Content, Texas, aka Tokeen, Texas, Runnels County ghost town. (original) (raw)

Content Cemetery
FM 382
Photo courtesy Donna Chevalier, May 2007
Texas Cemeteries

History in a Pecan Shell

From "Eighteen Ghost Towns of Runnels County" by Alton O'Neil Jr.:

"Content, near Ranch Road 382 fourteen miles northeast of Winters in northeastern Runnels County, was founded by storekeeper Daniel W. Hale in 1881 and named by him "for the contentment of this valley." Hale became the first postmaster in 1882.

Content had a school in 1882 and a hotel in 1888. At some time it had several stores, two gins, a lime kiln, and a blacksmith shop. In 1890 Content was the county's second largest town, with 200 people. The post office name was changed to Tokeen in 1905. The Santa Fe Railroad extension missed Content in 1909, and most residents moved to Goldsboro. The post office was closed in 1916, and after that the name was changed back to Content.

The settlement had a population of twenty-five in 1940 and 1960. In 1970 there were only three houses left."

Historical Marker: FM 382

Townsite of Content

Named because of contentment of this valley. Founded 1881 by Dan W. Hale. Michael C. Bright, 1882 settler, early county commissioner, had a general store at this site. Family worked for progress of the area. Renamed "Tokeen," town bypassed by railroad in 1909. Post office was discontinued in 1916.
1966

[More Texas Ghost Towns]

Historical Marker: FM 382

Content Cemetery

Opened 1883 with burial of a cowboy, James Hanna. Confederate veteran John A. Hanna, of Co. A, 8th regt., Texas Cavalry, Army of Tennessee, was buried here 1889. Their sister Amanda, her husband John Hardegree, and two children, and three of John A. Hanna's infant grandchildren also rest here.
1972

[More Texas Cemeteries]

Photo courtesy Donna Chevalier, May 2007

1907 postal map showing Content as Tokeem in Northeastern Runnels County near Taylor, Coleman and Callahan County lines
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

Texas Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories, landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact us.