Menard County Texas

Businesses in Menard in the 1800's

First Building Erected in Menard

There are conflicting stories concerning the first house and the first store to be built in Menard, though the honor is usually attributed to "Paddy" Patrick Mires or "Tull" Tullos Smith. This confusion may be caused by: (1) both came to Menard about 1865 (2) both owned individual stores that were in their homes (3) Paddy and Tull were in partnership in a merchandise store

As such, I will just list the the different stories on who was the "first" and you can draw your own conclusion until I'm able to find true documentation.

"Pat Mires moved his family to Menardville in 1865."......"Little Nancy Mires, in 1865, played around her father's store, then located in the log house which was the first building to be erected in the village."......."Pat Mires and Tull Smith were partners in the business." (source: Patrick Mires daughter, Nancy, as told to N.H. Pierce in "Free State of Menard")
"Among the first stores erected in what was then Menardville was "Pat Miers'" store which was built in 1867. It stood on the location now occupied by the Luckenbach building." (source: Menard Messenger, June 18, 1936 Special Pioneer Edition)

To view a drawing reported to be the first house built in Menard, go here.

1878- Enoch Ballou and W. W. Lewis were partners in the Ballou & Lewis store, a general merchandise store built in 1878. From this store pioneers could obtain everything from Arbuckle coffee (roasted, but not ground) to whiskey. At a later date, W. W. Lewis and Max Chastine were owners. This building was torn down when the Bevan's Hotel was erected. (source: Menard Messenger, June 18, 1936 Special Pioneer Edition)

1880-The Australian Hotel, now owned by the Russell heirs, was built in 1880. Wm. Saunders and wife, coming from Australia to Texas, were the first owners.(source: Menard Messenger, June 18, 1936 Special Pioneer Edition)

1884 -"Feed Yard" originally owned by J. D. Hill. Bought by public auction in 1884 by Williamson and Saunders for $925? (source: Menardville Murmurings, San Angelo Standard 1884) ......

1884 (June 21)- Arthur G. Nason contemplates opening a general land agency business in Menard. (source: Menardville Murmurings, San Angelo Standard 1884)

1884 (July 15)- R. B. Thomas to open business. (source: Menardville Murmurings, San Angelo Standard 1884)

1884 (Aug 9)- Williamson and Saunders to open General Store (source: Menardville Murmurings, San Angelo Standard 1884) (2) Built in the early 80's, the Williamson & Saunders store was a general merchandise store owned by Jno W. Williamson and his father-in-law, Wm Saunders. The Moser Motor Company occupies the location where the old Williamson store stood.(source: Menard Messenger, June 18, 1936 Special Pioneer Edition)

1889 (Apr 3) San Angelo McKavett Stage Line-Proprietors Shepperd & Graham (source: Ft McKavett Breeze)

1889 (Apr 3) North & Co, Clear Creek, Menard (source: Ft McKavett Breeze)

1889 (Apr 3) F. Mayer's General Merchandise Store and Ft. McKavett Feed Stables-Mayer Prop (source: Ft McKavett Breeze)

1889 (Apr 3) Sam Wallick & Co (source: Ft McKavett Breeze)

1889 (Apr 3) J. G. Regenier Wheelwright & Blacksmith (source: Ft McKavett Breeze)

Embry's Stage Stand

Splittgerber Stage Stand

NOTE: While I strive for accuracy in all transcriptions, please be advised that typing errors may be present. I would suggest you always verify my online information with a copy of the actual record.

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This Page Was Last Updated On:

Wednesday, September 28, 2011 2:40 PM