Ables Springs, Texas

Geography

Ables Springs is located at 32°48′53″N 96°07′16″W[1] in northeastern Kaufman County. It is situated along FM 429, approximately ten miles northeast of Terrell.[2]

The community, as well as all of Kaufman County, is part of the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Land in the area was granted to Ezekiel Ables by the state of Texas in 1848. Five years later, Ezekiel's son James and his wife Eliza settled there. A freshwater spring that later contributed to the community's name, ran through the area.[3] Mr. and Mrs. Ables deeded an 8.75-acre (35,400 m2) plot to a Methodist Episcopal Church in 1878. A tabernacle, church, and school were later constructed on the land. A separate portion was also set aside for a cemetery.[2]

For many years thereafter, Ables Springs was a center for local religious and school activities. The community remained small as surrounding towns, particularly Terrell, grew.

The spring that once served as the community's primary water source eventually ran dry as a result of overuse and development of a nearby rock quarry.[3] The lack of water caused area officials to seek out other sources to serve Ables Springs. On November 1, 1979, the Ables Springs Water Supply Corporation was commissioned.[4] It continues to serve the area's water needs to this date.

Incorporation attempt

In early 2007, a group of Ables Springs residents began researching what it would take to incorporate the community. Citing Kaufman County's rapid population growth and the desire to preserve the small, close-knit atmosphere of Ables Springs, organizers gathered the necessary number of signatures needed to place the issue on a ballot.[5]

The election was held on May 12, 2007. Of the 102 valid votes cast, 40 (39.22%) voted in favor of incorporation while 62 (60.78%) voted against the proposition.[6]

Education

Ables Springs is part of the Terrell Independent School District.

References
  1. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Archived from the original on 2002-05-27. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  2. "Ables Springs, Texas". The Handbook of Texas online. Retrieved 2008-12-24.
  3. "Place Names in Kaufman County". Kaufman County Historical Commission. Archived from the original on 2013-02-22. Retrieved 2008-12-24.
  4. Ables Springs WSC History Archived May 17, 2008, at the Wayback Machine – Ables Springs Water Supply Corporation. Retrieved 12-24-2008.
  5. "County could grow in a different way". Kaufman County Online. 2008-02-09. Archived from the original on 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2008-12-24.
  6. "Kaufman County, TX General Election – May 12, 2007". Kaufman County Elections Department. Retrieved 2008-12-24.
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