Near Rocksprings in Edwards County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of Ranch of the Thurmans of Kickapoo
(The Eugene Mayes Ranch, 1920 - 1966)
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, October 16, 2023
1. Site of Ranch of the Thurmans of Kickapoo Marker
Inscription.
Site of Ranch of the Thurmans of Kickapoo. (The Eugene Mayes Ranch, 1920 - 1966). In 1882 Joe Thurman and sons Bill, Sam and Jess became first permanent settlers on the west prong of the Nueces River. By 1895 neighbors included the Barksdale, Chapman, Cox, Ellis, Haley, Justice, Parham, Silman, and Tabor families. A brush arbor sheltered the first church, with Virgil Silman and A.J. Cox as preachers, and first school, with Perry Ellis as teacher. Joe Thurman acted as doctor, dentist, and coffin maker for this ranch community. His family raised fine horses for racing. In 1895 they matched their favorite against the horse of John Nance Garner, later U.S. Vice President.
In 1882 Joe Thurman and sons Bill, Sam and Jess became first permanent settlers on the west prong of the Nueces River. By 1895 neighbors included the Barksdale, Chapman, Cox, Ellis, Haley, Justice, Parham, Silman, and Tabor families. A brush arbor sheltered the first church, with Virgil Silman and A.J. Cox as preachers, and first school, with Perry Ellis as teacher. Joe Thurman acted as doctor, dentist, and coffin maker for this ranch community. His family raised fine horses for racing. In 1895 they matched their favorite against the horse of John Nance Garner, later U.S. Vice President.
Erected 1972 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4876.)
Location. 29° 44.72′ N, 100° 23.676′ W. Marker is near Rocksprings, Texas, in Edwards County. Marker is on Ranch to Market Road 674, 25 miles south of U.S. 377, on the left when traveling south. From Rocksprings take US Highway 377 south approximately 3 miles to RR 674; take RR 674 south approximately 25 miles. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rocksprings TX 78880, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, October 16, 2023
2. Site of Ranch of the Thurmans of Kickapoo Marker
Marker is on the right; Thurman Cemetery is on the left
Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 58 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 18, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
