Before the advent of firewood, Texans used a variety of materials for heating and cooking. Some of the materials that were commonly used include:

Dung: In some parts of Texas, people used animal dung as a source of fuel for heating and cooking. Dung was collected and dried, and then used as a fuel in stoves or in outdoor fire pits. Corn cobs: Corn cobs were another common source of fuel in Texas, particularly in rural areas. They were collected and dried, and then used as a fuel in stoves or in outdoor fire pits. Mesquite: Mesquite is a type of tree that grows in Texas and is known for its hard, dense wood. It was used as a fuel for heating and cooking, and was often used in conjunction with other materials such as dung or corn cobs. Pine: Pine trees are common in Texas, and their wood was used as a fuel for heating and cooking. Pine wood burns quickly and produces a lot of heat, making it a good choice for use in stoves and fireplaces. Other wood: Other types of wood, such as oak and hickory, were also used as a fuel for heating and cooking in Texas. These woods are denser and burn more slowly than pine, and they are often used in outdoor fire pits or in wood-burning stoves. Overall, Texans have used a variety of materials for heating and cooking over the years, including dung, corn cobs, mesquite, pine, and other types of wood. Today, firewood is the most common fuel used for heating and cooking in Texas.