Near Gordon in Palo Pinto County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
William Whipple Johnson
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 22, 2026
1. William Whipple Johnson Marker
William Whipple Johnson, the oldest of seven children, was born on October 11, 1843 in Ionia, Michigan to Ethan S. and Jane B. (Whipple) Johnson. He attended school in Ypsilanti, Michigan and in 1860 formed a business partnership with his father and his younger brother Harvey. The three men provided merchandise to the people of Ionia and within several years expanded their interests to include real estate and a hotel operation. During the Panic of 1873 and the collapse of the national economy the business suffered greatly, and the men moved from Michigan, leaving their debts behind them.
By 1880, William and Harvey were in Strawn, Texas, where they opened a business in the name of Anna Fatzinger Campbell, who became William's second wife. The T&P Railroad reached Strawn that same year. William and Anna both served as postmasters, and the family established Campbell and Company, a mercantile that catered to local railroad workers. The Johnson brothers also secured a contract with the railroad to provide crossties for the line, and they created many jobs in the area for cutting cedar posts.
In 1885, with the death
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William Johnson expanded his business interests to include coal and other mining operations, and livestock trading. In 1905, he and Anna bought a 4,200-acre ranch outside of Gordon and erected a new mausoleum for their children's remains. Anna placed William's body there in 1914 and set aside money for a more permanent structure here on Salt Point. It was completed in 1923, a year after her death. The Johnsons are remembered for creating communities and business opportunities throughout Palo Pinto County.
Erected 2004 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13049.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is October 11, 1843.
Location. 32° 37.632′ N, 98° 20.342′ W. Marker is near Gordon, Texas, in Palo Pinto County. It is on Ranch to Market Road 3137 1.8 miles east of Farm to Market Road 919, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map.
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 22, 2026
2. William Whipple Johnson Marker
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. 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 Comanchería, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: First Baptist Church of Santo (approx. 7.3 miles away); Mingus Baptist Church (approx. 7.4 miles away); Thurber Junction and the T&P Railroad Presence (approx. 7.6 miles away); Robinson School (approx. 8.1 miles away); Joseph Peter Davidson (approx. 8.9 miles away); Site of Thurber Big Lake and Dairy (approx. 8.9 miles away); Snake Saloon (approx. 9.2 miles away); Thurber Cemetery (approx. 9.3 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on March 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 24 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 22, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
