II. Celtic Cities, Towns and Place Names in Texas N - S
In towns that list the: general store owner, postmaster, postmistress, schoolteacher, or an early settler(s), the person(s) named was/were usually among the founding families of the community. Generally, the Celtic connection of an individual or place is not given if it is obviously a Celtic name or if the connection is made in the text of the book.
Nacogdoches, Texas
Early Celtic settlers were: Samuel Davenport, William Barr, Philip Nolan, Peter Ellis Bean, John Quinelti, John Cornegy, and many more.
Nash, Texas
Originally called Park for J. N. Parker.
Nashville-on-the-Brazos, Texas
Founded by Sterling C. Robertson in honor of his birthplace, Nashville, Tennessee. Became Shelbyville.
Navosota, Texas
Originally called Nolanville for James Nolan the owner of a stagecoach stop.
Nazareth, Texas
It was settled by A. V., T. P. and J. A. McCormick in 1890. Early settlers were Michael O'Kieff and Michael Gallagher and 27other Irish families. Previously known as Shamrock and then Wind. It became a German community.
NcNiel, Texas
Named for George McNiel a railroad foreman.
Neal, Texas
Now called Cottonwood.
Neale, Texas
Named for W. J. Neale an early settler.
Neals, Texas
Named for an early settler family.
Neches, Texas
Town site donated by Murdock McDonald. J. B. McDonald operated the general store in 1897. The town was originally called Nechesville.
Next Section of Celtic Texas T- Z >Nechesville, Texas
Now called Neches, town site was donated by Murdock McDonald.
Neighborville, Texas
Originally called Hortontown as it was on land owned by A.C. Horton.
Neil Creek
Named for Claiborne Neil.
Neil's Creek, Bosque County
New Braunfels, Texas
The first mercantile business in town was Scotsman James Ferguson's.
New Columbia, Texas
Named was changed to Jacks, Texas to honor A. A. "Jack" McMahon.
New Deal, Texas
General store was operated by a Mr Connell and his son Billy. Town was originally called Monroe in 1910.
New Hagansport, Texas
Named for Hagan's Port on the Sulpher River.
New Ulm, Texas
Originally it was Duff's Settlement named for James C. Duff on whose land grant it was located.
Nickleville, Texas
A former town settled by a Celtic family, now a part of Wylie,Texas.
Nineveh, Texas
Named by Mrs McCreary in 1872 for town squabbling.
Nix, Texas
First Postmistress and an early settler was Elizabeth Wallace.
Nocona, Texas
Named for Comanche Chief Peta Nocona, husband to Cynthia Ann Parker.
Nolan, Texas
Named after Philip Nolan, now called Belton.
Nolan, Texas
Located in Nolan County.
Nolan's Creek
Nolan's River
Named for Philip Nolan.
Nolands River, Texas
Nolanville, Texas
Named for James Nolan owner of a stagecoach stop. Now called Navosota.
Nolanville, Texas
Nome, Texas
First Mayor was Hugh Ferguson.
Normanna, Texas
Among the early settlers were Mat Nolan and Virgina O'Neal Hernandez. Town was first called San Domingo in 1856.
Norman's Crossing, Texas
An early settler was M. R. Kennedy.
North Rusk, Texas
One mile north of Rusk which is named for Thomas Jefferson Rusk.
Northpole, Texas
Said to be named by A. Garner from the time he entered Bill Griffin's one chair barber shop and said "it was as cold as the Northpole outside."
Noxville, Texas
Named for Farris Knox the first postmaster.
Nuecestown, Texas
Founded by Henry L. Kinney for Irish families in 1852.
Nugent Mountain, Brewster County
Nugent, Texas
Nursery, Texas
Built on land owned by W. H. Kyle. Named for Nick O'Brien a railroad superintendent.
O'Donnell, Texas
Named for T. J. O'Donnell a railroad official.
O'Quinn Creek
O'Quinn Hill
O'Quinn, Texas
Oakland, Texas
Located on a site originally owned by James Bowie. Named after the homesite of David G. Burnet.
Oakville, Texas
Originally an Irish settlement in the San Patricio colony. Site donated by Thomas Wilson.
Oakwood, Texas
H. P. McCall was one of its early settlers.
Obregon, Texas
O'Byrne's Mill Settlement, Texas
Formed around the mill built by Irishborn John O'Byrne. He also built a school and church.
Odell Creek
Odell, Texas
Named for M. F. O'Dell a railroad engineer.
Odessa College
First School Master was Methodist minister, Rev. M. A. Daugherty in 1889.
Ogangeville, Texas
Settled by Daniel Dugan in 1836.
Okra, Texas
Named by Levi McCulloch an early postmaster "because the vegetable grew well there."
Old Brownsboro, Texas
Named for Irish born John "Red" Brown in 1836.
Old Franklin, Texas
Located on land donated by Edward McMillan.
Old Glory, Texas
An early settler was Howel Ely Carr.
Old Harrison, Texas
Named for General James E. Harrison.
Old Nashville, Texas
Settled by Billy Moore, John Bailey, James Laughlin, a Mr Powers, and a McCandis family among others.
Old Ocean, Texas
Originally called Chance's Prairie, an early settler was John Sweeney in 1837.
Oliveria, Texas
Now called Campbell to honor former governor Thomas Campbell.
Onalaska, Texas
An early settler was L. D. Jackson. L. C. Jackson was the first Postmaster.
O'Neal's Creek
Near Leeville.
O’Quinn, Texas
Located in Fayette County.
Oran, Texas
Named for Governor Oran M. Roberts. It was later called Parnell.
Orange, Texas
Among its early settlers was Alexander Gilmer who was born in County Armagh. He was at the Battle of Sabine Pass aboard the Josiah H. Bell.
Orangefield, Texas
Among the early settlers was a McGill family.
Osage, Texas
This Colorado County town was named by Postmaster, Samuel Davies McLeary for the trees in the area.
Osborne, Texas
It became Murphyville and then Alpine.
Owens, Texas
Named for E. Owens who donated the townsite.
Owensville, Texas
Named for Harrison Owen the first County Clerk.
Owentown, Texas
Named for Cliff Owens of Tyler, Texas in 1942.
Ozona, Texas
Built on property owned by E. M. Powell.
Padre Island
Site of the Dunn Ranch of Thomas and Catherine Dunn 1883-1970.
Paducah, Texas
Built on the homesite of the J. J. McAdams family. Among the early settlers was C. H. Scott. An early Postmaster was Benton Carroll.
Palestine, Texas
It was an early home of Daniel Parker.
Paloduro, Texas
The headquarters of the J.A. Ranch.
Pampa Air Force Base
Established largely due to the efforts of Pampa Mayor Fred Thompson in the 1940's.
Panhandle, Texas
Originally called Carson City to honor Samuel P. Carson. Among the early settlers were Billy Dixon and Jesse Wynne.
Papalote, Texas
Among the early settlers were Patrick and William Quinn, Brigida Quinn Black and Robert Carlisle, all Irish immigrants who settled there in 1828.
Park, Texas
Named for J. N. Parker, now called Nash.
Parker, Texas
The one in Johnson County is named for a railroad official.
There is another in Colin County.
Parnell, Texas
See Oran.
Pasadena, Texas
Platted by Colonel J.H. Burnett in 1895.
Patrick, Texas
Founded in 1854 by James Moore Patrick and his brothers: John Thomas and Marion Leander Patrick. The Patricks led a group of Irish families to the site by wagon train from Bethel, South Carolina
Patterson Settlement, Texas
Named For George W. Patterson, now named Sabinal.
Paul Quinn College
Established in Waco in 1872 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Pecos, Texas
Named for Pecos Callahan.
Peggy's Lake
Named for Irish born Margaret McCormick who lived on the San Jacinto battlefield.
Pendleton, Texas
Surveyed by William McFarland.
Penelope, Texas
Early settlers included J. H. O'Neal and the Duncan and Sullivan families.
Petty, Texas
Among the early settlers was H. D. McDowd.
Pharr, Texas
Named by John C. Kelly for his business partner. Among the early settlers were E. L. Calhoun, Dan McClendon, M. G. Cameron, and E. J. Kelso.
Phelan, Texas
Phelps, Texas
General store was run by Ed McGar. Among its early settlers were: the McGars and Fergusons. The town was originally called Black Jack Community.
Pike, Texas
C.L. McGowan was the first Postmaster.
Pikes Peak
Texas has two; one in Edwards County named for, Zebulon Pike, and another in Pecos County.
Pinetown, Texas
Joined with three other communities to become Maydelle named after Governor Thomas M. Campbell's daughter.
Pittsburg, Texas
Established by John D. and Major W. H. Pitts, their mother was Drusilla O'Neal.
Plains, Texas
Among the early settlers were: Leroy McCraven and Pat McHugh.
Plainview, Texas
Site of a statue honoring Ranald Mckenzie.
Platt, Texas
An early settler was J. C. McKinney who operated the general store and the one room schoolhouse.
Pleasant Hill, Texas
Founded on land granted to John Houlihan, a native of Ireland.
Pleasant Valley, Texas
In Dallas County, this town was settled by T. J. McCain and E. B. Hughes in 1881.
Pleasanton, Texas
An early settler was Tobias Kelly.
Pools Crossing, Texas
Early settler was E. L. Mullins, area is now Rosebud, Texas.
Post, Texas
Located on land once owned by Sarah Ellen Moorman who is descended from Zacariah Moorman who was born on the Isle of Man in 1620.
Port Arthur, Texas
Town was laid out by Horatio McMullen Hanks.
Port Isabel, Texas
An early settler after the colonial period was George Scanlon. Henry L. Kinney spent a lot of time in the city prior to the Mexican War.
Port Neches, Texas
Originally called McKinney for Thomas F. McKinney.
Port O'Connor
Named for Thomas O'Connor who sold the land. The point of land was originally called Alligator Head.
Port Preston, Texas
Located on land once owned by Robert Patrick Hearne.
Port San Marcos, Texas
Laid out by General Hugh McLeod.
Port Sullivan, Texas
Augustus Sullivan was an early settler.
Port Sullivan College
Pottsboro, Texas
It was originally Pottsville then Pottsborough. Among its early settlers were Holland Coffee and Colonel W. G. Cooke.
Powell Creek
Powell Point, Texas
Powell, Texas
A Mr Powell owned the site.
Powell's Cave
Located in Menard County, it was discovered in 1961.
Prairie Lea, Texas
First home there was built by Texas Ranger James H. Callahan. Thomas Monroe Hardeman helped establish the town. The Dublin Plantation was located there.
Preston, Texas
Built around Holland Coffee's trading station.
Price, Texas
One of the first four settlers was a man named McCord.
Prices Creek, Texas
Settled by Richards Powers and David Murphree.
Quanah, Texas
Named for Quanah Parker. The first schoolmistress was Edith McCann.
Queen City, Texas
Captain Ross Powell was one of its founders.
Quinan, Texas
Settled by William Edgar McKinney. It was named for Irish born Judge George E. Quinan who helped found the Texas State Bar.
Quincey, Texas
J. M. O'Brien operated the store in this Bee County town.
Quinn, Creek
Named for James Quinn.
Raliegh, Texas
T. B. Griffin was an early settler and operated the general store.
Ralls, Texas
Its co-founder was W. E. McLaughlin in 1911.
Ramerania, Texas
First Postmaster was James W. Campbell.
Randolph, Texas
An early settler was James McCoy Patton.
Ratliff, Texas
An early settler was Dr. H. L. McCall.
Ravenne, Texas
First Postmaster was Lewis B. Grogan.
Rawhide, Texas
Settled by Thomas Keenan in 1841; William Cochran was an early settler. Now called Farmers Branch.
Reagan Canyon, Brewster County
Reagan Creek
Reagan, Texas
Reagan, Texas
Named for W. R. Reagan, brother of John H. Reagan. Robert Emmet B. Baylor was an early preacher there.
Reagan Wells, Texas
Named for an early settler family named Reagan.
Red Bluff, Texas
Located in the area of a grant to Patrick Scott in 1830.
Red Mound, Texas
later became Milam in honor of Ben Milam.
Refugio, Texas
Founded by James Power and James Hewettson.
Regency, Texas
S. M. Moore was the first Postmaster in 1890.
Reilly Springs, Texas
James Reilly owned the land.
Reisel, Texas
Originally called Roddy.
Retrieve Plantation
It was the home of Abner Jackson and then James Hamilton. It is now Retrieve State Prison.
Retrieve State Prison
see Retrieve Plantation.
Reynolds, Texas
Rhonesboro, Texas
Among its early settlers were the Connally, McWorter and Nolan families.
Rice's Crossing, Texas
William Willis Avery and William McCutcheon were early settlers.
Richardson, Texas
Named by Henry Jones for Richmond, Virgina. The first mayor was T. F. McKamy in 1925. Bernard Reilly along with another donated the land which was a part of the original Peters Colony.
Rio Frio, Texas
This town which had Irishman Pat Cavanaugh's store has changed names many times.
Rio Grande City, Texas
Established by Henry Clay Davis in 1847.
Rio Hondo, Texas
It was "created" by Samuel Arthur Robertson's "Spider Web" Railroad.
Rio Vista, Texas
W. H. Hughes donated the land.
Rising Star, Texas
Named by D.D. McConnell.
Rob and Bess Welder Wildlife Foundation and Refuge
Rob Hughes Welder was a descendant of James Power.
Robert Lee, Texas
Named for Robert E. Lee.
Robertson, Texas
Robinson Creek, Hood County
Robstown, Texas
Named for Robert Driscoll.
Rock Creek, Texas
General store in this McLennan County community was operated by Thomas McCrary in the 1900's.
Roddy, Texas
Roganville, Texas
Named by John H. Kirby for his friend Charles Rogan.
Roosevelt, Texas
Named for President Theodore Roosevelt.
Rosebud, Texas
Previous names include: Pools Crossing, Greer's Horsepen, and Mullins. This town was settled by J. L. Mullins who named the town after his daughter's habit of wearing a rosebud.
Rosenberg, Texas
Founded by R. T. Mulcahy.
Ross City, Texas
Named for the donor of the site.
Ross, Texas
Named for Sul Ross.
Rosston, Texas
It was originally called Rosstown, and was named for three Ross brothers. T. A. Ross was the first Postmaster.
Rossville, Texas
Named for two Scotch brothers, William and John C. Ross.
Rotan, Texas
Among the early settlers was C. W. McCombs.
Round Top, Texas
Among the early settlers was the Robinson family. The first Postmaster was H. A. Robertson.
Rowlett, Texas
Early settlers were Owen Rowlett, Thomas Payne Daniel, and S. Ross McEntee.
Rudyville, Texas
Founded by Irish born Edward Dougherty in 1850.
Rue Settlement, Texas
It was in the Peters Colony and was settled by the Ferguson and Jackson families and others.
Rusk, Texas
Named for Thomas Jefferson Rusk.
Ryals, Texas
Ben Murphy was an early settler.
Ryan's Neighborhood, Texas
Named for John Ryan an early settler in Bee County in 1834. Now called Live Oak.
Sabinal, Texas
Originally named Patterson Settlement for George W. Patterson.
Sabine, Texas
Town developed on land owned by a McGaffney. Sam Houston was among the town's developers.
Sacul, Texas
Named for a Lucas family that were early settlers. The name is Lucas spelled backwards.
Saint Jo, Texas
See Head of Elm.
Salado, Texas
Founded by Sterling C. Robertson.
Salt City, Texas
C.W. McMean and James McMean were early settlers.
Saltillo, Texas
John Arthur settled this town in 1850. Originally called Twin Groceries, early settlers were the McGill and McAfee families.
Saluria, Texas
James Power was one of its founders.
Sam Houston National Forest
Sam Rayburn Dam and Reservoir
Originally named the McGee Bend Project in 1949, it was changed to honor Sam Rayburn.
Sam Rayburn Lake
The lake is also named for "Mister Sam."
San Augustine, Texas
Philip Nolan's mustang corral was there. The first settlement was called Ayish Bayou, but it had so many Irish it was often called Irish Bayou. See the text for early settlers.
San Benito, Texas
Founded by Colonel Sam Robertson in 1907. He was the first Postmaster.
San Domingo, Texas
Among the early settlers were Mat Nolan and Virginia O'Neal Hernandez. Town was later called Normanna.
San Felipe, Texas
Laid out by Seth Ingram.
Sam Houston National Forest
San Jacinto, Texas
A planned community of Nathaniel Lynch located where the San Jacinto Battlefield was and thus its name.
San Patricio, Texas
Originally called San Patricio de Hibernia, which means Saint Patrick of Ireland in Spanish.
San Patricio Trail
An old trail that connected San Patricio to San Antonio.
San Saba, Texas
Settled by Headly Polk a relative of the former U. S. President, James K. Polk.
Sanatorium, Texas
Developed around the McKnight State Sanatorium.
Sandtown Settlement, Texas
It was located in the Peters Colony, among its early settlers were two preachers; J. F. McElhannon and Alvis Jackson.
Sandusky, Texas
George McCain operated a sawmill and a grist mill there in 1873.
Santa Anna, Texas
Name changed to Texana in 1835. This town was founded by Pamela McNutt and her sister's (Martha McNutt) husband. After the Texas Revolution, the Allen brothers attempted to buy the town. When they were turned down, they went on to found Houston.
Sarahville de Viesca, Texas
Founded by Sterling C. Robertson, he named it for his mother.
Sarita, Texas
Named for the grandaughter of Miflin Kenedy, Sarita Kenedy.
Sayer's, Texas
Named for Governor Joseph D. Sayers.
Science Hill, Texas
Among the early settlers were: Jack Scott, Oliver Scott, and the Reverend West Jackson.
Scotland, Texas
Named by H. J. Scott. Founded by William Thomas Scott in 1834.
Scott Bay
Scott, Texas
There are two; one in Van Zandt and one in Hildago County.
Scottsville, Texas
Settled by William Thomas Scott in 1834.
Schulenburg, Texas
First Postmaster was Norman McKinnon.
Sedalia, Texas
William McDougal was an early settler.
Sequin, Texas
Laid out by Ben McCulloch. It was originally called Walnut Springs. Early settlers included both McCulloch brothers, Andrew Jackson and John Sowell.
Seven D Ranch
Established in 1868 by Peter Gallagher.
Seymour, Texas
George Jones and J. J. Moore were early settlers.
Shamrock, Texas
Now called Nazareth.
Shamrock, Texas
Named by George Nichols an Irish sheep rancher. Town newspaper is the Shamrock Texan, prints in green ink on Saint Patrick's Day. A piece of the Blarney Stone from Blarney Castle, Ireland, is on display in one of its city parks
Shannon Creek
Shannon Crossing, Texas
Early community in the Irish colonies. Located where Shannon's store was in Gussettville.
Shannon, Texas
Shaw Bend, Texas
One in Colorado County and one in San Saba County; both are named for early settlers.
Shawnee Trail
A road built by Colonel William G. Cooke following an old Indian trail from the Red River to Austin.
Shelbyville, Texas
Was originally Nashville.
Shepherd, Texas
The earliest known settler in the area was Aaron Cherry.
Sheridan, Texas
Named for Hugh Sheridan an early pioneer.
Sherman, Texas
Named for General Sidney Sherman and settled by Colonel R. J. Shannon on Saint Patrick's Day, 1846.
Shields, Texas
Founded by L. R. McCorkle.
Shire, Texas
Early settlers were the Connells, McKinley and Roddy families in 1875.
Sidney, Texas
Named for Sidney Sherman. Originally called Jimmie's Creek for James Cunningham.
Silsbee, Texas
Named by lumberman John Henry Kirby.
Sinton, Texas
On land owned by S. J. Keating. Named to honor Irishman David Sinton. The co-founder was the daughter of James Power, Delores de la Portilla.
Skellytown, Texas
An early settler was General Lou McAllen.
Sligo, Texas
The town was named by Patrick McHugh and his sister Kate for their county back in Ireland. Kate served as the first Postmistress.
Smithville, Texas
Established by Murray Burleson and Joseph D. Sayers.
Smithwick, Texas
Named for Noah Smithwick.
Smyer, Texas
First Postmaster was William McCullough, early settlers were: McCullough, Bud Scott, H. L. McCrary, and the Cowan, McDougal and Kerr families.
Snow Hill, Texas
Was originally Buchanan and is now Cason.
Sodom, Texas
Now Mineola, first settled by C. P. McMillen.
Somerset, Texas
Among the early settlers were: the McBee, Bailey, and Kenny families.
Sonora, Texas
R. W. Callahan was the principal founder. He was the storekeeper and first Postmaster.
Sorrel Creek, Texas
James Calhoun an early settler.
Sour Lake, Texas
An early settler was Stephen Jackson in 1835.
South Bend, Texas
Originally called Arkansas, town got its name from Mr. Kirby who operated the general store. He was from South Bend, Indiana.
Sowell Creek
Named for the John Sowell family. They came to Texas in 1829.
Spanish Bluff, Texas
Became Trinity, among its early settlers were: Michael Quinn, John McGee, Henry Sheridan, Hugo Coyle, James Fear, and John Mulroney.
Spanish Camps, Texas
A McKinney family were early settlers.
Spring Creek, Texas
Settled by T. J. Shaw in 1854.
Springfield, Texas
An early schoolteacher was Archibald McKinney.
Staggers Point, Texas
Located in the Robertson Colony, among its early settlers were the Dunn and McMillan families.
James Dunn built a fort there called Dunn's Fort.
Stampede Springs, Texas
Established in 1878 with several Irish families among its ealry settlers. Later became Shannon, Texas to honor the Shannon Valley in Ireland where many of the families originated.
Sterling, Texas
Founded by Sterling C. Robertson.
Stewart Creek
Stewart Heights
Stewart, Texas
Settled by J. P. Stewart an early rancher.
Stewarton, Texas
Named for W. P. Stewart.
Stewarts Creek Settlement, Texas
Named for Isaac Stewart, the first settler in this Peters Colony settlement. Among the settlers were: Jack Riley, Ben Strahan, Elder Kerr and a family of McWhorters.
Stewartsville, Texas
Named for W. P. Stewart.
Stockdale, Texas
Named for Fletcher Stockdale.
Stonewall City, Texas
Named for Stonewall Jackson.
Stonewall Jackson Camp
A reunion ground for the United Confederate Veterans of Archer County from 1898- 1935. It was near Holliday.
Stratton, Texas
William McKissack operated the general store.
Strawn, Texas
An early settler was W. C. Cochran. Built on land owned by Steven B. Strawn and James N. Stuart.
Stringtown, Texas
Settled by John D. Pitts.
Stuarts Creek
Sugarland, Texas
Named by B. F. Terry and W. J. Kyle.
Sullivan Settlement, Texas
It was named for its first settler, J. H. Sullivan in 1850.
Sullivan, Texas
Named for Jim Sullivan a railroad president.
Sutherland Springs, Texas
Named for John Sutherland, the doctor at the Alamo. Travis sent him to Gonzales. Sutherland’s brother and nephew perished at the Alamo.
Sweeny, Texas
Named for John Sweeny of the Somervell Expedition
Sweetwater City, Texas
Founded by the Thomas O'Laughlin family among others, now called Mobeetie.
Switch, Texas
One of its first settlers was George Riley. The town is Trumball today.
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