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History
in a Pecan Shell
The Man:
The town was named for "Colonel" B. B. Groom (1812-1906), an English-born
cattleman who imported shorthorn and Angus cattle. Groom, who had
a substantial estate in Kentucky, lost most of his fortune and by
1882, as a widower in his 70's, he was hired to be general manager
for the Francklyn Land and Cattle Company.
To his credit, Groom was the first to hire well-drillers to provide
water for the ranch's cattle, however, his enthusiastic acquisition
of land for the Francklyn Company caused its bankruptcy (and subsequent
reorganization as the White Deer Lands Trust) in 1886.
Groom, with his son Harry, became managers for the Mortimer Land Company
of Chicago. These leased holdings in SE Gray County were for years
known as "the Groom pasture." Colonel Groom entertained guests at
this well-tended ranch until the manager of the White Deer Lands refused
to renew the lease. Son Harry left for El Paso, where he eventually
became president of the American Livestock Association and Colonel
Groom left Texas, eventually returning to England, where he died in
1906.
The Town:
In 1902 the town of Groom was platted to be on the approaching Chicago,
Rock Island and Gulf Railway. A store / post office was established
that same year.
By 1906, the town was thriving with a bank, hotel, lumberyard, school,
barber and several stores. Groom suffered one fire in 1912 and another
in 1915.
In 1928 the town's infrastructure was installed and the main street
was paved.
Populations of Groom:
1911 - 250
1931 - 564
1972 - 808
1984 - 736
1990 - 613
Groom Attraction:
The Cross at Groom |
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