Duffau, Texas. (original) (raw)

Duffau's old schoolhouse is now a community center
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, 2008

History in a Pecan Shell

According to the Handbook of Texas, the town was "named for Duffo, an Indian buried nearby." The handbook also has an entry for a New Yorker named Francis T. Duffau (1808-1871) who served in the Texas Revolution, was a teacher, lawyer, and businessman in Houston, a county clerk for Milam County, a trustee for (what became the Texas School for the Deaf) and who also served in the Texas Militia.

It's possible that Duffo the Indian is the town's namesake, but our money is on Francis.

The town was thriving for awhile, but after being bypassed by the railroad, it declined in the 1890s.

Duffau has its own cemetery - just off FM 2481 and Duffau Creek.

Duffau, Texas Landmarks:

Duffau, Texas Forum

• Imagine my suprise when I saw the pictures of Duffau school, I had the privelige of attending the school in the early 50s.
  I remember the water out of that stone tower, tasted like rotten eggs, and the mineral smell from the water nearly ran us out in the summer time.
  The gym was built by the WPA, and we roller skated inside during the winter.
  You show the old store. We got off the bus, and bought candy there. They had a great big persimmon tree right out in front. Those persimmons were so juicy, they would gush all over your face.
  I really didn't learn a dang thing in that school, but I still have friends there since I still live in this area. - Thank you, Michael Flowers, March 05, 2004

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