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

James W. Lauderdale

Photographed by Jim Evans, June 8, 2014

1. James W. Lauderdale Marker

The marker is located behind the bell tower

Inscription. This railroad bell was given in memory of James W. Lauderdale (1854-1914), Burleson County pioneer. He came by covered wagon caravan from Mississippi to Texas. In 1888 he married Florence Brooks. They had four children: Cyrus, Davis, Charles and Erin. Lauderdale was a land owner, rock quarrier and successful stockman with the first Hereford cattle in the area. He was instrumental in bringing Santa Fe tie plant to Somerville. Ties came from East Texas pineywoods via Beaumont branch, creosote from Germany via Galveston, water from Lauderdale's big lake (now Big Creek Marina).
Given in appreciation and with affection by his daughter Erin Lockhart.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.

Location. 30° 20.779′ N, 96° 31.705′ W. Marker is in Somerville, Texas, in Burleson County. It can be reached from the intersection of East 8th Street and Avenue A, on the right when traveling east. The marker is located behind the bell tower. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Somerville TX 77879, 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,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1906 Reunion of Hood's Texas Brigade (here, next to this marker); Somerville (here, next to this marker); Site of the Somerville Harvey House

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(here, next to this marker); First United Methodist Church of Somerville (approx. ¼ mile away); Thomas J. Gary (approx. 0.4 miles away); J.L. Woods’ Undertaking Company (approx. half a mile away); Yegua Center at Somerville ISD (approx. half a mile away); Somerville Stadium (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Somerville.

Photographed by Jim Evans

2. James W. Lauderdale Marker

Photographed by Jim Evans

3. James W. Lauderdale Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,021 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 10, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.