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The community of Neylandville traces its history to the 1850s. James Brigham, a former slave, bought farmland in the area after purchasing his family's freedom. Following the Civil War and the emancipation of slaves, other black families began to settle near Brigham's farm. The community, named Neylandville for Robert Neyland, from whom Brigham had purchased his freedom, established Baptist and Methodist Episcopal churches. A school begun at St. Paul Baptist Church evolved into the major educational center for black children living in nearby towns and settlements. The Hunt County Commissioners Court established the St. Paul Common School District by 1885. A new building was erected at this site in 1918 after the original structure burned. Additional facilities built in later years included classroom buildings, a gymnasium, and a teacherage. Bus service was initiated in 1938 to transport students from surrounding areas. St. Paul School became a part of the Commerce School District in 1965. All but one of the school buildings were sold and moved off the site. The home economics building remained as a community center until it was replaced by a new structure. |
