pages 80-81

DR. JOSEPH M. REUSS. The usefulness of a professional man is not marked merely by his learning and skill, his proficiency in medical practice; but also by his character, both private and professional, his honorable adherence to medical ethics and his personal integrity and prudent benevolence. When a physician combines these characteristics it is with great pleasure that we record his life work, and such a man do we find in Dr. J. M. Reuss. This physician, of Cuero, Texas, one of the oldest in practice here, is a native of Germany, as were also his parents, Stephen and Mary (Muller) Reuss. The father, a hotel keeper in his native country, died there in 1831, and the mother in 1824. Our subject, whose birth occurred in 1823, was but one year old when his mother died, and he was reared by his elder sister. He received his education in Muennerstadt in Bavaria, and studied medicine at the University of Wuerzburg in 1843-45. Then he began practicing, but seeing a better opening for a physician in America, he crossed the ocean and landed at Galveston in November, 1845. From there he went to Indianola and began practicing, continuing there until after the storm of 1875. In 1876 he came to Cuero. He established the first drug store in Indianola in 1849. In 1861 Dr. Reuss raised a company and was elected Captain of Company B, Shea's Battalion, which was afterwards organized into Hobby's Regiment. He was stationed at Tasslabano and participated in the engagement at Lavaca, but on account of rheumatism he was obliged to resign in the spring of 1861. He had a large practice, and passed through three epidemics of' cholera and seven of yellow fever. The doctor was contract surgeon for the United States Custom House at Indianola, both before and after the war, and was contract surgeon for the quartermaster department before that eventful period. Most of the time he was also surgeon of the city hospital at Indianola. He is a member of the State Pharmaceutical Society. In 1873 he established a business in Cuero, mainly on account of his son, Dr. August J. Reuss. Our subject was married in Galveston, Texas, in 1845, to Misa Gesine Stubbeman, a native of Germany. The following children were the fruits of this union: August J., who was educated at Lee University, Lexington, Va., and studied medicine at the Jefferson University, at Charlottesville, Va. Later he entered Tulane University, New Orleans, and graduated in 1870. Following this he entered the Prussian army in the war with France, as assistant surgeon, and after the war studied two years at Wuerzburg and Vienna. Returning to the Lone Star State in the fall of 1872, he practiced medicine at Indianola until the spring of the following year, when he located in Cuero. He was a bright, promising young man, and his death, which occurred in January, 1876, was a sad blow to his parents. The three children following August J. died in infancy. The others are named Oscar J., Bertha, Alfreda and Joseph Henry. Oscar J. is a druggist of Cuero, carrying on the business under the old firm name of J. M. Reuss & Son, and is one of the Board of Pharmaceutical Examiners., Alfreda is the wife of William Frobese, of the firm of H. Runge & Co., and Joseph Henry is a physician in partnership with his father. He was educated in the University of Texas, at Austin, and graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York in 1889. He is a member of the State Medical Society, and excels in surgery. The mother of these children died in August, 1893. She was a worthy member of the Lutheran Church. Dr. Reuss was one of the organizers of the cotton mill, and he is interested in the oil mill in the city, and in building and loan association. He takes a deep interest in educational and religious matters, is a valuable citizen, and is a member of the Board of Medical Examiners of the district. His son, who conducts a drug store, carries a stock of goods valued at $8,000, and does an annual business of $16,000.

page 89

RICHARD C. WARN. England has many among the best class of citizens in Texas. There is a sterling quality about the nationality that particularly fits them for pioneer life, and we, as Americans, are greatly indebted to settlers of English birth for the rapid advancement made in our civilization. He whose name is at the head of this sketch, and who is a representative pioneer of De Witt County, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1826. Now, in his sixty-eighth year, the progress that the country has made, and especially that portion in which he lives, is to him as familiar as events in his, own daily life. He is the son of Digory and Mariah (Wearing ) Warn, both natives of England. In the year 1848 our subject, thinking to better his condition, crossed the ocean to America and settled in Canada, where he remained for two years. From there he went to New Orleans via the Mississippi River, and from there to Texas, locating in Matagorda, where he worked at his trade, carpentering, until the breaking out of the Civil War. In the year 1863 he went to Mexico and was engaged in the hardware business until the fall of 1865, when he came to Indianola. Here he carried on business until the storm of 1875, when he lost nearly everything. Mr. Warn has been unlucky in regard to being in the path of storms, for in 1854 he passed through a severe one at Matagorda and lost all of his property. Our subject remained in business at Indianola until 1882, although he had moved his family to Cuero in 1881, and had started a branch store there in 1880. He sold out his business in Indianola in 1884, and in 1890 erected a store in Cuero. Mr. Warn is also interested in the oil mills at Cuero and San Marcos; Texas, and has lumber interests in San Antonio. In the year 1872 he was married to Miss Eliza Bates, a native of England, who died in 1891, leaving six children: Ruth, Richard C., in business in San Marcos; Minnie, in school at Waco; Agnes, Lila, and Fred. Mr. Warn is a member of the Baptist Church, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is a stirring, thorough-going business man, and one who has the respect and esteem of all those with whom he has dealings.

pages 94-95

W. H. GRAHAM is the active, popular and efficient Tax Collector of De Witt County, Texas, and one of the representative business men of the same. The man from Pennsylvania has always been a potential element in the growth and prosperity of the Lone Star State, and Mr. Graham's career is worthy of emulation, for it shows what pluck, perseverance and energy will do. Mr. Graham first saw the light in Erie County, Pennsylvania, in 1844, and was sixth in order of birth of twelve children born to James and Annie Graham, natives of Ireland and New York, respectively. When six years of age our subject was taken by a man named Lee, who lived in Cuba, New York, but one year later this gentleman moved to Iowa, where our subject was reared and educated. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Fifth Iowa Infantry, and served in the Army of Tennessee. He was at New Madrid, Mo.; Iuka, Miss.; Corinth, Miss., and was with Gen. Grant when he crossed the Mississippi River. He was in all the battles around Jackson, then to Vicksburg, and after the fall of that city went to Chattanooga where he participated in the battle of Lookout Mountain. There he was captured and spent that winter in prison on Belle Island in James River. In the spring he was taken to Andersonville and remained there until November, when he was taken to Florence, S. C., and in December exchanged. He was in prison one year and eleven days. Mr. Graham then made a trip to Iowa, got his discharge, and then went to the Keystone State to see his parents, whom he had not seen since six years of age. Later he re-enlisted in the Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Regiment, and was sent to Goldsboro, S. C., where he remained until the surrender. He was in the final review at Washington City, May, 1865, and was discharged at Philadelphia in June. A few months later Mr. Graham came to Texas, and as he had enlisted in the regular United States Cavalry, he served three years on the Texas frontier, at various posts. When his time was up he took the money he had saved in the army and went to Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, where he remained for about a year. After that he returned to Texas, and in a few months permanently located in the new town of Cuero, where at first he was stage and express agent. After that he was route agent on the railroad from Cuero to Indianola, and was in the latter place in 1875, during the great storm there. He served as Deputy Sheriff and Collector until 1880, when he was elected Collector of the county, which position he has held since. He possesses many noble traits of character, is entirely selfmade, and owes his success in life, and the high estimation in which he is held by all who know him to his upright, manly course through life. He is interested in all good causes, and is one of the public spirited men of the country. Mr. Graham's happy domestic life began in 1874 when Miss Louisa Demonet, a native of Louisiana, became his wife. Her father, who was a native of France, is now deceased. To our subject and wife have been born three interesting children: Mary Agnes, James Michael and William Henry. He and family hold membership in the Catholic Church. Mr. Graham is president of the Catholic Knights of America, of Cuero, and he has charge of the C. L. & I. Company's land. He also does a general real estate business.

pages 111-112

DR. C. B. PHILLIPS, of the medical fraternity in De Witt County enjoys a most extensive practice and is widely known throughout this populous and fertile section of the state. He has built up a large practice by steady devotion to duty and the constant exercise of energy and judgment. Like many of the representative citizens of the county h& came from the East, his birth occurring in Hagarstown, Md., in 1842, and he was third in order of birth of seven children born to David and Sarah (Scott) Phillips, natives of that grand old mother of states, Virginia. The paternal grandfather, Samuel Phillips, was born in England and came to Virginia during the Revolutionary war, participating in that war and taking sides with the colonists. He settled in Washington County, Md., where he was a pioneer, and followed farming for many years. His death occurred in Hagarstown. The maternal grandfather, William E. Scott, was also a native of England, and on coming to this country settled in the Old Dominion, where he died. He was a flour-broker and miller. The parents of our subject met and were married in Hagarstown, Md. The father afterwards engaged in milling and farming, and when the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Confederate army from Augusta County, Va., in the Washington Artillery. He participated in many battles, and was killed in the battle of Gordonsville in 1863. His wife, too, passed away during the war. Two of their sons, David and John, served in the Federal army. The former assisted in raising a company, and became Captain of a company in the Seventh Illinois Regiment. He was captured, and probably died in prison. John was killed in battle. Dr. C. B. Phillips grew to mature years in Maryland, and received his education in Mount St, Mary's College, Maryland. On account of his health he was obliged to leave school, and he began the study of medicine in 1858, with Dr. R. N. Wright of Baltimore. In 1860 he attended Jefferson Medical College, and was graduated from Washington University, Baltimore, Md., 1868. About August 1, 1861, he entered the Confederate army as private, Third Virginia Cavalry, and in October he was called before the medical examining board at Richmond, was passed, and made Assistant Surgeon of the Confederate States Volunteers. He served in various hospitals and camps during the war, and was in the Army of Virginia until the close. In 1865 he went to New Orleans, intending to locate. During the Yellow fever epidemic of 1867 he was employed by the Howard Association as surgeon, with which he remained until danger was over. From there he went to Mexico, first to Durango, and then to the City of Mexico, but in the latter part of 1868 he came back to Texas and located in Live Oak County, at Oakville, where he practiced until 1870. He then went to Victoria, Lavaca and De Witt counties, but finally settled at Burns Station in 1873, and has been practicing in that section since. In January, 1894, he partially withdrew from general practice, and is now treating specially the morphine, liquor and kindred habits by the bi-chloride of gold method. He has an office in Cuero, but is often called in consultation in adjoining counties. Dr. Phillips was married in 1872 to Miss Fannie E. Alkinson, a native of Tennessee, who came to Texas when a child. One son has been born to this union, Calvin B. Phillips.

pages 117-118

W. J. McMANUS is among the reputable men of DeWitt County, Texas, who, in their conduct of business matters and the duties belonging to the various relations of life, have acquired a worthy name. He is a prominent miller and ginner, as well as Postmaster, at Thomastown. He was born in 1840, in Amite County, Mississippi, to the union of David and Martha (Wright) McManus, products of the Palmetto State and Mississippi, respectively. The father was a planter by vocation, and about 1854 he and family came to Texas and settled in DeWitt County. Now he is living at Yoakum. He served in the Confederate army from Texas, in the reserved corps. He has acted as Justice of the Peace for many years. The mother died in 1883. Our subject received the rudiments of an education in the schools of Mississippi, and after coming to Texas he assisted in tilling the soil until the breaking out of the war. In 1861 he enlisted in Ford's Regiment, Texas Rangers, and was on the Rio Grande River. The following year he enlisted in the Confederate army, in Colonel C. L. Pyron's Regiment, Second. Texas Cavalry, and served in Texas and Louisiana, generally on scouting duty, being at San Antonio when the war closed. He was made First Lieutenant in 1862, and in the fall of 1863 he was sent to San Antonio where he served as Post Adjutant, and also for a time was Provost Marshal. After returning home he resumed his farming operations near Terrell, but in 1885 came to Thomaston, where he bought land. Later he purchased the gin at this place, engaged actively in business, and in 1893 erected the present gin and mill. The gin has a capacity of twenty bales per day, and has all the modern machinery. In 1888 Mr. McManus was appointed Postmaster, and has discharged the duties of that office in a most efficient and satisfactory manner since. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a liberal contributor to al worthy enterprises. In the month of January, 1867, he was married to Mrs. Edgar, and five children have been given them: David Brown, Dudley Cullins, Dalton Edward, Mary Ann, and Josephine Charlotte. Fraternally Mr. McManus is a Mason and a Knight of Honor, both of Cuero and lodges. He is a valuable resident of this city, and his business is rapidly increasing.

pages 125-126

J. F. McCRABB. Much of the enterprise which helps make DeWitt County one of the most prosperous ones of the State belongs, in a considerable degree, to the worthy gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch. A man's life-work is the measure of his success, and he is truly the most successful man who, turning his powers into the channel of an honorable purpose, accomplishes the object of his endeavor. Mr. J. F. McCrabb, one of the prominent farmers of the county, was born here in 1846, to the marriage of John and Mary (Miller) McCrabb, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Tennessee. The father grew restive,in the old country, bade adieu to friends and scenes long loved, and came to Tennessee, where he married Miss Miller. Previous to this he made a prospecting trip to Texas and located on land in Gonzales District, and then, returning to Tennessee, he was married. Bringing his family back with him, he resided in Victoria, and was there during the Texas Revolution. After taking his wife to Texana, he returned and joined Houston's army, and was in the battle of San Jacinto, remaining in Texas a year and a half. He then brought his wife back and made a permanent settlement on the banks of Guadalupe River. This was an isolated neighborhood and the Indians became so troublesome that Mr. McCrabb soon moved his family near Clinton, where he resided until his death in 1848. He was a very extensive farmer and a very prominent citizen, holding the office of District Clerk of Victoria for some time. He held that position at the only legal execution in that county. At the time of his death he was Assessor and Collector of this district. Mr. McCrabb was a man of education and was very methodical in his work and duty. At the time of his death he owned four tracts of land. The mother's second marriage was with N. J. Ryan, a native of Pennsylvania and an early settler of Texas. He was a soldier in the Mexican War. His death occurred in 1862. In his native county our subject grew to mature years and there received a limited education. He was in the schoolroom when Civil War broke out and, although but seventeen years of age, he enlisted in the Confederate Army, in S. H. Hudson's Company of Independent Scouts, and served on the Rio Grande River until the close of hostilities. After returning home he engaged in the stock business and became, and still is, a large operator. He has graded his stock and has about 1,200 head of blooded animals. He owns about 7,000acres, 4,000 acres in a single tract near Thomaston. About 150 acres are under cultivation and is all good bottom land. Mr. McCrabb has one of the handsomest places in the county, and is one of the best stockmen of the locality. In the year 1883 he was married to Miss Cora Augustine, a native of Texas, and daughter of Dave Augustine, a native of this State also, and one of the oldest settlers. Two interesting children have been born to this union, John and Mary.

page 133-134

J. D. ANDERSON. Few men have lived more quietly and unostentatiously than J.D. Anderson, and yet few have exerted a more salutary influence upon the immediate society in which they move, or impressed a community with a more profound reliance on their honor and ability of sterling worth. His life has not been illustrious with startling or striking contrasts; but it has shown how a laudable ambition may be gratified when accompanied by pure motives, perseverance, industry and steadfastness of purpose. Mr. Anderson is now the owner of a large and excellent farm, and as a stock miser stands second to none in the county. He is a native of the Palmetto State, as were also his parents, James and Margaret (Dorrah) Anderson. The paternal grandfather, D. Anderson, was a native of Virginia, while the maternal grandfather, James Dorrah, was born in Scotland or Ireland. William Anderson and wife, who was a Miss Denny, with two sons, David and John, came from Ireland and settled in Pennsylvania, but afterwards moved to Charleston, S.C. and thence to Laurens County, S. C., just below the court house. After they bad moved to Laurens County, they had four more children: Rebecca, Sallie, one name unknown; and Denny. They afterwards moved to Spartanburg County, on Enoree River, and thence to Tiger River, where William Anderson, at an advanced age; was killed by the Tories and Indians. John Anderson married and settled in York County. David married a Miss Mason and settled on Tiger River, in Spartanburg County. Rebecca never married. Sallie married a man by the name of Brakin, in Charleston, S. C., where they lived. She had one son who moved to Missouri. Denny married a Miss Elizabeth Massey and settled on Enoree River, S. C., Spartanburg County. They raised a family of eleven children: Rebecca, William, David, John, Denny, Mary, James, Samuel, Martha, Henry and Elizabeth. Elizabeth Massey Anderson, wife of Denny Anderson on the maternal side, was descended from the Smiths, of Halifax County, N. C. The father of our subject was a successful agriculturist and tilled the soil in his native State until his death in 1883. The mother passed away in 1851. Both belonged to the Presbyterian Church, and were active workers in the same. Our subject was born in the year 1832, educated in the old field schools and was prevented from entering college by the death of the mother and the subsequent illness of the father. For some time he managed his father's estate, and, when twenty- eight years of age, was married to Miss Ianthe J. Wallace, a daughter of Hon. Alexander Wallace, a well known South Carolinian, who was prominent in State and National affairs, and who was a member of Congress for some time. In 1859, our subject came to the Loan Star State, located. in De Witt County, and in 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Twentieth Texas Regiment; infantry, serving on the coast in Texas principally and holding the rank of, Lieutenant. He was in service until the close of hostilities. In 1865, Mr. Anderson bought a portion of his present farm located near the village of Thomaston, 489 acres in the river track, highly improved and 200 acres under cultivation. He also owns other tracts, containing 3,000 acres with 200 acres under cultivation, and he has one of the handsomest homes in the whole section. His fine residence is on a natural building site, a ridge overlooking the beautiful Guadalupe valley, and he is surrounded by all the comforts of life. His marriage has been blessed by the birth of nine children, three being deceased. They are named as follows: Robert W., N; Bertie, wife of C. E. Kaapke; George S, Mary Ianthe, wife of Rev. A. H. P. McCurdy, William Irvin and three died in childhood. The family holds membership in, the Presbyterian Church.

pages 139-140

DR. R. L. SMITH, an early settler of DeWitt County, Texas, was born in Rankin County, Mississippi, on the 8th of January, 1833, and of the family of seven children born to his parents, Merrill J. and Susan (Lusk) Smith, he was the third in order of birth. The father and mother were natives of South Carolina, but at an early day moved to Mississippi, and from there to Texas in1847, settling in DeWitt County. There the father followed farming until 1859, when he came to Lavaca County, and died near Hallettsville the following year. He was a prominent man in political affairs, but no office-holder. The mother died in Luling in 1879. Both were earnest and steadfast members of the Baptist Church. The last words spoken by the father when on his death bed were, "It is nothing to die when one is prepared." Our subject was reared in the Lone State State, and educated at Milton College, Mississippi. He began the study of medicine in De Witt County, Texas, in 1855, under Dr. Hodge, and attended his first course of lectures in New Orleans. Later he was in the Texas Medical College and Hospital at Galveston, from which institution he graduated in 1874. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Eighth Texas Infantry, as private, and was in the barracks at Hearnsted, where he was made post surgeon and soon after surge of the regiment. He was in service eighteen months, and then resigned, on account of ill health, at Little Rock, Arkansas. Returning home he was made examining surgeon of the district, and served in that capacity, with office at Hallettsville, until the close of the war. In 1865 he went to Comal County, and engaged in the sheep business for one year, after which he resumed practice in Caldwell County, and remained there fourteen years. He then bought out Caldwell's Mineral Springs, near Luling, and was proprietor of that establishment for three years. From .there he came to Lavaca County, practiced his profession for three years, and then went to Albany, Shackelford County, where he engaged in the sheep business, but also carried on his practice for three years. Coming back to Lavaca County, he settled on the present site of Shiner, and has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. He was made Postmaster there in 1893. The doctor was married in 1657 to Miss Theressa Smith, a native of Iowa, and daughter of Paris Smith, who came from Virginia to Texas in 1840. Dr. and Mrs. Smith's union was blessed by the birth of eight children: Guy M., residing at Clinton, this State; Ida T., wife of T. A. Logan, of San Antonio; R. C., a physician of Clifton, Bosque County; Carrie, wife of Stuart Johnson, of Eastland County; Paris, Druggist, of Comanche County; French, Assistant Postmaster at Shiner; Emmit, editor of the Bosque County Banner, and Virgie. Dr. Smith is a Mason, and a Knight of Honor. He is a pleasant, social, genial gentleman, and one who has many friends.

pages 143-144

JAMES MOONEY is one of the early settlers of Cuero, Texas, and one of the most prominent citizens of this thriving village. He is one of those liberal, public-spirited, enterprising and executive men who have done so much to develop the resources of a new country and build up the interests of his adopted home. He was born in Ireland in 1820, and his parents, Thomas and Margaret (Morgan) Mooney, were natives of the same country. About 1836 the parents grew restive, bade adieu to friends and scenes long loved, and pitched the household tent in the metropolis of the United States. From the age of sixteen until 1844 our subject resided in New York City, and he there learned the machinist's trade. From there he went to Pennsylvania, and worked at his trade on railroad engines for some time. In the year 1856 he went to New Orleans and engaged with the Morgan Line of steamships, and was with the same for many years, being foreman of the ships in Algiers. In 1873 he came to Texas, where he had charge of the Gulf, Western & Texas Pacific Railroad, as Chief Engineer, for twenty-one years. When he came to Cuero only a few houses were in the place, and he has witnessed the wonderful changes that have taken place from that time to the present. He is now retired from the active duties of life, and has a pleasant home in that town. Mr. Mooney was married in 1838 to Miss Julia Garland, who died in 1894. Five children were born to this union: Margaret M., wife of John McCluskey, who resides in New Orleans; Thomas, Helen (deceased), Julia Ann, widow of G. W. Smith, and-- . Mr. Mooney and children are members of the Catholic Church. Cuero has been Mr. Mooney's home since the storm that destroyed Indianola in 1875. He was in the latter town at that time, and lost nearly all his possessions, barely escaping with his clothes. The railroad shops, which were then located there, were also swept away, and rebuilt at Cuero, where our subject soon located and where he has since resided. He is universally respected and esteemed, and has a host of warm friends. For his reliability, industry and other excellent qualities Mr. Mooney was well liked by the steamship company, and on retiring was given a pension. He has accumulated a comfortable competency, and although approaching toward the close of a long, active, industrious and useful life, he has the satisfaction of knowing that he is highly esteemed by all his fellow citizens and that his character is without reproach.

pages 150-151

JOSEPH SCHWAB. Place the native German where you will and he will make a living for himself and those depending on him, for in him are ingrained those qualities which go to make the successful man, chief among which may be mentioned energy, perseverance and undoubted honesty. Although he was born in Germany in 1833, and there made his home until 1849, he is in every essential a loyal American citizen, and has identified himself with the interests of his adopted country as far as it has been possible for him to do so. Like the great majority of German youths, he was given the advantages of the common schools of Germany, and as he was apt and ready and willing to apply himself, he acquired a good practical education, amply sufficient to fit him for the ordinary duties of life. He was a youth of considerable pluck and ambition, and he early came to the conclusion that America afforded for him opportunities for rising in the world, which his native land could not do, and thither he emigrated in 1849, coming almost immediately to the Lone Star State. He joined some, friends who had proceeded him, in De Witt County, and at once turned his attention to the occupation of farming, but was engaged in tilling rented land until about 1860, at which time he was married to Martha Hock, a native of Germany, who came to Texas in 1845, and soon after made his first purchase of land on the Guadalupe River. This land he successfully tilled until 1862, when his sympathies became so thoroughly enlisted in the Southern cause, that he abandoned the plow to become a votary of Mars, becoming a member of Waul's Legion, C. S. A., and served in Mississippi. After the fall of Vicksburg he returned to Texas and once more began tilling the soil on the Guadalupe River farm, where his home continued to be until his removal to Yoakum in 1893. In 1880 be became the proprietor of cotton gin which he took with him to Yoakum and which he has since operated with success and reasonable financial results. He is the owner of an excellent farm of 200 acres, of which 150 acres are under cultivation. In 1883 Mr. Schwab was called upon to mourn the death of his first wife, after she had borne him twelve children, and in 1888 he was married a second time, to Miss Mary Ann Jacobs, who is an earnest and devoted member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Schwab's parents were Valentine and Mary (Sanger) Schwab, natives of the Fatherland and farmers by occupation.

page 168

DR. GEORGE CASE MILNER, physician and surgeon, has been a resident of the Lone Star State since 1883. He came originally from Georgia, his birth occurring in Madison County, of that State, June 2, 1859, and of the ten children born to his parents, Robert W. and Sarah (Lane) Milner, he was fourth in order of birth. The father was a minister of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and a North Carolinian by birth. When a child he came with his parents to Georgia, and attended Oglethorpe Seminary, at Milledgeville, Georgia. His death occurred in Clinton, South Carolina, in 1889. The mother is alive at this writing. Dr. George C. Milner received a good, practical education in Athens, and later attended the University of Georgia, the Medical Department of the University of Georgia, at Augusta, Ga., where he received his diploma in 1882. He practiced in different points in Georgia and the South, and came to Texas in 1883, as before stated. For three years be practiced in Concrete, and then moved to Cheapside, where he has since practiced. In his political views he affiliates with the Democratic party, and is deeply interested in the welfare of the same. In the year 1884 he married Miss Rosalie Miller, daughter of Michael and Mildred (Webb) Miller, of De Witt County. Mr. Miller was one of the first settlers of the lower Guadalupe, and a prominent planter and stock raiser. His death occurred in 1885. His wife is still living. To Dr. and Mrs. Milner were born two interesting children, Robert M. and Chauncey.

page 413

HENRY VANDERHIDER. Among the worthy residents of DeWitt County, Texas, it is but just to say that Henry Vanderhider occupies a conspicuous and honorable place, for he has always been honest, industrious and enterprising, and as a result has met with more than ordinary success. He is a man well known in agricultural circles, and is recognized as a careful, energetic farmer, who, by his advanced ideas and progressive habits, has done much to improve the farming interests of his section. No man takes a greater interest in the agricultural and stock affairs of this section than Mr. Vanderhider, and no one strives more actively to promote and advance these interests to a higher plane. He is a product of Missouri, born in 1840, a son of Henry Casper and Lavina (Langton) Vanderhider, who were born in Germany and Kentucky respectively. The father came to the United States in his early youth, and after following the occupation of blacksmithing in Missouri for some time, he engaged in merchandising at Perryville, Perry County, Mo., an occupation to which his attention was successfully given until his death in 1841 or 1842. The maternal grandfather, Walter Langton, came to Missouri from Kentucky at an early day, settled in Perry County, and there passed from life about 1845. In 1850 Mrs. Vanderhider, with her mother and brothers and sisters, came to Texas and settled in Lavaca County, and here they purchased a goodly tract of land, on which she died in 1888. From the time he was 10 years old Henry Vanderhider has been a resident of Texas. In 1861 he enlisted in Sibley's Brigade, Company C; was at once sent to New Mexico, and was in the battles of Val Verde and Glorietta. This brigade was afterward disbanded at San Antonio for a month or so in order to obtain horses, and upon being fully reorganized went to Louisiana, and was in several engagements in that State, after which it was ordered back to Texas, and was in the battle of Galveston, when that city was taken from the Federals. After a few weeks it was sent back to Louisiana, and Mr. Vanderhider was in the engagement at Pleasant Hill, in the Red River campaign after Gen. Banks. After the war was over he returned home, engaged in carpentering, and in 1866 was married to Miss Mary Ryan, a native of Texas and the daughter of James Ryan, a Pennsylvanian, who came to this State at an early day, and was a participant in the Texas Revolution. He died at the home of Mr. Vanderhider in Lavaca County. In the fall of 1874 Mr. Vanderhider bought his present farm near Yoakum, but is the owner of two farms, which comprise in all 815 acres, of which 150 acres are under cultivation. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Vanderhider eleven children have been given, nine of whom are living: Agnes, wife of L. C. Knox; James Henry, who married a Miss Manning; Walter Patrick, Augustus, who married a Miss Hart; Viola, died at the age or 14 years; Emma, Guy, Henry Leo, died at the age of 3 years; Edmond, Julius, and Annie. The family are members of the Catholic Church.

page 424-425

H. MYLIUS. He whose name heads this sketch, although now quietly engaged in pursuing the calling of a merchant at Yoakum, Texas, has been engaged in various occupations and has led quite a checkered career, notwithstanding which fact he has accumulated a competency, and has refuted the old saw that" a rolling stone gathers no moss." He owes his nativity to Germany, where he was born April 19, 1839, a son of Dr. Adolph T. and Amelia (Stearn) Mylius, who came to the United States in the beginning of the year 1846 as a member of the Fischer and Miller Colony, and landed at Indianola, Texas. Dr. Adolph T. Mylius had been a prominent surgeon in the German Army for about eight years, and was a successful general practitioner, being located for some time in the vicinity of the city of Berlin. He continued his practice after coming to this country, but after the death of his wife from cholera at Indianola in the summer of 184G, Dr. Mylius removed to Gillespie County, with some members of the colony, but returned to Indianola at the end of two years, where he made a name for himself as a medical practitioner, and was successfully engaged in pursuing the arduous duties of his profession until his death, which occurred about 1858. He practiced through the yellow fever epidemic of 1852, gave valuable aid to the sufferers of that dreaded scourge, and won the highest praise for his ability, his energy, his kindness of heart and his sympathy. His family consisted of three children: the subject of this sketch; Annie, who after the death of her mother was reared by H. Bunge and now resides in San Antonio, and Albert who was reared by G. W. Volt, is married and is a resident of San Antonio, also. The subject of this sketch was a regular attendant of the public schools up to the death of his father, when he became a sailor, which calling he followed for sixteen years, in the coasting trade. He was Captain of a boat that carried mail from Matagorda to Indianola and to Salura and back twice a week for five years. At the end of this time he purchased a sloop, which he ran independently from Indianola to Matagorda and Corpus Christi. In 1861 he espoused the cause of the section in which he resided and became a member of Company G, Sixth Texas Infantry and went to Houston, where he was detailed to the marine department and put on a gunboat in Matagorda Bay. He was thus engaged for two years, at the end of which time he was detailed to the steamer Camargo to run the blockade and make his way to Matamoras, at which place he was when news came of Lee's surrender. He then returned to Indianola and bought a sloop, and also became the owner of a sloop called the Anna Mary at the beginning of the war, which was captured by the Federals in Matagorda Bay, used by them for a time and was then burned. Mr. Mylius called his new sloop the Parasto, which he used in the coast trade, regularly, to Corpus Christi. This vessel he sold in 1874, and then built another which he ran in the oyster trade for about four years, at the end of which time he sold out to engage in the grocery and ship chandlery business at Indianola. There he was successfully engaged in business until the great storm of 1886, when his, property was destroyed. For one year thereafter he was engaged in general merchandising in Galveston, at the end of which time, for the benefit of his health, he moved to Cuero, where he was in business for seven months. In 1887 he came to Yoakum and opened the second dry goods store in the place, but after a time sold his stock of goods and now has a stock of china, crockery, tin, wooden and hollow ware, his being the third business house erected on Grand Avenue. He is doing well financially and has a paying patronage. In 1871 he was married to Miss Antinono Cloudt, a native of Texas and a daughter of George Cloudt, who came to Texas about 1846 and at once became a soldier in the Mexican War under Gen. Taylor. 'While in the service he had a horse killed under him, for which the Government paid him eighty-five dollars in 1886. He was a farmer and stock-raiser at Long Mott, Texas, and there died in 1888, leaving six daughters and one son to mourn their loss. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Mylius has resulted in the birth of ten children: Albert, Henry, Annie, Emma, Bettie, Clarence, Pearl, Herman, Frank, and a child that died in infancy.

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DR. O. D. COPPEDGE. In giving a history of the prominent citizens of De Witt County, Texas, this work would be incomplete were not mention made of Dr. Coppedge, for he is deservedly ranked among its prominent planters and stockbreeders. His estate comprises about 1,000 acres, of which 350 acres are under cultivation, and he has devoted much attention to raising a good grade or stock, being one of the first to introduce graded Jersey cattle in this section, and has raised many fine animals. His property comprises the site of the first building erected in the village, which was made of concrete material, and from that fact gave the place its name, which it has since maintained. He has also devoted considerable attention to the raising of fruit, and has large orchards. In 1868 he erected a pleasant residence in Concrete, and is possessed of sufficient philosophy to enjoy the comforts of life. His lands stretch across the rich bottom of the beautiful Guadalupe River, and are very productive and valuable. Dr. Coppedge was born in North Carolina April 15, 1835, and was the eldest of six children born to William D. and Henrietta (Drake) Coppedge, who were also natives of the Old North State, the father being of English descent, his ancestors having come to this country during colonial times. The maternal grandfather; William Drake, was a Virginian, and was a soldier of the Revolution. William D. Coppedge died in North Carolina in 1890, and his wife in 1892, both having been worthy members of the Baptist Church. Dr. O. D. Coppedge was educated in Wake Forest College, and in 1854 began the study of medicine, graduating from the University of Pennsylvania two years later. He at once began the practice of his profession in the State of his birth, but six months later moved to Texas, locating at Concrete, where he once more began his labors of healing the sick and afflicted. In 1861 he went to Gonzales and joined Smith's Company, Wall's Legion, C. S. A., but before the force could leave the State Dr. Coppedge was taken seriously ill and was compelled to give up all idea of entering the service, but sent a substitute in his place. He returned home, and upon his recovery, about one year later, he joined the State troops, with which he served until the war was over in the capacity of Lieutenant. Since that time he has practiced his profession but very little, his farming and stock-raising interests fully occupying his time. In 1859 he was married to Miss Mary Stevens, a native of Mississippi and daughter of Joseph Stevens, who came to Texas in 1846 and located near the present site of Concrete, locating on a large tract or land. The family was accompanied by Mrs. Coppedge's maternal grandfather, William Steen, who died at Natchitoches, La., on the way thither. Joseph Stevens died in 1861, and his wife May 1, 1860, both worthy members of the Baptist Church. To the union of Dr, and Mrs. Coppedge the following children have been born: William, Mitchie, wife of Claud N. Blackwell; Ettie and Lawrence. Dr. Coppedge has long been connected with the A. F. & A. M., and he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.

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WILLIAM J. GLASS. This gentleman is a prominent citizen of DeWitt County, Texas, and one whose constancy to the business in hand, and whose thrift, has added so greatly to the value of the agricultural regions of the section. Everything about his large estate, which comprises 1,400 acres, indicates that he is an agriculturist of advanced ideas and progressive principles, and his farm is one of the most productive and best kept in the community. He has 300 acres in a fine state of cultivation, and devotes a considerable portion of the rest to the raising of good graded stock. He has also given considerable land to his children. He was born in the Keystone State, February 7, 1818, to John and Mary (Johnson) Glass, who were born in Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively, the former of whom died in 1850, and the latter in 1823. The paternal grandfather was a native of the Emerald Isle, while the maternal ancestors were of English descent. William J. Glass was reared in the State of his birth, and was educated at Washington College, Washington County, Pennsylvania, from which institution he graduated in, 1846, and in this class also graduated James G. Blaine, of Maine. He began life as a school teacher in his native State, but in 1848 came to Texas, arriving at Galveston in the fall of that year, on election day, and voted for Henry Clay. In 1850 he became President of the College of Seguin; a position he filled with distinguished ability for six years, winning golden opinions as an educator and disciplinarian. The attendance greatly increased under his rule, and it was acknowledged by all that the institution was more prosperous under his management than it had ever been before. On account of failing health he was compelled to give up this occupation for some time, and came to Concrete, and here was occupied in "teaching the young idea" until the opening of the Civil War, and built up an excellent school at this place. At the end of that time he began raising stock on his present estate, which is one of the finest and most valuable in the county, and is situated about four miles east of Hochheim. The land is slightly rolling prairie, the soil is rich and productive, and all is susceptible of cultivation. In 1850 Mr. Glass led to the altar Miss Fidelia Stevens, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Obediah Stevens, who came to the Lone Star State about 1849, and by her is the father of eight living children: Glendora, wife of John Hankins, resides at Kerrville; John A. is married and is a stockman of Brown County, Texas; William J., Jr., is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is married and resides in Coke County; Mary F. is the wife of Dr. Davis of Mitchell County; M. H. is married and resides near his parents; Barney graduated from the Medical Department of Jefferson College, Philadelphia in 1885, and later from a New York institution and became a successful practitioner of Cuero, where he died in 1890, leaving a widow; Kate is the wife of J. B. North; Edward, and Maggie, live at home. Mr. Glass is a member of the A, F. & A. M., is a man of worthy principles, is a useful citizen and very highly respected.

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JAMES G. BLANKS. For many years the name of Mr. Blanks has been inseparably linked with the business history of De Witt County, Texas, whose annals bear testimony to the integrity of his character and the brilliancy of his intel1ect, and is the synonym or honesty, industry and business integrity. At the present time he is occupied in discharging the duties of President of the Yoakum Improvement Company, the Yoakum Oil Mill and Manufacturing Company, at Yoakum, Texas, and has thoroughly illustrated the fact that he is the" right man in the right place." He is a thorough Texan by birth and bringing up, his natal place and day being Lockhart, Caldwell County, September 15, 1862.His parents, John G. and Martha (Montgomery) Blanks were born in Kentucky and Missouri, respectively, but about 1857 the father located in the Lone Star State, and has since given the most of his time and attention to real estate and mercantile interests, proving himself an enterprising and progressive citizen. His father-in-law, John W. Montgomery, came from Pike County, Missouri, at an early day, and here followed the occupations of farming and stock-raising. James G. Blanks was educated in the Missouri State University, and began life for himself by becoming associated in business with his father at Lockhart, with whom he continued from June, 1882 to 1890. Since the last mentioned year he has been in business at Yoakum and assisted in completing the organization of the First National Bank, being soon promoted to the position of Cashier, which he filled two years. During this time he conceived the idea of starting a water-works, electric light company, and an ice factory, and in his usual energetic manner he put these enterprises on foot, in 1892, by organizing the Blanks Ice, Water & Power Company, and erecting the present but, which cost $42,000, the capital stock amounting to $50,000. Nothing but machinery of the most modern make is used, and the plant is a valuable one and a great boon to the citizens of the town. It was sold during the same year that it was organized to the Yoakum Improvement Company, consolidated under that name. Mr. Blanks first held the responsible position of President, and has so continued since it has been connected with the electric light plant, the entire cost of both amounting to $55,000. Mr. Blanks is also a director of the bank, and he is also connected with the oil mill, which will be put in operation during the fall of 1894. Mr. Blank has been at the head of nearly every enterprise that has been started in the place, in fact, has proven himself an ideal public citizen, progressive, public spirited, law abiding, and, since locating in Yoakum, has been of inestimable value to the place, a fact which the citizens are not slow to recognize and acknowledge. Mr. Blanks is the owner of considerable individual town property, and is one of the well-to-do men of the place. He has the satisfaction of knowing that his possessions have been acquired through his own efforts, and that he does not owe any man a dollar. He was first married in l883 to Miss Annie Hollingsworth, who died in 1884, and in 1886 he wedded Miss Mamie Jordan, of Lockhart, Texas, by whom he has one child - May. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and socially he is a member or the K. of P. and the I. O. O. F.