County History
How Spearman Became the County Seat
Hansford County was organized in 1889 with one town as its seat, but a railroad town founded in 1917 eventually took over that role.
The Texas Legislature created Hansford County in 1876. It is named for John M. Hansford, a Texas congressman and judge. The county was organized in 1889. The town of Hansford was the first county seat. Before European settlers arrived, the land was home to Apachean peoples, then Comanches. After the Red River War of 1874, Comanches were removed to Indian Territory.
The town of Spearman was platted in May 1917 in anticipation of a new railroad line. World War I delayed construction, and the North Texas and Santa Fe Railway did not actually reach Spearman until October 1919. Even before the tracks arrived, businesses and churches had already relocated from the old county seat of Hansford. Spearman grew quickly and won a county seat election in 1929. The current courthouse was built in 1931 and still stands on the main square. Spearman today sits about 80 miles northeast of Amarillo.
Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Spearman, TX