Posted on: Palo Pinto Co. Tx Query Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Tx/PaloPinto/10931 Surname: ------------------------- Yes, the coal mine area is in southern Palo Pinto County near Gordon, Strawn, and Thurber. Thurber is located on IH 20, exit 367, near the Palo Pinto County, Eastland County line. Thurber was the headquarters and reminants still exist with two resturants, The Smokestack and New York Hill are in operation. The cemetery is up on the hill behind the old Smokestack remaining from the coal mining days. The New York Hill resturant is owned and operated by members of the Gordon family who help operate the mines. The mines closed in the 1920's when oil production became more profitable than coal mining. There is also an area which was named Coalville on SH 2692 northeast of Gordon which was also part of the mining area. I am aware of members of the Patton family who currently live in the area of Perrin, which is on US 281 in Jack County. Perrin is near the Jack and Palo Pinto County line on Palo Pinto' northern border. If you are not able to find your Pattons in Palo Pinto county, it might be a good idea to check Jack and Eastland Counties since the Thurber areain near the county line. I hope this helps.