United States / Bonham, TX

Bonham High School Auditorium and Gymnasium. Using funds from the Federal Public Works Administration and local tax dollars, this structure was built to provide space for school and community assemblies, performances and athletic events. Architects Voelcker and Dixon of Wichita Falls designed the auditorium with Romanesque influences in its arched window and entrance openings and its brick detailing. The 1937 Junior-Senior prom was the first official school function held here, followed later that school year by commencement exercises in the auditorium. It remains in use for community functions. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2001 #12459

1201 N. Main St., Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #12438

John P. Simpson. (Oct. 17, 1806 - Jan. 13, 1884) Significant for his contributions to the formative years of Bonham and Fannin County, Tennessee native John P. Simpson arrived in Texas about 1837. In that year he signed the petition to create Fannin County and began to farm his land in this area. An early elected official, Simpson served as county sheriff and as county judge (then called the chief justice) in the 1840s and 1850s. He donated land that became Bonham's downtown commercial district and the courthouse square. Simpson also served a time as head of the Fannin Guards, which provided frontier defense for this region. Recorded - 2001 #12438

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #11875

Gober Cemetery. The earliest recorded grave in this cemetery is that of R. M. C. Self (d. 1865). Attracted by the beauty of the site, area settlers built a tabernacle here ten years later. According to oral history, the community purchased a marble slab for the grave of Aaron Hassenger (1860-1907), as was the custom for those who had no family or funds. The Carpenter family, long-time residences, donated 2.5 acres for the cemetery in 1909. A caretaker was hired in 1942 and community members began to gather yearly for memorial services, forming a cemetery association in 1977. A 1997 count revealed 916 marked and 71 unmarked graves; many are those of veterans of the U. S. military forces. The graveyard continues to serve the community. (1998) #11875

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08941

Trinity Episcopal Church. Episcopal missionary work began in Fannin and surrounding counties in the mid-1870s, and Trinity Church was organized in Bonham as a mission in 1877. Services were held in the homes of church members, and in the First Baptist Church building for a few years. The Reverend T. B. Lawson deeded land in 1882 to the church for the site of a church building. During construction, the congregation were seated on rough planks. A crude board nailed on a strip of wood served as the altar. The frame church building was completed in 1883. Full parish status was granted to Trinity Episcopal Church in 1885. A rectory was added in 1886, with some rooms used as a school. Gifts in the early 1900s from church members included a handpainted memorial altar and a marble baptismal font. For many years the church continued without the benefit of a full-time resident priest, with priests from area churches conducting Sunday services. The church was returned to mission status. A fire in 1961 destroyed the historic church structure. A new cedar-sheathed church building reminiscent of the original structure was completed in 1962. One of the twelve founding churches of the Diocese of Dallas, the church has served the area for over 100 years. #8941

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08940

Col. James Tarleton. (August 4, 1789 - April 4, 1861) In the cause of independence, raised company of 36 riflemen in his native Kentucky, starting for Texas November 1835. City of San Antonio was liberated by time they arrived. Although an officer, Tarleton fought in the ranks in the victory at San Jacinto, April 21, 1836. Col. Tarleton settled in Fannin County with son, Robert Price Tarleton (1833-1897). Tarleton's wife, Nancy Price, had died in Kentucky in 1835. #8940

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08937

Site of Steger Opera House. 1890-1920 An opera house was constructed at this site in 1890 by a stock company headed by Benjamin Dabney. Two years later it was purchased by Ed D. Steger. Under his direction, the Steger Opera House became a popular spot for early residents of the Bonham area. It was the scene of many theater productions, traveling shows, civic activities and local talent events. the opera house later briefly served as a motion picture theater and then was used by a variety of commercial establishments. A landmark in the town for many years, it was razed in 1980. #8937

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08935

Dr. Tom Douglas Spies. (Sept. 21, 1902 - Feb. 28, 1960) A native of the Fannin County community of Ravenna, Dr. T. D. Spies was an eminent authority in the study of nutritional diseases. In the 1930s, he led in the discovery of a cure for pellagra, a disorder caused by inadequate diet that once afflicted thousands in the South. He received many honors, including the American Medical Association's Distinguished Service Award in 1957 and citations from Cuba and Puerto Rico for his work in tropical medicine. #8935

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08934

Site of Smith Plantation. Gideon Smith (b. 1815), a native of Alabama, moved to Fannin County in 1851 and purchased a 3000-acre tract. He deeded half of the property to his brother John C. Smith, who joined him in 1855. Gideon smith served one term in the Texas Legislature (1857-1858) and participated in the Civil War as a colonel in the Confederate Army. John Smith became a doctor and practiced medicine in the area. Both men were successful planters. Part of the plantation, one of the earliest in the area, has been continuously in production of grain and cattle since 1851. #8934

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08931

Old Home of Pioneer Banker A. B. Scarborough. Built 1897. The massive architecture combines Gothic, Grecian and 17th century features in arches, balconies, cupola, turrets, gables. An example of Victorian Romanesque, bought 1937 and preserved by Joe C. Denton. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966 #8931

219 W. Sam Rayburn Dr., Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08928

Dr. Daniel Rowlett. (b. Virginia, 1786 - d. Texas, 1848) Came to Texas 1836. Caused Fannin County to be created, 1837. Served as Congressman, Republic of Texas, 1837-38, 1839-40, 1843-44. Helped (1840) organize Constantine Lodge No. 13, A. F. & A. M., and was its first Worshipful Master. Was most versatile pioneer here. #8928

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08927

Risser Hospital. Constructed about 1915 by John Sparger, Jr., this building first served as the residence of D. W. Sweeney, a local merchant and banker. In 1956 it was purchased by Dr. Joe A. Risser and opened as an 18-bed hospital, one of several doctor-operated clinics that served the medical needs of Bonham residents. Risser Hospital gained national attention on Nov. 16, 1961, when Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, died in the northeast downstairs room while a patient here. Dr. Risser, Rayburn's personal physician, operated the facility until 1971, when it was closed. (1981) #8927

921 N. Center, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08920

Sam Rayburn. (Jan. 16, 1882 - Nov. 16, 1961) Tennessee native Sam Taliaferro Rayburn moved to Texas with his family in 1887. His long and successful political career began with his election to the Texas Legislature in 1906. It continued through 25 consecutive terms in the U. S. House of Representatives, where Rayburn served with 8 presidents and held the speakership for 17 years. His funeral at the First Baptist Church in Bonham was attended by 30,000 people, including 4 presidents and 105 Congressmen. Recorded - 1986 #8920

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08914

Moore's Chapel Cemetery. Missouri native Alexander Moore married Virginia native Mary Jane Jones in St. Genevieve, Missouri, in 1856. They moved to Texas and purchased land in this area in 1857. The Moore donated two acres here to a rapidly growing community for cemetery purposes in the mid-1870s. The first recorded burial was that of Martha Cashion, early pioneer settler and a friend and neighbor of the Moores, on March 11, 1876. Area Baptists erected a sanctuary just north of the cemetery on land donated by the Moores that became known as Moore's Chapel Church. The community and this cemetery also became known as Moore's Chapel. An unusually high number of infant burials during the 1880s and 1890s reflect an outbreak of typhoid fever. Alexander Moore was buried here in 1915. Moore's Chapel Cemetery and adjacent church and school buildings made up the community center. The cemetery contains the burials of many of the area's pioneer settlers and their descendants and veterans of wars ranging from the Civil War to World War II. The cemetery is maintained by an association and continues to serve the community. #8914

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08913

Military Headquarters Northern Sub-District of Texas, C.S.A.. Established at this site as a key part of Civil War defense of Texas by General Henry E. McCulloch, frontier fighter and Ranger of long experience. With supervision of 7 brigades fighting in Texas, Indian Territory and Arkansas, McCulloch had here only 2 cavalry and 4 infantry units to patrol and defend 600 miles along the Red River and western frontier against hostile indians, bands of armed deserters, Federals attempting invasion and disloyal citizens encouraging invasion. Food and arms were also furnished from here for armed forces and for friendly Indian families. Colonel William C. Quantrill, C.S.A., and his notorious guerrilla raiders, including future members of the James and Younger gangs, attached themselves in 1863-64 to this command. Though the guerrillas were credited with stopping cattle thefts along the Red River, Quantrill had to be arrested for killing draft evaders and deserters and shooting up towns. However, he soon escaped. Lines of communication and supply were kept open and lives of hundreds of settlers were saved through the operations of this command. #8913

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08903

Inglish Cemetery. (1838-1964) County's oldest. Bailey Inglish donated plot near old Fort Inglish (called Bois d'Arc, later Bonham). Pioneers buried here include 1838 Indian massacre victims Andrew Daugherty, Wm. McCarty; 1836 Fannin County colonizers Bailey Inglish and Daniel Rowlett; and Texas Revolution veterans James Tarleton. Fannin County Historical Survey Committee, 1964. #8903

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08902

Bailey Inglish. (ca. 1797-1867) In 1837, Bailey Inglish moved his family to this area from western Arkansas, where he had been an influential leader of pioneer settlers. Here he was active in the formation of Fannin County, serving on the land board and later as chief justice. To guard against repeated Indian raids, he built a fort on his land for area residents. The settlement that developed, first know as Bois d'Arc, became Bonham. Inglish was instrumental in its early growth through active public service and donations of land for town lots, a cemetery, and a female seminary. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986 #8902

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08886

Vicinity of Fort Inglish. (exact original location unknown) Spot where settlement of town of Bonham began. On 1,250-acre land grant of Texas Republic to Bailey Inglish (1797-1867), former Miller County, Ark., sheriff who led train of settlers traveling by oxcart to this site in 1837. Here they built a log stockade and blockhouse with gun ports for use in community defense. In a typical fight (1841), the Indians were repulsed, but captured two young boys hunting cows near the fort. (The boys returned later.) Called Bois d'Arc in 1840, town was renamed (1843) to honor Texas War for Independence hero, Col. James Butler Bonham (1807-1836). #8886

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08884

First United Methodist Church of Bonham. Founded in 1844 in the Republic of Texas by a circuit rider, the Rev. James H. Graham (1815-1884), this church first met in a log cabin, which it shared with Baptist and Presbyterian congregations. Charter members included the families of Bailey English (1797-1867), founder of the town of bonham, and his brother-in-law, James P. Simpson. The log cabin was replaced in 1872 by a frame church, which the Methodists shared on alternate Sundays with Cumberland Presbyterians until 1881. A brick church building was erected in 1887 and rebuilt one year after it was destroyed by a fire in 1898. The Women's Missionary Society, organized in 1887, enabled Lelia Roberts (1861-1950), a lifelong members of this congregation, to begin a mission school in Mexico. Miss Roberts, along with her sister, Martha, operated the school for 44 years until it was taken over by the Mexican government in 1930. A memorial fund, established by the church in 1950, continues the missionary efforts begun by Miss Roberts. An education building was constructed in 1952-53 and the present sanctuary in 1960-61. With a current (1975) membership of 841, this is one of the largest congregations in Fannin County. #8884

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08883

First Presbyterian Church. First Presbyterian Church, U.S. erected 1885. Congregation organized in 1872. Only church in area with spire and belfry. RTHL - 1965 #8883

818 N. Main St., Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08880

First National Bank. Oldest bank in Fannin County. Chartered December 12, 1883. At that time, county had 25,000 people; farming and industry prospered; a new railroad was being built; seven schools and colleges and three newspapers were in operation. Growth of the bank has paralleled and contributed to Bonham's growth. Many descendants of the 24 original stockholders remain affiliated with its interests. Presidents have been: W. A. Nunnelee, 1883-1897; S. B. Allen, 1897-1902; A. B. Scarborough, 1902-1921/1925-1944; D. W. Sweeney, 1921-1925; Dick Saunders, 1944- RTHL - 1966 #8880

120 W. Sam Rayburn, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08877

First Christian Church of Bonham. Congregation organized in 1868 by Charles Carlton (1821-1902). Born in England, he was educated in West Virginia under Alexander Campbell, founder of Disciples of Christ movement. Carlton moved to Bonham in 1867 and here organized Carlton College. First Christian Church was established on May 31, 1868, with 27 charter members. This lot was bought from Col. Jack R. Russell in 1877, and a frame building was erected in 1878. Present classical revival structure was built in 1912. The Rev. Charles M. Schoonover was minister at its dedication. #8877

7th & N. Main, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08874

First Baptist Church. Organized November 1852 under the Rev. J. R. Briscoe with six charter members. The first log church on this site doubled as the school. Cost of this lot-- then outside city limits -- was $50. Indian trail lay northeast. In 1855 a new frame church was built; baptisms were held in Saunder's pool on West 7th. Other denominations were also allowed to worship here. New churches were built in 1882 and 1921, the latter being dedicated by George W. Truett, noted evangelist. The present church was dedicated 1959 under the Rev. Jack M. Carson, pastor. #8874

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08872

Fannin County. The area was first settled by Anglo-Americans who traveled up the Red River by steamboat in 1836. Fannin County was created in 1837, organized in 1838, and named for James W. Fannin (1805-36), who was massacred with his soldiers at Goliad (March 27, 1836) after surrendering to the Mexican Army. County officials first met at Jacob Black's cabin on the Red River. The county seat was moved in 1840 to Warren and in 1843 to Bois d'Arc, which was renamed in 1844 in honor of James Butler Bonham (1807-36), a hero of the siege of the Alamo. #8872

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08866

On Route of Early Texas Streetcars. In Bonham--as in most Texas towns that became busy trading, ranching, or agricultural centers in the late 1800s--streetcars or trolleys were used in local transit. Bonham's steam-powered streetcar line, built about 1890, extended 2.5 miles from Russell Heights to the Texas & Pacific Railroad Station. Cars ran every 30 minutes. Fare was 5 cents; or 10 cents round-trip. The route avoided the business district, as streetcars frightened horses and disrupted trading. Other towns of sprawling growth had mule-drawn streetcars as early as 1875. These early cars were susceptible to track-jumping, collision, and other accidents, but were nevertheless welcomed for their services. Convenient streetcar rides attracted not only townspeople, but saddle-sore cowboys as well. By 1890, when Bonham acquired the steam-car line, mule-drawn cars were being replaced all over Texas. #8866

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08859

Clark Memorial United Methodist Church. The organizational meeting for this church was held at the home of Mrs. S. J. Stevenson in 1893. The new congregation met for worship at the Stevenson home until 1901 when they constructed a small building on this site. Although many additions to the church complex have been made, the original building still serves as the sanctuary. During the 1920s the church was named Clark Memorial Methodist Church in honor of longtime member Mrs. John Clark. The congregation has produced a number of ministers from its membership. #8859

S. Gates & S. 4th, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08856

Charles Henry Christian. (July 29, 1916 - March 2, 1942) As a child Bonham native Charles (Charlie) Christian was exposed to the guitar artistry and soprano solos of his parents Clarence and Willie Mae Christian. Though taught in the guitar chord technique, he developed a unique single-string style that made his reputation and earned him a place in music great Benny Goodman's band in 1939. A jazz guitar prodigy, he played with Goodman, Count Basie, and at Carnegie Hall before tying of tuberculosis at the age of 25. #8856

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08853

Carlton College. Formally chartered in 1881, Carlton College began under the direction of Charles Carlton (1821-1902) as the Bonham Female Institute. Carlton, a native of England and a Disciples of Christ minister, had come to Bonham in 1867 to take charge of the institute, which soon became a coeducational school known as Bonham Seminary. Carlton, several of his children, and his second wife, Sallie, taught many of the classes at his Bonham schools. In 1882, the first of several Carlton College buildings was constructed in this block of East Tenth St. Carlton College admitted all young men and women who demonstrated a sincere desire for education. As the Carltons grew older, they decided to limit enrollment, and the college became an all-female school in 1887. By the time of Carlton's death in 1902, approximately 3600 pupils had attended his schools in Bonham. Carlton College declined with the death of its founder and in 1914 was merged with a school in Sherman to form Carr-Burdette College. When that institution closed in 1916, the graduates of Carlton were adopted into the alumni fellowship of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. #8853

302 E. 10th St., Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08850

Old W. W. Brownlee Home. Built 1872 with lumber hauled from Jefferson. Second story was added later. Bought 1946 by Alex Longmire. RTHL - 1968 #8850

220 W. 6th, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08848

Site of Booker T. Washington School. According to local tradition the Bonham Colored School began in a one-room structure in northwest Bonham in the early 1890s. Enrollment in the 4-teacher school grew from 40 pupils in 1904 to 216 in 1911. By 1920 the school offered 11 grades and was called Booker T. Washington. A new school complex, funded in part by the Rosenwald Foundation, was built on 10 acres here in 1928; Ray Seay served as principal. The school expanded to 12 grades in 1940. Until 1966, when it closed due to school integration, the school served as a focal point for Bonham's entire African American community. Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845 - 1995 #8848

?, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08847

Bonham Daily Favorite. In 1887 Dr. J. M. Terry, who gave up medicine for journalism, established the "Weekly Fannin Favorite." He expanded in 1892 by starting this newspaper, the oldest daily publication in Fannin County. For 45 years its offices were in the 500 block of North Main before moving here in 1953. Although ownership has changed many times, the award-winning newspaper has maintained high standards of news coverage. The "Daily Favorite" recorded the public career of Sam Rayburn (1882-1961), Congressman from this district and longtime Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. #8847

314 N. Center St., Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08842

Biard Home. Built 1857 by hemp factory owner Z. K. Sims. Later owned by Thomas R. Williams, industrialist who brought to Bonham Dr. Charles Carlton, founder of Carlton College; Col. James Q. Chenoweth, first auditor of the U.S. Treasury; Judges James c. Clark and R. M. Lusk. Biard residence since 1909. RTHL - 1964 #8842

905 N. Main St., Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08841

Bethlehem Baptist Church. Organized in 1871 under the Revs. Billy Cox and H. E. Cleveland. First church was a log cabin on estate of Mrs. Annie Garrett, between Preston and Lee streets. In 1872 missionary society bought present lot. Building then here was remodeled by the Rev. N. L. Wirdlow and congregation. A new church was erected in 1926 during pastorate of the Rev. R. E. Jones. In 1949, present church was built while the Rev. U. S. Cornelius was minister. By 1952, mortgage on building was paid. On April 25, 1971, congregation celebrated centennial with the Rev. E. J. Rhodes as minister. #8841

1415 Franklin, Bonham, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #08835

Arledge Ridge Cemetery. Among the early settlers of this area were Joseph and William Arledge, brothers who arrived from Alabama in the 1850s. Both established successful farms in the area, and the growing settlement became known as Arledge Ridge. Joseph Arledge operated one of the earliest freight lines in Fannin County, with regular routes to the port city of Jefferson. William Arledge established a cotton gin in the central part of the county and later sold an acre of land to be used for a community school and church. A tract of land, deeded by William Arledge in 1876, was designated as a community burial ground. According to local tradition, burials may have taken place in the cemetery as early as the 1840s, but the oldest documented grave is that of Joseph Arledge who died in 1855. Interred in the Arledge Ridge Cemetery are many early settlers, as well as a number of Civil War veterans. Additional land acquisitions in 1893, 1948, and 1965 enlarged the cemetery tract. The Arledge Ridge Cemetery Association, organized in 1948, maintains the historic graveyard and sponsors an annual homecoming event. #8835

?, Bonham, TX, United States