Name/Title
Chapin [Cover]Description
March 26, 1910 cover from San Juan, Texas to Miss Mamie? Closner, Chapin, Texas.Context
Hidalgo County had become a haven for outlaws from both the United States and Mexico. Not until 1882, when John Closner was elected deputy sheriff, was control over cattle rustlers achieved. Closner began buying land in 1884 for development projects and in 1890, he became sheriff and the county's political boss. During his rule, he brought peace to the county and was seen as such an effective leader that he was nicknamed the "father" of Hidalgo County. In 1908, the community of Chapin was established, and in 1909, San Juan was organized. Chapin was named after Dennis B. Chapin, but his involvement in a homicide caused a change of name in 1911 to Edinburg.
This cover was mailed a year after San Juan was established and in the second of four years that Chapin existed. Additionally, this cover was mailed to a family member of Closner.