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History
in a Pecan Shell
Wheelock has a fascinating history for such an out-of-the-way place. In the
1840s in Texas Wheelock was one of the places to see and be seen. It had been
nominated to be the Capital of Texas, and it had enough influential people
there to make that a reality. It had also been a consideration to be the home
for the University of Texas. Had that happened, the place would certainly
have a very different appearance today.
Eleazer Louis Ripley Wheelock,
was famous for more than just having a long name. His grandfather had founded
Dartmouth College. When Eleazer came to the area - about 1826, he was immediately
impressed with the beauty of the place - and that hasn't changed. He was a friend
to the County's namesake - Sterling Robertson. Mr. Wheelock died in Illinois,
while paying a visit to the place of his birth.
Eleazer built a blockhouse
for protection from the Indians around the time of Independence. The blockhouse
necessitated a name. He had wanted it named after Mirabeau Lamar, Vice-President
of the Republic, but others suggested Wheelock. It wasn't named after Eleazer,
however, but Wheelock, Vermont (a town that was named after his Grandfather).
That seemed to satisfy everyone.
Being on the main mail routes and stagecoach
lines seemed to promise great things for Wheelock and it was indeed made county
seat in 1850. But three important events reduced its prominence. Firstly, Owensville
(another town you don't hear much about anymore) became county seat. Then the
town suffered economically as a result of human and economic losses brought about
by the Civil War. Thirdly and more importantly, it was bypassed by the railroad
after the war was over. |
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Wheelock Centennial Marker
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, December 2008 |
Wheelock Centennial Marker text
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, December 2008 |
Wheelock Historical Marker view
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, December 2008 |
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The
cemetery is worthy of a visit and two inscribed stones (by the side entrance)
show that the tidiness of the cemetery is a result of the efforts of three Wheelock
citizens.
A
scene in the Wheelock Cemetery
TE photo, 2001 |
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A scene
between Wheelock and Hearne
TE photo, 2001 |
Wheelock
Today, and FM391 Today,
Wheelock has a well-kept post office complete with healthy rosebushes and the
drive between Wheelock and Hearne on
FM 391 is one of the most scenic and peaceful in this part of Texas.
A building behind a hedgerow appears to have been the Wheelock Masonic
Lodge.
Bryan
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Wheelock,
Texas ForumSubject:
Wheelock Texas
Dear Texas Escapes, For years, my wife and I passed through
Wheelock on our way to Franklin and Hwy 79
from Bryan and Benchly as well. Travelling
down 391 towards Hearne [was] just as you expressed,
the scenery and rolling hills on FM 391 can be very beautiful at certain times
of the year. We just admired the drive and wished (dreamed) we could own some
land like that someday.
Then one day recently, my wife and I answered
an ad for property for sale. As it turned out, it was at Wheelock just North of
the cemetery about a mile off FM 391. When the owner gave us a tour of the 100+
acres, we fell in love with it for the sizes of the cedars and other trees. In
general the landscape itself, since we do trailriding horseback. This would offer
a place to ride nearby without having to travel too far. We made an offer on the
entire acerage, it was accepted and we now ride, cookout (over a campfire) and
enjoy the peacefulness, the stars at night and the tranquility as we ride through
the cedars, yaupon and towering oaks, through the creeks and up and down the creek
bank.
It was interesting reading the brief history you gave of Wheelock.
We somehow from somewhere already were aware that Wheelock actually narrowly escaped
being the capital of Texas, something we are thankful for. We would love to learn
more history of Wheelock and some of the earlier families. One day, we plan to
live there and hope that progress and rural expansion doesn't overtake the serenity
of the town and area before we get there. Thanks for the write up, "John" and
Cindy Allen, August 27, 2006
Wheelock
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