Historical Marker

Love-Anderson Feud

Historical marker location:
Richland, Texas
( One mile west of Richland on FM 1394)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

An early Navarro County conflict, rooted in land disputes and complex family ties, still resonates in the region. During the Republic of Texas period, this area was subject to clashes with native peoples, as with the Battle Creek Fight or Surveyors’ Fight (1838) and Battle of Pecan Creek (1841). In Jan. 1844, President Sam Houston granted an empresario contract to Charles Fenton Mercer in an effort to stabilize settlement.

Dr. William Nicks Anderson, an agent for the Mercer Colony, wrote Mercer in Jan. 1847 that “I have had many vary difficulties to encounter with – the old Texians have given me much trouble,” going on to name members of the Love and Curry families. William M. Love, his brothers, Gilbert and David, and cousin, Robert, were in Texas by 1836 and were all at the Battle of San Jacinto. Conflict arose between earlier settlers, including the Loves, and later arrivals, such as Dr. Anderson. Once Love and Anderson became rivals, so did their friends and extended families by association.

On Feb. 9, 1855, years of animosities between the two men exploded into violence. On a portion of the Old Springfield Road known as Nubbin Lane, Love shot and killed Anderson on his way home. Before dying the next day, Anderson stated in an affidavit that he too had drawn his gun, thus clearing Love of first degree murder. But Anderson’s pregnant wife, Susanna, vowed revenge. On May 19, 1873, Love was shot and killed near the same place in the road; Susanna’s son Ham Anderson and cousin Alec Barekman were charged with the crime. Members of the extended family later succumbed to violence across Texas, including five young men killed in Comanche in 1874. The feud remains a common topic of conversation in the area, where numerous descendants still reside

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.

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Texas random facts
Navarro County, located in the northeastern part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche, who settled along the Trinity River. European explorers and settlers arrived in the 18th century, with Spanish explorers such as Domingo Terán de los Ríos making expeditions through the region.

During the 19th century, the area that is now Navarro County became part of the Republic of Texas and later the state of Texas. In 1848, the county was officially established and named after José Antonio Navarro, a prominent Tejano leader and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county seat, Corsicana, was established in 1848 and quickly grew due to its location along the railroad.

Corsicana became known as the "Oil City" in the early 20th century when significant oil discoveries were made in the county. The discovery of the Corsicana oilfield in 1894 brought an economic boom to the area, leading to the establishment of numerous oil companies and refineries. The county's economy flourished as a result, with Corsicana becoming a prosperous industrial and manufacturing center.

In addition to its oil industry, Navarro County has a strong agricultural heritage. Cotton farming was widespread in the county during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with large plantations and slave labor playing a significant role. Today, the county continues to be an important agricultural region, with cattle ranching, corn, and wheat farming being key industries.

Overall, Navarro County's history is marked by its Native American roots, European settlement, oil discoveries, and agricultural prominence. Today, the county retains its historical significance while also embracing modern industries and attractions.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Navarro County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Navarro County established as one of the original counties of Texas
  • 1848 - Corsicana chosen as the county seat
  • 1850 - First courthouse built in Corsicana
  • 1861-1865 - Navarro County heavily impacted by the American Civil War
  • 1868 - Construction of the second courthouse in Corsicana
  • 1871 - Corsicana becomes an important trading center for cotton
  • 1881 - First discovery of natural gas in Corsicana leads to development of the oil industry
  • 1894 - Construction of the third and current courthouse in Corsicana
  • 1900 - Corsicana becomes the first Texas city to establish a municipal airport
  • 1930s - Navarro County affected by the Great Depression; agriculture and oil industries suffer
  • 1942-1945 - Corsicana Naval Air Station plays a significant role during World War II
  • 1956 - Corsicana becomes the birthplace of the Collin Street Bakery fruitcake
  • 1960s-1970s - Navarro College is established and begins to grow
  • 1980s-1990s - Corsicana becomes a popular filming location for movies and TV shows
  • 2005 - Hurricane Katrina evacuees temporarily housed in Navarro County
  • 2010 - Corsicana celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary
  • 2017 - Corsicana locates one of the largest oil fields in Texas in Wolfberry Trend
  • 2020 - Navarro County impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic