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History in
a Pecan Shell
John Campbell
left Ireland in 1855 with the purpose of starting a ranch in Texas.
He became the first postmaster for the people he convinced to make
the trip with him and of course he ran the first store as well. But
he also held church services in his home and started the first school.
In 1890, they had a population of 30, with 3 churches to hold services
for them. This population actually dropped for awhile, but was regained
by 1914. With the arrival of the railroad
in 1912 (The San Antonio, Uvalde and Gulf), the town changed from
a ranching community to a ranching community with a railroad. |
H.
H. Graham's Saddle & Harness Maker, 1886 photo
Click on photo for large image
Photo courtesy Malcolm
Jacob Collection
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Campbellton City
Limit
POP. 482
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, February 2009 |
Campbellton closed
business
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, February 2009 |
An overgrown
house in Campbellton
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, February 2009 |
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Campbellton,
Texas Forum
Subject: Campbellton,
TX
Dear Texas Escapes, First let me say, "Good Job"!!! I really enjoy
your website!!! Next, I am writing to give you a little extra info
on this little town in Texas, Campbellton.
In 1833, my great great great grandfather, Thomas Henesey,
came to Texas from Ireland. He was granted a Spanish Land Grant in
the McGloin & McMullen Colony in the area of Campbellton, in fact,
if you look on a plat map of the county you will see the town of Campbellton
was completely inside his land and his name is still on the records
today. The story goes that due to the Texas War for Independence he
was unable to claim his land grant around and encompassing Campbellton
so he petitioned the government of Texas for another land grant after
the war which is validated per letters I found in the Texas State
Archives. My grandfather had settled in the Powers Colony after the
war. It was not until 1853 that his petition for a headright land
grant was finalized and he was awarded his land but in Calhoun
County, where his name is also on the county plat map. Sad thing
is that by the time the process was finished and it was granted to
him he was deceased. His death took place around 1850 as best I can
tell from documents and records.
His younger brother, Walter Henesey, came with him from Ireland but
died in the War for Independence from Mexico. My great great great
grandfather only had one child, a son, Thomas Hennesey, from which
my lineage springs. I have been amazed at what I have learned about
my family in my research in the last five years. It has been so very
exciting. Thanks again for all your hard work. - Warmest Regards,
Angela Warren Orlando, February 18, 2007 |
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1940s Atascosa
County map showing Campbellton, Atascosa River, and The San Antonio,
Uvalde and Gulf Railroad
Courtesy Texas General Land Office |
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