Historical Marker

Lawson D. Gratz

Historical marker location:
Willow Springs Colored Cemetery, Aledo, Texas
( I-20 and Mikus Road)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

BORN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 1839 IN MASON COUNTY, KENTUCKY ON THE PLANTATION OF BENJAMIN GRATZ, LAWSON GRATZ WORKED AS A FARMER FOR HIS OWNER PRIOR TO THE CIVIL WAR. LAWSON WAS DIRECTED BY HIS OWNER TO ENLIST IN THE FEDERAL ARMY ON JULY 24, 1864 AT LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY. ENLISTMENT PAPERS SHOW THAT LAWSON HAD RECEIVED SOME EDUCATION AS HIS PAPERS DISPLAYED HIS OWN SIGNATURE. AFTER ENLISTMENT, HE PROCEEDED TO CAMP NELSON WHERE BLACK SOLDIERS WERE STATIONED AND WAS SOON PROMOTED TO FIRST SERGEANT OF COMPANY C IN THE 114TH U.S. COLORED INFANTRY. GRATZ SERVED WITH THE 114TH AT THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG AND RICHMOND AND WAS PRESENT AT THE APPOMATTOX COURTHOUSE WHEN GEN. ROBERT E. LEE SURRENDERED.

GRATZ WAS DISCHARGED IN MAY 1865 BUT REENLISTED IN AUGUST 1867 IN THE 10TH U.S. CALVARY, KNOWN AS THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS. WHILE ASSIGNED TO MAINTAIN ORDER IN INDIAN TERRITORY, GRATZ WAS INJURED BY EXPLODING GUNPOWDER AND LOST THE SIGHT IN HIS RIGHT EYE. DESPITE THE INJURY, GRATZ REFUSED A DISCHARGE AND COMPLETED HIS ENLISTMENT. FOLLOWING HIS FIVE-YEAR ENLISTMENT, GRATZ MOVED TO TEXAS AND HEADED TO FORT GRIFFIN WHERE HE WORKED AS A CIVILIAN TEAMSTER HAULING BUFFALO HIDES TO MARKETS IN WEATHERFORD AND DALLAS. GRATZ MARRIED SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD ROSA DEDMAN, THE DAUGHTER OF A FORMER SLAVE AND CO-WORKER OF GRATZ, ON SEPTEMBER 27, 1877 AT FORT GRIFFIN IN ALBANY, SHACKELFORD COUNTY. THE MARRIAGE LASTED 32 YEARS AND PRODUCED 14 CHILDREN. THE GRATZ FAMILY MOVED IN 1892 FROM SHACKELFORD COUNTY TO ANNETTA IN PARKER COUNTY AND PURCHASED A SMALL FARM. GRATZ DIED ON JUNE 18, 1909 AND SHALL BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS STRONG LEADERSHIP AND DEVOTION TO DUTY

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

African American
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Parker County, TX has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Comanche, before the arrival of European settlers. In the early 1850s, Texas became embroiled in conflicts with the Native American tribes, leading to the establishment of Fort Parker in what is now present-day Parker County. This fort served as protection for early settlers from Native American attacks.

In 1855, Parker County was officially established and named after Fort Parker. The county quickly grew as more settlers flocked to the region attracted by fertile land and an abundance of water sources. The advent of the Texas and Pacific Railway in the late 19th century further spurred growth and development in the county.

Parker County played a significant role in the cattle industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The county's open prairies became an ideal location for cattle ranching, and the development of railroads allowed ranchers to transport their livestock to markets more efficiently. This led to prosperity and economic growth in the county, with many cattle ranches operating successfully.

Over the years, Parker County has seen its fair share of challenges and triumphs. It has weathered economic downturns, faced natural disasters like the devastating tornado outbreak in 1957, and experienced growth in population and urbanization. Today, Parker County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a rich history, welcoming residents, and picturesque landscapes that highlight its enduring legacy as an important part of Texas' past and present.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Parker County, Texas.

  • 1855: Parker County officially established on December 12.
  • 1856: Fort Worth becomes the county seat.
  • 1872: Weatherford becomes the county seat.
  • 1877: Santa Fe Railroad arrives in Weatherford.
  • 1885: The first oil well is drilled in the county.
  • 1919: Parker County experiences the deadliest tornado in Texas history, resulting in 114 fatalities.
  • 1956: The first major shopping center, Town & Country Shopping Center, opens in Weatherford.
  • 1974: Weatherford College is established.
  • 1993: Lake Weatherford Dam fails, causing significant flooding in the area.
  • 2010: Parker County celebrates its 155th anniversary.