Leland
Leland, the only settlement between Alma and the Trinity River, was first
called "Spunkie's Ridge." Today, a farm-to-market road 1182 passes
the place where once stood a gin, store and school.
J. C. Carter, from Georgia, located here in 1870, followed soon after
by Samuel F. and Mary Webster. Their daughter, Madorah, married Carter.
In 1884, Dr. R. A. McCall arrived from Mississippi and lived with the
Carter family until his marriage to Miss Amanda Mackoy in 1884. His
practice covered the eastern part of the county. Ben Whitfield operated a
gin and the general store was owned and operated by J. C. Carter.
In 1894 a postoffice was established in a corner of the store with John
C. Carter postmaster. Walter A. Womack became postmaster Aug. 21, 1897
and was replaced by William J. Wasson Oct. 25, 1897. J.
E. Besse was appointed on May 19, 1899, but the appointment was rescinded
Jan. 19, 1899 and went to William J. Wasson, who served until Jan. 19, 1905,
when John H. Carter was appointed. The office was discontinued Oct.
5, 1906.
Dr. Jim Carter lived in the home of J. C. Carter in 1898 and, with other
doctors, was kept busy fighting malaria and jaundice. C. E. Shiflett
made wooden coffins and burials were made in the cemeteries at Chatfield
and Rice in Navarro County. Dr. Carter also owned a small drug store
across the road from the general store which was operated by John Hartley
Carter (son of J. C.)
The Sessions and Nickleson schools in Navarro County served the educational
needs of the community in early days. Hopewell school was built a short
distance from the businesses.
The nearest house of worship was the Primitive Baptist church located
at Price's Crossroads, a junction of two roads, one going east and west from
Alma to Neil's Valley and the other from north to south into Navarro County.
The church was built on land belonging to Columbus Neil, who offered
to deed the property to the church members - they delayed until the
land was sold to Mr. Herrington. Among the active members were the families
of Webster, Thomason, Carter and Gipson. The latter was a lay preacher
who often filled the pulpit. During inclement weather, he held services in
his home. (See Hopewell).
Other families who lived around Leland were Hobbs, Eddy, Hill, Reynolds,
Boggs, Brewer and Jinks. Jim Hobbs was the peace officer. The
general store closed when J. C. Carter died, and the building was purchased
in 1908 by S. Gipson, who re-stocked and opened it for business. Bill
Cashion was the next owner until 1928 when J. M. Gipson (son of S. Gipson)
bought it. The depression of 1935 forced the closing of the last Leland
business.
Oil was discovered in this area in 1950 and the wells produced from five
to fifteen barrels per day.
References:
Hawkins, et al Ellis County Historp Workshop. History
of Ellis County, Texas. Waco, Tex. Texian Press.
1972.
A Memorial and Biographical History of Ellis
County, Chicago, Lewis Publishing
Co. 1892.
U. S. Postal Records, Washiington, D. C.
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