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EXCERPTS FROM THE LEXINGTON ENTERPRISE . .A Thriving Community Raising Fine Stock Diversified CropsThe Giddings, Texas, Times News - Thursday, April 25, 1974 - Page 11RALPH BOSTIC STOREKNOBBS SCHOOL(June 1, 1939)Soon after leaving Elgin, traveling east on highway 20, one sees ahead of them in the far distance, a bit to the left, a number of high peaks, enshrouded in misty haze which kindle the curiosity as t.o what lies around and about their base and treestudded summits, to find that they stand sentinel to a very prosperous and progressive little farming community.In the early days this community was known as Gleam. It boasted a Post-office and the first postmaster that we were able to learn of was one Joe Robbins. He was succeeded by John Moore, who also ran a store. At this time a star route was operated out of McDade, the mail carried by William Bostic, a prosperous and highly respected farmer of the community, who still resides there. John Jeans purchased the store from Mr. Moore and operated same until his death.The citizens later decided to change the name of the community to “The Knobbs,” in tribute to the four majestic ridges, or small mountains, which lay about one and one-half miles to the south. These hills are a mile high and in their verdant undergrowth and crevices live many wild animals, coon, fox, squirrel, etc. which make them a hunter’s paradise.Located six miles north-west from McDade, this enterprising farming community in the western corner of Lee county was, in years past, renounced as a very fine cotton and grain growing section. It has always produced quite a bit of livestock and poultry, turkeys, and particularly, have been one ofits leading enterprises from its first settling and is considered so today. In recent years the farmers have virtually quit raising cotton and have turned to growing diversified crops.Besides a small amount of cotton and feed crops, they grow large quantities of peanuts, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, watermelons, cantaloupes and a variety of vegetables. The soil is a sandy loam with red clay subsoil, making it well adapted for diversified farming.The women and young ladies of this section have become affiliated with the county 4-H Club and under supervision and direction of their home demonstration agent have learned to complement their pantry food supply by canning and storing their garden vegetables, fruits, etc., and also add attractive and modern improvements to their homes.The boys and men, under guidance of the county agent have improved their stock, cattle and pigs to the extent that their surplus is much in demand in their own and Bastrop county points, where offered for sale.Some of the old timers who helped settle the community, all good, sturdy men of the old pioneer type, who thought only of the future of their loved ones, good home, churches, and schools were: Cicero Woodruff, Jimmie Allen, Williard Martin, Dave Sherman, George Johnson, Anderson Tyler, Bill Tyler, Stan Burke, Tom Griffith, Steve Roe, Perry Meeks, Bill Jefferies, John Rhodes, John Dismukes, Joe Brown, Joe Ivey, Brit and Bob Sanders, Dock McCord, Bob McCord, Sr., Bill Brooks, JohnTurkeYS,Jeans, K. Staney and Johnnie Miller. Early practicing physicians who were also pioneers in guarding the health of the community and doing their bit otherwise were. Dr. Hodge, Dr DeLong and Dr. Munson.Mr John Dismukes, one of the oldest settlers, is the father of thirty-three children, nine of whom survive, and his family has been active in community activities since its founding, and likely some of his progeny will be useful citizens there “unto the end of time.’The first gin to be located here was operated by Tommy Baker, later by Si Floyd, then Henry Holler and later by Ephram Weise. A new’ gin was put up in the early nineties by John Stewart and Billy Simpson, Dave Sherman, another highly respected old-tim er, yet living, purchased this gin from the original owners Mr Sherman operated the gin for several years, sold it to T. L. Snowden and a Mr. Hopper, who in turn sold to Buriel McCord McCord sold to Fields of McDade, who was the last owner. Mr Fields moved the gin from the community some 20 years ago.The youth of the community receives its elementary education in a two-teacher school, teachers this year being Mrs. Mat Hillman, of McDade and Miss Alene Noble, of Texarkana, Arkansas. Trustees are Luther Tyler, John Jackson and Riley SmithThe religious atmosphere is good, the spiritual needs being served by a Union church, in which Baptist, Methodist and Christian denominations worship, the Baptist congregation being only one at present having aregular part-time minister One custom or tradition of Knobbs, putting it into a class by itself in this section, is that there are no colored people within its boundaries ~ no negroes have been or are now allowed to make their home there, with one exception, the Sue Jefferies’ family A M Brown came in the early days from Alabama to McLennan County, Texas with his old negro man slave and Sue, then a young girl From Waco he came to Knobbs bringing his slaves He died there and Mrs. Brown married a Mr. Phillips, who also passed away. Following Mr Phillip’s death his widow was re-married to a Mr. Jefferies, who was a bachelor working for her As Sue grew up she and her children were known as the Jefferies’ negroes The family consisted of Sue, L Brown, Sam, Beck, Ann and Rachel. No colored people havecared to tarry there but had they, an invitation would have been given them to move on Mr CM Parker, a very prosperous and respected gentle man moved into the Knobbs community in 1901 He engaged in farming until 1928, when he opened a store, which he still operates and is enjoying a nice business. Mr Parker also owns several nice farms Ralph Bostic, son of William Bostic, opened a general store in Knobbs in 1930 He was born and reared near the place of his business location He is a young man of excellent business qualifications and a pleasant disposition, and enjoys a good business.The people of Knobbs are cordial, hospitable and above all progressive. Their community reflects their single and united efforts in making their community a place worthy to Ik* called home
Newspaper Details
Giddings Times and News
Giddings, Texas, US
Thu, Apr 25, 1974
Page 42
Full Page
Clipped by
Jd H.
USA 16 Nov 2024
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