Way back in the 1800s, settlements cropped up in the Texas region which would later become Ellis county. The history of Midlothian, TX is rich with facts that narrate a lively story of growth and development.
In the early days, Sam Houston, representing the Republic of Texas arrived at a conclusion for colonization. He formed a peace treaty with the Indian Inhabitants of the region.
Colonization was happening at a slow pace until the early settlers of the colonized region arrived. Some of them came with their cattle and slaves whom they took care of.
Who were the first settlers?
Tonkawa Indians were the first settlers of the Midlothian region. Other Indian tribes such as Wacos, Bidias, Kickapoos, and Anadarkos also hunted in this region.
In 1848, the settlements grew with the moving in of Larkin Newton and his family. Larkin Newton lived there with his wife and eight children.
Three more children were brought up by Newton and the colony changed into a county. During those times, Newton’s occupation included working as a gristmill operator, a postmaster, and a land surveyor.
Another inhabitant, Williams Hawkins settled at Hawkins’ Spring around the same time. He later took the responsibility of managing the Ellis County as the county’s first Chief of Justice.
What’s in its name?
The name “Midlothian” has an interesting story behind it. The name “Midlothian” was used by local inhabitants in 1883. Legends say that a Scottish train engineer remembered his homeland i.e. Scotland when he saw the local countryside.
Also, the location of the region was like a midpoint between Cleburne and Dallas. It was a midpoint between Fort Worth and Ennis as well. So, when the railroad finally arrived, Midlothian was populated. The incorporation of Midlothian took place in April 1888.
Read More in the Part-2 of this article titled, ‘What is the story of Midlothian? (Part-2) ‘
