Midlothian
Texas
City of Midlothian
In 1843 Sam Houston opened up what is presently known as Ellis County. At that time, the area was known as Peters Colony and there were a small number of settlers living there. The few who did live in the area trapped animals for fur and sold it for a living. Indians were also common in the area, although very few settlers feared them. Sam Houston made a peace treaty with the Indians even though not all of the Indians agreed with it.
In 1848, Larkin Newton, his wife Mary, and his eight children moved from Missouri to Peters Colony. At this time Newton was 54 years old. In order to claim 640 acres of land they had to build a house on the property of his choice by July 1, 1848. His cabin was built by the deadline and the land became his. In this new community the Larkins raised three more children and helped the colony to become a county. This small area, which has grown tremendously in recent years, was then only inhabited by enough residents to be considered a county. Around this time, the Peters Colony grew into Ellis County. Over the years Larkin Newton's occupation took on many forms. He owned a gristmill, served as a postmaster, and surveyed land. Larkin Newton died at the age of 64 on May 21, 1858. He is buried in the Newton Family Cemetery.
Another family, lead by patriarch William Hawkins, applied for a land grant from Peters Colony. Just like Newton, they had to build their home on the land before July 1, 1848 so that they could own the land. The family built their cable on schedule and moved to the mouth of Waxahachie Creek or present day Hawkins Spring. Mr. Hawkins then became the first chief justice for the community. The Larkins and the Newtons became the first families of the area. They became close friends and family as their children married one another.
In 1850, a log cabin was built as a community center near what is now the cemetery in Midlothian. This locally used refuge was a church as well as schoolhouse. Fathers around the area took turns teaching the children and students were considered educated if they finished the fifth reader. The cabin might have also served as a Methodist church. This center was later either burned or torn down in 1861. Soon following that event, the Lebanon church was built in its place. Just like the last cabin, this church was also used as a schoolhouse. At this time, Midlothian was known by many names including; South Most, Headwaters of Waxahachie Creek, Barkersville, Lebanon, Newton's Branch, and Hawkins Spring.
Recent News
City of Midlothian Matters Newsletter - March 7, 2023
City Holds 2nd Annual PayDay! and Mars Hill Concert 2nd Annual Play Day! and free concert on Saturday, March 25 at Midlothian Community Park Phase 2, 3601 S. 14th Street, 6 to 10 p.m. Come experience all the amenities of the park, as well as the…
Read More »City of Midlothian News - City Council Election Information
City Council Election Information A general and special election for Midlothian City Council has been called for May 6, 2023. The general election is for the positions of Mayor and City Council Place 1 and Place 2, and the Special Election is…
Read More »City of Midlothian News A.H. Meadows Library Spring Break Hours
A. H. Meadows Library serves as both the public and high school library for the City of Midlothian. We offer an extensive catalog of books for check-out, as well as electronic resources. Click on the link below to apply for a library card today. …
Read More »City of Midlothian News - City's Blooming with Spring Events and Activities
The City's Blooming with Spring Events and Activities Midlothian Animal Shelter Pet Adoption Event, Saturday, March 4, 9 a.m. to 12 Noon, at Higginbotham Brother's Ace Hardware Store, 530 E. Main Street. They will have several pets on site and…
Read More »City Of Midlothian -Election and Filing Period Announced
A general and special election for Midlothian City Council has been called for May 6, 2023. The general election filing period for the positions of Mayor, Place 1, and Place 2 is Jan. 18 through Feb. 17. The filing period for Place 5 is Jan. 25…
Read More »City Of Midlothian - Public Safety Building Groundbreaking And More News
Library/City Hall & Public Safety Facility Groundbreaking Ceremonies set for Feb. 2 Groundbreaking ceremonies for new city hall, library, and public safety facilities set for Feb. 2 The City of Midlothian will break ground on Thursday,…
Read More »City Of Midlothian News - Fun Things To Do In 2023
City Parks and Recreation Department has released its 2023 special events calendar with no less than 24 spectacular days of free family fun planned for you. Check out the calendar and then bookmark our special events web page link to check back for…
Read More »City of Midlothian News Winter Months' Water Use Averaged To Set City Sewer Rates
The monthly rate for city sewer services is based on the average amount of water used by the individual customer during the months of December, January, and February each year, or in other words what is reflected on bills due Jan. 15th, February…
Read More »City of Midlothian News Honor A Loved One With A Gift Of A Tree, Bench, Or Brick Paver
The City of Midlothian Parks & Recreation Department offers several giving opportunities for individuals and organizations. Your support is much appreciated and will help us provide improved recreational facilities and activities for our…
Read More »City of Midlothian News Library Hours During Winter Break
A.H. Meadows Library's hours during the Midlothian Independent School District winter break will be as follows: December 19-21: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. December 22-26: Closed December 27-29: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. December 30-Jan 2: Closed Be sure to…
Read More »City of Midlothian News - Holiday and Community Events Happening This Week
Holiday and Community Events Happening This Week CITY OF MIDLOTHIAN EVENTS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 5th Tree of Angels To be held on Tuesday, December 6th at 7 p.m., the Tree of Angels Dedication Ceremony provides a place for families and friends to…
Read More »City Of Midlothian News - Community Creative Input Open House
The City of Midlothian invites interested citizens to attend a Community Creative Open House for the Distinctly Midlothian Project on Tuesday, December 6 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Midlothian Conference Center, 1 Community Circle Drive. The Open…
Read More »City of Midlothian - Holiday Events And Other News
Tree Lighting Ceremony, Thu., Dec. 1 Join us as we usher in the holiday season with the lighting of the city's beautiful, new Christmas tree in Heritage Park, 234 N. 8th St., on Thurs., Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. Mayor Richard Reno will read the Christmas…
Read More »City of Midlothian News Tree Lighting, Thursday, Parade Entry Deadline, Monday
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Join us as we usher in the holiday season with an evening of community fellowship, Christmas spirit, and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony graphiclighting of our beautiful, new Christmas tree in Heritage Park on…
Read More »City of Midlothian News Sign Up For Midlothian Safe For Emergency Alerts
The City of Midlothian urges citizens to sign up for its new MidlothainSafe Alert system, which will provide notifications in case of weather and other emergencies. The new system will replace the Code Red system as of Monday, November 28, 2022.…
Read More »City of Midlothian News - City Announces Tree Lighting, Parade, and Other Holiday Festivities
City Announces Tree Lighting, Parade, and other Holiday Festivities Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Join us as we usher in the holiday season with an evening of community fellowship, Christmas spirit, and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony…
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