Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - February 23, 1902 - Page: 21
Freestone County
Fairfield, Tex., Feb. 21 – Reward of $10 for two white men about 19 years old, one, John Wellington, is about 5 feet 8 or 10 inches high, weighs about 140 or 150 pounds, black hair, very large mouth and thick lips, had on white hat, blue overalls, blue overshirt, lace string in front, old slippers, one run down, small scar on nose. The other, Pete Spear, is tall and slender, had on a blue jumper with brass buttons, big white hat, has large scar on face. I hold capias for them. J. F. Roper, Sheriff Freestone County.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Feb. 26, 1902 edition - Page: 10
The executive committee of the Texas World’s Fair
Commission….
Freestone – Prof. C. K. Moffett, Mrs. Rufus Watson,
Fairfield.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – March 10, 1902 edition - Page: 2
ANCIENT HISTORY
Stories of Bygone Days When the Trinity Was Navigated
FINE PACKETS BUILT
Record Shows That They Carried Heavy Loads and Did a Good
Business
THE FAIRFIELD LEDGER
NEWS
Chronicles of Steamboat Matters Made Long Ago by Editor J.
W. Fishburn – McGarvey's Letter
The Home Advocate,
published in Dallas by S. A. Fishburn, is running a
department entitled, “Auld Lang Syne,” in which in published extracts from old
Texas newspapers and other publications, also half-tone pictures of early scenes
in this State.
Its March issue will contain a half-tone engraving of a
Trinity River steamboat laden almost to the
smokestack with cotton and commanded by Capt. Louis Flatau of Dallas, who navigated the
Trinity in the fifties and sixties.
The same issue will contain the following among other extracts from the
Ledger, which was published at
Fairfield,
Freestone County.
Mr. Fishburn's father, Capt. J. W. Fishburn, was the editor and founder of the
paper and well known to old Texans:
Letter from Capt. McGarvey – We call the attention of our readers to
the subjoined letter form Capt. McGarvey, formerly of steamer Job Boat No. 1.
Capt. McGarvey, it will be remembered, was the first to demonstrate the
fact that the Trinity was navigable to Dallas, he having succeeded
in carrying the Job Boat up to that point in the spring of ’68 –
Trinity Advocate, Palestine.
Rochester, Pa., Aug. 28, 1869 – Editor
Trinity Advocate:
Gentlemen – You will please inform the planters, merchants and others
that Capt. Frank and Dan Marratta are now having built two new and substantial
boats to run exclusively in the upper Trinity River.
The boats will run through to Dallas when
the west fork of the river is cleaned out.
Will be in Texas by the last of November, ready for the winter and spring
trade. The boats are fitted out to
comply with the law governing the steamers on Red River and will be conducted in
a regular packet line style. Bills
lading signed through to Galveston and
vice versa to all towns bordering on the Trinity River.
Papers in adjoining counties will please copy.
J. H. McGARVEY
The Trinity River
– We are of the opinion that if one tithe [should be tenth] of the energy
displayed by some persons were exercised by those most interested in the matter,
this valuable river would not be allowed to pour its vast floods of water into
the Gulf, almost unused and uncared for.
For six months, it has been navigable for steamers of
sufficient burthen to do our carrying business, yet only a few venture-some
spirits would trust their vessels to the dangers arising from numberless snags,
overhanging trees, etc.
From what we have learned from persons familiar with this
stream, we feel confident that a very limited amount of capital properly
invested in the improvement of the river for purposes of navigation, would yield
a large return, and enable vessels to reach the head of navigation in a
reasonable length of time, and with comparatively small risk.
Will not some company of capital see the chance for so rich
a harvest, and come to the rescue, or will it be left for the counties adjacent
to do this important work? Who will
do the work, who reap the reward? -
Fairfield Ledger, Aug. 13, 1869
Good News – New boats for Trinity.
We have been shown a letter from Capt. J. H.
McGarvey, written from Rochester, Penn., saying that he had contracted for
the building of two new boats for the upper Trinity and that he would be ready
for the trade by the first of October. Capt.
McGarvey speaks very favorable of the aid and encouragement given him by the
business men of Pennsylvania, and adds that his boats will have full loads of
through freight from Pittsburg to the head of the hollow, through which the
Trinity River finds its way to the Gulf.
– Galveston News, Dec. 25, 1869.
This will indeed be good news to all those who live
adjacent to the “hollow through which the Trinity River finds its way to the Gulf.”
The “trade” will be ready for you, Capt. McGarvey, if
Freestone's seven thousand bales of cotton
are a guaranty.
Here’s a kind of reconstruction, in which there is no
disfranchising clause. Let every one
aid in the glorious work, and the equal rights for which we now sue in vain will
be spontaneously accorded us. Money
is power. -
Fairfield Ledger.
Trinity River Trade – The following
comprise the steamboat tonnage engaged and to engage in the Trinity River trade
the coming season:
Ida Reese, John T. Stubblefield, master, is at
Halls Bluff, Trinity River.
She carries 1,100 bales of cotton.
Indian No. 22, B. M. Grace, master, is at Grace’s Landing,
Trinity River.
She carries 300 bales.
Mollie Hamilton, P. A. Spickernagle, master, is in the
Mermenteau, La., and soon expected here.
She carries 1,200 bales cotton.
Black Cloud, Thomas Peacock,
master, now plying hence to Liberty, carries 1,100 bales cotton.
Fleta, Robt. Mercer, master, at Calcasieu, La., carries 450
bales cotton.
Justice, James Patrick, master, at Patrick’s Ferry on
Trinity River, carries 350 bales of cotton.
Early Bird, J. Poitervant, master, is at
present in Pearl River, Miss., but will be here on the opening of the season.
She carries 750 bales cotton.
C. B. Lee, T. Avant, master, is at Moore's Bluff, Trinity River.
She carries 200 bales cotton.
Mustang, Robt. Dickey, master, though sunk at Swilley’s woodyard,
Trinity River, will be raised and re-enter the
trade. She carries 900 bales of
cotton.
Here we have for one river a carrying capacity of about
1,700 tons, counting four bales of cotton to the ton, in addition to which we
are informed that Capt. J. H. McGarvey is
building two steamers at Rochester, Pa., suitable for the trade and expects to
have them ready by the opening of the season.
Their capacity we did not ascertain.
– Flake’s Bulletin, Jan. 22, 1870.
We desire to ask some of our moneyed men if one or more of
them should put up and keep a good warehouse at some point on the Trinity River, say- West Point – would it not
prove remunerative to the owners and a very great convenience to the shippers?
If so, where is the man who will first see the opportunity in leading in
so important a movement? - Fairfield Ledger, Jan. 1, 1870
I saw a freight bill today per Phoenix Express, in which
the charges on two dry goods cases of ordinary size were $23.
Such enormous figures are charged I feel more than ever than ever the
necessity for opening up the Trinity River.
By all means let our people go to work to accomplish this end and thus
relieve themselves of a burden that can but weigh the down for all time.
– Ed. Cor. Fairfield Ledger, Jan. 15, 1870
We were pleased to learn from C. N. Eley that a number of first-class steamers
would ply the Trinity regularly, as long as
navigation is possible. The Black
Cloud was to leave for West Point early this week and would have a large cargo
of merchandise for account for many of our merchants and business men as well as
its proprietors. In our opinion the
counties contiguous to this river could not invest in a more profitable
enterprise – one that would so greatly assist in building up their best
interests – than the improvement of this river from its mouth to the highest
point where navigation is possible.
A few thousand dollars expended by each county in clearing out snags,
straightening the channel and removing overhanging trees, would very soon, in
our opinion, yield a rich return. -
Fairfield Ledger, Dec. 25, 1869
Warehouse on the Trinity – We learn that our fellow citizens,
Messrs. McDaniel and Gill, will soon have a good warehouse completed at West Point on the
Trinity and will receive, store and forward all merchandise for any person
desiring the same. -
Fairfield Ledger, Jan. 15, 1870
Steamers Arrived – We learn the steamers Black Cloud and
Cleona have reached West Point and discharged their freight.
The former is now loading at different points on the river, between West
Point and Lockridge, and the latter at that place.
Their prospect for full loads at the head of navigation is good.
We hope they may be enabled to make regular trips.
We heard there were other steamers expected soon with heavy supplies for
sale. Thus far none such have been
offered. -
Fairfield Ledger, Jan. 22, 1870
Steamers Arrived – Rev. Mr. Hammet at
Pine Bluff writes to a citizen of our town that the
steamer Early Bird passed up to Lockridge’s Bluff on yesterday to be gone three
days, and on her return would take as many as 200 bales of cotton at $9 per
bale. Those who wish can now send
their cotton in, as the river is very high and still rising. -
Fairfield Ledger, Apr. 30, 1870
Trinity River – Our friend, W. M.
McDaniel of Butler, dropped in on us yesterday and informed us that this stream is
very much swollen and is still rising rapidly.
The steamer C. B. Lee went up on Wednesday to Lockridge’s Bluff, loaded
with salt. The very heavy rains
north of us will doubtlessly keep this river up several weeks.
–
Fairfield Ledger, June 25, 1870
Fort Worth Morning Register (of Fort Worth, Texas) – March 14, 1902 edition
Dates for Primaries
6. Freestone – April 5.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – March 15, 1902 edition - Page: 10
Personal
Hon. Lee Satterwhite of Freestone County is in the city and is taking an interest in the contest for State offices.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - April 28, 1902 edition - Page: 7
Society
Hillsboro
....
Mrs. J. T. Sims of
Fairfield and Mrs. Bonner of Corsicana visited Dr. W. T. Sims last week.
[Probably is Mrs. Taylor Jackson Sims (Martha Helen Sims) and her daughter
Fannie Adriance Sims wife of William Pierre Bonner]
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – April 6, 1902 edition - Page: 4
Prince Claims Freestone
Special to the News
Corsicana, Tex., April 5- Telephone reports at
midnight from Freestone County announce that Prince has
carried the county for Congress over both opponents by 100 majority.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – May 10, 1902 edition - Page: 2
Texas Matters in Washington
Texas postmasters appointed - … Butler, Freestone County, N. O. Ivy; …
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – May 11, 1902 edition - Page: 23
Killing in Freestone County
Special to the News
Fairfield, Tex., May 27 – News was received here by telephone this evening from Buffalo that J. W. Miller was killed there today. Miller killed Edgar Linson's father and brother there about two years ago.
Fort Worth Morning Register (of Fort Worth, Texas) – May 24, 1902 edition - Page: 2
Certified questions answered – O. B. Winfield et al. vs. H. C. Hackney, from Freestone.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – May 29, 1902 edition - Page: 9
Freestone County
Fairfield, Tex., May 27 – Five dollars reward. I want a very black negro by the name of Henry Brown, about 20 years old, 170 pounds, 5 feet and 9 inches high, wide space between upper teeth, was raised at Waco. He will try to ride freight trains. I hold a warrant for him. J. F. Roper, Sheriff.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – May 31, 1902 edition - Page: 11
Freestone County
Fairfield, Tex., May 27 – Who wants a black mare mule, about 6 years old, 15 ½ hands high, no brand; also a bay horse, about 10 years old, branded 2 on shoulder, heavy mane and tail? I have them up for ten days six miles south of Fairfield. Address J. F. Hays, or J. F. Roper, Sheriff Freestone County.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – June 15, 1902 edition - Page: 17
Little Men and Women
MONTIE SAVAGE, Beene, Tex. – As my name was on the Honor Roll, will try to get my letter in this time. I live on the farm and like it very much. City life is too gay for me. How many of you like music? I do. Pocahontas Costello, come again. We like to hear from the Indian Territory once in a while. I am sure we will not be alarmed at you. Cousins, don’t you like to read Abe Snowball’s letters? I do. We raise cotton and corn principally, and w have to hoe ever so much. I agree with J. I. Pandricks about grubbing. It helps one’s appetite, and he can make a right good occupation of it. If Pearl Marquis will show me my bonnet and gloves will run home and stay till I come again. Would like to correspond with girls over 14.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – June 28, 1902 edition - Page: 3
Cotton Saved in
Freestone
Rain Came Too Late, However, for the Other Crops
Special to the News
Wortham,
Tex., June 27 – A splendid rain fell here this morning and the prospects for a
good season are encouraging. The
rain is too late to help corn, except in spots, but is life to cotton and other
growing crops.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – July 13, 1902 edition - Page: 4
Texas Matters in Washington
Washington, D. C., July 12 – Texas postmasters appointed: Dew, Freestone County, Angie Compton.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – July 19, 1902 edition - Page: 9
State Social Affairs
CORSICANA
Mrs. Hendree of Wortham is the guest of her daughter, Mrs. Hugh Emerson.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – July 24, 1902 edition - Page: 7
Mortuary
MEASLES – Mexia, Tex., July 23 – Mrs. Susan C. Measles of Mills, Freestone County, died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. H. R. Parker, in this city.
[Same Issue, Page 6]
Reunion of Gurley Rangers
Thirteenth Annual Meeting Held in Waco Yesterday – Roster of the Survivors
Company A - …. Ben Spencer, Fairfield, Freestone County; …
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – July 25, 1902 edition
Texas State Siftings
…Roxa Stauffer, 20; at Mills, Freestone county, Mrs. Susan C. Measles;…
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Aug. 12, 1902 edition - Page: 6
State Press
The Fairfield Record announces that an old maids’ convention is to be held in Fairfield. Surely it must be a conference. There are not enough old maids in Freestone County to make a convention.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Aug. 17, 1902 edition - Page: 3
Texas Matters in Washington
…
Texas postmasters appointed:
Baty, Freestone County,
James A. Beene;
Beene, Freestone County, John Bishop; ….
[Same Issue – Page: 18]
Honor Roll of Cousins
MARY KENNEDY, Baty, Texas
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Aug. 23, 1902 edition - Page: 8
TEXAS MATTERS IN WASHINGTON
Postoffices Established And Postmasters Appointed Yesterday
Special to the News
Washington, Aug. 22 – Postoffices established and
postmasters appointed: Ivory, Freestone County, Cloyd S. McDonald; …
Fort Worth Star Telegram (of Fort Worth, Texas) – Aug 19, 1902 edition - Page: 3
Big Land Suit Filed
Tyler, Tex., Aug. 19 – Suit has been filed in the United States district court here for the recovery of eleven leagues of land of the Manuel Rionda survey in Anderson and Freestone counties. The suit was filed by William H. Williams, Mary D. League, Samuel W. Campbell, John W. Campbell, Sarah P. Campbell, Mary C. Campbell, Annie W. Campbell against Amelia L. Howard, Harry S. Hardee, Francis C. Zachary, Caroline A. Owen, Emma O. Zachary, Florence D. Zachary, Florence T. Ellis and James A. Stewart. The plaintiffs are residents of Texas and other states and the defendants reside in Missouri and Louisiana. The suit was instituted by Houston attorneys.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Sept. 10, 1902 edition - Page: 2
Real Harmony Here
Freestone County Contest Settled by Agreement
Special to the News
Fort Worth, Tex., Sept 9 - The
Freestone County
contest was settled “out of court,” this is, without a submission and discussion
by the executive committee. The
first case of genuine harmony was brought about and P. D. Daniel was agreed upon as county chairman and Ed
Lewis as chairman of the united delegation, the
members of which are to have half a vote each, according to the agreement.
Daniel headed one delegation and C. R. Lewis the other.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Sept. 28, 1902 edition - Page: 22
Honor Roll of Cousins
MONTIE SAVAGE, Beene, Tex.
MARY KENNEDY,
[Baty], Tex.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – October 9, 1902 - Page: 2
Oakwoods Cutting Affray
Prominent Citizen of
Freestone County
Is Dangerously Hurt
Special to the News
Oakwoods, Tex., Oct. 8 – C. C. Whitt of
Butler, Tex., was severely cut
yesterday evening. Thomas Thomas, a restaurant man and a tamale
vendor, surrendered. Whitt is a
prominent man in Freestone County, serving as Magistrate for the
last six or eight years, and the nominee for the office another term.
The altercation came up over some tamales.
Thomas surrendered to Constable Wade.
Whitt is still alive, but the
chances are against him.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Nov. 13, 1902 edition - Page: 5
Col. G. A. Sessions Dead
Special to the News
Wortham,
Tex., Nov. 12 – Col. G. A. Sessions died
last night at the home of his son, Castro, at
Woodland, after an illness of several
days. Col. Sessions represented
Freestone County
in the constitutional convention, which framed the present State Constitution.
His death removes one of the landmarks of
Freestone, his age being 76.
He was at one time the largest planter in the county, but of late years
has lived a retired life among his children, who are Mesdames John L. Wortham
and W. E. Bonner of Mexia, Mrs. Tom Parker of
Wortham and Castro, his son, at
Woodland.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Dec. 03, 1902 edition - Page: 4
Freestone County Local Option
Special to the News
Buffalo, Tex., Dec. 1 – A local option election was held in Precincts 8, 6,
and 2, Freestone County,
Saturday, Nov. 29. All went dry.
[“dry” = prohibiting alcohol]
[Same Issue, Page 11]
Railroads Badly Needed
Rich Section of Central Texas Is Not At Present Reached
Special to the News
Austin, Tex., Dec. 2 – If the several railroad projects that are now under
way are carried out, that section of country embracing Madison, Leon,
Freestone and
parts of other counties situated in a rich agricultural section of Central
Texas, which are now badly lacking in railway facilities, will be covered with a
network of lines.
In addition to the building of the International and Great
Northern and Rock Island through the region referred to, which is now assured,
the Velasco, Brazos and Northern and the Trinity and Brazos Valley are projected.
…
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Jan. 4, 1903 – Page: 3
Judge Moses of Fairfield Intercedes for Youth Charged with Burglary of Store Containing Post Office
Judge W. B. Moses of Fairfield was here today in the interest of Dan Willard of Freestone County, who is in the penitentiary on the charge of burglary of a store in which was located the postoffice at Dew, Tex. Willard, a youth of 18 years, was convicted and sentenced under the laws of Texas. It was alleged that the postoffice was robbed at the time the store was burglarized and the department had asked that Willard be held on this account. Judge Moses explained the situation to the department with the result that all Government charges against him have been dismissed. Willard, it is believed, will be pardoned by Gov. Sayers soon.
[I believe this to be James Daniel Willard b 8 Jun 1883 s/o Cantrell Bethel Willard and gs/o James Aaron Willard.]
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Jan. 25, 1903 – Page: 20
The Letters
MAE MANNING, Cotton Gin, Tex. – Now wouldn’t I love to know that Big Hat smiled (?) to see me, and all the cousins shouted long and loud, “Oh, here’s a letter from Cousin Mae!” My, wouldn’t I feel good! Why, I expect I would write almost every day. But as I have no assurance that Big Hat or even one cousin will be glad to see me, I am just going to write, anyway, and risk the consequences. Some time ago I noticed a farewell letter from Cousin Myrtle P. Can it be that she, too, is going to get married? I hate awfully bad for her to leave us, as I have met her and know her to be a dear, sweet girl. By the way, Mary C., can it be that you have really played me quits; and Mrs. Emma D., did you get my last letter? Oh, how much better and happier this world would be if we thought as much of others as we do of ourselves….
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Jan. 28, 1903 – Page: 7
Personal
At the St. George - … F. F. Sims, Fairfield; …
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - February 7, 1903 – Page: 6
Freestone County 2,659
A Total of 937 Between the Number Paid and Assessed
Special to the News
Fairfield,
Tex., Feb. 4 – The Tax Assessor’s record, showing the number of poll tax paid
before Feb. 1, was finished today and shows 2,659 poll tax receipts to have been
issued. The number assessed were
3,596, showing a difference between the number assessed and paid of 937.
As there were many poll taxes paid, though, that were not assessed, there
are probably more than 1,000 unpaid taxes in this county.
The entire vote cast in this county for Governor last
November was only 2,209, but in 1896, the total Democratic and Republican vote
was 3,351. The total 1901 poll taxes
paid were 2,644, only a few less than those paid for last year to date.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Feb. 21, 1903 edition - Page: 10
Texas Matters in Washington XE "Washington"
Texas postmasters appointed - … Butler, Freestone County, Richmond H. Killough; …
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Feb. 25, 1903 – Page: 6
Bad Roads at Mexia
Special to the News
Mexia, Tex., Feb. 24 – The Fairfield mail
hack that formerly made daily trips, only comes in three times a week now, goes
over one day and returns the next.
This on account of the bad roads.
Another star route from here to Hancock twenty-five
miles distant, is made on muleback as the hack can not get through the black
land.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 1, 1903 – Page: 3
Sudden Death at Winkler
Special to the News
Fairfield,
Tex., Feb. 28 – Dr. Thomas Grayson, an old resident of
Winkler, this county, aged about 70
years, died suddenly while eating dinner today at his home.
He had been in good health and spirits up to the time of his death.
The remains will be buried at
Fairfield tomorrow.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 28, 1903 – Page: 3
Flames in Fairfield
Twelve Wooden Storehouses Burned to the Ground at a Loss of
Twenty Thousand Dollars – Insurance
Special to the News
Fairfield,
Tex., March 27 – One block of twelve wooden storehouses burned to the ground
this morning. Many goods were saved.
Total loss estimated at $20,000.
Insurance not over $2,000.
Buffalo, Tex., March 27 – News was received by telephone this morning that
twelve business houses were burned in
Fairfield this
morning. The fire originated in a
barber shop, and the flames spread rapidly, consuming every business house on
the south side of the square in a very short time.
The buildings were old frame houses and burned like tinder.
Mexia, Tex., March 27 – A telephone message from
Fairfield this morning gives the particulars of a
big fire, that destroyed many business houses and contents there about midnight.
The fire originated in a barber shop in the middle of the block and
burned both ways until the block was destroyed.
Very little insurance was carried by any of the losers, as
it is hard to get insurance on such property, and the losses will reach into the
thousands of dollars.
Following is a complete list of the losses:
Riley & Williford, dry goods; stock
saved.
Roller Bros., restaurant; complete
loss.
Hamp Jones, restaurant; complete loss.
Shack Ely, groceries; complete loss.
Rufe Boyd, barber shop; complete loss.
Riley & Williford, furniture;
complete loss.
Tom McIlveen, dry goods, groceries, jewelry, and
photograph gallery; complete loss.
J. B. Gordon, restaurant; complete loss.
Albert Currie, barber shop; goods saved.
Burleson Bros., groceries; complete
loss.
Fred Fischer; some goods saved.
Joe Hill, groceries and dry goods; saved nearly all stock.
Beef market owned by Mr. Hill; no loss.
Hill & Cotton, groceries; building
burned, but some goods saved.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - April 8, 1903 – Page 7
Negro Killed at Fairfield
Special to the News
Mexia, Tex., April 7 – A telephone message from
Fairfield says a negro named Dan Washington was shot five times and instantly killed
in the courthouse in Fairfield Monday
evening.
The Thorndale Thorn (of Milam County, Texas) - Friday, April 17, 1903:
"A Military Academy Cadet; - Calvert, TX, Apr. 11th - The following are candidates for selection as Congressman Scott Field's appointment as a cadet to the Military Academy at West Point: Charles T. Harris of Mexia, G. W. Reeves of Tehuacana, Douglas Johnson of Corsicana, Mr. Chumbley of Brewer, Freestone County, Edna L. Meyers of Cameron, E. C. Camp of Milam county and Reagan McCrary of Calvert."
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - May 3, 1903 – Page 6
Big Fire in Butler
All of the Business Portion of Town Destroyed
Oakwoods, Tex., May 2 – At an early hour
yesterday morning all of the business portions of
Butler, Tex., an inland town eight
miles north of here, was destroyed by fire with the following losses:
J. Iver, house and goods, $3,000, no insurance; R. H. Killough, goods, $150, no
insurance; Colbert & Wood, $800,
no insurance, saved 25 per cent; Mrs. Edwards, house, $350, no
insurance; Mrs. Evans, house, $250, partly
insured. Origin of fire unknown.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - May 9, 1903 – Page 4
Fairfield - Keechi Tap
The International and Great Northern
Abandons the Project
Special to the News
Fairfield,
Tex., May 8 – W. E. Richards is in receipt of a letter from L. Trice
of the International and Great Northern system, in which he states that in
accordance with his promise of some time ago he writes to inform us that he has
just returned from New York, and the International has given up the idea of
building the proposed tap from Keechi Station to
Fairfield.
Mr. Trice stated in his former letter that he was favorably inclined
toward the project, but suppose that this put an end to the hopes of
Fairfield securing a road from that
source.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – June 7, 1903 - Page: 2
Shooting at Israel
Farmer Is Dangerously Wounded and Another Will Surrender
Special to the News
Wortham,
Tex., June 6 – Word was received here this morning by telephone from Israel that John Pinkard, a farmer, had been
shot and dangerously wounded.
John Hooks, another farmer, left for
Fairfield, the
county seat, to surrender to Sheriff Walker.
Pinkard was shot once, the ball
entering above the heart and passing clear through the body.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – July 27, 1903 - Page: 9
Amateur Games
Fairfield 8,
Winkler 4
To The News
Fairfield,
Tex., July 26 – In a game of ball for the championship of
Freestone County
played Saturday Fairfield defeated
Winkler, the score
being 8 to 4. Batteries:
Fairfield, Foreman and Childs;
Winkler, Phipps and Phipps, Hogue and Compton.
W. B. MOSES
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 17, 1903 - Page: 3
Freestone County Prospects
Boll Weevil Said to Be Cleaning the Field of its Fruit
Special to the News
Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., Aug. 16 – W. L. Lott, a merchant and owner
of several farms in this county, was asked what he knew of the cotton condition.
The following was his reply:
“Ten days ago we had a very promising prospect.
Today we have nothing. The
boll weevil is cleaning the fields of all fruit, leaving only a few grown bolls
on the old cotton that matured early.
The farmers have all become discouraged and quit plowing.
The weevil are here in abundance.
I have been out several days looking through the cotton and examining the
crops in this section, and find them just as I state.
The crop in this county will not make exceeding one bale to ten acres,
and I honestly believe I have not overestimated it if any error.
In some of the field I have examined I have found as many as seven grown
weevil on one stalk, and the forms were all pierced.
The only fruit on the stalks were the occasional grown bolls and a few
blooms on top, and the weevil were in and around them.
Any of the farmers in this section will verify these statements.
They are made from personal examinations and are correct….
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 29, 1903 – Page 10
Fairfield 21, Cotton Gins 18
Special to the News
Fairfield,
Tex., Aug. 23 – In the third game of a series with
Cotton Gins for the championship of this county,
Fairfield won by a score of 21 to 18.
There will probably be a couple of more games played, as the
Cotton Gins will wear the belt.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - October 8, 1903 - Page: 16
The State Press
Fairfield Recorder: Some of our people have left and others are going to leave. Running from the boil weevil is like dodging lightning. Freestone County is the easiest section of the State in which to make a living, and we believe that times will improve next fall. …
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - November 24, 1903 - Page: 6
State Press
Wortham Journal:
Diversification of crops is getting to be a password with every one.
Only a few years ago there was hardly any talk along this line except by
the newspapers. But now the farmers,
merchants and everybody are talking and considering what variety of crops will
be a paying product in each respective locality.
….
Fairfield Recorder:
The country local paper fulfills a mission that the city semi-weekly will
never fill. Week after week it goes
into the homes of its friends, telling of the incidents, though insignificant,
that transpires among friends and neighbors.
Though it may be a source of ridicule to the city paper, when it sees in
the columns of its little country brother, that John Smith is building a new barn, or Jim Jones is repairing his fence, yet to the
subscriber of the little county sheet it is news, ….
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - December 21, 1903 - Page: 2
Texas postmasters appointed:
Dew, Freestone county, Miss Beulah Lott.
Eureka, Navarro county, John B. Robinson.
Texas postoffices established … Driver, Freestone county, Jesse J. Beasley, postmaster;..
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - December 22, 1903 - Page: 4
Texas Postal Affairs
WASHINGTON – The following Texas postmasters have been
appointed.
Dew, Freestone county, Miss Beulah Lott.
Eureka, Navarro county, John B. Robinson.
The following Texas postoffices have been established …
Driver, Freestone county, Jesse J. Beasley, postmaster;
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 23, 1904 - Page: 10
The Reporting Farmers
Number of Demonstration Farms and Acreage Thereof
Dew, Freestone Co.
2 farms 65 acres
Luna, Freestone Co.
2 farms 35 acres
The Marlin Democrat (of Marlin, Texas) - Thursday, April 7, 1904
Judge W. E. Rogers has returned from a business trip to Fairfield.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - April 26, 1904 - Page: 3
WRECKED BY WIND
--------
Several Residences and Negro
Cabins Demolished by the
Wind on Sunday
--------
CALL FOR PHYSICIAN
--------
Family of A.C. Shanks at
Yelldell
Injured in the Falling House
--------
NIP AND TUCK XE "NIP AND TUCK" SETTLEMENT
--------
Havoc Wrought in that Community,
Second Cyclone Within a Few
Weeks in the Same Locality
--------
Mexia, Tex., April 25 - About a dozen residences and negro cabins were
demolished by a cyclone in Freestone County
Sunday afternoon at 6 o'clock. The cloud was seen forming about 5:30 and moving
in a north-easterly direction. About one hour later a boy rode into town in the
rain after a physician to attend the
family of A. C. Shanks, whose house was demolished at
Yeldell, six miles northeast of Mexia.
This was the first place the cyclone struck.
It moved on down through the same community to
Nip and Tuck settlement, and there wrought havoc with
the residences of Dr. Batchler, George Wolf, R. M. Baker and several others whose names have not
yet been learned. It was in this
settlement so many negro cabins were destroyed.
W. E. Bonner of
Mexia and his daughter, Miss Lillian, were
driving to Mr. Bonner's farm in Freestone County, saw the storm coming and
drove to an old barn for safety. The
barn was blown away and Mr. Bonner's buggy was blown through a wire fence, but
neither Mr. Bonner nor his daughter was hurt.
The cyclone was accompanied by a heavy rain.
This is the second cyclone in Limestone and
Freestone Counties
within a few weeks' time, both of which did considerable damage to growing
crops, as well as destroying lives and property, and will be much harder on the
people on account of last year's crop failure and the rigid economy being
practiced by those whose property is a clear loss.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - May 23, 1904 - Page: 9
Quarantine's Effect
Dealers in Grain and Truck in Waco Feel the Embargo of Louisiana
Caused by the Boll Weevil
Pest Commission Prevents Shipping of Grain Into the State
as Well as Other Products
[list of quarantine counties]
Freestone
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - June 21, 1904
Texas Democracy
The Sixth District has three candidates - Richard Mays of Navarro County, R. H. Hicks of Milam County, and W. E. Richards of Freestone County.
Dallas Morning
News (of Dallas, Texas) – August 28, 1904 – Page: 12
[Also, August 27, 1904 – Page: 8]
WANTED – At once, an extra good location for a practicing physician. Address P. M., Blunt, Tex.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Jan. 15, 1905 – The News Magazine Supplement - Page: 32
FOR SALE – 800 acres of land in Freestone County, part in cultivation, balance in grass, plenty of everlasting water, all under fence, price $6 per acre, including 50 head of high-grade cattle, all farming implements, etc.; a bargain. TEXAS LAND AND INVESTMENT CO., Rooms 315-316, North Texas Bank Bldg., Dallas.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Jan. 25, 1905 – Page: 7
Department Notes
Washington, Jan. 24 - …
Fourth-class postmasters appointed:
… Butler, Freestone County, William S. Franklin, vice William S.
Wood, resigned;
The Evening Telegram (of Fort Worth, Tex.) - Feb. 10, 1905 – Page: 10
City News
A party comprising L. P. Viley, N. R. Talbot, G. S. Mason, J. T. Moreland, William Reed and John Edwards, all of Marshall, Mo., have come to this city with a view of purchasing Texas land and locating here. The party has in view a location in Freestone county, near Fairfield.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Feb. 11, 1905 – Page: 3
New Incorporations
Austin, Tex., Feb. 10 – Articles of incorporation were filed as follows:
Wortham Prospecting and Development Company,
Wortham, Freestone County, capital $5,000.
Incorporated by J. J. Stubbs, T. E. Longbotham and J. M. Bonds.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Feb. 20, 1905 – Page: 6
From a Former Resident
In The Dallas Semi-Weekly
News of recent date I see the announcement of the death of Dr. A. A. Johnston, one of the
pioneers of Dallas. The doctor’s
photograph and the brief sketch in The News have stirred the memory of my young
manhood days.
In 1859 my parents sent me from this county (Freestone) to Dallas to live with my brother,
Capt. J. W. Lane, who was connected with the
Dallas Herald, the firm being Swindells & Lane.
During my four years’ stay in Dallas I stuck type in the Herald office
and boarded most of the time with Dr. Johnston and his good wife – Bettie.
They were exceedingly kind to me, and I certainly revere and cherish
their memory.
I joined the Confederate Army at Dallas in 1862 and served during the war in
Capt. Coombs’ Company, Hawpe’s Regiment.
By the way, should any member of Capt. Coombs’ Company or Capt.; Wallace Peak’s Company, or any
member of Col. Hawpe’s Regiment see these lines, I would be glad to hear from
them, but I fear I’m left alone. If
I had time and space I would tell of Col. John Neely Bryant, col. N. H. Darnell, Col. J. C. McCoy, Col. T. C. Hawpe,
Col. George W. Guess, Col. B. Warren Stone, Capt. Z. Ellis Coombs, Capt. W. W. Peak, Capt. Tom
Flynn, Capt. Ed Browder, Judge J. J. Goode, Rev. Buck Hughes, Ash Carter, H. H. Hall, George Beard, W. L.
Murphy, Billy Smith, John Bingham, Dick Pryor, Dr. Sam Pryor, Billy McDermitt, Joe Griffin, Tommie Sheppard, Mitch Gray, Nat
M. Burford, Sanger and a host of others.
Yes, in those days I knew everybody in Dallas, and everybody in
Dallas knew me.
J. K. LANE
Lanely, Tex.
The Fort Worth Telegram (of Fort Worth, Texas) – April 2, 1905 – Page: 13
1,000 ACRES black sandy prairie land, 600 acres in cultivation, 400 acres good post oak timber; all fenced seven sets of houses and necessary out houses. The residences are situated in a 10-acre oak grove; is a house of 10 rooms. There is a village on corner of land; 8 miles of Fairfield, Freestone county. Will take as much as $7,500 in merchandise or good property.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – April 29, 1905 – Page: 3
Drilling for Oil
Special to the News
Corsicana, Tex., April 28 – W. W. Gunter, who lives near Young, Freestone County, was here today. He says the Wortham Oil Company has erected a derrick and is placing machinery for the purpose of drilling for oil in that vicinity.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – June 13, 1905 – Page: 8
East Texas
Freestone County
(9,872 bales in 1904)
Wortham – Cotton acreage at least 30 per cent less than last year; stand is bad and the season is about five weeks backward. Continued rains have caused lots of cotton to be abandoned.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – June 19, 1905 – Page: 6
Edwards Opposes Session
Thinks Matter Should Be Allowed to Rest Until Next
Legislature
Fairfield, Tex., June 15 –Hon. R. M. Edwards, Representative from Freestone County, in speaking of the proposed called session of the Legislature to serve without pay in order to correct general election bill, says he opposes such action and will not donate his time for such purposes. …
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – July 2, 1905 – The News Magazine Supplement - Page: 27
WILL trade 540 acres of timber land in Keechi Valley, Freestone County, for city property or western land. Timber consists principally of oak. Could all be cultivated; 2 1/2 miles of railroad station; price $6 per acre. HILLSBORO REAL ESTATE COMPANY.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – July 13, 1905 – Page: 3
Sixty Wagons of Fruit
Corsicana, Tex., July 12 – Today by actual count there were sixty wagons, all from Freestone County, here loaded with various kinds of fruits.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – July 29, 1905 – Page: 5
Two Very Large Apples
The News has received from F. S. Karner of Mexia, Tex., two apples of extraordinary size. They were raised by L. N. Riddle near Cotton Gin, Freestone County. They are seedlings from trees 7 years old, which produced an average yield of two bushels each. He has fifteen such trees bearing. He says some of these trees made as much as four bushels each, which were sold at $1.20 per bushel. The larger apple measured fifteen inches in circumference. They are known as the Riddle’s Choice variety.
The Fort Worth Telegram (of Fort Worth, Texas) – Aug. 17, 1905 – Page: 2
Bond Issue Approved
Special to The Telegram
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 17 – Assistant Attorney general I.
Lovenberg, Jr. approved yesterday the following bond issues:
… Freestone county bridge repair bonds of $1,500.
These bear 5 per cent interest and mature in fifteen years.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Oct. 19, 1905 – Page: 11
Palestine, Tex., Oct. 18 – P. D. C. Ball of St. Louis, the largest individual land owner in East Texas, and Frederick Taylor, who was chief of agriculture at the St. Louis and Pan-American Expositions, are here with C. Roe Hall, looking over Mr. Ball’s [not sure if Ball or Hall is right] holdings in this and Freestone Counties.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Sept. 29, 1905 – Page: 3
Texas Postal Matters
The postoffices at … Bonner, Freestone County; … have been ordered discontinued after Oct. 14.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Dec. 3, 1905 – The News Magazine Supplement; Page: 8
Charters Filed
The Valley Route Townsite Company of Brewer, Freestone County, capital stock $100,000. Purpose, to do a general building and loan and read estate business. Incorporators, S. W. Johnson, J. L. Halbert and W. M. Peck, of Corsicana, Wm. Malone of Cleburne and W. E. Richards of Fairfield.
Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Dec. 25, 1905 - Page: 5
Tragedy at Luna
Lawyer Shot and Killed and Woman Mortally Wounded
Jewett, Tex., Dec. 24 – News reached here this evening at 5 o’clock that Mrs. J. T. Autrey, wife of Dr. J. T. Autrey, of Luna, Tex., a small town ten miles north of this place, shot and killed B. R. Reeves, a prominent lawyer and real estate agent of Oakwoods, Tex. She then shot herself and at this writing she is not expected to live. The cause of the shooting can not be learned.