Trickham, TX ghost town history, historic cemetery, markers, landmarks, photos. (original) (raw)
Former Trickham School, now a community center
Photo courtesy Bruce White, April 2007
History in a Pecan Shell
If you believe the story abouthow Trickham got its name, then this town was a pioneer in "truth in advertising."
Store owner Bill Franks (never trust a man with two first names) used to sell whiskey to cowboys that was actually water from Mukewater Creek. This was before the concept of repeat customers evolved. Mr. Franks was also the one who applied for the Post Office (established 1879) and so his request was for Trickham (Trick 'em). Humor along the lines of Dewey, Cheatham and Howe Attorneys at Law.
Tyro, Texas (also Coleman Co.) probably heard the story and when their post office shut down in 1881 and they needed a name for it to reopen in 1884 they submittedNovice because of the store owner's inexperience.
The Historical Marker states that the town was a "trading post for ranching activities of Cattle Baron John Chisum."
Through the years, Trickham has had good times and bad, and the population has risen and fallen accordingly. The 1970s were particularly bad, for that was the decade Trickham lost their gas station, general store and post office. The reported population was 12 in 1970 and that's where it remains today.
There might be some health benefits from that water from Mukewater Creek after all. Then the joke would be on Mr. Franks.
Trickham historical marker
On RR 1176, near Trickham Community Center
Photo Courtesy Dustin Martin, May 2017
Historical Marker:
Town of Trickham
Oldest town in county; founded about 1855 as a cowboy trading post for ranching activities of cattle baron John Chisum. During 1860-1890, it was a boisterous community at a crossroads of cattle trails. Because of notorious jokes played at local general store, "Trick'em" was suggested for name of post office here.
(1969)
Trickham Chronicles
- Trick ‘Em and Skin ‘Em by Clay Coppedge
"The old community of Trickham was the first community in Coleman County to be settled, though today it might be hard for an outside observer to understand why. The U.S. Army chose the patch of land on Mukewater Creek as the site of Camp Colorado in the 1850s but the camp lasted less than a year at that location.
This can be rough country even today, but in the 1850s it was a savage country.....
.... Chisum never lived at Trickham. His ranch�s headquarters were on Home Creek a few miles away. He sold the store in 1874 to L.L. Shield who added on to Chisum�s original store and turned it into a true community store for a growing population.
By 1884, the town had 75 people, a hotel, two cotton gins, two churches, a blacksmith and a school. Trickham flourished as a thriving agricultural community in the early 20th century as most of the farmers grew substantial amounts of cotton. More than 60 students attended the two-story schoolhouse at one time but the good times didn�t last for long. Railroads bypassed the town and the town faded away. The store didn�t last but the stories have...." more
Trickham Cemetery
RR 1176
Established c. 1870s
Historic Texas Cemetery - 2004
Photo courtesy Jim & Lou Kinsey, 9-04
Marker close-up
Photo courtesy Bruce White, April 2007
Photo courtesy Bruce White, April 2007
Photographer's Note:
These are photos of the former town of Trickham, Coleman Co, Texas. My GG grandfather lived and worked around here in the late 1800's. Photos include the historical signs (painted on rocks) and graves of early victims of a Comanche ambush. - Bruce D. White, April 12, 2007
Crypt of early victims of a Comanche ambush
Photo courtesy Bruce White, April 2007
Photo courtesy Bruce White, April 2007
Photo courtesy Bruce White, April 2007
Pioneers Mr. and Mrs. W. P.Williams historical marker
On RR 1176, near Trickham Community Center
Photo Courtesy Dustin Martin, May 2017
Historical Marker:
Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Williams
William Patrick Williams (ca. 1818-1898) and his wife Elizabeth (Boles) (ca. 1822-1899) migrated to Texas from Mississippi during the Civil War. After a brief stay in Cherokee County, they settled in this area, arriving by wagon train. Their nearby homestead became the nucleus of the neighboring rural settlement, the site of an early school they helped establish. The Williamses and their six children survived many hardships, including Indian raids and a smallpox epidemic. William, often called "Mukewater Bill" for a stream near his home, was a pioneer area leader. (1981)
Photographer's Note:
Trickham Union Church
"Don't know that we have ever seen a Church quite like the Trickham Union Church.
Baptist Church on First & Third Sundays
Methodist Church on Second & Fourth Sundays
Union Church Sunday School Every Sunday"
- Jim & Lou Kinsey, September 25, 2004
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