Phelps
Phelps is on Farm Road 2296 just south of U.S. Highway 190 and six miles
east of Huntsville in eastern Walker County. The community developed
around a depot and telegraph station established by the Houston and
Great Northern Railroad in the early 1870s and was probably named for
the Phelps-Dodge Construction Company, which built the railroad. A post
office was established at the site in 1874, and around that time the
community had a hotel, a general store, a church, and a school. Soon a
spur, connecting at Phelps, joined the larger community of Huntsville to
the rail line. Sawmills began operation nearby. More than 100 families
worked in the mills, and most of them lived in Phelps. The community
grew from a reported population of twenty-five in 1890 to more than 300
by 1914. By the late 1930s the sawmills had ceased operation, and the
community comprised only one business and scattered dwellings and
churches. In 1950 Phelps had two local businesses and 100 citizens. Its
post office closed in March 1964. In 1990 Phelps had ninety-eight
residents and two churches. The population remained the same in 2000. TSHA
Phelps, also known as Phelps Settlement, is a small unincorporated
community in eastern Walker County, Texas, established in the early
1870s as a railroad depot town. Unlike many historical settlements in the county that became ghost
towns, Phelps declined but persists as a rural farming area with a
small population.
Location:
Phelps is situated on Farm Road 2296, just south of U.S.
Highway 190, approximately six miles east of Huntsville, the Walker
County seat, in eastern Walker County. It was originally planned midway between New Waverly and Dodge, about
eight miles from each, along the Houston and Great Northern Railroad
track between Conroe and Trinity. The initial townsite was laid out at the location of the present-day
Black Jack community, but it was relocated in 1872-1873 to the junction
where Huntsville's branch railroad (the "Huntsville Tap Line")
connected to the main line, for better accessibility. Nearby historical communities include Shepherd's Valley to the south
(established in the 1850s near old Pine Valley) and Black Jack, which
remains associated with Phelps through shared cemetery use.
Founding and Early Development:
The settlement was founded in the early
1870s when the Houston and Great Northern Railroad established a depot
and telegraph station at the site, as part of a plan to space towns
about eight miles apart along the line. It was named after the
Phelps-Dodge Construction Company (or Corporation), which financed and
built the railroad. A post office opened in 1874, and a rail spur soon
connected Phelps to Huntsville, facilitating passenger and freight
traffic. Early infrastructure included a hotel (operated by Charlie
Sebrun), a
general merchandise store run by Ed McGar, another store by Mr. Edmunds
(who also served as depot agent), and a one-room frame building that
functioned as both a schoolhouse and church for various denominations.
The first postmaster was Mr. Winters. Early settlers included families
such as the Watsons, Fergusons, McGars, Taylors, Stricklands, and
Sebruns. As families moved in, farming and cattle raising became
primary
industries, supplemented by lumbering with the establishment of
sawmills—one in Phelps and Sloan's Mill about three miles away. Over
100 families worked in the mills, many residing in Phelps, contributing
to early growth. Peak and Daily Life: Phelps reached its peak in the
early 20th century,
with a population growing from 25 in 1890 to over 300 by 1914. The
economy centered on railroad-related activities, as the Huntsville
Tap Line did not run at night, forcing passengers to arrive early and
stay at the hotel while awaiting mainline trains. This made the hotel a
prosperous business. Farming, cattle raising, and lumber from the
sawmills drove local prosperity, with the mills boosting town growth.
Daily life included community events like Fourth of July barbecues,
though these were occasionally disrupted by violence; hotel operator
Charlie Sebrun was notorious for firearm incidents, including a fatal
shooting during a dance where he killed a man near the bandstand,
causing musicians to flee to a nearby train. The shared school-church
building served as a social and educational hub. No specific details on
Civil War impacts are documented, as the town was founded post-war.
Decline:
The community's decline began in the late 1930s with the closure
of the sawmills, reducing it to one business, scattered dwellings, and
churches. Improved roads and highways in the 20th century diminished reliance on
the Huntsville branch line, eroding passenger traffic and hotel
business. By 1950, Phelps had two businesses and a population of 100. The post office closed in March 1964.
Historical Recognition and Remnants:
Phelps is documented in historical
sources like the Handbook of Texas and local county histories, but no
dedicated historical markers or preserved sites are noted. Remnants
include two churches and scattered dwellings, with the
railroad still passing through, though it is no longer a key stop.
Residents continue to use the Black Jack Cemetery for burials, as no
cemetery was established in Phelps itself after the relocation. The
population was 98 in 1990 and remained at that level in 2000; it
persists as a modest farming community without the prominence of its
early years.
Overview of Phelps, Texas
Phelps is a small rural community in southern Walker County, Texas,
located about 12 miles south of Huntsville on the west side of Farm
Road 1374. It originated in the late 19th century as a sawmill town,
named after the Phelps-Dodge Lumber Company, which operated a sawmill
there from around 1900 to 1912. The area was initially settled by
families involved in agriculture and lumber, with early infrastructure
including a post office (established in 1872, discontinued in 1925, and
briefly re-established from 1899 to 1903), stores, and a school. By the
early 20th century, Phelps had a population of about 150, primarily
supported by sawmills and cotton farming. The decline of the lumber
industry led to depopulation, and by 1990, it had around 75 residents
with minimal businesses. Today, it remains a quiet agricultural area
with ties to nearby Huntsville.
Early settlers in Phelps included the Watson, Ferguson, McGar, Taylor,
Strickland, and Sebrun families, who contributed to its development as
a farming and lumber community. As more families arrived, the area grew
with additional stores and services.
Charlie Sebrun
Charlie Sebrun is noted as an early settler in Phelps, Texas,
associated with the Sebrun family, one of the founding families in the
community during its establishment in the late 19th century. No
additional personal details, such as birth/death dates or specific
contributions, were found in historical records. He is mentioned in
local histories alongside other pioneer families like the Watsons and
Fergusons.
Ed McGar
Ed McGar, likely referring to Edward Eugene McGar (born about 1870 in
Phelps, Walker County, Texas; died April 4, 1928, in Harris County,
Texas), was a prominent figure in Phelps. He operated a store in the
community during its early years, contributing to local commerce. He is
buried in Glendale Cemetery, Harrisburg, Harris County, Texas. His son,
Edward Elam McGar (born November 30, 1901, in Phelps; died 1987), was
also born in the area, indicating multi-generational ties to Phelps.
Mr. Edmunds
Mr. Edmunds operated a store in Phelps, Texas, during the community's
early development, alongside other merchants like Ed McGar. This store
served the growing population of settlers and lumber workers. No
further personal details, such as full name, birth/death dates, or
family connections, were identified in available records.
Watson Family of Phelps, Texas
The Watson family was among the earliest settlers in Phelps,
contributing to its agricultural and community foundations. Key members
include:Lee Archie Watson (born about 1885) and Mollie Gertrude Watson:
Parents of several children born in Phelps, including Elmore Watson
(born July 14, 1917, in Phelps; died 1981), Eleanor Watson Cone (born
March 9, 1923, in Phelps; died May 23, 2009, in Heath, Texas), and
Herbert Webb Watson (born February 26, 1926, in Phelps; died November
8, 2004, in Huntsville, Texas). Herbert served in the U.S. Navy during
World War II and later worked in Huntsville.The family is documented in
local histories as part of Phelps' pioneer group, with ties to farming.
Ferguson Family of Phelps, Texas
The Ferguson family was an early settling group in Phelps, involved in
the community's establishment. No specific individuals or detailed
genealogies directly linked to Phelps were found beyond general
mentions in settler lists. Broader Texas Ferguson records include
figures like Paul Phelps Ferguson (born 1894; died 1961) with ties to
Wichita County, and Richard Ferguson (born 1891 in Henderson County),
but no confirmed Phelps connections. The family likely participated in
local agriculture or lumber activities.
McGar Family of Phelps, Texas
The McGar family was a founding settler group in Phelps, with strong
ties to local commerce. Notable members:Edward Eugene McGar (born ~1870
in Phelps; died 1928): Operated a store; father of Edward Elam McGar.
Edward Elam McGar (1901–1987): Born in Phelps; son of Edward Eugene.
The family is listed among early Phelps pioneers.
Taylor Family of Phelps, Texas
The Taylor family was part of Phelps' early settlers, likely involved
in farming. No specific individuals tied directly to Phelps were
identified, though broader Texas Taylors include Victoria Valincia
Phelps Taylor (born 1929 in Hitchcock, Texas; died 1975) and others
with Phelps surnames, suggesting possible intermarriages. The family is
mentioned in local histories as contributors to the community's growth.
Strickland Family of Phelps, Texas
The Strickland family was among Phelps' founding settlers. Key
figure:Henry Strickland (born July 29, 1842, in Perry County,
Mississippi; died January 31, 1901, in Phelps, Walker County, Texas):
Son of Matilde G. Strickland; migrated to Texas and is buried in the
area. The family contributed to early community life, with mentions in
settler histories.
Sebrun Family of Phelps, Texas
The Sebrun family was an early settling group in Phelps, with Charlie
Sebrun noted as a key member. They were involved in the community's
pioneer phase, alongside families like the Watsons. No additional
genealogical details, such as other family members or specific roles,
were found beyond settler lists.
Texas State Historical Association
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/phelps-tx
Texas Escapes
http://texasescapes.com/EastTexasTowns/Phelps-Texas.htm
TX Almanac
https://www.texasalmanac.com/places/phelps-0