Wyatt Edward (Ed) Baxter Family - Family Histories

     Wyatt Edward Baxter, born in Coleman County, June 11, 1884, son of William Sanders and Nancy Catherine Baxter (see William Sanders Baxter). Lucile Lee Vollintine, born January 9, 1885, in Coleman County, daughter of Henry and Sarah Frances Vollintine (see Henry Vollintine). In my parents' day it was popular for courting couples to dress in their best on Sunday afternoon and meet their friends on the Santa Anna Mountain. I don't know how the girls climbed the mountain wearing long skirts and high heel shoes. Ed and Lucile married in Santa Anna, January 14, 1909, and lived in Santa Anna. They lived near the J. D. Simpson family. On a very cold day, January 20, 1912, I, Dorothy Maurine, was born (see H. B. Thompson). When I was young I was very sick and my father's brother-in-law, Dr. Jason Tyson, was my doctor. I have him a special name - "Uncle Doctor.

     My dad worked for his brother, Stafford, at Polk and Baxter Store when he first married. Then he decided to run for County Clerk. Since he was not well known over the county, he planned to travel to meet people. I became ill, so he was not able to leave me much. Toward the end of his campaign, I was better. Mother always cautioned me not to run, which made me think running was bad. So, one day when a man asked me how my dad was running (meaning for the race for County Clerk) I indignantly answered him, "He isn't running, he's walking!" Mother said that it was also true of the campaign. My dad was Sunday School Superintendent and led the song service at the First Christian Church for as long as I can remember. My mother sang in the choir every Sunday. She also directed the children's programs for Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, etc.

     About 1920, Aunt Jess (Mrs. A. R. Brown), and my father formed a partnership to open Baxter's Variety Store. While the store was closed on Thanksgiving Day, we would work all day putting Christmas goods on display. Mother would bring food, so we ate Thanksgiving dinner at the store. Then we would keep the store open late until Christmas. We would always hope for pretty weather, because people would buy more. One of the highlights during the Christmas season was going to Donham, Merritt Service Cafe, for oysters.

     It is hard to believe now, when my dad had the store, sacks were not used. He had a large roll of white paper from which he tore the appropriate size for wrapping the package. He used a large cone of twine to tie them up. He also used a strip of wrapping paper to dip in a bucket of syrup so he could taste it.

     Dad served as Mayor of Santa Anna for 15 years. During his tenure as mayor the street was paved, a city hall built, and a city filtration plant completed. He gave much of his time helping Santa Anna, and he enjoyed it. Dad was also active in the Lion's Club.

     During the Depression years, Aunt Jess and Dad closed the store - just sold out everything because there was no one who had money to buy the whole store. This was a sad time for everyone. Dad worked for several years as Assistant County Agent in Brownwood, then was transferred in the same position to Albany. Mother and Dad had saved for a long time for their house, which they had built about 1925. So, they kept the house when they moved to Albany. It was good, too, because they had it when my dad became ill. He died May 6, 1940.

     During the World War II years, Mother rented part of her house to young people stationed in the army at Brownwood. She enjoyed them very much and made many friends. They kept her from being so lonely. Mother died July 25, 1950.

pictures to be added

Lucille Vollintine shortly before marriage

Ed Baxter in his Variety Store, about 1920