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Marker Title: Cyrus Campbell
City: DeLeon
Year Marker Erected: 1981
Marker Location: De Leon City Cemetery, Weatherford and Reynosa Streets,
De Leon.
Marker Text: (October 11, 1810 - September 12, 1883) A blacksmith by
trade, Cyrus Campbell migrated to Texas in 1828. He performed a number
of jobs for the Republic of Texas, including the making of leg irons
for Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna after his capture at
San Jacinto in 1836. Married twice, Campbell moved to De Leon in 1883
and was active in the Methodist Church. According to tradition, he chose
the site for the De Leon Cemetery. His was the first grave here. Recorded
- 1981
Marker Title: The Comanche Chief
Address: 203 W. Grand
City: Comanche
County: Comanche
Year Marker Erected: 2000
Marker Text: Army engineers laid out a military road in this area in
1850. By 1855 thirty to forty families had settled in the vicinity.
Comanche County was created in 1856, and Comanche became the second
county seat in 1859. Its citizens, who entertained dreams of greatness
for their town, envisioned a newspaper. Geraldo Alonzo Beeman, an experienced
newspaperman, obtained an idle printing press and became the first editor
of "The Comanche Chief." Its first issue published on August
21, 1873, the "Chief's" main goals were to draw more settlers
to the area and to lobby for the protection and improvement of the lives
of Comanche residents. The paper was instrumental in securing a Texas
Ranger force for the area and in promoting legislation for placing public
school lands on the market. By 1873, after the last of the Comanche
tribe in the area was relegated to a reservation in Oklahoma, the town
began to grow. "The Comanche Chief" was influential in social
and political life, from chronicling the daily events of the neighborhood
to lobbying for proper representation in the state legislature. It found
its way to other regions of the country, advertising the advantages
of the Comanche area and attracting new settlers. Sixteen-year-old Robert
Thomas Hill (1858-1941), later called the Father of Texas Geology, began
working at the "Chief" with his brother Joe in 1874. The Hills
became co-editors of the paper and operated it together until Robert
went to Cornell University in 1882. Other newspapers were organized
and discontinued over the decades, but "The Comanche Chief"
thrived; it was sold to the Wilkerson family in 1925. One hundred and
forty-two years old at the dawn of the 21st century, "The Comanche
Chief" is recognized as the oldest business in Comanche County.
(2000)
Marker Title: Comanche County
City: Comanche
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Marker Location: 0.25 mile west of town on US 377/67.
Marker Text: First settled in 1854 by five families, the county, created
and organized 1856, was named for Comanche Indians, Lords of Texas frontier,
who were losing hunting grounds to settlers. First county seat was Cora.
Comanche has been county seat since July 18, 1859. Indians harassed
settlers, stealing cattle and horses, and keeping farmers out of fields.
Food from neighboring bell county kept people here from starvation in
1862. By 1879 a stage line crossed county; the Texas Central Railroad
came through in 1880; Fort Worth & Rio Grande Railroad in 1890.
An oil boom occurred in 1918-1920. Agriculture has long been major industry.
(1967) 1936 Text: Created January 25, 1856; Organized May 17, 1856;
Named for the Comanche Indians, nomads of the Plains; successful hunters,
superb horsemen, and courageous warriors; the terror of Texas frontier
settlers, who dispossessed them of their hunting grounds. County Seat
Troy (changed to Cora), 1856; Comanche, since July 18, 1859.
Marker Title: Cora
City: Gustine
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Marker Location: on SH 36, Gustine.
Marker Text: Founded 1854, as Troy. Later renamed in honor of a Miss
Beeman of Bell County. In 1856 organization of Comanche County--then
extending farther south and east than today's boundaries--Cora became
county seat. A log cabin residence in Cora was the first Comanche County
courthouse, serving until the county seat was relocated in 1859 in new
town of Comanche. That first courthouse and all the other buildings
are gone from site of Old Cora. Only a cemetery--the oldest in Comanche
County--remains. Thus Cora is an example of the many early, important
towns no longer existent in Texas. In the 254 counties of Texas, there
have been 126 cases of redesignation of county seats. (Two counties
have had five county seats each.) Boundary changes (as in Comanche County),
shifts in travel routes (as when railroads were built), changes from
agrarian to industrial economy have caused counties to move their county
seats to new locations. Old courthouses have found later usefulness
as ranch headquarters, municipal buildings, or private homes. The first
log cabin courthouse of Comanche County reverted to use as a residence,
but later was restored and used--as are many former courthouses--as
part of a museum. (1967)
Marker Title: Old Corn Trail
City: Comanche
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Marker Location: From Comanche, go west about .25 mile on US 67/377.
Marker Text: Surveyed in 1850 by Army engineers, this was the first
wagon road to penetrate this area. Point of origin was San Antonio,
site of U.S. Army District Headquarters after annexation of Texas in
1846. This segment of road extended from Fort Gates (in Coryell County)
to Fort Griffin (Shackelford County) and Fort Belknap (Young County).
Although used for communications and troop movements, most common traffic
was in supplies--especially feed for Army horses and mules. Hence the
name "Corn Trail." Presence of the road and its traffic from
fort to fort encouraged settlement. In 1851 John A. and J.M. McGuire
moved to a site near here on Indian Creek. James H. Neel settled on
Resley's Creek in 1852; in 1854 James Mercer and Capt. Frank Collier
pitched tents on Mercer Creek, soon to be joined by their families and
the Holmsleys and Tuggles. Collier put up first log house; Holmsley
plowed first furrow. By Christmas of 1855 there were enough citizens
here to petition for a county, and Comanche County was created by the
Texas Legislature Jan. 25, 1856. The Corn Trail was a main civilian
thoroughfare, and continued to serve its original purpose as a route
for frontier troops and supplies. (1967)
Marker Title: Cunningham Family Reunion
City: Comanche vicinity
Year Marker Erected: 1989
Marker Location: From Comanche, take SH 16 about 9 miles south (marker
is on west side of SH 16 inside iron gate in private picnic area).
Marker Text: James (1816-1894) and Susannah (1817-1899) Cunningham came
to the Republic of Texas in 1839-40 and settled in this area in 1855.
An influential family in the county, the Cunninghams were active in
military defense against hostile Indians. In 1889, James, Susannah,
and their 12 children gathered for their first family reunion. Additional
reunions were held sporadically until 1901, when they became an annual
event. Acreage adjoining the family property was purchased to insure
continuation of the historical gatherings, which take place for two
days each summer. (1989)
Marker Title: James Cunningham
City: Comanche vicinity
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Marker Location: From Comanche, take SH 16 south about 10 miles, then
go east on FM 1416 about 1/2 mile to Newburg Cemetery.
Marker Text: Born in Alabama, settled in Comanche County, 1855. Commander
of Texas Ranger Company stationed in Comanche County, 1858. Helped bring
law and order to county--drove out renegades and wild Indians. Cunningham
commanded men from Comanche County in Dove Creek Battle, Jan. 8, 1864
(500 white men against 1,000 Indians). His sons became sheriffs in Comanche,
Mills and Taylor counties. Recorded - 1967
Marker Title: Fleming Oak
City: Comanche
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Marker Location: Courthouse square, Comanche.
Marker Text: Camped here in 1854 with his father, young Martin V. Fleming
hid behind this tree and saved himself when hostile Indians rode through
the grove. Years later paving contractors started to cut the oak, but
were stopped by "Uncle Mart" with his gun. (1965)
Marker Title: George Washington Gentry
City: Comanche
Year Marker Erected: 1980
Marker Location: Oakwood Cemetery, corner of Cedar and Bryan Streets,
Comanche.
Marker Text: (1808 - 1883) A member of Stephen F. Austin's Colony, George
Washington Gentry came to Texas in 1835 with his father and brother.
Settling in what is now Washington County, he worked as a farmer and
surveyor. He participated in the Texas Revolution, several Indian skirmishes,
and the defense of San Antonio during the 1842 invasions of Rafael Vasquez
and Adrian Woll. He later moved to Comanche County, where he was a farmer
and rancher. Recorded - 1980
Marker Title: Site of Old Gill Farm
City: Comanche vicinity
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Marker Location: from Comanche, take SH 16 NE about 4 miles, then go
east on county road about 4 miles, at Old Gill Farm and Family Cemetery,
Copperas Creek Park on Proctor Lake.
Marker Text: Settled 1874 by W.A. Gill (1843-1889), son of W.S. Gill,
hero of Battle of San Jacinto. W.A. fought in Civil War and was a Captain
in the Texas Rangers. His sons E.V. and Fleet lived here for many years.
Remains in this family plot were moved in 1964 to Buffalo Cemetery (1mile
N). (1968)
Marker Title: M.R. (Boss) Greene
City: Comanche
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Marker Location: Oakwood Cemetery, Cedar and Bryan Streets, Comanche.
Marker Text: (Oct. 14, 1843 - May 12, 1877) Deputy U.S. Marshal: pursued
Dee and James Bailey for passing counterfeit quarters in Comanche. After
10 mile chase, he captured and disarmed brothers. Catching Greene off
guard (because of an unruly horse), one prisoner took Greene's rifle
and shot him. He returned fire with hand gun but was fatally wounded
in exchange. Prisoners escaped only to be recaptured and hanged on live
oak tree here in cemetery where Greene is buried. Recorded - 1968
Marker Title: Hanging Oak
City: Comanche
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Marker Location: Comanche County Museum, W. city limits, on Moorman
Road, .2 mile west of intersection with Hilcrest, Comanche.
Marker Text: Oak used 1874 by mob to hang Joe Hardin, Tom and Bud Dixon,
kinsmen of John Wesley Hardin in reprisal for murder of Deputy Chas.
Webb. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
Marker Title: Hardin, John Wesley
City: Comanche
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Marker Location: Comanche County Museum, located west of city limits,
on Moorman Road, 2 miles west of intersection with Hilcrest, Comanche.
Marker Text: Champion gunfighter in personal combat, Hardin was brought
to justice for first time for murder of Deputy Sheriff Charles Webb
here in Comanche in 1874. Served 15 years in prison. On release, opened
law office in El Paso, 1894. Killed at age of 42 when shot in back,
1895. (1966)
Marker Title: Site of Indian Creek Community
City: Comanche vicinity
County: Comanche
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Marker Location: From Comanche, take SH 36 SE about 1.25 mile, then
go east on county road about 2 miles, then north about 0.5 mile to Indian
Creek Cemetery.
Marker Text: One of the first settlements in Comanche County; founded
in 1851 by John A. McGuire. The first public building here was a stockade
that enclosed several log cabins. Named "Double Pens" for
its double walls, it was a storehouse for emergency supplies of grain,
water and other food to be used by the settlers when they took refuge
there during Indian raids. When the men were away, the women and children
slept at Double Pens. Church services were also held inside the walls
and a school was organized there in 1876. The first teacher was R.W.
Welborne. The Indian Creek Methodist Church was formed in 1880 with
the Rev. H.B. Henry as pastor. Land for a building was given by J.M. (Mart) McGuire. The church was noted for its summer camp meetings,
held yearly for two weeks after cultivation of the crops was finished.
The campers, from a wide area, would bring chickens for eggs and meat
and cows to supply milk. The church was also known for the large number
of preachers it produced. In 1922 the present building was erected.
Services were discontinued in 1958. The first burial in the cemetery
was made in 1880. The land, then property of R.C. Coker, was given
to the church by later owner J.H. Watson in 1894. (1968)
Marker Title: Indian Raid in Comanche
City: Comanche
Year Marker Erected: 1969
Marker Location: Courthouse Square, Comanche.
Marker Text: One of boldest depredations in Texas history, made in May
1861, during the "Bright Moon." A braying mule wakened town
after nearly all horses were stolen. Citizens spent rest of night molding
bullets. Pursuit began at dawn, under command of Capt. James Cunningham,
assisted by 17 boys and men, using hounds. Posse finally caught Indians
on Brown's Creek (about 36 mi. SW), killing 19 in close fighting. White
men's only casualty was a slight wound given to Capt. Cunningham. Relentless
pursuit of Indian raiders was key to a town's survival on the frontier.
(1969)
Marker Title: Jones Crossing
City: DeLeon vicinity
Year Marker Erected: 1971
Marker Location: 6 miles southeast of De Leon on county road.
Marker Text: Named for "Sut" (Sutton) Jones, 1850s pioneer
who lived near the ford and used his horses to aid freighters hauling
heavy loads. This was on trail from Waco to scattered ranches in present
Abilene-Albany area. Ford was notorious for 1870s use by horse thieves.
Nearby settlers were warned to be deaf to sounds of horses "escaping"
across the ford. A few robbed men objected, however, and went after
stolen animals. Some of the thieves were later hanged. First spanned
by a bridge in 1899, the ford is now included in Proctor Reservoir acreage.
(1971)
Marker Title: Andrew Miller
City: Hamilton vicinity
Year Marker Erected: 1978
Marker Location: From Hamilton, take SH 36 about 8 miles NW and go NE
on County Road about 1/2 mile; at Gentry's Mill Cemetery.
Marker Text: (1823-1900) A frontier settler from Monroe County, Virginia,
Andrew Miller migrated to Texas while still a young man. In 1856 he
settled in Comanche County near the Hamilton County line. He married
Hannah Margaret Shockley in 1861. They had seven children. Miller served
with the 2nd Frontier Ranger Group, defending nearby pioneer settlements
against Comanche Indian raids. A founder of the First Presbyterian Church
of Hamilton, Miller also donated land for Warren's Creek Church in Comanche
County and for a church, school, and cemetery at Gentry's Mill. (1978)
Marker Title: Mollie E. Moore
City: Proctor
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Marker Location: US 67 and 377, (Proctor Grocery Store), Proctor.
Marker Text: (1844-1909) During the Civil War, wrote poems Texans memorized,
cut out of newspapers, sent their boys on the battlefront: about the
deaths of heroes, Texans' units, Confederate victories and such topics.
She also did social work and nursing at Camp Ford, Tyler. She was a
lively, spirited girl who went horseback riding with a pistol strapped
to her side. After war, became nationally known poet, novelist, columnist.
Married a newspaper editor. Led New Orleans society 20 years. Near this
marker site, at Old Mooresville (now Proctor) often visited her brother's
family. (1965)
Marker Title: Choctaw Robinson Tree
City: Comanche
Year Marker Erected: 1975
Marker Location: Comanche County Museum.
Marker Text: The Rev. William Robinson (1809-98), pioneer Baptist missionary,
was born in North Carolina and came to Texas in 1848. He organized and
served as pastor to churches in Rusk, Johnson, Erath and Comanche counties.
At the same time, he supported his large family by farming. He was called
"Choctaw Bill" because a band of Choctaw Indians once complained
about his long sermons. The Rev. Mr. Robinson often preached for hours
beneath this tree, near a rough frontier town. While he spoke, he rested
his gun in the fork of the tree. His grave is located in nearby Baggett
Cemetery. (1975)
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