History
Serbin
Here in 1854 under the leadership of Rev. John Kilian Ev. Lutheran Pastor about 600 Wends seeking religious liberty established the first Wendish settlement in Texas. Erected by the State of Texas 1936
History
Serbin
Trilingual (Wendish-German-English) community founded 1854 by 588 Wends under leadership of the Rev. John Kilian. The Rev. Kilian (Evangelical Lutheran) named place Serbin because the Wends were descendants of Serbs. A thriving town 1865-1890; had grocery, dry goods, jewelry, drug and music stores; shops of wagon maker, blacksmith, saddler; post office, 3 doctors, 2 dentists.
History
Town of Lexington
Settled in 1837 in area then part of Burleson County; named for Massachusetts town where the American Revolution began. First inhabitants of the area were Tonkawa Indians. The first white settler was James Shaw (1808-1879), a young surveyor and teacher from Ohio. He received a land grant for service in 1836 in the Battle of San Jacinto.
History
Trinity Lutheran Church
Since organization on March 11, 1870, the center of religious, educational and social life in Fedor community. First to sign constitution of congregation were A. Handrick, A. Symmank, C. Dube, P. Pahn, A. Suchy, A. Bleumel. First pastor was the Rev. Johann Pallmer. On original board of elders were G. Boback, A. Lehmann, G. Schroeder.
History
Washington Cemetery
The land for Washington Cemetery and Bethany Colored Church was donated to former slave Charlie Washington by Henry Wenke Sr. after the Civil War. In addition to a Methodist Church and a Baptist Church, the cemetery and adjoining land was used by the growing Center Union Community. This community grew from former slaves seeking to purchase farmland.
History
William Preston (Bill) Longley
(October 6, 1851 - October 11, 1878) Texas outlaw Bill Longley was from a respectable family, but his hot temper, his fondness for liquor, and unsettled conditions during Reconstruction led him to become one of the most daring gunslingers of his day. He was said to have killed 32 persons before his capture in 1877. Tried for a Lee County murder, he was hanged in Giddings in 1878.
History
William W. Hawkins
(Star and Wreath) Soldier at San Jacinto, 1836. Texas Ranger, Republic of Texas.
Elsewhere in Texas
Hear it from the road
Whistlestop tells you this story automatically when you drive past. No searching, no tapping, nothing to ask.
