Did You Know?
Johnson County Military Heroes of WWII
Thank You for Your Service
(The following information is from “The Men and Women in World War II from Johnson County". An extended list from the Cleburne Times Review edition 9/19/1943 is available on the Portal to Texas History at the University of North Texas: texashistory.unt.edu/search/guided search)
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Cpl. Joe B. Hayes, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Hayes of Alvarado, graduated from Lillian High School and entered the Army in 1942. He trained at Camp Howze and in California. Cpl. Hayes served Manila and Germany. He was awarded 1 Battle Star and the GC Medal.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Pictured below is the Cleburne Chronicle Newspaper office in 1872. It was located at 115 E. Wardville Street. Major Jack Davis transported the equipment by oxcart and set up the old George Washington hand press. He began publishing the Cleburne Chronicle in 1868. A. C. Scurlock bought the Chronicle in 1878 and published it for twenty-five years. (information from “Johnson County Texas – a Pictorial History – Volume 1” by Dan and Annne Leach)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Pleasant Point is an old community and most of the first settlers are buried there. It was located about two miles south-southwest of Lillian, which came into being along with the coming of the I.G.N. railroad in 1902. On November 7, 1904 the Lillian Institute opened; located to the east of the railroad tracks where a school building stood. Upon opening there were 55 pupils with ages ranging from 6 to 24 years of age. Teachers were G. S. Thomas and W. E. Miller. In 1906 the school changed to Lillian Independent School District. (information from Viola Block’s “History of Johnson County”)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Here in the JC Courthouse Museum we have numerous old photo negatives. We will be posting these here and on several other sites to see if the people in the negative can be identified. If you recognize your relative, you are welcome to drop by the Museum and pick them up. If you recognize someone but don’t want the negative, please contact Museum Administrator at dwest@johnsoncountytx.org. Donor: Cindy Anderson
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The photo below shows the stagecoach stop at Station Branch, southwest of Godley and a few miles south of the area where many hold-ups occurred in Johnson County. It is reported to have built in 1876 and was still standing The building had been a small troop station on the Military Road when this photo taken it was occupied by the Stephen Clements Terry Family. The building stood until 1998. (information from “Johnson County Texas – a Pictorial History – Volume 1” by Dan and Annne Leach)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In the early 1900s Cleburne had wo competing telephone systems when the Cleburne Automatic Telephone Company began operation. The exchange was credited with being the first automatic telephone system in Texas and advertised privacy. “Automatic Secret Service, The Cleburne Telephone Company has the only perfect system. Lower rates and better service – an individual line and secret service for each subscriber”. The photo below shows one of the 1900 phones. (information from “Johnson County Texas – a Pictorial History – Volume 1” by Dan and Annne Leach)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The photo below shows Dr. Gus Clements’ dental office in 1902. The office was located on the northeast corner of Henderson and Caddo Streets in Cleburne. (information from “Johnson County Texas – a Pictorial History – Volume 1” by Dan and Annne Leach)
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Johnson County Military Heroes of WWII
Thank You for Your Service
(The following information is from “The Men and Women in World War II from Johnson County". An extended list from the Cleburne Times Review edition 9/19/1943 is available on the Portal to Texas History at the University of North Texas: texashistory.unt.edu/search/guided search)
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Pfc. Edward E. Haverly, son of C.J. Haverly of Cleburne and husband of Imogene Jones, attended Cleburne schools and entered the Army in October of 1944. He trained at Ft. Francis E. Warren in Wyoming and served in the Philippines and Japan.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
After the trains arrived in Johnson County, cattle ranching changed. R.E. “Bob” Gatewood would round up to a train load of cattle for shipment to Chicago. Cattle shipping was big business. The Gatewood home (pictured below) still stans two miles south of Cleburne. (information from “Johnson County Texas – a Pictorial History – Volume 1” by Dan and Annne Leach)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In the early 1850’s, near where present day Joshua is located, was a small community named “Rock Creek”. The first known settlers were J. J. Mills, his family and son-in-law, S. B. Kirkham. A spring provided water for the young community. Pictured below is the Bell home in Rock Creek. (L-R) Jennie Bell, Egie Bell, J. D. Bell (toddler), Temple Bell, James Bell, Ray Bell, Bill Bell, George Lemmons, Johnny Lemmons.
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Johnson County Military Heroes of WWII
Thank You for Your Service
(The following information is from “The Men and Women in World War II from Johnson County". An extended list from the Cleburne Times Review edition 9/19/1943 is available on the Portal to Texas History at the University of North Texas: texashistory.unt.edu/search/guided search)
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S 1/c Betty Lou Hassell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Hassell of Hillsboro, graduated from Hillsboro High School and entered the Waves in September 1944. She trained at Hunter College, New York and Sioux Falls, Iowa. S 1/c Hassell served in San Francisco.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The Cleburne Chronicle reported that on November 19, 1871 the Mustang Mills, 8 miles SE of Cleburne was destroyed by fire. The cotton gin, press and a considerable quantity of seed cotton and grain were also destroyed in the fire.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Sam Bass and his outland gang, pictured below, returned to Texas in 1877 after a train robbery where they stole $60,000 in gold pieces in Big Spring, Nebraska on September 18, 1877. When the Pinkerton detectives and law enforcement got too close after this robbery, they ran for Johnson County, Texas. Bass loved horse racing. Two years previously he had bought a little sorrel mare, Jenny, for the racing festivities at Caddo Grove and Cleburne. (Information from the Texas State Library and Archives)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Here in the JC Courthouse Museum we have numerous old photo negatives. We will be posting these here and on several other sites to see if the people in the negative can be identified. If you recognize your relative, you are welcome to drop by the Museum and pick them up. If you recognize someone but don’t want the negative, please contact Museum Administrator at dwest@johnsoncountytx.org. Donor: David Anderson
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Park Hardware of Alvarado was the second oldest business institution in Johnson County. I apologize for the quality of the photo below, but here are the names as best I can discern: (Left to Right) Horace Park, Herbert Park and C.H. Park.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Johnson County, Texas, was officially created by an act of the 5th Texas Legislature on February 13, 1854. The land for the new county was carved out from parts of Navarro, Hill, and Ellis counties to save local settlers from making multi-day travels to conduct basic legal business.
Key Details of the Act:
- Name Origin: Named in honor of Colonel Middleton Tate Johnson, a prominent Texas Ranger, Mexican-American War soldier, and state legislator.
- Petition Leader: Local pioneer and settler advocate Major Elbert Monroe Heath drafted and led the petition of over 100 settlers that prompted the Legislature to pass the act.
- First County Seat: Established at Wardville in 1854 (now submerged under Lake Pat Cleburne), before moving to Buchanan in 1856, and finally to Cleburne in 1867.
(The map below shows Johnson County today. The old Wardville sight is now under Lake Pat Cleburne)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Business during the 1880s around the courthouse square included six saloons, a distiller, a shooting gallery, boardinghouses, and several grocery, drug and general merchandise stores. (Wow, six saloons and a distiller! Those Cleburne folks back then must have stayed really relaxed)
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Johnson County Military Heroes of WWII
Thank You for Your Service
(The following information is from “The Men and Women in World War II from Johnson County". An extended list from the Cleburne Times Review edition 9/19/1943 is available on the Portal to Texas History at the University of North Texas: texashistory.unt.edu/search/guided search)
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T/3 Frank W. Hass, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Hass of Burleson and husband of Doris Jo Wood, graduated Burleson High School and entered the Army in July 1942. He trained at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, Camp Phillips, Kansas, and Ft. Dix, New Jersey and served in France, Luxembourg, and Germany. He was awarded the ETO Ribbon with 5 Battle Stars, GC Medal, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star. He was Wounded in Germany in 1945.
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Did you know?
The photo below shows the grave stone of Mrs. Elizabeth Crockett. Wife of David Crockett. She passed away on January 31, 1860 in Jonson County (now Hood County). Her monument was dedicated on May 13, 1913. The grave site in Acton Cemetery was designated a state park in 1945, and is the smallest state park in Texas. (information from “Johnson County, Texas – A Pictorial History Volume 1)
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Did you know?
The photo below shows the planking built around the first home of Samual Houston Myers. He settled three miles north of Alvarado in 1851. On several occasions Myers entertained Sam Houston in this cabin, they may have been related. In 1870 the cabin was moved back to this original site and a larger log house was built. It was torn down in the 1970’s. (information from “Johnson County Texas, a Pictorial History” by Dan and Billie Anne Leach Volume 1)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Here in the JC Courthouse Museum we have numerous old photo negatives. We will be posting these here and on several other sites to see if the people in the negative can be identified. If you recognize your relative, you are welcome to drop by the Museum and pick them up. If you recognize someone but don’t want the negative, please contact Museum Administrator at dwest@johnsoncountytx.org. Donor: Brenda Carmichal
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The ad photo below is from the 1879 “A Farmers Directory” by A. J. Byrd:
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Johnson County Facts
Coordinates: 32 degrees North/97 degrees 22 W
Country: United States
State: Texas
Founded: 1854
County Seat: Cleburne
Largest City: Burleson
Area
Total: 734 Sq. Miles
Land: 725 Sq. Miles
Water: 9.8 Sq. Miles (1.3%)
Population as of 2020:
Total: 179,927
Time Zone: UTC-6 Central
Summer (DST): UTC-5 (CDT)
Congressional Districts: 6th, 25th
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Among loose items found in JCHC storage is a certificate addressed to crews of the USS Copahee CVE 12 (WW2) and fighter Squadron VGS 12 honoring crossing of the equator 9 times between 1942 ad 1946. Signed by H. S. Duckworth (likely Vice Admiral who served in the Pacific during WW2. If you have personal knowledge of this certificate thru a family member who served on the ship or in the fighter squadron, please the JCHC at (817) 556-6970.
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Here in the JC Courthouse Museum we have numerous old photo negatives. We will be posting these here and on several other sites to see if the people in the negative can be identified. If you recognize your relative, you are welcome to drop by the Museum and pick them up. If you recognize someone but don’t want the negative, please contact Museum Administrator at dwest@johnsoncountytx.org. Donor: Bob Bostck
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In 1904 Cleburne had a Cigar Factory. It was located at 301 East Henderson Street and was owned by F. D. Eyster. (information from Cleburne City Directory 1904)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The first courthouse on the square in Cleburne was built in 1870. It was a small brick structure but due to the county's rapid population explosion, it quickly became too small and has to be replaced.
A Look Back at the 1870 Courthouse
- Location: Town square, Cleburne, TX
- Cost: $10,033
- Contractor: Joseph W. Anderson
- The Era: During the early 1870s, the surrounding Cleburne area was transforming rapidly; between 1870 and 1880, the county's population swelled from just under 700 to nearly 18,000 residents.
(information from “Johnson County Century Recall 1854-1954”)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Here in the JC Courthouse Museum we have numerous old photo negatives. We will be posting these here and on several other sites to see if the people in the negative can be identified. If you recognize your relative, you are welcome to drop by the Museum and pick them up. If you recognize someone but don’t want the negative, please contact Museum Administrator at dwest@johnsoncountytx.org. Donor: David and Carrie Graff
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The advertisement below is from “A Farmers Directory 1879” by A. J. Byrd.
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Did you know?
Restaurants in Cleburne 1904
- W. J. Bratcher, Chile Stand, 112 West Chambers Street
- R. C. Wylie, Chile Stand, 111 West Chambers Street
- Tom Janes & Son Restaurant, 108 East Chambers Street
- H. H. Price, Barbecued Meats, 213 East Chambers Street
- J.L. Bailey, Restaurant and Confectionery, West Street
- J. S. Kemp, Barbecue and Lunch Counter, 208 South Main Street
- J. H. Kelley, Confectionery, 209 South Main Street
- C. W. Smith, Lunch Stand, 211 South Main Street
- J. T. Cook, Restaurant, on Market Square
- H. C. Booze, Confectionery, West Side of Square
- J. T. Atkins, Hamburger and Lunch, West Side of Square
- Bert Palmer, Restaurant, 423 East Henderson Street
- J. L. Warren, Restaurant, 203 1-2 East Henderson Street
(information from Cleburne City Directory 1904)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Established in 1898 at 3032 South Main Street, Cleburne’s Market Square began when 11 local men donated the land to the county to create a vibrant downtown hub. For generations, it served as a central gathering place for farmers and citizens to trade livestock, sell fresh produce, and exchange town news. Notice the 1883 Courthouse in the background.
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Johnson County Military Heroes of WWII
Thank You for Your Service
(The following information is from “The Men and Women in World War II from Johnson County". An extended list from the Cleburne Times Review edition 9/19/1943 is available on the Portal to Texas History at the University of North Texas: texashistory.unt.edu/search/guided search)
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F 1/c B.F. Harvey, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Harvey of Cleburne and husband of Elouise Austin, graduated Cleburne High School and entered the Navy in September 1942. He trained at Naval Airstation in Dallas and served in Invasion of Borneo and occupation of Korea.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The photo shows the key for the first Johnson County Courthouse built in 1854. Courtesy of the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Willie Denton College
Joshua was founded in 1882. Citizens donated money for a school and T. Denton not only gave money for a new school, he furnished the lumber for the school. He asked that the school be named after his wife, Willie Denton, daughter of W. L. West. The cornerstone was laid on July 13, 1899, and the school was completed in October of that year. C. W. Stubblefield was superintendent, J. C. Clayton superintendent, and J. C. Clayton was principal.
Teachers were: Misses Lea Job, Maggie Anderson, Eula Duke, and Allie Woodson. The first year 400 pupils enrolled.At the close of that term in 1900, 40 students received diplomas.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Here in the JC Courthouse Museum we have numerous old photo negatives. We will be posting these here and on several other sites to see if the people in the negative can be identified. If you recognize your relative, you are welcome to drop by the Museum and pick them up. If you recognize someone but don’t want the negative, please contact Museum Administrator at dwest@johnsoncountytx.org. Donor: Doyle Covington
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The 1883 Johnson County Courthouse was designed by Wesley Clark Dodson. The building had a bell tower, ornate decorations and was surrounded by dirt streets where what is now the courthouse square is located in downtown Cleburne. The courthouse was destroyed by fire on April 15, 1912 – the same day the RMS Titanic sank. Most of the valuable records were saved but City Marshall Albert Bledsoe who died in the fire.
Before fire
After fire
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Burnetta College, at Venus, operated from 1896 to 1906 under the sponsorship of the Disciples of Christ. The school was named for Burnetta Barnes. Its four-story frame building was built with contributions of $500 by the citizens of Venus and a $5,000 gift from A. D. Leach, who became the school's first president. The college opened with 250 students on September 7, 1896. At its largest Burnetta College had 350 day students, some boarders, and from eight to ten teachers. The building subsequently burned and was rebuilt, but the college was later abandoned, and the building became the property of the Venus public schools. (information from “Postal History of Texas”)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The first recorded jail in Johnson County, Texas, was established in 1858 in Buchanan, which served as the second county seat. Before this, the county's very first seat was Wardville (established in 1854), which utilized a small pioneer cabin for basic sheriff and law enforcement duties. The photo below shows the Johnson County jail in Cleburne built in 1938.
Johnson County Jails:
- Wardville (1854): The original 16-foot by 16-foot log cabin structure served as the frontier sheriff's office and courthouse. The original structure has been preserved and relocated to the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum in Cleburne.
- Buchanan (1858): The first official Johnson County jail was built here during Buchanan's tenure as the county seat.
- Cleburne (1938): As the county seat relocated, a prominent Art Deco jail was constructed in Cleburne. Built as a Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works project, this historic brick facility is a well-known local landmark today.
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Johnson County Military Heroes of WWII
Thank You for Your Service
(The following information is from “The Men and Women in World War II from Johnson County". An extended list from the Cleburne Times Review edition 9/19/1943 is available on the Portal to Texas History at the University of North Texas: texashistory.unt.edu/search/guided search)
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Col. Alva L. Harvey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Luther Harvey of Cleburne, graduated Rio Vista High School and entered the Army Air Corps in 1939. He trained at Kelly Field and Brooks Field and served in Puerto Rico and India-Burma. Col. Harvey was Commanding Officer at Kirkland Field and was awarded the DFC and CBI Ribbon.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The establishment of the Santa Fe shops at Cleburne commenced in 1898-1899. During that tie the following facilities were constructed:
- Roundhouse and 60 ft turntable
- Machine shop
- Boiler shop
- Wood shop
- Coach shop
- Paint shop
- Car repair shed
- Powerhouse
- Stack
- Pattern shop
- Storehouse and Supt. of Machinery’s office
In 1908 the roundhouse was extended and an 85 ft turntable installed A new coach, paint and wood working shop were also built in this year. (Information from “Johnson County, Texas 1854-1954, Century Re-Call Official Program” – photo courtesy of the Cleburne Railroad Museum)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Keene was established on a hill, which according to tradition, was once used by the Keegua Indians for their signal fires. The town of Keene was founded in 1894 just north of US Highway 67 about 4 ½ miles East of Cleburne. The Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church was officially organized on January 6, 1894, with 60 charter members. The first services were held in the assembly hall of the newly established Keene Industrial Academy (now Southwestern Adventist University).
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Here in the JC Courthouse Museum we have numerous old photo negatives. We will be posting these here and on several other sites to see if the people in the negative can be identified. If you recognize your relative, you are welcome to drop by the Museum and pick them up. If you recognize someone but don’t want the negative, please contact Museum Administrator at dwest@johnsoncountytx.org. Donor: Diane Adams
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In the photo below Ed Page is holding little Oran. Behind them are Mark and Alice Page. The Pages owned the gas station in the photo. Their motto proclaimed “Concord Station – Best in the Nation”. It was the only gas station between Godley and Cleburne. Gasoline sold for 10 cents a gallon! (information from “The History of Johnson County, Texas” by The Johnson County History Book Committee. Mollie Gallop Bradbury, Chairman)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Located just south of Cleburne, Rio Vista was established in 1885 when the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway built through the area. Named for its picturesque views of the Nolan River and Mustang Creek, the community quickly absorbed nearby hamlets to become a thriving agricultural hub.
The area's history features these key milestones:
- Pre-Railroad Beginnings: Long before the town's founding, in 1801, American horse trader Phillip Nolan was killed nearby by Spanish troops. Later, in 1849, Henry Briden built the first cabin in Johnson County just south of the current townsite.
- Town Establishment (1885): When the railroad bypassed the earlier settlements of Grange Hall and Kimbell by about a mile, residents relocated to the new townsite. By 1896, the town boasted 175 residents, eight stores, a cotton gin, a lumber yard, and its own public school.
- The 1914 Fire: On the eve of its greatest prosperity, a devastating fire swept through Rio Vista, destroying 24 businesses. The commercial district never fully recovered from the blaze, and the town shifted back to its agricultural roots.
- Highway 174 Boom: The local economy received a massive boost in the mid-1950s when State Highway 174 was rerouted directly through Rio Vista, improving transportation and access for regional travelers.
(information from Texas State Historical Commission)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In 1899 Cleburne had a Concert Band: J.C. Arratt, Conductor and B Flat cornet; DeLos Anderson, Snare drum; W.A. Bennett, B Base; E.E. Clack, First Tenor; T.R. Hunter, Second Cornet; E.D. McKenzie, Solo Cornet; D.R. Murray, Bariton; W.F. Shaw, First Alto; H.H. Allen, “Mascot”; Geo. V. Brown, Bass Drum; Elmer Collins, Solo Cornet; J.F. Lemmon, Tuba; W.B. McPhearson, Second Alto; A.D. Shaw, B Flat Tenor; A.H. Vernon, Tuba.
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Johnson County Military Heroes of WWII
Thank You for Your Service
(The following information is from “The Men and Women in World War II from Johnson County". An extended list from the Cleburne Times Review edition 9/19/1943 is available on the Portal to Texas History at the University of North Texas: texashistory.unt.edu/search/guided search)
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Col. Alva L. Harvey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Luther Harvey of Cleburne, graduated Rio Vista High School and entered the Army Air Corps in 1939. He trained at Kelly Field and Brooks Field and served in Puerto Rico and India-Burma. Col. Harvey was Commanding Officer at Kirkland Field and was awarded the DFC and CBI Ribbon.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In 1912 famous aviator, Charles F. Walsh flew 3,000 feet above Cleburne in a Bi-Plane, entertaining residents with air stunts and what was then believed to be impossible maneuvers. He performed all across the United States, but: he did not fly his plane between cities. He shipped it by Wells Fargo Express! Sadly Mr. Walsh was killed when his plane crashed in Trenton, New Jersey in October 1912.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Here in the JC Courthouse Museum we have numerous old photo negatives. We will be posting these here and on several other sites to see if the people in the negative can be identified. If you recognize your relative, you are welcome to drop by the Museum and pick them up. If you recognize someone but don’t want the negative, please contact Museum Administrator at dwest@johnsoncountytx.org. Donor: Bob Flanagin
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The photo below is an advertisement from the 1904 Cleburne Directory.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The ferry at Kimbell Crossing, located on the Johnson, Hill, and Bosque county lines, traversed the Brazos river by the swift current and a cable. The cost was 25 cents per buggy or horseback, and 10 cents per person on foot. Some of the folks on the ferry in the picture below are: J.C. Jiles, John Bochopper, Walter Cleveland, and T.E. Luck. (information from “Johnson County, Texas A Pictorial History Volume 1 by Dan and Billie Anne Leach)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In 1869 there was an “Alvarado College”. Rev. John Collier was president, assisted by four teachers. After repeated failure to secure a permanent school building, Alvarado citizens voted to turn the school interest over to the Masons. In 1875 Professor I. A. Patton was hired to take charge. He began teaching on the first floor of the Masonic Lodge. In 1876 the school was moved the new two-story frame building on College Hill. Three more teachers were hired. The school had 40 boarding students.
In time, with a small appropriation from public funds, a free school was added and the school became the first free public school in Johnson County.
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Johnson County Military Heroes of WWII
Thank You for Your Service
(The following information is from “The Men and Women in World War II from Johnson County". An extended list from the Cleburne Times Review edition 9/19/1943 is available on the Portal to Texas History at the University of North Texas: texashistory.unt.edu/search/guided search)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In 1869 there was an “Alvarado College”. Rev. John Collier was president, assisted by four teachers. After repeated failure to secure a permanent school building, Alvarado citizens voted to turn the school interest over to the Masons. In 1875 Professor I. A. Patton was hired to take charge. He began teaching on the first floor of the Masonic Lodge. In 1876 the school was moved the new two-story frame building on College Hill. Three more teachers were hired. The school had 40 boarding students.
In time, with a small appropriation from public funds, a free school was added and the school became the first free public school in Johnson County.
Cpl. Grover C. Hart, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. G.C. Hart of Cleburne entered the Marines in 1940. He trained in San Diego and New River and served in the Guadalcanal, Cape Glocester, Rhode Island and Peleliu. Cpl. Harris was awarded the Pacific Theater Ribbon with 5 Battle Stars and the Presidential Citation.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Here in the JC Courthouse Museum we have numerous old photo negatives. We will be posting these here and on several other sites to see if the people in the negative can be identified. If you recognize your relative, you are welcome to drop by the Museum and pick them up. If you recognize someone but don’t want the negative, please contact Museum Administrator at dwest@johnsoncountytx.org. Donor: Brenda Bowling
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The photo below shows Burleson High School in 1946.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Runner in the Night
This story was told by G. W. Hyde of 310 Prairie Avenue, Cleburne to his son Hyde
My uncle, Joe Hyde, and a neighbor were riding home from church when they saw a man running toward them in his underwear. The man startled the horses as he ran by them and jumped the fence at the side of the road. They found out later that the man was training for a cross-country race and he had a tract suit on, not his underwear. This was the first time they had ever seen a tract suit and didn’t know what it was. (information from “Pioneer Stories of Johnson County, Texas” by the 1954 Language Arts Classes of Cleburne Fulton Junior High)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Here in the JC Courthouse Museum we have numerous old photo negatives. We will be posting these here and on several other sites to see if the people in the negative can be identified. If you recognize your relative, you are welcome to drop by the Museum and pick them up. If you recognize someone but don’t want the negative, please contact Museum Administrator at dwest@johnsoncountytx.org. Donor: Clinton Harris
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
The oldest city in Johnson County, Texas, Alvarado was officially incorporated in 1885. While residents voted to organize as a city in 1878, it wasn't until 1885 that the town formally cemented its incorporation amid the arrival of major railroad expansions. The photo below shows the Alvarado Square in 1876.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
An important change in the economic climate came to Johnson County with the railroads. The first railroad to be constructed in the county passed through Venus in 1854. In 1881 Cleburne was connected by rail with Dallas. That same year the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe was completed through Johnson County. This line was eventually extended to connect the Texas coast with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe line in the north. In 1898 Santa Fe repair shops were opened in Cleburne. They constituted a vital part of the local economy and included maintenance and construction facilities and a switchyard. Other early railroads in the county included the Missouri, Kansas and Texas (Katy) and the Texas and Brazos Valley, commonly known as the Boll Weevil.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
Coyote Flats is located about 6 miles east of Cleburne in Johnson County, is one of the youngest municipalities in the region. Its brief but unique history centers around an organized effort by local residents to preserve their rural-suburban way of life.
Timeline of Coyote Flats
- 2009 (The Annexation Dispute): The nearby city of Keene attempted to annex seven surrounding parcels of land to expand its borders.
- 2009 (Court Ruling): Residents living in the affected parcels strongly opposed the annexation. A judge from the 18th District Court blocked the annexation of three parcels, determining they fell outside Keene's extraterritorial jurisdiction.
- March 10, 2010 (Incorporation Petition): To prevent future annexation attempts and maintain their local governance, 25 residents petitioned the Johnson County Commissioners Court to incorporate their own municipality. The name "Coyote Flats" was formally submitted.
- May 8, 2010 (Incorporation Election): Local voters overwhelmingly approved the formation of the new city with 76 votes in favor and only 11 against.
- August 11, 2010 (First Mayor): John Barnett was sworn in as the city's first mayor.
- Present: Coyote Flats functions as an incorporated town with a population of just over 300 residents. It is characterized by its rural-suburban feel and proximity to both Cleburne and Keene.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Did you know?
In 1868 just one year after the founding of Cleburne, the county’s first newspaper was printed. It was the Cleburne Chronicle with Major Jack Davis as editor and proprietor. In 1880 the Cleburne Weekly Bulletin was organized by the Bulletin Publishing Co. and moved to Alvarado and named the Alvarado Bulletin. Its first issue was published on April 15, 1881. This paper is the only Johnson County paper to be continuously published since its founding and is ranked as one of the pioneer papers of the state.
Other Johnson County newspapers which followed were: The Cleburne Tribune in 1886, the Cleburne Morning Review (later the Cleburne Enterprise 1883), Cleburne Daily Times in 1924. Then on October 1, 1928 the Cleburne Times-Review was formed. The Grandview Tribune was established in 1894; The Burleson News in 1887; The Godley Herold in 1901 and The Godley Times in 1927. In 1954 papers in Johnson County included: Burleson News; Venus Express; Grandview Tribune; Alvarado Bulletin; and Cleburne Times Review. (Information from “Johnson County, Texas 1854-1954, Century Re-Call Official Program”)
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JC Courthouse Museum we have numerous old photo negatives. We will be posting these here and on several other sites to see if the people in the negative can be identified. If you recognize your relative, you are welcome to drop by the Museum and pick them up. If you recognize someone but don’t want the negative, please contact Museum Administrator at dwest@johnsoncountytx.org. Donor: Christine Crowley
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
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Class Room #11 at the Santa Fe School is pictured below in 1917. S.O. Rosser (first row far right) was a teacher at the school. He later became principal of the Santa Fe School, then principal at J.N. Long and Joshua schools. Later he was Johnson County’s Tax Collector/Assessor. (Courtesy of Cleburne Times Review)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
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The house which once stood at 402 N. Anglin Street in Cleburne was built between 1898 and 1904. It was owned by Ernest Gerard, an engineer with the Santa Fe Railroad. On Christmas Eve Mr. Gerard would dress as Santa Claus and on his regular run between Cleburne and Purcell, Oklahoma he would throw candy and toys to the children who lined the route. This behavior earned him the nickname “Santa Fe Santa”. His regular route was on the historic SF 3417 steam engine which is now on display in Hulen Park. (information from Cleburne Driving Tour provided by Save Old Cleburne)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
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On Monday night, October 8, 1951, a group of men gathered at the Cleburne Livestock Auction Barn – their purpose? To form a group to promote good will among horsemen and other area citizens, to create interest in western stock horses and to help preserve the traditions of the Old West. Present for that meeting were Claton Holland, Earl King, Richard White, Ray Porter, Roy Burton, R.B. Gillis, E.E. Wheeler, Bill White and H.H. Johnson. One week later the Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse was formed.
The first official rodeo in Johnson County was held May 14–16, 1953, sponsored by the Johnson County Sheriff's Posse. This historic 3-day event marked the beginning of a long tradition of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) action in the area. Today, the Posse continues to host their annual PRCA rodeo.
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Johnson County Military Heroes of WWII
Thank You for Your Service
(The following information is from “The Men and Women in World War II from Johnson County". An extended list from the Cleburne Times Review edition 9/19/1943 is available on the Portal to Texas History at the University of North Texas: texashistory.unt.edu/search/guided search)
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F 2/c Randolph Harris, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.O. Harris of Cleburne and husband of La Vere Brown, attended Cleburne High School and entered the Navy in 1942. He trained at Dallas Air Station and was discharged in October 1945.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
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On January 20, 1869 Sheriff E.M. Heath and Maj. Cathy set out from Cleburne heading for Austin with $3,800. A few miles beyond Hillsboro they were overtaken by four masked riders who held them up at gun point and stole the money! (drawing courtesy of David Lozeau)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
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Keene, Texas, founded in 1893–1894 in Johnson County, originated as a Seventh-day Adventist community centered around education, specifically the establishment of the Texas School (now Southwestern Adventist University). Originally known as Elm Grove, the town was renamed for a post office and grew from a tent settlement into a, vibrant city known for its religious, educational, and manufacturing heritage.
Key Historical Aspects of Keene:
- Establishment (1893-1894): Adventist families relocated to the area, with 67 charter members forming the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church in January 1894, notes visitkeenetx.com.
- Educational Foundation: The Texas School began in 1893, evolving into Keene Academy in 1896, and eventually becoming Southwestern Adventist University, which remains a central pillar of the community.
- Growth and Industry: The town served as a hub for Adventist-run industries, including a furniture factory, broom factory, and agricultural enterprises.
- Cultural Significance: The city is known for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere, heavily influenced by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, including the tradition of closing many local businesses on Saturday. (information from “visitkeenetexas.com”)
- Key Landmarks: The Mizpah Gate signify the lasting influence of the university and its early, student-driven development
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
Here in the JC Courthouse Museum we have numerous old photo negatives. We will be posting these here and on several other sites to see if the people in the negative can be identified. If you recognize your relative, you are welcome to drop by the Museum and pick them up. If you recognize someone but don’t want the negative, please contact Museum Administrator at dwest@johnsoncountytx.org. Donor: David Fife
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
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The gentleman in the photo below is J.P. (Jack)) Wright who was one of the early Santa Fe Railroad employees in Cleburne. He served as the first ticket agent in the original brick depot and the last ticket agent in the original depot which was located on the east side of the tracks. Mr. Wright served as ticket agent from 1892 until 1899 and was later traveling passenger agent in Fort Worth and Dallas. He retired I 1930 after 50 years of service with the railroad.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
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Duties of County Treasurer:
- Receives and deposits all county revenues
- Acts as chief liaison between the county and depository banks
- Disburses funds upon the order of the Commissioners Court
- Records receipts and expenditures and reconciles bank statements
- Investment officer for the county
- Current County Treasurer: Kathy Blackwell (2026)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
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Johnson County First:
The first election of officers in Johnson County was held on August 7, 1854. Approximately 120 votes cast. David Mitchell was elected Chief Justice; Jeremiah Easterwood, County Clerk; John Roberson, Treasurer; W. H. Onstatt, Sheriff; F.L. Kirtley, Tax Assessor and Collector; A. D. Kennard, Christopher Billingsley, Cain Wise, William O’Neal, County Commissioners.
Samuel Myers donated the land and is credited with building the first school In Johnson County located about 3 miles north of Alvarado. He was assisted by Jackson Bradley and Abraham Futhey. William Wise was the first teacher.
(Information from “Johnson County, Texas 1854-1954, Century Re-Call Official Program”)
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Sgt. John E. Harris, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Harris of Cleburne, attended the University of Texas and entered the Army in 1943. He trained in Texas and Georgia and served in Australia and New Guinea. Sgt. Harris was awarded the SWPA Ribbon, GC Medal, and 1 Battle Star.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
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In 1899 Charles C. Taylor, Sr. entered into the general merchandise business with Mr. Bob Norwood which in 1908 became the “Big Four” located at 112 South Main in Burleson. The store bought eggs, vegetables, butter and fire wood from the farmers or traded for goods. They also bought cotton, corn and peanuts and sold them in the store. The store extended credit to the farmers for seed, food and clothing until their crops were harvested.
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
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Johnson County was without railroad facilities until the 1880s. The Fort Worth-Temple division of the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe was completed in December 1881; the Missouri, Kansas & Texas was built at the same time, and in 1882 the Cleburne-Dallas branch of the Santa Fe, originally known as the Chicago, Texas & Mexican was built. In 1887 the Santa Fe constructed its line from Cleburne to Weatherford, and in 1888 the Fort Worth & Rio Grande was built through the extreme northwest corner of the county. The Trinity & Brazos Valley opened its line from Cleburne to Mexia in 1904, and its trains run north to Fort Worth over the Santa Fe tracks. Within the present decade an interurban line has been built from Fort Worth to Cleburne, known as the Southern Traction Company of Fort Worth. (Information from “Texas Genealogy Trails” - 1914 County Overview: A History of Texas and Texans, Volume 2 By Francis White Johnson (Published by American Historical Society, 1914) -Transcribed by Veneta McKinney)
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
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Robert Patton Crockett, son of legendary Alamo defender Davy Crockett, was borne in Tennessee in 1816. After his father’s death in 1836, Robert traveled to Texas and served in the Texas Revolution until independence was secured. He later returned to Tennessee to marry and settle down. In 1854 he returned to Texas with his mother, Elizabeth Patton Crockett settling on land granted to her by the Republic of Texas as the widow of Davy Crockett. Their home was located in what was then Johnson County and later Hood County. Robert’s mother passed away in 1860 with Robert following in 1889. They are buried in Acton Cemetery located Acton Cemetery is located at 3610 Fall Creek Hwy, Granbury, TX 76049 in the unincorporated community of Acton. It is about six miles east of downtown Granbury and situated in the northeastern portion of Hood County. You can still visit their grave site. (information from “Texas Historical Commission)
Robert P. Crockett
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Johnson County Courthouse Museum
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Burleson “First”:
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First Ad Valorem Tax: $.25 per $100 assessed value February 4, 1913
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First City Depository: Farmers & Merchants State Bank August 3, 1915
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First Electricity Franchise: Fort Worth Southern Traction Company June 12, 1913
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First Street Lights in Business area1920
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First Natural Gas Franchise: Farmers Gas Co., Dallas September 1, 1921
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First Private Telephone Line: Residence of G.W. Bransom May 6, 1913First Cleburne Highway authorized: September 1922
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First accounting of Clark Park: May 7, 1916
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First Bond Election: Waterworks and Sewer Revenue Bonds: August 15, 1938
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First Sanitary Sewer System completed: April 26, 1939
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First Redbud Tree named as City Tree February 22, 1960
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First dial telephone: November 27, 1948