William Carson Womble Family of Hutchinson County, Texas – Legends of America
The story of the William Carson Womble family is a captivating journey through generations, tracing their roots from England to the vast landscapes of Texas. This narrative is not just a chronicle of names and dates, but a vibrant tapestry of pioneering spirit, community involvement, and familial bonds that shaped the history of Hutchinson County.
Origins and Ancestry
While genealogical records on Ancestry.com trace the William Carson line of the Womble family back to John Amous Womble (1756-1820), who was born and died in Edgecombe, North Carolina, family lore and oral traditions paint a more extensive picture. The Womble lineage is believed to have originated in Wombwell, York, England. From there, Thomas Wombwell embarked on a voyage to Virginia, arriving in Jamestown on May 1, 1638, aboard a ship commanded by Christopher Lawson.
Thomas Wombwell’s arrival marked the beginning of the family’s American chapter. He quickly established himself, receiving a patent from the James City Company for 650 acres of land on December 25, 1642. His commitment to the community led to his appointment as Clerk of the County Court for Isle of Wight County, a position he held with distinction from 1645 to 1654. Thomas Wombwell’s life, rich in civic duty and land ownership, is believed to have ended in 1684.
Over time, the family name underwent a subtle transformation, evolving from Wombwell to Womble and, in some instances, Wamble. This change reflects the fluidity of language and the adaptations that occur as families migrate and assimilate into new environments. As the family grew, branches extended to various parts of the United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
William Carson Womble: The Patriarch of Hutchinson County (1874-1946)
The Womble Family Tree of Hutchinson County, Texas, finds its roots in William Carson Womble. Born to Amanda Ligon Womble and Thomas Franklin Womble, a Civil War veteran, William Carson, often called Carson, would become the patriarch of the family’s Texas chapter. Thomas Franklin Womble, after the war, moved his family to Texas, settling along the banks of the Brazos River in Bosque County. The family grew to include twelve children, two of whom, William Carson Womble (1876-1946) and his brother, Lorenza Madison Womble (1855-1923), would later journey northwest to Hutchinson County in the Texas Panhandle.
Carson’s life took a significant turn when he married Mollie Tennie Robinson (1876-1964) on October 14, 1894, at her parents’ home near Eulogy, Texas. Shortly after their marriage, the couple relocated to Knox County, Texas, where they ventured into the cotton industry, owning and operating a cotton gin. However, their pioneering spirit beckoned them westward, and in 1902, they made their way to Hutchinson County.
In their new home, the Wombles quickly forged connections with the community. One of their earliest acquaintances was the legendary William "Billy" Dixon of Adobe Walls fame. Dixon became a steadfast friend, offering support and companionship until his passing. William Carson and Mollie Womble’s union was blessed with twelve children, nine of whom they raised to adulthood, creating a legacy that would deeply impact Hutchinson County.
Pioneering Ventures and Community Contributions
The Wombles, like many pioneering families, embraced various occupations to provide for their loved ones. William Carson Womble engaged in freighting, transporting goods to and from Channing, Texas, in Hartley County. His involvement in the freighting business was instrumental in the construction of several schools, as he hauled lumber and materials to build these essential institutions.
Around 1906, Carson Womble acquired a steam-operated sawmill from Dave Lard, establishing the first sawmill in Hutchinson County. Located on the banks of Moore Creek, the sawmill processed cottonwood trees into lumber, providing a valuable resource for new settlers. This venture was transformative, processing millions of board feet of cottonwood lumber. It is perhaps surprising to many today that the breaks of the northern plains once supported an abundance of large cottonwood trees.
In 1907, William Carson Womble donated land northeast of present-day Pringle to build a school, which became known as the Womble School. The school served approximately 15-20 students from families such as Board, West, Barnes, McNutt, Stinbaugh, Riley, Henderson, Harrison, and Womble. Miss Maud Culp served as the first teacher for two years. Teacher salaries from 1912-1915 were $60 per month.
Carson Womble’s dedication to public service led to his election as Hutchinson County Commissioner. He served two terms, from 1909-1910 and 1925-1928. During his second term, Hutchinson County experienced several significant events, including the transfer of the county seat from Plemons to Stinnett in 1926, the construction of the Plemons Bridge, the first bridge over the Canadian River, in the same year, and the building of the new Hutchinson County Courthouse in 1927.
Aunt Mollie and Uncle Carson: Pillars of the Community
Mollie Womble was known throughout the community for her willingness to help, especially during times of sickness. Her quick assistance and caring nature made her an indispensable figure. William and Mollie were affectionately known as "Aunt Mollie and Uncle Carson," a testament to their generosity and willingness to lend a hand. Their home was a haven for travelers, offering a place to sleep and a warm meal.
In 1937, the couple retired from stock-farming activities and moved to Stinnett, where they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1944. Their ranch near Pringle, Texas, was entrusted to their son, Robert Edgar "Boy" Womble. Portions of the original farm/ranch remain in the family. After Carson and Mollie moved to Stinnett, the Womble School was renamed Centerville. Part of this district was later consolidated with Morse, and part was later consolidated with Pringle.
The home in Stinnett that they moved into continues to stand today. It was located on the outskirts of town and surrounded by vacant land, offering a sense of rural tranquility while remaining conveniently close to town. A windmill and well house provided fresh water. Mollie’s passion for landscaping transformed the property into a beautiful garden, adorned with flowers.
Legacy and Remembrance
William Carson Womble passed away in 1946 at the age of 72 and is buried at the Lieb Cemetery in Hutchinson County, Texas. Mollie continued to live in their home until she was no longer able to care for herself and moved to a nursing home in Hartley County, Texas.
The Womble family home and farm hold countless memories. Grandchildren enjoyed climbing the windmill. On one occasion, Doris Lorene Foster, daughter of Ben and Thava Irene Womble Foster, fell and broke her leg while climbing the windmill at about 12 years old.
Mollie Womble passed away in the nursing facility on October 31, 1964. Their daughter, Thava Irene Womble Foster, later occupied the family home, creating new memories for future generations. Irene died in 1998, and the home was placed in the estate. One of Irene’s grandsons purchased the property and later sold it to someone outside the family.
The story of the William Carson Womble family is a testament to the enduring spirit of pioneering families who shaped the landscape and communities of Texas. Their contributions to education, public service, and community welfare left an indelible mark on Hutchinson County, ensuring that their legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
©Kathy Weiser-Alexander/Legends of America, updated March 2025. (The great-granddaughter of William Carson and Mollie T. Robinson Womble.)
Also See:
- About Us
- Hutchinson County
- Stinnett – Hutchinson County Seat
- Texas – The Lone Star State
Sources:
- History of Hutchinson County, Texas
- Oral interviews with Womble family members.
- Womble Family Tree documents were prepared in the 1960s and ’70s.
- Foster-Womble Family Tree
I hope this revised article meets your expectations!