Slate Rock   Slate Rock, a natural spring, was located on the Trinity River between Hickory Grove and Sand Lake. It took its name from the color of the rock on the river bank. At one time, the ferry into Kaufman County crossed the river at this point. Traditionally, this was the hiding place of Cole Younger after he and the Jesse James gang robbed a train near Dallas. It was a favorite place for young people to go on an outing, but will always be associated with a tragedy which occurred April 13, 1924. Iola McCrary, Eva Mae McCrary, Lana Pipkin and W. J. Ferris were drowned while on a picnic. The young ladies were enjoying riding across the river on a cable when it broke and plunged them into the water. Mr. Ferris lost his life trying to save them. References: Hawkins, et al, Ellis County History Workshop, History of Ellis County, 1972. Interview Gordon Hill and A. Ferris   Copyright © 2002-2016, Ellis County TXGenWeb. All Rights Reserved. This page was last modified: Thursday, 01-Jul-2021 13:17:26 MDT