Driving through Central Texas recently, I made a detour to visit a Fairy . . . and the tiny town named after her.
In a state that likes to brag that “bigger is better,” the town of Fairy Texas in Hamilton County named themselves after a surprisingly diminutive member of their community.
Originally known as Martin’s Gap it was named after James Martin, a settler killed by local Indians in the 1860s while driving cattle through a “gap” between two mountains in the area. He was buried at the foot of one of those mountains.
As you can see from the map, it isn’t “on the way” to anywhere particularly…but it’s worth a road trip diversion.
When a post office was requested for the town in 1884, locals renamed it “Fairy” to honor Fairy Fort Phelps (1865-1938), the daughter of Sallie and Battle Fort, a former Confederate Army Captain and lawyer.
One of the smallest Texans ever, Fairy was just 2’ 7” tall and weighed about 28 pounds. Her size didn’t stop her from leading a somewhat normal life and becoming one of the most beloved people in her community.
Her namesake town once had a cotton gin, school, general store, café and businesses to serve the ranchers in the area.
Fairy had four younger brothers: Henry; Hugh Franklin; William “Battle,” Jr; and Walter Herbert – all of whom were average heights.
Fairy and her father taught area children at a school in their home for many years. One story reflects how respected and well liked she was by her students. The tale states that it became necessary for Fairy to paddle an unruly student, but she couldn’t high enough. The student himself lifted his teacher onto a chair so she could paddle him.
The petite young lady even married twice, once to William Y. Allen in 1892 and again to T. J. Phelps in 1905, but both marriages ended in divorce. Probably not surprisingly, she never had children, but she did live into her 70s and is buried with her parents at…yes…Fairy Cemetery. The sign on the gate alone is enough to back you look twice.
Fairy’s post office closed in 1947, and the school consolidated with Hamilton schools in 1967. A Baptist church, community center, volunteer fire department, a few homes and one historic cemetery are all that endure.
The stories of a petite woman who lived life to the fullest remain with the residents, and those who stop to visit her gated grave.
The tiny town’s cemetery is interesting on its own for a variety of style of distinctive, handmade grave markers. Many exhibit expert stone carving skills, but others include one constructed of petrified wood and another meticulously covered with sparkling, local minerals.
Oh….and if you’re curious what locals are called, they are “Fairians.” How cute is that?
9 thoughts on “Fairy, Texas: A Tiny Legacy with a Big Heart”
Absolutely Awesomeness. My Daddy, James Milton Blakley, was born and raised in Fairy, Texas. The Blakley farm is still outside if town.
I have so many relatives buried in Fairu Cemetery.
Thank you for sharing this Soecial little town.
Nancy
Thanks for sharing. I was directed here by Nancy Lou Henderson whose kin came form the Fairy area.
Her blogs and memoirs are also inspiring. https://nancylouhenderson.com
Hello Don. I have a place about 5 miles from Fairy and can see Martin’s Gap from the top of the hill. We were curious — what was the mascot or team name for Fairy High School? thanks
My family recently drove through Fairy (we are from Granbury), and it felt so nostalgic, like something out of a movie. We passed by beautiful fields of purple flowers and then soon the church and whatever other building or two that was in the town. It was pretty unforgettable, despite how little activity there was in the town.
I recently say your website about Fairy. I am the President of the board of directors for the Fairy Cemetery and the recently donated Fairy Community Center. Fairy is where I grew up and went to school until 1964 when the school was closed and consolidated with Hamilton and Hico Schools.
The pictures of the stone markers you showed was built by my Grandmother
Eunice Richardson many years ago. She cared for the cemetery for many years. It was then passed on to my Dad and Mother and since passed on to me.
Fairy is very dear to me and will always be called home!
Came across this web site while looking for information about Fairy, TX to share with a friend. My grandparents were Elmer Melvin Hoover and Leona Jewel (Newman) Hoover. My father was Charles Hoover (I am Charlie Jr.). My brother Peter and I spent many happy a sumner vacation on my grandparents’ farm in Fairy – exploring the “mountain”, sitting on the porch enjoying a popsicle in the 90 degree heat, plowing the fields. Many wonderful memories. I also recognize a number of names in the comments and the information about this little town.
Originally known as Martin’s Gap it was named after James Martin, a settler killed by local Indians in the 1860s while driving cattle through a “gap” between two mountains in the area. He was buried at the foot of one of those mountains.
The tiny town’s cemetery is interesting on its own for a variety of style of distinctive, handmade grave markers. Many exhibit expert stone carving skills, but others include one constructed of petrified wood and another meticulously covered with sparkling, local minerals.
Absolutely Awesomeness. My Daddy, James Milton Blakley, was born and raised in Fairy, Texas. The Blakley farm is still outside if town.
I have so many relatives buried in Fairu Cemetery.
Thank you for sharing this Soecial little town.
Nancy
Thanks for sharing. I was directed here by Nancy Lou Henderson whose kin came form the Fairy area.
Her blogs and memoirs are also inspiring.
https://nancylouhenderson.com
Fairy was my only school for 12 years graduating in 1959. We knew about Fairy Fort but not nearly as much as you found. Thanks for your store.
Don
Thank you, Don. How special to have a connection with this community! Thanks for sharing it.
Hello Don. I have a place about 5 miles from Fairy and can see Martin’s Gap from the top of the hill. We were curious — what was the mascot or team name for Fairy High School? thanks
My family recently drove through Fairy (we are from Granbury), and it felt so nostalgic, like something out of a movie. We passed by beautiful fields of purple flowers and then soon the church and whatever other building or two that was in the town. It was pretty unforgettable, despite how little activity there was in the town.
I recently say your website about Fairy. I am the President of the board of directors for the Fairy Cemetery and the recently donated Fairy Community Center. Fairy is where I grew up and went to school until 1964 when the school was closed and consolidated with Hamilton and Hico Schools.
The pictures of the stone markers you showed was built by my Grandmother
Eunice Richardson many years ago. She cared for the cemetery for many years. It was then passed on to my Dad and Mother and since passed on to me.
Fairy is very dear to me and will always be called home!
How wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing your memories and thoughts.
Came across this web site while looking for information about Fairy, TX to share with a friend. My grandparents were Elmer Melvin Hoover and Leona Jewel (Newman) Hoover. My father was Charles Hoover (I am Charlie Jr.). My brother Peter and I spent many happy a sumner vacation on my grandparents’ farm in Fairy – exploring the “mountain”, sitting on the porch enjoying a popsicle in the 90 degree heat, plowing the fields. Many wonderful memories. I also recognize a number of names in the comments and the information about this little town.