HomeMy WebLinkAboutBryan in 1872BRYAN IN 1872
Compiled by Bill Page
The Bryan Appeal, for the information of all who may desire to settle
in Brazos County, says that about two-thirds of the county is timbered
land, including a large quantity of rich bottoms. The prairie and
uplands are all good, and yield an abundance of corn, cotton, and other
products. The Central Railroad, connecting at Houston with various
other roads, runs through the county about 35 miles. From Millican to
the northern boundary of the county, the road runs on the dividing ridge
between the Brazos and Navasota; hence passengers see only the poorest
of the county.
Bryan City, the principal place of business and county seat, is
situated on a beautiful elevation, part timbered and part prairie land.
It has a population of about 4000, built up principally since the war,
and is in a prosperous condition. It has several fine schools and one
college, at which about seven hundred children are educated. It has
eight churches with a large number of communicants belonging to each.
Six Sabbath schools are in successful operation. It has a Masonic and
Odd Fellows’ Lodge, a Hebrew Benevolent Society, each with a numerous
membership. No city of the size of Bryan can justly boast of a more
peaceable, law-abiding, intelligent and religious class of people than
they have in Bryan. The manufacturing interest of Bryan has assumed an
importance that demands attention. They have a first-class cotton seed
oil factory, a gin and mill factory, and several other similar
enterprises of a smaller grade, all in a flourishing condition and
employing a large number of workmen.
The Appeal says that there is probably no county in the State that can
offer greater inducements to immigrants than Brazos. With an abundance
of rich land at almost nominal prices, corn at 50 cents a bushel, pork
at from 4 to 5 cents per pound, and beef at from $8 to $12 per head, no
man need fear to locate there.
The Daily Picayune (New Orleans), 15 June 1872, page 2
*
For some slightly different views of Bryan and Brazos County:
The following seems to be a rather left-handed compliment from an
editor to his own town: “We notice that the Legislature has changed
Bryan from a town to a city. While at work at this job we wish it would
also change its name, and call it either Dogtown or Pupville. Either
would cover the case. As Bryan has outgrown her town breeches they are
for sale cheap. They can be bought at a bargain, and they will do as
well as new ones to start a town with. Apply to the mayor. The
contents of the pockets go with the breeches without additional
charge.” – Eagle. (San Antonio) Daily Express, 11 Nov. 1871, p.
2.
The Jewett Experiment says that the railway waiting rooms at Bryan are
the nastiest smelling apartments in the state and advises the Central
Railroad Company to use some quicklime or burn the place down.
Galveston Daily News, Feb. 7, 1872, p. 1.
[Leaving Hearne] …the weather being cold, rainy and gloomy, I did not
feel that the ride was very enjoyable. As bad, however, as the day’s
trip was, it might have been worse if I had not luckily reached Bryan,
just in time to house myself and animals from a severe Norther, and
still heavier rain than I encountered in the morning … I was surprised
when I awoke in the morning, to find the sun shining brightly. I
started for Welborn Station, or rather, I should say, for Minter
Springs, a mile below. I could not help observing what a fearful havoc
the demands of the Central have made on the time, and if it goes on at
the rate I am told they are using fuel, 5000 cords monthly, they will
soon have to seek some other mode of making steam than wood fires. The
past and present generations have been destroying the timber; the next
generation will have to plant, and plant very extensively, or fuel in
certain localities will be very scarce. A word to the wise should be
sufficient. It seems to me that many a proprietor, at a small expense,
at present, could leave substantial benefits to his children, if he
would commence now, and plant groves of quick growing trees. Austin
Statesman, 15 February 1872, p.1