News of 1902 - 1905

 

NEWS OF 1902

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.  …

NEWS OF 1903

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;

 NEWS OF 1904

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.

 NEWS OF 1905

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.