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History in
a Pecan Shell
The name was to
honor local resident Oliver P. Negley. Settler W. C. Gough opened
a saw mill here in the 1880s and it was around this business that
the community grew.
A post office was granted in 1892 and operated until 1908. In 1912
the post office was reopened and stayed open through the 1960s. The
population peaked in 1927 at 100 residents, but soon after the Great
Depression hit, it was reduced to a mere 25. Rebounding was not in
the stars for tiny Negley and it remained around 30 through the 1960s.
It slowly accumulated enough residents to reach 136 for the 1990 census
– where it remained for the 2000 figure.
Photographer's Note:
"Negley is located in the hardwood forests of NE Texas - a quiet region
and one that is nice to visit. About all that is present now is what
appears to be a hunting camp and a residence or two on the main road.
There is also an abandoned church. That always saddens me when I see
one.
Negley has been designated Site PPEE-117 of the Prairies and Pineywoods
Wildlife Trail - one that leads you on a memorable journey through
native grasslands and into the forests of East
Texas. About 2.5 miles up the road, the Tuggle
Springs Cemetery is a very picturesque place. Highly recommended."
- Gerald
Massey |
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Prairies and
Pineywoods Wildlife Trail
Photo
courtesy Gerald
Massey, August 2010 |
Tuggle
Springs Cemetery
Photo courtesy Gerald
Massey, August 2010 |
Historical Marker
Tuggle Springs
Cemetery
This burial ground
was established by Andrew Jackson Tuggle (1815-1877) a farmer who
moved here from Tennessee c. 1850 with his wife Elizabeth (1819-1895).
When a mother and infant died in 1864, Tuggle set aside property for
use as a cemetery and for a church and school. As settlers came to
the area, they began to use the burial ground, which is named for
Tuggle and for nearby natural springs. Besides early settlers, others
buried here include veterans of conflicts dating to the Civil War.
Today, the Tuggle Springs Cemetery Association, organized in 1960,
continues to care for the burial ground, which features Woodmen of
the World markers, grave slabs and vertical stones.
Historic Texas Cemetery-2007 |
1907 Postal Map
showing Negley in NE Red
River County
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. |
Negley,
Texas - December 24, 2010
TE's 2600th Town |
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