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

Meritt Drane

(1837-1895)

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026

1. Meritt Drane Marker

Inscription.
Born in Shelby County, Kentucky, to Stephen and Birthia (Ford) Drane, Meritt Drane exemplified leadership in early Navarro County. His father was a wealthy farmer and stock raiser. Meritt's education consisted of homeschooling and learning how to manage his father's agricultural pursuits. In 1858, he decided to set out for Texas. In his own words, "The fire of youth...inspired us to seek the unseen and untried." In 1860, he married Malvina Todd Neal (1842-1896). The couple settled on 640 acres which his father later gave him, near Corsicana. Unable to fight in the Confederate army due to disability, Drane helped conduct the business dealings of the wives whose husbands were at war. After the war, he focused on farming and stock raising, finding great success and teaching many of his neighbors farming techniques in the Blackland soil.

In 1874, his family moved to Corsicana. From then to his death in 1895, Drane was a prominent business and civic leader in Corsicana and Navarro County. At first, he sold agricultural implements and machinery. He shared his business expertise to grow the commercial enterprises of the city.

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Later, he served on the school committee when the first three public schools were opened in 1882. The next year, Senator Roger Q. Mills named a new U.S. post office 'Drane' in honor of his many contributions to the county. Drane also played an active role in establishing the State Orphan Asylum (later changed to State Orphan Home) in Corsicana. His attentive eye to its development and condition, once opened in 1889, helped to make the home efficient and prosperous. Meritt Drane's dedication to economic prospects, education and the community led to the growth of the area, benefiting both the county and the state of Texas.

Erected 2022 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23646.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 32° 4.539′ N, 96° 30.425′ W. Marker is in Corsicana, Texas, in Navarro County. It is on North 45th Street (Farm to Market Road 2555) 0.1 miles north of Skylane Ave, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 410 N 45th St,

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026

2. Meritt Drane Marker

Marker is on the right; Corsicana State Home marker (11609) is on the left

Corsicana TX 75110, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Calvert Hall (here, next to this marker); Corsicana State Home (here, next to this marker); A Tribute to the Corsicana State Home Veterans (here, next to this marker); Odd Fellow and Rebekah Children's Home (approx. ¼ mile away); IOOF Home Memorial Bell Tower (approx. ¼ mile away); 15th Texas Infantry Companies E and G (approx. 0.6 miles away); Navarro Rifles (approx. 0.6 miles away); Stuart J. Beebe (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corsicana.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on August 31, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 2. submitted on September 1, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.