abilenet April 30th, 2010
The Taylor County Historical Commission will meet on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at Frontier Texas!, 625 North First Street at 6:00 PM.
We will meet in the back classroom for a short meeting, then Frontier Texas! Director Jeff Salmon has arranged for complimentary passes for the commission to tour the museum winding up at the Pancho Villa photo exhibit. Refreshments will be served, but not a full meal.
Agenda for May 6 meeting:
* THC meeting in Houston – Bill Minter
* Markers/web page update – Karen Turner
* Research on Judges and Commissioners – Cherry Gleason
* Wooten marker/video plans – Jay Moore
This will be the final meeting before the summer break, and we would like to have you join us for the special meeting.
If you have any questions about this month’s meeting, contact Anita Hill at toplane@taylortel.net.
abilenet March 24th, 2009
Between 1500 and 1700 the name Jumanos was used to identify at least three distinct peoples of the Southwest and South Plains. They include the Tompiro-speaking Pueblo Indians in Salinas, a nomadic trading group based around the Rio Grande and Río Conchos, and the Caddoan-speaking Wichitas along the Arkansas River and Red River basins. Although they ranged over much of northern Mexico, New Mexico, and Texas, their most enduring territorial base was in central Texas between the lower Pecos River and the Colorado. The Jumanos were buffalo hunters and traders, and played an active role as middlemen between the Spanish colonies and various Indian tribes. Historical documents refer to Jumana, Humana, Sumana, Chouman, Xoman, and other variants of the name; but Jumano has been the standard form in twentieth-century scholarship. Other names mentioned in connection with the Jumanos, as closely allied or subordinate groups, include Cíbolos, Jediondos, and Caguates. Continue Reading »
abilenet March 10th, 2009
Born a slave in Tennessee around 1840, Britton “Britt” Johnson would become a famous West Texas character for his exploits of bravery. He came to Texas in the 1850s with his master Moses Johnson, who had bought land in the Peters’ Colony. As a reward for Britt’s loyalty and hard work, Moses Johnson appointed him foreman of the ranch, with unlimited freedom to perform his duties. He also permitted Britt to raise his own horses and cattle. Continue Reading »
abilenet February 10th, 2009
One of the more celebrated images in the popular imagination about life on the frontier is that of the saloon table poker game. Professional gamblers did roam the region looking for “ a game,” and making their fortunes off of the unfortunate cowboy or buffalo hunter who came into their sites. Continue Reading »
abilenet February 1st, 2009
Perhaps the most dangerous gunman to have ever operated in Texas, John Wesley Hardin was a study in contrasts. He always considered himself a gentleman, who said he only ever killed to save his own life; but by the time of his death, he had killed more than thirty men. Continue Reading »
abilenet January 22nd, 2009
Even though there were many more men than women on the West Texas frontier, weddings became a fairly common occurrence as cattle families moved into the region. Courtship usually lasted quite long, but once a couple became engaged, the wedding soon followed. Continue Reading »
abilenet January 15th, 2009
Delaware Indians shaped much of Abilene’s early history. Men like John Conner, Jim and William Shaw, Black Beaver, and Jim Ned served as scouts and interpreters for the U.S. Army, helped with diplomatic missions to the Comanches, and guided immigrant trains into the region. They left their mark on the land in other ways, as well, in the names of creeks, mountains, and springs. Continue Reading »
abilenet January 8th, 2009
As more settlers moved onto the frontier of West Texas, many began to seek ways to alleviate the monotony of their rather isolated lives. Of course, most of their time was taken up by working the cattle, tending the gardens, and keeping house; but when opportunities arose for a little enjoyment, West Texans found several avenues for amusement. Continue Reading »
abilenet January 1st, 2009
The early days of Abilene were filled with the names of enterprising men and women that drove the economy of the growing town and had a lasting impact on the community. The energy, drive and determination of the early businessmen and businesswomen helped the city to grow faster than most folks expected and their insight allowed them to look beyond traditional means of making a living and consider what previous generations had left for them, the bones of the mighty buffalo herds that once roamed the country. Continue Reading »
abilenet December 26th, 2008
Elizabeth Ann Clifton, rancher, merchant, and Indian captive, was born on March 29, 1825, in Alabama. In 1842, when she was sixteen, she married Alexander Joseph Carter, a free black. The couple had two children and lived with Carter’s parents, Edmund J. and Susanna Carter, in Red River and Navarro counties before moving west to Fort Belknap in Young County, where they began raising stock and farming. Elizabeth Carter managed the ranch, soon as a full partner, while her husband and father-in-law ran a cargo transportation business. Though she was illiterate and epileptic, she also ran a boarding house, the Carter Trading House. In 1857 her husband and father-in-law were both mysteriously murdered. When Carter’s estate was finally settled, his remaining assets were divided between his two grandchildren, Elizabeth Carter’s married daughter as well as her young son. Mrs. Carter was not, however, made guardian of her son’s property. Continue Reading »