by Barbara J. Wood
SUTHERLAND SPRINGS COMMUNITY
Spindletop Oilfield and the 'Prophet of Spindletop'
Texas Historical Commission ...
On January 10, 1901, the Spindletop oilfield was discovered near Beaumont, Texas, marking a pivotal moment in petroleum history. Self-taught geologist Pattillo Higgins, nicknamed the "Prophet of Spindletop," had long believed in the area's potential. In 1899, he partnered with experienced salt dome expert Anthony F. Lucas to explore the site.
Despite skepticism from contemporary geologists, Lucas persevered. On that fateful day, his well, drilled to a depth of 1,139 feet, struck oil. The Lucas Gusher erupted, shooting a stream of oil over 100 feet high and producing an estimated 100,000 barrels per day for nine days before being capped.
The discovery of Spindletop kicked off the modern petroleum age, changing how oil was used—from lighting and lubrication to a key fuel for everyday life. Texas oil production skyrocketed, jumping from 836,000 barrels in 1900 to a staggering 17.4 million barrels in just one year. This boom transformed Beaumont, which saw its population explode from 10,000 to 50,000 people in just three months.
The excitement around Spindletop also led to the rise of major oil companies like Texaco, Gulf Oil Corporation, and Exxon. Plus, it sparked more exploration along the Gulf Coast, resulting in many other important oil field discoveries. Overall, Spindletop changed the game for the oil industry and had a lasting impact on Texas and beyond.
Today, you can visit the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum on the Lamar University campus in Beaumont. The museum features a working replica of the famous Lucas Gusher and other artifacts from the era.
📸: A crowd gathers to watch a side gusher on Spindletop Hill / Getty Image
On January 10, 1901, the Spindletop oilfield was discovered near Beaumont, Texas, marking a pivotal moment in petroleum history. Self-taught geologist Pattillo Higgins, nicknamed the "Prophet of Spindletop," had long believed in the area's potential. In 1899, he partnered with experienced salt dome expert Anthony F. Lucas to explore the site.
Despite skepticism from contemporary geologists, Lucas persevered. On that fateful day, his well, drilled to a depth of 1,139 feet, struck oil. The Lucas Gusher erupted, shooting a stream of oil over 100 feet high and producing an estimated 100,000 barrels per day for nine days before being capped.
The discovery of Spindletop kicked off the modern petroleum age, changing how oil was used—from lighting and lubrication to a key fuel for everyday life. Texas oil production skyrocketed, jumping from 836,000 barrels in 1900 to a staggering 17.4 million barrels in just one year. This boom transformed Beaumont, which saw its population explode from 10,000 to 50,000 people in just three months.
The excitement around Spindletop also led to the rise of major oil companies like Texaco, Gulf Oil Corporation, and Exxon. Plus, it sparked more exploration along the Gulf Coast, resulting in many other important oil field discoveries. Overall, Spindletop changed the game for the oil industry and had a lasting impact on Texas and beyond.
Today, you can visit the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum on the Lamar University campus in Beaumont. The museum features a working replica of the famous Lucas Gusher and other artifacts from the era.
📸: A crowd gathers to watch a side gusher on Spindletop Hill / Getty Image
Three gentlemen passing time
Three gentlemen passing time ... in front of Talley's Red 'n White Grocery Store in Sutherland Springs, Wilson County Texas. L-R: Fred (James Alfred) Talley, Pat Baker and Ludie Duncken. The blackboard under the large Pepsi Cola sign always displayed store specials or incase of a community death it was hand written there. The wooden case Mr. Baker is sitting on is where newspapers or other deliveries were stored. A gracious sweet lady, Leola Scales Jordan, shares this priceless photo of years ago. Leola worked for Coleman Talley 8 years. She was a delight as you entered the store and she always had a joke to share. Leola still lives here in Sutherland Springs.
Sutherland Springs Texas: The Saratoga on the Cibolo
SUTHERLAND SPRINGS TEXAS ... One factor that contributed to the low price of the resort property was that it had been slightly damaged in a flood.
As early as June 1913, reports appeared of heavy rains causing tremendous floods on the Nueces, Leona, and Frio rivers, some of which were so strong that bridges were washed away.
The deluge resumed in September and more South Texas rivers overflowed; when the San Antonio River flooded on October 2, it killed four people in the city and damaged a shocking amount of property. At Sutherland Springs, Cibolo Creek rose forty-two feet, to the bed of the iron truss road bridge. Yet when losses were assessed, it was found that the damage was much less there than it had been on other streams.
The bathhouse had been partially swept from its foundations, the railroad line had been damaged, and the approach to the iron road bridge had been undermined. There were no human casualties, at least until October 8. That day a false report that the creek was rising again prompted many residents to crowd onto the road bridge to watch the anticipated flood. It did not come, but in the excitement a boy fell off the span and broke his arm.
The Cibolo did surge twenty-four feet again in early December, alarming those who lived along its banks, but again there was little damage, unlike the horrific losses on other Texas rivers. In Sutherland Springs, the approach to the bridge by that time had already been repaired, as had the rail line.
(Courtesy of Richard McClasin, author of "Sutherland Springs Texas: The Saratoga on the Cibolo")
Posing on the Sheehy Rocks
Sutherland Springs Wilson County Texas ... This group of ladies are having fun posing on the Sheehy Rocks at Cibolo Creek (Photo Courtesy of Liz Lester)
Doctors in New Town Sutherland Springs
SUTHERLAND SPRINGS TEXAS ... There were four doctors in New Town including retiree John M. Weston (whose wife Robbie Weston Herndon was one of the four druggists in town).
The girl in the white dress in front is their daughter, Mary Herndon. Her sister, Louise, is on the horse. Other girl is unknown. It was the girls' mother, Robbie Weston Herndon, who was the druggist. Robbie is listed as such in the 1910 census.
Tambria Read, Sutherland Springs Historical Museum Chairperson adds: I think the New Town Sutherland Springs Drug Store was on the corner of Lee Ave. (renamed CR 333 ) & E. Third St. which puts it at the opposite end of the block from the First State Bank of SS. Many items found in a pharmacy have been unearthed at that corner such as a metal swizzle spoon used for mixing medications and a round tin which carried condoms( brand name Merry Widows). (Photo courtesy of Richard B. McClasin, author of "Sutherland Springs Texas: Saratoga on the Cibolo")
The girl in the white dress in front is their daughter, Mary Herndon. Her sister, Louise, is on the horse. Other girl is unknown. It was the girls' mother, Robbie Weston Herndon, who was the druggist. Robbie is listed as such in the 1910 census.
Tambria Read, Sutherland Springs Historical Museum Chairperson adds: I think the New Town Sutherland Springs Drug Store was on the corner of Lee Ave. (renamed CR 333 ) & E. Third St. which puts it at the opposite end of the block from the First State Bank of SS. Many items found in a pharmacy have been unearthed at that corner such as a metal swizzle spoon used for mixing medications and a round tin which carried condoms( brand name Merry Widows). (Photo courtesy of Richard B. McClasin, author of "Sutherland Springs Texas: Saratoga on the Cibolo")
New Town Sutherland Springs
NEW TOWN SUTHERLAND SPRINGS TEXAS ... Lila Peavy Gorden in 1918 when she was 16 years old at the New Town Sutherland Springs swimming pool. An exquisite photo capturing much history! (Courtesy of blessed great granddaughter, Megan Locker)
Tambria Read, Sutherland Springs Historical Museum Chairperson, adds, "The deep end of the pool is nearest to where Lila P. Gordon is sitting, the spring that filled the pool is at the corner to the viewer's right. There is still a concrete short wall that divides the deep from the shallow end. The shallow end is not a true rectangle which guided the water to flow to the spillway which allowed the over flow to spill into the Cibolo Creek."
1950 Elementary School
1950 Sutherland Springs Elementary School ... {Teacher, Mrs. Adele Donaho} Giving names to this happy group of students would be a great asset for family genealogists. If you recognize one of these cute faces, please comment. (Courtesy Sutherland Springs Historical Museum)
Sutherland Hotel
*SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1908, THE SAN ANTONIO LIGHT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1O, 1908.
NEW $lOO,OOO HOTEL IS PLANNED FOR SUTHERLAND SPRINGS
With the construction of a first-class
hotel at Sutherland Springs that re
sort bids fair to become one of the
most popular in the state. The pro
moters of the enterprise will spare
no pains or expense towards making
tiie hotel modern and up-to-date. With
the completion of the building they
will have invested $100,009. ($3,314,945.65 in 2024)
The building will be a handsome
structure two stories in height. There
will be ample ventilation. Each of
the 50 rooms will be an out-ide room I
and there will be seven baths.
With the march of progress, the enterprising people of San Antonio and the surrounding country have invested in property, which they are rapidly developing for the benefit of the country at large so that the people of the United States who are seeking a real health resort can get the desired results by visiting Sutherland Springs located only 30 miles southeast of San Antonio.
It is only a short time since Sutherland Springs has been placed before the public, although it has for years been a private resort, and in that short time it has become so popular that the management of the G.H & S.A. railway, on whose lines it is located, has found it profitable to run excursions to the place. The result is that a 50-cent rate for the round trip has been put on twice a week – Thursdays and Sundays – to permit people from San Antonio to enjoy a run to this great resort.
The commercial possibilities of Sutherland Springs are also in evidence by the preparations which are being made towards drilling wells for oil or gas. A test well is to be sunk in a very short time.
An important investment that has just been made amounts to $10,000, which consists of a first-class lumber yard that J. W. Hammond of McDade, Texas, has established. He will also establish a store there. Other similar investments are about to be made. In fact, Sutherland Springs will soon become a conspicuous place on the map of Texas. (Thanks Kevin Wagenfuehr for assistance)
MIRACULOUS OPENING OF HOTEL
... The hotel at New Sutherland Springs actually opened on the Fourth of July in 1909, but that it ever opened at all was somewhat miraculous.
Plans for further development had almost been derailed when a young woman nearly drowned in the pool in August 1908. Contractor Berry in March 1909 was stabbed in the stomach during a card game in the kitchen of the hotel, which was still under construction at the time. Michaels, the manager, was then injured by a fall into an elevator shaft at a San Antonio furniture factory in June 1909, but like Berry he survived. Most spectacular was the stabbing of Sheriff William L. Wright at Floresville that same month by a prisoner hanged.
Wright in July 1908 had arrested Refugio Jaureque, a Mexican construction worker accused of stabbing and raping a teenaged Polish girl, Albina Olenick, near Sutherland Springs. When the two men arrived at Sutherland Springs en route to the Wilson County jail, a crowd of thirty or so men and boys tried to take the prisoner and lynch him. Wright "eluded" his attackers by a "ruse" and delivered his prisoner safely to Floresville, where Jaureque was tried and sentenced to death. He was hanged in June 1909 at Floresville but managed to stab Wright on the gallows inside the county jail with a knife he made from a spoon. Wright lived and served many more years as a sheriff and Texas Ranger.
To add a fittingly grim end to a year of disruption and bad news, former hotel proprietor James W. Parish, who had begun selling real estate at Sutherland Springs, fell between two train cars at San Antonio in December 1909 and had his right arm crushed so badly that it had to be amputated. (Taken from "Sutherland Springs Texas: The Saratoga on the Cibolo" courtesy of Writer Richard B. Mc Claslin)
E.E. Perry Drugstore
The E.E. Perry Drugstore in New Town Sutherland Springs, Texas, circa 1900. Sutherland Springs is in Wilson County.
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COURTESY/ Traces of Texas
Mission Paistle
*Mission Paistle... Located near Sutherland Springs. Its only a dot....but historically dots are significant. COURTESY/ Mark Cameron
The First State Bank
The First State Bank in Sutherland Springs circa 1910. From L-R: Mr. C.E. Ford, Mrs. Ford, Mrs. John Sutherland, Mrs. E.A. Grob, Mr Goodenough, 2 unidentified, Mr. Winters, Bethel Field, and 2 unidentified. Second photo is a Google streetview that shows what this same building looks like today.
Courtesy the Wilson County Historical Society via the Portal to Texas History.
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COURTESY/ Traces of Texas
The E.E. Perry Drugstore
The E.E. Perry Drugstore in New Town Sutherland Springs, Texas, circa 1900. Sutherland Springs is in Wilson County.
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COURTESY/ Traces of Texas
SUNNYSIDE SCHOOL
.... located in Wilson County Texas. No info. (COURTESY / Wilson County Historical Society )
Hotel Sutherland
''A place where time stood still / Hotel Sutherland's 52 rooms are vacant as echoes remind one of a glorious past / Old hotel houses a family of five.''
A rare photo showing an exterior view of Hotel Sutherland in 1939. Hotel Sutherland was once the center of a thriving community (New Town Sutherland Springs Texas) from 1909 to 1920. Thousands of people visited the 100 acre resort that boasted plentiful supplies of iron, sulphur and sour water.
COURTESY/UTSA Libraries Special Collections
FACTS ABOUT NEW SUTHERLAND SPRINGS....
When one realizes what some
world famous mineral Springs have
done for the community in which
they were located and what a boon
to buffering humanity they have
been is it a wonder that New Sutherland Springs in Texas should
have made everybody who has
heard of them sit up and take notice.
New Sutherland Springs will become more famous than Hot Springs, Ark., New Baden, lnd., or Mt Clemens, Mich. for these reasons: Its waters are of a higher order minerally they are situated in a portion of Texas where there are no wintry blasts or unstable
weather. In other words God's best
gift to suffering humanity Is located
in a land of year around sunshine.
New Springs will become the mecca of all health seeking people from everywhere and knowing this we urge you dear reader to grasp the opportunity and invest in a lot or some land near these springs you will always after thank us for urging to do it.
Write for further Information to SUTHERLAND SPRINGS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT & GAZETTE
OCTOBER 5, 1910
The Sutherland Springs Man
It is funny-how many men have a similar appearance from a rear view.
Mr. L. S. Winters has been followed all over town and asked for tickets to Sutherland Springs, about a thousand times a day, more or less.
l am not Winters, I am not W. E. Nelson, I am not A. W. W eatherford, I am not Mayor Callaghan, nor President Taft—l am the Sutherland
Springs man.
If you want a ticket to Sutherland Springs next Sunday, all you have to do is ask for it.
I will be on Joske's corner Thursday just at.twelve o'clock; I will go in and buy a handkerchief from the men's furnishing department.I will then go over to Washer's and buy a necktie. From there I will go to Aaron Frank
& Company on Houston street and buy a pair of sox.
I lost six tickets yesterday and I had to
hustle to get away from a crowd of girls in front of the Four Seasons restaurant to keep from losing the bunch of tickets then and there.
They insisted on telling everybody that came along that I was the Sutherland Springs man.That wasn't fair.
The sale of lots at Sutherland Springs is going fine now. Better get into it.
The Sutherland Springs Man
Sutherland Springs – 1910 article from San Antonio LIght and Gazette
"A Budget of Up to the Minute News from Towns of Southwest Texas"
San Antonio Light and Gazette, AUGUST 28, 1910
San Antonio Light and Gazette, AUGUST 28, 1910
SUTHERLAND SPRINGS....
Mrs. Fred Peterson of San An
tonio returned home Sunday after a
ten-days visit to relatives in Suther
land Springs.
Miss Ethel Jack of Artesia is visit
ing Miss Bessie Rush of this city.
Miss Winnifred E. Williams of San
Antonio spent Sunday in Sutherland
Springs visiting Miss Bertha Singer.
Mrs. Fannie Rush gave a moonlight
picnie in honor of Miss Ethel Jack of
Artesia last Friday night at the bath
ing pool in the park. The following
were among the crowd: Mr. and Mrs.
E. J. Gore, Mr. and Mrs. E. A. AVid
man, Mrs. Fred Peters, Mrs. Rush and
Mrs. E. Oates. Misses Williams, Bes
sie Rush, Ethel Jack, Bertha Singer,
Emma Stevenson, Mollie Dunean, Cal
lie Dunean, Alice Warren and Rhodea
Williams. Among the boys were John
Sutherland, H. R. Stevenson, Jack
Adair, Marvin and Lancing Warren,
Robert C. Singer. Prior Tunstall, Rufus
Stevenson and Rex Covington.
I Jesse Pouncey, of the Smiley Bank,
accompanied his wife and children
home Sunday from Sutherland Springs,
where they have been camping.
Mrs. K. Y. Stevenson and daughter,
Miss Emma Stevenson, left Sunday fpr
San Antonio to spend several weeks
visiting her daughter, Mrs. J. N. Moore
of that city.
James Smith and family of Smiley
home Monday from a camp
teip at Sutherland Springs.
Mrs. V. V. Lawhorn, who has been
visiting her sister, Mrs. K. Y. Steven
son, for the past month, left Sunday
for her home at Corpus Christi.
J. L. Shinloe of Yoakum is a spend
ing a few weeks in Sutherland Springs.
Mrs. Dow of Aransas Pass spent Sun
day hdre.
Grace Kaufman of San Antonio
spent Saturday and Sunday in Suth
erland Springs.
Ed H. Everett, wife and child, of
San Antonio arc spending a vacation
at Sutherland Springs.
G. E. Melliff of San Antonio was a
visitor Sunday.
J. AV. Holmes and family from the
Panhandle are spending some time in
Sutherland Springs.
Fred Sherman of Mexico spent Sun
day in Sutherland Springs.
R. W. Nowlin of Victoria was
among the visitors Sunday.
Misses Sallie Bell Lay, Jennie and
lone Schull, Lydia Wiseman and Nan-
SUNDAY,
nie Fly of Lavernia are among the
campers here.
Miss Ethel Powers of San Antonio
is spending a week in the Springs.
G. R. Cockrum returned Sunday from
a short business trip to San Antonio.
E. E. Chandler of Stockdale was
among the visitors Sunday.
A. B. Burnett of San Antonio was
registered at the Hotel Sutherland.
Misses Virgie and Sallie Lay of La
vernia were visitors Sunday.
H. D. Hoffmartin of Dallas is regis
tered at the Hotel Sutherland.
Mrs. M. J. Mackey of Chicago spent
Thursday in Sutherland Springs.
Curtis E. Warren and family of San
Antonio are camping at Sutherland
Springs.
H. Phillips and wife of San Antonio
are among the visitors here.
Mrs. M. J. Bryant of San Antonio
is spending the week at Sutherland
Springs.
Mrs. Ella and Miss Dukas Dunean
of Liberty were visitors to Sutherland
Springs Thursday.
Mrs. Jeneatte Evans of San Antonio
is spending some time at the Springs.
Mrs. N. E. and Miss M. Hutchins of
San Antonio were among the visitors
to Sutherland Springs Thursday.
Miss Cathleen Seale is the guest of
Miss lone Schull. who is in the
Springs on a camping trip.
Mrs. Mary E. Muncey of San An
tonio was registered at the Hotel
Sutherland Thursday.
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STOCKDALE...
Stockdale
Mr. t d Mrs. Charles Montgom
ery and children have returned to
their home at Weir, Tex., after a visit
here to relatives. They were accom
panied home by Mrs. Montgomery's
mother, Mrs. J. f*. Dameron Sr.
W. E. Cotter of Sutherland Springs
was a visitor here Saturday.
Miss Ruth Spear of Union is the
guest of her sister, Mrs. William Cot
ter.
Mrs, E. AI. Norwood of Karnes City
is here visiting her son Walter Gor
ham, and family.
Miss Dide Grissom of San Antonio
is here with her parents for a few
d .vs' visit. ।
Lou Carr and Bob Spear left Satur
day for a few days' stay at Galveston.
Willis Alston and wife of Houston
are here, the guests of Mr. and Mrs.
G. B. Gouger.
J. C. Dameron and T. Y. Hardin have
1 returned from Eagle Pass, where they
attended the Dry Farmers' convention.
Misses Pearl and Bessie HoWe and
Singa Harper were at Shiloh Monday,
where Miss Pearl Howe will teach the
coming term of public school.
Mrs. Herbert Harvey left Monday
for San Antonio, where she will visit.
G. B. Gouger and family and Mr.
Gouger's mother. Mrs. Henry Smith,
were at Sutherland Springs Tuesday.
Miss Luda Spear is here from Union
to visit her cousin, Mrs. Everett Reed.
Mrs. Lew Tumlinson and children are
at Leesville visiting relatives.
Mrs. Emma Geyer and children of
San Antonio have returned home after
a visit to relatives here.
Mr. and Mrs. Everett Reed spent
Sunday in Floresville with relatives.
Miss Singa Harper visited relatives
at Sunny Side Sunday.
The supper given Saturday by the
ladies of the Cemetery association was
a success, having made $5O after ex
penses were paid.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Alston and chil
dren and Mr. and Mrs. Willis Alston of
Houston spent Sunday at Sutherland
Springs.
Misses Pearl and Emma Kinsey were
visitors here Tuesday.
Thad Reese of Floresville was here
this week on business.
Mrs. Dora Conn and Miss Rebecca
Conn have returned from an extended
visit to relatives at Fort Worth.
Heck Cox and daughters of Maree
lena were here Tuesday to attend the
funeral of Miss Victoria Bell.
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Conn of near
Floresville were here this week.
Miss Annie Short has accepted a po
sition in the Caddo school for the com
ing term.
E. E. Peary of Unity was hero
Wednesday on business.
Dr. John Sutherland Ranch
The Dr. John Sutherland Ranch ... in Sutherland Springs Texas consisted of 4,605 acres along the west bank of the Cibolo Creek nearly a mile from the springs.
New Town map
HISTORY KEY: A map showing New Town's relics along with the "blue line" showing the Southern Pacific spur line.
Thomas Williams, owner of Hotel Sutherland, built an extension from the Southern Pacific Railtroad main line right to the pools. The line went right behind his hotel as well so there was virtual door to door service for the infirmed.
Exhibit honoring enslaved individuals in Wilson County
Did you stop by the Sutherland Springs Historical Museum Saturday to see the new exhibit honoring the enslaved individuals from the Polley plantation?
This new exhibit was created, designed, and curated by Dr. Melinda Creech, independent scholar and Vice-Chair, Wilson County Historical Commission. Pictured with Dr. Creech are Bexar County Archivist, Dr. David Carlson and Anthony Delgado, Chair, Wilson County Historical Commission.
If you have not yet visited the Sutherland Springs Historical Museum, you are missing out on a treasure. The museum has some great pictures, stories, and artifacts documenting the uniqueness that is Sutherland Springs. Kudos to Museum Chair Tambria Read for this little gem in our county. ( Wilson County Historical Society ) ( Kat Creech Photos)
1920s photo
This 1920's vintage black 'n white photograph features brothers Luther, Claude, & Walter Luttrell alongside Grandville Chaney. The serious- looking horsemen were posing in the resort area of Sutherland Springs, Wilson County Texas.
Enslaved People of J. H. Polley Plantation museum exhibit
Sutherland Springs Historical Museum ... Dr. Melinda Creech's new exhibit, The Enslaved People of J. H. Polley Plantation, Whitehall, Sutherland Springs, Texas 1836 - 1865", will open this Saturday, February 3rd at the Sutherland Springs Historical Museum. Feel free to share the flyer and this post with all of your friends and stop by the Sutherland Springs Historical Museum to see the new 30-panel exhibit honoring the enslaved of the Polley Plantation.
The museum's curator, Dr. Melinda Creech, researched the untold stories of theses people and created this lovely display. Each person is represented by a quilt square pattern; there are no known photographs of these folks.
Sat. Feb. 3, 2024 10am - 2pm
or by appointment call / text 210-289-3583.
Alexander H. Sutherland
ALEXANDER H. SUTHERLAND .... youngest son of Dr. John Sutherland, founder of Sutherland Springs Texas, organized the San Antonio Mexican Mission with just seven members led by pastor José María Casanova
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Methodist Ministers ... the Sutherland's and Rodriguez's served the Methodist Ministry together.. COURTESY /Ricardo Rodriguez , Administrator of Alamo Legacy & Missions Association.
I shared with you before, a story of a Alamo scout serving under William Barrett Travis, which later became a Methodist minister. After his death, his son Rev. Alexander H. Sutherland, continued his ministry and was responsible for converting and Supervising young Ministers, such as my Ggrandfather Rev. Cresencio Angel Rodriguez Coy.
Reviewing the family archives, as well as our Methodist Church archives, l located one of the several churches Rev. Cresencio preached at and located Rev. Alexander, Rev., Cresencio and his missionary German wife, Maria Cristina Strasburger Rodz. in the pictures..
History:
Forty years before the first preacher was appointed to what would become La Trinidad UMC, a Methodist doctor and settler serving as a physician to the troops at Bexar, Dr. John Sutherland, rode out as a scout from the Alamo to test reports of the approaching Mexican Army. Seeing the 1000-man army approaching, he returned in haste and was thrown from his horse into mud. His horse fell upon him and his rifle snapped in two. Injured and unarmed, he returned to give the grim news to Colonel Travis. Seeing his injury, Colonel Travis ordered him to leave, sparing him a sure and certain death.
After the massacre, Dr. Sutherland returned to the San Antonio area to found the community of Sutherland Springs near present-day Floresville. He also fathered eleven children and served as a lay delegate to the West Texas Conference.
Dr. John Sutherland died in 1867, and youngest child, Alexander Hamilton Sutherland, entered the itinerant ministry just one year later, around the same time that a new convert to Methodism, Alejo Hernandez, became the first Mexican to be ordained within the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
Rev. Alexander. H. Sutherland was fluent and fully literate in Spanish, and like many Presiding Elders of his day, he traveled as a circuit-riding evangelist conducting open-air services, raising up new clergy, and organizing new churches.
With the organization of the new district, evangelization began immediately in the area around San Antonio. In 1876, Rev. A.H. Sutherland organized the San Antonio Mexican Mission with just seven members led by pastor José María Casanova. The mission church met first in the homes of its constituents and then rented a hall on the corner of San Saba and Produce Row, where the famous "Mi Tierra" restaurant now stands in Market Square. The mission grew to over 100 members in just two years.
In 1886, the San Antonio Mexican Mission purchased land on the corner of San Fernando and Pecos Streets, where it has conducted ministry ever since. There, it constructed its first place of worship, known as the "Templo de Madera" or the "Wooden Temple." LTUM archives.
This Day in Texas History: February 28, 1836
The Dr. John Sutherland mentioned here is the gentleman Sutherland Springs Wilson County Texas is named after.
This Day in Texas History: February 28, 1836
Mexican army tries to cut off the Alamo's water supply again.
Seguin passes on Travis' oral message to another messenger after running into John Chenoweth and Francis L. DeSauque, who were the advance force for Fannin, tell Seguin that Fannin is on the way.
Juan Seguin rounds up 25 Tejanos to go to the Alamo and escort Fannin's men into the Alamo, 22 of these were men who had evacuated their families from Bexar before the Mexican Army arrived.. Several of the ranchers who had left the Alamo promised to return with help, this probably included Juan Ximenes the brother of Damacio Ximenes (Jimenez) he was also cousin to Juan Seguin, Gregorio Esparza and Toribio Losoya. {{{Dr. John Sutherland and 12 others join them in waiting for Fannin and they head to the Cibolo Creek.}}}
William C. Simmons, Thomas Mason Dennis, John Bate Berry, Andrew Jackson Berry, Logan Vandeveer enlist in the Texas Army in Mena, they will fight at San Jacinto.
Fannin to Joseph Mims- Tells him that the Alamo is under attack and a force is closing in on him after defeating Colonel Johnson.
Fannin to Acting Governor Robinson- tells them of Colonel Johnson's defeat. The enemy is attacking Bexar and heading to Goliad
The bombardment continues on the Alamo but no more skirmishes.
Green Jameson keeps on working on reinforcing the Alamo walls
Urrea prepares a trap for the rest of Johnson's men in Aqua Dulce. Battle of Agua Dulce happens in three days.
Almonte Diary- Sunday, "the weather abated somewhat. .. News were received that a reinforcement to the enemy was coming by the road from La Bahia in number 200. It was not true. The cannonading was continued."
The Alamo falls in seven days.
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This Day in Texas History: February 29, 1836
Bonham reaches Goliad. Fannin tells him that he is unable to march to the Alamo. Bonham continues to Gonzales
The Gonzales volunteers reach the outskirts of Bexar
Sam Houston arrives at Washington-on-the-Brazos.
ON THE CIBOLO IN A ROWBOAT
ON THE CIBOLO IN A ROWBOAT ..... That's what Mary Herndon wrote under the photo in her 1909 scrapbook. She's in the rowboat, but the others are unknown. There was a time Cibolo Creek at Sutherland Springs Wilson County Texas was not polluted but clean & used for recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, & picnicking to name a few. My childhood was enjoyed spending many a summer day swimming & playing in the clean waters especially at the "Y" . ( 97 & 87 intersection area)
(Photo COURTESY/ Liz Wheeler Lester .... Mary Herndon ( lady in boat) is Liz's grandmother.
MINERAL WATERS in NEW TOWN SUTHERLAND SPRINGS
MINERAL WATERS in NEW TOWN SUTHERLAND SPRINGS,.... were reported to cure an exhaustive list of ailments, including but not limited to, alcoholism, arthritis, baldness, cancer, chapped hands, constipation, diabetes, "female complaints", gout, high and low blood pressure, insomnia, malaria, pneumonia, rheumatism, ringworm, scurvy, toothache, ulcers, and venereal diseases. No wonder mineral springs were so valued by the Texas settlers.
The resort town of Sutherland Springs Texas was advertised as "Saratoga of the South" and had the largest sulphur bathing pool in the United States. One pool was white sulphur and the other was black sulphur. The white sulphur pool was a milky white color.
The main pool was divided into two sections by a cement wall with drainage run-offs for the continuously flowing spring water. The deeper pool was fed from springs from the bottom of the pool and the other side had a concrete bottom. The whole pool was surrounded by a sidewalk and walls.
Since mineral deposits floated to the top of the water, occasionally the top of the water had to be skimmed with a long board to remove the deposits.
There was boating and fishing as well in the Cibolo River. There were bath houses for men and women.
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[Courtesy of Sharon Sutherland who has written some stories involving Sutherland Springs in her blog "Sutherland Family History"] The Sutherland Springs Historical Museum has a nice display on the resort.
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THE RIVER OAKS BAPTIST CHURCH
Mrs. Annie Jahn Higgins related the history of the first River Oaks Baptist Church as: "The people of New Town Sutherland Springs told her they longed for a church on their side (the east side) of the Cibolo Creek. Annie spoke with her church, Baptist Temple on Gevers at E. Drexel in San Antonio, and the River Oaks Church was established as a mission of the Baptist Temple. Possibly Pastor Yelvington was the minister at the time as he was the pastor at Baptist Temple. "
Annie and Pattillo Higgins funded the materials for the construction and locals such as Ed Frasier and Joe Wesley Tatum among many other New Town families put in their labor of love for the church. Gatherings such as picnics were held on the grounds.
The alter was elevated about 6" from the concrete floor, complete with a tin baptismal reservoir. A Sunday School room was to the west side of the alter and one rest room to the east side. Baptisms were done in the church and or in the "Sand Hills" stock tank on Higgins Grass Farms up on the hill along CR 334.
To the best recollection the church was built and began in 1948. The first pastor is not known yet River Oaks Church of New Town Sutherland Springs was the first church that Brother /Pastor Kenneth Wellmann pastored.
He and his daughter Roxanne and family would be invited to lunch at various homes in the area. They often rested at the Anderson home (Fred and Eileen Anderson), which is one block from the original River Oaks Church, before the Sunday evening service.
Not sure when worship services ceased at the original River Oaks Church yet since the early 1960s the Higgins Family used the structure for storage. In the 1973 or was it '74 flood 6' of water swept into the structure.
Approximately 1994, or so, Pastor Harley Johnson (son of former Wilson County Pct 3 Commissioner Ed Johnson) and his wife Joyce (Joyce is the Aunt of Christian singer Clifton Janskey) .
Harley and Joyce began a Bible Study group in their home. Then they approached Patricia Higgins Read, who owned the structure at the time, about using the structure and revitalized the River Oaks Church.
After updates/remodeling of the structure church began with friends and family. In either 1997 or '98 Harley purchased the land where the new River Oaks Church is from Robert P. Higgins.
When New Town Sutherland Springs was first plated (original map in courthouse) showed the far NE street boundary to be Olive St. which is the driveway into River Oaks Church which is where the Myrtle Fruit Tree Farm was. Before the 1998 flood the new River Oaks Church was built and the congregation moved in. Sadly the former piano, small organ, and church seats ( I do not remember if they were pews) were damaged by the 1998 flood.
When Harley retired, from full time preaching, he brought Paul and Martha Buford into the community. {Tambria Higgins Read says that she is grateful that Paul and Martha have taken such great care of the ancient riparian Oaks on the River Oaks Church property. They were part of her childhood play area. Now there is a nest of owls with babies in one of the oaks.
[Thank you Tambria Higgins Read for this great information][Barbara J. Wood]
SALTMARSH STAGE STOP ...
A critical stage stop was abandoned by its namesake, D'Alanson (D. A.) Saltmarsh,when he was convicted of 'sedition'*.
*conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch.
D'Alanson (D. A.) Saltmarsh, a successful stagecoach operator, came to Texas to make his fortune on the Indianola to San Diego trail. He was born on September 17, 1796 in Weston, Connecticut to John Saltmarsh and Rhoda Beach. His brother was Orlando Saltmarsh.
In 1820, D. A. and Orlando ran a light two-horse wagon with mail from Athens, Pennsylvania to Ithaca, New York. In 1824, D. A. Saltmarsh was appointed postmaster of Athens, Pennsylvania. In 1827, with his brother Orlando, D. A. began a stage line from Fayetteville to Raleigh, Louisburg, and Warrenton, North Carolina then to Lawrenceville, Petersburg, and City Point, Virginia (on the James River near Washington, D.C). They were also mail contractors on this route.
In one of the earliest appearances of Abraham Lincoln's name on a Federal document in the House of Representatives. A report by "Mr. Lincoln, from the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads." Lincoln makes a report on the petition of Saltmarsh and Fuller. William Fuller and Orlando Saltmarsh: Jan. 19, 1848, 30 Congress-1st Session. Report #102 [To accompany bill H.R. 92].
Oct 4, 1837 the Washington Globe shows letters waiting for D.A. and Orlando Saltmarsh at the local post office. The 1840 Census recorded D. A. living in Columbus, Georgia. Saltmarsh ran a stage line from Augusta, Georgia to Milledgeville, Columbus and Mobile, Alabama. This route also carried mail. Orlando was also living in Georgia. By 1850, D. A. had moved to Texas and resided in Galveston where he had opened a stage stand.
In January 1851, D. A. and Orlando established the Saltmarsh Stage Line to carry mail and passengers from Indianola to San Antonio via Lavaca, Victoria, Yorktown, Sulphur Springs (Sutherland Springs), and Ecleto. In 1854 D.A. purchased property for a stage stand at Cottage Hill in east Bexar County.
On February 10, 1852 Orlando Saltmarsh died in Port Lavaca, Texas.
1860 Census records show D.A. living in Lavaca, TX.
In June of 1862, D. A. was found guilty of seditious language against the Confederacy States of America and sent to San Antonio. In San Antonio in July 1862 by Special Order 385, by Brig. General Hamilton P. Bee, Saltmarsh was found guilty of "seditious and disloyal language" and sentenced "to be confined for the space of twelve months, and at the expiration of that period to be sent beyond the limits of the Confederate States." During his incarceration, Saltmarsh was forced to participate in the dismantling and confiscation of his holdings.
The 1870 U. S. Census recorded D. A. as a stage contractor living in Troy, Pennsylvania.
D'Alanson (D. A.) Saltmarsh died 9 May 1871 in Troy, PA.
NOTE: D.A. Saltmarsh, his brother, Orlando, and his brother in law, William H. Overton, were all involved in the Saltmarsh stage and mail lines in the south.
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COURTESY/ Lost Texas Roads
Sutherland Springs Development Corporation's first high-water bridge
SUTHERLAND SPRINGS TEXAS ... The Sutherland Springs Development Corporation built the first high water bridge over the Cibolo in 1892.
The bridge was of iron and wood construction. It's spanned the Cibolo at the foot of County Avenue to simplify trade from within the San Antonio River Valley. They say that during the well-remembered flood of 1913, the bathhouse knocked off the end of it. It was reconstructed.
There are many memories of the old high water bridge with its loud creaking boards as vehicles traveled over it.The beloved old wooden bridge was replaced in 1958 when the Texas Department of Transportation built the concrete low water crossing and the Farm to Market Road 539. A 25 foot high concrete Bridge completed in 1995, replaced the low water Bridge.
UPDATE: Mark Johnson shares great new history information on the iron bridge in Sutherland Springs Texas. "This bridge was on hwy 539 just out of Sutherland Springs. It was built but WPA employees about the same time as the bridge at intersection of US 97 and US 87 known to us as the Y. also built by WPA. Ed Johnson worked on the one at the Y. I, Mark Johnson, drove a motor grader across the one in Sutherland Springs after it had been condemned by the state engineers. I would walk across it going to school when we lived up town. There was a kid we knew that used to dive head first off that bridge. I don't recall the years these bridges were built. This one was taken down by Tony Margraf for the metal about the mid '60s sometime after low water bridge had been constructed. Tony was a welder. They lived off hwy 123 in the Alum Creek area. Part of the old bridge is still in the Cibolo because when Tony cut it down it fell in the river and he couldn't get it all out. There were several old bridges built like that. Some are still in existence as historical sites because of their design. I can find out the dates when the bridge was built and taken down after this virus restrictions are lifted. Hope this helped with the history of this bridge. Mark Johnson"
"Santa Anna's Treasure"
SUTHERLAND SPRINGS TEXAS ... There had long been rumors and speculation in Sutherland Springs that some Mexican gold was buried in the area. The story being that Santa's Army on retreat from their loss at the Battle of San Jacinto, which had ended the Texas Revolution, buried this treasure here on their return to Mexico. For years, a number of searchers had hunted unsuccessfully for its location. One day a hard-working farmer plowing his field literally "hit gold"..... read about it straight from the "Austin Daily Statesman August 10, 1891". [Solving my curiosity Google says $17,000 in 1860 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $525,506.87 in 2019]
"Along the Line of the Galveston, Harrisburg, San Antonio Rail Yard."
COURTESY/ Southwest Texas "Along the Line of the Galveston, Harrisburg, San Antonio Rail Yard."
Telling the history of Sutherland Springs
Many years ago Rick McClasin sat at my dining room table and we began flipping through my acculated history pages on Sutherland Springs. Rick was a University student and was beginning a many year path down the road to his accomplished book, "Sutherland Springs: Saratoga on the Cibolo". [My contribution wasn't a drip in the bucket but love having been a part of the history of a place I dearly loved]
Rick was different than the many University students who had shared a glass of sweet tea in my home through out the many years. He had concerned interest in the folks who made up the history. This I liked.
Rick is now an endowed Professor of Texas History at the University of North Texas, and also the author of Tainted Breeze: The Great Hanging at Gainesville, Texas, October 1862; Lee in the Shadow of Washington; and Fighting Stock: John S. "Rip" Ford in Texas.
"Sutherland Springs: Saratoga on the Cibolo" is great reading for those with a hunger for our history. {Available on Amazon}
"Beyond the story of resort spa aspirations lies a history of the community and its people itself. McCaslin provides a complete history of Sutherland Springs from early settlement through Civil War and into the twentieth century, its agricultural and oil-drilling exploits alongside its mineral water appeal, as well as a complete community history of the various settlers and owners of the springs/hotel."
Bobcat in 1972
Sutherland Springs Wilson County...... In the summer of 1972, Richard Cardenas & Eutimio Lerma Gonzales came by Barbara Wood's home to show off the bobcat. Eutimio is the man standing on the pickup truck's bumper holding the killed bobcat. Richard Cardenas , good friend, is standing beside him.
Eutimio purchased the truck in Texas and the mud flaps on his Texas truck he purchased in Montana where he and his family worked the beet fields.
Eutimio passed away when he was 48 due to heart trouble.
Richard Cardenas passed away April 22, 2023 at the age of 90 years.
Popular clothing worn in 1922
Periwinkle, Henna and Rust .... among the beautiful colors of frocks and dresses worn in 1922. Surely many of these donned the resort grounds at New Town Sutherland Springs Texas in their prime.
Sutherland Springs Business Hours
SUTHERLAND SPRINGS WILSON COUNTY TEXAS 1937 .... Information comes from a 1937 Wilson County Directory. (Photos/Info COURTESY/ Liz Wheeler Lester )
I remember Miss Jennie Whitley so well... the typical telephone operator gray hair piled high upon her head. The office was on 5th Street somewhere between 14th & 13th. was a very small one room shed-like building. Many days I set on the threshold talking to Miss Jennie and watching her as she performed her duties. As she plugged the cords into the different sockets on the switchboard connecting the parties, it was so intriguing! The community bought her gravestone as she was loved by so many.
The Smiths of Old Sutherland Springs
Wilson County News 2016
By Columnist Lois Wauson
"Rainy Days and Starry Nights"
By Columnist Lois Wauson
"Rainy Days and Starry Nights"
One day we were out driving on the old Sutherland Springs/Lodi Road and were intrigued by the Historical Marker of the Shiloh Cemetery. We stopped and I got out to read the marker and looked across the silent rolling hills and wondered about all the people buried there. Shirley and John Grammer have done so much research on the cemeteries in Wilson County, so I knew I could go to her to start my story. She has been very helpful.
Shirley and John were instrumental in getting a Historical Marker for the old Shiloh Cemetery and she sent me a bunch of pictures of the graves there and information she and John had found as they did their research. There are only 17 marked graves in the old cemetery. The last apparent burial is that of Thomas McDonald in 1939.
This is what Shirley wrote about the people in the Shiloh Community:
These early pioneers of Shiloh lived their lives struggling to survive on land they had chosen for themselves. They worked on farms near the church and school. They milked their cows, butchered their hogs, cured the meat, tended their chickens, weeded their vegetable gardens, and washed with lye soap. They most likely grew cotton as a cash crop. They worshiped their God in the Methodist Episcopal Church South and their children attended the Shiloh School. When their time on earth was over, they were buried in the Shiloh Cemetery.
Two of the graves were James Madison Smith and his wife Susan. James was a Confederate soldier in the Civil War. He was born in 1842 in Florida. James joined the 2nd Regiment Florida Cavalry. His wife stated on her application for a pension in 1914, nine years after he passed away in Sutherland Springs, "He entered the army soon after the commencement of hostilities and remained until the close."
James and Susan Bryant may have been neighbors in Gadsden, Fla. They were married on Jan. 14, 1869, after the war. James was 25 and Susan was 21. The census of 1870 said they were living in Gadsden, Fla. In 1880, according to the census, they were still living in Florida, and they had two children, Ellen, 8, and John, 5. He was farming.
In 1876, Texas still had about 56 million acres of unappropriated public domain and 20 million acres of public school land. Maybe James and Susan Smith heard the call to "Go West, young man."
So James and Susan Smith left Florida for Texas in 1882. They settled on some land on the road from Lodi to Sutherland Springs and farmed on the land there; they bought some land and started farming; in 1900 they were still living in the area, and had one child at home, named Spencer, age 15. I haven't found out what happened to their son, John, unless he passed away. In one census she said she had three children but only two were living.
Their daughter Ellen, who was 21, had married a man named William Thomas McDonald, age 25, on Jan. 14, 1891, in Sutherland Springs. The McDonald family were neighbors or maybe they all went to the same church, the Methodist Episcopal Church South. I have tried to do research on that church's history, but so far I have found nothing.
James Smith died in 1905 at the age of 62. His son, Spencer Smith, married Ola (maiden name unknown) around that same time, and they stayed on the farm with his mother Susan to continue farming. In 1910 they had three children. They lived with his mother on that farm. They probably mostly raised cotton. Susan died at the age of 85. She had outlived her husband for 29 years. She is buried in Shiloh Cemetery.
Ellen and Thomas McDonald farmed in the Sutherland Springs community also, and by 1910 they had four children. Ellen died in 1927 at the young age of 50. She is buried in the Shiloh Cemetery. So Thomas continued farming on the farm and after Ellen died, and in the 1930 census, his son Ollie Smith was still on the farm helping him. Thomas passed away in 1939 at the age of 70 and is also buried in the Shiloh Cemetery.
So what I found out was the Smith and McDonald families were related to each other. They probably attended church picnics and revivals at the Methodist church together.
So if you are out driving and you stop to listen, amid the quiet of the fields you will hear the faint sounds of voices laughing and talking amid the cows mooing in the distance. The spirits of the settlers will always be there, to remind you of a simpler life and time.
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COURTESY/ Wilson County News 2016
Old Sutherland Springs bridge
Old Sutherland Springs bridge over Cibolo Creek.
Photo Courtesy/ Sutherland Springs Historical Museum
The Sutherland Hotel
A favorite photo of Sutherland Springs, Texas .... the Sutherland Hotel. As a child, I lived in New Town among the historic "ruins", spanish moss, and oh, the imaginary "cowboys & Indians" .... of the "whishing, squealing" of the boxcars, the "rumbling" wooden slats on the old high water bridge spanning across the Sea Willow Creek, "ribbiting" frogs from the reservoirs, lightening bugs' "glow", & the most detailed stars in the night skies.... lying on top an old watermelon truck gazing at the night sky sprinkled with constellations serenaded by calming musical notes of mockingbirds, crickets, & an occasional owl..... Life in New Town was a blessing! written by Barbara J. Wood
'Sutherland Springs Chronicle' 1877
A June 1877 "Sutherland Springs Chronicle" newspaper article mentions the Johnson & Staudt's gin at Lodi as well as Suttle's Bros. pottery ware manufactured by them near La Vernia. COURTESY/ Allen Kosub
History of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs
A TIME TO SEEK THE LORD ... History of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs Wilson County Texas researched and written by Mrs. Barbara J. Wood, June 30, 1996.
FOREWORD.... The occasion of this Historical Resume is the observance of seventy years of chronicles of those who labored toward the building of this body of baptized believers.
It is written for the pleasure and guidance of those who follow. For no matter how rich the heritage, a church can be no better than the generation that holds it in trust.
In the early years of the church, records were kept at the homes of the officers. Twice, homes of the Church Clerk burned destroying the Church Minutes. Therefore, Church records are not available until the year of 1953 with years following being incomplete at times.
I researched and studied material from Church Records available, Annual Associational Minutes, information from church members and other historical passageways.
I am appreciative to my husband, Dewayne, The San Antonio Baptist Association staff, Linda Bright from The South Central Baptist Area Associational Office, The Historical Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, The Texas Baptist Historical Collection, The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, The Sutherland Springs Historical Museum, Rev. Robert Miller of Calvary Baptist Church, Pastor Jeff Weems of The First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Mrs. Lora Adcock, Mrs. Beulah Wilson, Mrs. Virginia Baker, Mrs. Viva Lou Mills and many others who have helped in various ways.
I had hoped to include a biographical sketch of most of the pastors. However, due to lack of information, this could not be.
Occasionally, words and phrases have been used which do not appear good form today. These have been preserved because they are actual transcripts of the writing at the time.
This historical writing may include information of which some may not agree. When there is a conflict in information, I have printed all versions so that the reader may decide.
I have done the best that I could with extensive research from many avenues. It is my desire to have recorded a true history of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs.
Mrs. Barbara J. Wood
Columnist and Historian
June 30, 1996
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A TIME TO SEEK THE LORD ..... In the early 1900's, Sutherland Springs was a well-known place. Newspapers, brochures, and folks from all around boasted about her renowned summer and winter resort.
The retreat was promoted foremostly for health reasons. Nature had gloriously flaunted a healing potpourri of redeeming mineral springs, hot and cold.
Although, this is not where the spiritual image of Sutherland Springs begins. One could say that the commencement was with the faith-driven perseverance of religious pioneers in the 1700's.
From the beginning of time, human nature has had the desire to seek and has hoped for a better life. Therefore, a great religious paradigm was introduced with the arrival of Franciscan missionaries and the building of Missions. The Franciscan missionaries came to bring Christianity to the Native American tribes living here. They came to convert them to God.
The Franciscans, the Order of Little Brothers, were picturesque with their bare feet and clothing of drab, gray wool. This image was consummated with their strong will and persistent faith in this time of seeking the Lord.
The Franciscans built thirty-six missions in Texas. They established Mission Concepcion in 1731 in this vicinity. It covered approximately fifteen square leagues.
Mission Concepcion had its own ranch and grazing land for its livestock. This ranch, Rancho del Paistle, was situated on the west bank of the Cibolo near the present Sutherland Springs. Rancho del Paistle rephrased is Moss Ranch. (One of the past traditional characterizations of Sutherland Springs is the silvery hued Spanish moss that so unendingly adorned the exquisite oaks. The long strings of moss were used for blanket coverings, lived feed, packing material, decoration and the Native American women wove it for clothing such as skirts, shoes and shawls.) The Moss Ranch was abandoned in 1767.
Partial secularization of Mission Concepcion began in 1794. Then Mission San Jose served it. The transmittal of the Mission from ecclesiastical to civil use was completed in 1824.
Ten years later, in 1834, the Moss Ranch became private property when Jose Maria Balmaceda assumed the ownership.
Doctor John Sutherland, founder of Sutherland Springs, settled in this area fifteen years later about 1849. The fanfare of hot and cold springs, especially the bubbling steamy sulfur was possibly the enticement. Doctor Sutherland was a practitioner who used a method of medicine that encouraged cures from the use of vegetable compounds and steam treatments.
The locality was given the name of "Sutherland Springs" in 1851. Doctor Sutherland had received a certification for a Post Office that needed a townsite's name. He gave his last name with validation of the mineral springs. The actual town site was laid out in 1854 from two-hundred seventy-five acres of the Sutherland estate.
The Doctor John Sutherland home place was along the west bank nearly a mile from the springs. (The limestone cistern on the north side of the First Baptist Church is the last remaining relic of the Doctor John Sutherland home place. The large concrete block protecting the opening of the cistern is a slab of the sidewalk from Hotel Sutherland.)
It was perfectly natural for those who had known the fellowship of other Christians, when scattered out into other areas without a church of their faith and order, to have a time of seeking the Lord. Doctor Sutherland, an austere Methodist, wanted a place of worship near his family. Thus, he and Joseph Polley, of the Polley Mansion, co-sponsored the installation of the Sutherland Springs Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
In 1863, the Fifth Annual Convocation of the West Texas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South was held in Sutherland Springs. In 1876, they abolished the Sutherland Springs Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Methodist parishioners continued their worship with a circuit rider pastor who came twice a month to hold services. The traveling pastor was usually paid with vegetables, fresh milk and butter, and freshly laid eggs from the hens.
A time of seeking the Lord for other faiths became apparent around 1877 with traveling pastors from the Protestant Episcopal and the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches. As well at that time, there were regular Methodist services being held in Sutherland Springs. The Union Church began to hold revivals in the summer down by the Cibolo outside town.
Beginning in the early 1900's, religion instruction did not seem as important. In spite of the Legislature's 1875 Prohibition Enactment, two saloons were being operated in Sutherland Springs.
In the Forty-ninth Session of the San Antonio Baptist Association, they pledged the following:
The Liquor Traffic
For still another year our country has continued its human sacrifices, numbering tens of thousands of victims to this hideous monster. Our civilization does not deserve the name of Christian while the infamous traffic, deadly to the body, mind and soul, is countenanced (supported) by our laws. This Association stand for the complete extirpation (destruction) of the liquor business. Signs are numerous that the days of the saloon are numbered in America. Regulation has been everywhere a failure. Annihilation (destruction) is the one alternative. The saloon is always and everywhere a lawbreaker. Public sentiment, especially in the South, is forming fast and strong to drive the whole business from the land. Georgia and Oklahoma have already outlawed the saloon. Tennessee, the Carolinas, Alabama, and Mississippi seem ready to follow at once, in Texas, Kentucky, Virginia, Arkansas and in fact, in the entire South, its years are few. Wise saloon men already see the handwriting on the wall, and are lustily urging their comrades to obey the laws. They are too late to avert the storm. Their business is doomed. The Anti-saloon league was never before so active and efficient as now. This association pledges its prayers, and its every possible effort to the task of freeing our state forever of this arrogant, lawless, deadly enemy to society.
The glimpse into the spiritual past of Sutherland Springs has now inspired the time back to the early 1900's when she was so prevalently fashionable. It seemingly was a time for Man assuredly to seek the Lord.
In a meeting January 12, 1908 held by the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Stockdale, Rev. John Poole assisted by Rev. S. C. Bailey, State Evangelist, the following action was adopted:
"We, the Baptist Church of Stockdale, Texas, hereby certify that we have in the surrounding country several important places that are entirely destitute of the Gospel by Baptists. Sutherland Springs is a railroad town and they have a House of Worship, etc. located about six miles west of here. Also Caddo about six miles northeast of here is an important place. Several places without preaching should be worked up and get them to call pastors. Therefore, we believe that the Board will do well to employ the Rev. John H. Poole for half time to work at the above mentioned places.
This endeavor was manifest at the Fiftieth Session of the San Antonio Baptist Association, as they received a petitionary letter from a Sutherland Springs Missionary Baptist Church.
This letter had general remarks about the church's spiritual condition, the general tone of the church life, and special features of the year's work.
The Sutherland Springs Missionary Baptist Church was unanimously welcomed October 1, 1908. The pastor was Rev. John H. Poole, Clerk and Sunday School Superintendent was S. H. McIntire. Preaching was every second Sunday.
The Sutherland Springs Missionary Baptist Church reported regularly to the San Antonio Baptist Association until 1925 when it appears it withdrew from the Association with no explanation about the reason.
Another engrossing season in the spiritual growth of Sutherland Springs begins to take place about 1909.
The San Antonio Baptist Associational Minutes of September 1909 recorded the ensuing revelation, "We have in our section an organization called The Southwest Texas Baptist Workers Conference. It is composed of all the Baptists in Southwest Texas who desire to cooperate with it. This conference is to meet annually." The Baptist Ministers on the Executive Committee of the Southwest Texas Baptist Workers Conference were R. F. Stokes – Chairman, E. C. Routh – Secretary, Weston Bruner, J. V. Neal, J. Dickenson, B. A. Copas, Sid Williams, H. M. Cain and R. A Cobron.
This committee was appointed to select a site for a Southwest Texas Baptist Encampment. One that would be involving more than three-hundred thousand Baptists in Texas from eleven Baptist Associations.
After mindful study and investigation of a diversity of locations, the Executive Committee unanimously decided upon Sutherland Springs.
The Sutherland Springs Development Company was formed in 1909. It owned one-thousand acres in New Town that embraced twenty mineral springs along three miles of frontage on the Cibolo.
In an SSDC booklet, the reasons given for Sutherland Springs being chosen were for the most beautiful scenery and trees in Texas; the beautiful Cibolo; inspiring mineral waters and the high moral character of the Sutherland Springs Development Company.
The purposed for the Baptist Encampment, Chautauqua, etc. were for an annual Southwest Texas Baptist Workers Conference meeting place; meeting place of the Southwest Texas Baptist Sunday School; an annual evangelistic camp meeting of several weeks; a two or more week's annual Bible School; a Baptist Missionary Alliance; meeting place for the Baptist Woman's Missionary Workers Auxiliary; an auditorium with a two-thousand seating capacity; and a convalescent annex for the Baptist Sanitarium. (Hospital to be built in San Antonio, Texas)
The Baptist Encampment never achieved the greatness planned by the Executive Committee of the Southwest Texas Baptist Workers Conference. It has been speculated that the reason was the destructive flood that devastated Sutherland Springs October 11, 1913.
An interesting report appears in "A Baptist Century Around the Alamo 1858 – 1958". A committee May 30, 1919 heartily endorsed the location and establishment of an encampment at Leakey, Texas known as Alto Frio Baptist Encampment.
The Encampment was for Baptists of the entire Southwest Texas area. The beautiful, spirit-filled Alto Frio Baptist Encampment meets the criteria of the earlier designated Sutherland Springs Baptist Encampment.
With the genesis of the Sutherland Springs Missionary Baptist Church, they revived spiritual activity. A Baptist Chautauqua Meeting Ground was laid out in the Sutherland Springs park by the mineral springs. They built a permanent shelter (tall poles with only a roof) to house revival meetings and summer encampments.
Chautauqua is a Seneca (Western New York Native American) word meaning one has taken fish here. It refers to Chautauqua Lake where a Literary and Scientific Circle was founded in 1898 by Bishop Vincent of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Senecas pronounced Chautauqua as if it were "Chaud-dauk-wa."
The Sutherland Springs Missionary Baptist Church and the Presbyterian Church had resident ministers in 1915.
Having no written organizational data on the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, information was recapitulated elsewhere. Interviews in 1972 with Mrs. Madelyn Cowan, Mrs. Bob Baker, and Mrs. Pearl Adcock provided the following:
"The wanting for a place of worship of their faith and in their own community was natural for folks. Wherefore, several members in Sutherland Springs covenanted together to organize a Baptist Church. The church was officially organized October of 1926 in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Burl Chaney. Some of the charter members were Mrs. Claude (Madelyn Prothro) Cowan, Mrs. Johnny (Ruby (Bob) McClanahan) Baker, Edith Elderidge, Lottie Elderidge Parrish, Mr. and Mrs. Burl Chaney, Liilie Joerck Gregory and Grace Joerck Grandstaff."
The San Antonio Associational Missionary, Bro. J. S. Henderson, led in the 1926 organization of the Sutherland Springs Central Baptist Church. Bro. Chaffe, a former pastor of the First Baptist Church of Floresville, came Sunday afternoons and preached the Word of God. The membership met in the old Sutherland Springs School building.
The minutes of the Sixty-ninth Session of the San Antonio Baptist Association records the official acceptance of the Sutherland Springs Central Baptist Church into the San Antonio Baptist Association Wednesday, September 7, 1927.
The Associational Minutes read, "Petitionary letters were called for and the letter from the new church at Sutherland Springs was presented. A committee composed of W. A. Joyner, J. C. Long, and H. A. Seymour was appointed to consider the application of this church for membership in the Association. The report was adopted."
The Minutes recorded the Church Clerk as Harry Craft, Sunday School Superintendent – B. B. Chaney and Secretary – Miss Edith Elderidge.
The fact that this new church was called the Sutherland Springs Central Church suggests that it wished to differentiate itself from another Baptist congregation in town, presumably the earlier Sutherland Springs Missionary Baptist Church.
They apparently organized or constituted the new church in 1926; although, there are times (1947 thru 1951) when they gave the organization year as 1909. For the past forty-five years, they have given the organization date as 1926.
It is not known what year the Sutherland Springs Central Baptist Church became known as the First Baptist Church. The changing of the name could have been simply a matter of preference by the local congregation. It may have been done interchangeably over a period of years, especially during a transition time.
As it seems, the Sutherland Springs Missionary Baptist Church did not make annual Associational reports after 1924. The Sutherland Springs Central Baptist Church surfaced in 1925. In the Gambrell Baptist Association's Fourth Annual Session (October 1925), it chronicled Rev. H. H. Chaffee as the pastor. In a December 1988 historical summary of the First Baptist Church, the writer states "the church was organized in 1926", however, that "the preceding year (1925) a group had organized a Sunday School, Baptist Young Peoples Union, and Woman's Missionary Union."
The Sutherland Springs Baptist Church transferred from the San Antonio Baptist Association to the Gambrell Association October 7, 1941. However, there is some confusion about its relationship for the next few years. The church reported to the Gambrell Baptist Association in 1941 thru 1943 but to the San Antonio Baptist Association in 1944 thru 1946. On September 23, 1947, the Sutherland Springs Baptist Church was again admitted into the Gambrell Baptist Association. This is where the church has been affiliated for the past forty-nine years.
According to 1926 Associational records, Bro. Sam Zook is said to be the first pastor. However, from remembrances of older members, they say that it was Bro. Hal Reddoch. Bro. Zook's family verifies that he was pastor at one time. It appears that both served at different times during 1926 to 1928.
No doubt many rich blessings came to the church membership as they stepped out on faith to buy their first church building. The Sutherland Springs Central Baptist Church was the hub of the community. Persons of all faiths and races with sincerity of purpose and grace in their hearts shared in raising the money.
The older church members say folks from all around came with contributions of chickens, pigs, and hand-cranked ice cream to vend. As well, monetary donations supplemented the needed payment to buy an old store building. They held worship services in the old building for several years.
It was during this period that the church surely was inspired for it was evidently growing in spirit and number. The membership and community volunteers tore down the old building and built a more effective church building using most of the lumber.
The membership persevered in their labor of seeking the Lord. In 1949, they found themselves in another building program. Under the counsel of their pastor, Bro. W. C. Binford and the supervision of a church member, Johnny Baker, they tore down the old church building. They met in the Old Town Sutherland Springs School Gymnasium for Worship Services until the new church was raised.
They held a Ground Breaking Ceremony on February 27, 1949. Chosen members of the congregation turned spades of dirt from the new property purchased in 1948.
With most of the lumber from the old church and a grant from the Baptist General Convention of Texas, they built a beautiful House of Worship. This new, present-day church was completed in September of 1949.
In the past seventy years, the church membership under the leadership of twenty-eight pastors, has remodeled, restored, and made additions to the church structure.
In Matthew 16:18, the Lord uttered these words, "...On this rock I will build my church..." These were words of hope and meaning to the early Christians as they are to the Christians of today.
Today, June 30, 1996, these words take on an entirely new meaning to the congregation of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs.
Because today, we look back to October 1926, when those few men and women in a time of seeking the lLord, came together to establish this House of Worship. And as we, the membership of today, continue to see the Lord in all seasons of His church.
Researched, compiled and written by
Mrs. Barbara Jane Wood
June 1996
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UPDATE : In Matthew 16:18, the Lord uttered these words, "...On this rock (JESUS CHRIST) I will build my church..." These were words of hope and meaning to the early Christians as they are to the Christians of today. (When the church building in 1996 was being remodeled, the floor under the pulpit was removed while I was present. There on the ground was a large rock .... no other rocks anywhere on the ground. I asked the pastor what they were going to do with it as we both understood it was the materialized rock the church building was built upon. I happily took home that piece of history.)
Today, January 18, 2022, these words take on an entirely new meaning to the congregation of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs and to the Sutherland Springs Community as the congregation has voted to demolish the 96 year old building. A new church building was built in 2019 following the massacre in 2017.
The "first" Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church building's photo is on the front cover of "A Time to Seek the Lord". It was located on 5th street. When the congregation tore down this building to build a larger church, they used the lumber in the new church building.
Gunne Pasture
GUNNE... GUNNIE.... GUNN PASTURE ..... Have you ever heard of Gunne pasture??? Mary (Herndon) Wheeler is on the far left of the group. The area is supposedly in Wilson County Texas & we love to know location. (Photo shared by Liz Wheeler Lester )
New Town Sutherland Springs Resort
SWIM TIME AT THE POOL .... Liz Wheeler Lester shares these remarkable vintage photos taken decades ago at the New Town Sutherland Springs Resort. (Thanks Liz!)
1908 explosion
In 1908, an explosion took place in New Town Sutherland Springs Wilson County Texas. From Liz Wheeler Lester's 114 year old photo, it appears to be daylight & was a planned explosion as the photographer was set up to make the photo. As far that, information on what was detonated is anyone's guess. However, the vintage capture is amazing & glad to have this photo in our collection. (Thought about the first high water bridge over the Cibolo Creek, yet it was constructed by the Sutherland Springs Development Company in 1892. )
Folks enjoy the sandstone bluff
Sutherland Springs Wilson County Texas ... Folks posing in front of what Clinton Wyatt believes to be a sandstone bluff at the southwest bank of the Cibolo Creek that is visible from the swimming pool. Photos shared by Liz Wheeler Lester . No details.
First State Bank, 1909
SUTHERLAND SPRINGS TEXAS ... Among the more interesting businesses in New Sutherland Springs was a bank, which organized during the early fall of 1909, just five years after the Texas constitution was amended to allow state-chartered banks.
The New Sutherland Springs facility received a charter as the First State Bank in October and opened its doors in a rented building with Tom Morgan, the former city marshal of Ennis, as its president. Construction of a concrete building with proper bars began in December 1909 and was completed early the following year.
The company only had $10,000 in capital, but its deposits, under a law adopted in 1909, were originally secured by both the West Texas Bank and Trust Company of San Antonio and Chase National Bank of New York. The Houston National Exchange Bank was added to that list as well by the end of October 1909, and in July 1910 the American Bank and Trust Company, whose president N. S. Graham also served as treasurer for the Sutherland Springs Town and Land Company, became a "reserve agent" for the First State Bank.
At that time the president of the First State Bank was Charles F. Goodenough, a native of Britain. Finance was a difficult business in this period; the West Texas Bank and Trust Company became the largest state bank in Texas by early 1916, then within just a few months was shut down and its assets liquidated. Somehow the First State Bank survived into the 1920s, when it became one of many rural banks in Texas to close its doors after many failures ruined the state deposit security system.
(Courtesy of Richard McClasin, author of "Sutherland Springs Texas: The Saratoga on the Cibolo")
Office of former Wilson County Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace C. A. Nelson, 1957
Maria Maldonado LaRoche of Floresville Texas shared this photo of the one-room office of former Wilson County Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace C. A. Nelson, taken in 1957.
Maria's sisters, Mary Helen Maldonado Mahler, now deceased, stands at the door, while another sister, Juanita Rosa Maldonado Benavides, now a resident of San Antonio, watches from the street.
The office stood on the north corner of Fourth and 13th streets in Sutherland Springs, across from the location of the present-day Sutherland Springs Community Center. The sign outside the office states, "Get marriage license at county courthouse. Get married here. Two can't live as cheap as one, but its [sic] lots more fun."
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COURTESY/ Wilson County News 2011
Sutherland Springs Cemetery group pursues historic designation in 2011
Shirley and John Grammer of La Vernia are working with Bertha Cardenas Lomas and Sharon Hays of the Sutherland Springs Cemetery Association to have the cemetery designated as a historic site. Once the historic designation application is approved, an application will be made for a Texas State historical marker for the cemetery.
In researching the deed records of Wilson County, Shirley found that the cemetery was established Oct. 31, 1860, when Dr. John Sutherland granted approximately 5 acres to the town of "Sutherland" for a graveyard.
The first interment was of Dr. Sutherland's wife, Ann Margaret Sutherland (1809-62).
On May 22, 1911, Jacob Hyder sold 2.09 acres for $75 to Margaret Curry, Mamie Sutherland, and Jennie Wiseman, trustees of the Oak Hill Cemetery Association, present-day Sutherland Springs Cemetery Association, bringing the total acreage to 7.09 acres. On May 1, 1956, Jennie Wiseman and Mamie Sutherland submitted their resignations as trustees of the Oak Hill Cemetery Association. Margaret Curry was deceased.
The cemetery became known as the Sutherland Springs Cemetery Association, with Basil Hoke, Claude Cowan, and Melvin Deagen elected as new trustees. Mrs. Hoke was the president.
On Sept. 19, 1997, the Billy Deagen family of Sutherland Springs deeded 0.59 acre to the Sutherland Springs Cemetery Association, bringing its total acreage to 7.68 acres.
Interred in this cemetery are Texas Rangers, judges, doctors, veterans, Masons, members of the Polley family, and many descendants of Dr. John Sutherland, for whom the town of Sutherland Springs is named.
Every gravestone in the cemetery now has been photographed and the information recorded, according to the Grammers. There remain a number of unmarked graves in the cemetery, some with temporary metal markers and a few concrete stones with no identification.
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COURTESY/ Wilson County News 10-2011
