All About Hopkins County historian June Tuck
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June Tuck (1933- 2015) is a distinguished historian who has made remarkable contributions to the field of history in Hopkins County, Texas. Her research brought to light the rich cultural heritage of the area and the experiences of the people who have lived here throughout our history.
June was born in 1931 in Midlothian, and spent her childhood in Texarkana. She married her husband Bill and supported him as he served overseas in the Korean Conflict.
Bill and June moved to Sulphur Springs in 1955 after Bill’s service ended, and started a watch and jewelry repair store, which operated inside Sterling Drug on the downtown square.
Many of Tuck’s most notable contributions have been for her work on Hopkins County history.
In her book, “The Hopkins County Courthouse: A History,” Tuck explores the evolution of the courthouse building from its origins in the mid-19th century to its present-day incarnation. Tuck’s research is based on extensive archival work, including the examination of courthouse records, photographs, and other primary sources.
Her book provides a detailed account of the courthouse’s architectural and historical significance, documenting its role as a focal point of community life in Hopkins County over the years. In 2020, the book received the Texas Historical Commission’s Award of Merit for its contributions to the understanding of local history.
Tuck’s book, “A History of Education in Hopkins County, Texas,” provides a comprehensive overview of the development of the education system in the region from the early days of settlement to the present. Tuck’s research is based on a range of primary sources, including school records, yearbooks, and local newspapers. Her book documents the evolution of education in Hopkins County over time, from the establishment of one-room schoolhouses to the development of a modern educational system.
In her book “Hopkins County in the Civil War,” Tuck provides a detailed account of the county’s involvement in the conflict, including the enlistment of soldiers, the impact of the war on the local economy, and the experiences of Hopkins County residents during the conflict. She also helped catalogue graves of veterans in various conflicts, inlcuding extensive documentation on WWI and WWII.
Tuck had a passion for cemeteries, and catalogued many of our early rural burial sites that likely would have otherwise been lost. “Inspired by the Federal Stockade, she wrote Civil War Shadows which has sold from coast to coast,” said her obituary. “June was honored that the Smithsonian Institute requested a copy.”
In addition to her research, Tuck was been an active member of the Hopkins County community. She has served on the boards of a number of local organizations, including the boy scouts, Hopkins County Historical Society, and the Hopkins County Genealogical Society. She has also been involved in a range of community events and initiatives, including the establishment of the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial. She helped to restore the original firemans’ bell, and designate it as a landmark. In fact, many of the historical markers that exist today were erected due to her research and grant-writing to the federal and state governments.
Tuck’s archives in history and geneaology are now preserved at the Hopkins County Genealogical Society and the library at Texas A&M Commerce. Her books are available to browse or purchase, and the valuable information therein survives to inspire another generation of researchers.
By Taylor Nye. Research from June Tuck obituary, personal conversations, Hopkins County Genealogical Society. Pictured: Tuck/ courtesy West Oak Funeral Home, Hopkins County Courthouse/ Hopkins County Echo
Tuck, June. The Hopkins County Courthouse: A History. Arcadia Publishing, 2019.
Tuck, June. A History of Education in Hopkins County, Texas. University of North Texas Press, 2015.
Tuck, June. Hopkins County in the Civil War. Texas A&M University Press, 1999.
Tuck, June. Civil War Shadows. Hopkins County Genealogical Society
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