John Randolph Hearne, son of Texas pioneers Columbus Calamicus Hearne and wife Mary Ellen Gilmer, was born July 15, 1854 in Wheelock, Robinson County, TX. Educated in the schools of his native county, he later attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA. He returned to Texas in 1871, soon thereafter moving to Palestine, first engaging in the drug business which he followed for many years. Later he sold this business and moved to Dallas, becoming a very successful businessman. The first electric lights in Dallas were installed in his business downtown. Mr. Hearne later sold this business and moved back to Palestine where he was engaged in the hardware business, and at the time of his death was head of the Palestine Hardware Co. Mr. Hearne invested quite extensively in real estate in Palestine. A prominent businessman, he was instrumental in helping to organize the Palestine National Bank, which later merged with one of the existing banks and he was elected Vice-President of this bank. He was President of the Palestine Board of Trade, and also President of the Royall National Bank. He was Mayor of Palestine from 1907 to 1909 and during his administration Oak Street and Avenue …

Miss Cilla Price - Palestine Texas - 1901 Photo found among the Conaway family papers that were donated to the Palestine Public Library some time ago.

Photo of Nathanial W. Blackshear driving a buggy with an unidentified man sitting next to him and another unidentified man standing beside the horse. On the back of the photograph is the following: "In this 'gig' he eloped with "Mamie" Rollins, my mother. on Midnight May 18, 1892 - married at 3 a.m. May 19, 1892 by Presbyterian Minister Dr. Crozier, Palestine Tex. with Zula Quark(?) as bridesmaid and in Zula's clothing, because her mother had taken away her clothing and locked her in her room. So Mamie got out of her window in her night gown wrapped in the counterpayne"

Photograph of the first Centenary Methodist Church. It was built around 1884 and was in use until sometime around 1910, when a new building was constructed at 422 S. Magnolia.

The White Way, Spring Street, Palestine, TX. Known as this because of the way the streetlights lining the center of the road lit the way at night. This photo was made from an old post card.

Photo of Main Street, Elkhart Texas. This whole town burned at one point and when it was rebuilt, all the main buildings were made of brick.

This building was the home of the Young Mens Business Association, which later became the Palestine Chamber of Commerce. It was located on Spring Street (once known as Front Street) in the "new town" section of Palestine, which was along the railroad tracks. This picture was probably taken in the early 1900's.

Photo of Main Street, Elkhart Texas. This whole town burned at one point and when it was rebuilt, all the main buildings were made of brick.

This picture was made at a state convention of the Texas Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy at Corsicana Texas, 1900. The flag in the process of being folded is of unknown origin. It was returned from New Orleans with the effects of Col. William Lull and was supposed, from its single star, to have belonged to Texas. It's description: Gray field, red star, gray and blue stripes, heavy red fringe entirely surrounding it.

Taken around 1900, this photograph shows 45-50 people sitting on a rocky patch of ground. People in the photograph range appear to range in age from approximately age 6 to age 45.

Photograph, taken 1905 or 1906, depicts cotton loaded on a railroad car. A group of men stand atop the bales and alongside on a platform; men sit in two horse-drawn drays next to the pile of bales. The caption for the photograph reads: Loading bales of cotton on flat cars at Santa Fe Station in a bumper cotton year. Two-wheeled drays (left) hauled bales from cotton yard located in the 400 block of Avenue D.

An unidentified class from the Killeen Public School

Fourth Grade Students, Killeen Public School.

The Avenue D School, abut 1905, the building was enlarged in 1909.

Tom and Mary Sikes and their grown daughter Vera Price in the early 1900's. Mary is wearing a long fur coat and Tom is wearing a hat.

Photograph of three woman and a child. Text on the photo reads, "Mama Cole, Granny Maples, Ophelia Rancier and Faye (Marrs) 1907".

Students of the Killeen School around 1905.

Photograph of four boys, three wear hats and they all have ties. The two in front are seated in wicker furniture and wear knickers. Text on the photo reads,"Seated-Graydon Cole and Claude Gilmer Standing L-R: "Chic" Pennington and Todd Patton 1905-1910".

George Normand Sr. and wife Mary Sprott with seven children in front of their home.

"In the Fall of 1908, the Boyd family posed along with their wagon, drawn by five horses, on the family's farm. The Boyd home, in the background (at right) is still standing on what is known as "the old Drake place."

First National Bank of Killeen at its 3rd location. L to R: Will Rancier, President, Sam Rancier Cashier, Virgil Stallworth, Bookkeeper.

Five gentleman in a car; Dr. Spivey (driving); Back seat: Robert Callahan; Charlie Hairston; Horace Law. Featured in the background are Horace Law's Barber Shop, and Cox's Studio.

Men in uniform on horseback

Soldiers in uniform preparing for target practice.