Early Wilbarger County
Inscription
Organized 1858 and named in honor of Matthias and Josiah P. Wilbarger, early Texas settlers. Josiah, a surveyor, had become famous as the man who lived 12 years after being scalped by Comanches, 1833, near Austin. He had saved his life by putting a wool sock on his head; he was rescued next day by neighbors.
An adobe house built 1878 by Jonathan and C. F. Doan, the first Wilbarger County settlers, marks the Red River crossing of the famous Western Cattle Trail. Vernon (formerly Eagle Flat) became county seat in 1881. The first railroad reached town, 1886. (1968)
Location
Sources
More markers in Wilbarger
Doan's Crossing
Doan's Community, TX
A major route for cattle drives known primarily as the Western Trail developed from far South Texas to Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1870s.
Jonathan Doan
Vernon, TX
(May 20, 1837- November 6, 1902) Frontier trader and merchant; a Quaker, peaceable on troubled frontiers.
Lockett Community
Lockett Community, TX
Derived its name from the T. J. and J. B. Lockett families who settled here in 1888.
Vernon Drugstore
Vernon, TX
Oldest drugstore in county.