Site of Dial Schools
Dial, Fannin County, Texas
Marker Inscription
School in this community was held 1840-80 in a log cabin used also for church and community activities. Cotton gin and grist mill of Dial family attracted settlers. Dial Post Office opened May 24, 1880. In July 1880 a site was provided for academy which gained renown under a superior educator, Robert W. Lane (1825-91), a Confederate veteran. One of later (1903-05) teachers in Dial community was the Hon. Sam Rayburn (1882-1961), United States Congressman from Texas 1913-61, who set a record of 17 years as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
From 1840 a log cabin here served as school, church, and community hall, while the Dial family's cotton gin and grist mill drew settlers. By 1880 the community had a post office and an academy that won renown under Confederate veteran and educator Robert W. Lane. Among the later teachers, in 1903–05, was a young Sam Rayburn, who went on to serve nearly half a century in Congress and set a record as Speaker of the House.
Why it matters
A humble country school connects Texas frontier education to one of the most powerful figures in 20th-century American government.
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Related people
- · Robert W. Lane
- · Sam Rayburn
Themes & tags
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