Kempner
Marker Text: The town of Kempner was founded in 1882 along the route of Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad and was named for Texas philanthropist, banker and railroad magnate Harris Kempner (1837 -1894). Early Anglo settlements that predate Kempner included Pickett Valley, Brummersville, Taylor Creek and Slaughtersville. A post office was established at Taylor Creek in 1873 but was discontinued and moved to Slaughtersville in 1878. Slaughtersville was a thriving small town when the Santa Fe tracks were routed within two miles in 1882. The community center drifted toward the tracks, and Slaughtersville dissipated; the post office was moved to Kempner in that same year.
By 1884, Kempner had two steam grist mills and cotton gins, a church, a district school and a telegraph service. A hotel was established by 1896 and telephone service was available by 1914. Will Rancier organized a bank in Kempner in 1918, but the establishment failed in 1927. Although area schools had been founded earlier, a four-room brick school was built in Kempner in 1917. The Kempner School District was consolidated with the Lampasas School District in 1964.
Like many small Texas towns, the Depression took a drastic toll on Kempner. However, the 1942 establishment of nearby Camp Hood helped to sustain the town, providing much-needed jobs for Kempner-area residents. Today, the town's population is supported by descendants of early pioneers, as well as present and former military and civilian personnel of Fort Hood. (1964) (2009)
By 1884, Kempner had two steam grist mills and cotton gins, a church, a district school and a telegraph service. A hotel was established by 1896 and telephone service was available by 1914. Will Rancier organized a bank in Kempner in 1918, but the establishment failed in 1927. Although area schools had been founded earlier, a four-room brick school was built in Kempner in 1917. The Kempner School District was consolidated with the Lampasas School District in 1964.
Like many small Texas towns, the Depression took a drastic toll on Kempner. However, the 1942 establishment of nearby Camp Hood helped to sustain the town, providing much-needed jobs for Kempner-area residents. Today, the town's population is supported by descendants of early pioneers, as well as present and former military and civilian personnel of Fort Hood. (1964) (2009)
Marker No: 16227
Aluminum 27 x 42 Subject Marker
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