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History in
a Pecan Shell
The community
was settled along Murval Creek in the 1860s and originally took
the name Murval. Prior to Murval’s settlement, a town named
Gibson was nearby. It too was named after a creek. (Murval and Gibson
Creeks connect.) The community had a post office as early as 1853.
From 1892 to
1905 the community became known as Needmore by the county
newspaper referring to it by that name. This lighthearted name was
adopted by county residents and remained until it was discovered
that there was already an “official” Needmore
in Terry County.
In the mid 1890s a hotel was built to accommodate people coming
to recently discovered Welch Springs.
The current
name comes from a county election. In 1900 it was Charles L. Brachfield
who visited the town and stood in a recently cleared field (which
is why campaigns call them stump speeches) to deliver his message.
A new post office was renamed that year but only stayed active until
1906.
Early population figures aren’t available but Brachfield peaked
in the 1950s and 60s with around 80 residents. The 1990 census reported
around 30 which rose to 40 by 2000.
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Brachfield
Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Gerald
Massey, April 2011 |
1907 Rusk
County Postal Map showing Brachfield just SE of Henderson
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy Texas General Land Office |
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Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
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