Olton's Union Church Bell

The land under Olton came from C. C. Slaughter's Running Water Ranch. Slaughter, often called the Cattle King of Texas, held more than a million acres and 40,000 cattle by 1906 and was for years the largest individual taxpayer in the state. In 1908 and 1909 he opened the Running Water to colonization, but when the land company promoting it failed, much of the land reverted to him by 1911. Under the management of Jack Alley it was paying again by 1915, and in 1910 a broken hip ended Slaughter's direct control of his ranches.

What the plaque says

Olton's Union Church Bell When the Soash Land Company founded Olton in 1908, lots were provided for a school, church and bank. Residents of the new town erected a Union church for all denominations about 1909. Soon afterward, they purchased this 950-pound steel bell. Its tones called worshipers from miles around. In 1928, a tornado destroyed the bell tower. The Methodist congregation bought the bell and moved it to a new building at 10th and Avenue E in 1934. In 1958 they sold the property and bell to the Church of the Nazarene. (1978)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Site of the First Lamb County Courthouse — steps away
• First Baptist Church of Olton — 0.6 mi
• Lamb County — 0.8 mi
• Halfway — 10 mi