NashCompiled by Jean Caddel
Onion and Little Onion, about eight miles southeast of Waxahachie, is a rich and beautiful valley. At the crossroads of FM Road 55 and Nash-Howard Road, in the center of a two by eight mile valley, is the community of Nash. In the early days, it was thought to be unsurpassed in fertility and productiveness by any section in the state, and the excellent soil and crops caused it to receive the name of Garden Valley. The town was named for County Attorney, N. J. Nash. A store was opened in the fall of 1882 by Benjamin Reid. A post office operated from 1883 to 1903. Postmasters were Benjamin Reed, July 12, 1883; Lewis Cole, Jan. 12, 1887; James R. Satterfield, Dec. 21, 1887; Tyra O. Cheatham, Jan. 16, 1895; John W. Miles, April 1, 1898; George W. Wakeland, May 2, 1901; Thomas R. Moore, Dec. 1, 1901; E. Smith, Feb. 24, 1903; discontinued June 30, 1903 and mail sent to Waxahachie. At one time there were several business houses, a gin, a good school, and churches. About one mile southwest of Nash are two fine wells or springs of water which furnished water for Nash for years. The country around the town is prairie, and there is a considerable quantity of timber along the creeks with shade trees of natural growth. Many years it is green throughout the winter months with the wild rye and winter grasses that grow so abundantly all around the county. About one half mile west of Nash on Forreston Road, you will find Glenwood Cemetery where many of the early pioneers of Nash are buried Physicians who practiced at Nash and vicinity were: Drs. Bob Satterfield, Stokes, van Clieve, L. S. Nelson and Tate Miller. The Nash school was established around 1875. Pioneer settler Thomas Alexander Williams brought his family to the Garden Valley area in 1873. He wanted an education for his children so he donated land in 1875 for a school building. The first building burned in 1913, and the current building was erected. There were only three teachers, but the school holds fond memories for Nash residents of yesterday. In 1938, the school doors closed and students were transferred to nearby school districts.
Ladies of the community held quiltings. The Wakeland home was right across the road from the school. Maurine Wakeland, wife of "Jew" Wakeland, told of the Nash ladies holding an all-day quilting for them just before they married. "I came down from Fort Worth for the day and they insisted that I work on one of 'our quilts.' It didn't take long for one of the ladies to suggest that I help set the tables for lunch. How was I to know that the stitches were supposed to be small and close together - I had never even seen a quilting frame! I thought all bed covers came from a department store!" America was at war in 1942 and fathers were called into service. President Roosevelt asked communities to plan entertainment at home since gasoline rationing had rendered the country almost immobile as far as travel was concerned. Walter Love, known as General Love, was County Agent. He suggested that a family club be organized and named the Nash Victory Club. The ladies served a bounteous meal to those charter members, and a vow was made to keep the club going, no matter how hard times were. For 44 years, people gathered each third Tuesday night of the month, except for the two hottest months - July and August. Cold winter nights did not deter the members, since a large pot-bellied stove and two space heaters kept the old building cozy and warm. In 1986 the officers were: Allene Herrington, president; Roland Spence, vice president; Hazel Feaster, secretary/treasurer; W. A. and Mary Alyce Jenkins, building rental committee and Maurine Wakeland, reporter. The club continued to attract new families as they moved out from the cities to the peace and quiet of the lovely countryside. Each Christmas, Santa Claus landed his reindeer on the roof and found his way into the high-ceilinged center room, graced by a large, gaily decorated Christmas tree. He called the children by name and distributed the gifts. Everyone was always welcome at this historical, nostalgic old building. On Nov. 18, 1980, A Texas State Historical Marker was dedicated for the Nash Public School. Tom Curlin was introduced by Club President Gordon Matteson and there were two people present who had been students of the school over seven decades ago - Mrs. L. L. Curlin and W. J. "Bud" Lanier. Both were 92 years old at the time. Many descendants still live in the area or nearby communities including the Edmundsons, who are descended from the Wakeland family. Another well known person (living in California) who has ties to this community, is Tippi Pyle, wife of Denver Pyle. The group continues to meet each month in the old school house and anyone who has an interest in the Nash Community is welcome.
References: A Memorial and Biographical
History of Ellis County, Lewis Pub. Co. Chicago. 1892 [In addition to Jean Caddel's history of this community, the following information has been contributed by Collier Nash Smith]
"History of Nash
Community Goes Back
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