Stewards Mill, Texas, Freestone County ghost town. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

The town�s namesake was South Carolinian Washington Steward, owner of the area�s first gristmill. Settlement was 1849. Dr. James I. Bonner opened a general in 1867 and a post office was granted in 1872. The post office closed in 1914 and mail was routed through Kirvin.

The population was just 55 in the late 1930s and by the late 60s it had declined to a mere 22. That number continues to be used on the state map in 2008. Today only a few houses remain along with a church and cemetery. The store became a Texas historic landmark in 1964, and the church in 1965.

Stewards Mill Store today
Photo courtesy David M. Sligh, March 2023
See Texas Then and Now

Historical Marker

Stewards Mill Store, 1869

In settlement begun 1849 at Washington Steward's grist mill-- only one in area. Later had post office, brick plant, sawmill and county's first phone exchange. Still owned by heirs of early partner. Doorstep is original millstone. 1964 fixtures include first counters, bins, cabinets.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1964

Stewards Mill Store historical marker
Photo courtesy David M. Sligh, March 2023

Harmony Church
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Photo courtesy David M. Sligh, March 2023

Historical Marker

Harmony Church

This historic sanctuary is one of the oldest church buildings in Freestone County. People of the Stewards Mill community held church services in private homes or in the schoolhouse prior to its construction. On Oct. 7, 1876, the Awalts, Bonners, Robinsons, Stewards, Watsons and others met to form an organization to erect a church building to be used by different denominations on different days. On Dec. 9, 1876, Rev. Thomas Joel Bonner preached the first sermon in the newly built church, and afterwards the Texas Presbytery of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church organized here. The front-gabled rectangular plan church features board and batten siding and paired entry doors with transom lights.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1965

Harmony Church and Stewarts Mill Cemetery
Photo courtesy David M. Sligh, March 2023

Stewarts Mill Cemetery
Photo courtesy David M. Sligh, March 2023
More Texas Cemeteries

Photographer's Note:
My wife and I were in Stewards Mill yesterday. We were here 5 years ago and were wondering if the 1869 Braggs General Store was still standing. It is but barely. I believe within a year it will collapse which is sad. Thankfully, the 1876 Harmony Church is standing proud. - David M. Sligh, March 8, 2023

Stewards Mill Store today in a state of disintegration
Photo courtesy David M. Sligh, March 2023

Stewards Mill Store today
Photo courtesy David M. Sligh, March 2023

Stewards Mill Store today
Photo courtesy David M. Sligh, March 2023

Stewards Mill Store today
Photo courtesy David M. Sligh, March 2023

1907 Freestone County postal map showing Stewards Mill
N of Fairfield
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

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