Records Show Murchison Had School House in 1875 Henderson Co., TX

lAthens Daily Review
April 1968
Records Show Murchison Had School House in 1875
by Leila Reeves Eads

Earliest records found in the files of the county superintendent's office in
Athens are dated 1875 - 1876.

There was not recorded in the list of schools and the respective teachers,
any reference to the Murchison school; however, a record was made of
issuance of funds: "November, 1875 - March 1876; credit given to following
for funds paid on School Warrants -- D. C. Davis, County Treasurer;
"To Census-takers' funds. Debit the amount received from John C. Goodgame,
Sheriff, a draft on Comptroller in favor County Treasure, $120.00. Credit on
Warrant No. 285 to Travis Scott, $9.00."

This item in the records is proof that there was a school at Black Jack and
we are told by those who remember that Murchison also had school for the
children of the area. There were three buildings located some three or four
miles apart in the Murchison district.

One building for the children in the northern part of the schoo district was
located on what is known as the T. P. Luker land. This building was later
moved nearer to the town, and located on the present land of Mance and
Mae Tidmore. The other early building was constructd of logs and stood on
the land now owned and occupied by new modern homes, built by Bernice
Fowler. Thes buildings gave way to a new two-story building on the land
where the present building stands. There have been three buildings at this
location.

The records seem to indicate that Miss Ida Zachery was the teacher in 1875-76.
The school terms in this era were seldom ever longer than two to three months.

In the school year 1889-90, D. E. Nevils taught the winter term and H. M. Smittle,
who moved into the community taught a summer school.

The Unity and Murchison school districts would sometimes continue their
scholastics and in 1896, W. R. Coker taught the school. The classes were
separated again in 1897 and Mr. Smittle taught through 1900, J. V. Melton,
John Frentres and J. W. Wood were the trustees 1897 - 1900. Classes were
held at this time in the building northwest of town. The new building was
completed and the people of the community had a "great house warming."
There were 95 children in the school at that time.

In the year 1903, Frank Warren was elected principal of the Murchison school.
In 1900 he had taught the Delta school and in 1901 and 1902 he taught the
Leagueville School with Miss Emma Reeves as assistant.

Miss Ida Clay was the assistant teacher in Murchison in 1903. The accompanying
group picture of the Murchison school, made in the spring of 1903 includes 73
students and the two teachers.

Frank Warren had married Johnnie Ard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Ard, who
lived in the Reids Branch community. Their daughter, Opal, became the wife of
the Senior Senator, Ralph Yarborough, now serving our district.

The Murchison school has had three fires, destroying the bildings. The present
building was built in 1941. There have been many improvements in the school
and today there are five teachers. A fine gymnasium affords the student body
many advantages in their sports and social programs. The cafeteria serves a
fine menu, managed by Mrs. Jake Thompson.

Mrs. Dwight Jones is the part-time nurse and Mrs. Henderer, (typed as written)
part-time coordinator.

Mr. John Dunn, supertendent, has on his staff of teacher, Dewaine Nichols,
athletic director, and Mrs. H. R. Tucker, Mrs. L. C. Ballard and Mandy Valentine.

The school consists of eight grades. There are, presently 80 scholastics.

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