Talk of Wilson County TX Historic Towns

by Barbara J. Wood

WILSON COUNTY

Wilson County wagon train 1870

A truly wonderful 1870 photo of a wagon train taking a noontime rest on the way to Indianola via the San Antonio - Goliad Road.
This wonderful image was shared by the Wilson County Historical Society.
The details are remarkable.
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Courtesy/ Traces of Texas

Wilson County

WILSON COUNTY. ... Wilson County is on the upper coastal plain of South Texas. The county seat and largest city is Floresville, which is thirty miles southeast of San Antonio. Four major highways serve the county, U.S. highways 87 and 181 and State highways 97 and 123. Wilson County covers 807 miles with an elevation of 300 to 600 feet above sea level. The terrain is nearly flat to gently undulating, surfaced by deep loamy soils with clayey subsoils that support grasses, mesquite, blackjack, post oak, live oak, thorny shrubs, and cacti. Between 31 and 40 percent of the land in the county is considered prime farmland. The western portion of the county is drained by the San Antonio River, the eastern portion by Cibolo and Ecleto creeks. The climate is subtropical subhumid, with mild winters and warm summers. Temperatures in January range from an average low of 40° to an average high of 65° F and in July range from 74° to 96° F. The growing season averages 280 days per year, with the last freeze in February and the first freeze in early December. Crops include peanuts, hay, sorghum, oats, wheat, corn, watermelons, peaches, and pecans.

The area that now comprises Wilson County has been the site of human habitation for several millennia. Archeological evidence reveals that hunter-gatherer Indians of the Coahuiltecan linguistic family occupied the region for several thousand years prior to the arrival of Europeans in the sixteenth century. The area was also in the hunting range of Comanche, Tonkawa, and Lipan-Apache Indians. The first Europeans to reach the territory were Spanish explorers, who traveled through the area in the early eighteenth century. In September 1718 Martín de Alarcón crossed the area on his way to explore the bay of Espíritu Santo, and in 1727 Pedro de Rivera y Villalón went north across the territory on his tour of inspection between La Bahía and Bexar. In 1766–67 the Marqués de Rubí included the area in his inspection of the Spanish frontier, and the 1798 explorations of the coast by Francisco Vázquez de Coronado probably crossed the territory. Ranchers from nearby San Antonio began grazing cattle in the region in the first half of the eighteenth century, and temporary settlements for vaqueros and herdsmen began around the middle of the century. The first two land grants in the area were to Luis Menchaca and Andrés Hernández, who established ranches extending across the southern portion of the present county. County land was also traversed from the northwest to the southeast by La Bahía Road, a major travel route from the Alamo to the Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga Mission at Goliad. Later, this route served as a major road for cattle drives and transportation. Permanent settlement in the area began before 1830. Francisco Flores de Abreyo established his hacienda six miles northwest of the site of present Floresville; Manuel Barrera secured a land grant in 1833; Juan and Simón Arocha settled in 1834; Juan José María Erasmo Seguin built a home two or three miles from the site of Floresville in the later 1830s. In the immediate vicinity of the Flores ranch were the ranches of Chapoya, Pataguilla, Cabras, and Las Mulas; several other ranches were located along Cibolo Creek.

The first Anglo settlers arrived in the region in the late 1840s, settling along the Ecleto and Cibolo creeks. Between 1850 and 1860 planters from the Southern states moved into the area, as did German immigrants from Guadalupe County and Polish immigrants from Karnes County. Wilson County was established by an act of the legislature on February 13, 1860. It was cut from Bexar and Karnes counties and named for Somervell expedition member and legislator, James C. Wilson. Sutherland Springs was designated the county seat, and Dr. G. J. Houston, one of the first residents of La Vernia, was appointed as commissioner to organize the new county. William Sutherland became chief justice, S. W. Barker was sheriff, and John Irwin's storehouse became a temporary courthouse. By the eve of the Civil War Wilson County had a population of 1,500. Because of the emphasis on cattle-raising rather than a plantation economy, the number of slaves remained small; in 1860 there were only a few hundred slaves in the county. Nevertheless, Wilson County residents voted for secession and most actively supported the Confederate cause. Several companies of militia were organized. A protracted period of drought lasting from 1862 to 1865 further compounded wartime hardships. Because of the relatively small number of slaves, however, abolition did not affect the fortunes of Wilson County residents as severely as it did in other counties, and the economy rebounded more quickly than in many other parts of the state. In the years after the Civil War, Wilson County experienced a period of flux. John W. Longsworth, appointed judge and county clerk by the military government during congressional Reconstruction, moved the county records to Lodi in 1867, beginning a controversy about the location of the county seat that lasted for more than a decade. The county seat was returned to Sutherland Springs in March 1871 but moved back to Lodi in July 1871. An election was finally held in November 1873 to determine the location of county government, and the new town of Floresville, near the geographic center of the county, was selected as the new county seat. The citizens of Sutherland Springs called for a new election in 1883, but Floresville once again won by a margin of 250. The courthouse at Floresville was destroyed by fire in 1883, but the records were saved. The same year officials appointed noted San Antonio architect Alfred Giles to design a new courthouse in Floresville.

At the Constitutional Convention of 1868–69 legislators voted to alter the boundary between Wilson and Guadalupe counties. The legislature also approved a measure to change the name of the county from Wilson to Cibolo County, but the name was never applied. Another boundary adjustment in 1874 increased the area of the county, and the name was changed back to Wilson County. By 1867 Wilson County had three schools, five churches (two Protestant and three Catholic), and two mills. Crops included cotton, corn, sugar cane, tobacco, and potatoes. But the mainstay of the economy, as before the war, remained livestock, principally horses, cattle, and sheep. Beginning in 1866 large numbers of cattle were driven to nearby DeWitt County, and from there up the Chisholm Trail to railroads and markets in Kansas. Among the leading contractors driving cattle up the trail were John O. Dewees, whose ranch covered portions of western Wilson and eastern Atascosa counties, and Jim F. Ellison, a rancher from Lockhart, who formed a partnership in 1869. Dewees and Ellison averaged 20,000 to 40,000 cattle per year in the 1870s and before their partnership dissolved in 1877 drove over 400,000 cattle up the trail. After the Civil War the population began to grow rapidly. In 1870 it was 2,556; it reached 7,118 by 1880 and was reported as 10,655 in 1890. The greatest spur to the county's growth came from completion of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway, which reached Floresville in 1886. The railroad not only brought new settlers, but also increased access to markets, which in turn helped to bolster the growth of the economy and encourage more diversified farming. Nonetheless, during the 1870s and early 1880s cattle ranching remained the most important segment of the economy. During the immediate postbellum period, as before, ranchers continued to use the wide expanses of open prairie to graze large herds of cattle, horses, and sheep. The practice, however, came to end with introduction of wire fencing in the early 1880s. At first, many of the fences were cut by landless cattlemen who sought land for their stock. Fence cutting became a conflict during the drought of 1883. It took place throughout the county, but the 40,000-acre ranch of Houston and Dilworth in the eastern portion of the county became the focal point. When the controversy threatened to escalate into open violence, the state legislature passed a measure in 1884 making it illegal for anyone to cut fences. Tensions gradually subsided, and wire cutting gradually ceased.

But the triumph of fencing spelled the end of ranching and the beginnings of a shift toward a farming economy. The number of farms grew from 290 in 1870 to 1,785 in 1900 and 2,297 in 1920. In the 1890s cotton emerged as the most important cash crop. The fertile soil of the northern portion of the county produced as much as one bale per acre, and by 1900 Stockdale had five cotton gins in operation. In 1898 the San Antonio and Gulf Railroad (later the Texas and New Orleans) was extended to Stockdale, allowing the cotton to be shipped directly to market. Insects destroyed the 1902 and 1903 crops, but the size of the crop continued to grow during the 1910s and 1920s: in 1906, 17,625 bales were produced, in 1916, 25,839 bales, and in 1926, 20,677 bales. During the early years of the century, however, Wilson County farmers began to turn more and more toward diversified farming, growing a wide variety of crops, including peanuts, watermelons, flax, peas, and sugar cane. The trend became even more pronounced during the 1930s, when falling prices and the boll weevil combined to sharply reduce the size of the cotton crop. By 1939 cotton production had fallen to only 1,552 bales. The growth of farming during the early decades of the twentieth century also brought with it the rise in farm tenancy. Prior to 1900 most farmers and ranchers had owned their land, but by 1930 nearly half of the county's 2,500 farms were worked by tenants. The hardships of the Great Depression of the 1930s forced many to abandon the land, and the period since 1950 has seen a shift toward larger farms worked by agricultural laborers. After World War II Wilson County farmers continued to diversify their production. The county became a leading grower of flax and peanuts; other crops included corn, vegetables, fruits, and pecans. In the early 1950s, 10,000 acres were irrigated. Ranching, which had declined during the early years of the century, made a comeback in the postwar era, and poultry raising and dairying were also developed. By the early 1950s the county's 1,767 farms earned $10,000,000 annually.

Manufacturing was also introduced after the turn of the century. Brick and tile clay, found in abundance in the western portion of the county, had been used since early colonization. In 1910 the San Antonio Sewer Pipe Company opened a factory, using the red clay for the manufacture of tile products, on the north bank of the San Antonio River near the Wilson-Bexar county line and founded the town of Saspamco. By the 1950s the plant was among the nation's largest makers of sewer pipe and other clay products. Oil was discovered in 1941, but only one well was in production in 1946. Since that time, however, the oil business has expanded gradually. Between 1941 and January 1, 1991, the county produced 37,111,56 barrels of crude oil. In 1990 production of crude was 1,973,734 barrels, and in the early 1990s oil, gas, and oilfield services still formed an important segment of the county's economy. Between 1890 and 1930 the population of Wilson County grew steadily. In 1890 the number of residents was 10,655, in 1900 it was 13,961, in 1910 it was 17,066, and in 1920 it was 17,289. The population peaked in 1930 at 17,606. It then began a long decline to 17,066 in 1940, 14,641 in 1950, 13,267 in 1960, and 13,041 in 1970. In recent years, however, the trend has reversed, and in 1990 the population stood at 22,650. In 1990, 8,054, or 35.6 percent of county residents, were Hispanic; 242, or 1.1 percent, were black; 45, or 1.1 percent, Native American; and 2,689, or 11.9 percent, other. The largest ancestry groups are Hispanic (36 percent), German (23 percent), Irish (15 percent), and English (13 percent). There are also a sizeable number of persons of Polish decent in the southeastern portion of the county. Nearly 74 percent of the residents lived in rural areas.

In the early 1980s the county had four school districts with five elementary, three middle, and four high schools. The average daily attendance in 1981–82 was 3,617. Fifty-one percent of the 146 high school graduates planned to attend college. From the time the county was established in 1860 until the 1950s, Wilson County voters remained solidly within the Democratic party fold, deviating only for Harding in the election of 1920. Republican candidates won in the elections of 1952, 1956, 1972, and every presidential election thereafter through 2004.

In the early 1990s Wilson County was a highly diversified farming area, with an average annual farm income of $16 million. Major agricultural produce included grain sorghums, coastal bermuda, vegetables, peanuts, and watermelons; cattle (both beef and dairy), hogs, and poultry contributed two-thirds of the farm income. A watermelon jubilee is held each June in Stockdale, and a peanut festival is held each October in Floresville. In 1982, 85 percent of the land was in farms and ranches, with 24 percent of the farmland under cultivation and 8 percent irrigated. Wilson County ranked sixty-eighth in the state in highest agricultural receipts, with 75 percent from livestock and livestock products, mainly cattle and hogs. The total number of businesses in the county in the early 1980s was 228. In 1980, 14 percent of the labor force was self-employed, 12 percent was employed in professional or related services, 13 percent in manufacturing, 21 percent in wholesale or retail trade, 18 percent in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, or mining, and 49 percent in other counties, and there were 1,270 retired workers. Leading industries included agribusiness, oil and gas field services, and the manufacture of structural clay products and fabricated metal plate work.

In 2014 the U.S. Census counted 46,402 people living in Wilson County; about 58 percent were Anglo, 38.8 percent Hispanic, and 1.8 percent African American. Of residents twenty-five and older, 74 percent had completed high school and 13 percent had college degrees. In the early twenty-first century agriculture was the central element of the county's economy, but some residents commuted to nearby San Antonio to work. In 2002 the county had 2,157 farms and ranches covering 446,157 acres, 44 percent of which were devoted to pasture and 44 percent to crops. That year farmers and ranchers in the area earned $42,707,000; crop sales accounted for $35,109,000 of the total. Cattle, dairy products, hogs, poultry, peanuts, sorghum, corn, vegetables, watermelons, and fruit were the chief agricultural products.

Floresville (population, 7,100) is the county's largest town and its seat of government; other communities include Poth (2,098), Stockdale (1,560), La Vernia (1,200), Sutherland Springs (420), and Pandora (110). Floresville holds an annual Pony Express Ride, and hosts Heritage Days in the spring.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Maude Gilliland, Wilson County Texas Rangers, 1837–1977 (1977). Marker Files, Texas Historical Commission, Austin. Louise Stadler, ed., Wilson County History (Dallas: Taylor, 1990). Vertical Files, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin. Wilson County Centennial (Floresville, Texas: Wilson County Centennial Association, 1960).

Wilson County Courthouse

Wilson County Courthouse in Floresville ... Wilson County Courthouse, one of the last stops on a Courthouses tour, pulled at the heartstrings of the visitors and residents alike.

Susan Gammage, Assistant Director of the THCPP, said: "It was Wilson County that brought tears to my eyes. We had just finished lunch and exited the café to see 200 or more people standing out in front of the courthouse.

There were kindergartners, the Sheriff's Department, Representative John Kuempel, the VFW and Rotary Club, together showing their support for the vacant building.

" Since closing down the courthouse in October 2012 and moving county offices to an annex building, Wilson County Judge Marvin Quinney personally led the tour of the 1884 courthouse, one of the oldest in the state, and discussed plans to restore it.

Texas is fortunate to have such a rich collection of historic courthouses at the heart of counties across the state, and even more fortunate to have people who understand the importance of these buildings and actively care for them in their communities. To all the supporters of courthouses in Texas, thank you, from our hearts to yours!

(Courtesy of Texas Historical Commission)

Ehlers family home 1926

David Regan shares this great vintage shot of his wife's family (Ehlers) in the snowy south part of the county. We live there now but it's been updated a bit! (Home is located in the Ehlers Community advised Eunice Ku )

Wilson County in 1976

Wilson County 53 years ago was among the beautification finalists ... (Tap to enlarge to read clearly)
–The Stockdale Star

Woodie Robinson in 1949

WOODIE ROBINSON .... 1949 ❄snow❄ photo of him building a snowman. Who remembers the 1949 snowfall in Wilson County Texas? I do!

Ghosts of Wilson County

*Ghosts of Wilson County Tx. (Courtesy of writer/historian Lois Zook Wauson)

Wilson County in Texas is almost 150 years old. Several months ago I wondered if there were stories of ghosts seen in these old buildings or ruins. I decided that most buildings around 100 years old have certainly got some ghosts stories passed down through the years and I was going to find out if that was the case in Wilson County!

Back in 1879 a letter was written by someone who signed it "Pedestrian" about how he and a friend made a trip to the site of the old Las Cabras Mission. They walked to the river from Floresville and then waded across the river to the old Mission. It was already deserted then. He wrote about the ruins, then finished the letter with this story:

"There is a wild legend told by the Mexicans, and you shall have it as I heard it: When all the elements of nature seem to be at war, and the night is dark and dreary; if you should go alone to the old ruins, you will soon have the pleasure of hearing your teeth chatter. On such an occasion and old spirit that inhabits the ruins will take its accustomed walk, and mounting the top of the wall, will wave a light back and forth as though he were signaling to someone in the distance. However I did not remain to test the truth of the legend, as I am somewhat addicted to whistling when passing even a graveyard." * I don't know if I believe that story, but I won't go out at Rancho de las Cabras by the river, at night.

In a building as old as the county courthouse, built in 1884, I knew there were bound to be people who knew something. I was right. I interviewed one person about a ghost sighted in the courtroom upstairs.

A pretty lady in a red dress with beautiful long legs was seen by someone in the middle of the day when they were alone and cleaning the courtroom. The "lady-in-red" walked by the judge's desk and as the person turned their back to turn off the vacuum, to tell the lady no one was allowed in the courtroom, and turned around, the lady-in-red was gone. I am wondering who the "lady-in-red" was. Maybe someone who was on trial in that courtroom, a hundred years ago, coming back to visit?

When walking by the County Clerk Offices, people have felt someone brush against them walking by, and a sense of cold air as they walked by, to turn and no one would be there. Maybe ghosts from the past coming back to check on their family history stored in the ancient books in the chambers behind those doors?
I love ghosts!

Wilson County Texas Rangers

WILSON COUNTY TEXAS.... borne quite a number of Texas Rangers mainly from Fairview Wilson County Texas. Which Rangers do you remember reading about from here?
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On October 17, 1835, Texans approve a resolution to create the Texas Rangers, a corps of armed and mounted lawmen designed to "range and guard the frontier between the Brazos and Trinity Rivers."

In the midst of their revolt against Mexico, Texan leaders felt they needed a semi-official force of armed men who would defend the isolated frontier settlers of the Lone Star Republic against both Santa Ana's soldiers and Native Americans; the Texas Rangers filled this role. But after winning their revolutionary war with Mexico the following year, Texans decided to keep the Rangers, both to defend against Native Americans and Mexicans and to serve as the principal law enforcement authority along the sparsely populated Texan frontier.

Although created and sanctioned by the Texas government, the Rangers was an irregular body made up of civilians who furnished their own horses and weapons. Given the vast expanse of territory they patrolled and the difficulty of communicating with the central government, the government gave the men of the Rangers considerable independence to act as they saw fit. Sometimes the Rangers served as a military force, taking on the role of fighting the Native Americans that in the U.S. was largely the responsibility of the Army. At other times the Rangers mainly served as the principal law enforcement power in many frontier regions of Texas, earning lasting fame for their ability to track down and eliminate outlaws, cattle thieves, train robbers and murderers, including such notorious bandits as John Wesley Hardin and King Fisher.

Even as late as the first two decades of the 20th century, the state of Texas continued to rely on the Rangers to enforce order in the wilder regions of the state, like the oil boomtowns along the Rio Grande. Increasingly, though, some Texans began to criticize the Rangers, arguing that they used excessive violence and often failed to observe the finer points of the law when apprehending suspects. As a result, in the 1930s, the state won control over the Rangers, transforming it into a modern law enforcement organization.
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COURTESY / Old West Legends, Myths and More written by Richard Mowery.

Life in 1898 in Wilson County

Life in 1898 in Wilson County... Floresville, July 23, 1898 — A Democratic Convention for the Ninetieth Representative District, composed of the counties of Bexar, Atascosa, Karnes, Wilson, and Live Oak is called to meet in Floresville, Texas, on July 30.

The new Catholic Church completed at Kosciusko has a large American flag floating from its spire, indicative of the patriotism of the church.

Dr. J.T. Burrows has returned from Hermanas Spring, Mexico, to his old home at Stockdale.

Watermelons are abundant and cheap in this market and our small boys and doctors are all Smiles.

Another car was loaded with watermelons at Labatt yesterday by Tom Glass and billed from the place to Kansas City.

Mrs. P.J. Dickey and granddaughter, Miss Mattie Dickey, are visiting relatives at Runge. Miss Dora Hughes has returned from a Pleasant visit to friends at Victoria, accompanied by her friend, Miss May Stearne, of the City of Roses.

P.S. O'Connor and J.R. Hughes, two veteran railroad conductors of the Aransass Pass, were in Floresville Monday as witnesses in a railroad case.

John Griffith and family, E.W. Herrington and family and W.C. Agee and family went to Sutherland Springs this week.

Oscar Dewees, a member of the Belknap Cavalry stationed at Fort Sam Houston, was in Floresville Tuesday. Will Kirk of Abilene is spending several days with his old friend and schoolmate, Ed Dewees at the ranch.

Mrs. J.J. Sparrow and children have returned from an extended visit to relatives at Goliad.

Six candidates were out last week on dress parade for county commissioner and justice of the peace, all from Stockdale.

Earl West, who some time since sustained a broken arm, had the misfortune last Monday to re-break the injured limb.

[This article from the Sunday Light was found in the Wilson County Historical Commission Archives by Gene Maeckel.]

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COURTESY/ Wilson County News

Wilson County heroes

*🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

On this Memorial Day, we honor the sacrifice of our Wilson County heroes, who so bravely gave their lives for our freedom and our country. We will never forget them. 🇺🇸

Woman Sheriff

WOMAN SHERIFF ... in Wilson County Texas .. photo of Mrs. George R. Boothe, Wilson County Sheriff. After the death of her husband , Sheriff of Wilson County, Mrs. Boothe qualified as his successor in 1939. She is one of several Texas women sheriffs filling out terms of their deceased husbands. [Unidentified man on left.]. (Courtesy of UTSA Library)

A widow's succession practice was also sometimes seen as a way to provide the woman with financial support due to the loss of her family's primary income. As well, was to retain a seat and a vote for the husband's political party between elections.

Wilson County Sheriff George Boothe {1937 - 1938} while serving his first year, passed away in 1938. His wife, interesting enough, was appointed Sheriff in May 1938 because of his death. {Pictures courtesy of " The Portals to Texas History"}

Wilson County Texas Camphor Farm

The Florida Agriculturist (DeLand, Fla.), April 17, 1907 ... Wilson County Texas Camphor Farm. [Click on newspaper article to enlarge]

Weekly gazette

The weekly gazette (East Hartford, CT), December 20, 1940 ... Wilson County Texas female Sheriff

Nice Politics

By Mike Cox

Before radio, before television, before cable networks, before the Internet and before blogging, a politician had only two choices when it came to spreading his message to voters – public appearances or newspapers.

The term "news media" still lay decades in the future back in the 1890s when Wick Blanton and Tom Morris ran against each other for the honor of being county attorney of Wilson County.

The two men stood on either side of the ticket, Blanton being a populist and Morris being a Democrat and prohibitionist. They may have belonged to different political parties, but that did not interfere with their warm friendship.

In fact, they were such good friends they even campaigned together, traveling in a buggy between the various towns in Wilson County. At each voting precinct in the county, they gave a stump speech and debated their positions.

"Their dispositions were sunny and bibulous," a mutual acquaintance later wrote. "Both tongues were loose at both ends – and full of fire and wit in the middle."

Despite their political differences on the availability of alcohol, they always had as their traveling companion a jug of good whiskey. They partook of it before an oration and afterward to slack their thirst as they bumped along the two-rut roads that connected places like Fairview, Floresville, Kosusko, Lavernia, Seal's Chapel, Sunnyside, Sutherland Springs, and Union Valley.

Before a crowd of potential voters, their friend continued, "Always they were fair and courteous to each other, except as they derided each other for having no more brains than to support the political parties they respectively espoused."

Beyond working gatherings of voters, they hit up individuals, seeking assurance of their vote. During one such conversation, a poll tax payer who had been on the fence finally agreed to cast his vote for Morris.

"I'm mighty glad to see you coming across to the Democratic side again," Morris told the man. "It's the party of our fathers, and the greatest one on earth."

Then the man burst Morris' political balloon. He decision to vote for him had not been based on his campaign, he said. What had made the difference was a story making the rounds that Blanton had been arrested in San Antonio for being drunk.

"Look here," Morris said. "I'd like to have you vote for me.... But I don't want your voted on a damned lie."

Morris knew for a fact that his opponent had not been drunk in San Antonio because he and Blanton had been drunk enough in Wilson County. He couldn't have his friend lose a vote over something he was just as guilty of as Blanton.

Building his case as meticulously as he would have to in a court of law, Morris succeeded in convincing the man of the truth: Blanton had been in Wilson County on the night in question, making a campaign appearance with Morris in Fairview. A Wilson County lawyer had indeed been arrested in San Antonio, but it had been a third party, not Blanton.

"I'm glad you told me that," the voter said. "Wick's all right, then. And he gets my vote."

Morris shook hands with the man and left, well aware that by being truthful, he had cost himself one vote. The first person he told the story to was Blanton – over a drink.

Blanton won the election and went on to a long and successful career, dying in Gonzales in 1937.

"Every man mentioned in this story is dead," the teller of the tale wrote a few years after Blanton's death. "The principles of fair dealing in politics which they stood for largely died with them."
(Courtesy of Mike Cox http://www.texasescapes.com/default.htm )

Arial view from the bell tower of the Wilson County Courthouse circa 1900

*The good Lord couldn't have found a better place to have me living from my birth but Sutherland Springs in Wilson County Texas. The Wilson County history is rich and we are blessed to have architecture still existing in many of our communities and towns.

"Arial view from the bell tower of the Wilson County Courthouse circa 1900. This is a view looking west down onto the businesses which are located on the present day "C" street. Just visible from the edge of the photo is a coral. It looks like the people in the photo are either putting their horses or cattle into the coral." (Courtesy of "The Portals to Texas History")

1960 Souvenier Centennial Coin

1960 Souvenir Centennial Coin from Wilson County Tx 100 yr. celebration. The front depicts peanuts, watermelons, cattle, dairies, and oil as cash means.The coin belonged to Vivian Luker Lorenz of Stockdale, Texas.

Race track in Floresville

Did Ya Know....that Floresville Texas used to have a race horse track? Prior to the Floresville Peanut Festival which began in 1938, (originally called the Peanut Pow-Wow) there was the Wilson County Fair (1920-1931). The site of the current high school was the site of the county fairgrounds. A race track, rodeo arena, and other buildings to support community fun were established for the Wilson County Texas Fair.
(Courtesy Mark Cameron, a Staff Historian)

WILSON COUNTY JUDGE LONGWORTH

(Part Two)
WILSON COUNTY JUDGE LONGWORTH ... In 1870, William B. Longworth and his youngest son, George, were living in Floresville with their housekeeper. William's oldest sons Thomas and John had left home by this time, working as cowboys on ranches near San Antonio.

In 1873, William married Sabra Ann Nerio, a young widow from the Graytown area with two small daughters. Karnes and Wilson County minister John F. Hines married them. Longworth's last appearance in Wilson County records was at a Commissioner's Court meeting on July 31, 1873, when he resigned from his positions as County Judge and Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1. His disappearance from the area was emphasized when on August 17, 1874, he failed to make a court appearance in Kinney County. William Longworth had moved on, however, the effects of the violence of Reconstruction in Wilson County would remain with Judge Longworth the remainder of his life.

In 1876 and 1877, William served as a Commissioner for the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court, Western Division in Athens, Henderson County, Texas.

By 1879, William and his son George Longworth were living in Huron County, Michigan. William's sister, Elizabeth Longworth Winsor her husband, Richard Winsor and their family lived in Huron County, Michigan. William Longworth and Richard Winsor were both serving in the capacity of notaries for Huron County. In 1880, William maintained a residence in London, Ontario while working as a customs agent/inspector for United States Customs. George remained in Port Austin in Huron County with his aunt, Elizabeth Longworth Winsor.

On October 22, 1881 in London, Ontario, William married Elizabeth Georgina "Georgia" Weston. Georgia was the daughter of George and Anna Jane Adelaide Dagg Weston. According to the 1881 Canadian Census for London, Ontario, William, a widower, roomed with the Weston family prior to his marriage. The marriage record recorded William's birthplace as Ireland, his residence as the United States (London, Ontario is about 100 miles from Detroit, MI), his occupation was barrister and solicitor. His religion was recorded as "Friends" for Society of Friends more commonly referred to as Quaker. William was fifty-three and Georgia was twenty-three years of age.

William's brother in law, Daniel Homes Lizars, became the first County Judge of Perth County, Ontario in 1864. Before that, he had served as County Attorney. Daniel, who was from a prominent Ontarian family, was married to William's sister, Esther Longworth. In 1880, Lizars held the offices of County Judge, as well as Master in Chancery and Deputy Registrar. In 1882, he became Judge of the High Court of Justice in Ontario.

William's sons moved to New Mexico. Thomas or "Pinto Tom" as he was known, was a Deputy Sheriff in Lincoln County, New Mexico during the Lincoln County War. In March of 1879, in his capacity as lawman he jailed William H. Bonney, alias Billy the Kid. In November 1880, Thomas became the constable in White Oaks in Lincoln County. His brother, John Longworth, was also in Lincoln County at this time, both men served on posses attempting to apprehend Billy the Kid. In 1881, a witness warrant was issued for Thomas Longworth in Lincoln County. After 1881, Thomas Longworth seems to disappear from American records. Lincoln County was a violent and dangerous place in the 1880s; perhaps he did not survive his service as a lawman.

The 1880 U.S. Census showed Tom's brother, John, had returned to Frio County, Texas and worked on the Slaughter and Vickers Ranches. John moved from Texas to San Marcial, New Mexico, where in 1891 he owned a popular gambling resort.31 William's son George moved to New Mexico from Michigan. In 1896, he called San Marcial home,32 but by 1900, he lived in Grant County, where he worked as a teamster. George died on February 5, 1937 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

On 16 January 1883, Captain John Longworth died in Port Austin, Michigan at the home of his daughter, Elizabeth Winsor. Of his three sons, only William was still living. William was continuing his work as a customs agent in London, Ontario.
William and Georgia relocated to the Denver, Colorado area in 1884, where William worked as an accountant for a mining company.

In 1889, John Robson, William's brother-in-law, became the Premier of British Columbia. He served as Premier until his death in 1892.

In the late 1880s, William and Georgia Longworth moved to Illinois. On October 1, 1890, their son Bruce Earl Longworth was born in Chicago. The next year William and his family were living in Detroit, Michigan, where he was working as a bookkeeper. They lived there for several years, before returning to Colorado.

William B. Longworth died before the 1900 census. Before 1917, Georgia returned with Bruce to Detroit where her sisters were living. Bruce became an electrician and according to Social Security Claims Index, died on 27 November 1959. Georgia died in the 1920s. There are no known living descendants of William Longworth.
(Part Two)

Saving Cemeteries Preserves Wilson County History

By Gregory Ripps
Wilson County News
Oct. 29, 2019

"My branch of the family didn't know the cemetery was there until 2006."

Nancy De La Zerda was referring to the cemetery that bears her family name. She was attending the dedication of a marker commemorating the historical site of Floresville's Lodi Ferry nearby when a distant relative told her about the site.

"It's down the path which runs next to the Lodi Ferry historical marker, at Peach and Goliad," she said. "You go down the path till it branches left at the gate to the Bolf property."

Since 2006, De La Zerda has become much more familiar with the history of her family and the cemetery where many of them are buried.

Many other people may not be aware of where their ancestors are buried, especially if they weren't interred in a national, city, or private "perpetual care" cemetery. Many small family or community cemeteries — in addition to church graveyards — began popping up throughout Texas in the 19th century after swarms of settlers established themselves in the region.

A number of stone markers at the Canary Islanders Cemetery are in bad shape, but this one is among those that are still legible.

Property where cemeteries were located changed hands. Industrial or housing development may have made cemeteries hard to access. Many of them were forgotten or abandoned. Even cemeteries whose occupants have claims to a place in history are often neglected.

Wilson County has more than 100 identified private cemeteries. There may be more, whose stone markers have crumbled and been largely reclaimed by nature.

"The one that I feel is terribly neglected is the Canary Islanders cemetery," said Julia Castro, a Floresville history buff and Wilson County News columnist. The cemetery is located on the east side of U.S. 181, north of the Wilson County Justice Center. It is accessible through the parking area between two auto parts stores.

The cemetery was so named because it serves as the final resting place for descendants of some of Texas' earliest settlers, who migrated from the Canary Islands. However, others are buried there, too.

Shirley Grammer shares a story about her research into a family buried in one of Wilson County's more than 100 private cemeteries. The Grammer home has an entire room dedicated to maintaining her research on cemeteries and local history.

Recently, this cemetery received some needed attention. Brothers Juan and Bob Ramirez went there Sept. 13 to visit the grave of their great-grandmother, Amelia Cardenas, who was of Spanish descent.

"I wondered if we'd be able to get out there with everything so overgrown," Juan said. Instead, the brothers found a man with a machete and clippers tackling the overgrowth.

The man turned out to be H.L. "Hank" Whitman Jr., a retired Chief Texas Ranger and Wilson County resident.

"There's a Texas Ranger and San Antonio mayor buried here," Whitman pointed out, referring to P.L. Buquor, but he gave just as much attention to the other burial spots. "I think it's real sad when people let a cemetery go down."

After identifying the graves and clearing the area around the grave markers, Whitman returned a few days later with a front-end loader equipped with a mower to clear the open areas of the cemetery. He didn't want to make anything of his arduous task.

"I asked myself, 'Why is no one taking care of it?'" Whitman said. "So I just adopted the cemetery and will take care of it."

Other Wilson County residents have taken on the cleanup and restoration of cemeteries long term.

Shirley and John Grammar have been involved with cemeteries since they moved to the La Vernia area 30 years ago.

"I needed a hobby," she explained.

Her first effort was to investigate the graves of the Applewhite family, early settlers of the area, near the funeral home in La Vernia. This led her to the Concrete Cemetery, located near La Vernia, but in Guadalupe County, and the Doisedo Colony Cemetery, southwest of La Vernia, where other Applewhites were buried.

The pattern has repeated itself: The Grammers, sometimes with other volunteers, find a cemetery "in terrible shape" and not only clean it up, but also photograph and document every stone or metal marker they find there.

Shirley has taken additional steps:

•Researching the people buried in a cemetery, building family trees, and locating descendants

•Applying to the Texas Historical Commission for a historic designation for any cemetery she helps to rehabilitate. In a number of instances, this is followed by the erection of a historical marker, additional recognition, and, hopefully, a reason for relatives of cemetery occupants to attend a dedication ceremony.

•Encouraging the formation of an association to maintain a restored cemetery and keeping it from again falling into neglect. Such associations may include family members, members of a church with a connection to a cemetery, or other interested individuals.

•Building up a network of historians, historical associations, and genealogists.

While some enthusiasts have come and gone, Shirley has stuck with it.

"I have files on every cemetery in the county," she said. "One of these days, when I get tired of this, I'll give it all to the Wilson County archives."

De La Zerda, for one, is determined not to let her family cemetery be neglected. She is grateful for the groundwork others have done, singling out local historian Maurine Liles for an inventory of the cemetery and a brief history of the occupants.

"She has been the cemetery's champion," De La Zerda said. "I personally think she's an angel."

De La Zerda looks forward to the dedication of a new cemetery marker, which will be located near the Lodi Ferry historical marker, rather than in the cemetery itself. She also has been developing ideas to raise funds to improve and maintain the graveyard.

"It's not close to where we can say that people can come and visit," she said.

MARKER REDEDICATION

A new historical marker for the De La Zerda Cemetery will be dedicated Saturday, Nov. 2, in a 2 p.m. ceremony.

Someone apparently took target practice with the marker placed in the cemetery. The new marker will be placed next to the Lodi Ferry marker near the intersection of Peach Street and Goliad Road in Floresville.

HISTORIC CEMETERY DESIGNATION

The Texas Historical Commission offers Historic Texas Cemetery designation for family and community graveyards to help protect them.

This designation:

•Records the cemetery's location and boundaries in county deed records

•Alerts present and future landowners of any cemetery presence on their property

•Documents the cemetery's current condition

•Fills one prerequisite for applying for an official Texas historical marker for the cemetery.

A Historic Texas Cemetery designation imposes no restrictions on private owners' use of the land adjacent to the cemetery.

Any individual or organization may submit a request for the designation by accessing the necessary instructions and form through the Texas Historical Commission's website at www.thc.texas.gov.

Nancy De La Zerda added to the Wilson County News article:

Thank you for this great, timely article, Mr. Ripps, and for your interest in maintaining our histories. I am so thankful to people like Shirley Grammer, Mr. H.L. Hank Whitman Jr., Maurine Liles, and everyone at the Wilson County Historical Society for identifying, researching, and working so dilgently to help preserve Wilson County historical cemeteries. I have been so moved by the tremendous responses and assistance from the City of Floresville, the Floresville Economic Development Council, and by the property owners neighboring the De La Zerda cemetery, Mr. Danny Bolf and Mr. Rayford Johnson, and by Richard Kalak who tends to their properties, as we've prepared for the Nov. 2nd De La Zerda Cemetery Texas State Historical Landmark Rededication Ceremony. Everyone has graciously stepped up and come together to help prepare the Cemetery for a new future.

I believe strongly that Floresville's history will play a key role in its future. The recent World Heritage Landmark status bestowed upon el Rancho de las Cabras as an extension of the National Park Missions Trail will bring more and more visitors who love history to Wilson County. Over 2.5 million people visit the Alamo each year, while 1.2 million, visited the sites along the Mission Trail in 2018. A total of $87.5 million was spent just in businesses along that corridor. Floresville is now part of that historical National Park Mission Trail. Sites like the fascinating Jailhouse Museum, the beautiful County Courthouse, the historic and "haunted" Fluff's White House Café, the Canary Islanders Cemetery, and all other historical cemeteries in the area, in addition to Rancho de las Cabras and the El Camino de Tejas trail will surely provide visitors glimpses into the rich history of Floresville and Wilson County as well as providing fun ways to explore history.

I believe every school in San Antonio should include the history of Floresville in its curriculum, and vice versa for Floresville. Our cities' histories are so very much connected. The stories of Rancho de las Cabras and the early settlers of Canary Islander descent, the Lodi settlement, the Courthouse debaucles, the founding of Wilson County and Floresville are fascinating. I have learned so much, and am excited for the world to know how important our ties are. I want everyone to know about the legendary Doña María de Calvillo. She's a perfect 21st century super hero! Move over Frida Kahlo. Floresville has a Tejana super hero to share with the world!

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COURTESY /Wilson County News

https://www.wilsoncountynews.com/articles/saving-cemeteries-preserves-wilson-county-history/

Medicine pot

James Story found this in Wilson County Texas. Its a rough geode that was modified into a medicine pot. The Shaman used these. Look closely, the opening will be very smoothly polished...... David Crain"

San Antonio Transportation History

by Hugh Hemphill

Wilson County, between Sutherland Springs and Lavernia. There's an historical marker for the bridge on FM 539 but the bridge is a long way inside private property.

(Mueller Bridge seen in background of photos taken by Hugh Hemphill.)

This was part of the old main road between Sutherland Springs and Lavernia in Wilson County, Texas. The road, which I don't think was ever paved, but was improved, with drainage and a gravel surface, was used from 1915 all the way up to 1988, when it was bypassed. You can see a bridge over Cibolo Creek in the back ground. The route is now on private land. I was granted permission to visit it. Pix taken in January 2022.

Wilson County, Texas

WILSON COUNTY TEXAS ... came into existent 84 years after July 4, 1776. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American Independence.

HEAVENLY FATHER, WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR OUR FOUNDERS OF THIS COUNTRY SECURING LIBERTY AND FREEDOM FOR US ALL. WE PRAY OUR BELOVED AMERICA CAN CONTINUE TO ENABLE THESE FREEDOMS WITH PEACE AND WISDOM THROUGH THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD. AMEN

1937 Wilson County Directory

"1937 Wilson County Directory" .... listing folks in Stockdale Wilson County Texas. Names were taken from the Wilson County tax office and some other sources. Floresville, Poth, and Stockdale each have pages listing their residents along with their occupations. Some folks are listed with a telephone number and some aren't. NOTICE the simplicity of the telephone numbers!! [ Liz Wheeler Lester thank you so much taking your time to scan these pages & share for the readers. The names bring back so many memories about our history 85 years ago.]

Wilson County hotels...

How many hotels did Wilson County have back in the day? Here is a starting list of what Mark Cameron has found but he have seen more but have not documented them yet. .

Mode of travel

FYI ... The mode of travel in Wilson County during the early 1900s was horseback, wagon or buggy pulled by mules or horses. There were few hospitals and most of the babies were born at home. There were no antibiotics, the magic bullet of modern medicine. Doctors did the best they could with the treatments they had available to them. Sometimes a doctor would stay by a patient's bed side all night to help them recover from some medical malady. Sometimes they performed surgery in the patient's home. They cared deeply and were sad and disappointed when one of their patients died. COURTESY/ Wilson County Historical Society Archives

FORGOTTEN TEXAS CENSUS

... First annual report of the Agricultural Bureau of the Department of Agriculture, Insurance, Statistics, and History 1887-88 by L. L. Foster, Commissioner

WILSON COUNTY

 Was created in 1860 from Bexar and Karnes counties, and named in honor of James C. Wilson, one of the Meir prisoners. This county joins Bexar on the southeast. The general surface is gently undulating. It is very well timbered and watered, and is adapted to agriculture and stock raising. The soil is a light sandy loam, and fertile. Farm crops yield

well. Fruits and vegetables are also grown with success.

 The San Antonio River and Cibolo Creek flow nearly centrally through the county from northeast to southeast. There are a number of smaller streams which add greatly to the water supply.

 The water of Sutherland Spring in this county is reported as being good for many diseases.

 The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad passes through the western part of the county, and has a mileage in the county of 24 miles, with property assessed at $188,745.

 Number of marriages during 1887, 62; divorces 5, births 379, deaths 91.

 In this county there are 7 lawyers, 10 physicians, and 20 merchants.

 The following religious denominations are each represented by church organizations in the county: Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Christian, and Catholic churches.

 Improved land is valued at from $3 to $15 per acre, and unimproved at from $2.50 to $5 per acre.

 Acres of State school land in the county 5606.

 The county was organized in 1860, and contains an area of 795 square miles.

 Population in 1880: 7188

In 1887: 8307

 Males 4262

 Females 4045

 Color and nationality

 Americans 3834

 colored 720

 English 963

 German 192

 French 50

 Irish 79

 Mexican 2023

 Spanish 26

 Polish 412

 Scotch 8

 There are in the county 1362 white and 103 colored families.

 The assessed value of all property in 1877, $1,091,120; in 1887, $2,695,874. Gain in ten years $1,604,754.

 Floresville is the county seat, population 1200. The other principal towns in the county are: Stockdale, population 300; Sutherland Springs, population 150; La Vernia, population 150; Gray Town, population 100; Fairview, population 100.

 There are 2 weekly newspapers published in the county.

(Courtesy of Wilson County Historical Society ... Transcribed by Gene Maeckel, August 2002)

GREELY NO. 2 — Observations Among the Karnes County Grangers—Model Farms and-Prosperous Farmers

HELENA, May 15, 1882, San Antonio Express — On leaving Fairview Sunday evening, I ran down to Graytown, called on my old friend Newton Young. I found him in his garden, hard at work. Right here let me say, give Mr. N. Young two years more experience, and old Bexar will have no better farmer. This is another of Mr. Greeley's predictions: note result. Young was stacking his oats, which was fine straw, rank, coarse and fine body, but he says they are not as heavy as they should be, because they were not sown quite early enough.

Oats should be sown in October or by the first of November. His oats should thrash out some fifty or sixty bushels to the acre, his onions were from sets, planted in January, they should have been planted the 1 of October. Newton showed me his watermelon vines; look promising. Said he had killed out two rows, following my advice to kill off the insects, used carbolic acid, little too strong. Instructions were ninety parts of water to ten parts of carbolic acid.

Planted the 1st of October. Newton showed me his watermelon vines; look promising. Said he had killed out two rows, following my advice to kill off the insects, used carbolic acid, little too strong. Instructions were ninety parts of water to ten parts of carbolic acid.

Mr. Young has plowed his corn over four times; he will plow again to kill out the cockle burrs, as his field was grown up in cockle burrs. I told him not to bed his corn but cultivate until level. Old Graytown will bloom again. It is entirely settled by Mexicans, perhaps 100 Mexicans. Young enjoys their confidence, he can control all the labor he wishes, and at reasonable rates. His example and advice is worth much to these Mexicans. I told young he had done wrong in sowing down his peach orchard in oats; potatoes is better. As much as I love to look at the growing crops of the farm, I never forget to notice the ladies. I must say for Mrs. Young that her milk, honey, buiscuit, coffee and yellow legged chickens, left a favorable impression with me as a housekeeper.

Monday morning I drove down the San Antonio river to Floresville. The prospect for a corn crop was as fine as I ever noticed in Texas. It is fifteen miles from Graytown to Floresville.

I called on Mr. Stout, who runs a mill and gin in Lodi (steam.) I was pleased with him, an acquisition to the country.

At Floresville, I called on Mr. Pickett and the Polly family. We talked Johnson grass and grapes. Old Col. A.G. Pickett asked me if I ever saw grapes growing beyond the fifth leaf on the stem from the mail vine. I told him I had not noticed. I commenced counting and added another wrinkle we live to learn until our long slumber blots out all.

Wilson County is a fine county, fine mail facilities, and not properly appreciated. Tuesday morning I started for Mr. C.A. Whetstone's farm. I believe next season will find more small grain sown than ever before. Here I saw a fine patch of Nicaragua wheat, from four to five feet high and large bearded heads from five to seven inches in length, wet tilled, without rust and will thrash out thirty bushels to the acre. I told Whetstone to sell this only for seed to his neighbors; he said he would sell for a dollar per bushel, and sell a 1000 bushels of oats, rust proof for thirty-five cents per bushel. I told him he could get from forty to fifty cents, he said he could make money by selling oats at thirty-three cents per bushel. Mr. Whetstone has some forty-five acres in oats looking well. His orchard had like all the balance I have seen, no fruit. Mr. C.A. Whetstone is considered the best farmer in Karnes county, and his section of the country (near Panna Maria.)I have named the Egypt of the west. Mrs. Schultz tells me her people sold more than 10,000 bushels of corn that was raised last year.

The stock interest brings the money and my people feed them. I tell you this Texas is a great country, and I have never seen her more prosperous. Whetstone killed twenty-five head of fine Poland China hogs. (they are fat large) and saved all with the bones in it. Whetstone planted a little late this year; he said if he planted earlier would have done better His Tennessee corn is small. Tobin, hotel man, says he had roasting ears for dinner yesterday, from native corn planted in February; corn at $1 per bushel, will be seventy-five or fifty cents.

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COURTESY/ Lost Texas Roads Allen Kosub explains, "History provides a way of explaining why ordinary people do extraordinary things. " "Lost TexasRoads.com is not about legends; it is about the ordinary people who live in the shadow of legends and are heroes in their own right."

THE TRAIL THAT CHANGED TEXAS HISTORY.

THE TRAIL THAT CHANGED TEXAS HISTORY... and Wilson County Texas was a part of it. Rich grasslands attracted Canary Island immigrants here in the 1730s. A state historic site recalls that era at the stabilized ruins of Rancho de las Cabras, a ranching outpost that served one of San Antonio's missions. Once called Lodi, the town was named Floresville in honor of an early Canary Island family and became the seat of Wilson County. The 1884 Italianate courthouse designed by noted architect Alfred Giles sits on the downtown square, along with a huge peanut statue honoring the local agri-product.

Chisholm Trail history was made here by John Oatman Dewees, a leading cattleman during the trail driving years, Dewees owned a prominent ranch in Wilson and Atascosa counties. He partnered with James F. Ellison in 1869, and together they moved a total of more than 400,000 cattle up the trail by 1877. The ruins of Rancho de las Cabras are four miles south of Floresville, at the junction of Picosa Creek and the San Antonio River. The ruins, originally a colonial ranch associated with Mission Espada near San Antonio, are now part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

By the end of the Civil War, Texas hadn't much left to offer a newly united country...except BEEF! Historians have long debated aspects of the Chisholm Trail's history, including the exact route and even its name. Although a number of cattle drive routes existed in 19th century America, none have penetrated the heart of popular imagination like the Chisholm Trail, especially in Texas.

As early as the 1840s, Texas cattlemen searched out profitable markets for their longhorns, a hardy breed of livestock descended from Spanish Andalusian cattle brought over by 16th century explorers, missionaries, and ranchers. But options for transporting the cattle were few. The solution lay north, where railroads could carry livestock to meat packing centers and customers throughout the populated east and far west. Enter Joseph G. McCoy from Illinois, who convinced the powers-that-be at the Kansas Pacific Railway company to allow him to build a cattle-shipping terminal in Abilene, Kansas.

The new route cattle drivers used to push the longhorn to Kansas shipping points became known as the Chisholm Trail, named for Jesse Chisholm, a Scot-Cherokee trader who had established the heart of the route while transporting his trade goods to Native American camps, and it eventually inspired the link between the great movement of longhorns from South Texas to central Kansas to the Chisholm name. Before the Chisholm was shut down in the late 1880s (by a combination of fences and a Texas fever quarantine) the trail accommodated more than five million cattle and more than a million wild mustangs, considered the largest human-driven animal migration in history.

The Chisholm Trail was the major route out of Texas for livestock. Although it was used only from 1867 to 1884, the longhorn cattle driven north along it provided a steady source of income that helped the impoverished state recover from the Civil War. Youthful trail hands on mustangs gave a Texas flavor to the entire ange cattle industry of the Great Plains and made the cowboy an enduring folk hero.

When the Civil War ended, the state's only potential assets were its countless longhorns, for which no market was available—Missouri and Kansas had closed their borders to Texas cattle in the 1850s because of the deadly Texas fever they carried. In the East was a growing demand for beef, and many men, among them Joseph G. McCoy of Illinois, sought ways of supplying it with Texas cattle. In the spring of 1867 he persuaded Kansas Pacific officials to lay a siding at the hamlet of Abilene, Kansas, on the edge of the quarantine area. He began building pens and loading facilities and sent word to Texas cowmen that a cattle market was available. That year he shipped 35,000 head; the number doubled each year until 1871, when 600,000 head glutted the market.

The first herd to follow the future Chisholm Trail to Abilene belonged to O. W. Wheeler and his partners, who in 1867 bought 2,400 steers in San Antonio. They planned to winter them on the plains, then trail them on to California. At the North Canadian River in Indian Territory they saw wagon tracks and followed them. The tracks were made by Scot-Cherokee Jesse Chisholm, who in 1864 began hauling trade goods to Indian camps about 220 miles south of his post near modern Wichita. At first the route was merely referred to as the Trail, the Kansas Trail, the Abilene Trail, or McCoy's Trail. Though it was originally applied only to the trail north of the Red River, Texas cowmen soon gave Chisholm's name to the entire trail from the Rio Grande to central Kansas. The earliest known references to the Chisholm Trail in print were in the Kansas Daily Commonwealth of May 27 and October 11, 1870. On April 28, 1874, the Denison, Texas, Daily News mentioned cattle going up "the famous Chisholm Trail."

The herds followed the old Shawnee Trail by way of San Antonio, Austin, and Waco, where the trails split. The Chisholm Trail continued on to Fort Worth, then passed east of Decatur to the crossing at Red River Station. From Fort Worth to Newton, Kansas, U.S. Highway 81 follows the Chisholm Trail. It was, Wayne Gard observed, like a tree—the roots were the feeder trails from South Texas, the trunk was the main route from San Antonio across Indian Territory, and the branches were extensions to various railheads in Kansas. Between 1871, when Abilene ceased to be a cattle market, and 1884 the trail might end at Ellsworth, Junction City, Newton, Wichita, or Caldwell. The Western Trail by way of Fort Griffin and Doan's Store ended at Dodge City.

The cattle did not follow a clearly defined trail except at river crossings; when dozens of herds were moving north it was necessary to spread them out to find grass. The animals were allowed to graze along for ten or twelve miles a day and never pushed except to reach water; cattle that ate and drank their fill were unlikely to stampede. When conditions were favorable longhorns actually gained weight on the trail. After trailing techniques were perfected, a trail boss, ten cowboys, a cook, and a horse wrangler could trail 2,500 cattle three months for sixty to seventy-five cents a head. This was far cheaper than shipping by rail.

The Chisholm Trail led to the new profession of trailing contractor. A few large ranchers such as Capt. Richard King and Abel (Shanghai) Pierce delivered their own stock, but trailing contractors handled the vast majority of herds. Among them were John T. Lytle and his partners, who trailed about 600,000 head. Others were George W.laughter and sons, Snyder Brothers, Blocker Brothers, and Pryor Brothers. In 1884 Pryor Brothers contracted to deliver 45,000 head, sending them in fifteen separate herds for a net profit of $20,000.

After the Plains tribes were subdued and the buffalo decimated, ranches sprang up all over the Plains; most were stocked with Texas longhorns and manned by Texas cowboys. Raising cattle on open range and free grass attracted investments from the East and abroad in partnerships such as that of Charles Goodnight and Irish financier John Adair or in ranching syndicates such as the Scottish Prairie Land and Cattle Company and the Matador Land and Cattle Company. Texas tried to outlaw alien land ownership but failed. The XIT Ranch arose when the Texas legislature granted the Capitol Syndicate of Chicago three million acres for building a new Capitol.

The Chisholm Trail was finally closed by barbed wire and an 1885 Kansas quarantine law; by 1884, its last year, it was open only as far as Caldwell, in southern Kansas. In its brief existence it had been followed by more than five million cattle and a million mustangs, the greatest migration of livestock in world history.

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Courtesy/ Texas Independence Trail

Courtesy/ Portal to Texas History

Courtesy / Handbook of Texas

WILSON COUNTY'S PARTICIPATION IN MEXICO AND TEXAS STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE FROM SPAIN ...

In 1811 Spain claimed much of the land of the North American Continent west of the Mississippi River. The Louisiana Purchase narrowed Spain's holdings, but it was a large territory. This territory was called NEW SPAIN and it was divided into provinces. Texas was one of its provinces and it was ruled by a Spanish governor. Orders from Spain trickled down to the governor. Napoleon's troops invaded Spain and took Madrid in 1808. The Spanish King, Charles IV and his son, Ferdinand VII were placed under house arrest. King Charles IV gave up the Spanish throne in favor of his son, Ferdinand VII, but Napoleon Bonaparte handed the throne to his brother, Joseph Bonaparte. There was confusion about who ruled New Spain. Many people in New Spain (including Mexico and Texas) believed that the wrong king was on the Spanish throne. On September 16, 1810, Father Hidalgo rang his liberty bell at his parish church in the Villa of Dolores. He believed that French sympathizers in Seville would surrender New Spain to France. Father Hidalgo called on the Mexican people to defend their country for King Ferdinand VII and the Holy Religion. A revolution began. Many conflicts developed throughout Mexico between people loyal to Spanish rule and the resident people.

Texas was no exception. San Antonio was the capital of Texas and that is where the governor resided. In 1811 the Spanish Loyalists were overthrown in a bloodless coup brought about by Juan Bautista de las Casas, a retired army officer. He assumed the leadership of the local individuals who were disgusted with the local Spanish Government. The Spanish Governor was removed from San Antonio. Las Casas then assumed the role of governor of Texas. His leadership was seriously lacking. He showed little tact or consideration for the prominent Spanish people in and around San Antonio. Soon, unrest developed and there was a call to return to Spanish control.

Among those people disgusted with las Casas were the Zambrano brothers. The Zambranos were very influential in the area and staunchly loyal to the Spanish Government. Unhappy with the political situation, some members of the family left San Antonio and retired to their ranch, Laguana de las Animas. The ranch was located on the west side of the San Antonio River between the mission ranches, Las Cabras and Valero in southern Wilson County. The ranch was a fairly short distance from San Antonio and it was possible for the family to keep abreast of developments in San Antonio. Las Casas had won the support of the local population.. However, he had neglected to gain the confidence of the military officers, the large ranchers, and prominent citizens. He also lacked the skill in disposing of property confiscated from the Spaniards loyal to the crown.

As discontent with las Casas grew, royalists would journey to the Zambrano ranch to discuss an overthrow of las Casas. In a short time, Macario Zambrano's son, Juan Manuel Zambrano was convinced to return to San Antonio and assist in rescuing Texas from las Casas and his rebellious group. Juan Manuel Zambrano was a colorful person and was a man to be reckoned with. He was a sub deacon of the church, but spent time gambling and visiting cantinas. He had a cavalry sword strapped to his waist and liked to engage in brawls. He readily accepted the challenge. On his return to San Antonio, Juan Manuel held a closed meeting with several close associates in the town home of his brother. Among the group was Erasmo Seguin. The major result of this conference was

to begin a grass roots whispering campaign to enlist support of other prominent citizens and army officers. Zambrano even extended this bold whispering campaign to selected

members of the enemy group. As had been planned, Zambrano gathered with several of the prominent royalists on the evening of March 1, 1811. The group marched to the army barracks, disarmed the sentries and captured the officers in command. Quickly, the recently developed grapevine system of communication relayed this event throughout the town. By

midnight the counter-revolution proved to be successful. The group of citizens decided to elect a Junta (governing body) to head the movement. Juan Manuel Zambrano was elected president by a majority of the votes. All the elected officials were immediately sworn in to defend the King of Spain, the Catholic faith, and the country. The group then marched to the living quarters of las Casas, woke him from his sleep and informed him of the change in government. He was arrested without resistance.

[Compiled from archives of the Wilson County Historical Society by Gene Maeckel and Maurine Liles, 4/2/2007]

Flores Hacienda – The Oldest House in Wilson County

(Courtesy of/and compiled by Mark Cameron)

In the mid to late 18th century, a focus on Spanish civilian settlements became prevalent in the areas of San Antonio, La Bahia, and East Texas. These sites played an important role in the continuation and success of the various routes of travel of El Camino Real de los Tejas because these routes were located at important river crossings.

These stopping places along the routes, were often camp sites where the travelers could camp overnight. These stopping places and camp sites were called "Parajes". Travelers would make camp shortly after crossing a river because heavy rain could come overnight and make it impassable. These parajes were often located on both sides of the river crossing. It was important to have a paraje on either side of the river to facilitate whichever direction a given party would be traveling.

By the late 18th century, many of the rancho headquarters and towns tended to be former parajes that evolved into stopovers with more amenities. One such paraje that evolved into something more is the Flores Rancho which is stated to be located at "el paraje Nombrado Chayopines" , or Chayopines Crossing, named after the Chayopine Indians occupying the land at the time. Many paraje settlements, to include the Flores Rancho, provided a community structure with multiple functions to include economic, religion, and protection from marauding Indians.

Prior to what we now refer to as the Flores Rancho, and prior to the ranch's Spanish occupation in the 1700's, the lands along the San Antonio River were occupied by the Chayopine Indians. After Spanish settlement in San Antonio, some of the river bank lands of Wilson County were managed and ranched by three of the five Spanish missions of San Antonio. The King of Spain granted one league (4,428 acres) of land for each mission location and also granted an additional three leagues farther away from each mission for the purpose of raising large livestock. Mission Espada owned the lands along the west bank of the San Antonio River (vicinity Flores Rancho down to Rancho de las Cabras), and thus, this land was called "Rancho de los Chayopine or Chayopine Rancho" by the Spanish. This land was used as ranch land, by and for the support of the mission.

In 1756, early pioneer Juan Jose Flores de Abrego y Valdes occupied the ranching land and established his cattle ranch along the river. The Flores Rancho would eventually evolve into a small village many years later. In March of 1768, Spanish Catholic Priest, Father Gaspar Jose de Solis visited Los Chayopines and found there were eight persons living and working on the rancho. This supports the idea that the Flores Hacienda was already built by this time. The people living on the rancho were possibly family members and hired vaqueros.

The old adobe hacienda on the Flores Rancho is the oldest house in Wilson County. It was possibly constructed as early as the 1750s or 1760s, as noted above. If the hacienda was already built when Father Gaspar Jose de Solis visited in March 1768, this will make the hacienda anywhere from 249-261 years old at the time of this writing. The chapel and cemetery were constructed later on in the early 1800s. The hacienda has very thick abode walls and originally had only two rooms with an ornate double fireplace between the two rooms. In later years, possibly a century later, a brick addition of three more rooms were added to the hacienda making the total five. The ceiling of the hacienda is twelve feet tall.

Near the hacienda, just several yards away, are the ruins of the old chapel. Only the stone foundations remain. Also, there still remains the cemetery with only a few graves known. Nobody knows exactly how many people are buried there, maybe as many as eight. In-between the chapel's remains and the adobe hacienda, stood a 300 year old very large oak tree. It has since died and only the trunk remains. From one of the limbs of the big oak, once hung a church bell. That bell has since been donated to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Floresville.

The hacienda was built in a manner to withstand Indian attacks, and apparently was a place of refuge during more than just a few Indian raids. People from miles around came to the hacienda for protection. One account says that the raiders could not burn or gain access to the adobe structure that was fortified with three corner forts, so they tried to access the hacienda through the roof. These corner forts of the hacienda, were just big enough for one man and had loopholes. Loopholes are the holes through which the rancho men could look for enemies, as well as where they could fire their weapons in the event of an attack. The roof was said to be strongly fortified with oak logs and dirt piled several feet thick, and even though several Indians tried to dig through the roof, they were shot and killed, and the attack was thus repelled.

According to Karen Harlohs, in 1968, there was still rubble and stone heaps under nearly every other tree within a radius of ¼ mile of the hacienda. These stone heaps are possibly the remnants of stone dwellings. It is reasonable to state that there was a village here at one time. In fact, one article states that in 1833, long before the towns of Floresville and Lodi existed, the nucleus of "the town" included the Flores hacienda, chapel, and cemetery.

Juan Jose Flores de Abrego y Valdes first occupied the rancho lands in 1756. After his death, his son Pedro Flores occupied the land. After Pedro's death, his son Francisco Jose (Joseph) Flores occupied the land. Francisco petitioned the Mexican government August 20, 1827 for 4 leagues of land for official possession and title to the land he was occupying and cultivating. On January 23, 1834, the Mexican government conceded to Francisco's petition and gave him the 4 leagues of land he sought along with an additional labor of land. Francisco purchased the land and got title to it.

The current owners of the Flores Rancho are most interested in the history of Chayopines Rancho, and have committed to a long, but rewarding process of restoration of the hacienda and grounds. During May and June 2014, archaeologists conducted excavations focusing on outlining the chapel foundation remnants, along with the exterior stone wall surrounding the cemetery. We thank the current owners for keeping this amazing piece of Wilson County history alive!

Compiled by Mark Cameron

An area of wilderness

The area of Texas which was later to become Wilson County was a true wilderness until the period of American colonization. Located in the south central part of the state of Texas, it was once the hunting grounds of the Tonkawas, the Comanches, and the Lipans. Probably the first white men in the region were the early Spanish explorers and travelers who passed through on their way to East Texas.

There were no missions in Wilson County; but the impact of the mission era was felt there, and in a small way the county played a part in the accomplishment of the task of the missions.

On May 5, 1718, Governor Alarcon of Spain took possession of San Antonio and designated it as a place for soldiers and settlers to be established. Alarcon at the time founded San Antonio de Valero and located the temporary settlement, leaving ten Spanish families.

In 1747 La Bahia was moved to a site on the San Antonio River. This placed between two missions; The main expeditions passing through the southwestern part were those of Ramon, Alarcon, Olivares, and Rivera.

In 1727 Pedro de Rivera made a tour of inspection between La Bahia and San Antonio, at which time he crossed the northern part of Wilson County. In 1798 Francisco Vasquez probably

crossed' the territory on his exploration of the coast.

When Father Olivares set out to found his mission on the San Antonio River, he was accompanied by a military expedition under the command of Governor Alarcon. The people in the military command are of importance to Wilson County, as it was their ranch lands that fell within the county. The general location of the ranches falling within the boundary of Wilson County was concentrated in the southwestern part near the San Antonio River.

The hacienda of Francisco Flores de Abreyo was established about six miles northwest of present day Floresville. In the immediate vicinity of the Flores ranch were the ranches of Chayopa, Pataguilla, Cabras, and Las Mulas. The Juan Seguin ranch fell just to the north and west of the Flores ranch, and there were several located along the Cibolo River.

In 1770, the citizens of San Antonio reported that Indian hostility had increased and forced them to abandon many farms and ranches along the Cibolo.

The ranches of Andres Hernandes, Jose Flores, and Manuel Guerra were located in the area, and in this vicinity a century later the town of Stockdale grew up. Even though Stockdale came close to having a settlement in the 1780's no settlements were established until after Texas became a part of the United States.

In the years following, as the settlement of San Antonio grew, the Tonkaawa Indians were centered chiefly in the Wilson

County and Gulf region, south. They were one of the most friendly tribes and remained friendly with the Spanish settlers. This caused the Apaches to hate and finally to succeed in wiping them out.

The prosperity of the work of the friars and missions among the Indians began to decline after 1762, and the number of soldiers in San Antonio de Bexar, the principal garrison, increased.

As the missions of the East were abandoned the principal settlements increased, San Antonio being the most

important, and this caused more certainty of Indian raids. By the end of the Spanish period the vast region drained by the San Antonio, Guadalupe, Colorado, and Brazos Rivers had only twenty-five hundred people and two villages, San Antonio and La Bahia. The area surrounding was just a vast prairie, timber, and valley land all in a wild state of nature and occupied only by Indians. (Research by Mrs. Robert Ewing for Wilson County Centennial Book)

A bit of Wilson County's ranching history

Published in Wilson County News 2016

Ranching, cattle and the cowboy way of life have long been important in the San Antonio River Valley. It has been so since the early mission era in the 1700s, when Spain owned Texas.

Five Spanish missions were established along the San Antonio River. Native Americans, who lived near San Antonio, came to live in the missions. Each mission had longhorn cattle to provide meat and other products for people living in the missions. These cattle ranged between the missions and the farms of residents of San Fernando de Bexar.

Farmers in the area planted crops and fenced the cropland in. Cattle broke down fences and destroyed crops. There was friction between the missions and the people of the town. The Spanish government furnished the missions with large land grants to ease problems the cattle had caused.

The early 1700s saw Spanish Mission ranchos spread out along the San Antonio River and Cibolo Creek between San Antonio and La Bahia (Goliad). Longhorn cattle grazed on the tall, green grass on these ranchos. Robed Missionaries taught Native Americans to ride and work cattle from horseback. These men were Spanish Vaqueros (cowboys).

Private ranchers of this era developed large ranches alongside the mission ranches and herds of cattle and horses roamed the land freely. This was the beginning of the grand ranching era in the area between the San Antonio River and Cibolo Creek.

After the American Civil War, there was a shortage of meat in the northern and eastern states of the country. Texans had plenty of beef on the hoof, but little cash. The longhorn cattle, descendants of cattle that came to Texas with the missionaries and early explorers, still grazed the pasture lands in the San Antonio River Valley. Texas cattlemen saw good reason to turn cattle driving into a good business.

Driving cattle from South Texas to the northern railheads turned out to be a very profitable business. In the San Antonio River Valley, the Dewees Brothers, J. T. Thornton, Ellington, William G. Butler, Mr. Camp, Presnell, and a few other men were ranchers who took a big role in the cattle enterprise. They assembled cattle in the San Antonio River Valley and contracted management of the cattle drives over land to markets at railheads in Kansas, Nebraska, and other areas. Some of the trail drivers of this era were Thad Rees, Billy Callaway, Vicente Carvajal, Juan Santos Coy, Hub Polley, Mr. Walker, and others. The cowboys were Mexican Americans, Anglo Americans and African Americans. Some were descendants of the early mission vaqueros.

The skills of these cowboys kept the cattle moving along cattle trails to markets. Movies were presented on wide screens. Books and songs were written — all to depict the glory and adventure of these early trail drives and the hardy cowboys who herded the cattle.

Farmers moved into this rich cattle-grazing area between the San Antonio River and Cibolo Creek in the middle and late 1800s. They dipped their plows into the rich fertile land, where large herds of cattle ranged. Cattle, grazing freely over the vast, lush grasslands of the San Antonio River Valley, knew no boundaries. They sometimes grazed on their neighbors' ranch land, especially during periods of drought. They also ate and walked over freshly planted crops, destroying the farmers lively-hood. Friction and controversy found its way into the grand ranching area, as it did in other parts of Texas.

The word "barbed wire" also known as "Devil's Rope" was heard in Texas. Hostilities were high between some men who were either for or against the wire. Guns were fired and some found their target. Fences were built by farmers and torn down by some ranchers and other people who believed in "open range." Men were killed on both sides. Big Foot Wallace, a Texas legend, supported the open range men, who didn't want anything fenced. He let his feelings be known. "Let no man fence away from you the freedom and privileges that me and other men won for you." "Don't Fence Me In," a popular song, grew out of the sentiment of this era.

In 1884 a law was passed making it illegal to cut barbed wire fences surrounding crops or grassland. Wilson County and other counties in Texas were heavily affected. Most people complied with the law. Fences were sanctioned to protect crops and grassland.

Later in the 1900s and even today, cowboys ride horses and work cattle in the San Antonio River Valley. Sometimes, rodeos are held to demonstrate the cowboy's skill. In Wilson County during the 1960s, cowboys, such as Bubba Walker and Ike Barnes, were busy exhibiting the skills of handling cattle from horseback on local ranches. These skills had been passed down a number of generations. Both were recognized as excellent cowmen, and received awards for their skills. Ranching lives on as a way of life in the San Antonio River Valley.

Compiled by Maurine Liles from the files of the Wilson County Historical Commission Archives for Historic Moments in Wilson County, Texas.

"Wilson Escappe Still at Large"

WILSON COUNTY TEXAS' JAIL... security was somewhat inferior 68 years ago compared to the metal cells of 2019 .... (San Antonio Express 28 Dec 1951)

Wilson County Post Card Campaign 2002 by Hank White

WILSON COUNTY TEXAS.........POST CARD CAMPAIGN 2002 photographed by Hank White. A note from Mr. White, " In conjunction with the Floresville CC (when I was a Member) and Signal Graphics of SA....... I selected a choice of Landscape and Action Pics from my Portfolio to depict Wilson County at large and downtown Courthouse Square for their beauty alone !!!.......I will forever thank all Merchants around Wilson County who liked the idea and put these on their counter-tops during that special year of 2002 !!!!........Love n Miss Yaz.....Hank White, Master Photographer around Wilson County Texas, AA Photo Major, San Antonio College, 1980."

El Rancho de San Francisco part of first land grant

Wilson County News
April 2, 2003

El Rancho de San Francisco was part of the first land grant issued in Texas for a private ranch. It is one of the oldest and largest on record in the Spanish Archives of the General Land Office in Austin. The ranch was located in El Rincon, a fertile, grassy wedge of land between the San Antonio River and the Cibolo Creek. It was situated in present-day Wilson and Karnes counties.

El Rancho de San Francisco consisted of 11 leagues and 2 labores, of which one-fourth (12,730 acres) was in Karnes County and three-fourths (36,377 acres) were in Wilson County.

El Rancho de Francisco was part of a compromise grant issued to Andres Hernandez and Luis Menchaca on April 12, 1758. This old grant consisted of 15 leagues and 7 labores located in El Rincon and called San Bartolome. It was first issued to Francisco Hernandez, father of Andres Hernandez, by the provincial governor, Don Carlos de Franquis, in March 1737. Francisco Hernandez had been a soldier in the Alarcon expedition.

Luis Menchaca, whose father also had been in the Alarcon expedition, had land in the same area and he brought suit to have San Bartolome’s lands included in his ranch. The court proceedings were taken to Mexico City where a special judge ruled against Hernandez. There was a compromise agreement on April 12, 1758. Hernandez’s land would lie along the west bank of the Cibolo Creek and would consist of almost 20,000 acres partly in present-day Wilson County and partly in Karnes County. Menchaca’s land was to consist of 11 leagues and 2 labores (about 50,000 acres).

The grant is the oldest on record and also one of the largest land grants in the General Land Office for a private ranch. Therefore, Karnes County and Wilson County have the site of the oldest private land grant on record in Texas. Legally, through this compromise agreement, El Rancho San Bartolome and El Rancho San Francisco became two of the first private ranches in Texas.

All board... the Orphan Train

By Mark Cameron (Wilson County Texas Historian)

"The Orphan Train stopped in Floresville Texas. There was an orphanage out on FM 1303 called the Spruce Orphanage that the children would be taken to. As horrible we think it is...it was absolutely the most humane way to place homeless children at the time. The Great Grand Daughter of Joseph F Spruce said that J.F. Spruce was an affluent farmer in Wilson County that started the orphanage in Floresville. Come to find out, there were two separate locations of the orphanage. The first location was in Sunny Side. In 1910 they built a large 2 story house on FM 1303 close to CR 120 and moved out there. The WW2 Army Air Force auxiliary strip was on Mr. Spruces' land. There are not any remains of either house. The Spruces' over the years have sold the land."

The United States' greatest and most ingenious feat of social engineering ever undertaken occurred between 1854 and 1929. For seventy five years, a relocation experiment of unprecedented scope relocated an estimated 350,000 orphaned, half-orphaned, neglected, abandoned, and abused children. These children were relocated from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and other Eastern cities to Midwestern and Western states. This social engineering and mass relocation experiment was the brainchild of Charles Loring Brace, a Methodist minister from Yale, and is dubbed as "The Orphan Train Program". This program is the largest forced movement of individuals in our country's history and is the forerunner of our modern foster care programs.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Industrial Revolution sparked a mass immigration of foreigners mostly from Ireland, Italy, and Germany. The population in the United States grew by leaps and bounds. Upon the immigrant's arrival to the U.S., few jobs were available, there were no labor unions, no sick leave, no insurance, and no welfare. The continued immigration influx lead to low wages and appalling living conditions. Dangerous jobs meant numerous accidents and no safety net for those who suffered injuries and disabilities. New York's social structure buckled under the influx of immigrants. Many children were orphaned when their parents died in epidemics of typhoid, yellow fever or the flu. Households were often plagued by alcohol, violence and crime, and the parents were often unfit. This often left the parents unable or unwilling to provide for their children, so the children were put out on the streets to fend for themselves. On the streets, the children lived hand-to-mouth and often ran in gangs. Often these gangs would force small merchants to pay them "protection" fees. These destitute children were often called "street urchins" and "street rats" and battled for day-to-day survival. Many children on the streets turned to selling newspapers, selling flowers, singing songs, begging for food, or stealing to get by. Girls as young as 10 years old worked as prostitutes. Keep in mind there were few public orphanages, no foster care programs, no public social services, few church sponsored services, no social workers, no welfare programs, no food stamps, no health care for the poor. A popular current play in New York is called "Newsboys", and tells the story of these homeless boys selling newspapers trying to make any amount of money for food.

In 1849, a New York police chief's report stated that the children on the streets of New York accounted for a full one percent of the city's population. In 1850 an estimated 30,000 children were homeless in New York City. Homeless and neglected, these children lived in slums with little or no hope of a successful future. Often the only hope for "social services" for these poor and homeless children were the orphan asylums and almshouses. C.L. Brace felt that such institutions only deepened the dependence of the poor on charity. He also believed the best way to deal with crime and poverty was to prevent it. Brace focused on finding jobs and training for the poor and destitute children so they could help themselves. His initial efforts in social reform included free kindergartens, free dental clinics, job placement and training programs, reading rooms, and lodging for boys.

Charles Loring Brace envisioned a brighter future for these pauper and vagrant children. He believed that institutional care stunted and destroyed children. He believed by removing them from the poverty and debauchery of the city streets and placing them in morally upright and Christian farm families, they would have a chance of escaping a lifetime of street violence and suffering and become self-reliant citizens. Work was the answer, as he thought any boy with a trade would feel independence and would much less likely take up a dishonest means of living. He also knew that American pioneers could use help settling the American West. Young souls needed reform. Farmers needed workers. It was a marriage made in Heaven.

In 1853 C.L. Brace established the Children's Aid Society (CAS). Children relocated under this program were only sent to Protestant families. Later in 1869, the New York Foundling Hospital was established by Sister Mary Irene Fitzgibbon of the Sisters of Charity of New York as a shelter for abandoned infants. Children relocated under this program were only sent to Catholic families. These two institutions developed a program that placed, homeless, orphaned, and abandoned city children and infants in foster homes throughout the country. C.L. Brace proposed that these children be sent by train to live and work on farms out west. They would be placed in homes for free and serve as an extra set of hands to help with chores on the farms. The program ensured that the children would not be indentured. In fact, older children were to be paid for their labors. These trains that transported the children to their new futures, were called Orphan Trains. This process became known as "Placing Out" the children.

The CAS made special arrangements with the train companies to transport the children and special discounted fares were given. Now, these were not dedicated trains for the children. They were normal scheduled passenger trains which the children rode, usually in coach. Children would line up and board a westbound train in groups from three up to forty (some accounts say up to one hundred), accompanied by two agents from the society. Prior to departure, the children were bathed, given new clothes, a coat, often a Bible, and reminded of good manners. Local town organizers would create interest in the children's arrival by advertising with notices, circulars and posters, informing residents when the children would arrive and of the viewing location. When the trains stopped, the children were paraded from the train depot into a local opera house or play house, a school, or town hall, for the community to meet and interview the children. At these locations, the children were put up on stage, thus the origin of the term "up for adoption". Up on the stage, the children would give their names, perhaps sing a little ditty, or say a piece. Not so pleasant showings also occurred which resembled slave auctions. People would come along and prod and feel the children, and see how many teeth they had.

The demand for child labor was fierce, with many trains visiting the same towns over and over. One Kansas town had 150 families wanting to adopt, or take in, fourteen children. Fights almost broke out on the Kansas town streets because there were so many people wanting these children. In other towns, the children not selected were escorted back on the train and taken to the next stop, often enduring tearful separation from their siblings. The process continued until all the children were gone. The train companies suffered severe disruptions in their schedules while they allowed the "placing out" process to finish so they could move on to the next town.

By today's standards, the process by which children were gathered and disbursed was frightful. Screening of the children and recipient families was minimal and often ignored. Home placement was the result of interested families picking who they liked when a trainload of children arrived in town. Although the demand for the children was motivated by a need for labor, the Children's Aid Society took measures to ensure the children were well cared for. Many of the children were used as forced child labor, but there are stories of children ending up in families that loved them, cherished them, and educated them.

Families applying to take children had to be endorsed by local business owners, doctors, and journalists. According to the CAS terms, boys under twelve were to be treated by the applicants as one of their own children in matters of schooling, clothing, and training, and boys twelve to fifteen were to be sent to a school a part of each year. Representatives from CAS would visit each family once a year to check conditions, and children were expected to write letters back to the society twice a year.

The arrangements for placing orphan children varied. Sometimes they were pre-ordered by couples; at other times a local screening committee tried to make sure the children would be given to good parents; at other times the process was random.

The first orphan train left New York on September 20, 1854 with 46 ten to twelve year old boys and girls bound for Dowagiac, Michigan. In January 1855 the society sent out two more orphan trains to Pennsylvania. In the early years, Indiana received the largest number of children. Orphan trains continued to transport children to 45 different states including Texas. One account says a Mrs. Evans from Kentucky brought 19 orphans to Floresville, Wilson Co., TX in 1907 to the orphan home ran by Joseph F. Spruce.

The Orphan Train Program continued to "place out" children until 1929, when the New York Legislature passed a law ending the movement of New York orphans out of state. The onset of the depression made it extremely difficult for families to consider "adding another mouth to feed", and foster care homes were beginning to replace the large orphanages of the past. The last orphan train carried three boys to new lives in Texas in 1929, long after the death of innovator Charles Loring Brace. Brace, who died in 1890, is acclaimed as the most influential child saver of the 19the century. His legacy triumphs Christian family over orphanages.

Braces' unusual and controversial idea of "placing out" children by trains to farms was unprecedented and was the largest social engineering experiment ever conducted. The orphan trains were needed at the time they happened. They were not the best answer, but they were the first attempts at finding a practical system for an out of control problem. Many children that would have died, lived to have children and grandchildren. The orphan trains gave these children a fighting chance to grow up in a stable and Christian family. Braces' Orphan Train Program and other Children's Aid initiatives led to a host of child welfare reforms, including child labor laws, adoption and the establishment of foster care services, public education, the provision of health care and nutrition and vocational training. The last generation of Orphan Train riders is still living in towns across the United States. The "National Orphan Train Complex and Museum" estimates that only 30 original train riders are still alive as of June 2016. They keep in touch with each other through the "National Orphan Train Complex" and through Children's Aid. Based in Concordia, Kansas, the "Orphan Train Heritage Society of America" helps members establish and maintain family contacts, retrace their roots and preserve the history of the Orphan Train Movement.

Cadastral map of 1871 Wilson County

Cadastral map of 1871 Wilson County, Texas in the South Texas Plains region. Some notes and borders have been added in different colors of ink. Several features are marked, including the new center of the county and E. Seguin's house, located by the San Antonio River in the "Heirs of Simon and Juan de Arocha" survey. (This map is part of the collection entitled: GLO Historic County Maps and was provided by Texas General Land Office to The Portal to Texas History)

HISTORY OF MARTINEZ'S CRIME

HISTORY OF MARTINEZ'S CRIME ... (hometownchronicles.com) Manuel Martinez was born about 1820 in Texas, the son of parents born in Mexico (father) and Texas (Mother). Manuel was a farmer and a town constable. He married Teodora Lazarin about 1858. Teodora was born about 1826 in Texas, the daughter of Texas-born parents.Two children of the union: Nicolasa Martinez - born 1858 in Texas and Maximo Martinez - born 1860 in Texas; died 30 July 1897 in Floresville, Wilson County, Texas.

Maximo Martinez was born 1860 in Texas, probably in Bexar County. As a 20-year-old he was still living at home and worked as day laborer in Bexar County. He married Trinidada Martinez in Floresville on 12 September 1894. The marriage brought two children : Dolores Martinez - born 1895 in Floresville, Wilson County, Texas; died 5 Jan 1989 in Poth, Wilson County, Texas and Cevera Martinez.

On the night of June 6, 1897 Maximo changed the lives of everyone around him. His story is given in the newspaper clippings below.

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Wilson county people were horrified on Sunday, June 6, when the news of the brutal murder the night before of Plutarco Carrillo, his wife Dolores, and their granddaughter, Juanita Acosta, at their home nine miles south of Floresville, was circulated. The ages of the three were 81, 51 and 18. There were no other members of the family on the place. A grown son of the old couple had been to a dance a few miles distant and returned home at 4 o'clock on Sunday morning. He was the first to discover the horrible crime, and brought the news to Floresville.

Justice H. B. Gouger and Deputy Sheriffs Wright, Sanderfer, Garza and Seale and County Physician J. M. Mason, with others, left for the scene of the horrible affair as soon as possible after the news was received. The old couple slept under a brush arbor in front of the door. They had been knocked on the head with an ax. The old lady died immediately, with one hand resting on her husband's shoulder. The old man breathed a few times after the officers arrived, but was unconscious and never moved.

The object of the murder of the old couple was to get possession of the person of the girl. She was in a room, and resisted the attempt of the brute to outrage her. She was stabbed in the back with a knife, and escaped by way of a window, but was overtaken and stabbed in the breast and assaulted while in a dying condition. She was nude, with the exception of a thin shirt, when the young man returned. He spread a quilt over her and hurried to town with the news.

Judge Gouger examined several witnesses, neighbors of the family, and rendered a verdict to the effect that the three were killed by Maximo Martinez, a well known young Mexican of bad reputation, who lived on a ranch a few miles distant, but who had married near the scene of the murder and had left his wife and two children.

The murderer was named by the young man who brought the news to town. He had made frequent attempts to obtain the girl, but she feared him and had avoided him.

The officers followed the trail of the murderer, who was on horseback to the ranch where he worked and where he changed horses. They then went to Falls City, where Sheriff Morris and others joined them, the sheriff having been notified by wire at Karnes City. From Falls City the officers followed the trail in the direction of Campbellton, Atascosa county, and soon met a mail carrier, who said he had met Martinez in the road and he had told him of the murder. At Campbellton they were joined by officers from Atascosa county and by Manuel and Theodore Tom, the two latter being experts in following a trail. The murderer was now on foot. He had given his pistol for something to eat, and was headed for the Rio Grande. After much labor in scouring the country, the trail being frequently lost, the murderer was surrounded at a ranch in McMullen county and captured. He surrendered to Deputy Sheriff Juan Garza of Wilson county, who knew him personally. On the way back the prisoner confessed everything as told above, except to the outrage of the dying girl.

District court was in session in Floresville. The accused had been indicted for the three murders. He was arraigned on June 23 before Judge N. Kennon, and was defended by J. E. Canfield and L. B. Wiseman. The trial was concluded late at night. Next morning the jury returned a verdict of guilty and assessed the penalty of death. He took no appeal and was sentenced the same day by Judge Kennon to be hanged on July 30 for the murder of Juanita Acosta. He asked to have a band play during his execution, and for permission to see his wife.

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THE CRIME.

On Sunday, June 6, of the present year, a Mexican man, his wife and daughter were murdered at Floresville and Martinez, who had been paying considerable attention to the girl, was suspected. He had asked the girl to run away with him, but she refused and this is believed to have led to the crime.

At any rate, Martinez had been missing since the murder was committed. A posse of officers went in pursuit of him. They hunted high and low. Sheriff Morris, of Karnes county, with a number of others, took the direction toward the Rio Grande, believing that Martinez was headed toward Mexico.

After a five-days' chase they discovered the trail of their man and captured him somewhere near the boundary line of McMullen and Webb counties. He was afoot and shoeless. When he saw that all hope for escape was lost he surrendered and confessed that he was the man wanted. No time was lost in taking him to Floresville, where he arrived in custody of the officers and was placed at the Wilson county jail. A crowd of about 400 people was at the depot to meet the officers and the prisoner, and for a while it appeared as if a necktie party was being organized.

In order to avoid a lynching, the train was stopped before it reached the depot, and the prisoner was quietly hustled off to jail, while the people waited at the depot only to be disappointed.

The posse consisted of two officers of Wilson three of Karnes and two of Atascosa counties. their man was caught on the Osmon ranch in McMullen county by Juan Garza. The accused feared he was going to be lynched and made a full confession to the officers, begging earnestly for protection. He detailed how he killed Plutacho Carillo, age 81 years, Dolores Carillo, aged 51 years and the 18-year-old girl Juanita Acosta, the latter after he had ravished her. He said he would have killed the Martinez family also, including his wife, from whom he was separated, had not daylight come too quickly. He said he loved the Acosta girl and she would not elope with him.

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San Antonio Daily Light June 21, 1897

Front page, col.1

MARTINEZ INDICTED.

He Will Be Tried for Murder at Floresville Wednesday.

It is locally reported that Maximo Martinez, who in the Wilson county jail on his confession to the murder of an old Mexican man and woman and a girl, has been indicted for murder and will be tried in Floresville next Wednesday. A special venue of one hundred men has been ordered from which to select a jury. In order to give Martinez a fair and impartial trial, the court has appointed Messrs. Caulfield and Wisenian, of Lavernia, to represent the defendant.

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San Antonio Sunday Light June 27, 1897.

Front page, col. 5

MARTINEZ IS HAPPY.

He Wants a Brass Band to Play at His Hanging.

Maximo Martinez, who is in the Wilson county jail at Floresville, waiting to be swung in eternity, for the crime of triple murder, is as happy as the day is long. Henry Merritt, who has occasion to stop at Floresville nearly every day, says that Martinez asks but two favors--he wants to see his mother and relatives and wants a brass band to play while he is being hanged. He says he wants to die, but not at the hands of a mob, and only regrets that it is not June 30 instead of July 30 when he will get the noose.

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The Daily Light July 7, 1897.

Page ?, col. 4

A JOYFUL EVENT.

Floresville, Texas, July 7.--(Special.)--A number of citizens have subscribed $25 to pay for a brass band at the hanging of Maximo Martinez, July 30, as requested by him.

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The Galveston Daily News Friday, July 16, 1897.

Page 6, col. 3

A CONDEMNED MAN.

Declares He Will Cheat the Gallows by Suicide.

Floresville, Wilson Co., Tex., July 15.--Maximo Martinez, the condemned murderer, who is to be hanged on July 30, declares he will suicide in jail before the time for his execution arrives. If no other means of killing himself is presented, he declares he will knock his brains out against the walls of the steel cage in which he is kept. A metal plate was taken away from him this week which had been cut in half, leaving sharp points and jagged edges.

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The Galveston Daily News. July 31, 1897.

Page 2, col. 3

HANGING OF MARTINEZ HE RADIATES A TRIPLE MURDER. WILSON COUNTY'S FIRST LEGAL EXECUTION.

FOUR THOUSAND SPECTATORS.

MARTINEZ EXHIBITS GREAT NERVE ON THE SCAFFOLD--HE SINGS AND TALKS.

A REVIEW OF THE AWFUL TRAGEDY

Two Old People Killed in Order That He Might Get Possession of an 18-Year-old Girl.

Floresville, Wilson Co., Tex., July 30.--Before 9 o'clock this morning the town of Floresville was in a high state of excitement. It was the day set for the execution of Maximo Martinez, the murderer of Juanita Acosta on the night of June 6. The ____ of execution was __ed by Sheriff Craighead at 2 o'clock, but it was twenty-four minutes after when the body dropped from the scaffold, a distance of seven feet. The murderer's neck was broken and life was pronounced extinct in twenty minutes by Dr. Mason of Floresville and Dr. Plekett of Karnes City.

It was as neat a job of hanging as ever occurred in Texas and Sheriff Craighead deserves credit for it. It is estimated that there were 4000 people around the jail and court house to witness the execution. A very large per cent of those present were Mexicans, and few of the number felt or expressed any sympathy for the murderer. Before the noose was adjusted he sang a song, then made a speech, and sang another song. The nerve of the man was something unparalleled in the history of criminals in Texas. He thanked the officers and called the names of several he knew, and finally said good by [sic] to all.

Father Vento, a Catholic priest, was with him to the last moment, and prayed for him as the drop fell. This is the first legal execution wish ever occurred in Wilson county.

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Caller.com, Corpus Christi, Texas

http://www.caller.com/news/2010/apr/07/

Floresville hanging

In 1897, a farmworker, Maximo Martinez, killed three members of a family near Floresville with an ax. He was arrested in Duval County, returned to Floresville for trial, convicted and sentenced to be hanged. On hanging day, they gave the condemned man whiskey in a tin cup and kept refilling the cup. From his jail cell, Martinez made speeches and sang songs.

W. L. Wright, who was deputy sheriff before he became a Texas Ranger, was there. He later told Bob McCracken of the Caller: "It was a gala day in Floresville when the murderer was hanged. Everybody turned out; there must have been 4,000 people there."

Salesmen worked the crowd. A gramophone salesman played records. A fire extinguisher salesman put up a small model house in the street, then set it afire so he could put it out with his extinguisher. Some didn't know it was a demonstration and began to run. One man yelled, "Keep your seat; there ain't no fire!" Another ran by, shouting, "You're a damned liar!"

At the scaffold, Capt. W. L. Wright put a black cap on the condemned man's head and fixed the rope. Wright forgot to move away from the trapdoor. He managed to jump aside at the last second when it was sprung. Wright said it would have been like the two Rangers who hanged a man in Brownsville and forgot to get off the trap door. "When the trap was sprung, they went through it, too; fell six feet to the ground."

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Bertha Guevara lent this 1897 photograph to "The UTSA DIGITAL LIBRARY" of Maximo and Trinidad Martinez both wearing corsages. Some believe that this photo was taken shortly before he was hanged outside jail in Floresville, Texas, the last hanging in Wilson County.

LÓPEZ DE XIMENES, JOSEFINA (1865–1961)

Josefina López de Ximenes, farmer and the first Mexican-American teacher in Wilson County, was born in Panna Maria, Texas, on April 25, 1865, to Benito and Caroline Opiela López. Her parents were immigrants from Mexico and Poland, respectively, and her father was a businessman in San Antonio and later in Panna Maria. Josefina attended area Catholic schools, where she was an excellent student. She graduated from the Floresville Academy and then taught there until her marriage in November 1893 to Manuel J. Ximenez, a deputy sheriff and United States deputy marshal in Wilson County. The couple had seven children. Josefina López de Ximenes became a teacher in Wilson County.

She was widowed in 1911 but was apparently able to provide for her family, probably as a farmer. She also ensured that they attend school, a difficult challenge for Texas Mexicans at that time. She successfully influenced them with her love of learning, for five of her children pursued teaching careers. She also encouraged the educational goals of her granddaughters, some of whom she raised. Evangelina Bazan, one of these, has recalled that López de Ximenes taught her to read in English and Spanish and urged her to attend college when she was still a child. Twenty-six descendants became teachers. Josefina López de Ximenes died on March 1, 1961, and was buried at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Floresville. In 1986 her story became part of an exhibit called "Tejana Heroines: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," sponsored by Hispanas Unidas in San Antonio.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

San Antonio Express News, April 27, 1986. Louise Stadler, ed., Wilson County History (Dallas: Taylor, 1990).

(Handbook of Texas Online, Teresa Palomo Acosta, "LOPEZ DE XIMENES, JOSEFINA," accessed October 19, 2019)

THE OLD CORPUS CHRISTI ROAD.

THE OLD CORPUS CHRISTI ROAD...... Ricardo Rodriguez , Administrator of Alamo Legacy & Missions Association, posted, "Many of us have driven south on this road and actually l enjoy it, since it leads me to my families Cemetery in Elmendorf, Texas, then off l cruise to Floresville, Texas. If there's enough time in the day, l have been known to shoot for Panna Maria or Goliad.

I've asked myself, what were our ancestors doing living way out here and not in Bexar??? Are you kidding me, this is some of the nicest river flowing green land southeast of Bexar. The friendliest most down to earth people that are working their communities and keeping their Texas history alive. I get it...

Never fails, out of a hundred country roads to Sunday cruise on, l find myself driving down the Old Corpus Christi Rd and sitting in small downtown Floresville Mexican Restaurant, challenging the 2 grilled Jalapenos, that accompany my Tacos al Pastor plate.

The locals smile at me, knowing that this boys not from here, but a grin says he's in Jalapeno trouble again. HEB does not touch them and l have another rematch with my favorite little town in Texas.

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Lois Wauson writes, " Long time ago if you were on Goliad Road, and you were driving south and crossed Military Road, continuing on the road at night it was sort of scary. It was called Old Corpus Christi Road, an asphalt road, very arrow, abandoned, very dark, unlit, and very broken up. It continues on in Bexar County into Wilson County and goes through Elmendorf. I wish I knew more of the history of that road. I am still searching on the Internet. But so far only bits and pieces have come up.

I accidentally found that road in Wilson County in Elmendorf. I was out driving on the back roads of that area, and I decided to follow the road to the end and see where it led. I always had turned around when I drove past the underpass of the railroad track which was on F.M. 128 turning right off F.M. 775, before you get to the San Antonio River Bridge.

But the other day, I went pass Aurelia's Kitchen on F.M. 128, which is in a building that has been there almost 100 years. It sits under an enormous old oak tree that is older than the building. One day I will stop there for lunch.

I continued on the road up ahead that was narrow and it had a low underpass. The graffiti on the walls was interesting. As I drove on a long way I realized it was the road that used to go through Saspamco. I drove past a little old abandoned house. When I stopped to take a picture of it, I wondered about the family who first lived in it. Wish I knew their story. Did they have kids, and were they in love, did they have a good life, or were there hard times and sad times?

I went on up the winding road, bordered by farms and little mobile homes on a few acres of land, and wondered if these people were happy because they had a little plot of land to call their own out in the country, or if they yearned for the city life. Maybe they had mixed emotions.

I stopped at a little cemetery on the right as I continued into Bexar County. It had no name. Looked to be about 40 graves there. It was well-kept and most of the graves had flowers. It was peaceful and pretty out there. Didn't seem sad at all.

Later on I saw two houses on the road, with a few men standing by the road talking. One was in an electric wheelchair. I rolled down my window and called out hello to them. The man in the wheelchair came over to the window to talk. I asked him about the cemetery up the road. He didn't know the name. He said a family named Guerra owned it. I think that is why it is so well-kept.

His name was Junior Casanova. He seemed to be about 60. He said he was born in the house behind him. He has lived in it all his life. And his father was from Elmendorf and was born there. He is deceased. He knows a lot about the history of Elmendorf. Maybe I will go back to talk to him at a later date. Ask him if he knew the Alligator Man from Elmendorf, also known as the "Butcher of Elmendorf."

I thanked him and drove slowly down the narrow road. Up ahead I saw a small flock of small homes on the right surrounded by many cars all around the edge of the little community of four streets. It was weird. Were all those cars visitors or occupants of the area? Or was it a used car lot? No signs if they were for sale, or anything. Didn't look like a junkyard. Then I saw the sign that said Hideaway Club and Café, with an arrow pointing down the little dirt road beside all the cars. I was intrigued so I turned and there it was.

I stopped and sure did want to talk to the owner inside. To find out the history of the place and this little community of little houses and mobile homes, with little yards full of flower beds and interesting things. I didn't take a picture of any of them, but I spied a cemetery at the end of the little lane where I turned left. Not many graves in it but a couple were near the fence all decorated with signs and flowers.

I got out of my car and went up to the edge of the fence to see if I could read the signs and take a picture. What a joy to read the signs and the plaques. The big one was a wooden plaque of a bucket of beer bottles and reads Ice Cold Beer! The smaller one reads DAD and the dates of his birth and death.

They loved their Dad and he must have loved his beer! As I went back to my car, I had a big grin on my face and joy in my heart."

COURTESY/ Wilson County News December 30, 2015

Lois Wauson wrote the weekly WCN column, Rainy Days and Starry Nights...

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Taking the Greyhound on Old Corpus Christi Highway ... Lois Wauson adds, "My story about the Old Corpus Christi Highway has sparked a lot of interest in my readers.

Jim Lamberth wrote about how the road came from San Antonio starting on Goliad Road, meandering through Bexar County into Wilson County, through Elemendorf, and then coming out near the Big Tree, and the old road went on into Floresville, where the bus stopped at Hilda's Café. You could buy a ticket there and then the Greyhound bus would continue to Corpus Christi. So the highway continued south to Poth on what is now called Third Street, then merges with U.S. 181, at what is known as "The Y."

I heard from Micky Atkinson of Coy City the other day, who takes us farther south on the old Corpus Christi Road. This is what she wrote:

"Lois, just to continue with some extending history to compliment Jim Lamberth's memories of the Old Corpus Christi Highway. As a young girl I was born and raised in Hobson, Texas, on South Highway 181 in Jauer Flat. This is a long, flat area between Hobson and Karnes City named after my family. Therefore, I am also familiar with some of the Corpus Christi Highway history."

Micky's grandfather bought the land in 1906. Family members still own a large portion of the property in Jauer Flat. The family home still remains, but without the landmark windmill. They frequently gather there for family reunions and birthdays.

"In 'the good ole' days we all had to work, especially in my family of which there were 17 children. When summer came and school was out, we worked; whether it be in the fields with Daddy or other farmers, babysitting someone's children, or employment in San Antonio. We could not afford another vehicle or gasoline and were too young to drive at this time. So, we rode the Greyhound Bus into San Antonio when our jobs took us there. We usually were off on weekends and commuted home by bus. We used the bus line for many years and the drivers were familiar with us. They did not seem to mind stopping on the Old Corpus Christi Highway, in the middle of nowhere at the little white house with the tall windmill behind it to deliver us safely home for the weekend."

Micky goes on, "I now reside in Coy City, nine miles west of Karnes City, on highway 99 in the house the Coy City Post Office used to be in. My Mother's brother previously owned this property and operated a small country store and the post office between the late 1930s thru the early 1950s. After his death, my Aunt continued to operate the post office until it closed; I think, in the early 70s. Our mail has since been delivered by the Karnes City postal service. I purchased this property in 2007. Just a bit of continuing news off and on the path of 'The Old Corpus Christi Highway.' Lois, thanks for your wonderful articles in the WCN. I personally love reading about the history of Wilson, Karnes, and surrounding counties. I am somewhat of a history lover myself."

The Old Corpus Christi Road has lots of history. Thank you, Micky, for sharing your memories with me."

COURTESY/ Wilson County News March 16, 2016

Lois Wauson wrote the weekly WCN column, Rainy Days and Starry Nights...

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Wilson County

Floresville Wilson County Texas ... The carriage was gaily dolled up either as a parade entry or celebrating the festive mood of the day. It may have been for the Wilson County Fair. No details available. COURTESY/ Wilson County Historical Society.

Early Travellers Through Wilson County ....

In the early 1700's, once Spain and France had settled their political differences in Europe and America, Spain began to investigate cost-reduction measures involving their

remote presidios in far away places like Texas. Viceroy Juan de Acuña in Mexico City accommodated these "budget cut" desires by appointing Pedro de Rivera y Villalón to inspect the presidios of New Spain's northern frontier.

Pedro de Rivera y Villalón was given the duty of travelling from the western edge of California to the most eastern reach of New Spain in Louisiana. The Viceroy instructed Rivera to draw a map of the entire region and assigned engineer Francisco Barreiro to assist in this task. He was also provided him with three thousand pages of documents concerning the frontier and many of the problems it faced. Rivera was to report back his findings and suggest possible savings to be instituted at each presidio. Pedro de Rivera y Villalón travelled by horseback and reached Texas in the summer of 1727. He planned to visit the presidios of La Bahia, East Texas and Los Adaes. In 1728, he returned to Mexico City with recommendations for the Viceroy. Later, in 1736, Rivera published a diary based on the records he kept during the expedition.

By August of 1727, he completed visiting the presidios west of the Rio Grande River, the expedition then headed for San Antonio. On August 18th, 1727, Rivera left the modern-

day city and headed east-northeast to the presidio at Adaes. The expedition arrived at Los Adaes on September 15th, 1727 and was the first presidio to be inspected in Texas. On September 26th, he left Los Adaes and began his return to San Antonio—he followed the same routes and used the same campsites as before. After five days of travel, Rivera arrived in San Antonio on the 31st of September. Allowing his horses to rest for three days, Pedro de Rivera y Villalón departed for the La Bahia presidio. After travelling four leagues (11.184 miles) he crossed the Salado Creek in south Bexar County and continued for another eleven leagues (30.756 miles) that day. A camp was constructed at the well-known campsite "El Aguila" close to the junction of the Eagle and Calaveras Creeks.

The next day (November 4th) the group travelled east-southeast for nine leagues (25.164 miles) through level land with woods of oak, mesquite and walnut trees. After crossing

the Cibolo Creek, the expedition established camp on the eastern side of the stream. On November 5th (1727), Rivera headed east; he travelled 6 leagues through very similar

terrain as the previous day. The evening campsite was set up on the west side of the Ecleto Creek, this being their last stop in Wilson County. At this site water was not very plentiful; it could only be found in the deepest pools of the creek.

Travel continued on the 6th of November—the party ventured 6 leagues (16.776 miles) east through alike landscapes, but with less brush and fewer trees than the past two

days, and grass-covered hills. In the evening, the camp was set up in Gonzales County on the west side of a small stream feeding into the Sandies Creek.

Starting in the same direction as the previous day, Rivera travelled for 11 leagues (30.756 miles) through almost identical lands. After journeying approximately five

leagues (13.98 miles) the group reached the Guadalupe River and a route was followed along the west side of the river. After the river's junction with Sandies Creek in De Witt County, Rivera constructed camp for the evening.

On November 8th, the expedition continued to head east-southeast for 9 leagues (25.164 miles) along the western embankment of the Guadalupe. Another three leagues

later, the group forded the river at a crossing near the city of Cuero. They then continued along the eastern side of the river until reaching the La Bahia presidio.

After the inspection of the presidio was completed, Pedro de Rivera y Villalón began the return to San Antonio on the 27th of November. He and the soldiers who accompanied

him used the same campsites and route as before. The entire return journey encompassed five days of travel covering 54 leagues (approximately 150.984 miles).

In the mid 18th century, Apache and Comanche Indians led many excursions into the New Spain area of Texas. This increased hostility between the two entities and the

current cost of supporting the missions concerned the Spanish King. To better protect the New Spain Territory and its people, the Spanish Government decided to change its method of support. The presidios were to address the Indian attacks more aggressively and to revise their operating systems as based on the current regulations. Hopefully, these changes would make the presidios more effective and in turn reduce the cost to the Spanish government.

To implement these changes, King Charles III appointed Marques de Rubi in 1765 to visit all the presidios on the New Spain northern frontier. This would be the first such review of their activities since Rivera's inspection some forty years earlier. Included in his responsibilities would be to propose changes to the King of Spain, such as locations and operating procedures to better protect the citizens of New Spain and to lower the operating costs for the government.

Rubi reached the San Antonio presidio on August 8, 1767 after completing all his other visits to the presidios west and north of the Rio Grande River. On August 25, 1767, he resumed his assigned inspections of the Spanish facilities primarily in the northeastern part of New Spain. He started by going to the presidios in the Las Adaes area. He left San Antonio proceeding down along the banks of the San Antonio River to visit missions located along the river margins. After leaving Mission Espada, which is approximately six leagues from the Alamo, he traveled downstream another league where he crossed Salado Creek. At this time there wasn't much water in the creek, so he moved on, continuing southward. Upon reaching the intersection of the Calaveras and Eagle

Creeks, he reviewed a previously established camping area here. He continued marching south another three leagues through sandy soil with an abundance of many trees and

bushes, with a terrain of gentle hills. He then returned to the San Antonio River where he camped overnight on the riverbanks at an area called Los Chayopines.

On august 26, he left camp, going southeast for 15 leagues. The scenery was very similar to the day before. After six more leagues they arrived at a large pond named Charco de

Marcelina. Four leagues later, they arrived at the Cibolo River. After leaving the Cibolo and heading another five leagues southeast, they passed through gentle hills full of trees and wild life. This daytrip ended at the Ecleto Creek and here he camped on its banks for the night.

On August 27, the group began heading northeast fourteen leagues. The terrain was nothing more than a few gentle hills and scattered trees. About halfway, they ran into a junction of three streams including Coleto Creek and the Guadalupe River. The daily march ended after they arrived at the Guadalupe River where they set up their campsite. From here the river ran northwest to the southeast until reaches the Gulf of Mexico. This river crossing has had many different names such as "El Governador", Vado del Governador" and "Vado de Adarsenous". It is located near present day Cuero, Texas.

On August 28th, Rubi's party headed northeast to Adaes. After inspecting the presidios in that area, they returned to this junction point on October 28th and took the third route

to the Presidio de la Bahia. Here he camped about 2 leagues below the ford, then crossed the Guadalupe River. The assistance of hand made canoes was needed, as the

river was very difficult to cross due to high water conditions.

On October 29th, he continued down river searching for another way to cross the Guadalupe River.

On October 30th, a suitable crossing of the river was located. After crossing the river the group marched for a short distance searching for the Presidio Road. From there on, they traveled south along the road and crossed Coleto Creek.

On October 31, still heading south, the group marched another 7 leagues until it reached the junction of the San Antonio River with the Guadalupe River. Rubi stopped here for several days to inspect La Bahia Presidio.

On November 12th, Rubi and his men left La Bahia to travel to Laredo and then move on to Mexico City, inspecting other presidios along the way. He arrived in Mexico City at

the end of the year, completing his assigned inspection trip.

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Information compiled for this article can be found at the Wilson County Historical Society Archives, located in

Floresville, TX. Author: Gene Maeckel, Member of Wilson County Histirical Society

Center of Wilson County

CENTER OF WILSON COUNTY ... The relatives of Barber, Garrahan, Sellers, Jackson & Click families helped establish a church in Center Point Community. They had a church and school house off CR 312. It was a small community which got its name because it was the center of Wilson County. Both buildings are gone, but Kathy Robinson has one of the church pews in her house. Her daddy, Woodie Robinson, rescued 3 pews before the church collapsed & was able to make 1 pew out of the salvaged pieces. Woodie and Mary Robinson also had a historical marker erected at the site of the church building. The marker lists the names of all of the families that helped establish the church. (Courtesy of Kathy Robinson)

Information and maps of Wilson County

Allen Kosub, Historian & author of Lost Texas Roads, shares the following information & maps with Talk of Wilson County TX Historic Towns . [Thank you Allen!]

"I have been traveling and missed your excellent question about the center of Wilson County.

In the late 1860s and the 1870s, there was a struggle for the location of the county seat between Sutherland Springs and what is now Floresville. Ideally, the Texas Legislature preferred that it be located near the center of the County. Wilson County Commissioners ordered a map from the state to answer the question. In the 1879 version of the map, the center of the county was located in the Joseph Jordan survey.

It is a very small survey is located near the intersection of CR 401 and CR 403. It is on the Wilson County Appraisal District map.

I have attached an extract of the 1879 map and another from a google map.

I love the attention you are bringing to the history of Wilson County - I try to keep up with your posts."

Wilson County Texas Prosperity in 1883

Wilson County Texas Prosperity in 1883 .... a "San Antonio Light Newspaper" tells about 1883 businesses thriving within the towns of Floresville, Lodi, Sutherland Springs, & Fairview. COURTESY/ Allen Kosub

Good Roads Club

June 27, 1923 newspaper articles about the Good Roads Club being formed in Wilson County.

Tordilla Hill

Tordilla Hill is the highest and most prominent hill in the area of northwestern Karnes

County (28°51'42'' N, 98°08'45'' W). Tordilla Hill lies in a graben structure formed by the Fashing and Falls City geologic faults. It can be traveled to by road on FM 791 approximately 11.2 miles west of Falls City. Maps dating back to as early as 1856 reference the site as Tordilla Mountain and show a lagoon to its north.i Tordilla Hill stands with an elevation of 525 feet and was well-known to early travelers of the San Patricio Trail and was a significant navigational landmark since it could be seen miles away. During World War II an airplane rotating navigational beacon was set up at the top of the hill.ii

The San Patricio Trail passed by Tordilla Hill's base to the north. At the hill's base, Rock Spring was established. Rock Spring was a stage stop with a natural water hole in a basin formed by the hills along the trail.iii Here, travelers, stage passengers, freighters, and livestock could obtain water in the mid-nineteenth century. Rock Spring's water hole was first used by General Zachary Taylor's soldiers in 1845-46 and was the only place between Oakville (Puente Piedra) and Graytown (Gray's Rancho) where there was a sure supply of water.iv Rock Spring was the predecessor to Tortilla Mound. The community of Tordilla Mound was formed and is one of Atascosa County's first communities to have a post office. The post office operated from August 4, 1858 to April 15, 1859. Ruins of two old stone buildings were found in 1963.v

Circa 1939, there were seen ruins of many houses, of graves, and a thousand holes dug by treasure seekers. There are tales of buried Spanish treasure, and tales of robbers and their caves which are big enough to drive ox carts into.vi Steven Raabe states: "There are stories of buried Spanish gold in Javelina Cave in the Tordilla Hills. The story goes that Spanish missionaries were traveling up the Matamoras Road just west of El Tordillo, the main prominence in the hills, when attacked by Indians and the missionaries hid a gold cross destined for one of the San Antonio missions in Javelina Cave. Of course no one survived the attack and the cross was never recovered".vii

In 1954, anomalous radioactivity and surface exposures of uranium minerals were discovered at the base of Tordilla Hill. Intense exploration activity for the uranium was conducted by major oil companies and individual operators and lasted until the summer of 1956. The area around Rock Spring was disturbed in the 1970's by quarrying operations to supply

crushed rock for Interstate Highway 37 and the railroad track from Campbellton to the San Miguel lignite plant near Christine.viii Today the water flow from Rock Spring has ceased and is no longer a natural reliable source of water.

Compiled by Mark Cameron, July 26, 2016; Wilson County Historical Society

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Member Steven Raabe adds that Tordillo is an old Spanish word used to describe the dappled grey color of a horse. The Spanish explorers named these hills "Tordillo or Tordilla" because the weathered sandstone that made up the hills reminded them of the dappled grey of a horse.

THE WILSON COUNTY FAIR 1920-1931

... The first Wilson County Fair was initiated in 1920. A group of Wilson County citizens organized the Wilson County Fair Association, which had its headquarters in Floresville, Texas. The association sold shares of capital stock at $30.00 each to create a fair

grounds area approximately where the Floresville High School is located today. The fair complex included a horse race track with a grandstand, exhibit buildings, show buildings and other related structures. The purpose of the fair was to create a county wide effort to encourage diversification and development. To achieve this goal, it was intended to

stress educational features, social events and entertaining programs.

In 1920 a fair was scheduled for three days in September. It began on a Thursday and ended on the following Saturday. The opening event featured a parade through the

downtown streets of Floresville on the first morning of the fair. After the parade, the fair was formally opened at the fair grounds with addresses by local dignitaries and

political candidates. Visitors and participants in the fair's events came from all parts of Wilson County and from neighboring counties. The fair management established a

practice of admitting all kinds of agriculture or livestock exhibits without an entry fee. Cash prizes were awarded to all of the winners. This policy encouraged widespread

participation.

The social features of the fair helped to insure the fair's continued success. The fair itself was larger than camp meetings, a roundup or a big horse race. Old friends had an

opportunity to meet and reminisce about the days past. Conversations and observations with fellow citizens encouraged them to compare economic situations and to see how their personal industry could be improved.

Women were encouraged to select fresh and canned vegetables and fruits as well as dried fruits for exhibit. Flowers, fancy needle work, old curios, and relics were called for. Baked goods such as breads, pies and cakes were displayed. Poultry was also placed inthe exhibits. School girls were asked to present their favorite candy recipes. All of the

presentations were to be entered in the women's department of the fair, which was managed by the county home demonstration agent.

Goat roping contests were well attended events at the fair. These contests were held each afternoon and became a major feature. Participants in the competition were

individuals from Wilson County and surrounding counties.

Football each day was another entertaining event. On opening day of the 1920 fair, Floresville High defeated Beeville High 13 – 0. On the second day a group of all star players from Floresville won over a picked team from Nixon and Stockdale by a score of 32 - 0. In the football game on Saturday Floresville high defeated the Lutheran College of Seguin by a score of 13 – 6. This gave Floresville High an undefeated fair record.

During this first fair, amusement was furnished each day and night by the De Kreko Bros. Amusement Company. Included were six big shows, a Ferris- wheel, a merry-go-round

and other attractions. There was dancing each night at the new Floresville Amusement Company Hall. Some of the music included a fine jazz band. Daily horse racing at the

fairgrounds was another major entertainment event. An airplane stunt exhibition was presented over the fairgrounds in front of the grandstand about fifteen minutes before

the beginning of the horse races. During other parts of the day the planes were available to give individuals a demonstration flight over the Floresville area.

The first Wilson County fair in 1920 was a gala celebration and it went down in history as a memorable event. Thousands of people attended the fair which had ideal weather. The livestock and poultry shows were better than anticipated. The Women's Department in the main exhibit building, the agriculture displays and associated booths were a great credit to what Wilson County had to offer. The first fair in 1920 was a great overall success from the beginning of the parade on Thursday morning to the last piece played by the orchestra at the grand ball on Saturday night.

The fairs were held annually until 1931 with the exception of 1925. With the early successes, the fair directors increased the event from three to four days. It began on Wednesday morning with the opening parade. The fair directors decided not to have a fair in 1931. However, they were hopeful that a fair would be held in 1932. This decision was reached after the pros and cons were discussed with the various citizens from all parts of the county. The collapse of the cotton market had created unfavorable economic conditions. It was generally pointed out that it would be almost impossible to present a fair equal in kind to fairs of the previous years.

(Compiled by Gene Maeckel from the files of the Floresville Chronicle Journal and the archives of the Wilson County Historical Society.)

About Wilson County Historical Society

The Wilson County Historical Society was formed to research, preserve, and promote the rich past of Wilson County, Texas. Our website provides much information about the society to include some of our research, our projects, our photos, and our events.

Public meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday each month at 6:00 p.m., in the Wilson County Archives Building, 1144 C Street, in Floresville.

1144 C Street
Floresville, TX 78114

Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed

P.O. Box 101
Floresville, TX