News of 1900 - 1901

THE NEWS OF 1900

Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - January 1, 1900 - Page: 5

Fire Record
Block at Wortham

Wortham, Tex., Dec. 31 - At 3:30 this evening fire broke out in Burleson's grocery store and burned T. Longbotham's hardware stock and building, Dr. T. W. Bounds drugstore, N. Prager's dry goods and the entire block of buildings.  The fire started among matchboxes suppose to have been set on fire by rats.  Loss $15,000, insurance $5,000.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - January 15, 1900 - Page: 7

Society
MEXIA

Miss Myrtle Martin of Wortham visited here the past week.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Jan. 28, 1900 – Page: 20

Band of Mercy

     YALE EDWARDS, Butler, Tex. – Mr. Big Hat and Cousins:  Here comes another 17-year-old Texas boy to join the White Rose Band.  Will you allow him a seat?  I have been looking long and earnestly at the Cozy Corner.  I think the cousins have undertaken a noble work in joining the Band of Mercy.   May it bring much good is my earnest wish.  This is a farming country, cotton being the chief staple, although corn is raised extensively for home consumption.  Cousins, did any of you ever see a mud spring?  I have.  There are several of them in this county.  They are called “sucks” here, on account of their tendency to wallow up anything that gets into them.  They are hardly large enough to take in a horse or cow, but I have no doubt that a good many hogs are lost every year in them.  The mud which comes out of them is of a black smutty color, about the consistency of thick molasses and tastes strongly of salt.  Indeed the old settlers use to make salt there during the war.  Geologists say there is plenty of salt there.  Cousins, I am a beekeeper now, having purchased some bees and some of the latest fixtures.  Some time I may tell you of my success, for of course, I will have no failure in mind.  Mr. Big Hat, is this letter addressed right?  If not, please give me the correct address.  Also to whom to send to get a badge?
     Address Mr. Big Hat, The News, either Galveston or Dallas.

[same issue – same page]
     LILA HENDERSON, Young, Tex. – Mr. Big Hat and Cousins:  I have been a reader of the Cozy Corner for a long time, but this is my first attempt  to write to the happy band.  I am an orphan girl and live in the country with my mama and brothers.  Miss Big Bonnet, please put my down on the bird-lover list.  I do love birds dearly, but I have no favorite.  I think it is so cruel to kill the little harmless things.  How many of the cousins love flowers?  I do;  I love to see them blooming in the yard.  I have a rosebush that has big pink roses on it.  I will quit before Peggy gets hungry.  I think she had enough to last her a while the last time I saw her.  My age is 14 years.  I solicit correspondence.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Feb. 5, 1900 – Page: 7

Society
CORSICANA

Mrs. J. B. Jones is in Wortham.
Mrs. B. B. Campbell has returned from Wortham.
Mrs. J. C. Dunnagen of Cade is a guest of Mrs. T. H. Hayes.
Mrs. Mollie Weove of Wortham.

MEXIA

Miss Mary Lillard has returned to Fairfield.
Mesdames S. P. Denning and N. R. Hooper are at home from Wortham.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Feb. 16, 1900 – Page: 3

Hymeneal

TATUM-FORTNER– Ennis, Tex., Feb. 14 – Mr. H. W. Tatum of Dew, Freestone County, and Miss Viola Fortner of this city were married at the home of the bride’s mother here this morning.  Rev. E. A. Smith officiating.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – March 18, 1900 – Page: 20

The Cozy Corner

YALE EDWARDS, Butler, Tex. – Mr. Big Hat:  I am just getting over light attack of the measles.  If it was not for having to stay in the house so long afterward, I would not mind having them again.  They are not half as bad as chills and fevers, commonly called malaria.  Mr. Big Hat, I think that the cousins should have a debating society and that you should offer a red and blue ribbon to the writers of the best and second best articles in each debate.  The cousins would all have something to write about then.  Do you not, all of you, cousins, think that it would be instructive as well as entertaining?  The prizes would stimulate enthusiasm and would therefore give better results.  It would be well to have two societies – one for the cousins under 12 years of age, and one for the older cousins.  Cousins, I think Mr. Big Hat is right about the selfish passenger.  I also think that the older cousins should lend a helping hand to the younger ones in every way they can; also give them all the space that they require.  Perhaps they cannot write as interestingly as the older ones, but they do the best they can.  Let the have the practice and “bimeby” they will do better.  In the course of eight or ten years, maybe not quite so long as that, they will hold the positions you now occupy.  But they will always admire those that helped them when they were little, and will always hold your names dear to their hearts.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – March 31, 1900 – Page: 7

BLACKSMITH – Wanted at once, good all-round blacksmith, especially horseshoer.  Wages or will give interest.  Write J. C. Anderson, Fairfield, Tex.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – April 23, 1900 – Page: 7

Society over the State
MEXIA

Mrs. W. E. Bonner is in Palestine.
Mrs. A. G. Kirven Sundayed in Wortham.
Mrs. O. C. Kirven has returned from Fairfield.
Mrs. A. N. Wingfield of Wortham, …, Miss Kate Quiby of Wortham, ..., Miss Mattie Lewis of Fairfield, and … were recent visitors here.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - Thursday, 3 May 1900

"Carter Sessions was in from Bonner today."
"Jim McAry was down from Wortham today."
"R. J. Bryant returned from Wortham last night."
"Rev. J. F. McKenzie returned from Wortham.
"Jim Wilder and Cliff Hackney were down from Wortham last night."
"Hon. John L. Wortham went up to Wortham this morning on business."
"Mrs. McElveen and daughter, Miss Callie and Miss Edna Evans were over from Fairfield today shopping."


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - May 8, 1900 – Page: 4

     Fairfield, Tex., May 7 – John H. Blackman [Blackmon], son of County Surveyor T. G. Blackman [Blackmon], was drowned in Holder’s Lake, about seven miles from Fairfield, this afternoon.  Some friends who went out at once have just returned to town and state that his body was recovered in fifteen feet of water.
     [John H. Blackmon is buried along with this father, T. G. at Fairfield Cemetery.]


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - May 23 & May 24, 1900 - Page: 7

FOR SALE - Four hundred 1 and 2-year-old steers and several good brood mares.
T. E. LONGBOTHAM, Wortham, Tex.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - Friday, May 25, 1900 - Front Page

PURELY PERSONAL

“Dr. Chumby, of Israel was in town today.”
“Carter Sessions, of Bonner, was among the visitors in the city today.”
“Misses Florence Williamson and Leona Byers came down from Wortham on the noon train.”


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – May 31, 1900 – Page: 14

[Mr. Big Hat column]
Signal from Mars

     MICHIA M. TALLEY, Fairfield, Tex. – Mr. Big Hat and cousins:  Here comes a little 10-year-old girl knocking at the door for admittance to the Cozy Corner.  My papa has been taking The News for several years, and when the paper comes I always read the cousins’ letters first.  School is out and I am so sorry, for I dearly love to go to school.  I live out in the country and help mamma raise chickens, guineas and turkeys.  We have a pretty yard.  The flowers are beginning to bloom.  I wish some of the cousins were hereto help me gather dewberries.  There are a great many here and I go berry hunting every day.  I will answer Annie E. Grimes' riddle:  It is moss.  I hope Peggy will not get this letter, as he had the pleasure of eating my other one, but I know now why my other was not printed.  I wrote on both sides of the paper.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - Monday, June 4, 1900 - Front Page

PURELY PERSONAL

D. Lesnthal went up to Wortham this morning on business.
Miss Selma Loman of Fairfield is in the city visiting the family of Geo. A. Bell.
I. H. Kamsler and Jim Kelly went to Wortham this morning on the bob tail.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - June 6, 1900

"Prof. L. A. Phiply was over from Fairfield today."
"J. A. Wright of Freestone County was in town today."
"Judge O. C. Kirvin returned this morning from Fairfield.
"Miss Annie Beall came down from Wortham on the noon train."
"J. J. Cullison of Fairfield left on the afternoon train for Corsicana.
"G. P. Oliver, of Freestone County, went down to Groesbeck on a business trip."
"A. M. Miller came down from Corsicana on the afternoon train enroute to his home in Fairfield."


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - June 29, 1900; Page 4

“Geo. Pyburne, of near Fairfield, was in town today.”
“Miss Mary Johnson returned from Wortham yesterday afternoon on the limited.”
“Ben Franklin went over to Fairfield this morning, where he will work in Talley's stable.”
“J. B. Watson, a prominent cattle dealer of Fairfield, was in the city today enroute to the western part of the state.”


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - June 30, 1900 - Page: 8

Texas Cattle at Chicago

Following are the sales of Texas Cattle in the Southern division at the Union Stockyards of Chicago during the first four days of the present week:
 ..
     J. J. Longbotham. Fort Worth, 720-pound fair grass steers at $4.10; 882-pound cows at $3.55, and 1,026-pound bulls at $3.40.
     T. E. Longbotham. 692-pound common grass steers at $3.80, and 760-pound fair cows at $3.40. from Fort Worth.
     Snapp of Wortham.  735-pound cows at $3.20.
     L. A. Barber, Wortham. 877-pound steers at $4.25; also 762-pound cows at $3.40.
     T. A. Bounds, Wortham. 760-pound cows at $3.05; 805-pound grass steers at $4.10, and 1,040-pound bulls at $3.35.
     A. W. Snapp, Wortham. 977-pound steers at $4.75, 737-pound cows at $3.70 and 687-pound cows at $3.65.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - June 30, 1900 edition:

"Constable Lamb, of Cotton Gin, was in town today."
"Conductor of the I. & G. N. Railroad returned this morning from Fairfield where he has been visiting his son."


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - Friday, July 6, 1900; Front Page

PURELY PERSONAL

“Miss Ida Robinson went up to Wortham this morning.”
“Postmaster T. J. Hall, of Fairfield, was in the city today on business.”
“Miss Sallie Adams went up to Wortham yesterday on the afternoon train.”
“W. R. Boyd and little daughter, Miss Mary, arrived on the noon train from Vernon enroute to their home in Fairfield.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - Friday, July 22, 1900; Page – 20

Little Men and Women

     LUCY MAY EVERETT, Bonner, Tex. – Dear Mr. Big Hat:  Will you admit another Texas girl?  My papa don’t take The News, but my cousin does, so I get to read it.  I enjoy reading the Cozy Corner ever so much.  I was born in Lumpkin, Ga.  We came to Texas about nineteen months ago.  Robert E. Lee, I think you are wrong.  The little folks have just as much right to write to the Cozy Corner as you have.  How many of the cousins like to read?  I do.  I have read lots of books this year, but “David Harum” is the best I have read.  This is my first letter.  I am going to write a story before long if this is published.  I am 12 years old.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - Friday, August 3, 1900; Front Page

PURELY PERSONAL

“Rufus Burleson, of Fairfield, left on the noon train for Thornton.”
“Carter Sessions, of Woodland, came down from Wortham last evening.”
“Miss Mattie Mosely came over from Fairfield this morning enroute to Thornton.”
“Miss Mattie Ward went out to Kirk this afternoon to spend a few days visiting friends.”
“Mrs. J. B. Carr and children, of Marlin, who have been visiting relatives near Cotton Gin left on the noon train for Bryan.”


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - Saturday, August 11, 1900; Front Page

PURELY PERSONAL

“John Riley, of Fairfield, was in town this morning.”
“W. H. Easterling had business at Wortham today.”
“Billie Kirven, of Fairfield, was in the city this morning.”
“Miss Lillian Bonner left on the noon train for Hempstead on a visit to friends.”
“Carter Kirven Jr. came down on the noon train enroute to his home in Fairfield.
“Miss Mattie Clyde Bonner and little sister, Louise returned on the early morning train from a visit to relatives in Palestine.”


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 11, 1900; Page: 7

WANTED – For cash, good stock farm, improved, not over $2500 in black land section.  R. F. HATTER, Fairfield, Tex.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - Saturday, August 18, 1900; Page 2

PURELY PERSONAL

Rev. J. F. McKenzie left on the afternoon train for Wortham where he will preach tomorrow.

Rev. G. P. Miller, editor of the Corsicana Truth, came down on the noon train enroute to Brewer where he will assist in a protracted meeting.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - August 23, 1900 edition:

"Jack Robinson went up to Wortham this evening."

"Carter Kirvin Jr. came down on the noon train from Corsicana enroute to his home in Fairfield."


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - Saturday, August 24, 1900; Page 3

ADDITIONAL PERSONALS

“M. H. Harris was in from Bonner today.”
“Thomas Longbotham was down from Wortham today on business.”
“Rev. C. D. Daniels, who has been over at Fairfield conducting a revival meeting, left at noon for Navasota.”


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - Thursday, August 30, 1900; Front Page

PURELY PERSONAL

S. E. Colgin had business at Wortham this morning.
Clay Colgin went up to Wortham this morning on the limited.
Miss Lillian Bonner has returned from a visit to friends in Hempstead.
Mrs. N. E. Hooper went up to Wortham this morning on a visit to relatives.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - Friday, August 31, 1900; Page: 3

ADDITIONAL PERSONALS

Mrs. J. W. Cameron and daughter, Mrs. Vera were down from Wortham today visiting H. G. Taylor's family.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - Sept. 16, 1900 - Page 20

Little Men and Women

     CORA A. McCARTHY, Trinity, Tex. -- Dear Mr. Big Hat:  Will you allow me to come in a few moments?  I know it has not been long since I wrote.  This time I'll send you "that better picture" that I promised last winter.  I'm sure that it will give Peggy and Piggy such a fright they'll never stop running, but don't think that anything would frighten Billy.  There is not much to say about myself; sufficient to say, I am the eldest daughter of Jerry M. and Cora E. McCarthy, nee Harrington.  I was born at Keechi, Leon County, Texas, Feb. 18, 1880.  Lived in Limestone and Freestone and also Navarro Counties till I was 8 years old.  I've lived all over Texas but never was outside of the Lone Star State.  I wish to make a short statement through the Cozy Corner for the benefit of a number of the cousins.  It appears that they've got my name mixed up with the name of another person by the same name. That is, they have mistook the other person for me and vice versa.  The amusing part of it is that we are both the same person.  It came about this way, when I first wrote to the Cozy Corner I wrote under my full name, and second time I just used a part of my name, "Abbie," the last time I wrote my name as I've written it this time.  I wish to say that C. Abbie and Cora A. McCarthy are one and the same person, and there is no other Miss McCarthy at Trinity.  In fact, I'm the only cousin writing from Trinity County.  All of you come again, especially Abbie Thomas and Abbie Bingham.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - September 17, 1900

[This is in reference to the hurricane that wiped out Galveston.]

Over $115 Sent from Wortham

     Wortham, Tex., Sept. 16 - M. M. Smith, pastor of the M. E. Church, started a subscription list for storm sufferers.  In a few minutes he had $12.75.  The Knights of Pythias sent $22 to the Pythians in distress and the Masons sent $80, making a total of $113.75.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - September 18, 1900 – Page: 3

[This is in reference to the hurricane that wiped out Galveston.]

Contributions at Fairfield

Fairfield, Tex., Sept. 14 – Fairfield Masons sent $33.50 and citizens of Fairfield also sent $33.50 to help relieve the destitute of Galveston.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - October 29, 1900

White Man Dead; Negro in Jail

Wortham, Tex., Oct. 28 - John Burleson, a white man, was shot and killed last night at Israel.  Josh Coleman, a negro is in jail charged with the crime.  So far as known the men had no quarrel.


Daily Express  - October 29, 1900

Killing near Wortham

     Wortham, Tex., Oct. 28 - (Special) - John D. Burleson Jr. aged 18 living 3? miles east was shot and killed this morning.  Officers and a large posse are close to ????? party.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - November 9, 1900

County Elections
Freestone County
Special to the News

Wortham, Tex., Nov. 8 - The election in Freestone County was very quiet.  It is now certain that Hon. Lee Satterwhite,  Democratic nominee for the Legislature has been elected by a majority of 400.  This was the only opposition to the Democratic ticket in the county.  Congressman Ball's majority  in the county is about 500.  The following elected to the county offices without opposition:  H. B. Davis, County Judge; R. L. Williford, County Attorney; W. L. Glazener, County Clerk; Sampson McCown, District Clerk; J. F. Roper, Sheriff; A. P. Carter, Tax Assessor; W. R. T. Drumwright, Tax Collector; T. J. Sims, Treasurer; and T. G. Blackmore, Surveyor; A. S. Johnson, Superintendent Public Instruction.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - November 22, 1900 – Page: 2

Hymeneal

BLAKENSHIP-DAVIDSON – Corsicana, Tex., Nov. 21 – At the residence of Mr. C. N. Benton in this city this morning Mr. H. N. Blankenship of Cade and Miss Maggie Davidson of this city were united in marriage.


Dallas Morning News - Dec. 20, 1900 - Page 20

Little Men and Women

NELLIE HOWELL (age 12 years), Donie, Freestone Co., Tex. -- Mr. Big Hat and Cousins, I would like to join the Cozy Corner.  I am very glad the cousins are helping the Galveston orphans.  Cousins, do any of you live close to any place of historical importance?  I live close to the place where Cynthia Ann Parker was captured.  I have read the Pilgrim's Progress, Guests of the Heart, Titus, A Child's History of England and the History the Nineteenth Century.  I will try to describe a bug which lives here.  They are black and white-striped.  Their head and legs are yellow and they eat the tender leaves of the Irish potato plant.  Their eggs are yellow and deposited upon the leaves of the plant.  They stay here only while the Irish potato grows.  Can some one tell me where they stay the rest of the year?  I will ask some question:  What is the difference between a fractional unit and a unit of a fraction?  By whom and from where was the Irish potato introduced into Great Britain?  Who was the Black Prince and why was he so called?

NEWS OF 1901

The Daily Express (of San Antonio, Texas) - Jan. 12, 1901

Post offices established: … Young, Freestone county, John J. Hale, postmaster.  [Young had a post office prior to this.  This is actually the changing of the postmaster.]


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - Jan. 20, 1901 - Page 20

Little Men and Women

PINKIE RANSOM, Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex. -- Dear Mr. Big Hat: I have been a reader of the Cozy Corner for about four years.  Papa takes The News, and I enjoy reading the cousins' letters very much.  I live in the country about five miles from town. Mr. Big Hat and cousins, will you all please give me a letter party?  My birthday will come the 13th of March, and I will leave it to the cousins how old will I be?


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - February 5, 1901

Found Lignite, but No Oil

Vein Twenty-Four Feet Thick, Discovered 60 Feet Beneath the Surface in
Freestone County

Special to the News

Corsicana, Tex., Feb. 4 - T. E. Mower, who has been drilling for oil near Stewart's mill, in Freestone County, about twenty miles from Corsicana, arrived in this city today and reports having drilled through a vein of lignite twenty-four feet in thickness.  The vein was struck sixty feet from the surface.  Mr. Mower has a contract to sink eleven oil prospect holes for George Bradley.

[same issue]
Making Few Laws

...
     Mr. Satterwhite of Freestone offered the following substitute:
     Whereas, ex-Gov. Hogg has been invited to address the joint Committee on Constitutional amendments Tuesday evening; ...

[same issue]

Will Hear Hogg

Mr. Satterwhite offered a substitute providing that whereas, the committee had invited the ex-Governor to address it on Tuesday afternoon that the House should ...


Fort Worth Morning Register (of Fort Worth, Texas) - February 7, 1901

Discharges in Bankruptcy

... William A. Shockley, Fairfield, Freestone county; ...


Fort Worth Morning Register (of Fort Worth, Texas) - February 24, 1901 – Page: 7
[Also Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Feb. 26, 1901 – Page: 8]

Livestock News And Notes
Texas Sales at St. Louis

     Sales of Texas and Indian Territory cattle at St. Louis National stockyards, during the week of February 17:
     George May, Wortham, Tex., 21 steers, average 1162 at $4.15.
     May & Dunagan, Wortham, Tex., 11 cows, average 897 at $2.85, 37 steers, average 884 at $3.70.
     Hiram Stubbs, Wortham, Tex., 15 cows, average 902 at $3.15, 6 cows, average 846 at $3.90.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 1, 1901

Sheriffs' Department
Freestone County

Groesbeck, Tex., Feb. 27 - All officers look out for one bay horse, 14 1/2 or 15 hands, …


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 19, 1901 – Page: 8

Trading in Cattle

Among the sales of Southern cattle at Kansas City last week were:
     T. A. Bounds, Wortham, Tex., 26 steers, 895 pounds, $3.90; 71 steers, 987 pounds, $4.05.
     T. E. Longbotham, Wortham, Tex., 25 steers, 933 pounds, $4.00.
     F. D. Wright, Wortham, Tex., 47 steers, 1,009 pounds, $4.13.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 26, 1901 – Page: 3

Weather and Crops

     Wortham, Tex, March 25 – A great many farmers are now planting corn on land prepared for cotton.  The decline of the last month has caused them to look more to grain than cotton.  This will decrease the intended cotton acreage 10 or 15 per cent.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - April 5, 1901

Court of Criminal Appeals

Austin, Tex., April 3 - No decisions were rendered by the court today.
 ...
On briefs for State- Josh Coleman, from Freestone, ...

Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - April 12, 1901

Courted by Mail

Bridegroom is Blind and the Bride
Has Only One Eye

Special to the News

     Corsicana, Tex., April 11 - W. R. Lamb of Freestone County and Mrs. Jennie Sapp of Elsbury, Mo., were married at the courthouse in this city yesterday.  The contracting partners had never met before, the marriage being the result of a courtship conducted by mail.  The groom is totally blind and the bride is the possessor of only one eye.  The happy couple left for their future home in Freestone County last night.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - June 3, 1901 - Page 8

Little Men and Women

     CLARA KLEINSCHMIDT, Wortham, Freestone Co., Tex. -- Dear Mr. Big Hat: I have read a few novels and I am not at all ashamed of it, for I have never read one that did not teach a moral; in all of them the good characters are invariably successful, while the bad characters, come to grief.  Does not that teach a moral, and does it not show that you should always be honest and upright? Well, as time is short and room is scarce, I will close.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - June 17, 1901 - Page 8

Little Men and Women

     I have received a letter dated at Israel, Freestone County, containing a stamp for mine and Big Bonnet's pictures, but there was no name signed to the letter, and, of course, the pictures could not be sent.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - June 21, 1901 - Page 7

Negro Mortally Wounded

Wortham, Tex., June 20 – In a difficulty on Thos. Longbotham's farm, just west of town last night, Mack Taylor was shot in the neck and he will die.  Both parties are negroes.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - July 2, 1901

Colored Teachers' Normal

Thirty-Two Were Enrolled, Representing Eight Counties - Entertainment Last Night

     The Dallas State summer normal for colored teachers opened yesterday at the colored high school. Thirty-two teachers were enrolled, representing the following counties: Tarrant, Fannin, Rusk, Wise, Freestone, Denton, Cooke and Dallas.
     Speeches were made by Rev. J. E. Holmes, Rev. J. A. Johnson, Prof. A. L. Bunyan, Prof. J. P. Starks, Prof. Charles Rice, Prof. Wm. Coleman, Mrs. Cooper of Missouri, T. B. Harris of Belton, A. M. Glenn of Mexia and Conductor N. W. Harllee.  Rev. Tolbert lead in prayer.
     After paying the tuition, the enrollment of teachers and the assignment of studies for today, the normal adjourned till last night, to meet at the evening chapel, where the following program was rendered:
     Opening chorus Evening Chapel choir; prayer, Dr. West; vocal duet, Miss Butcher, Miss Clayton; welcome address in behalf of the teaching profession, Principal C. Rice; instrumental solo, Miss Nonnie Vaultz; response to welcome address, Wm. Coleman, Fort Worth, A. M. Glen, Mexia; trio, Mrs. McMillon, Miss H. Hamilton, Prof. A.B. Stokes; welcome address to visiting teachers, Principal H. S. Thompson, Dallas; solo, Miss W. O. Lewis, Dallas; response to welcome address by visiting teachers; instrumental solo, Miss M. McIntyre; welcome address in behalf of the citizens, D. Rowen; response, Mrs. Hyne, Waco; solo, Mrs. T. R. Hooper; five-minute talks, Editors W. E. King, McDonald, Tolen; trio Misses F. T. Pitman, P. Tyler, R. M. Pitman.
     The following assignment of subjects, with outlines are for today:
     Primary methods must be based upon the psychology of the child; condition of child upon entering school; physical and bodily growth; mental powers that are most active, Conductor N. W. Harllee.
     Physics - Matter, general and specific properties; atomic theory.  Prof. W. Coleman.
     Arithmetic - Object in teaching arithmetic; Roman notation, Arabic notation, special attention to the cipher; addition, subtraction, multiplication, definitions and explanations, Prof. J.P. Starks.
     Physical Geography - The earth as a planet; the solar system; nebular theory, Prof. A. L. Yunyan
     Physiology - Bones, composition, structure: the skeleton, head, trunk and limbs; the care of the bones, diseases, Prof. W. Coleman.
     United States History - Pre-Columbian explorers and travelers; Columbus, his early life and character, Prof. A. L. Runyan.
     Geometry - Definitions and illustrations; solids, surface, lines, points, angles, special attention to angles, Prof. J. P. Starks.
     Reading - Purpose of reading advanced to gain thought; primary, to gain the thought of this lesson and to acquire power to grasp the thought in the other leslens [lessons]; habit of interpreting what is said and what is implied, Conductor N. W. Harllee.
     Grammar - Relations of language lessons to grammar; the sentence, kinds; principal parts of the sentence, subject and predicate; the parts of speech, Prof. J. P. Starks.
     Algebra - Algebraic notation, addition and subtraction; special attention to principles.  Prof. W. Coleman.
     Civil Government - In the family, in the schoolroom, on the play ground, in the club or society, Conductor N. W. Harllee.
     Physical Education - Hygiene as a means, (1) food, (2) clothing, (3) cleanliness, (4) temperance, (5) jaws of life and health. Conductor N. W. Harllee.
     Trigonometry - Trigonometric functions of acute angles, definitions; the six different ratios; special drill, Prof. J. P. Starks.
     General History - Ancient people; earliest civilization; the three divisions of history, Conductor N. W. Harllee.
     Bookkeeping - The first essentials, Prof. W. Coleman.
     Psychology - Nature of the study; methods of study, N. W. Harllee.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - July 5, 1901

Hon. L. D. Lillard Dead
Stricken by Paralysis

Special to The News

Fairfield, Tex., July 4 - Hon. L. D. Lillard, ex-Representative of Freestone County and editor of the Fairfield Recorder, died at his home at 5:30 this evening of paralysis.  He was on the street Monday morning attending to business and looking well.  He was stricken, Monday, at noon.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – July 28, 1901 – Page: 25

FOR SALE – Red cedar telephone poles, 16 to 35 feet, 4 to 6 inch for house block piling.  CARTER SESSIONS, Wortham, Tex.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 4, 1901

Notorious Negro Escaped

Special to the News

Weston, Tex., Aug. 3 - A notorious negro, wanted in Freestone County for forgery, and here for bigamy, eluded arrest here this morning by escaping through a corn-field into East Fork bottom.  Several ineffectual shots were fired at him.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 12, 1901 - Page: 7

Society

CORSICANA
   Mrs. A. M. Milligan is in Richland.
   Mrs. W. H. Easterling of Wortham visited her daughter, Mrs. J. B. Clark.

MEXIA
Miss Hattye Wood is in Wortham.
Miss Marguerite Hudnall has gone to Wortham.
Miss Ella Perry and Ella Swaim visited in Wortham the past week.
…Miss Ova Ransom of Wortham … were recent visitors.


Fort Worth Morning Register (of Fort Worth) - August 31, 1901

     A petition from Freestone county asking for a separate representative was also introduced.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - September 5, 1901

Killed by the Explosion
Special to The News

     Mexia, Tex., Sept. 4 - Yesterday afternoon about 5 o'clock the gin of Savage & Williams, about four miles east of Personville, in Freestone County, was completely wrecked by the boiler exploding.  J. M. Williams, one of the owners, was instantly killed, and Mr. John Beasley, the fireman, was so badly scalded and bruised that he is not expected to live.
     The accident occurred while the gin was running.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - September 11, 1901 - Page: 9

Sheriffs' Department
Freestone County

     Fairfield, Tex., Sept. 10 -- Look out for John Willard, who left his father, W. C. Willard, on the 30th of August, a white boy, 15 years old, dark eyes and sandy hair, 5 feet 4 inches high, slender built.  His father will pay $10 reward for his son.  J. F. Roper, Sheriff, Freestone County.


Fort Worth Morning Register (of Fort Worth, Texas) - September 26, 1901

More Tax Rolls

...
Counties        1901             1900
Guadalupe     $5,951,463     $4,698,637
Wise                6,379,604      6,301,603
Freestone
     3,417,765      3,050,470


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - October 11, 1901 – Page: 5

Held without Bail
One of the Trainmen Arrested at Corsicana Still in Jail

     Wortham, Tex., Oct. 9 – John Galloway, charged with murdering an unknown man on a freight train two miles north of Wortham Monday evening, was given an examining trial here this evening and Justice Wilson ordered the defendant remanded to jail without bail.  Al Vicory and N. F. Dixon, charged being accessories to the crime, were allowed to bail in the sum of $1,500 each.  The court’s decision was rendered at 10:30 tonight and immediately citizens of Wortham made bond for the two last named.
     Corsicana, Tex., Oct. 9 – It is learned here tonight that the man whose dead body was found near Mexia was Thomas Bowen of this city.  The description of him given in The News aroused the suspicions of his friends in this city, as it was a perfect one of him.  Last Monday morning he stated to George F. Leonard that he was going to Houston that afternoon.  For several months Bowen had been employed at the dairy of I. J. Sherrer, but gave up his position last Saturday.  Mr. Sherrer went to Wortham this morning and identified the body as that of his former employee.  Bowen has a brother in the employ of Mistrot Bros. in Waco, and a wealthy uncle named Gray, who lives in Terrell.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - November 7, 1901

The Higher Courts

Tyler, Tex., Nov. 6 - Proceedings in the Court of Criminal Appeals today:
Affirmed - ... Josh Coleman, from Freestone; ...


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - November 19, 1901 – Page: 5

Get New Charges
Appointments for the Year Announced
at the Methodist Conference at Corsicana

     Corsicana district - … Wortham, R. H. Hulzer; Mexia, W. B. Andrews; Cotton Gin, I. T. Harris; …


Fort Worth Morning Register (of Fort Worth, Texas) - November 15, 1901 – Page: 3

Town of Wortham Suffers by Fire.
The County Seat of Freestone Was Badly Scorched at an Early Hour This Morning

     A telephone message from Corsicana at 2 o’clock this morning said that a bad fire was on at Wortham, a small town about twenty miles south of that place, and the capital of Freestone county.
     The telegraph and telephone offices were destroyed early in the progress of the fire but the last news received told that eight stores had been burned and that there was a call for help to outside towns.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - Nov. 25, 1901 - Page 8

Little Men and Women

     LULA BELLE DAY, Kirk, Tex. - Mr. Big Hat: it has been over a year since I wrote.  Oh, how much the Corner has improved since then and the old-timers' letters were nice.  I certainly did enjoy reading them. I have returned home from Freestone County.  I went to see my relatives.  I used to live in that county, but I moved to Limestone County five years ago and like it better than Freestone.
     LILIAN MANNING, Cotton Gin, Tex. -- Mr. Big Hat: Think some of the cousins write such nice letters on different subjects.  Cousin Mary Cole's letter on "childhood" was "all right", wasn't it, cousins?  I'll take "Selfishness" for my subject.  We should try to avoid being selfish, by all means.  A selfish person has but very few friends, for they will not deny themselves of anything for any one, but they can ask more of you than any on else, and if you don't grant them the favor, they are sure to become offended with you, buy when we meet a "selfish" person, we should try to show them how wrong it is to be so selfish and we should grant them their favor if it is not a too unreasonable one.  Do not expect them to return your favor, give freely if you expect to gain any pleasure in your contribution.  Please, every one of you, give me a letter party Dec. 16.  My age is between 15 and 18 years.


Dallas Morning News  (of Dallas, Texas) - December 5, 1901 - Page 4

WANTED – Some good line men to act as Dist. Depts: for the “American Guild”, reliable fraternal insurance association of Richmond, Va.  Apply to LESTER & PAGE, State Depts. for Texas, Wortham, Tex.


Dallas Morning News  (of Dallas, Texas) - December 11, 1901 - Page 10

Visit of Red Men Officers
Schools of Instruction to Be Held at Various Points in the State

     Denison, Tex., Dec. 10 – The Red Men, Choctaw Tribe No. 18, will entertain distinguished officers at their wigwam, Woodmen Hall, Friday evening, Dec. 13.  Among the guests of the local council will be Edwin D. Wiley of Des Moines, Iowa, supreme officer of the order of Red Men of the United States; Wilson Brooks of Chicago, great chief of records supreme council of the United States; G. B. Griggs of Houston, great sachem of the reservation of Texas;  W. C. Henderson of Bremond, Tex., great senior sagamore of Texas, and J. D. Slawson of Butler, Tex., great chief of records of the reservation of Texas.
     These gentlemen will, on entering Texas, visit the reservations of the State or the purpose of holding schools of instruction at a number of points convenient to a number of tribes each.  Choctaw Tribe has been selected as the place in which to hold the district school for North Texas.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - December 12, 1901 - Page 8

Little Men and Women

ANNIE AND LAURA DUNN, Noodle, Jones Co., Tex. -- Dear Mr. Big Hat: Will you be so kind as to let two more little girls join?  We live in the country.  We life to go to school.  Our papa is dead.  He died Nov. 3, 1896.  We have a stepfather, and he takes The News.  We enjoy reading the cousin's letters.  We have two married sisters, one lives at Center Grove, Ala., and one in Freestone County, Texas.  Ages 11 and 12.