Thornberry, Texas, Clay County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Homesick settlers from Illinois named their new home Illinois Colony after they arrived here in 1890.

After Amos Thornberry arrived and introduced orchard-based agriculture, the locals thanked Amos by renaming the town. A railroad connecting Thornberry to Witchita Falls was planned but few, if any, details exist. It may have never gotten beyond the planning stage.

1891 saw the granting of a post office, but this was a short-lived convenience. The facility closing by 1908. Population figures are not available for many decades, but the 2000 census showed 60 residents - a sizable increase from the 1930s and 40s which recorded a mere 20.

If the population continues to expand at current rates, Thornberry should break the 100 threshold by the year 2057.

Clay County 1907 postal map showing Thornberry
(NE of Henrietta)
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

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