree, H. C. Thompson. Other side L - RANCH; HILORY GREEN BEDFORD In 1884, Hilory G. Bedford formed Wichita & Brazos Stock Company to own and operate the L Bar Ranch. Retaining 51% stock, he became president with R. P. Dimmitt secretary. This company had a herd of some 8,000 cattle, grazing on the open range, centered north to south at The Narrows, between Wichita & Brazos rivers, branding S on neck and L - on left side. Headquarters of ranch were 4 miles northeast of The Narrows on north bank S. Wichita River, about center of present John Ed Jones ranch. 1886-1887 loss of many cattle by severe drouth and blizzards and sharp drop in prices caused dissolution of W & B Stock Company and disposal of ranch in 1887. Erected by some descendants of first settlers in tribute to settlers and their leader, H.G. Bedford. - 1967 #1865
?, Benjamin, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #01699
First Christian Church (razed). Organized 1907 under Sam Anderson, board chairman. Schoolhouse used for services until 1909, when this church was built. W. C. Wright was called as the first minister. Oldest church building in city continuously in use. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967. #1699
?, Benjamin, TX, United States