Mason in Mason County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Whorlie Well

Photographed By James Hulse, December 4, 2023

1. The Whorlie Well Marker

Inscription. Named for a victim in famous "Hoodoo War", provoked by cattle rustling in Mason County. John Whorlie (or Worley), a deputy sheriff, on May 13, 1875, lost a prisoner to a lynch mob. On Aug. 10,1875, Whorlie was killed and scalped while working on this well. His killer was identified as Scott Cooley, a friend of the lynched man. Masonic burial for Whorlie was conducted by the McCulloch Lodge No. 273, A.F. & A.M., of which he was a member.

No one in Mason County was ever convicted for wrongdoing in the "Hoodoo War", but after 1876 law, order, and peace were restored.

Erected 1971 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 11299.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is May 13, 1875.

Location. 30° 44.916′ N, 99° 14.539′ W. Marker is in Mason, Texas, in Mason County. Marker is on Farm to Market Road 1871, 0.1 miles west of South Avenue D, on the left when traveling south. The marker and well are located along the southeast side of the highway at the bend in the road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mason TX 76856, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Joseph's Catholic Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Two Sheriffs of Mason County (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Comanche-German Meeting

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(approx. half a mile away); Holmes & Bierschwale Law and Land Office (approx. half a mile away); The Commercial Bank (approx. half a mile away); Hofmann Dry Goods Company (approx. 0.6 miles away); Methodism in Mason County (approx. 0.6 miles away); Spring Street Church (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mason.

Also see . . . Mason County War. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)

The Mason County War, commonly known as the Hoodoo War, was one of a number of feuds that developed over the stealing and killing of cattle. As early as June 25, 1874, Wilson Hey, presiding justice of Mason County, wrote Governor Richard Coke requesting that troops be stationed in the county to help deal with cattle rustling. Since many of the settlers of the county were Germans, there began to be a perception that they were pitted against the American-born residents, and neither group was able to get protection from the cattle thieves. The trouble began seriously when the sheriff, John Clark, jailed nine men on charges of stealing cattle. Before a trial was held, four of them escaped,
Photographed By James Hulse, December 4, 2023

2. The Whorlie Well and Marker
but a mob of about forty men took the remaining five from the jail on February 18, 1875, led them to a place near Hick Springs, and hanged them.

(Submitted on December 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the Whorlie Well and Marker from across the field image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, December 4, 2023

3. The view of the Whorlie Well and Marker from across the field

Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.