Jewett, Texas, Leon County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

The town was named for Judge Henry J. Jewett (who helped organize Leon County) when the town was platted in 1871 by the International Railroad Company.

Shortly after establishing the essential store and post office, Jewett got its first newspaper. Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian Churches were established in 1873, 1876 and 1884 (respectively).

By 1884 the town had 500 people, a weekly newspaper, five stores, three saloons, a gristmill and a steam cotton gin. The town didn't get a bank until 1890 - the year that it incorporated. By 1900 the population had dropped to 433.

In 1905 the Houston and Texas Central Railway arrived, followed by the Trinity and Brazos Railway two years later. The town had several railroad hotels - and by 1910 the population had increased back to nearly 600.

In the 1920s Jewett had the county's only high school. Jewett's population was back to around 500 by 1930, dropped to 445 in 1960, and began to rise in the 1970s. A public library was started in 1983 and the town has a current population of 1,167.

Historical Marker

Jewett Methodist Church

The town of Jewett was laid out in December 1871 on the International & Great Northern Railroad line. By 1872 Methodists in the area were meeting for worship services in the home of William R. and Patience Horn Ellis. With the assistance of circuit-riding minister James J. Davis, the Jewett Methodist Church congregation was organized.

In 1873 church trustees purchased land at the corner of Marion and West 2nd Street. Church members soon built a frame sanctuary which faced onto Marion Street. It continued to serve the congregation until 1899, when the church purchased three lots on 2nd street across from the original sanctuary. A new white frame structure with a high steeple was built in 1900.

The congregation grew steadily, and by 1900 included 191 members. In addition to worship services, programs included a Sunday School and women's missionary societies. A new church complex was built in the 1950s. The Jewett Church was a member of various Methodist circuits over the years until it became a full station in 1989. It continues to uphold the traditions of its founders, offering a variety of worship, educational, and outreach programs.
1991

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