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History in
a Pecan Shell
Early settler Augustin
“Gus” Heard, is believed to be the community’s namesake. A post office
for area residents was opened on Heard’s ranch in 1876 with Heard’s
son (W.D.) as postmaster. In the early 1890s, the population was estimated
at 85 residents. Several members of the Heard family moved to Sabinal,
leaving the ranch in the care of T.D. Heard. In 1897 a post office
called Bowles opened on the Heard ranch with Mrs. Heard as
postmistress.
The one-teacher community school had 36 pupils in 1900 and the building
also served as a meeting place of the Dry Frio Baptist Church. Raising
funds for a separate church building took 45 years. In the early 1960s
their efforts came to fruition with the construction of the building
that stands today between the communities of Heard and Reagan
Wells.
After WWII Heard
was left with just a cemetery and the Reagan
Wells school which has since been converted into a community center.
Photographer's Note:
Heard, Texas
Last of the 3 communities (Aldine,
Reagan Wells and Heard) of FM-1051.
Just past Reagan Wells, Heard
has a well maintained Cemetery & the old School is pretty well kept
up. Not many residences visible with only a mail box here & there
along the road. There is a historical marker in nearby Reagan
Wells that has related history. - William
Beauchamp, June 2010 |
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Historical Marker
Dry Frio Canyon
Area's first settlers--families
of Louis Bohme, Charles Jones, Gus Heard and Lawrence Pike Heard--
arrived in 1875 in search of new frontiers and range lands.
The first post office was called Heard, as was the first school, which
opened in 1880.
While digging a well in 1885, T. H. Hammer discovered area's mineral
water which became famous for medicinal qualities. He later sold his
property to a promoter named Reagan who built a bath house and hotel
to sell mineral water.
Baptist Church, founded 1906, was first local house of worship. |
Uvalde
County 1907 postal map showing Bowles
(N of Uvalde. Above "A"
in "U-V-A-L-D-E")
Photo 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
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