The main line gave connection with northern markets. The Harvey House, built in 1900 and closed in 1940, served passengers on the main line and the branch division as well as local railroad employees and town people. About this time, Fuller's Earth, a type of clay, was discovered two miles from town and a plant was established to process the clay for commercial use. The plant was abandoned after a few years in operation. Somerville is about eighty-five miles from the Gulf Coast, and has natural drainage and a very healthful climate.
Average rainfall is forty-five inches.
The sandy loam soil with a solid clay subsoil retains moisture and is suitable for raising all kinds truck vegetables, and staple crops. Artesian water, at a depth of 600 feet, and rotation of crops enable farmers to realize profitable income from vegetables to cotton, corn and grain. With time and progress, a city water system was put into service. As the town of Somerville grew, the need for expansion of the school system also became apparent. The public school started as a 3 room building at the corner of 9th street.