On March 28, 2010, the Erath County Historical Society, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the City of Stephenville, the Erath County Historical Commission, the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Texas Historical Commission dedicated a Texas State Historical marker at the Erath Memorial Arches in Stephenville, Erath County, Texas. The arches were originally built and dedicated in 1936 for the Texas Centennial.  The arches were one memorial dedicated to the early heroes of Texas in celebration of the Centennial.  The Masons of Texas were specifically invited to participate in today’s dedication as the namesake, George Bernard Erath was, as well as being a Senator, State Representative, Surveyor, Major at San Jacinto and Texas Ranger, a  Texas Mason.  

The arches were built on site at Erath and Washington streets in Stephenville from Texas Fieldstone and constructed by a Dublin, Texas Stonemason.  The arches had been previously relocated at this intersection.  According to longtime Stephenville residents, the arches were originally just wide enough for a Model “A” to fit through and the building just to the right of the arches was originally the “Ford House” (rural Texan for Ford Dealership).  They were lifted by crane and relocated to allow two lane traffic by modern automobiles.  They had lights added at some point although no one remembers exactly when.  Other than these two changes, the arches have been unchanged since their construction some 74 years ago.

The arches were to recognize the activities of George B. Erath (pronounced er-ath by the family,  but E-rath by most others).  Erath was an immigrant from Vienna Austria who came to Texas in the early 1800’s and eventually made his way to the Central Texas area working as a Surveyor and Texas Ranger.  Erath laid out, at least, the towns of Stephenville and Waco accompanied by his companion McLennan for whom McLennan county is named.  One interesting thread is Stephenville was named for John Stephen,  a Mason and member of Stephenville Lodge and it is located in the County named for the another Mason,  Erath.  Erath was a Texas Ranger and member of Billingsley’s Company C, 1st Regiment of Texas Volunteers, under the command of Col. Charles Burleson at the Battle of San Jacinto.

According to Marla Rush, of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the approval, erection and dedication of the Texas Historical Marker has been a 4-year journey working through the City, County and State.  The final approval by the city of Stephenville was in November 2009, and the process moved through the state. 

The various historical groups worked together to make this project a reality and then to coordinate the dedication

ceremony.

The historical groups invited elected officials including Stephenville Mayor Nancy Hunter, Texas Rangers, Sons of the Confederacy and descendents of San Jacinto Leaders and the descendents of Brother Erath.  

Speaking on Behalf of the State of Texas was Brother Sid Miller, the 5 term State Representative from District 59, who spoke regarding the service to the Republic and State of Texas provided by Brother Erath and the importance of Brother Erath and many more Masons to the development of Texas as a Republic and State.

Randy Billingsley the Great, Great, Great Grandson of Jesse Billingsley spoke regarding the work of early Texas settlers in the war for Texas’ Independence from Mexico.  A brother who is also a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans spoke of Brother Erath’s service during the Civil War as a member of the Texas Home Guard.
 

 R:.W:. Tommy Guest, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Texas and Past Master of Stephenville Lodge presented information about Brother Erath’s activities as a Mason and his Masonic resume.  Ms. Cathey Hartman, Executive Director of the Erath County Historical Commission presented extensive information on the work of Brother Erath in shaping local history by surveying and laying out Erath County, Stephenville, Waco, Caldwell, McLennan County well  as many more areas.  


The Texas Ranger representative being called away and unable to attend;     Ms. Hartman detailed the service of Brother Erath to the Texas Rangers in the very early years of that organization.   Ms Hartman also referred to the statue of Brother Erath, which stands outside the Texas Rangers Museum in Waco as further evidence of the significance of his service to Texas.  The picture at the right is courtesy of Brother Marshall J, Doke, Jr. Board Member of the Texas Ranger Museum and 2010 Grand Lodge Texas History Committee Member.

George B. Erath (1813-1891) Born - Jan. 1, 1813,  A Charter member and Secretary of Bosque Lodge #92, 1852 through 1855.  Bosque Lodge is now known as Waco Lodge No. 92.  He was suspended NPD on August 1, 1889, but reinstated in December of that year.   Erath was an Indian fighter, soldier, surveyor and Major in the battle of San Jacinto.   Erath County, Texas is named for him.  He died May 13, 1891.

The Masons of Texas were well represented at the event.  In addition to R:.W:. Guest, State Representative Miller, Marla Rush, PWMOES, two former and one current DDGM, one Grand Lodge Committee Member, there were several officers of Stephenville Lodge as well as representatives and officers from at least 4 other lodges.
 

Masons Attending Dedication Honoring Brother George B. Erath in Front of the Western Arch
 

When you measure a man, often his contemporaries are the best judges.

 J.W. Wilbarger in his 1888 book, “Indian Depredations in Texas” describes our brother this way:

But few men, in our opinion, have done more the Captain Erath towards laying the foundations of the great commonwealth of Texas, and in all the positions he has occupied, both civil and military, his bravery, honesty and unimpeachable integrity always commanded the respect of his opponents, and the esteem and admiration of his friends.  ….. If he had only studied his own interests half as much as he did the interests and welfare of this adopted country, with the many opportunities he had of amassing a fortune, Captain Erath would today be ranked among the millionaires of the land, and anyone who may read his memoirs will be convinced of the truth of this statement.  As it is, he owns nothing, we believe, in the way of this world’s goods except his little farm and homestead in McLennan County.”
In this writer’s opinion, that quote answers once and for all – WHAT IS A MASON?

George B. Erath, immigrant, Indian fighter, Texas Ranger, Senator, State Representative, Surveyor a larger than life Texas Hero and Legend.  George B. Erath, Texas Mason.
 

Bruce W. Hammond - 2010 Member Texas History Committee Grand Lodge of Texas

All pictures Special to Grand Lodge of Texas by Bruce W Hammond except picture of G.B. Erath courtesy of Marhsall J. Doke, Jr.

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