Did You Know?
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Pictured below is the Department of Public Safety and Game Wardens of Johnson County in 1959. First row, L-R: Jerry Gardner, Lewis Berneker, Doyle Spurlin, Robert Wight, Kenneth Bowling, Paul Busby, Billy Roe, and Bill Swope. Second row, L-R: All unidentified except for Sheriff Earl King at far right. Third row, L-R: Luke Johnson and four unidentified. (information from “Images of American-Johnson County by Mollie Gallop Bradbury Mims)
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Before 1900 on the northeast corner of Chambers and Anglin Streets was Timms and Company jewelry store. It was owned by W. Timms and partners Witt Wilson and J.H. Styron. The location was also home to a grocery store owned by Coney and W.D. Francis and a furniture store owned by J.J. Fletcher. (information from “The History of Johnson County” by Mollie Gallop Bradbury Mims)
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Pictured below are the Cleburne High School Coaches in 1950. They are: Jerry Sadler, Roy Williams, Glendon Broumley, ad J.W. Jones.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The photo below shows Jacob de Cordova who was known as the “Land Merchant of Texas”. A large bend in the Brazos River extending into Johnson County is named for him: Cordova Bend. He promoted Texas colonization. He was described as handsome, ready with a smile and jest. He died in January 26, 1889 and is buried on the State Capital grounds. (information from “Johnson County, Texas A Pictorial History Volume 1 by Dan and Billie Anne Leach)
************************************************************************************************************************************************
If you recognize anyone in the photo below, please respond to Jack Kahn <jkaggie72@gmail.com>
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In 1888, Godley had a post office, gristmill, three cotton gins, two dairy processing plants, and a station for the Gulf, Colorado, & Santa Fe Railway. Until 1895, there were no schools or churches in town. A large school, known as Godley College, was erected, ad within three years, the Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians all had buildings and congregations. (information from “Images of America – Johnson County” by Mollie Gallop Bradbury Mims)
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The first exclusive funeral parlor in Johnson County was established by P.C. “Pete” Dillon in 1905. With his sons Verne and Boyd, he built a funeral home in Cleburne in 1930. He received one of the first embalmer’s licenses issued in Texas, No. 273. Dillon owned the first ambulance in Cleburne and the first factory-made hearse. The ambulance was horse-drawn. Dillon was born in 1873 in a log cabin located across from where the Cleburne Police station now stands. Mr. Dillon opened an Alvarado location, where he also sold furniture and appliances (shown below). (information from “Images of America – Johnson County” by Mollie Gallop Bradbury Mims)
*********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Around the turn of the century, when Cleburne had lots of cowboys and a baseball team (Railroaders), there was a game between Ft. Worth Panthers and the Cleburne Railroaders. It was a tight game for both teams and in the bottom of the 9th Inning, the score was tied 2-2. Then the Railroaders got a man on 1st Base and deliberately took two outs to get their man on 3rd Base. The next batter came to the plate and hit a soft, shallow pop fly toward center field. The Ft. Worth center fielder stepped forward to make the catch, THEN: several cowboys, still sitting on their horses, pulled their six shooters and shot the ball out of the air! Since the ball wasn’t caught or retrieved, the referee signaled the runner on 3rd Base to advance to home plate. Cleburne won 3-2!! (information from “Cleburne Baseball – A Railroader History” by Scott Cain)
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The first school built in Joshua was a forty-by-sixty-foot room located west of the railroad tracks. It was built around 1890, with a later addition of a twenty-by-eighty-foot room. With this addition the school was formed into a T-shaped structure. The school had an average enrollment of forty to fifty pupils a session. In 1894 Professor A. Dickie was principal.
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Johnson County celebrated its Centennial in 1954. Parades, parties, and a train robbery reenactment led by members of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse were part of the activities. The Cyrus K. Holiday 1880 steam engine (pictured below) puffed its way o the Santa Fe tracks through the County at speeds reaching 20 miles per hour. T.L. Cowan shoveled the coal and W.L. Robertson was the acting engineer. The two passenger coaches were lit with kerosene lamps and heated with potbellied stoves. The County’s population in 1950 was 31,390; by 2010 it was 150,934. In 2022 it was 195,506.
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Pictured below is the Department of Public Safety and Game Wardens of Johnson County in 1959. First row, L-R: Jerry Gardner, Lewis Berneker, Doyle Spurlin, Robert Wight, Kenneth Bowling, Paul Busby, Billy Roe, and Bill Swope. Second row, L-R: All unidentified except for Sheriff Earl King at far right. Third row, L-R: Luke Johnson and four unidentified. (information from “Images of American-Johnson County by Mollie Gallop Bradbury Mims)
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The Rio Vista Volunteer Fire Department was formed in 1950 when the local Lions Club purchased a fire truck from the county for $1 and donated it to the city. The first chief was Marion “Tuffy” Gilbert. In 1979, the department purchased land on the south side of Rio Vista square and constructed offices, complete with a kitchen and meeting rooms. (information from “Images of America – Johnson County” by Mollie Gallop Bradbury Mims)
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Pictured below are members of the Grandview Collegiate Institute Band around 1900. Seated (L-R): unknown, Billie Malone, Dr. Edmunson (Dentist), Billy Wagner, Ernest Hale and, Elbert English. Standing (L-R): Peck Elliott, Elmer Young, Billy Clauncy, Matt Hale, Will Harrell, Otis Odom, Lawrence McCown, Mac English, Hamp Savage, N. Matt Hale (visitor and father of Matt and Otis Hale) and, Otis E. Hale (band director). Back row (L-R): Chet Odom and Will Hale. (Photo courtesy of Lula Hale Stafford) (From History of JC – Mollie Mimms)
*********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
For decades there has been a legend in Johnson County about the bridge on Old Foamy Road, located just south of Cleburne on Buffalo Creek. Everything from alligators to a half-man, half-goat creature have been reported. One legend says if you park on the Old Foamy Road Bridge, turn off the car engine and honk three times, the goat man will appear and throw things at you.
*********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Wagons loaded with cotton filled the dirt streets around the courthouse in Cleburne’s early years. By 1930, there were over 3,700 farms and about a dozen gins in the county, with three of the latter in Cleburne. Cotton was king for several decades, and by 1952, the average annual cotton production for Johnson County was 22,072 bales. (information from Images of America – Johnson County by Mollie Gallop Bradbury Mims)
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Dr. T.D. Lorance was the first and only physician in Wardville (the first Johnson County seat). He had come to the new county seat from Fort Spunky on the Brazos. At Wardville he was doctor, preacher (in the little courthouse), and did whatever was needed. When the move of the county seat was decided, Dr. Lorance made his plans to go to the new location. M.A.S. Mercantile who became the leading merchant of Wardville did not hesitate to adjust his plans to the new site of the county seat. In fact, the whole population of Wardville made the move to Bucanan. (information from Finders Keepers, Volume 7, Number 3, September 2009.
*********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In 1920, Commissioner E. M. Wilson was known for caring about the roads in Johnson County, especially those linking Burleson to Fort Worth and Cleburne. In 1916 he organized the “Good Roads Club” and collected funds for constructing graveled roads. Wilson also began the Burleson News in 1900 and partnered with his brother to erect a brick building, which is now home to Babe’s Fried Chicken. (The photograph and information below are courtesy of Mollie Mims, author, Images of America Johnson County)
*********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The surveyors pictured below were photographed in Johnson County in 1903. They worked for the T.&B.V. Railroad Company which came into the county from the South through Parker to Cleburne. Pictured are P.C. Tucker (rodman), Boshany (Levelman), Nichols J. Lane, Ely Chige, Durby, Jr. (Front Flag), Jess (cook), Blanchard (bear chain), C. Blanchard (rear flag), Chili Chamman and Hog Peden (teamster).
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
For many years cotton crops covered the land surrounding Venus. The town’s four gins stayed busy separating cotton fibers from the seeds and, in the process, providing jobs. Ben Mahanay and Charles Giddings were grocery and cotton buyers, and Glenn Balch was one of the first ginners. (information from “Images of America – Johnson County” by Mollie Gallop Bradbury Mims)
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In 1891, the Cleburne Fire Department was established as a volunteer organization, with J. A. Lindgren as chief. There were three teams of horses, three trucks, 24 volunteers, and three paid drivers. In 1905 a, new building was constructed for use as a fire hall and city hall. The first motorized equipment was purchased in 1913 and by 1919, Old Tom and the other horses were retired. By 2013 the department had a 55 person, fully paid department operating three stations and a fire administration office. (The photograph and information below are courtesy of Mollie Mims, author, Images of America Johnson County)
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Hiram L. Bicknell (pictured below) was elected Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 in 1931. He served in this position until he passed away during his 4th term of office.
********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Cleburne Chronicle, August 9, 1873: What is a Grange? A grange is an organization of farmers and ranchers formed to educate and unite all those interested in agriculture and animal husbandry in a community. The organization informed members of the best time to sell and how to price their products. Grange officers wore costumes and ceremonial regalia. They also offered help for widowed women. (Partially from “Johnson County, Texas, a Pictorial History, Volume 1)
*************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In her day this lady was considered “outlandish”. In the early days of Cleburne it was not considered safe for a proper lady to walk on the west side of the Square. At the turn of the century there continued to be cases filed against madams keeping “disorderly houses” in Cleburne. In 1915 any male person over fourteen years of age who knowingly rode in a vehicle or walked on the street with a woman who had a bad reputation could be considered guilty of a misdemeanor and fined $5 - $100.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Pictured below are the Cleburne High School Junior Class Officers of 1945.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Joshua 1902: Rural mail was carried by horse drawn hack. On the porch (with mustache) of the West Grocery and Post Office is C.C. West, Post Master. Rural carrier, Tom West, stands by the hack with one horse, Dan Rice sits in the hack with two horses and Noble West is standing between the hacks.
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The first hospital in Cleburne was established by Dr. Wm. Yater in 1905. The hospital boasted a horse-drawn ambulance. The building was a large, two-story frame house built with porches extending across the front, upper and lower floors. Dr. Yater operated the sanitarium/hospital until his death in, when the structure became a commercial building. Pictured below is a birth certificate form from Dr. Yater’s sanitarium/hospital. (information from “The History of Johnson County, Texas” by the Johnson County History Book Committee, Mollie Gallop Bradbury, Chairman)
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The photo below shows E.C. Adams Hardware and Lumber Co. in downtown Godley 1949. (information from “The History of Johnson County, Texas” by the Johnson County History Book Committee, Mollie Gallop Bradbury, Chairman)
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Wright Plaza is one of the oldest buildings in the city, built in 1893 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Originally built in 1893, the Wright building is now home to Wright Plaza and the Heroes Café, Joyful Soul Boutique, Southern Spirit boutique and many more locally-owned businesses.
- The building was originally home to a meat market, a grocery, a lunchroom, and a candy store and in 1899 A.J. Wright purchased the building, turning it into Wright Dry-Goods Company. Business was booming for Wright and in 1916 he purchased the adjacent building as well. Today, that building is home to the Plaza Theatre Company on Main Street.
- In 1924 he’d expand even further and build the Liberty Hotel directly across the street. The inside of the Liberty Hotel was rebuilt in 2004 and is still open today, making it one of the oldest hotels in town.
- Local legend also goes that the Wright building is haunted, with locals walking the street reportedly seeing the apparition of a young woman staring down into the street from the second floor of the historic building. Visitors to the building have also experienced an unexplained aroma of perfume.
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The first public school building in Cleburne was erected in 1883 on the site of the old Baptist College building. This structure was red brick with white rock trim. It was built on a 6 1/2 acre tract of land give by B.J. Chambers. This building burned down in 1886 and classes had to be held in the Varsity Theater. A new school building was built and served as both school and City Hall. In the spring of 1908, during the administration of Superintendent R.G. Hall (pictured below), a new high school was constructed on land donated by Mrs. Isabel Kelley, daughter of B.J. Chambers.
*******************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In the early 1900’s band members and local citizens gather around the circle in downtown Alvarado. Thriving businesses included: Brown’s Barber Shop, Perkins Creamery, the Alvarado Bulletin, Leary’s Drug Store, Fern’s Sandwich Shop, Alvarado Theater, Johnston Grocery, and the City Café. A historical marker and gazebo are now I the circle. (information from “Images of America – Johnson County” by Mollie Gallop Bradbury Mims)
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Towns & Communities in Johnson County, Texas
* indicates a current town or community.
|
|
Allard |
1888 Church/School near county road 405 near present day Lake Alvarado. |
|
* |
Alvarado |
|
|
|
Antioch |
1868 Once called Hugh. Three miles NW of of old Grandview. |
|
|
Apache Court |
|
|
|
Auburn |
|
|
|
Barnesville |
1853 Between Alvarado and Grandview. |
|
|
Bathesda |
1855 6 miles S of Burleson |
|
|
New Bethany |
1903-1960 Three miles NW of Alvarado. Known as Head's chapel. The community was actually Fairview. |
|
|
Old Bethany |
1872 Land purchased by Hymrick Hooker for 50 cents per acre. |
|
|
Billingsley |
|
|
* |
Bono |
1860's 7 miles W of Cleburne. Settled by travelers from Tupelo, MS |
|
|
Briar Oaks |
|
|
|
Buchanan |
|
|
* |
Burleson |
|
|
|
Burton |
|
|
|
Cahill |
Between Lillian and Interstate 35 |
|
|
Center Point |
1852 Settled by George W. Quick |
|
* |
Cleburne |
|
|
|
Concord |
|
|
|
Cottonwood |
|
|
|
Cotton Valley |
Formed by the consolidation of three schools, Cottonwood, Prairie Valley, and County Line School |
|
* |
Cresson |
|
|
|
Cross Timbers |
|
|
|
Cuba |
|
|
|
Danci |
|
|
|
Easterwood Chapel |
1851 W of William Balch's Place(Alvarado) |
|
|
Egan |
1853 - 6 miles east of Joshua |
|
|
Freeland |
1856 - Start of the Goodnight-Loving Trail |
|
|
Goatneck |
|
|
* |
Godley |
|
|
* |
Grandview |
|
|
|
Greenfield |
1857 An area formed by 2 communities; Greenbriar & Stubblefield |
|
|
Greenfield |
|
|
|
Happy Hill |
|
|
|
Highland |
|
|
|
Hines |
|
|
|
Hogan Acres |
|
|
|
Hopewell |
|
|
|
Island Grove |
1859 West of Grangeview. First family was Skunner |
|
* |
Joshua |
|
|
|
Keeler |
|
|
* |
Keene |
|
|
|
Klondike |
1000 acre of land located along the Brazos River. On the mountain back of the Klondike were 70 or 80 Comanche graves. Fern Cave is located on this mountain. |
|
|
Lakeview Estate |
|
|
|
Lane Prairie |
1868 Between Cleburne and Joshua, an active church is still there. First settled by W.F. Sims. |
|
|
Lebanon |
|
|
|
Liberty Chapel |
|
|
* |
Lillian |
|
|
|
Lone Willow |
|
|
|
Marystown |
|
|
|
Mount Carmel |
|
|
|
Mountain Valley Estates |
|
|
|
Nolan River |
|
|
|
Oak Hill |
|
|
|
Oakland |
|
|
|
Odom-Auburn |
|
|
* |
Parker |
|
|
|
Pleasant Point |
Pleasant Point was located at CR 1010 and FM 917. There was an Eighth Grade school which later consolidated with Godley. |
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Shown below is the Hayden home in Grandview. Merchant and physician G.W. Hayden and his family thrived during Grandview’s growth and its incorporation in 1891. Their ornate home was among the 90 destroyed by fire in 1920. At the time, Grandview was a town of 1,500 residents. The blaze also claimed 45 businesses. (information from “Images of America – Johnson County” by Mollie Gallop Bradbury Mims)
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Just after the Civil War, Jim Easterbrook and Bud James established a brick yard on the east bank of East Buffalo Creek. Bricks were made in multiple molds from the yellow and white clays found in the Woodbine formation in the eastern part of Cleburne. In addition to providing bricks for homes and businesses in Cleburne, some were carried to other construction sites throughout the County by their ox team, “Lep and Log”. (information from “The History of Johnson County, Texas” by The Johnson County History Book Committee. Mollie Gallop Bradbury, Chair)
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Pictured below is Wilson Brothers Hardware in Burleson around 1910. (information from “The History of Johnson County, Texas” by the Johnson County History Book Committee, Mollie Gallop Bradbury, Chair)
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Godley town officials for 1913 were M.J. McKnight—Mayor; W.H. Alfrey, H.M. Hughes, C.D. Odom, I.T. Vickers, YH.S. Forrest, B.F. Crabtree—Aldermen. M.D. Heath, Officer; Rev. B.H. Oxford, Attorney, H.S. Forrest, Secretary, E.S. Gates, Town Marshall.
Some of the ordinances passed were: no hitching to awning post, no obstructing sidewalk by horses or any other animal, no riding horseback on or along or across streets faster tan a common ordinary gallop. No driving any automobile faster than 8 miles per hour, and a curfew law for persons under the age of 18 years: to be off the streets, alley, or public places in the town of Godley after the hour of 9:00 PM unless accompanied by a guardian or parent. These ordinances were adopted September 1, 1913. (information from “The History of Johnson County, Texas” by the Johnson County History Book Committee, Mollie Gallop Bradbury, Chairman)
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Mr. John Renfro of Cleburne was charged with slander after Miss Williams of Johnson County refused his company. Miss Williams’ father sued Mr. Renfro for slander. When Mr. Renfro ran into Mr. Williams on the south steps of the Johnson County Courthouse prior to his slander trial, he promptly shot him 5 times! Renfro was tried and sentenced to hang but his attorneys requested, and were granted, a stay of execution from the Governor of Texas. The stay of execution expired and the attorneys requested a second stay of execution from the governor. The photo below shows the telegram sent by the governor’s office denying the request and ordering the Johnson County Sheriff, W.A. Stewart to proceed with the hanging immediately. Mr. Renfro’s attorneys then put in a plea of insanity which was rejected and Mr. Renfro was hanged on July 27, 1900.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
In 1922 the moist serious strike in the history of the Santa Fe in Cleburne occurred. All employees of the shops struck for higher pay. The situation became so tense that the governor sent Texas Rangers to keep order. The strike ended with the advantage going to the railroad company, the strike never having been settled. Many of the strikers lost their seniority, and many others were ever reinstated. The outcome was disastrous to the families of the strikers. Several businesses had to closed because of the reduced revenue resulting from loss of customers. The photo shows the railroad employees in 1920. (information from “The History of Johnson County, Texas” by Mollie Gallop Bradbury, chair of the Johnson County Book Committee)
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Caddo Peak is located about 2 miles north-west of Joshua. It is approximately 350 feet above the surrounding county side. There are names inscribed with dates as early as 1836! To the north is the Santa Fe Trail, on the west was located a horse race track which was frequently visited by outlaw Sam Bass. To the southwest was Caddo Grove. Many stories, including ah Indian burial ground being o top of Caddo Peak are show in several family histories. (information from “The History of Johnson County, Texas” by Mollie Gallop Bradbury, chair of the Johnson County Book Committee.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The town of Joshua was recorded and surveyed in 1880 and was first organized when the railroad line was extended through Joshua in 1881. Joshua was originally to be named Caddo Oak but the Postal Service would not accept the name due to the fact another town in Texas was already called Caddo Oak. When Joshua’s first postmaster received the notice, Dr. D.B. McMillan was present and offered the name of Joshua.
Farming was the principal source of income for Joshua residents and cotton was the chief crop. In 1883 the first cotton gin was constructed by J.M. Garrett and later a second gin went into operation. At one time 2,500 to 3,000 bales of cotton were ginned annually.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Did you know?
Johnson County Sheriff, Oran Floyd Smith was elected on November 8, 1932; re-elected numerous times. Sheriff Smith served until January 1, 1947 – 14 years which put him in a tie with Sheriff Earl H. King who served from 1950 thru 1965. These gentlemen served the longest time of service in Johnson County history to date. Thank you to our past and current officers for their services to Johnson County and its citizens.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The city of Cleburne is named after a Confederate general in the Civil War.
In the mid 1800s Cleburne wasn’t known as Cleburne, Texas, it was Camp Henderson, Texas, a temporary outpost where soldiers would depart from for war. General Patrick Cleburne—an Irishman who became an American soldier and also a successful and respected leader in the military—led troops from the Camp Henderson outpost into battles such as Battle of Stones River and the Battle of Ringgold Gap. His strategic ability to use the terrain to his favor earned him the nickname “Stonewall of the West” and eventually the camp was renamed in his honor in 1867, following his death in battle in 1864. (information from “Remember When” by Clyde Head)
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The photo below shows the Mezpah Gate at SWAU in Keene. (information from “A Collection of Historical Markers Johnson County Texas” courtesy of Dan Roberts)
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Gold in Johnson County?! Johnson Countians had hopes of mining gold in Johnson County. In 1902 Frank Green and E.E. Vinson of Keene were digging a gold mine and found nuggets of varying richness. The gold being mined in their shallow shaft was insufficient for commercial mining, but they believe that by going 50 feet deeper, a great quantity of gold could be found. They attempted to induce interested parties to invest capital in the venture in order to dig down to bedrock, where they believed a large quantity of gold could be found. The venture never proved successful and the hope of finding gold in the county was abandoned. (information from “The History of Johnson County Texas” by the Johnson County History Book Committee, Mollie Gallop Bradbury, Chair)
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In 1892 a group of citizens living near Dallas chose a committee to purchase land for a school in Johnson County. This committee financed the purchase of 800 acres a few miles east of Cleburne for $8000. They brought all their belongings in covered wagons and began to clear the land and build houses, most living in tents during the first few winter months.
In January 1894 the first school building was completed, and the school, known as the Keene Industrial Academy, opened with 56 students. The principal was C.B. Hughes. The school building doubled as the first Seventh-day Adventist Church in Texas, organized with 67 members.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The photo below shows the Cleburne Ice House on North Border Street in 1908. The person on the right standing on the platform is Edward W. Bossert.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Bictured below are the 1950 Senior class officers at Cleburne High School. President: Lynn Swatzell, Vice President: Bobby Lane, Secretary: Hanna Rosser, Representative: Ann Holland
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The photo below shows the Alvarado Square in 1878.
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
After a part of Johnson County was cut off from Hood County, an election was held to move the county seat closer to the center of the county. By an election on March 23, 1867 voters decided to move the seat from Buchanan to Camp Henderson, a military staging area. The site was later renamed for the confederate war hero, Major General Patrick R. Cleburne. (painting by Louis Guillaume)
*************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Charles Kirkham was born in Cleburne in 1925 and graduated Cleburne High School. He joined the Army in September 1943 and was assigned to the 94th Infantry Division in London, England during the buzz-bomb attacks in August 1944. He landed at Utah Beach three months after D-Day. After the war, Kirkham served in the Texas House of Representatives and worked for Merrill Lynch for 40 years; he retired as a vice president and senior financial consultant in Cleburne
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
September 6, 1895, Alvarado, Texas – On the south side of the square, midway on the block, was a saloon, the Blue Front, which became notorious for its record as a place for drinking, gambling and questionable occupants on its second floor. Nina Myers, under a charge of vagrant, attempted to kill herself in a room on the second floor. She had failed to secure money with which to pay a fine and did not wish to go to jail. (information from “Ruminations of Alvarado’s Historic Past” courtesy of Jeannette Gibbs)
*********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
October 12, 1894 – It was reported that saloons had been selling liquor on Sunday and Mayor Wrigley offered a reward of $25 for information leading to the conviction of anyone charged with selling liquor on Sunday.
December 14, 1894 Alvarado, Texas – Saloons were violating the Sunday law, and “houses of ill repute” were also declared to be operating in the county. It was further stated that a “vile intoxicant” was being made and sold in the county under the name of grape wine and that much of it was being sold and consumed. (information from “Ruminations of Alvarado’s Historic Past” courtesy of Jeannette Gibbs)
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
When Texas Governor, Stephen Hogg was 17 years old he worked for the newspaper in Cleburne. In May of 1892, after being elected Governor, he was back in Cleburne for a political rally and stayed at the Cleburne House Hotel located on the corner of North Main and West Henderson. When the hotel burned down in the 1930’s hundreds of spectators came to watch.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Alvarado as described in the Cleburne Chronicle, April 10, 1869:
Alvarado is still a small village but if age gives any privileges, then this place is entitled to a centennial mention. About twenty-five years ago the first house was erected by William Balch. The house occupied by Dr. Edwards (lately improved by him) and the store which Atchly and Davis ad Ligon houses. The spirit of improvement has recently visited the village and a good many neat residences and commodious business houses have been erected. There are now about three or four dozen families residing there.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Cleburne Chronicle July 18, 1869: On Monday evening last a difficulty occurred between John Gregory, living near Cleburne and a Mr. Henderson, which resulted in the death of the latter. It appears that an old grudge had existed between them for some time, and on Monday evening Henderson went to Mr. Gregory’s house, considerably intoxicated, and made some threats and Mr. Gregory shot and killed him. In July of 1869 the case was still under investigation.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Today Johnson County has 4 Precincts and 4 Constables. In 1899 we had 8 Precincts and 8 Constables:
- Precinct 1 – Al Boyd Precinct 5 – Claude White
- Precinct 2 – G.W. Beaver Precinct 6 – J.W. Hurst
- Precinct 3 – W.E. Riddle Precinct 7 – O.M. Renfro
- Precinct 4 – J.S. Brigance Precinct 8 – Sam Womble
*********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
During the wee hours of April 1, 1917, a storm swept through Cleburne demolishing buildings and causing destruction in several neighborhoods. The Trinity and Brazos Valley freight depot and Tokes & Brewers Wagon Yard were among the buildings demolished. (information from the April 6, 2019 Cleburne Times Review article by Mollie Mims)
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Planters Oil Mill Company was a thriving business in Alvarado between 1900 and late 1920’s. Employees included manager, John Hallman; Clerk, Leslie Hardee and Superintendent, Ollie Walker. The structure burned in the spring of 1934.
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Major Elbert Monroe Heath is known as the father of Johnson County. At the organization of Johnson County in 1854, the Texas Legislature appointed Major Heath as Special Commissioner on organization of the County. In the first election for county officers, he was elected Justice of the Peace. Major Heath is the gentleman on the right. (information from “History and Description of Johnson County” a reproduction with name index added by L. Malcolm Basham and W.D. Basham)
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In September of 1931 Mrs. Mae Derby shot Cleburne fireman, Mack Horn, 5 times as he stood by his car on south Caddo Street west of the Liberty Hotel! Mr. Horn died of his wounds later at a hospital (Meadowlawn Sanitarium). Mrs. Derby was Mr. Horn’s ex-wife and the month before Mr. Horn had assaulted Mrs. Derby’s current husband, Roy Derby. Mrs. Derby turned her pistol over to Deputy Sheriff George Rice and told him Mr. Horn had threatened to kill her and her new husband. In November 1931 Mrs. Derby was acquitted due to mitigating circumstances.
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
On December 20, 1877 the outlaw Sam Bass, along with two partners, stopped a Fort Worth-Cleburne stage coach. They disarmed the driver and robbed passengers of $11.25. One outlaw was shot by a witness and Bass left him to die. Less than a year later, Bass was killed in Round Rock, Texas. The robbery took place 4 miles north of Joshua on SH 174.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
On April 21, 1875 two men, pretending to sell gold for currency, attempted to rob the T.D. Lorance bank and the Brown & Chamber bank in Cleburne, but were prevented at the latter by Cashier Hartsough, who was severely wounded. A ball pistol of one of the men entered Hartsough’s upper lip, passed out in front of the wind pipe and lodged against the collar bone. Inspite of his wound, Hartsough continued to fire at the men, thereby attracting other citizens. The men escaped and although later located in Collin county, they escaped again and were ever heard from after that.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The advertisement below is from the August 5, 1898 Alvarado Bulletin.
*************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The photo below is from the 1907 Cleburne Times Review and shows the Johnson County Commissioners Court circa 1907. Pictured are (top row) R.P. Drennan, John I. Rodgers; (bottom row) G.W. Humphries, Judge F.E. Adams, and John W. Shropshire.
*************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The advertisement below is from the August 5, 1898 Alvarado Bulletin.
*************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Sometime in 1900, Burleson businessman E.M. “Good Roads” Wilson (1872-1956) began publishing The Burleson News. In 1932 Wilson sold the paper to Robert Garland Knox Deering and John Searcy, but Deering and Searcy dissolved their partnership and Deering became the sole owner in 1935. Shortly after World War II, Deering modernized the newspaper by purchasing a Model 14 Mergenthaler Linotype, which is currently on display at the Burleson Visitors Center. In 1958, the newspaper became The Burleson Dispatcher after a contest was held to rename it, and the final edition was printed on September 25, 1985.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
An important change in the economic climate of Johnson County came with the railroads. The first railroad to be constructed in the county passed through Venus in 1854. In 1881 Cleburne was connected by rail with Dallas. That same year the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe was completed through Johnson County. This line was eventually extended to connect the Texas coast with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe line in the north. In 1898 Santa Fe repair shops were opened in Cleburne. They constituted a vital part of the local economy and included maintenance and construction facilities and a switchyard. Other early railroads in the county included the Missouri, Kansas and Texas (Katy) and the Texas and Brazos Valley, commonly known as the Boll Weevil.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Pictured below are some of the businesses on the north side of the Cleburne square in 1872 including T. D. Lorance general merchandise and the Chambers & Brown Bank. Cleburne had a population of around 200 at the time and there were several log homes, boardinghouses, saloons, a 10-pin alley and a general store. Fresh water came from Joe Shaw’s springs on Buffalo Creek. (Courtesy of the Layland Museum)
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Facts about the Johnson County Courthouse
2 Main Street
Cleburne, Texas 76033
Our current Courthouse was built at a cost of approximately $194,000 and was opened in November of 1913. It was designed by the Dallas firm of Lang & Witchell American Construction. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building includes matched and polished panels of dark Georgia creole marble covering much of the interior walls with the exterior partially clad in Texas red granite from Burnet County.
There are accidental “pictures” in the marble - Transformer (yep, the robot one!), the Grinch, several dogs, the batman signal, and many more. The photo below shows the six-story high, open rotunda from the inner-expanse of the clock tower. It was crafted of both stained and clear textured art glass and is surrounded by carved wooden wall art.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Patrick R. Cleburne was born in County Cork, Ireland on March 17, 1828. He followed his father, Dr. Joseph Cleburne into the study of medicine, but failed his entrance exam to Trinity College of Medicine in 1846. Following his failure to enter the medical field, he enlisted in the 41st Regiment of Foot of the British Army and rose to the rank of corporal. Following his discharge in 1849 General Cleburne immigrated to the United States and settled in Helena, Arkansas where he was employed as a pharmacist. As far as is known he never came to Texas. General Cleburne had no slaves, but when the Civil War broke out he fought beside his friends and neighbors from Helena.
After many successful battles and acts of bravery General Robert E. Lee referred to General Cleburne as “a meteor shining from a clouded sky.” In 1864 General Cleburne put forth a proposal to the Army of Tennessee that would emancipate all slaves if men of fighting age would join the Confederate cause and help to secure southern independence. His proposal was met with silence from the group. But later was vigorously attacked by General William Walker who supported slavery and saw Cleburne as a rival for promotion. Three times in the summer of 1863 General Cleburne was passed over for promotion and remained a division commander until his death.
Major General Cleburne was the most popular Confederate division commander in the war and was referred to as the “Stonewall of the West.” Instead of the usual battle cry of “Forward”, General Cleburne’s battle cry was “Follow Me!” General Cleburne was killed in the battle of Franklin, Tennessee in November of 1864. During the battle he had two horses shot out from under him and continued on foot until his death. In 1864 General Cleburne became engaged to Susan Tarleton of Mobile, Alabama. Upon hearing of his death, Ms. Tarleton fainted and fell to the ground.
After the war, the men of Johnson County who had served under him requested that Camp Henderson be renamed Cleburne in his honor.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The Coffman family opened the first drugstore in Rio Vista in 1898. They also sold general merchandise and groceries and operated a fountain. After a fire destroyed the building in 1914, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Coffman erected a two-story building, with his store on the first floor and the Masonic Lodge on the second floor. The contents of the business were sold to Roo0f Drug in 1964. (The photograph and information below are courtesy of Mollie Mims, author, Images of America Johnson County)
********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Adams Elementary School was erected in 1892 as a wooden structure and was then called South Ward. The school was named for Judge F. E. Adams who was known to take an interest in the school and teachers. The school was a two-story structure with three rooms on each floor. At first, they didn’t have desks, but used chairs and put their books under them. The 6th graders had gardens. The boys’ garden was on the west side and the girls on the east. They raised vegetables and sold them to neighbors. The money was used to buy pictures for the room. The school had a fence around it with no gate. (Johnson County Texas, A Pictorial History Vol. 1)
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
From the “Localettes” column of the August 13, 1900 edition of the Cleburne Daily Enterprise:
- Mrs. Mollie Henderson of Dallas is in the city to visit her sister, Mrs. W.W. Thompson.
- Pid Hart, of Southern Johnson County, one of the solid men of the county, spent Saturday among friends in Cleburne.
- Mrs. J.S. Richards is visiting in Dallas.
- Miss Katherine Habermacher is visiting friends in Southern Texas and will be in San Antonio, Flatonia and Shiner during her absence.
- Mrs. D.M. Robinson who is visiting friends in Fort Worth, is expected to arrive home the last part of the week.
- Miss Donnie Sawyer came in from Blum yesterday and is a guest of Dr. Hugh Tucker, North Main.
- Rev. Farr, of Lebanon University, TN delivered two excellent sermons yesterday at the C.P. church
- Little Henry Blackwell is quite sick at his home on South Anglin with slow fever
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Cleburne Times Review June 30, 1933: H.B. Wofford, a farmer living about three miles south of Joshua, probably owes his live to a neighbor, Jim Sims and his German Shepard Police Dog. Wofford was attacked by a bull at his farm and was severely injured. Mr. Sims attempted to get the bull away from Mr. Wofford, but to no avail so he called is dog into action. The dog would taunt the bull ad Wofford would get up but the bull would immediately turn his attentions from the dog to the man and knock Wofford down again. Finally, the dog grabbed the bull by the flank with his teeth and held the bovine until Mr. Sims could drag Mr. Wofford under the fence. Mr. Wofford sustained body bruises ad had his lungs bruised. Fortunately, the bull ad been dehorned or he would have killed him in spite of the efforts of Mr. Sims and is dog.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Charlie Breech was mayor of Cleburne from 1910 until his death in 1916 at the age of 51. It was said that he had to die to be removed from office because his opponents couldn’t defeat him in an election. Mayor Breech was also the “largest” mayor to serve at the time, weighing better than 300 pounds! He is buried in Cleburne Memorial Cemetery.
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The picture below shows the construction of the M.M. Pittman home in 1900. The home was located at 723 North Main Street in Cleburne. Mr. Pittman owned and operated the Pittman Mill where he made flour, meal, bran and chops. Brand names were “Queen of Cleburne Flour” and “Big A Patent”. The home was torn down in 1959 to make way for the new Cleburne Shopping Center. (Johnson County, Texas. A Pictorial History, Volume 1)
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
H.G. Bruce (on the right), was a captain in Co. H. 20th Texas Cavalry, Bass Regiment during the Civil War. He was from near Godley (NW of Cleburne) and was captured by Union forces at the Battle of Honey Springs in 1863. He spent the remainder of the war in Federal prison camps in the North. Photo courtesy of his great granddaughter, Hattie Lou Harp Alfrey of Godley. The solider on the left was not identified. (information from “One Hundred Years of Godley History 1883-1983” compiled by Ina Mae Carrell of Godley, Texas)
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In 1904 the Model Dry Goods Store in Venus had a special opening to show off its fall millinery. The store was located on the north side of the square. Other stores on the Venus square included Renfro Hardware, Charles Gidden Grocery, Singleton and Poteet Grocery and Shytles Drug store. Pictured below in from of Model Dry Goods are, from left to right: Mrs. W. C. Briggs, two unidentified, Mr. Nigos, Dee Shytles, W. C. Briggs and Dorman Allen. (This photograph and information courtesy of Mollie Mims, author, Images of America Johnson County).
********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The second Johnson County Courthouse built on the square opened in 1883. This courthouse was designed by architect Wesley Clark and built by Lee Slaughter & Co. at a cost of $44,685. The courthouse burned down on April 15, 1912. (Yep, the same day the Titanic sank!) Sadly, City Marshall Bledsoe died fighting the fire.
********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In 1903 Mrs. C.W. Mertz and Mrs. C.B. Stratton lead a drive to raise funds to have North Anglin sprinkled with water daily to settle the dust. The ladies canvassed the homes on North Anglin to raise the needed funds. (picture below courtesy of Theatre Arts Collection, UT Austin)
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Ed Persons and his brother, Jim, were early day Cleburne grocery and feed merchants. They operated Persons Brothers Prunia Checkerboard Store on North Main. Back then just about everyone had a milk cow in their back lot and a flock of chickens. Soon the City of Cleburne passed an ordinance prohibiting hogs and other animals inside the city limits, but some folks still had a buggy horse in the lot with their milk cows. (information from Clyde Head’s “Remember When” article)
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
When establishing Joshua, the post office submitted the name “Caddo Grove” which the US Postal Service declined. When Post Master, W.L. West received the news, Dr. D.B. McMillan was present. He stated, “I’ll give you a name that they won’t have a duplicate of – name the town Joshua.” The suggestion was submitted and accepted. The photo below shows the Josha Post Office in 1902. (from Joshua: As It Was and Is – 1853-1976)
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In 1880 Venus was known as Midway and thoughted the best soil in the county. It was estimated that the soil was 300 feet deep near the town. The town of Midway (Venus) was founded by Samuel B. Truelove who gave 90 Acres for the townsite. The town had a grocery store, Baptist Church, Post Office, and Doctor Boles’ office. In 1893, after the railroads came about 3 miles east of the site, Dr. Fontaine renamed Venus because it was on a beautiful prairie and was named after the Greek Goddess of Beauty. (information from Jack Carlton paper “Venus-AKA Midway”)
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The photo below shows an advertisement from the August 2, 1895 Alvarado Bulletin.
*********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Cleburne is home to Yellow Jacket Stadium, more commonly known as The Rock, one of the most revered and respected football stadiums in Texas.
- At the end of the Great Depression in 1939, The Rock was built, which is the same football stadium that Cleburne High School still uses today as its home field. The historical landmark is not actually located at the high school but is located closer to the center of town.
- The stadium was constructed to replace Rhome Field, the original home of Cleburne football, and where Cleburne won the first UIL State Football Championship in 1920. The new stadium, according to former Cleburne ISD Superintendent Ernest Guinn, was built on six and a half acres of another former superintendent’s pasture. It provided employment to locals who needed to work during the Great Depression. The project cost $80,000 at the time.
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
No permanent Indian villages existed in what is now Johnson County, though Indians, including Tonkawas, Kickapoos, Anadarkos, Caddos, and Wacos, hunted in the area. In 1851 the Caddo Indians led an uprising that forced many of the early settlers to abandon their homes, most of which were subsequently burned. No other serious Indian conflicts occurred. (information from Texas State Historical Association)
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Wright Plaza is one of the oldest buildings in the city, built in 1893 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Originally built in 1893, the Wright building is now home to Wright Plaza and the Heroes Café, Joyful Soul Boutique, Southern Spirit boutique and many more locally-owned businesses.
- The building was originally home to a meat market, a grocery, a lunchroom, and a candy store and in 1899 A.J. Wright purchased the building, turning it into Wright Dry-Goods Company. Business was booming for Wright and in 1916 he purchased the adjacent building as well. Today, that building is home to the Plaza Theatre Company on Main Street.
- In 1924 he’d expand even further and build the Liberty Hotel directly across the street. The inside of the Liberty Hotel was rebuilt in 2004 and is still open today, making it one of the oldest hotels in town.
- Local legend also goes that the Wright building is haunted, with locals walking the street reportedly seeing the apparition of a young woman staring down into the street from the second floor of the historic building. Visitors to the building have also experienced an unexplained aroma of perfume. (information from Cleburne Chamber of Commerce)
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Pictured below is the Cleburne High School girls Basketball Club in 1955.
- President – Carolyn Heffley
- Secretary – Beverly Austin
- Treasurer – Marilyn Gatton
- Sponsor – Miss Lily Paul Fraser
************************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Alvarado Woodmen of the World Post 215 prior to merging with another Post. The only unit remaining in the county is WOW Cleburne No. 4, which was formed in 1891. (This information is courtesy of Mollie Mims, author, Images of America Johnson County. The photo is of the current WOW building)
*********************************************************************************************************************************************
Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The first permanent settlement in the vicinity of Johnson County was a trading post near Comanche Peak (northwest of Cleburne), operated by George Bernard starting in 1849. William Balch and his family surveyed the area near Alvarado sometime during the same year, but did not return to settle in the region until 1851, ty which tie Sam Myers ad family had arrived and put down roots; Balch donated land for the city cemetery that bears the family name. Both of these men signed the petition in 1854 forming Johnson County. (information from “Old Soldiers and Settlers of Johnson County” compiled by Paul B. Martin Volume 1)