Austin Daily Statesman, Sunday, July 23, 1899

Wheeler’s Store

For several years before the building of the railway and the laying out of the village, the community that now embraces Manor was known officially to the United States postal authorities as Wheeler’s Store, and old settlers still tell of a letter to a Swedish immigrant from his ancestral home which reached the proper person, bearing no superscription save his name and the words,“Wheeler’s Store, Nord Amerika”. After the village of Manor was laid out it came near getting another name and in fact, was officially designated as Gregg for several months. The explanation given by Capt. J. T. Gregg and others is that when the petition for the establishment of Manor post office was ready for transmission to Washington it was sent by Capt Gregg and Blackstone Davis to Austin for the official indorsement (sic) of the Austin postmaster. In a spirit of fun, they decided to take the liberty of changing the name to Trot, which was the soubriquet of a charming little girl who then lived in that vicinity. After Capt. Gregg returned home the Austin postmaster discovered that Trot looked too much like the name another post office in the state to be available, so at the suggestion of some one present, the name Gregg was substituted and Gregg it became, to the surprise and embarrassment of both Capt. Gregg and Mr. James Manor, from whose plantation the town was laid out, and in whose honor every one expected it to be named. After several month’s delay a petition forwarded to Washington secured the desired change and the post office, as well as the village became know as Manor.

Manor Laid Out

In the winter of 1871-72, Manor was laid out on a tract of 200 acres of black waxy prairie constituting part of a grant of 1280 acres that had been made many years before by the Republic of Texas to James Manor, a former Tennessean. By terms of the agreement between Mr. Manor and the railway company, a rectangle embracing 200 acres was laid out into streets and lots and Mr. Manor deeded alternate lots to the company, retaining the others. From that time to the present, Manor, though somewhat handicapped by her location almost in the shadow of the capitol, and by the springing up of other villages, has grown steadily and sturdily, and today has a population of nearly one thousand, who do a very thriving business with the rich agricultural country surrounding the village on every side.

THE ARTESIAN WELL

Manor has an artesian well yielding an abundance of mineral water resembling that on the capitol grounds in Austin. The enterprise of sinking that well was started by a stock company that raised $4000 to begin the work. Work was commenced in September, 1895, and at a depth of 1000 feet the tools were lost and a new hold had to be sunk, At 1250 feet a gusher strongly impregnated with sulphuretted hydrogen was struck. The money becoming exhausted, $2000 was raised and the hold was sunk deeper. At 2200 feet the entire $6000 was gone, and no good water was in sight. The stockholders sold out to J. E. Wildbahn, who invested $2500 more, sinking the hole to 26 feet, where the purest flow was struck. The well is now leased to W. J. Daugherty, who uses it at the Manor Ginnery and furnishes some twenty or twenty-five homes with the water by means of a system of pipes.

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

To a critical observer it might seem that the development of Manor’s public school system has not kept pace with her industrial development, but her best citizens are keenly alive to the situation, and public sentiment already demands facilities second to none. A graded course of study is being worked out now and will be adopted soon. The board of trustees is composed of leading citizens, and the teachers who have been chosen for next year are well qualified and thoroughly competent to fill their respective positions. The forward movement now on foot will result in a graded course of study, a special district and a new building that will be the pride of the village. The trustees are Messrs. J. W. Davis, J. H. Allison and [C. M.] Bell. The teachers for the schools for white children are Prof. John McKion, principal Mrs. Alice Vickers, first assistant, Miss Minnie Chamberlain, intermediate department, Mrs. Hattie Cain, primary department. Besides the above there are two teachers for colored children and one for Mexican children, who seem not to have been chosen as yet for next year. Of the 463 children of school age in the district, 276 are white, 154 are colored and thirty-three are Mexican

THE DISCIPLES

The Disciples of Christ, also designated as the Christian church of Manor, were organized in 1857 in a school house some five miles from where Manor now stands. Among the early ministers were elders W. J. Jones and Wright Rutherford and “Father” Strickland, as he was affectionately called. By 1871 the congregation had so increased in numbers that they built what is still called the“Rock church” some five miles northwest of Manor. Among the pastors at Rock church were: Elders A. C. Hill, J. D. Wilmot, W. J. Jones, S. P. Sten, G. W. Williams and E. W. Dabney. In 1880 the present Christian church of Manor was established as a mission church. It grew rapidly, eventually absorbing the greater part of the Rock church membership. Among the ministers who have served the congregation are: Elders J. A. Lincoln, John Ferguson, C. S. Martin, A. C. Hill, J. L. Holland, J. W. Marshall. W. H. Trainum and C. E. Smoots. The church now has a membership of nearly 300, with a strong Sunday school, and a Christian Endeavor society.

MANOR BRASS BAND

The Manor Brass band will complete the tenth year of its existence next August. It has new uniforms and good instruments, and is well trained.. Its organization is as follows: A. K. Anderson, leader and tuba, Gust. Abrams, second tuba; A. Finn, baritone; Albert Peterson, E-flat cornet; Charles Howser, solo cornet; Herman Meyer, first cornet; Felix Lundgren, first tenor; Gust Meyer, second tenor; Ahlin Peterson, first alto; Gust Felder, snare drum; Franke Hanke, bass drum.

STATION AGENT BARROW

T. H. Barrow, the courteous and efficient agent of the Houston and Texas Central Railway at Manor is a native of England. He has lived in Texas twenty-nine years, most of which time has been spent in Travis county. He learned telegraphy in Austin, and began with the Houston and Texas Central seventeen years ago as operator at Giddings, where he remained two years. Earning promotion, he was transferred to McDade, where he served as agent for five years and was then called to Houston as train dispatcher. His health was not good at Houston and after some two years of service as train dispatcher he was obliged to ask for a transfer to a more healthful climate. Coming to Manor some eight years ago, he at once identified himself with the interest of the growing town and has embraced every opportunity to assist in its industrial development. In conclusion it may be mentioned that Mr. Barrow is the efficient representative of the Statesman at Manor.

THE TUESDAY BOOK CLUB

One of the newest and livliest and most commendable of Manor’s social organizations is that one which, while it has not yet seen the second anniversary of its birth, has become widely known over central Texas as the“Tuesday Book Club of Manor.” The club was organized in October 1897; and its purpose is the social and literary improvement of its members. Membership is open to any white woman of good moral standing who is not less than 18 years old. Election, however, is by written ballot, and three dissenting votes may exclude the candidate. As the name indicates, meetings are held Tuesday afternoons. The expense is slight, considering the benefits to be derived, there being an admission fee of 50 cents, a book fee of $1.25, and a monthly fee of 10 cents. There are three degrees or grades of membership. Of these the“book” member pays her fee and reads and attends meetings entirely at her own option; the“literary” member has the same duties and privileges as the book member, except that she must attend regular meetings and take part in the programs. The“social” member has the duties and privileges of both the forgoing with the additional duty and privilege of entertaining at her home. The club has a club room comfortably furnished, and already has a library of 120 volumes carefully selected, and embracing poetry, essays, history, biography, travel and recent fiction. The officers of the club are: president, Miss Lucile Manor, vice president and treasurer, Miss Elizabeth Bitting; secretary, Miss Eugenia Richmond’ librarian, Miss Rebecca Riggle; critic, Miss Fannie Crockett; reporter, Mrs. W. J. Daugherty; book committee Miss Fannie Crocket, Mrs. Reuben Anderson, and Mrs. William Vickers. The ladies composing the club are Misses Lucile Manor, Elizabeth Manor, Fannie Crockett, Bettie Crockett, Annie Gregg, Francis Gregg, Anne Watson, Lucretia Darlington, Elizabeth Bitting, Eugenia Richmond, Rebecca Riggle, Elizabeth Wheeler, Minnie Chamberlain, Pattie Gregg, Nellie Fields, Alice Giles, Laura Giles, Belle Boyce, Mary Almquest, Maud Rector, Sallie Rector, Fannie Lane, Mary Lane, and Mesdames J. E. Davis, Marion Tichnor, Reuben Anderson, J. A. Hill, Wm. Vickers, W. J. Daugherty and C. W. Bell.

POSTMASTER J. M. HARRELL

Postmaster Harrell was born fifty-two years ago at Webberville and spent most of his boyhood on the frontier. At the age of 16, he joined the rangers, serving five years, coming out as captain of Company“K”. After retiring from the ranger service in 1870, he spent some years farming and merchandising in Burnet county, finally coming back to his farm near Manor. He became postmaster in July 1897. Capt. Harrell’s efficiency as a postmaster has already attracted the attention of his official superiors, and he has been especially complimented by the United State postoffice inspector.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS

Manor Lodge No 210, K. of P., was organized in 1894, and now has a membership of 32. The officers are A. K. Anderson, chancellor commander; B. W. Giles, vice chancellor commander; W. B. Raney, prelate; Oscar Sjoberg, master of work; W. H. Wentland, keeper of records and seals; S. W. Vaughn, master of exchequer; W. B. Rector, master of finance; J. H. Parsley, master-at-arms; John Sellstrom, inner guard; W. G. Thies, outer guard.

WOODMEN OF THE WORLD

David Camp, No 63, W. O. W., was organized in June 1893, and has 53 members. The officers are: W. J. Hickman, C. C.; W. J. Daugherty, Adv. Lieut.; J. E. Sellstrum, banker; G. P. Bittle, clerk; James Flint, escort; J. J. Miller, watchman; W. M. Weatherford, sentry; W. M. B. Howell, E. T. Keltner, W. P. Thurman, managers; W. T. Richmond, and W. E. Gillespie, camp physicians, A. K. Anderson, past council commander.

THE HOME FORUM

Travis Forum, No 1454, Home Forum Benefit Order has the following officers, President  D. Lacker; W. J. Hickman, treasurer; F. O. Hankie, secretary; M. E. Thurman, orator, G, M. Thurman, assistant orator; J. J. Miller, guard, Joe Mxxxe, historian; B. Y. Thurman, sentry; W. H. Jones. Wm. Luedecke, J. Braxxxl, trustees; W. E. Gillespie, medical examiner.

ROYAL ARCH MASONS

Manor Chapter, No 127, R. A. M. was organized at Webberville and was removed to Manor in 1893. It now has a membership of twenty-seven. The officers are as follows: J. H. Ireland, H. P; Dan H. Reeves, K,; J. W. Brown, S.; W. H. Jones, C. H.; J. J. Parsley, P. S.; W. H. Wentland, R.A.C.; T. M. Rector, Treas.; J. W. Davis, Sec.; George M. Loveless, M. 3d V.; J. T. Folmer, M 2d V.; W. H. Hill, M. 1^st V’ S. H. Hill Guard.

KNIGHTS OF HONOR

Manor Lodge, No 1600, Knights of Honor, was organized in August 1879 and now has forty-nine members. The officers are: M. C. Abrams, dictator, W. H. Wentland, vice dictator’ Chas. Daum, assistant vice dictator, James M. Harris, reporter’ E. V. Darlington, treasurer; John E. Hill, chaplain; E. F. Galaway, guide; I. C. Howse, guardian, J. G. Harrell, sentinel; W. H. Jones, W. T. Galaway, J. A. Puckett, trustees; T. H. Barrow, sitting past dictator.

ST. JOSEPH’s CHURCH

St. Joseph’s Catholic church was organized in 1887 as a mission by Father Toohey of St. Mary’s church in Austin. It has a membership of about 100 and is served by pastors sent out from St. Mary’s.

THE COLORED CHURCHES

he colored people of Manor have three churches, the First Baptist, Rev. John Winn, pastor; the Second Baptist, Rev. Martin Hurd, pastor; and the Methodist, Rev. A. M. Mason, pastor. All three sustain flourishing Sunday schools.

JUSTICE R. J. NIXON

R. J. Nixon, Manor’s able and impartial dispenser of justice, is a native of New York, but has lived in Texas for the past twenty-three years, coming first to Austin and going two years later to Manor, where he has lived ever since, being engaged in mercantile pursuits. Justice Nixon is now serving his second term, and his legal decisions and documents have received high commendation from all attorneys and judicial officers who have had occasion to examine them.

MANOR GUN CLUB

The Manor Gun club, organized in April of the present year, has already made a creditable record in competition with other clubs. The organization of the club is:

H. C. McClenahan, president, E. W. Raney, vice president, A. K. Anderson, secretary and treasurer, J. W. Davis, Henry Imhoff, E. V. Darlington, E. T. Gregg, J. D. Taylor, directors.

BLUE LODGE MASONS

Blue Lodge Masonry is represented by Parsons lodge, No 222, A. F. & A. M. established in August, 1858. The lodge is in a prosperous condition, having about thirty-five members. The officers are as follows: W. T. Richmond, W.M; W. H. Jones, S.W.; W. H. Wentland, J.W.; T. M. Rector, treasurer; J. J. Parsley, S.D.; Wm. H. Hill, J.D.; J. W. Davis, secretary, S. H. Hill, tyler.

CONSTABLE Z. L. PUCKETT

Constable Zack Puckett, whose name is a terror to evil doers far and near, was born forty years ago in Bedford county, Tennessee, and moved to Texas with his parents in 1876 coming direct to Manor, where he has lived ever since. Zack was on of seven sturdy boys, all of whom were under 20 years of age when their parents came to this state. Constable Puckett is known to all the sheriffs in this part of Texas as an efficient officer, fearless and tireless in the discharge of duty.

C. F. ROHMBERG

One of the most attractive places in Manor is the photographic studio of C. F. Rhomberg, with its samples, representing many of the pretty faces of Travis and adjoining counties. Mr. Rhomberg is a master of his art, having had twelve years’ experience of which the last five have been at his present studio. Technical skill, painstaking care, and reasonable prices have brought. Mr. Rhomberg work from a constantly widening territory, his business having increased each year. Besides the carious branches of photographic work tinting and color work are carefully and artistically done at Rhomberg’s studio.

THE MANOR LUMBER COMPANY

The Manor Lumber Company, recognized as one of the most potent factors in the industrial development of Manor and surrounding territory, was organized September 1, 1894, by Messrs. J. W. Davis, F. L. Hillyer and V. Ellis. At the time the company was organized Mr. Davis and Mr Hillyer had each had some ten years’ experience in the lumber business and consequently knew it in all its details, so at the outset the new firm was able to take the leading position it has since occupied. In March, 1896, Mr. Ellis’ interest in the business was bought by Dr. J. E. Hill, widely and favorable known as one of Manor’s representative citizens, since which time there has been no change in the personnel of this enterprising firm. Having ample capital at its disposal, the Manor Lumber company buys in large quantities, 40 to 50 car lots, netting the advantage of low prices, which it is thus enabled to share with its customers. It carries a large and carefully selected stock of first-class lumber, handling long-leaf pine exclusively. The volume of business has increased every year since the company was organized, reaching close to $40,000.00 last year. Nearly all its stock, rough as well as finished, is well protected by sheds, effectually guarding against the warping effects of the sun. The shed capacity aggregates about 14,000 square feet. Persons intending to build find it a great practical convenience, as well as a means of materially reducing the cost, to place their orders with this firm, as it carries not only all the material needed in the woodwork of an entire house, but also a complete line of builders’ hardware, materials for brick and stone work, and plastering, windows, paints, oils, and varnishes, in short everything needed in the construction of a modern house. 

THE ALPHA HOTEL

No surer index to the progress and the enterprise of any town can be found than is given by its hotels. In this respect Manor is singularly fortunate and compares favorably with many large places. The leading hotel of Manor, the Alpha House, is convenient of access, being but a few rods south of the railway station. For the past four years this popular hotel has been under the efficient management of Mrs. Clara Bozeman, who before coming to Manor had extensive hotel experience in Illinois, the Indian Territory and in east Texas. Under the present management the Alpha hotel has become famous among traveling men as serving the best meals in the best style of any hotel along the line between Austin and Houston. This reputation certainly is well deserved, as the fare is ample and varied, well cooked and appetizing and is neatly served in modern hotel style. For convenience of location, for courteous treatment and for good fare the Alpha hotel is without a rival. Another feature that commends it to the traveling public is the factor that in the entire history of the present management no patron has ever missed a train by reason of not being called or not having meals on time.

>THE MANOR GINNERY

The Manor Ginnery, John Daugherty & Son, proprietors, and W. J. Daugherty manager, was built in 1890. Four gin-stands were put in at first, and three years later, on account of a growing business, the number was doubled. This is one of the most important enterprises in Manor, giving employment to about a dozen men, and turning out more than three thousand bales in a season. The ginnery is now being overhauled and equipped with new machinery, including a new boiler of 100 horse power, new gin-stands and distributors and a new round-bale press. The square bale press, with a capacity of thirty bales a day, will be retained, however, for the accommodation of those who prefer it. The round-bale press now being put in by the Manor Ginnery is not of the monopolist variety which occasioned so much controversy last year among cotton men, but a new one known as the Lowry round bale press, sold by the Texas Planters of Dallas. It has a capacity of about forty bales a day. In putting in this round-bale press the Manor Ginnery has conferred a great benefit upon the cotton growers of Travis county, as the ginnery charges are 70 cents less on the round bale than on the square bale. Besides a prominent firm of buyers has already guaranteed 1-4 of a cent more on the pound of all the Manor cotton put into the Lowry round bale, thus making a total difference of about $1.95 on the round bale of 500 pounds. Not withstanding this great saving, due to the use of ducking instead of jute bagging as a wrapper for the bale, and to the greater practical convenience of the round bale, the Manor Ginnery is prepared to cater to all and will give its patrons the round or the square bale at their option, meeting all competition and turning out work second to none. During the coming season it will have a capacity of forty round and thirty square bales each day.

MANOR BAPTIST CHURCH

The Baptist church of Manor was organized at what was known as the Post Oak school house some three miles southwest of Manor, before the village was laid out, and moved to Manor soon afterwards. Among those who organized the church were Mr. and Mrs. James Manor, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Eppright, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson Chamberlain, Mrs. and Mrs. Sam Chamberlain, Mr. and Mrs. James Sterling and Mr. and Mrs. David Eppright. Of the above the last named couple are the ones one now left. The church has a membership of 174, with a Sunday school of about 100. Among the pastors have been such men as Revs. R. H. Tallaferro, E. R. Gentry, Woodliff Thomas, Pinckney Harris, J. S. Abbott, A. J. Holt, W. D. Beverly, J. D. Wright, T. H. Storts, R. R. White, J. A. Arbuckle, J. E. Hamilton and J. W. Vermillion. Rev. J. A. Stephens has just been called to the pastorate.

MANOR HOSE COMPANY

Manor Hose company, No. 1, was organized in 1890. It has thirty-four members and an equipment of a Rumsey Hand pump, 600 feet of two-inch hose and a set of extension ladders. The officers are: A. K. Anderson, chief; R. J. Nixon, secretary; O. Sjoberg, treasurer; W. H. Wentland, foreman; Van Darlington, first assistant foreman; John Sellstrum, second assistant foremen; H. A. Zimpleman, engineer; xxxx Finn, B. Canova, stewards; A. L. & J. C. Harris, Jr. nozzlemen.