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History in
a Pecan Shell
The town’s namesake
was South Carolinian Washington Steward, owner of the area’s first
gristmill. Settlement was 1849. Dr. James I. Bonner opened a general
in 1867 and a post office was granted in 1872. The post office closed
in 1914 and mail was routed through Kirvin.
The population was just 55 in the late 1930s and by the late 60s it
had declined to a mere 22. That number continues to be used on the
state map in 2008. Today only a few houses remain along with a church
and cemetery. The store became a Texas historic landmark in 1964,
and the church in 1965. |
Stewards Mill
Store today
Photo
courtesy David M. Sligh, March 2023
See Texas Then and
Now |
Historical Marker
Stewards Mill
Store, 1869
In settlement begun
1849 at Washington Steward's grist mill-- only one in area. Later
had post office, brick plant, sawmill and county's first phone exchange.
Still owned by heirs of early partner. Doorstep is original millstone.
1964 fixtures include first counters, bins, cabinets.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1964 |
Stewards Mill
Store historical marker
Photo
courtesy David M. Sligh,
March
2023 |
Harmony Church
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Photo
courtesy David M. Sligh, March
2023 |
Historical Marker
Harmony Church
This historic sanctuary
is one of the oldest church buildings in Freestone County. People
of the Stewards Mill community held church services in private homes
or in the schoolhouse prior to its construction. On Oct. 7, 1876,
the Awalts, Bonners, Robinsons, Stewards, Watsons and others met to
form an organization to erect a church building to be used by different
denominations on different days. On Dec. 9, 1876, Rev. Thomas Joel
Bonner preached the first sermon in the newly built church, and afterwards
the Texas Presbytery of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
organized here. The front-gabled rectangular plan church features
board and batten siding and paired entry doors with transom lights.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1965 |
Harmony Church
and Stewarts Mill Cemetery
Photo
courtesy David M. Sligh, March
2023 |
Stewarts Mill
Cemetery
Photo
courtesy David M. Sligh, March
2023
More Texas
Cemeteries
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Photographer's
Note:
My wife and I were in Stewards Mill yesterday. We were here 5 years
ago and were wondering if the 1869 Braggs General Store was still
standing. It is but barely. I believe within a year it will collapse
which is sad. Thankfully, the 1876 Harmony Church is standing proud.
- David M. Sligh, March 8, 2023 |
Stewards Mill
Store today in a state of disintegration
Photo
courtesy David M. Sligh, March
2023 |
Stewards Mill
Store today
Photo
courtesy David M. Sligh, March
2023 |
Stewards Mill
Store today
Photo
courtesy David M. Sligh, March
2023 |
Stewards Mill
Store today
Photo
courtesy David M. Sligh, March
2023 |
1907 Freestone
County postal map showing Stewards Mill
N of Fairfield
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy
Texas General Land Office |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
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