Claiborne Walker Merchant

Claiborne W. Merchant, called “Clabe,” was born in Nagodoches with his twin brother, John, married Frances Bell in 1856, served in the Confederate army, and later became a cattle rancher. He established his first ranch in 1874 in Callahan County and began acquiring land in neighboring Taylor County before the railroad arrived in 1881. When Abilene was established, he was a founder of the city and named the new town after Abilene, Kansas. For many years he gave his time and money to Abilene’s development and was lauded as a respected benefactor and beloved citizen.

Abilene, Texas · United States