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History in
a Pecan Shell
In 1885, shortly after Fisher County was organized, a dispute arose
between business partners from Mississippi and a town called Fisher.
Both wanted their land to host the courthouse. One of the partners
was a man named D.C. Roby, and the town of Fisher is now called North
Roby, so one can assume the result.
The following year the county’s first courthouse was built, and a
school and post office opened. In 1890 the population was estimated
to be 300 people and the town had a hotel, restaurant and a newspaper.
Being a peaceful place, Roby didn’t have the need of a jail until
1892 when they built one of stone. By 1900 the population had grown
to over 700 residents.
Roby received its first railroad in 1907 (The Texas Central) and in
1915 the Roby and Northern laid 4.4-miles of track to connect Roby
proper with North Roby. In 1930 the population was 801. It actually
increased during the Great Depression – reaching 904 for the 1940
Census. The Roby and Northern line was scrapped during WWII
and its rails went to the war effort.
The population peaked in 1950 with 1,040 people calling Roby and North
Roby home. The city was plagued by insufficient water throughout its
life and finally in 1953 during a long period of drought, water from
Oak Creek Lake was piped in. By 1970 the population was down to less
than 800 and over the years it has slowly declined to the present
673 (2000).
See Fisher County
Courthouses > |
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The
1926 Fisher County jail on the courthouse square is still in use today.
Photo Courtesy Terry
Jeanson, August 2006 |
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