Recer's Toll Bridge
Abraham Recer was chartered in 1866 by the Legislature of the State of Texas to build a toll bridge across Sister Grove Creek where the road between McKinney and Farmersville crosses Sister Grove Creek.
Not only was he to build a toll bridge but he was to keep a road open and in good condition through the swamp in order for all coaches, wagons and carriages to have access to a safe crossing at all seasons.
When the bridge was completed, two men were appointed by the Collin County Commissioners Court to Examine the structure and report on its condition and safety.
Then the County Judge issued a certificate allowing the builder, Abraham Recer, the right to receive and collect the following toll:
Sheep - 2 cents per head; beef cattle going to market, 3 cents per head; stock horses, 5 cents; a man on foot, 5 cents; a man on a horse, 10 cents; a horse and buggy, 15 cents; 3 yoke oxen and wagon, 35 cents; a two-horse vehicle, 25 cents; 6 mule wagon or largest ox wagon, 50 cents.
Recer was to enjoy and exercise these privileges for a term of 15 years and was to be held responsible for that period for any injury or damage suffered due to failure to keep the bridge in good repair.
The contract was entered into October 2, 1866.
Not only was he to build a toll bridge but he was to keep a road open and in good condition through the swamp in order for all coaches, wagons and carriages to have access to a safe crossing at all seasons.
When the bridge was completed, two men were appointed by the Collin County Commissioners Court to Examine the structure and report on its condition and safety.
Then the County Judge issued a certificate allowing the builder, Abraham Recer, the right to receive and collect the following toll:
Sheep - 2 cents per head; beef cattle going to market, 3 cents per head; stock horses, 5 cents; a man on foot, 5 cents; a man on a horse, 10 cents; a horse and buggy, 15 cents; 3 yoke oxen and wagon, 35 cents; a two-horse vehicle, 25 cents; 6 mule wagon or largest ox wagon, 50 cents.
Recer was to enjoy and exercise these privileges for a term of 15 years and was to be held responsible for that period for any injury or damage suffered due to failure to keep the bridge in good repair.
The contract was entered into October 2, 1866.
