Photograph of the front of Washburn Cemetery in Bells, Texas. The gate leading into the cemetery has lettering above it spelling out "Washburn." Scattered among the graves are trees.
Photograph of the Washington Iron Works building. The building is a large brick warehouse. The Texas Historical Marker is visible on the building in the photograph. There is a door to the building and a large door to allow for loading and unloading.
Photograph of Whitemound. The Texas Historical Marker is visible in the photograph. There are several trees and a few trailer homes in the background of the photograph.
Photograph of downtown area Whitesboro. There is a large street with a grass median. There are cars parked on both sides of the street and several buildings. There are trees in the median that are covered in Christmas lights.
Photograph of Whitewright. There is a sign that reads "Whitewright" with three flags flying over the sign. There is an American flag, a Texas flag, and another black flag.
Photograph of Whitewright Masonic Lodge No. 167. The lodge is a one-story brick building with a white door. There is an overhang over the door that reads "Whitewright Lodge No. 167".
Photograph of William Whitley Wheat and Cynthia A. Wheat's tombstone in Howe, Texas. The name "Wheat" is embossed at the base of the tombstone in capital letters. William was born on March 16, 1820 and died on November 26, 1890. The inscription identifies him as "W. W. Wheat." He was buried with Cynthia A. Wheat, who was born on September 26, 1820 and died on September 12, 1914.
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Allison Mayfield in Sherman, Texas. Text: Opened law practice here, 1884, became an assistant attorney general of Texas, 1893. Won election, 1897, to railroad commission, served 26 years - 16 years as chairman. The commission had been created in 1891 to regulate shipping rates and practices. In his term as chairman, oil and gas regulation - a major responsibility - began with jurisdiction over pipelines, 1917. In 1919 the legislature made the commission responsible for conservation of oil and gas. In the 1920's proration began. Complete regulation came in the 1930's with the 1,700,000 barrel-a-day production in East Texas. Backed by Texas Rangers, the commission closed the field until conservation rules could be revised. Commission policies were acclaimed when in World War II Texas was able to supply the allies with great stores of oil necessary for victory. The commission's goal is to prevent waste and protect oil and gas reserves by orderly regulation of exploration, production, and transportation. Such men as Chairman Mayfield set high ethical standards that have continued in the commission, causing it to merit the confidence of the people and of the petroleum industry.
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Andrew Hanson in Sherman, Texas. Text: Owned Sherman's first bakery for 35 years. Born in Schleswigholstein, Denmark. Came to United States, 1872, and to Texas, 1878. With F.W. Boedeker (whose interest he soon bought) started the Star Bakery, 1879. Had first delivery service, first commercially made ice cream in town. Built family residence at two midtown sites. Married (1880) Anna Lundorf; had 4 children. His father, mother, and brothers came from Denmark to join him. All are buried here. Recorded - 1972.
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Austin College in Sherman, Texas. Text: Oldest college in Texas operating under original charter. Founded in 1849 by the Presbytery of Brazos under leadership of Daniel Baker. Named for Stephen F. Austin, Father of Texas. Opened in Huntsville with Sam Houston, Anson Jones, and Henderson Yoakum - Texas statesmen - among original trustees. Bell donated by Houston hangs in present chapel. For years competence in Greek and Latin was required for admittance. In 1855 opened the first law school in state, and became the first college in Texas to award graduate degrees in 1856. Had the first chapter in Texas of any national fraternity (Phi Delta Theta). Remained open during Civil War although most students joined Confederate Army. Post-war problems and epidemics caused move to Sherman in 1876. Oldest building is Luckett Hall (1908). The first building on the campus having been destroyed by arson in 1913. Erected first college Y.M.C.A. building west of the Mississippi River, 1911. In World War I, cooperated with the student army training corps and admitted first coeds. In World War II, aided army air training corps. Founded to serve youth in pioneer families, college new enrolls students from all over the world and is a leader in creative Christian liberal arts education. (1970)
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Birthplace of Dwight D. Eisenhower in Denison, Texas. Text: Thirty-fourth President of the United States; born here Oct. 14, 890, third son of David J. and Ida Elizabeth Stover Eisenhower. Dwight Eisenhower graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, 1915; in 1943, during World War II, was appointed commanding general of the Allied Forces in Europe; served as President of Columbia University, 1948-1952; was President of U.S., 1952-1960; active elder statesman later. (1968).
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Captain John Henry LeTellier (January 21, 1842 - July 18, 1913) in Sherman, Texas. Text: Born in Virginia, educated at Bethany College. In 1861 he joined Confederate Army, serving in Company K, 24th Virginia infantry fought in battles of Manassas, Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Gettysburg, and others. Received several wounds, one serious (at Plymouth). Resumed teaching at end of war. Came to Texas and operated the Sherman private school, 1871-1913. A dynamic teacher and expert in math, he taught many persons who later rose to prominence. Recorded - 1969.
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Captain LeTellier's School in Sherman, Texas. Text: This school for boys, founded in 1871, was officially known as the Sherman private school, but informally as "the Cap'n's." It was established and run by former Confederate Army Captain John H. LeTellier (1842-1913), who was born and educated (at Bethany College) in Virginia. Pupils who attended his school, housed in a large frame building, were mainly boys, but a few younger girls were admitted. Tuition in 1871 was $3 a month. The roll contained names of many future leading citizens of this area, and scholastic standards were high. The captain demanded constant drill in English, spelling, and math, stressing oral arithmetic. For each subject completed, a certificate was given. In later years, LeTellier's daughter, Clifford, taught here. The captain, an energetic man who was respected by his boys, joined them in sports at recess, told them stories of his war experiences, sang, and played the guitar. Occasionally he held dances upstairs for which "Old Jim" the handyman played the fiddle. Each Fall, the fathers of the students furnished wagons and all the children rode to the Choctaw Bottoms for their favorite annual pecan hunt. Upon LeTellier's death, the school closed. He and his family buried in West Hill Cemetery. (1969)
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for First United Methodist Church in Sherman, Texas. Text: First congregation of the Methodist Episcopal Church South in Sherman. Established in 1859 with the Reverend J.M. Binkley, pastor, the church was born of labors of circuit riders who braved this frontier area even before the county was organized. The first members worshipped under a brush arbor located on what is now the Sherman Public Square. The first permanent building, a frame structure, was erected in 1860. Located in the 300 block of South Travis Street, this building burned in 1885. For four years the congregation worshipped in the city opera house while a brick sanctuary was being erected on the original site. This structure was occupied in 1889 and used until 1910, when a new and larger domed edifice, located at North Travis and Mulberry Streets, was occupied. For 44 years "Travis Street Methodist Church" served as a focal point of Methodist activity in Sherman and North Texas. To meet the needs of a growing congregation, the present structure was erected in 1955 (Mulberry and Elm Streets) on property once belonging to Kidd-Key College, a Methodist school. The church was named "First Methodist Church". With denominational union in 1968, it became "First United Methodist Church". (1970)
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Friendship Cemetery in Sherman, Texas. Text: Opened in 1830's with burials of local "Yankee Town" settlers. Closed 1859 by a private owner. Reopened by Madison Walsh and Nolan Stewart, 1861. Enlarged and improved 1892, when adjacent Methodist Church was built. The cemetery has been used in three eras: Republic of Texas, the Confederacy, and the Union. (1967)
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Friendship Methodist Church in Sherman, Texas. Text: Organized 1867 in log schoolhouse, in 1892 built first sanctuary; second, 1914; added Graves Recreation Hall 1958. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967.
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Grayson County in Sherman, Texas. Text: In the mainstream of the Texas history for more than a century, this area was, in 1837, the site of Colonel Holland Coffee's Trading Post, a landmark structure at the Preston Bend Crossing of the Red River. It was a focal point beginning in 1842 for settlers of the important Peters Colony. In 1846 the county was created from part of Fannin County by the 1st State Legislature. It was named for Peter W. Grayson, who immigrated to Texas in 1830, served in the Texas Revolution, and was attorney general in the Republic. Also in 1848 the county was organized and Sherman was made county seat. The original town site was 5 1/4 mi. W. of here. It was moved to its present location, 1848. Honoree of the town name was Colonel Sidney Sherman, a hero of the Battle of San Jacinto. The place is distinguished for having had at least five courthouses and for its superior schools of the 19th century. It was once known as the "Athens of Texas". In 1858 the famous Butterfield Trail crossed the county and in the same period and later, a number of cattle trails and early railroads traversed the area. Today Lake Texoma, created 1939-1944, is a county tourist attraction. The Sherman-Denison region was named a standard metropolitan statistical area, 1967. (1969)
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Gunter Ranch in Gunter, Texas. Text: Established 1880's by Jot Gunter, developer of Texas real estate, prominent Grayson County businessman. In mid-1890's his ranch exceeded 20,000 acres. Gunter, born in North Carolina in 1845, came to Texas to practice law after he served in Confederate Army. The town of Gunter, incorporated in 1914, was named for him. (1968).
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Hall Cemetery in Howe, Texas. Text: Located on land patented by Anderson White (1801-85), on certificate issued April 23, 1850, by Peters Colony, an immigration project which had received a large land grant in this region from the Republic of Texas. Burial plot was begun Jan. 6, 1857, upon the death of White's daughter, Sarah White Haning, wife of Aaron Haning. One week later, on Jan. 13, a second grave was added, that of Haning's mother, Rachel Pierce Haning. In June 1857, White sold his land in the area, but reserved 2 acres surrounding the burial site, deeded April 1859 to trustees for a public cemetery. Named for Benjamin F. Hall (1803-73), pioneer minister of the Disciples of Christ, doctor, dentist, and lawyer, who owned the white property from 1857 to 1872, and founded several churches in the region. Among those buried here are the first settlers of this part of Grayson County, who migrated to Texas from the Eastern United States, a number of veterans of the army of the Confederate States of America: and several rural victims of the Great Sherman Tornado of May 15, 1896. Subsequent donations of land by J. D. Barnett and Lee Bivins increased the cemetery to present size by 1918.
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Home of Thomas V. Munson (1843-1913) in Denison, Texas. Text: World famed grape culturist. Earned second degree ever given at Kentucky A.&M. College (1870). Moved to Denison 1876; became a civic leader and had nurseries for wide varieties of plants. In 1880's helped France save vineyards from root disease, and became second American ever named to French Legion of Honor. His scientific papers filed in Washington, D.C., are still used by horticulturists. He and his wife built this home 1887. Recorded Texas Historical Landmark - 1967.
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Joseph G. McCoy in Denison, Texas. Text: Livestock broker from Illinois whose pioneering in cattle markets helped Texans rebuild the economy which had been wrecked in the 1861-1865 by Civil War. Cattle had increased greatly in wartime. Texas had no market long drives were necessary, so that until Texas could get better railroads her $5 longhorns could be sold in the North at $25 to $30 or more. McCoy founded first adequate market for Texans, by securing cattle cars and building loading pens at the railroad in Abilone, Kans. This was near upper end of the trail started by the Indian scout and trader Jesse Chisholm and used by Texans on drives through Oklahoma to Kansas. He had part of Chisholm Trail surveyed and marked to aid the cattlemen. This was the best known of several cattle trails from Texas, over which some 10,000,000 beeves were driven from the state during the years 1866-1884. The M.K.T. railroad reached Denison in Dec. 1872 giving Texas its own North-bound cattle shipping outlet. McCoy moved here 1873 and helped establish on this site the Atlantic & Texas Refrigerating Co. to benefit ranchers by shipping dressed beef. The state of Texas owes much to the initiative vision, courage, and leadership of Joseph G. McCoy.
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for L.A. Washington, Jr. and Wife Martha A. in Denison, Texas. Text: Grandnephew of George Washington, who had been guardian of L.A.'s father was a doctor; came to Texas 1849 with inaugural suit. Personal letters of George Washington. Wife came from noted West Virginia family. Recorded - 1968.
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Lake Texoma in Denison, Texas. Text: Completed 1944, Texoma is today the second largest lake in Texas and the eleventh largest reservoir in capacity in the United States. Its main purposes are flood control, power generation, and recreation. Lake Texoma was promoted largely through the efforts of Sam Rayburn (1882-1961), noted Speaker of the House who represented District 4 in Congress for 49 years. In normal operation, lake shoreline covers 550 miles, with the Red River Arm (45 miles) in Texas and the Washita Arm (30 miles) in Oklahoma. The waters covering 93,080 acres are impounded by Denison Dam. When Texoma was created it caused the relocation of railroads, highways, utilities, and cemeteries. The site of Preston, historically the Red River crossing for the Butterfield Stage, was submerged, as were the sites of Hagerman and part of Cedar Mills, Texas. In 1966 numerous recreation areas on Texoma drew 8,500,000 tourists, who could also visit Eisenhower State Park at the southeast end of the lake. The park was named in honor of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the thirty-fourth president of the United States. Texoma is one of more than 200 major inland lakes and reservoirs in Texas which contribute greatly to the economic and industrial growth of the state. (1968).
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Miller's Spring in Denison, Texas. Text: On homesite bought Oct. 15, 1866, by J.K. Miller (1826-1908), this spring supplied his household, neighbors, travelers on nearby ferry road. Civic-minded miller gave alternate business area lots to the city of Denison; also sites for each early church, first public school, forest park. (1972).
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for the Old Bass Home in Denison, Texas. Text: Oldest extant house in city. Erected in 1850's, by Dr. R.L. Bullock. Built around typical "dog run" or entry hall. Had first window glass in county. Family home of Confederate Col. T.C. Bass since 1867. His daughter Netti, born here 1868, lived in home 97 years. Recorded Texas Historical Landmark - 1968.
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Old Cedar Community in Sherman, Texas. Text: Settled in 1848 by Grayson County pioneers, who reclaimed land from wilderness. Raiding Indians and hardships of frontier life soon created need for a cemetery, established the same year. The plots were free to any person, many noted settlers are buried here, including one Union and 18 Confederate veterans of the Civil War. Of some 400 graves, half are marked. After community was well established, a school - Cedar Academy - was organized in 1871. D.H. Dumas gave the land for a 3-acre campus. Enrollment reached 79 in 1872. Here, besides the usual subjects, students learned how to make ink and split goose-quills for pens. Later, name was changed to Cedar High School. It merged with the Tom Bean District in 1937. Cedar Methodist Church was organized in 1871. The congregation worshipped in a log house on property deeded by J.G. Vestal and Colonel J.R. Cole. A half mile south of church on Whitemound-Cedar road, a 7-acre tract donated by Mr. and Mrs. B.M. Carr was used as camp ground for revivals. Each summer people would come for miles, pitch their tents there, and attend services under a brush arbor. A frame church built in 1891 was destroyed by a tornado in 1960. The present structure was dedicated October, same year. (1970)
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Pilot Grove, Texas. Text: Founded in early 1850's on Bonham-McKinney stage line called Lick Skillet, renamed, 1858, for J.P. Dumas' Ranch site of Lee-Peacock Feud, 1865-1871 between ex-Confederate Capt. Bob Lee with his gold and union supporter Lewis Peacock although Lee was killed in 1865 his followers carried on the flight until Peacock was shot. (1966)
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Sand Springs in Denison, Texas. Text: A noted watering place on pioneer trails. Known as early as 1840 to settlers and prospectors who camped near the strong currents of water boiling up at the foot of a rocky bluff. The sandstone of the bluff's face became an inscription rock, in which travelers carved names or initials and dates of their visits. Sometimes to assure friends or relatives who were to follow later over the same trail. A campsite for prospectors, including California-bound gold seekers passing this way, 1849-1850s. The spot was mapped in 1857 as a watering spot for the southern overland mail coaches of John Butterfield, racing from Saint Louis to San Francisco. After the Civil War (1861-65), many cattle herds passed this way for water while being driven north to market. When Missouri, Kansas, & Texas railroad was built to Denison townsite in 1872, Sand Springs gained new importance, feeding Waterloo Lake, built in late 1800s and used for many years (prior to 1908) as city's main water supply, but the old campsites were inundated. Other steps in man's progress reduced flow of the water. The area remained a popular picnic ground for years. Its history is revealed by the weathered carvings still visible on the inscription rocks.
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for Confederate Lady Paul Revere, Sophia Porter, (1813-1899) in Pottsboro, Texas. Text: Settled 1839 at Glen Eden, a site now under Lake Texoma (N of here). Her husband, early trader Holland Coffee, built fine home. Guests included Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, other army of officers, 1845-60. During Civil War, wined and dined passing federal scouts found out they were seeking Col. Jas. Bourland, Confederate Defender of Texas Frontier, while guests were busy, she slipped out, swam her horse across icy Red River, warned Col. Bourland, helped prevent federal invasion of North Texas. (1965)
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for St. Luke's Church in Denison, Texas. Text: Denison's oldest house of worship and oldest episcopal sanctuary in Grayson County. Site given by Denison town company and visitation by the Rt. Rev. Alexander Gregg, first bishop of Texas, in May 1873. Cornerstone was laid in 1875 by the Rt. Rev. A.C. Garrett bishop of Missionary District of Northern Texas. Church was consecrated by him in 1876. The original building forms nave of the present church.
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for the Fitzgerald Home in Denison, Texas. Text: Build on 800-acre farm near Bells by Geo. S. Fitzgerald. Who moved with family from Virginia to Texas in 1857. He cut building timber on his farm in 1859. On return from Confederate Army he erected this house in 1866. He was prosperous and esteemed, serving as a Grayson County commissioner from 1880 to 1884. House was framed of pegged oak logs. Main rooms are 20 by 20 feet, joined by 12-foot hall. Two stairs lead to upper story. Recorded Texas historic landmark - 1969.
Photograph of the State Historical Survey Committee marker for XXI Club in Denison, Texas. Text: Founded Oct. 14, 1890 by ten early social leaders. A charter member, Texas federation of women's clubs. Its 2-story brick hall, built 1896, was the first woman's clubhouse in Texas. Had facilities for music, drama, art. Gave Denison its first free public library 1896-1935.
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for 1924 Masonic Temple in Sherman, Texas. Text: Travis Lodge No. 117, A.F. & A.M., was chartered in 1852. This site was acquired in 1916, although this classical revival temple was not built until 1924. Designed by local architects John Tulloch and the firm of Clyce & Rolfe, the building features giant order columns and portico, fifteen over fifteen windows, and a segmental arch entry pediment. It remained the headquarters for the masonic lodge until 1985.
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for 1931 Free Bridge Controversy in Grayson County, Texas. Text: As a result of late 1920s legislation in Texas and Oklahoma, the two states cooperated on a project to build free highway bridges spanning the Red River to accommodate rapidly increasing highway traffic. One of these bridges was near Colbert Bridge, a toll bridge descended from the mid-19th century Colbert's Ferry. When the free bridge was ready to open in early July 1931, the Red River Bridge Company, operators of Colbert Bridge, obtained a federal restraining order against the opening of the free bridge until contractual payments had been made to compensate the company for their anticipated loss. Texas governor Ross Sterling complied, but Oklahoma governor William Murray, who was not a party to the contract between the Texas Highway Commission and the Red River Bridge Company, asked Governor Sterling to join him in protesting the injunction. Sterling refused. Murray ordered the removal of barricades erected by the Texas Highway Commission. For twelve hours, traffic flowed freely across the bridge. By July 17, Texas Rangers guarded the southern side. Oklahoma highway crews rerouted traffic from Colbert Bridge to Preston Bridge several miles away and dismantled the approach to the Colbert Bridge from Oklahoma. As tensions came close to breaking in the summer heat, the injunction was suspended; the Texas Rangers opened the bridge on July 25. The new bridge was officially opened on Labor Day, 1931. It served until 1995, when it was replaced by a new structure. A portion of the free bridge was placed in a park in Colbert, Oklahoma, about two miles north. (1998)
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Aaron S. Mangum (September 3, 1812 - August 10, 1884) in Sherman, Texas. Text: South Carolinian Aaron Mangum came to Texas with a Georgia battalion in 1835 and served under Colonel James Fannin at Goliad. Mangum took ill during an expeditionary mission and fatefully avoided death at the Goliad Massacre. He married Leonora Snively in 1836 and together they lived in Mississippi and Georgia before moving here to Grayson County about 1869. After his death the town of Mangum, Oklahoma, was named in his honor.
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Allison Cemetery in Whitesboro, Texas. Text: Believed to date from the mid-1800s, Allison Cemetery occupies three acres of land. The oldest dated marker is that of a 53-year-old man who was buried in 1865, though some headstones have been moved or were destroyed over time, and older graves may be noted only by roughly shaped rocks. Most of those interred on this site are descendants of H. Dennis, Sr., and other area families. Notable graves include a family of influenza victims believed to have been buried in 1858 and several war veterans. Managed and maintained by descendants, the cemetery is still in use.
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Andrew L. Randell in Sherman, Texas. Text: A native of Denison, Andrew Randell graduated from Princeton University and the University of Texas. He opened a law practice in Sherman and was active in civic and church affairs. He and his wife Vera (Harrison) had two daughters. It was in Freemasonry that he marked his greatest achievements, serving as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas; as executive secretary of the Masonic service association of the U.S., leading national disaster relief efforts, as a Director of the Dallas Masonic Homes, and as an advocate for Masonic Education programs, publication and ideals. Recorded - 2005.
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Antioch Baptist Church in Bells, Texas. Text: Formally organized in 1861 as Antioch Baptist Church of Christ, this congregation first worshiped in a log cabin approximately 2.5 miles south of this site. S. J. Wright, R. T. Gardner and J. D. Thomas comprised the organizing presbytery. In 1872, the congregation moved to the Pink Hill community where it shared a building and land at this site with the Pink Hill school. Baptisms took place in Choctaw Creek and in nearby stock tanks. As a charter member of the Grayson County Baptist Association, Antioch became known simply as Antioch Baptist Church after 1886. The 1890s saw much growth, resulting in the dedication of a new building in 1890 and the establishment of a Sunday school in 1893. In the early 1900s, Antioch Baptist Church became active in foreign and home mission work, a tradition it has continued into the 21st century. A growing membership required the completion of larger worship spaces in 1919 and again in 1974. In the latter half of the 20th century, the congregation secured its first full-time pastor, enhanced its mission work in the community and abroad, and provided a number of programs for young people. As an integral part of the Pink Hill community, Antioch Baptist Church has played an important role in the lives of those who worship here. It continues to uphold the ideals and traditions of its founders as it moves forward in service to others.
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for B. H. Zauk (September 11, 1857 - May 12, 1919) in Sherman, Texas. Text: Bruno H. Zauk came to America alone at age 16 from his native Germany. He founded Sherman's first cigar factory in 1876, and became a naturalized U. S. citizen in 1880. Mr. Zauk acquired extensive land holdings in west Texas and Oklahoma. A successful immigrant who took full advantage of opportunities available in America, he served as Vice President of the Commercial National Bank in Sherman and the First National Bank in Bennington, Oklahoma.
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Barron Cemetery in Collinsville, Texas. Text: Named for John Barron (1831-87), a Civil War veteran who came here from Virginia and bought a good farm in 1870. Married first to Delilah Ward (d. 1860s), then to Margaret McElroy, he had fifteen children. About 1875 he gave land for a church-school building and this community cemetery, where he and some other members of his family were later buried. William Jenkins (1829-78), who was also a Confederate veteran, is earliest known among some six dozen interments. Burial ground, closed about 1920 is cared for by descendants who have formed (1971) the Barrom Cemetery Association.
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Barron-Veazey House in Van Alstyne, Texas. Text: Influenced by the prairie school of architecture in its form and its large, overhanging eaves, this home was built in 1905 for the family of Walter and Pearl Barron. A local merchant and banker, Barron sold the house in 1920 to hardware merchant R. Lee Veazey, in whose family it remained until 1965. Classical details such as the wraparound porch, fluted Corinthian columns, and Sullivanesque frieze along the roofline are also significant.
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Bennett-Richardson House in Whitesboro, Texas. Text: This residence was built in 1902 for the family of local business leader Bland Bennett and Grace (Dunlap) Bennett. Exhibiting Victorian and classical revival detailing, its prominent features include a 1-story wraparound porch with a pedimented primary entrance, a hopped roof, and corbelled chimneys. Its transitional floor plan is reminiscent of both center passage and American foursquare plans. The H.S. Richardson family purchased the house in 1942.
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Bethel Baptist Church in Whitewright, Texas. Text: This congregation grew from an early prayer group established in the Bethel community in 1875. A small group met in the schoolhouse, which also served as a community center, for weekly prayer and bible study. On April 16, 1884, nine men and women met to organize the Bethel Baptist Church. These charter members were Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Autrey, Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Jones, and Mrs. Sarah Miller. The Rev. Bob Thomas served as first pastor. The small congregation grew rapidly and soon had more than 150 members. In 1897, this property was deeded to Bethel Baptist Church by Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Autrey, in the same year. During the pastorate of J. M. Harder, a one-room sanctuary was constructed. A 1918 storm damaged the building, but it was repaired and the congregation continued to worship there until another was constructed in 1937. Throughout its history, Bethel Baptist Church has served as a focal point for the small community. The congregation continues to maintain the ideals and traditions of its pioneer founders.
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Binion Homestead in Pilot Grove, Texas. Text: Georgia Natives Thomas Noel Binion (1827-1900) and Pauline Walker Binion (1829-1915) migrated to Texas after the Civil War. They moved to the Oxford community in Grayson County where they purchased this 107-acre farm in 1871. Thomas and Pauline died, they were buried in the family cemetery Northwest of their homestead. The farm was inherited by their children. Eddie Binion became a merchant in nearby Pilot Grove, but moved back to the family homestead with his sister Sarah after the death of his wife. Eddie raised sugar cane and operated a syrup mill here from the turn of the century until the 1940s. The mill first used mules to operate the crusher, and wood fires to cook the molasses. When fuel oil and coal were readily available in the 1920s, a piston engine replaced the mule, and coal replaced the wood fires. During the depression years, cane continued to arrive but money to purchase coal and fuel oil diminished. The mule was reinstated, but the Binion syrup mill foundered in the 1940s. The mill was dismantled and the iron and steel sold for use in World War II. (1996)
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Binkley Hotel in Sherman, Texas. Text: In the 1870s, a joint stock company was organized to construct a hotel in Sherman. One of the largest stockholders was Judge C.C. Binkley, a community leader for whom the hotel would be named. Binkley was also president of the Merchants and Planters (M&P) Bank, established in Sherman in 1872. The first two hotels at this site burned, and the second fire was reportedly set to cover an attempted robbery. The next hotel was built by the Sherman Hotel Company and operated by bank president C.B. Dorchester. The bank, then the Merchants and Planters National Bank, served farmers, ranchers, counties, and Indian tribes, becoming a financial hub for Texas and Oklahoma, and the close ties between bank and hotel attracted and accommodated business in the growing community. The Sherman Opera House, which brought in touring dramatic companies, added to the list of popular and prominent men and women who visited the hotel. Ladies would enter on the north, at the carriage entrance, and avoid passing the bar on their way to receptions in the dining room of the three-story hotel.
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Boy Scout Troop 1 (Troup 44) in Van Alstyne, Texas. Text: The U.S. Congress chartered the Boy Scouts of America organization in 1910. Just two years later, three Van Alstyne boys, Rowland Barnett, Otis White, and Rae Nunnallee, received a Boy Scout storybook. Barnett made a Christmas wish and, in March 1913, the Van Alstyne troop received its charter - one of the first in the state. W.F. Barnett, Rowland's father and Van Alstyne school superintendent, became the troop's first scoutmaster. Within a few years, Troop 1, as it was known then, helped establish other Boy Scout troops in the area, beginning with the communities of Anna and Elmont. The Van Alstyne troop worked from its founding date to serve its community. Through the 1920s, the troop helped in a citywide cleanup to control disease and insect population. In the 1940s, the troop's number changed to 44, and in 1948, the city donated land for a scout hut, which has since been used for meetings. in 1959, the troop took part in the relay of the Pan American Games torch as it traveled from Mexico City to Chicago. The Van Alstyne troop also became the first integrated troop in the Texoma Valley Council. Beginning in 1917, Van Alstyne's First United Methodist Church became an official sponsor of the troop, which has since been sponsored by other local organizations and churches, as well as being continuously supported by the Methodist Church. Scout leaders have included many men and women from the community, including one whose interest was piqued in 1912 by the storybook. Rae Nunnallee was an active troop member for 70 years, joining as a boy and later serving in a number of key roles, both locally and nationally. For his dedication …
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Butterfield Overland Mail Route Through Grayson County in Sherman, Texas. Text: In the mid-19th century, mail traffic between the eastern United States and the Western states and territories was accomplished via Panama and Cape Horn. in 1857, Congress authorized the postmaster to contract a new overland mail service. The successful bidder for the southern route was John Butterfield, who agreed to convey mail twice weekly in 25 days per run. The "Oxbow Trail" originated at St. Louis, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee, then merged at Fort Smith, Arkansas. The stagecoaches traveled through Indian Territory (later Oklahoma) and across northern Texas to Tucson, Arizona, and on to Los Angeles and San Francisco, California, traveling 2,795 miles from St. Louis. The trail entered Grayson County by crossing the Red River at Colbert's Ferry and proceeding into Sherman. It crossed the county toward Gainesville in Cooke County en route to Franklin (later El Paso). The citizens of Sherman are credited with especially courting the mail route to use Colbert's Ferry instead of entering Texas near Preston (8 mi. upriver). Sherman became a distribution point in 1858, bringing mail service to Texas settlements. Waterman L. Ormsby of The New York Herald was the first through passenger on the Butterfield Trail in September 1858. He described Sherman as "a pleasant little village of about six hundred inhabitants," and chronicled the remainder of his trip across Grayson County, writing "our course lay across a fine rolling prairie, covered with fine grass,... The beautiful moonlight lit up the vast prairies making its sameness appear like the boundless sea and its hills like the rolling waves." The southern route was terminated in March 1861. The course of the trail is still visible in a number of locations in Grayson County. (1999)
Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Cannon Cemetery in Van Alstyne, Texas. Text: Elijah Cannon, his eleven sons, and slaves moved from South Carolina to Texas in 1852 and settled nearby. In 1874 the family graveyard was included in land deeded by O.M. Cannon as a community burial place. The oldest documented grave is that of ten-year-old Nancy J. Bowen in 1857. An adjacent section was established for former slaves, and the earliest known burials are those of Billy and Glory Boyd in August 1880. Among the more than 700 graves are those of pioneer settlers, veterans of several wars, and members of fraternal organizations. The cemetery continues to serve the area.
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