Thurber's history begins in the later half of the 19th century, after brothers
William W. and Harvey E. Johnson "discovered" coal in the northeast corner
of Erath County and formed a company, digging 2 producing mine shafts and starting a
small mining camp in 1886-87. In May 1887, they signed a contract with the Texas &
Pacific Railway—which was rapidly expanding its railroad network westward—agreeing
to sell the company all the coal it could use. But after Harvey's sudden death in early
1888, William was faced with mounting debt and striking miners, and sold the company to
the newly incorporated Texas & Pacific Coal Company headed by millionaire cattle
broker Robert D. Hunter. (T&P Coal Company provided fuel for the Texas & Pacific
Railroad, but was independently owned.)
