History behind the Mohle Gin explained and explored.

Mohle Gin was one of the lesser know gins of Lockhart, Texas. This gin was a bale gin. This news article will explain what the Mohle Gin was.

Mohle Gin was located at what was North Brazos Street and East Pecan Street (N Brazos and E Pecan) in Lockhart, Texas. Which is now Brazos Street and East Pecan Street. (Ref: https://www.loc.gov/resource/g4034lm.g4034lm_g086231915/?sp=3&r=-0.019,0.146,0.819,0.477,0)


Mohle Gin was considered to be a valuable asset to the economic life of Caldwell County and Lockhart. Their modernly equipped gin and prompt service stimulates a greater cotton production as their gin had vastly improved. A. W. Mohle had greatly improved gin service at/for Mohle Gin. A. W. Mohle had been the proprietor and owner of Mohle Gin during that time. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/26997086/)

The Mohle Gin Company in Lockhart is a valuable asset to the economic life of Caldwell County. Their modernly equipped gin and prompt service stimulates a greater cotton production in this section. When the famous American inventor, Eli Whitney, invented the first crudely constructed cotton gin he little realized the amazing effect his invention would create. He was perhaps aware that it would cause a certain impetus towards the production of what was already one of the greatest industries of the south, but he would undoubtedly have been unable to conceive of the astonishing progress that cotton as a world industry has made since that time. In the decades that have elapsed since the first crude cotton gin was put in use this important piece of machinery has been improved in many ways, and constantly modernized to meet the demand of changing conditions. The establishment of a cotton gin in any community represents an investment of no small propor­tions. However, only with the establishment of facilities to care for this crop will a greater number join in its production. With these facts in view we might safely assume that the Mohle Gin Company in Lockhart is contributing in a large way towards making this section a more valuable one agriculturally and n more prosperous one in which to live. The Mohle Gin is equipped with the most recently invented ginning machinery, including the last word in cleaning devices, as well as a round bale press—the only one in Lockhart or vicinity. This feature is a decided advantage to the farmer as to grow, gin, sell and have his money on a small hale—one-half or three-quarters of a regular bale— thru its availability, a thing not practical with the square bale press. They do high quality ginning which is never surpassed and rarely equalled. They take this opportunity to express their appreciation for the business which has already been extended them this year and they invite Caldwell County Farmers to consult with them at any time regarding their ginning and marketing problems.

Water was retrieved from a pond and creek near gin house. From there water was stored into private tanks. There were at least 70 saw gins.

George Mohle would write the consumer’s/customer’s "number for the day" on large white chalk figures on the side of a wagon. "Young Eph" tended the gin stands that separated the seeds from the lint. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/386604709/)


Mohle Gin was remodeled in 1911 when capacity of the plant was enlarged and when new machinery was added. The greater part of the plant was remodeled. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/22879639/)

“As the cotton ginning season has practically closed, work on all the gins is being done. The O. H. Mohle gin is receiving attention this week. The greater part of the plant will be remodeled and practically a new structure put up. The capacity of the plant will be enlarged and new machinery added.”

“Workmen are busy on the new seed houses of the Mohle gin near the Missouri Kansas & Texas depot. The houses are to be larger and remodeled throughout.”

“The Mohle Gin will have additional gin stands, and will also install an up-to-date round bale plant, giving the farmer his choice of either a square or round bale.”


Mohle Gin was considered to have the best gin stand in all of Caldwell County in 1911. New machinery had been installed. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/94856848/)

“The work of rebuilding the Mohle gin is making good headway and will be ready In ample time for the fall run. New machinery has been installed and the building have been overhauled and the stand is now among the very best in the county. Two rows of gin stands on the ground floor and four on each aide will Add greatly to the rapid work so much appreciated by the farmer, who hates to wait very long for hit bale.”

Mohle Gin took control and charge of Joe Mason's Estate, 2 miles southeast of Lockhart back in 1922. Mohle Gin later assumed full ownership of Joe Mason's Estate. MOHLE GIN CO. NOTICE: We have in charge the Joe Mason's Estate, 2 miles southeast of Lockhart. All trespassers are requested to keep out. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/51575389/)

Mohle Gin Co. wrecked their old plant and Mohle Gin was rebuild with brick and concrete in 1928. They will also install gas for fuel and will be ready for the fall ginning. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/384503047/)

“Mohle Gin Co. this week wrecked their old plant and will rebuild with brick and concrete. They will also install gas for fuel and will be ready for the fall ginning. The building when complete will run the entire length of the block from east to west. The nine cotton gins in Lockhart have been overhauled and are ready for a big season cotton crop. It is thought that picking will begin about the second week.”

By the end of 1933, Lockhart Post-Register considered Mohle Gin to be a valuable asset to the economic life of Caldwell County and Lockhart. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/26997086/)

“The Mohle Gin Company in Lockhart is a valuable asset to the economic life of Caldwell County. Their modernly equipped gin and prompt service stimulates a greater cotton production in this section.”

A fire destroyed a seed house belonging to the Mohle Gin in 1936. The fire was resulted into what was a considerable loss. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/lockhart-post-register-aug-06-1936-p-1/)

As churches were dismissing serve the fire siren sounded the alarm being occasioned by a in a seed house belonging to the Mohle Gin the House was one acquired by the Gin company from the Scheh estate and was across the railroad from the Gin the flames were extinguished with water pumped from town. Hay belonging to George Cardwell was stored in the building and the hay was a considerable loss. Not in a long time have the people of Lockhart seen such a tragedy.”

Pablo Perez, tenant on the A. D. Mebane estate brought the first bale of 1942 cotton to Lockhart this week. It was ginned by the Mohle Gin company. W. C. Jackson, local cotton buyer, paid 21 cents per pound for the lint bale, a premium price. The bale was of middling grade, 31-32 staple, with a turnout of better than 40 per cent. S. C. Voight of Dale brought the second bale a few minutes later and sold it to W. D. Myrick and company for 16.60 cents per pound. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/356035953/)

Mohle Gin consolidated into Planter’s Gin Co on Rio Grande near West San Antonio Street in 1945. The reason why Mohle Gin and the Planters Gin were consolidated into each other was for the best interests of the entire community. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/lockhart-post-register-apr-12-1945-p-4/)

“Mohle Gin co. and the Planters Gin have consolidated for what we think the best interests of the entire community and we kindly ask that you be as helpful, considerate, and understanding as you have always been with us. Allie Mohle”


Mohle Gin was located at Brazos Street and East Pecan Street, Lockhart, Texas, US.