Texas Historical Marker #10556
Tex Ritter. (January 12, 1905 - January 2, 1974) Western singing star Woodward Maurice ("Tex") Ritter was born in Panola County, Texas. After attending college, he began singing cowboy ballads on a Houston radio station in 1928. He advanced to broadway, where he was nicknamed "Tex," and in 1936 began a series of popular western movies. Ritter performed later for television and the Grand Ole Opry and was named to the Country Music Hall of fame. His best-know recording is the title song from the film "High Noon." #10556
?, Port Neches, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #10532
Grigsby's Bluff. (1834-1902) Joseph Grigsby (1771-1841) and family migrated from Kentucky to the Sabine area in 1827. He is said to have been the first grower of cotton in East Texas. In 1834 he received a grant of 17 labors (3,009 acres) of land on the Neches. Here he built a wharf for sidewheel steamers and founded town of grigsby's Bluff. He served in 2nd, 3rd and 5th congresses of the Republic of Texas. His settlement became Port Neches, and his family has given many leaders to Texas. A huge pecan tree (at Texaco Refinery, 6 blocks SE) marks site of Grigsby's Bluff. #10532
?, Port Neches, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #10524
First United Methodist Church of Port Neches. Before 1881 Methodists in Port Neches, then known as Grigsby's Bluff, were served by occasional circuit Riders who preached in private homes. On Sept. 6, 1881, the Rev. w. H. crawford conducted a meeting to organize the first local Methodist church which began with a membership of sixteen. Worship services continued to be held in members' homes until 1885. In that year a house, damaged in the process of being moved, was repaired and given to the church for its use. there the community held school classes as well as worship services by the light of coal oil lamps. A new building was erected in 1894 which served as both church and school until 1911 when a separate schoolhouse was built. A growing membership soon created the need for a larger building. Money was raised, and a new church was built in 1919 on the corner of Main and Nall streets where the congregation worshiped for thirty years. In 1920 the Rev. W. E. Hassler became the first full-time minister. During his pastorate, the church grew rapidly and a Vacation Bible School was started. The sanctuary on this site was erected in 1950. A new wing and an education building were added in 1961. By 1981 membership had grown to number 1,100. #10524
1826 Nall St., Port Neches, TX, United States