Carancahua


CARANCAHUA, TEXAS. Carancahua, in southeastern Jackson County, was originally an informal cluster of log cabins and was apparently named for its position near the banks of Carancahua Bay. By 1880 Carancahua was the site of a mail stop called Freeport, on the route from Texana to Matagorda. There was a post office at Carancahua from 1897 to 1926. In 1908 local boosters offered town lots for sale, but the town's location-conducive to malaria and floods-discouraged prospective investors. In 1915 the community reported a population of fifty. By the 1920s the population hovered around twenty-five, and by 1931 Carancahua no longer reported a population. In the 1960s a community building was at the site. Carancahua was still listed as a community in 1990. History from the Handbook of Texas Online
 

 

Postmasters

of Carancahua

Garrett, Leander, 15 Jly 1878

Discontinued 16 Dec 1878

(Re-established) Garrett, Leander, 14 Jan 1879
Foster, Jeanette B., 16 May 1881

Discontinued 31 Mar 1884?; mail to Ednaville

Lewis, Ashby W., 4 Oct 1897

Discontinued 31 Jan 1907; mail to Palacios

(Re-established) Petersen, Laura M., 7 Jan 1910
Neff, Simon, 9 Mar 1911
Linquest, Mae, 15 Apr 1916
Neff, Simon, 26 Jan 1917
Whyman, Melvin R., 26 Nov 1921
Frankson, Fluke, 1 Feb 1922
Discontinued 30 Oct 1926; mail to Palacios

 


 

Carancahua Newspaper Articles


To Rev. Joh. Weber, Lindsay, Platte Co., Neb.

Palacios 24th March

Dear Pastor!

Heartfelt thanks for your friendly remembrance. Everything is cheerful here now, after we were very worried in the first weeks for the life of the extremely weak child. Now our little Lottchen is thriving visibly and Agnes is also quite healthy, so that I am considering traveling home on the 3rd of April. Everything is already green and blooming here, especially roses in abundance. We've already been eating strawberries since the 24th of Feb. - Heartfelt greetings from the children and me to you and your loved ones.

In old friendship, your Caroline Eggers

Translation courtesy of Timothy Parrott & Dawn & Jeff Zetto
 

 


Carancahua School Building

The building was erected c1916 and served as a school. After the school closed, the building was moved across the street and served as a community center and as Carancahua Chapel. On March 23, 2018, the building was moved  a mile and a half to it's new location at Fisherman's Village at Boca Chica, Carancahua Bay, Texas to serve as a community center. The community felt the preservation of the building was a tribute to the late Arvid Loff (March 24, 1917 - May 13, 1998). The building was built one year before Mr. Loff was born and he attended school there. He actively supported the community center to keep the building serving the community. The building, now over 100 years old begins its second century of service to the Carancahua area residents.

School commenced Monday with Miss Lois Batchelder of Palacios and Miss Elsie Wilson of Olivia as teachers. There are 23 pupils enrolled with more to come later. We welcome these young ladies into our neighborhood and hope they will enjoy their work and association with us.--Palacios Beacon, October 6, 1932
 


Carancahua School - Later used as Carancahua Chapel

 



 



Photo courtesy of Colorado Baptist Association
 



Site after the building was moved in 2018
Photo courtesy of Bonnie Benson

 



Building after it was moved to new location at Fisherman's Village at Boca Chica, Carancahua Bay, Texas.
Photo courtesy of Bonnie Benson

 

 


 


Carancahua Newspaper Articles
 


1890s
 


CARANCHUA CALLINGS.

 

The most fashionable and enjoyable event of the season, was the dance given at the residence of Mr. J. R. Fleury's Friday night. A large and merry throng crowded the hospitable and pleasant house. The cities of Edna and Ganado were well represented. Among those present were Misses Minnie and Josie LaBauve and Mable White, Messrs. Howard and Ed. Connely, Tom and Lucioius Sanford, Archie and Eugene McDowel, Stanley and Jack Billups, Covington, Kleas, Putnam and Davenport, of Edna; Misses Brown, LaBauve, Robertson, Abernathy and Hughes, Messrs. Brown, Whitney, LaBauve and Abernathy of Ganado; Messrs. Lee Bronaugh, Dobbins, Zack and James Partain, of Deming's Bridge; Messrs. Willie Rose, Geo. Lafay and Hal McChesney and Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Logan, of West Caranchua; Misses Logan, Tenie Holmes, McBarlane and Fleury, Messrs. Fleury, McDonald,  Rhodes and Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Logan, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Logan and families, of Caranchua. Supper such as would tempt the strictest epicure was served in daintiest form. Dancing was opened at an early hour and the lovers of his infatuating majesty Pterpsichore paid tribute to his shrine till "Old Sol" put an end to the festivities. We all thank Mr. and Mrs. Fleury for a most delightful evening.


Mr. and Mrs. H. J. LaBauve, of Edna, are visiting friends and relatives in Matagorda County. They also participated in the dance Friday night.


Mr. J. H. Logan has sold his home to Mr. Washington, of Manor, Tex., and has located in Edna, Jackson county. We are sorry to lose such an estimable family, but wish them much success in their new home.


Messrs. T. W. Sanford and C. H. Whitney, of Edna, were visiting at Caranchua last Sunday.

 

Bay City Breeze, January 31, 1895
 


Carancahua Concatenations.

Considerable ice was seen last week.

Mr. Clark has been quite sick. Is better now.

A new daughter at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Pogue.

The ditching being done by Messrs. Dixon and Countryman is progressing nicely.

Miss Vaught has begun her school with good interest, but could not teach last Friday on account of bad weather.

Mr. Dixon's father and mother, from Missouri, are visiting their son. The old gentleman with some others is taking a trip to the bay.

Rev. Nicholson will again fill his appointment Saturday night and Sunday morning at the Logan schoolhouse, and Sunday night at the Ward schoolhouse.

Observer.

Matagorda County Tribune, December 17, 1898
 


Carancahua Concatenations.
By Old Maid.

Spring is coming.

Prairies are burning in all directions.

No more turkey hunting for a while.

We missed "Idlewild's" items last week.

Farmers are very busy this week planting corn.

Rev. Powell will preach at the Ward school house on Sunday at 11 a. m.

Robert O'Neil and Scott Yeamans, of Cash's Creek, attended the social at Mr. Fleury's.

The young people enjoyed a social at the residence of Mr. Fleury's the evening of Feb. 21st.

Willie LaBauve and Henry Clary, of Edna, were in our neighborhood, Friday and Saturday.

The oats were all killed by the last cold wave, but many have planted again and these are coming up.

The young men from VanCleave's Camp, who so often visit our neighborhood, were here Friday and Saturday.

The Christian Endeavor movement is taking hold of the Christian people of our community. We have lately found eight new members.

Mr. Fleury went to Ganado, today, accompanied by his daughter, Miss Norma, as far as Mr. Brown's, where she will stay until her father returns.

Rev. Callaway will preach here next Sunday at 3 P. M., and also at night. Owing to bad weather he has been unable to fill his appointments where for three months.

Townsend Wiley and sister, Miss Addie have gone to El Campo to meet their Aunt, Miss Addie Rible, of Galveston, who will spend the spring in our neighborhood.

T. W. Blair planted his garden the day before the cold spell, and as soon as the weather moderated the seeds came up; so he will be one of the first to have vegetables, this year.

A Christian Endeavor Sociable will be given under the able management of the chairman of the social committee, Miss Alice Jordan, at J. L. Jordan's, March 15th. All are invited.

Mrs. Dobyns and Mrs. Crit Wheeler, visited the family of their father, Mr. Logan last week. Mrs. Dobyns is from Galveston. She will spend the spring months with her sister, Mrs. H. E. Moore.

It was announced on last Sunday that the people of our neighborhood will meet once a week for choir practice. Our good Sunday School superintendent plainly told the young people that we were to meet for the sole purpose of practicing songs for Sunday School, Christian Endeavor meetings, and church services, and that our meetings should not in the least be allowed to resemble a party, and he closed his announcement with the statement, "All who come must sing." We publish this an an example.

Matagorda County Tribune, March 4, 1899
 


Carancahua Concatenations.
By Old Maid.

The wind blows.

Farmers are planting cotton.

Mr. Outlaw and Jimmie Barclay went to Edna today.

Deputy sheriff Hugh Phillips was seen on main street last week.

James Logan, of Deming's Bridge, attended services here on yesterday.

J. E. Blair, D. D. McDonald and W. T. Blair went to El Campo on last Friday.

Mr. Nelson and family, of Cash's Creek passed through here last week on their way to Bosque county.

Only a few in our neighborhood have had the measles, and for fear it will reach us we hardly breathe.

T. W. Blair and daughter, Miss Kate, went to Edna today. Miss Kate will spend several weeks with relatives.

Rev. Nicholson will preach here Saturday night and at 11 a. m., Sunday and at the Ward school house Sunday night.

We are glad, indeed, "Idlewilde," that you like old maids. There are not many who do. But you are not an old bachelor, are you?

We hear every one speaking of your paper as the best county paper they ever read, and we think you will have a number of new subscribers another year.

Preparations are being made for an Easter service at the church in the afternoon on Easter Sunday. We should like to see visitors that day, but don't bring the measles.

Mrs. H. M. Yeamans, of Cash's Creek, passed through here on her way to Edna, where she will visit her mother. She was accompanied by Miss Lucy Thompson and Scott Yeamans.

Mr. Clark has six acres of as fine corn as there is in the state. We have been noticing this corn patch for some time, waiting for all danger of freeze to pass, so now we are ready to speak.

A party of young men went to the Carancahua bottom hunting Saturday night, and lost themselves, remaining in the woods the greater part of the night. They killed one raccoon! Go hunting again, boys.

Mr. Editor, we are very sorry you did not go to Columbia and persuade Gould to extend that road to Bay City. We "new comers" don't' know how to live without a railroad, and although we would have missed The Tribune very much last week, we would have gladly done without it one time for a railroad.

Will Blair resigned the superintendency of the Sunday School, last Sunday, and Jim Blair was elected for the remaining part of this quarter and for the next. He is an active Christian worker and we know will make a good superintendent. Miss Lottie McFarland was elected secretary in place of Mr. McDonald, who is going to leave us.

The Christian Endeavor Sociable, Wednesday evening, was a grand success, as we knew it would be, with so hospitable and entertaining people as Mr. Jordan and family as hosts and hostesses. Music was furnished by Mrs. Bolling, Mr. McDonald, Roscoe and John Bolling, and Mrs. Dobbins. We count as visitors those from Deming's Bridge, Ashby, Cash's Creek, and Buhler, Jackson County.

Matagorda County Tribune, March 25, 1899
 


Carancahua Concatenations.
By Old Maid.

We need rain.

Rev. Callaway will preach here on Sunday night.

School was suspended for a few days, first of the week.

Weather is cold for young crops but nothing is killed yet.

James Logan, of Deming's Bridge, was in our neighborhood last week.

Mr. Blum, of Vancleave's Camp, was visiting here, Saturday and Sunday!

J. E. Blair and wife and Mrs. Tom Blair and Miss Annie Vaught went to El Campo on Monday.

Mr. Kirk, of West Carancahua, and Scott Yeamans, of Cash's Creek attended church services here on Sunday.

J. E. Pierce was around, last week, saying to everybody, "Here! what's your name? Sign your name to this paper sir," etc. etc.

J. E. Blair has been ditching the public road on the side near his farm. There is always work being done here in the way of improvement--gates being made, fences built, etc.

We are sorry to have to give to El Campo one of our best and most honorable young men--Benjamin Wylie. We hope if he ever leaves that place, it will be to return to Carancahua.

Matagorda County Tribune, April 1, 1899
 


CARANCAHUA CONCATENATIONS.

By Little Girl.

Peaches are all gone.

Harvest time is here.

Geo. Owens visited at Ashby last week.

September has come; lookout for storms!

August Duffy, of Hawley, attended services here Sunday.

Eugene Hodges, of Cash's Creek, was here on business Wednesday.

H. E. Moore and family, of Hawley, visited relatives here Sunday.

John Blum, of Van Cleave's Camp, visited here Saturday and Sunday.

W. L. Blair hauled a bale of cotton to J. E. Pierce's gin at Hawley on Monday.

F. Cornelius, accompanied by his daughter, Miss Julia, visited here Tuesday.

Carl Curts, of Louise, and Miss Kate Blair, of this place, went to Hawley Friday.

Mrs. C. M. Rolling, of Buhler, visited her niece, Mrs. J. L. Jordan and family this week.

Cal. Wolfe has returned to this neighborhood and will be employed by Capt. J. L. Logan.

Scott Yeamans has gone to Hawley, where he will be employed in the near future, by H. E. Moore.

Rev. Callaway came over from Hawley on Sunday afternoon and filled his regular appointment here.

I. G. Lords, a good old time Methodist, and one of Bay City 's best citizens, was in our neighborhood Monday and Tuesday.

Mrs. Mattie Dobbins, of Galveston , is visiting her father, Capt. J. L. Logan and family and expects to remain an indefinite time.

Roscoe Rolling, one of Buhler's most popular young men spent Saturday in this neighborhood shaking hands with friends and acquaintances.

Misses Minnie and Lizzie Phillips,  two of Cash's Creek's most esteemed young ladies, attended services here on Sunday. They were accompanied by their brother Johnnie.

A Bible-reading was organized in our Sunday school last Sunday. It will add new interest to the school, as well as being instructive to the scholars. Let all bring Bibles and take part for we all need to study the good book.

Matagorda County Tribune, September 9, 1899
 


1900s
 


Carancahua Concatenations.
By Little Girl.
(Arrived too late for last week.)

Mrs. J. W. Pogue was on the sick list last week.

Darrell Jordan was over to see the homefolks Sunday.

T. W. Blair and son, Lawson, went to Edna, Saturday.

B. F. P___ of Hawley, was here on business, Thursday.

Mrs. J. L. Jordon was quite sick for several days last week.

T. W. and I. L. Blair spent several days in our county seat last week transacting business.

The Misses Logan and Sparks attended a dance at B. L. Wards on Carancahua bay last Friday night.

Silas Watts, who has been working in the hay business here with Clark & Hughes, went to El Campo, on business Sunday.

B. A. Yeamans of Cash's Creek, was here Friday on his return from a business trip to El Campo, and spent the night with friends here.

Dr. Moore, assisted by Dr. Scott, removed a tumor from the foot of little Elmer Jordan, last week. The little fellow is doing very well.

Miss Theresa Sparks of Edna, who has been visiting relatives at Hawley, for some time, came over Thursday to spend a few days with her cousins the Misses Logan.

The storm Saturday night was unusually violent here, doing a good deal of damage to trees, and blowing the vacant houses of Dr. Clark and J. W. Van Cleaves off the blocks--beside, taking the roof off of J. E. Blair's barn. The month of storms has come, which I think is plainly evident by the beginning made.

Matagorda County Tribune, September 21, 1900
 


Carancahua Concatenations.
By Violet.

John Spoor and son Willie visited relatives here last week.

Emmet Harris visited his uncle, J. P. Spoor, part of last week.

Dan Logan, from up in Harris county, is visiting relatives here.

We are sorry to say little ___ Blair is quite sick at this writing.

Mrs. J. L. Jordan and son Cecil visited at Mrs. C. M. Bolling's last week.

John Bolling, Miss Vera Joines, Tommie Joines and Miss Alta Bardette of Buhler, attended the social at Capt. Rhodes's.

Capt. B. B. Rhodes and wife gave a social last Thursday in honor of their nephew, Dan Logan. A large crowd was present and in every way it was an enjoyable affair.

Midfields seems to be the place--so many are going there shopping, and they say they like to trade there because they are so nice and accommodating and have a nice lot of goods.

Matagorda County Tribune, September 25, 1903
 


Carancahua Concatenations

Those who purpose planting gardens are anxious to see a rain.

Mrs. J. J. Harris and daughter Lou are on the sick list this week.

George Owens is building at Midfields and will move his family soon.

Misses Bessie and Lena Blair went to Midfields last Tuesday, shopping.

Capt. B. B. Rhodes bought corn of Mr. Ross and had it hauled to his crib last week.

Mrs. J. J. Harris is looking for her sister, Mrs. Annie Duffy of Matagorda, this week, to spend several days with her.

The people over here are anxious to see a doctor locate at Midfields. We are very much in need of one and hope it will not be long before our hopes are realized. Markham is a good ways to have to send for a doctor when one is needed.

Mr. Lee Bronaugh of Edna was here visiting relatives last week. He had just purchased a new horse and he said he had pitched and thrown him twice in one day, and he (Lee, not the horse) was rather lame as a consequence.

Matagorda County Tribune, October 9, 1903
 


Carancahua Concatenations.
By Violet.

Wm. Harris went to Markham last week.

Mrs. V. L. Blair is quite sick at this writing.

Darrell Jordan was in our vicinity last Monday.

Ben Wheeler was in our midst last Wednesday.

Miss Mary Louise Fleury is visiting her sister, Mrs. J. C. Woll?.

J. H. Logan was over buying rice straw of W. M. Harris.

J. E. Blair's ankle is still very bad. He has to walk with crutches.

John LeCompte and wife are at Mrs. Harris's this week. Came up to get J. L. Logan to treat their baby, which is quite sick.

Lawson Jordan and son Darrell and Hamilton Rhodes went to the bay last week, and they report a very pleasant time.

Miss Mollie Logan was called to El Campo last week to the bedside of her nephew, John Moore?, who is quite sick of slow fever.

Mrs. G. W. Owens of Midfields visited home folks here last Saturday, and her sister, Miss Mamie Harris, went home with her to spend awhile.

Mrs. Mary Rhodes spent part of last week with her niece, Miss Jessie Logan, on account of her father begin called to Galveston on business.

Louis Bunge and wife and Miss Mary Em Brooks passed through here on their way to Palacios. Ed Fleury joined them here and went to Palacios with them. He says there are thirty prospectors down there while he was better.

Matagorda County Tribune, December 11, 1903
 

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Created
Apr 18, 2018
Updated
Jul. 5, 2021
   

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