Karen Kay Glass Ingargiola -- In memory of Kay

BIO Dr. William Sheppard Glass

(October 14, 1836 ~ May 25, 1906)

William Sheppard Glass was born in Knox County, Tennessee. His father, Harvey Glass was born in Kentucky on September 26, 1798 and married Rebecca Taylor Paul in March of 1814 in Knox County, TN. Rebecca was born June 14, 1800 in Tennessee. William was the youngest son. His siblings were Rachel Sawyer, John P., Jane M., Nancy A., Rebecca, Robert D. James Harvey, Mary C., Cynthia M., and Margaret W. The oldest brother and sisters married in Hardeman County, Tennessee where the Glasses had made their home prior to 1850.

Sometime between 1848 and 1850, the Glasses moved to Cass County, Texas. They bought land about eight miles from Jefferson, Texas, in what is now Marion County and farmed the land.

Although it is not known where William obtained his education, he became a teacher, a doctor and preacher of the Gospel. In 1860, at the age of 23, William was teaching and living with the D. Elliot family, which was close to the Dalton Community.

As the War Between the States began to escalate, William S. Glass enlisted in Daingerfield, Texas in October of 1861. He was appointed Junior 2nd Lieutenant, Co. D, 9th Texas Infantry, C. S. A., on November 26, 1861. This company was known as "Allen's Company". He served for over two years in the infantry and was discharged because of wounds. According to Mrs. Glass's widow's application, William later joined the mounted horse but records do not exist to support this claim.

December 14, 1865, William Sheppard Glass married Anna Eliza Hass in Dalton, Texas with Rev. Samuel Morris officiating. They lived in the Dalton area until 1884, at which time; Dr. Glass purchased a homestead plot in Hughes Springs, Texas. Their new home was in town between the Railroad tracks and east of Spring Park. The Hughes Springs Bank now occupies the old homestead place.

In 1890, Dr. Glass, along with other concerned leaders of the Hughes Springs community, donated money and established the Hughes Springs School Community Company, in which they became stockholders. Dr. W. S. Glass sold the company two and one-half acres for the building site of the two-story building for $133.00. He also served on the board of directors.

Together with his sons, Alvin and Vernon, Dr. Glass opened the Glass mercantile or general store. His sons continued the store for many more years. He also established the first drug store in 1903.

William S. and Anna Eliza's children also were prominent citizens of their respective communities. Finis Glass was Vice-President of Parke-Davis Drug Company. Vernon Glass served as Cass County Judge for many years and was a merchant. Alvin Lundy was a merchant. Of course Vernon and Alvin both had a hand in the mercantile store. The daughters, Ollie, Berta, and Maggie, married and had full time jobs as wives and mothers.