YOUNGSPORT

  On November 10, 1888, Joel Ray bought a cotton gin from E. P. Kellum for $5,000. This gin was about 3/4 of a mile east of the town of Youngsport on the Lampasas River. Someone had built a dam on the river and built a gristmill. It was called the Hamlin Mill. Later the gin was moved to Youngsport. The original gristmill has since been washed away.

  There was an election In Youngsport In 1892. It was to vote a 20 cents school tax. Joel Ray was the election Judge and there were a total of forty votes cast.

  By 1900 Youngsport was becoming a thriving little community. It had a cotton gin, Ballard and Ray Merchantile Store, Sam Smith's General Store, BarberShop, Drug Store, Post Office; Doctor's Office, Blacksmith and a school building. Later two churches would be built by the Baptist and the Church of Christ. The population reached 100.

YOUNGSPORT SCHOOL

  The first Youngsport School, was a small, one-room structure built on the southern corner of the J. B. Springer ranch. The first teacher was Mr. Ed Sterling who taught the three R's as well as baseball. He was able to obtain a pump organ and also taught voice.

  Two years later, the building was moved to the Mitchell ranch in a grove of live oak trees, not far from a cemetery. A well was dug near the school and water carried to it in a large wooden bucket with its community dipper.