Historical Marker

Marshall Clinton Formby, Jr.

Historical marker location:
US 82, McAdoo, Texas
( 3 mi. S of McAdoo on US 82, west of FM 264)
Marker installed: 2002
Marker size: 27" x 42"

BORN IN HOPKINS COUNTY IN EAST TEXAS, MARSHALL CLINTON FORMBY, JR., MOVED WITH HIS FAMILY TO McADOO (3 MI. N) WHEN HE WAS FIVE YEARS OLD AND SPENT HIS ADULT LIFE WORKING FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THIS PART OF THE STATE. EDUCATED AT TEXAS TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE (NOW TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY), THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AND BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW, FORMBY USED HIS TALENTS IN A VARIETY OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES.

MARSHALL FORMBY MAINTAINED EXTENSIVE FARMING INTERESTS IN WEST TEXAS IN ADDITION TO OIL VENTURES AND RADIO, NEWSPAPER AND CABLE TELEVISION ENTERPRISES. HE SERVED AS DICKENS COUNTY JUDGE FROM 1936 TO 1940 AND WAS ELECTED TO THE TEXAS

SENATE, ALTHOUGH HIS PARTICIPATION AS A U.S. ARMY CAPTAIN IN THE EUROPEAN THEATRE OF WORLD WAR II KEPT HIM AWAY FROM THE STATE CAPITOL FOR MUCH OF HIS TERM.

FORMBY CONTINUED HIS STATEWIDE PUBLIC SERVICE AS A GOVERNOR-APPOINTED MEMBER OF THE TEXAS HIGHWAY COMMISSION IN 1953-59, INCLUDING TWO YEARS AS CHAIR. DURING HIS TENURE, HE WORKED FOR THE PAVING OF FARM-TO-MARKET ROADS AND FOR

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM IN TEXAS. A MEMBER OF THE TEXAS TECH BOARD OF REGENTS, HE ALSO SERVED 12 YEARS ON THE STATE'S COLLEGE COORDINATING BOARD.

ACTIVE IN THE BAPTIST CHURCH AND IN NUMEROUS CIVIC

ORGANIZATIONS, MARSHALL FORMBY RECEIVED MANY AWARDS AND HONORS FOR HIS SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY, REGION AND STATE. HE DIED AT HIS HOME IN PLAINVIEW IN 1984 AND IS BURIED IN THE McADOO CEMETERY

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Dickens County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the mid-19th century. The county was initially part of the Bexar District, but in 1858, it became part of the Young Territory. The area was known for its vast grasslands, attracting settlers who were primarily involved in ranching and farming.

In 1876, Dickens County was officially established and named after J. Dickens, a famous Texas veteran of the American Civil War. The county remained sparsely populated for several years until the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway reached the area in the 1880s. This led to an influx of settlers and the establishment of towns such as Spur, the county seat, and Afton.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a rapid growth in Dickens County. The agricultural industry thrived, with cotton becoming the main cash crop. Cattle ranching also played a significant role in the county's economy. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s further boosted development and brought in additional revenue.

However, like many other areas in Texas, Dickens County faced challenges during the Great Depression. The agricultural sector suffered, and many residents were forced to leave in search of better opportunities. Despite these hardships, the county gradually recovered and saw renewed growth in the post-World War II era.

Today, Dickens County is an important part of the region's agricultural industry, primarily producing cotton, wheat, and livestock. It also attracts visitors with its scenic landscapes, historic sites, and annual events celebrating its western heritage. The county's rich history and resilience continue to shape its identity and contribute to its vibrant community.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dickens County, Texas.

  • 1876 - Dickens County, Texas is established on August 21
  • 1886 - The town of Dickens is established as the county seat
  • 1890 - First census records a population of 1,972 in the county
  • 1891 - The Dickens County Courthouse is built
  • 1909 - The Texas Central Railroad reaches Dickens County, boosting economic growth
  • 1926 - Route 82 becomes the first paved highway in the county
  • 1940 - Peak population of 5,967 is recorded
  • 1953 - The McAdoo oilfield is discovered, leading to increased oil production in the county
  • 1974 - The Rocker B Ranch, covering over 100,000 acres, becomes the largest private ranch in the county
  • 1990 - Population drops to 2,762 as agriculture becomes less dominant
  • 2007 - The Dickens County Wind Farm is established, taking advantage of the area's strong winds for renewable energy