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2-28-07 |
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I have found an old story that was published in the Aubrey Argus newspaper during the later part of the 1800's. The story is about the train stop in Aubrey. Mr. Henderson soon opened a hardware store in the late 1880's in Aubrey and operated the business for many years into the 1920's. Trigg Lawson operated the store from the 1920's. The original train voyage and adventure took place very soon after the Indian name, Onega, was swapped for Aubrey. The Indian population of Onega had built a large shallow well which was the water supply for the area. The railroad officials were planning on making the train stop in the GreenValley Community, until they discovered that adequate water was already available in Onega. The water well in Onega measured more than 16 feet in diameter at the top. The abundant water supply was adequate for furnishing the water to power the steam engines on the railroad. The Mullins Hotel was located close to the large well. I am privileged to share with you the first train ride accounting or the experience of a local citizen, and what he recorded. The Henderson Family first settled in the Belew Cemetery Settlement and later became a prominent family in Onega. Mr. Henderson Recalls First Train That Ever Ran Through Aubrey "I remember how hard it was for me to decide which part of the train was prettiest. One day I would think the bright red caboose was my favorite, and the next day I would conclude the passenger coach was far more attractive." Thus spoke, S.C. Henderson, local merchant, in a conversation with a member of this staff recently in regard to the first train ever operated through Aubrey. Mr. Henderson was a native of this section having been born three miles north of Aubrey. His father was N. Henderson, who came to Texas from South Carolina. The younger Mr. Henderson was married to Miss Lillie Hodges, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hodges. They resided in this community all of their married lives, and were prominently identified with worthwhile enterprises. They had one daughter, Mrs. E.W. McPherson. Mr. Henderson recalled how the track was laid for the train. He said many men employed by the railway company and that they stood along the right-of-way on either side of the engine. As the rails were set down by the men on the steam conveyor the workmen put them in position, driving a few spikes to hold them in place while the engine proceeded to carry more rails. "I was out in the yard playing, just a lad of 10 years when I first heard the train. I was frightened as I had never heard a sound anything like it. Other members of the family went out to see it, but I walked around through the woods and peeped out. Another thing I remember well was the fact the people were up in arms against the railway company as they said the trains scared their horses and their other stock."
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