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A
story not of a town, but of an enduring friendship
Just after the Civil War, veteran William Pugh had
the dubious distinction of being the first veteran to die after hostilities
ceased. He was a close friend to Pedro Torres and Victoriano Chapa,
sheep ranchers who lived across the river. Pugh left behind a widow
and six children and after his death, Victoriano would swim the river
to check on the welfare of the remaining Pughs.
When Victoriano grew too old to swim the river, his son Precalando
took over the chore, which continued until the Pugh children were
old enough to fend for themselves.
Ramirena had a post office from 1879 to 1921. No population figures
exist. Today the town has dissolved into ranchland, although descendants
of the families remain in the immediate area.
Our source reports that Thelma Lindholm of George
West, Texas who taught school in the area for 47 years, was a
direct descendant of Bill Pugh and taught many of the descendants
of Victoriano Chapa.
Both families are familiar with the story and their friendship continues
to this day.
by John
Troesser
Source: Little Towns of Texas, 1982, Jayroe Publishing, Jacksonville,
Texas. |
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Live
Oak County 1907 postal map showing Ramirena
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy
Texas General Land Office |
Live
Oak County 1920s map showing Ramirena
From Texas state map #10749
Courtesy
Texas General Land Office |
Live
Oak County 1940s map
Ramirena no longer on the map
From Texas state map #4335
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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