Texas Historical Marker #12554
Clemville. Originally part of land granted to early colonist Henry Parker, this was a rural farming and ranching area until 1908 when F. J. Hardy discovered oil and formed the Hardy Oil Company. By 1911, F. J. Clemenger had settled in the community, then known as Hardy. After Clemenger purchased Hardy's holdings and further developed oil fields in the area, the community was renamed Clemville in his honor and a post office was established in 1911. Clemville became an oil boomtown, with schools, a church, residences, hotels, a general store and machinist shops. As the economy slowed in the 1930s, Clemville's population began to dwindle. By the end of the 20th century, little physical evidence remained of the once booming oil town. (2001) #12554
?, Markham, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #12068
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. The Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church traces its history to November 1903, when a number of residents of Markham's "Tent City" later known as "Red Town," organized a congregation. Nine charter members were among those who worked on the canal, cattle ranches, rail lines and in the rice fields in the area. The Reverend Andrew Lee of Bay City was their first pastor. The congregation's first building, erected in 1909. was destroyed in a hurricane the same year. Immediately rebuilt, it was replaced by a new structure in 1923; that one was destroyed by Hurricane Carla in 1961. The members acquired the former Ashby Memorial Baptist Church building and moved it from the Ashby community in 1962. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church members continue in the traditions of their founders with programs of worship and service. (1999) #12068
?, Markham, TX, United States