Blessing, Texas

Blessing, Texas Jose Luna, Tidehaven High School,Shelley Anderson, El Maton, Matagorda County

Founder of Blessing, TexasJonathan Edwards PierceGave the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railroad a right-of-wayUsed railroad to ship his cattle

Blessing Railroad & Library Between 1903 & 1905 a library building was attached to the train stationSt. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway also ran through Blessing

Masonic Lodge Established 1874Originally located in Tres Palacios Originally named Tres Palacios Masonic Lodge

Masonic Lodge Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1965Moved when the town of Blessing was founded

Old Hawley CemeteryFirst known as Demings Bridge CemeteryEstablished in 1854Located two miles east of Blessing

Old Hawley CemeteryLand was donated by Emelius & Norman Savage and Jonathan PierceName was changed in 1899

Grimes Family Cemetery Established in 1856Established when infant grandson died Grimes was a famous rancherThe first burial there was in 1856Located off of FM 2853, Blessing, Texas

Blessing HotelBuilt in 1906 by Jonathan E. PierceOpened for the traveling public and landseekers

Blessing HotelAbel B. Pierce, Jr., acquired ownership in 1972Restoration began in 1978

Blessing State Bank Built during the boom of 1907Possibly designed by Victoria architect Jules Leffland

Blessing State Bank Operated until 1932Blessing was without a bank until 1966

The A. B. Pierce HomeBuilt in 1909 for A.B. PierceGathering place for area civic leaders Father cofounded town of BlessingVeteran of the Spanish-American War

St. Peter's Catholic ChurchBuilt in 1915Moved twice in its long history Has been a religious influence to Blessing The church was remolded before 1927Mission parish attended on occasion by priests

The Blessing Community House and Library AssociationOrganized in 1912Organized in the old elementary Community house was added in July, 1921Went through some major renovations in 1997

Sources http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txmatago/cemetery_hawley.htmhttp://www3.familyoldphotos.com/photo/texas/41/blessing-texas-train-station-1900shttp://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txmatago/businesses_blessbank.htmhttp://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txmatago/blessing_photos2.htmhttp://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txmatago/church_bl_st_peters.htmhttp://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txmatago/hmn_blessing_com_house.htm

Sources http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txmatago/cemetery_hawley.htmhttp://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txmatago/businesses_blessbank.htmhttp://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txmatago/church_bl_st_peters.htmhttp://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txmatago/hmn_blessing_com_house.htm