Eastland County, Texas - Chapter 6: Scuanton, 1904

Scranton, a town of about one hundred and fifty inhabitants, is situated in a thickly settled, agricultural cornmimity, which lies twelve miles southwest of Cisco, near the line of Callahan County.

The first man who set.lted in tliis locality was D. C. Lane, who came in 1ST.3, and was followed by H. B. I^an-, ilr. HufE, Aaron Brown, Uncle Joe Brown and NTat Hendrickson. These, together with Messrs. Sprawls,- Eay, G-attis, Clement, Rutherford and many others, have made a progressive and substantial com-' munity.

In 188 - Mr. Snoddy taught a school here. The interest in education has gradually increased until Scranton now boasts of an incorporated school district, and one of the best schools in th,e county. There is a commodious, two-story building, with a separate music room on the campus.

The Miethodist and Baptist churches were organized here in 1893, the former by Rev. M. Mi. Smith, the latterby Rev. J. R. Eelly. Both churches have good buildings"^nd are served at present by Rev. J. L. Mills, Methodist, and Rev. G-. W. Parks, Baptist.

Reydon as Postmlaster. Mr. Eeydon also put up the first gin in 188 - . The present fine gin is owned by a stock company of farmers. J. M. Williamson of Cisco was the pioneer mierchant. Ani,ong the present progressive business firm's are E. E. Chunn, dry goods, groceries and hardware; I. E. Cook & Bro., dry goods, and W. L. Gattis & Son, druggists.

This prosperous and enterprising community was first settled by A. J. Fembling and Mr. Ballard. These were soon followed by E. J. Arnold, Dr. J. N. White and Mr. Green, all from West Virginia.

During the disastrous drouth of 1886-1887 emigration stopped, but the natural advantages of the locality held the first settlers, and even in the most trying period brought Mr. P. N. B. Ghormerly.

The Freenian and Bashan brothers, J. C. MteCoy, T. D. Freeman, E. J. Arnold, T. J. Finn, W. E. and C. C. Bashan and Dr. J. W. White organized the school community and a school house was put up at once. T. D Freeman was the first teacher, and A. J. Tyson, editor r>i the X-Ray, published at Eising Star, followed him.

The Eomney Postoffice was established August 15, 1890, T. D. Freemlan, Postmaster. The country has developed rapidly. All agricultural products, fruits and vegetables grow well, making this one of the miost progressive communities in the County.

Freemian, who has charge of the long-distance telephono and is Postmaster, has the only store in the village, wliich also contains a blacksmith shop, a gin and a good school .