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. 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.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Education • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.

Location. 29° 44.72′ N, 100° 23.676′ W. Marker is near Rocksprings, Texas, in Edwards County. It 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

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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.

Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least one other marker is within walking distance of this marker: Thurman Cemetery (here, next to this marker).

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 16, 2023

2. Site of Ranch of the Thurmans of Kickapoo Marker

The marker is on the right and the Thurman Cemetery Marker is on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 516 times since then and 40 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.