Nixon, Texas. (original) (raw)

A mural on the drug store depicting the town
Photo courtesy Teri Brown

History in a Pecan Shell

Named after John T. Nixon when the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway crossed his ranch in 1906. Nixon sold lots on the site and within months, the new town had a gin, barber, bank, butcher, store, doctor and a lumberyard. Originally named Nixonville with the opening of the post office in 1906, it was shortened two years later.

That same year the residents and school of neighboring Rancho, Texas moved to Nixon with their church following in 1911. By 1914 there were 1,300 people with the previously mentioned businesses along with a newspaper, telephone service and at least two more stores.

Nixon's population shrank to 1,037 in 1930, but by 1940 it had increased to more than 1,800. Railroad service to Nixon ceased in the 1970s.

Nixon, Texas Forum

• Subject: Nixon, Texas
  My mother, who is currently 94 years old, was brought to Nixon in 1914, at age 3. She resided there untill 1921. Her aunt was Dr. Ella Ware who was the first female graduate of the University of Texas Medical School. Dr. Ware practiced her entire career in Stockdale and delivered most all of the children in Wilson County, and many in the Nixon area during those years. Mother's father, Harry W. Seely was general manager for Mr. Campbell's lumber yard (I believe that Mr. Campbell was also the town banker). Her dad also was proprietor of his own grocery store in downtown Nixon ("H.W. Seely Grocery" --"Staples and Fancy Foods").
  She has many wonderful stories (and pictures) of Nixon and the surrounding areas. Among my mom's abundant memories is one involving the very first airplane to ever land in Nixon (actually, it was forced down by a mechanical failure). She says that school was let out so the children could go and see the "flying machine" and to be able to talk to the aviator. She currently resides in Leon Valley (N.W. San Antonio) and will celebrate her 95th birthday this fall. She would love to revisit the old hometown and to participate in the centennial happenings. She is in good health and her mind is still very sharp. She has so many interesting tales to relate of that wonderful part of Texas. I think that she would be a most valuable asset to your centennial celebration. Thank you. - Jack Steen, Myrtle Creek, Oregon, July 20, 2006

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Gonzales County 1907 postal map showing Nixon as Nixonville
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy Texas General Land Office