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From the files of June E. Tuck, who does not validate or dispute any historical facts in the article. Edited.
The "Black Jack Post" was printed in Black Jack Grove, Hopkins County, Texas. The people of Black Jack Grove later changed the name to Cumby.
The Black Jack Post, Saturday March 7, 1885, Vol. 1, No. 10
R. B. Edgell, Editor W. P. Sims, Business Manager Cost of Post per annum, $1.00
Black Jack Grove
One may travel all over the great State of Texas and never find a town or section of country which offer such inviting inducements to those in search of cheap homes and fertile lands, or wishing to engage in any legitimate business, as Black Jack Grove and surrounding country offer.
The town is situated on the Missouri Pacific Narrow Gage railroad which runs from Jefferson to McKinney, and on the dividing line between Sulphur and Sabine creeks, and is the highest point between Jefferson and McKinney. The country is extremely healthy being a high rolling prairie, with timber enough for all ordinary purposes. Many beautiful streams cut through the country, and these, together with the numerous springs and lakes which abound, furnish abundance of water. Never failing supplies of pure, cold water can be obtained at a depth of from 25 to 30 feet.
The land lying north and west of Black Jack being of a black waxy nature, is very rich and productive, and that south and east, a loam, the soil being from 5 to 6 feet in depth, having just enough sand in it to make it light and easy to cultivate. Several miles north of here, Sulphur, a beautiful, clear stream, winds its serpentine shape in a eastern direction, though a section of county which cannot be surpassed for agricultural purposes in Texas.
Turkey creek heads in Black Jack and flows in a southeast course. White Oak has its source one mile and a half northeast of town and runs in an easterly direction. Prices creek heads one half a mile east of town and runs in a southeast direction. Cedar creek heads one mile southeast and runs southeast for 9 miles where it empties into Turkey creek. All these bottoms are extremely rich, and of a good season will produce bale of cotton to the acre. Corn raising is a profitable business here. Wheat, oats, millet, rye, sorghum and Egyptian corn all do fine.
Fruits, such as apples, peaches, pears, grapes, plums, etc., grow to perfection. As fine vegetables can be raised here as in the north, but they require manure and cultivation. A great many plant gardens in the native soil and half cultivate them, and then say that vegetables will not grow here. Judge D. W. Cole, of our town, who has lived in Texas 40 odd years, says he raises the very finest kind of vegetables here every year. He raises whit head cabbage that will weigh from 8 to 10 lbs per head.
There is an abundance of meat in this section. Hogs, which have run out all winter and received a year of corn, are now fat, and numbers of our farmers kill their hogs right off the mast. While the most of our farmers raise a sufficient number of hogs to make their own meat, yet hog raising is an enterprise that has been overlooked in Texas, and grit edge fortunes await men who will engage in the enterprise.
A gentleman just from north Ireland, has but recently bought land here and will raise geese and fish, and no doubt he will find it a profitable business.
The very finest kind of improved land here can be bought for from $10. to $15, while unimproved land can be bought from $4. to $8.
Black Jack is in Hopkins County, 14 miles west of Sulphur Springs, the county site, 16 miles east of Greenville, county site of Hunt County, and within one and a half miles of the east boundary line of Hunt County. Seven miles west is Campbell, one of the prettiest little towns extant - Black Jack excepted. Commerce, a prosperous and thrifty little town, lies 9 miles northwest, and of a bright morning can be plainly seen from this place. Miller Grove lies south, 8 miles, and a large trade from all these places comes to Black Jack. Black Jack is at present, and has been for the last twelve months, on a boom. Old houses have given away to new ones, until the town presents a bright new appearance although it is some 40 years old.
The branch of the Houston & Texas Central R. R. running from Ennis, through Kaufman and Terrell to Paris, has been completed to Roberts, 22 miles southeast of Black Jack, and there is scarcely any doubt, but if will run directly through this place as it is on an air line. The road will be completed within the next six months, and work is expected to begin on it at any day. If it comes through here Black Jack will be one of the best towns on the Missouri Pacific R. R. between McKinney and Jefferson, as it has long since been given up to be the prettiest. It is generally conceded Black Jack is to be the best town on the Mo. Pacific narrow gauge.
BUSINESS MEN OF BLACK JACK:
Wm. Teer - Mr. Teer has but recently established himself in business here, and is doing a good business. He has a large stock of all kinds of agricultural implements, wagons, etc. Newton Wagons, Standard and Brown Cultivators, Corn and Cotton planters, Cassady, Sulky, Oliver Chilled plows, Buford Steel walking plows, Buckeye Reaping Machinery. Office in the large store building known as the Green Store.
Rash & Son - Deal almost exclusively in dry goods, notions, clothing and general merchandise.
Dr. R. C. Holderness - Practicing physician and dealer in drugs, medicines, etc. His goods are all fresh and choice. He also keeps pure whiskies and wines for medical purposes only.
Otis B. Jenkins - Keeps a general assortment of dry goods, notions and general merchandise. He also sells Kelly Wagons
He is now having a large new business house erected on Mineola street, his present building being too small for him. He has good goods and sells them cheap.
Wm. Penman & H. C. Barker - Deals exclusively in lumber and building material. He is also an attorney at law and justice of the peace.
Dabbs & Brothers - The firm is composed of the most solid and enterprising men of the county. They deal in dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, hats and general merchandise. In addition to their large business house here they have a magnificent store in Sulphur Springs. They will, in a few days, commence the erection of a large business house on Mineola street where they will move their stock of goods.
M. Deloach - Keeps constantly on hand a large and choice stock of groceries, canned goods, bacon, flour, molasses, potatoes, coffee, sugar and in fact everything usually kept in a first class grocery store. We know by trading with him, he sells good cheaper than some of our other grocers that do not advertise.
M. Boyd & Co. - Have recently erected two large business houses here and now occupy one of them with an elegant stock of pure drugs and medicines. They keep all kinds of patent medicines, etc., and Mr. Boyd is an accurate and competent druggist.
C. A. Morphis - Keeps almost everything. He has a nice line of saddlery and harness, staves, hardware, etc., and an elegant stock of furniture. He is also proprietor of the Black Jack Steam Mills, and turns out a good four and meal as any mill in this section. He has had exclusive charge of this mill but a short time.( A notice placed by C. A Morphis in paper, 15 Jan. 1885 - I wish to say to my customers and the people of this country that I have leased A. J. Wood's interest in mill property for 15 months and secured the services of Mr. B. F. Moor, a first class miller, who will run the mills every day in the week except Mondays. Will keep on hand meal and flour to exchange for train, bring your wheat and corn, give us a trial. I propose to give you full weight of your grain less one sixth the toll. Will buy good wheat and corn at marker prices.)
J. H. Johnson & Bro. - Have a large and complete stock of queens ware, cutlery, hardware and agricultural implements. They have but recently established themselves here. They have built a fine large store house here, and they also have a large store house and a big business in Sulphur Springs.
Mr. John Olive - Deals exclusively in groceries and provisions, and keeps a good stock.
A. Cate - Keeps a general mixed stock of merchandise, has a large store and gets his share of patronage.
E. A. Rollins & Co. - Keeps groceries, provisions, drugs, etc., and does a good average business.
W. P. Rippey & Co. - Keep on hand a large stock of family groceries, provisions, etc.
A. H. Cox - Keeps a good large stock of dry goods, groceries, crockery and general merchandise. Mr. Cox was formerly in business in Campbell, but has moved here recently, and is well pleased with the place and the trade he is getting.
Posey & Davidson - Keeps constantly on hand a good stock of groceries and confectioneries.
J. H. Hazelwood - Has a first a first class barber shop.
W. H. Davidson - Keeps on hand a find assortment of wines and whiskeys for medical purposes only.
George Davidson - Has first class barber shop.
Mart Brown - Has a good flouring and grist mill, and a good gin.
E. J. Earle - Dealer in all kinds of lumber and building materials.
B. W. Cook - Boot and shoe maker.
E. J. Earle - Attorney-at- law
Black Jack High School
The Citizens of Black Jack have recently built a spacious school building which will accommodate 250 students, and supplied it with first class furniture, etc., and with 150 scholastic pupils as a basis and in the hands of an experienced educator who knows no such word as fail, we bespeak for Black Jack in the near future a school of high grade, second to none in the section of the state. The citizens of Black Jack and surrounding country should, before the organization of the next public school, consolidate all the material within a radiance of 3 miles, vote a tax and have school for 10 months. If they will do this we will soon have a school of 250 pupils with a first-class faculty.
The Post visited the Black Jack High School last Friday afternoon, and it being the first time we were ever inside the magnificent building, we were somewhat surprised in the convenient arrangement, the splendid light, high ceilings, and beautiful furniture, and above all, the admirable manner in which Prof. Crawford conducts the school. "Order" is one of his chief characteristics. Small boys who commenced the study of algebra for the first time, but four months ago, are as far advanced as many we have known to study it for years. An interesting feature in connection with the school is a literary society. The music department is presided by Miss Nettie Lindley, who is only 15 years old. She is a splendid performer on the piano. Prof. Crawford is evidently the right man in the right place.
A. Kyle - Has for sale one tract of land containing 10 acres (His present homestead) fronting Gilmer Street on east and Quitman street on west, a few good resident lots on each street. Good ordinary residence and fixtures. Also 160 acres of good farming land at Black Jack, containing many building lots, convenient for business men's residence, etc. For terms apply to undersigned at Sulphur Springs - A. Kyle
Mrs. P. A. Dickson - Notice - Those knowing themselves indebted to the late Dr. B. R. Dickson, for professional services, are requested to call and settle either by cash or note. Country produce will also be taken. Mrs. P. A. Dickson, Black Jack Grove, Texas, Feb. 18, 1885
Black Jack Church Directory
C. P. Church - Preaching 1st Sabbath in each month - Rev. B. F. Stephens, pastor
M. E. Church - Preaching 2nd Sabbath in each month - Rev. M. T. Rogers, pastor
Baptist Church - Preaching 3rd Sabbath in each month - Rev. M. M. Wolf, pastor
Christian Church - Preaching 4th Sabbath in each month - J. A. Dickson, pastor
Hopkins Masonic Lodge No. 180, A. F. & A. M., meets at Black Jack Grove Saturday on or before each full moon. M. M. Green, W. M. - R. J. Cross, Sec.
Local column
Esquire Earle has just completed and moved into his new house.
Work will commence in a few days on Dabbs Bros. new business house.
Work has begun on T. Polk's new business house on Mineola street.
J. H. Hazlewood (sic) now occupies his new residence south of the railroad.
Johnson Bros. new hardware store, inside and out, is an ornament to the town.
O. H. Jenkins's handsome new store house on Mineola street is rapidly nearing completion.
Morris and Hooper are building a large livery stable near the depot.
Mr. G. Longino presented the Post with a good broom last week. Mr. L. is now running a broom Factory in Black Jack.
The Post family was tendered a surprise party by the young folks of this city Friday evening. They brought music with tem, and tripped the light fantastic till 11 o'clock.
Mrs. M. Boyd has been quite will this week.
The martins have made their annual appearance.
A social was given at the residence of J. H. Halbrook Saturday night.
Miss Lillie Lindley and Miss Brasher illumined the Post den with their bright smiles last Saturday.
Miss Nannie Brasher of Wilford, Mo., is visiting her brother, E. H. Brasher, and spent several days with friends in town this week.
The Cumberland Presbyterians have a magnificent church house in this place and we understand that some of the other denominations will build this summer.
Col. A. H. Cox and wife late of Campbell are stopping at the Dickson house. The Col. Has engaged in the mercantile business at this place.
ThePost greets its readers 1400 strong this week. The farmers of this section appreciates a good paper.
Black Jack has two blacksmith shops - one by F. W. Center and the other by T. N. McCurdy. We also have two hotels - one kept by Mrs. S. M. Dickson and the other by J. C. Mitchell. Another fine hotel is now in course of erection on Mineola street by Dr. Bays and R. R. Williams. Russell Williams and Bro. run a brick yard.
Dr. Proctor of Sulphur Springs was in town Thursday and paid the office a visit. He has just graduated at the Louisville Medical Institute, and will locate at Nelta, Hopkins County.
Last Sunday evening an attempt was made to wreck the west bound freight train about one mile west of town. At large cross tie was placed across the track, but it was fortunately discovered in time to prevent a disaster. Two negroes were seen near the place and it is believed that they had just put the tie on the track and were going away to prevent detection. Suspicion points to certain parties who are watched and it will surprise us if they are not apprehended and placed where they cannot wreck railroad trains. Buckshot would fit all such characters better than the expense of court prosecutions - Sulphur Springs Gazette - reprinted the Post.
Reprinted from the Sulphur Springs Gazette, printed in the Black Jack Post -
The Black Jack Post seems to regard it as a fact that local options in Sulphur Springs is a failure and says of it: " In Sulphur Springs it has increased the number of whiskey shops, etc. This is not true, and the Post in justice to itself, ought to be more careful in its statement. The Post does not wish to slander its county town, we hope. Now the truth is, the number of whiskey establishments have been decreased in Sulphur Springs, it is an unusual thing to see a drunk man in town, we have no saloon rows, there is much less whiskey sold, arrests for disorderly conduct are far less frequent, and the peace and quiet of the town is generally promoted. The law, though often violated, is doing much good, and the men who weigh the facts carefully are pleased with it, and will vote again to perpetuate it. Sulphur Spring Gazette
While we have no desire to slander your town, yet we meant just what we said regarding the effect of local option. Prominent business men and citizens of Sulphur Springs asserted publicly on the streets and in our presence that the number of whiskey shops, or places where whiskey is sold had increased since local option went into effect in that town, and every intelligent man who has been to Sulphur Springs lately, knows that whiskey is still being sold in that town at ten cents a mouthful. The Gazette either wants the Post to keep "mum" on this subject, or else does not know the true state of affairs as they exist almost under its very nose. It is probably the latter, for how can it be expected that temperance advocates can keep track of all the whiskey dens in a town as large as Sulphur Springs. Men engaged in the elicit sale of whiskey, are not going to admit enemies into their camp - not if they know it. However, brother, you need not get cranky about it.
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CAMPBELL ITEMS, column, by Campbell reporter
Mr. Phillips, a citizen of our town has recently been on a trip to Georgia; but is now at home, at his post of duty.
Yesterday, Col. Camp passed through on the train on his way to Austin.
About two weeks ago, Mr. Jon Stephenson died at his residence. He leaves a wife and several children to mourn his loss.
Last Tuesday we buried a two year old child of Mr. David Wilkerson.
Farmers have busied themselves the past week sowing oats.
We have had beautiful weather, but bear in mind, the weather is liable to change.
The Reporter is not of the opinion, that bangs are very objectionable, but they add to both the dress and beauties of features.
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OVERLAND ITEMS
Mr. Editor: Not seeing items in your paper from Overland, I will write you a few, hoping they may find space in your interesting columns. We have a good literary school which is progressing fine, and we are glad to see educational institutions springing up where once stood nothing but a lonely forest. We also have a meeting of the Gospel Supporters on the second and forth Sunday in each month. Bro. McCormie being our teacher. We believe Mr. McCormie to be a whole souled Christian, and throughly competent to do his duty as a teacher.
Mr. O. B. English has just completed a posts and rail fence around a portion of his farm. Mr. English is one of the best stirring men of the county.
Great preparations are being made for another crop, the farmers want to try their luck once more.
So if this does not find its way to the waste basket, I will write again soon. D. M. Satterwhite.
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MT. ZION DOTS
Mr. Editor: Seeing nothing from this section of the county, I thought a few dots might be of interest to the many readers of the Post.
Mt. Zion school house if pleasantly situated five miles north from Black Jack on the Black Jack and Commerce road. This is the most healthful and productive portion of the county.
We have as through going and intelligent people as can be found in the state of Texas. Our farmers are wide awake to the interest of agriculture, many of them are through sowing oats and are preparing their corn land. A certain good looking and industrious young man in our community, has planted corn, and if we were going to guess, we would guess that he was going to take a rib, and don^Òt want the weevils to get at, as corn is scarce.
If you want to find good looking girls and industrious young men, Mt. Zion is the place to go. Miss Mattie Walling, one of the bells of our neighborhood, has been quite sick for some time. We are glad to learn that Miss Mattie is up again. One of the daughters of our esteemed friend, T. A. Patrick, is visiting relations in Fannin county. She will return soon.
We have a very good school house at this place under the auspicious management of L. D. Stinson. Spelling match at the school house every Thursday night, all are invited to attend and take part. Success to the Post - Mel
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BRANUM BREVITIES
Our farmers are busy as bees, finishing sowing oats, and getting ready to plant corn.
Out schools will close this week until summer.
Mrs. McInnis is still sick, with that exception health is good.
Our debating society was very interesting last night, and continues to improve each night.
Grey Crow - March 2, 1885
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Death Of An Old Citizen
Died in this city, on Thursday evening, March 5, 1885, of pneumonia, Judge D. W. Cole, age 66 years. Judge Cole was one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens in this section of the country. He was buried with Masonic honors yesterday afternoon in the Black Jack cemetery. Sulphur Springs, Campbell and Commerce Lodges attended the funeral, and it was one of the largest funeral processions ever seen in this town. We extend our condolence to the bereaved relations.
MEMORIAL Of THE DEATH OF G. W. CALLAN
Bro. G. W. Callan was born Sept. 24, 1833 in the state of Alabama, professed religion when very young, and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and was soon after elected and ordained a ruling elder, which office he held up to the time of his death. He was married Jan. 1861 to Miss N. R. Dickson in his native state, and then moved to Texas. Bro. Callan was a devoted Christian, loving father, kind husband and an uncompromising Cumberland Presbyterian up to the date of his death Feb. 7, 1885. He gave liberally to the various enterprises of the church, and all his relations of life was true to every trust, honest in all his dealings, took special pride in meeting all his obligations both to his church and fellow-man. His motto seemed to be: Do unto others as you would they should do unto you. He leaves a wife and eight children to mourn his loss beside a host of brethren and friends.
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