S.D. Myres
Sweetwater, Nolan County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Samuel Dale Myres began his career as an apprentice saddle-maker in Cleburne. He moved to Sweetwater in 1898. A highly skilled craftsman, Myres was soon know for his superior workmanship. He served as mayor of Sweetwater from 1908 to 1911, and was instrumental in many city improvements. His saddlery business was relocated to this building in 1919 after a fire destroyed his first shop. Myres closed his Sweetwater business in 1937 and moved to El Paso, where he died in 1953. (1989)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Samuel Dale Myres learned the saddle-maker's trade as an apprentice in Cleburne before moving to Sweetwater in 1898, where his exceptional craftsmanship earned wide renown. He served as the town's mayor from 1908 to 1911 and relocated his saddlery to this building in 1919 after fire destroyed his first shop. In 1937 he closed the Sweetwater business and moved to El Paso, where he continued making saddles until his death in 1953.
Why it matters
Myres was among the master saddlers whose gear outfitted the working ranches of West Texas, blending frontier craftsmanship with civic leadership in a growing town.
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Related people
- Β· Samuel Dale Myres
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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