News of 1898 - 1899

 

NEWS OF 1898

The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - January 3, 1898 – Page: 2

Society
HUBBARD CITY

Mrs. R. E. Tyler has returned from Wortham.

MEXIA

Miss Katie May Harris of Bonner visited in Mexia last week.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - January 10, 1898 – Page: 2

Society
HUBBARD CITY

Mrs. Emma Mayo has returned to Fairfield.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - January 16, 1898

Attacked by a Lunatic

     Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., Jan. 14 - Constable Wat Walker was attacked here by a lunatic this morning and very seriously wounded.  He was stabbed several times in the head with a fork and all of the prongs broken.  Two of them were taken out of his head, but the doctors, so far, has been unable to find the third.  The lunatic had just been adjudged insane yesterday.  Sheriff Powell left with him to-day for the asylum.

[same issue – Page: 23]

Telephone Connections

     Fairfield, Tex., Jan. 15 - A telephone line will be completed next week from Buffalo here connecting with the lines from here to Corsicana and Mexia and the Southwestern at those points.  There are already lines from Buffalo to Centerville, Madisonville and Huntsville, so it will give those places connection with the Southwestern system.  Some twenty or more smaller towns are on these private lines.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - January 17, 1898 – Page: 2

Society over the State

Miss Annie Gilbert of Cade is visiting Mrs. Alfred Milligen.

[Same Issue, Page: 7]

Up a Tree

Wortham News
     John H. Reagan has withdrawn from then senatorial race.  Wonder if the “circle” has whipped him into line?  It looks that way to a man up a tree.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Feb. 18, 1898 – Page: 5

WANTED - $500 Freestone county scrip at 90 cents on the $1.  W. M. PECK, Corsicana, Tex.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - January 19, 1898

Personal

Hon. W. M. White, county judge of Freestone county, and W. B. Moses of Fairfield called on The News yesterday and took a look at the machinery of the plant.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - February 23 & 26, 1898 

[Ads]

WANTED - Information of Louis Birdwell, who left Fairfield, Tex., about Jan. 1, 1898, for Montague county; 16 years old, slender, dark hair and eyes.  W. L. BIRDWELL, Metropolis City, Ill.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - February 26 & 28, 1898 – Page: 2

Society
HILLSBORO

Mrs. Ransom of Wortham is the guest of her brother, J. W. Cantalou.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 5, 1898 – Page: 4

State Political News
Populist Paper

Mexia, Tex., March 3 – The Weekly News, a populist paper, with N. P. Houx as editor, appeared to-day.  This makes four papers for Mexia.  [N. P. Houx was the editor of Wortham newspapers.]


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 6, 1898

Postmasters Commissioned

... Wm. F. Powers, Yerby, Freestone county; ...


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 24, 1898

Brigade Divisions

1. The counties composing this subdivision are hereby divided into brigades as follows:  First brigade, the counties of Galveston, McLennan, Falls, Limestone, Freestone, Leon, Madison, Robertson, Brazos, Walker, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Fort Bend and Grimes will compose the first brigade.  ...


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 24, 1898

Mr. Browning's Platform

Adopted the Liberal Test

     Fairfield, Tex., March 22 - The Freestone county democratic executive committee met March 22 and set the county primary election for Friday, June 3 and the county ...


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - April 10, 1898 – Page: 14

To Correspondents

OLLIE MAE ROGERS, Israel, Tex. – Dear cousins:  Weeks, yes months, have flown since I last visited you.  I have been off looking for Herbert Taylor, but could not find him or get any clue whatever.  I have been trying to see how I like teaching and I must say I like it very well.  My school is out now, and I surely get lonesome.  We had such a jolly old time at school.  I wonder if Ludie Sanders is married?  We sure miss her bright face among our number.  She may be busy plowing.  You all must sympathize with me, for my sister is lately married, and I am chief cook and bottle washer.  You may guess mamma and I have to fly around, as we have two mean boys to look after . Thaddeus B. Sherrill, it seems as if I ought to know you, as I live a very short distance from Mexia.  I very often go to Mexia.  Jim Whatley, I am well acquainted with you, as I have gone to school with you.  But as old Tom says, I fear you stretched the blanket when you spoke of your squirrels.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - April 14, 1898 – Page: 5

Court of Criminal Appeals

Austin, Tex., April 13 - Court of criminal appeals proceedings to-day were as follows:
Submitted on brief for the state:  Leo Bluitt, from Freestone; George Richmond, from Freestone; Joe Philips, from Robertson; ...


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - April 27, 1898 – Page: 6

Texas Enlistment Items

The Wortham, Freestone county, cornet band has volunteered.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - May 31, 1898 - Page: 4

State Political News
Col. Wynne's Movements

     Fort Worth, Tex., May 20 - The friends of Col. Wynne will wage a hot fight, especially for Ellis and Freestone counties, this week. Hon. J. W. Swayne, Hon. William Capps and others will go to Freestone to-morrow in the interest of the...


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - June 3, 1898

Col. Wynne to Col. Sayers
Campaign in Freestone

     Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., June 2 - Judge D. H. Hardy of Waco, representing Hon. Joseph D. Sayers, and Hon. J. W. Swayne of Fort Worth, representing Col. R. M. Wynne, had a joint discussion at the courthouse here Tuesday night.  The courthouse was filled with voters and gave careful attention and frequent applause to each speaker.  They also spoke at Dew and Cotton Gin, in this county.
     Judge E. J. Simkins and Hon. Jink Evans of Corsicana for Mayor Sayers, and Judge Capps of Fort Worth for Col. Wynne spoke here last night to a large and attentive audience.
     Primaries will be held to-morrow.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - June 6, 1898

Snap Shots

     The dispatches say Col. Wynne carried Fairfield.  The colonel has said all along that he desired "a fair field and an open fight."


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas)  - June 16, 1898

Kirven for District Attorney

     Corsicana, Tex., June 5 - The democratic convention for the thirteenth judicial district, composed of the counties of Navarro, Limestone and Freestone, was held in this city to-day for the purpose of nominating a candidate for district attorney.  There was only one candidate before the convention.  Hon. O. C. Kirven, present incumbent, of Freestone county, and he was nominated by acclamation.  Resolutions complimentary to the nominee were adopted after which the convention adjourned.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - June 22, 1898 – Page: 9

Central Texas
FREESTONE COUNTY

     Fairfield - The acreage of cotton in the county is at least 20 per cent less last year because of the greatly increased acreage of corn, sorghum, etc.  The cotton is in good shape, clean, and thrifty.  Corn is fine and the recent good rains are almost enough to insure a good crop.  All crop prospects were never brighter.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - July 10, 1898

Arrested for Assault

Corsicana, Tex., July 9 - To-day a young man named Robinson, son of a respectable farmer in this county, was arrested and taken to Freestone county to answer a charge of criminal assault committed there several days ago.  The assault is alleged to have been committed on his cousin, a girl 13 years old. The complaint was made by the girl's father, and a warrant was issued.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - July 18, 1898 – Page: 7

Society News over the State
CLARKSVILLE

Miss Beulah Fleming has returned to Woodland.

ENNIS

Mrs. G. M. Barnes is at Wortham.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 7, 1898

Democratic Nominees

...democratic nominees for representative in the Twenty-sixth legislature, as far as I have been able to learn:
   Hon. L. D. Lillard, Freestone county.
   Prof. D. F. Sutherland, Rains county.
...


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 18, 1898 – Page: 3

Mortuary

YOUNG – Hillsboro, Hill Co., Tex., Aug. 16 – Word was received here to-day of the death of Rev. B. Young at 5 o’clock last evening at Nuz, in Freestone county.  He was 84 years old.  He formerly lived here and was widely known in central and east Texas.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 21, 1898 – Page: 14

Little Mr. Big Hat

     OLLIE MAE ROGERS – Israel, Tex. – Good afternoon, cousins:  I was at an all-day’s singing not long since, and who did I see walking up but Jim Whatley and Thaddeus Sherrill.  You know I was glad to see them.  We talked some about you all.  Florence Giddens, I have your picture; you seem to fascinate me.  I think, as far as looks go, all the cousins’ pictures that I have seen look well enough.  It not only takes looks to carry any one through with most people, but the beauty of spirit far surpasses the beauty of the face.  We sure have a large band - 1400.  What a large army striving for higher things.  With such a large force we will surely win the fight.  Mabel Wiley, how do you like school-teaching?  I like it fine: It is as easy work as I have ever done.  I was speaking to a friend not long since, and he said he thought our department was a grand thing, and we thank you, Mr. Big Hat, lots for the time you devote in our behalf.  I can write to many of my friends and relatives through The News who otherwise would not hear from me, and we also learn much from it, because we read and write more.  John W. Criddle, we were glad to hear your side of your proposed resolution.  Lesile Warner, your last letter seemed kind o’ sad; guess because you were leaving the broad and beautiful land of Texas.  Ernnie Summers, you had quite an adventure with Mr. Terrapin.  You were as bad as I was once.  One of my schoolmates gave me a little bantam rooster, and I had to keep him in my desk.  He did all right until about dinner time, when he stretched up his old neck and crowed.  It scared the teacher so that he turned his desk over, and the children fell off their seats as if they were struck.  Mabel Wiley, your poem was real good.  Jessie Q. Locke’s dish-rag poem was all right, and I guess we all want our dishrags to belong to class No. 1, don’t we?


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 24, 1898

Bought the Fairfield Recorder

Mexia, Tex., Aug. 23 - W. O. Perry of the Herald-Echo of this city has brought the Fairfield Recorder and will continue the publication of both papers.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 27, 1898 – Page: 6

Carlisle to Lecture

     Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., Aug.25 – State Superintendent Carlisle will deliver a lecture to the teachers’ institute here tomorrow, and quite a large attendance of teachers and school trustees is expected.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 28, 1898

Thaddeus B. Sherrill

     Thaddeus B. Sherrill, the popular "Thaddeus of Warsaw" of Cozy Corner fame, is the eldest son of B. F. and M. E. Sherrill (nee Magness).
     He was born Dec. 14, 1878, on the celebrated  "Pisgah Ridge," in Navarro county, Texas.  Navarro county was his home until he was 15 years old of age, when he moved to Limestone county and afterward to Freestone county.  His postoffice is Mexia.  Of his educational advantages Thaddeus says: "Like Edmund Taylor, my services have been needed in the farm work ever since I was a small boy.  But I have grabbed at every chance and have learned

[drawing]

a great deal by studying at home."
     The improvement one can make at home is manifested in Thaddeus' connection with the Cozy Corner.  It may be more gradual than that attained at school, but it is just as sure when perseverance and love of learning are brought to bear on the tasks.  Mr. Big Hat has never failed to mark the advance in penmanship, grammatical and rhetorical construction that the letters of Thaddeus and other home students have shown, and which has made for them an honorable place among the best writers in the Cozy Corner.  They have equally taken rank with those of excellent school opportunities and leisurely life.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - September 5 & 6, 1898

[Ads]

200 GOOD cows and 200 good steer calves for sale.  Can deliver at once.  WATSON
BROS., Fairfield, Tex.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - September 14, 1898

Democrats Are Coming

...
     Secretary McNealus produced letter from the following chairmen: E. G. Gillett of Karnes, J. S. Cook of Lamar, R. L. Williford, of Freestone, S. W. Blount of Nacogdoches, ...


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - September 18, 1898 – Page: 14

Little Men and Women

     JAMES WHATLEY, Cotton Gin, Tex. – Mr, Big Hat – It would seem that reading was all the rage with the cousins.  I have been reading some myself during the last century.  I have just finished the second reader and I think it was just splendid.  I was counting on getting me a third reader when I had finished the second, but papa said that I was too rude with my books to have any more while I was so young.  Now, cousins, won’t some of you be so kind as to loan me a third reader?  I think, probably, if nothing providential happens, I could read it through by next Chirstmas.  Mayme Green, let me compliment you on your piece in the Alamo-San Jacinto debate.  I think it was the best piece on the affirmative side.  Joe Q. Ploughboy, your last letter was as good as any that has been published on our page.  Guy M. Falks, your uncle was a good marksman indeed, but why did you have to tell something one of your uncle shad dome when he was here on Mother Earth?  You know I told something I had done myself.  I am still improving, and I think that if I live to be an old man as your uncle, I will get so that I can shoot the rifle just as well.  The other day I took a notion that I wanted to kill some jack-rabbits, so, getting my rifle - it was a Martin – and cartridges, I started across the lonely prairie in search of game.  After I had gone a couple of miles and had killed twenty-seven jackrabbits, it began to sprinkle.  I had got so interested over the jackrabbits that I hadn’t thought about the cloud that had been rising on the western horizon.  There wasn’t a house nearer than home and it was too late to try get there.  There was not a tree within half a mile of me and I was at a loss what I was to do.  It was this:  I would try shooting off the rain drops as they fell from the clouds.  I began at once, for there wasn’t any time to lose, and loaded and fired my gun for an hour, when it quit raining.  The barrel of my rifle was blazing with fire several times, but in moving it around over my head, the rain would put it out.  On examining myself I found that only five or six drops had fallen on my handsome countenance, two or three on my shirt, while my shoes were a little wet, but I think I had got that from the weeds.  Besides what I found on my hat and shirt had got there before I commenced shooting.  I then started for home.  All the ravines were bankfull, but I found me a foot log and got across. When I arrived at home I could hardly convince the folks that I had been out in the rain.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - September 19, 1898 – Page: 3

Society News over the State
CORSICANA

Miss Alice Sandifer of Fairfield is a guest of Mrs. C. H. Graves.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - September 26, 1898 – Page: 7

Society News over the State
MEXIA

Mesdames N. E. Meador and John Watson have returned from Marlin.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) October 3, 1898 – Page: 7

Society News over the State
MEXIA

Mr. D. H. Gibson of this city and Miss Katie Mae Harris of Bonner were married Sunday at 3 p.m., Rev. S. R. Hay officiating.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - October 12, 1898

Personal Mention

...Ed Conn, New York; T. J. Hall, Fairfield, Tex.; Capt. Jas Collins and wife, ...


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - October 13, 1898

Personal

... H. H. Powell, Carter Kerven [Kirvin], Jr., Fairfield; H. W. Tatum, Denison;...


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - October 25, 1898 - Page: 3

Religious
Methodist Conference

 Wortham, Tex., Oct 24 - Evening session.

The afternoon session opened with an increased attendance.
The order of business before the conference was the election of officers.
Rev. W. T. Hemphill was re-elected president by the first vote.
The stationing committee was elected after a number of ballots as follows:
H. P. Miller, J. G. Way, W. S. Miller and D. S. Grass.
The standing district committee was elected as follows:  W.P. Lutton, J.S. York, J.H. Bounds, C. Byrd, Homer Price and L.N. Barbee.
The committee on appeals: T. B. Lane, M. F. Whitaker and Thomas Longbotham.
W. S. Miller was elected conference steward and Rev. G. P. Miller was re-elected secretary.
By vote of the conference the twenty second annual session will be held at Hubbard City.
Rev. W. W. Hampton was received by transfer from the Southwest Texas conference.
For the third day's morning session the conference met at 10 o'clock.
Religious service was conducted by Rev. J. G. Way.
The Texas Methodist Protestant, published at Stephenville, was adopted as the local organ of the conference.
Rev. James Cowart was recommended for itinerancy from the Wayland circuit.
The committee on itinerancy and orders made the following report:
Revs. W.W. Hammond, C.P. Lester, J.N. Massey and Thomas Vinson were received in the conference.
Rev. G. W. Bounds, Eugene Brown, James S. Flanagan, S. J. Franks and J. J. Cowart were recommended to continue on trial.
Motion was made to reconsider the motion on place of meeting for the annual conference for the next session.
Duncanville was elected instead of Hubbard City.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - November 7, 1898 – Page: 7

Society
CORSICANA

Mrs. Mary Robinson of Fairfield is visiting here.
Mrs. Greenlee of Eureka was visiting in the city last week.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - November 9, 1898

Freestone is Democratic

Fairfield, Tex., Nov. 8 - The democrats carry Freestone county by about 2 to 1.  The amendment was defeated.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - November 11, 1898 – Page: 5

Personal
At the Windsor - … Lee Satterwhite, Wortham; …


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - November 13, 1898 – Page: 13

Roster of the Second Texas [Infantry Regiment]

L Company  [I believe this is the “Mexia Minute Men”]
Lee Satterwhite, sergeant, Wortham.
J. K. Blailock, private, Wortham.
W. D. Satterwhite, private, Wortham.
Ed Satterwhite, private, Wortham.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - November 14, 1898 – Page: 7

Society City and Suburban

Mrs. C. C. Walton is a guest of Miss Fannie Greenlee in Eureka.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - December 6, 1898 – Page: 7

Society
MEXIA

Miss Annie Johnson spent Sunday at Wortham.
Mrs. Mattie Swinburn visited Wortham last week.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - December 6, 1898

[court news]

Fifth Supreme District

Proceedings in the court of civil appeals for the fifth district at Dallas, Dec. 13:
Affirmed:  Mechanics bank of St. Louis vs. Gullett Gin company, from Freestone;  Texas Midland railroad vs. S. A. Bracken et al, from Lamar.
  ..


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - December 6, 1898

Corsicana

Johnson Allen commenced drilling today on the widow Martin farm, three miles south of the city.
On Judge O. C. Kirven's place, near Fairfield, in Freestone county, a well has been located and the work of drilling is now in progress.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - December 24, 1898

Childs at Mexia

Mexia, Tex., Dec. 29 - Hon. J. D. Childs, a prominent candidate for speaker of the house of representatives was in the city to-day en route home from Fairfield, where he has been on a visit to friends and relatives.  He expressed himself as being well pleased with the situation.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - December 25, 1898

Digging a Test Oil Well

Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., Dec. 22 - The drill in the test oil well was started down last night and to-day has gone down over sixty feet.  The well was contracted for by a local company here and there is strong belief that we are in the oil territory as the producing wells further southeast of Corsicana tend in this direction.

[same issue]

Fifth Supreme District

Cases set for Jan. 7: D. & P. A. S. Ry. Co.  vs. Ed James et al, from Grayson;
R. L. Smith, et al vs. J. W. Cavitt, from Freestone; ...


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - December 30, 1898

Corsicana

Mr. D. C. Pullen, who is having a well drilled at Fairfield, reports that drilling is in progress on his wells near Buffalo in Leon county, and also on his wells near ...

NEWS OF 1899

The Mexia Evening Ledger  (of Mexia, Texas)
Selections from the "Purely Personal" column
Usually ran on page 1 of the newspaper.

January 6, 1899:
"Frank Tate, of Fairfield, came in on the noon train."
"Miss Myrtle Martin went to Wortham this evening."

--------------------------------------------
January 9, 1899:
"W. M. Seely came down from Wortham at noon."

--------------------------------------------
January 11, 1899:
"N. Prager went up to Wortham on the afternoon train."

"Constable Geo. Wilder, of Wortham came down on the noon train."

--------------------------------------------
January 13, 1899 edition - Page 1:

"STRAYED OF STOLEN

From Rev. BASDEN's place near Wortham, on Thursday night Dec. 29, a red cow with a nearly black head, branded H and a heart on the left hip; marked swallow fork and under bit in left and upper bit in right.  Five dollars reward of cow to me.

C. W. HEROD,
Pursley, Texas."

--------------------------------------------
January 16, 1899 edition - Page 1

"Rev. J. F. McKinzie returned from Wortham today."

--------------------------------------------
January 18, 1899 edition - Page 1

"G. E. Petty returned from Wortham last night where he has been on business."

Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - January 12, 1899 edition

House of Representatives

L. D. Lillard of Freestone nominated Leo Satterwhite of Freestone.

The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - January 15, 1899 - Page 20

The Cozy Corner

SILAS WILLIAMSON, Brewer, Tex. - Mr. Big Hat and cousins:  May I come in and chat awhile?  I have been a reader of the Corner for quite a while and concluded that I couldn't stay away any longer.  Perhaps you cousins would like to know what county I live in, and a description of it.  Well, I live in Freestone county, very nearly in the center.  I think it is a very pretty country.  It is mostly prairie.  When it snows we boys have a fine time tracking mule-eared rabbits.  There are lots of rabbits on the prairie.  How many of you boy cousins like to hunt?  I do, for one.  I think it is fine sport.  I went with a crowd serenading Christmas eve night.  There were eleven boys and nine girls in the crowd.  We carried four musical instruments and played at all the houses we came to.  We had such a good time.  I will say to Cousin Wanona that John Tindell is a very bashful boy, but I don't think the cousins ought to abuse him so much.  I have known him all his life and I think he is a good boy.  Cousin Smith Tillett, you say you are not in favor of letting a boy in that doesn't like the girls.  I wish you would tell me of a boy that doesn't, and I would take sides with you.  Cousin May Manning, come again.  I don't know why we are not acquainted, as we only live five miles apart.


[This is Nelson Alexander Willard b 3 Mar 1887 s/o Joseph Franklin Willard]

The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - January 22, 1899

The Cozy Corner

NELSE WILLARD, Fairfield, Tex. - Mr. Big Hat:  This is my first time to knock on the door of the Cozy Corner.  We take the News and I read all of the letters.  Some are very interesting.  I am 12 years old.  I am going to school.  I like my teachers very well.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - Feb. 5, 1899 - Page: 20

Little Men and Women

ARCHIE BRUNSON
     Cotton Gin
, Tex. – Dear Miss Big Bonnet:  I send you my picture, at your request, to let Cousin James Whatley see that I am not what he took me to be.  I will give you a sketch of my life.
     I am the son of Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Brunson.  I was born at Bowling Green, Ky., in 1879, coming to Texas in 1892.
     [His Sketch – Young Man in Twenties]
     Though I love my native state, I am willing and ready to take the responsibilities that will some time fall on us young people to make our state “Grand Old Texas” in every  sense of the word.
     My educational opportunities have been limited, but I am to finish my schooling in two more terms and enter the great university of “real life”.
     I was one of the cousins who were present at the fair on Cousins’ day, and had a jolly time.
          ARCHIE BRUNSON


LATTIE A. BRUNSON, Cotton Gin, Tex. – Dear Miss Big Bonnet:  It has been some time since I have written to the Corner.  I have been reading so many interesting letters about the fair that I could almost imagine you all at the fair meeting.  After my brother came home he told me all about meeting so many White Roses.  It has been several years since I was at the fair in Dallas, but it did not excite me then as it did Cousin James Whatley when Cousin Eva Glynne came up to him and made herself acquainted with him.  I never learned before that our wagon was named Go-ahead, for James certainly went with papa and my four brothers to the train in it; but I suppose we will have to call our wagon Go-ahead from now on.  Cousin Maye Greene, I am with you all on the subject of slang.  I am sure we all enjoy the letters when no slang is used.  Grandpa is here, and we do enjoy his bright face, and he does like music so well.  I play for him often.  I am just through taking six months music lessons.  I am in school now, and like my nice teacher.  She is so pleasant.  I solicit correspondence.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - Feb. 17, 1899 - Page: 8

Mortuary

SHIELDS – Corsicana, Tex., Feb. 16 – An old gentleman named Shields, who has been farming in Navarro county for the past three or four years, died last evening in this city, aged 65 years.  The remains were taken this morning to Freestone county, where he formerly resided.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - Feb. 19, 1899 - Page: 20

Little Men and Women

LITTLE MR. BIG HAT Editor
[Drawing on left]

     MAY MANNING, Cotton Gin, Tex. -- Mr. Big Hat: In sending my picture by request of some of the cousins, the following sketch of myself may not be amiss:
     I am the eldest daughter of William Manning of Florida, and Imogene Seely of Mississippi.  I was born in Freestone County near Wortham, Tex., May 25, 1881, where I lived until the year 1890, when we moved

[sketch]

near Cotton Gin, Freestone county, where I have lived ever since.
     Like most of the cousins my educational advantages have been limited.  I started to school at Cotton Gin when 11 years old, went two months, when I was obliged to leave school on account of my mother's death.
     I did not get to go school any more then until I was 14 years old, when I boarded and went to Wortham seven months.  I have not been to school much more since then.
     My greatest ambition is to have a good education, and if studying will get one, I think I shall succeed.
     I joined the White Rose band in 1893.  Although I have not written to the Cozy Corner very many times I have never failed to read the cousin's letters with interest, and can truly say I owe much of my improvement to the White Rose band.


Davis County Clipper (of Davis County, Utah) - Feb. 17, 1899 issue; Page: 4

BOUNTIFUL BRIEFS

Elder John A. Call is traveling in Freestone Co., Texas


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - February 18, 1899 edition; Page: 8

Miss Demoss is Dead

Wortham, Freestone Co., Tex., Feb. 17- Miss Demoss, living near Cade, who was badly burned about three weeks ago, died at her home this morning.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 5, 1899

J. D. Johnson Was Acquitted

Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., March 4 - J. D. Johnson, tried for the killing of R. C. Beauchamp in August 1897 was acquitted.

[same issue]

Dates set for March 18: George McAdams vs. W. L. Moody et al from Freestone;
...


The Evening News (of Mexia XE "Mexia" , Texas) – March 13, 1899

John Riley of Fairfield is in the city.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 19, 1899

No Quorum in House

...The opponents of the bill are vigilant and determined.  As I passed down the aisle of the house this morning Representative Kennedy of Freestone, who is extremely active in his opposition, informed me, with some evidence of delight, that the Dallas charter would not get a hearing...


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 21, 1899

JOHNSON - Waco, Tex., March 20 – Mrs. Susan Johnson, mother of R. L. Johnson, died suddenly at her home, in this city, at 11 o’clock last night of congestion.  Mrs. Johnson was very old, but had been in excellent health.  The remains were shipped to Fairfield, Freestone county, for interment, that being her old home.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 25, 1899 – Page 3

Mortuary

HOFFS – Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., Feb. 23 – Mr. E. Hoffs, one of the oldest citizens and residents of this county, died here to-day.  He was 83 years old and was one of the first commissioners of this county when it was organized in 1852.  He lost his first corn crop planted in the county by having it trampled down by a herd of buffaloes.  He was a charter member of the Fairfield lodge, No. 102, A. F. and A. M. and will be buried here with Masonic honors to-morrow.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - March 31, 1899

Minor National Capital News

...
A post office has been established at Lanely, Freestone county, Tex., with James K. Lane as postmaster.
...


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - April 12, 1899

Medical Examination

Corsicana, Tex., April 11 - The medical examining board of the thirteenth judicial district met in the office of Dr. William Pannill to-day, the following members being present: Drs. S. W. Johnson and William Pannill of Navarro. Dr. Sneed of Freestone.  Dr. T. F. Oates, president of the board, Limestone county.  The board examined F. R. Adamson of Mexia, L. E. Clark of Cotton Gin, W. W. Kirksey of Kerens and F. W. Thomas of Frosa?, Limestone county.  Report on the application will be made later on.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - April 19, 1899 – Page: 5

Mortuary

McClelland – Wortham, Tex., April 18. – Mr. James McClelland, a prominent farmer living near Banner [should be near Bonner], died suddenly this morning of heart failure.


The Dallas XE "Dallas"  Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - April 26, 1899

Sheriffs' Department
Navarro County

     Corsicana, Tex., April 25 - On the night of April 19 the storehouse of J. J. Stubbs at Wortham, Freestone county, was burglarized and the following goods taken:  Five pearl-handled knives, three blades; one box of brown handled knives, two blades, all branded John L. Huller & Co.; lot of silk handkerchiefs, white and black.  Ten dollars reward for thief by G. W. Wilder, Wortham, Tex.
          R. J. Allen, sheriff Navarro county.


The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - April 28, 1899 – Page: 4

Hymeneal

CLARK-EASTERLING – Mexia, Tex., April 26 – Dr. J. B. Clark of Cade and Miss Ivah Easterling were married at the home of the bride’s parents in this city this afternoon.  Rev. W. C. Friley officiating.


[Probably Nancy Katie Willard b 16 Nov 1881 d/o Joseph Franklin Willard]

The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - June 4, 1899

Unpublished Letters

  ...Katie Willard, Fairfield; ...


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - June 12, 1899

Society over the State

Misses Buard and Alice Sneed of Fairfield are in the city.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - June 17, 1899; Page: 8

Progress of Revivals

     Fairfield, Tex., June 14 – The protracted meeting, which has been in progress at the Baptist church, came to a close last night.  Rev. A. J. Wharton, who has been doing the preaching, left for his home to-day.
     Rev. Abe Mulkey is expected here in a few days, for which much preparation is being made.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - June 21, 1899; Page: 10

Declare Against Trusts
Second Annual Meeting of the Hardware and Implement Retail Dealers

THE ATTENDANCE VERY FLATTERING

  ...An auditing committee was appointed as follows:  A.B. Taber, Dallas; Townes Longbotham, Wortham; W.M. Gunnell, Marlin.
  ...The following were among those in attendance upon the meeting:  T. Longbotham, Wortham; L. L. Wilson, Belton; ...


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - June 23, 1899

Freestone Oil Fields

Mexia, Tex., June 22 - The oil boom has struck many of our investors and many oil leases are being negotiated.  The fields are in Freestone county near here.  Unusual developments are predicted by those who are advised in regard to the matter.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - July 1, 1899

Mortuary

BLAIN - Mexia, Tex., June 30 - Major W. C. Blain died at his home near Dew, this morning after an illness of two weeks.  He was a pioneer citizen of Freestone county, an officer in the confederate army and an old Indian fighter.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - July 1, 1899

Corsicana Budget

...
Mr. Henry Ash, a West Virginia oil man has been in this section some time prospecting and has secured quite a number of leases, some of which are on lands in Freestone county, and on these Freestone county lands he will begin drilling for oil as soon as rigs can be put into position.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - July 14, 1899

Meeting at Mexia
New Line

     Mexia, Tex., July 12 - The business men of Mexia are figuring on getting the railroad to be built from the Freestone county mineral fields to some point on the Central road.
     Yesterday afternoon an enthusiastic meeting was held at the city hall, with C[harles] L[ewis] Watson as chairman and Major N. P. Houx as secretary.  A committee was appointed to confer with the agent of the company and endeavor to secure the road for Mexia.
     A proposition was submitted to the company this evening by the citizens which, if accepted, will insure the building of the road from this point.
     The road is said to be a certainty as there are valuable coal and other mineral deposits in Freestone county just north of Fairfield, and the race seems to be between Mexia and Wortham for the terminus.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - July 18, 1899 – Page: 3

Personal

At the Windsor – … Lee Satterwhite, Wortham;


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - July 23, 1899

Religious
Mulkey's Fairfield Meeting

Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., July 20 - Rev. Abe Mulkey closed a successful ten days meeting here last night.  There were

[top of page]
sixty-nine accessions to the various churches here during the meeting and there will be several others who will join.
     The free-will offering to Rev. Mulkey for his services was $270 and a considerable amount was raised for the Methodist orphan asylum at Waco.
     This town has not had such a revival for years.  Rev. Mulkey and wife left last night for home and go to-morrow to Lewisville, Tex., where he begins a meeting to-morrow night.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - July 25, 1899

National Capital News
Rural Free Mail Delivery

Special to The News
     Washington, July 24 - A post office has been established at Shanks, Freestone county, Tex., with Harvey Shanks as postmaster.
     The post office of County Line, Cooke county, Tex., will be discontinued after ...


[Probably Nancy Elizabeth Odom Willard b 27 Jun 1843 w/o James Aaron Willard]

Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - July 26, 1899

Society

Mrs. Aaron Willard of Fairfield is a guest of Mesdames Odom and Fite.

[same issue]

Shot and Killed

Buffalo, Tex., July 24 - Yesterday near noon, about ten miles north of this place, in Freestone county, a man named D. Welch was shot and killed.  Further particulars are not obtainable.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) -  July 29, 1899; Page: 5

Death from Well Damp

Oakwoods, Leon Co., Tex., July 28-Two negro men, Wm. Brown and Oscar, lost their lives yesterday in a well at New Butler, Freestone county, on account of gas in the well.  Brown went in and died.  Harris went down after the dead man, but soon showed signs of suffocation.  They hauled him to the top, but he fell back and broke his neck.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - July 31, 1899

Society

Mrs. Georgia Barnett of Dallas is visiting relatives here and in Freestone county.
Mrs. C. T. Harris and daughter, Miss Alma, have returned from Freestone county.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 2, 1899

Editor Satterwhite Injured

Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., July 31 - News has just been received here over the telephone from Wortham, in this county, of the serious cutting of Lee Satterwhite by a negro.  Mr. Satterwhite is the editor of the Wortham News at that place.  Two negroes have been arrested.

[same issue]

Remanded without Bail

Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., July 31 - The examining trial of Taylor Ham, charged with the murder of W. H. Welch in this county last Sunday, was conducted here to-night and the defendant was remanded to jail without bail.  A writ of habeas corpus will probably be applied for before Judge L. B. Cobb.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 6, 1899 – Page: 9

Burned to Death

Fairfield, Tex., Aug. 4 – News reached here of two young girls of Mr. Oscar Maines of Dowie [Donie], Tex., being burned to death.  Mr. Maines was away from home at the time, and the little girls, aged 15 and 6, started a fire with kerosene oil and the fire caught the dresses of the girls and they were burned entirely off.  Neighbors came over, but too late to save the house, which was burned to the ground.  The girls, when found, were out in the yard with their clothes entirely burnt off and they were blistered almost all over.  They died that night.
[There are a number of unmarked Maines graves in the Antioch cemetery near Luna, Texas. They are:
Maines, ?                         no dates
Maines, ?                         no dates
Maines, ?                         no dates
Maines, Caldonia Jane    10/07/1860 - 06/18/1881]


The Evening News (of Mexia XE "Mexia" , Texas) - August 10, 1899 – Page: 3

"Tom Bryant went to Wortham last night on business."
"John Kirven of Wortham was in the city last night."
"W. B. Moses, of Fairfield, was on the noon train for Houston and Beaumont on a business trip."
"Geo. A. Bell is attending court at Wortham today."

The Evening News (of Mexia XE "Mexia" , Texas) - August 11, 1899 – Page: 3

"Hon. L. D. Lillard and Son, of Fairfield, were in the city last night and went to Dallas on the early morning train."
"It turns out that the coal find at Wortham was a big joke, perpetrated just for fun."
"J. A. Wright from in from Freestone today."
"L. N. Barbee came down from Wortham today."
"Jim Short was in from Freestone County today."
"Mrs. A. G. Anderson, of Fairfield, is visiting Mrs. Beason."
"Jack Loader was in from Cotton Gin today."
"W. E. Richards came up from Galveston this morning and returned to his home in Fairfield.
"Carter Sessions of Woodland was in the city today."


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 17, 1899 – Page: 2

Fairfield, Tex., Aug. 15 – A good rain has fallen here and over the eastern half of this county this evening.  Cotton was suffering very much, but the rain is not too late to benefit it some.  The temperature fell from 104 to 75 in less than thirty minutes.

[Same issue - Page: 3]

Struck by Lightning

Fairfield, Tex., Aug. 15 – A telephone message just received from Luna, in this county, states that Mrs. Bedford was struck by lightning, and it is thought fatally injured.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - August 18, 1899 – Page: 3

"Capt. Roberts came down from Wortham at noon to visit his family."
"Mrs. Susie David returned from Fairfield today, where she has been visiting relatives."


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 18, 1899

Freestone county, showing an increase of $48,800 over last year.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - August 23, 1899 – Page: 3

"Miss Aba Ransome, of Wortham, is in the city visiting Miss Elenor Bell.
"Miss Alma Drumwright, of Fairfield, is visiting in the city, the guest of Miss Nettie Sterling."


The Evening Ledger (of Mexia, Texas) - August 23, 1899

Tom Davis returned from Wortham today.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - August 25, 1899 – Page: 3

"Will Drake died at his home in Cotton Gin this morning.  He was in town the early part of the week, and his death is there-fore somewhat sudden."

"Mrs. Miller died at her home in Fairfield yesterday and her many friends here sympathize with the sorrowing family." [This is Armanda Millicent [Shockley] Miller wife of Amanuel Matthew Miller.]

"It was reported today that oil had been struck at Wortham.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 26, 1899

Confederate Veterans' Column
Confederate Pensions

S. O. Young
Assistant General, Texas Division, U. C. V.

     Wortham, Tex., Aug. 12, 1899 - Dr. S. O. Young. Editor Confederate Column, Galveston, Tex. - Dear Sir and comrade: There is a subject which I think is or should be of vital interest to every true and gallant ex-confederate soldier that is now engaging the attention of our U. C. V. association, as well as others outside of the organization.  I refer to the advantages being taken of our late confederate veteran's pension law.
     The aim, object and intention of its provision were right, just, and commendable as far as the object in view was concerned, the pensioning of the old, disabled confederate soldier who is destitute of means and unable to make a support by manual labor.  The pittance of $8 per month is a God-send to their declining years provided they and they alone are permitted to reap its benefits.  But I do not think that their rights are properly protected by the legislature enactments which rendered the provision of the amendment a law.
     In the first place the word "indigent" is not as fully and scrupulously defined as it might or should be, nor the line as clearly drawn between needy applicants and those who by a little stretch of conscience could be able to subscribe to the requirements of the pension law.
     Another lame place in the enacted law is where the question is asked, "Did you ever desert the confederacy?"  The designing applicant (if there should be such) could have deserted the army in face of the enemy and then answer this question in the negative.  Deserting the confederate army and deserting the confederacy are by no means synonymous terms. The spirit of the law no doubt is clear, phraseology in this particular will admit of a construction calculated to detract the ends of justice.  If I were asked the question whether or not I deserted the confederacy during the war, and though I might wear upon my how the burning brand of a deserter from the army, I could truthfully answer no, and that I had remained within the limits of the confederacy during the entire four years of strife.  But enough of this.
     The most humiliating feature connected with the pension law and its provisions is the rush of many applicants for a position upon the rolls who under a strict construction of the law and its primary object and meaning are not entitled to its provisions.  I was a confederate soldier for four years and three months.  Fought through the campaigns of the army of Northern Virginia under the immortal Stonewall Jackson and his successor until the end of the fray.  And I entered heart and soul in the contest for the passage of the amendment.  In doing so I was firmly and decidedly of the opinion that no honest, true, gallant and patriotic confederate soldier would ever apply for a pension as long as he could possibly weather the storms of life without it. And I am convinced today that comparatively few of this class of grand old heroes have their names enrolled upon the applicant's list which is swelling so rapidly.  The disabled and unfortunate of this class are the ones whose rugged path through the few hard old years yet left to them should be rendered as smooth as possible by at least the full constitutional allowance of $8 per month.  But unless the county judges and commissioners exercise the greatest diligence and severest censorship in regard to the favorable consideration of applications, these old worthy and needy battle scarred veterans of a lost but sacred and glorious cause will receive less than $8 per year, while other not so deserving or needy are seeking to gobble up the lion's share of the appropriation.
     I wish it borne in mind that I have the greatest respect and esteem and the highest admiration for the true and faithful confederate soldier that one man ever entertained for another, yet when I see so far as my observation goes less than 20 per cent of these old standing monuments of the world's greatest and grandest soldiers applying for a pension, I am forced to the humiliating conclusion that there are many seeking the benefit of this appropriation whose war record was made far away from the surging front where victories were won and martial glory decked the brow of many struggling with adversity and scorning to apply for a pension.
     This may sound very strange coming from an old confederate soldier, but I feel deeply upon this subject and I but voted the sentiment of a great many others whom I have heard express themselves in regard to this matter.
     I have heard of some and I know of others who have applied for pensions who are able to and are making a good living while are others who claim to be indigent circumstances when their wives or children own good, comfortable homes.  These things cast a dark shadow over the name of the confederate soldier, but they exist all the same and unless strict measures are taken to confine the pension and benefits of the pension law to those actually in need and unable to make a living the law will prove a failure, its benefits a farce and its repeal will be only a matter of time.  The abuse of the federal pension law is a burning shame and disgrace and not only to the American congress but to the people as well.  And unless the present tendency in that direction is checked and closely guarded the same shameful condition of things will sooner or later obtain and exist in connection with our own state pension law.
     The law allowed pension attorneys (God forgive the mark) should be abrogated, as these sharks on the alert for possible fees and doubtless urge the application where there is any grounds upon which to base one.  Already a number of these thrifty fellows are advertising themselves as "pension attorneys" and soliciting the patronage of these wanting pension.  The provisions and requirements of the law are so plain that the services of an attorney could very well be dispensed with thereby saving his fee of $3 and eliminating open fruitful element of possible fraud from the applicants' list.
     Let us guard our pension law against frauds.
          J. S. KIMBROUGH


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - August 28, 1899 – Page: 3

"Miss Ava Ransom, after a week's visit to Miss Elenor Bell returned to her home in  Wortham yesterday."
"Mrs. Morris, after a pleasant visit to relatives in Fairfield returned to her home in Austin at noon."


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - August 30, 1899 – Page: 3

"Misses Lillard and Bradley, of Fairfield, are the guests of Miss Georgia Watson.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Sept. 5, 1899 – Page: 8
[Also Fort Worth Register (of Fort Worth, Texas) – Sept. 5, 1899 – Page: 8]

At the Federal Building

Fort Worth..
     At a bankruptcy court to-day held by Hon. Edward R. Meek, United States district judge for the northern district of Texas, the following orders were entered in bankruptcy.
     Waco - … No. 62, J. B. Cooper, Cade, Freestone county, returned to Referee M. C. H. Park for his certificate.


The Daily Express (of San Antonio, Texas) – Sept. 6, 1899

[Hotel visitors]
Southern:  J[ohn] B[ibb] Watson, Fairfield; …


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) – Sept. 6, 1899 – Page: 3

"L. N. Barbee, of Wortham, was in the city today on business."
"J. E. Brown went up to Wortham this afternoon."
"Joe Schuster left this afternoon for Wortham"
"B. W. Jackson and son Henry went to Dew today on a business trip."
"Miss Annie Laura Johnson returned home from Wortham today."
"John Riley, of Fairfield, went on the noon train for Galveston."
"Mrs. Monte Hurst left on the afternoon train for Wortham."
"Jack Bryant went up to Wortham this eve."


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - September 8, 1899

Colquitt Tax Law Reviewed

     Fairfield, Tex., Sept. 4 - (To The News) - Having been employed by Freestone county as attorney to enforce by suits collection of delinquent taxes under what is known as the Colquitt law, as amended by act of the twenty-fifth legislature, I have had occasion to examine said act carefully and to consider all its provisions, together with such rulings as have been given out by the state departments and the decisions of our higher courts, and in as ...

[same issue]

Central Texas
Freestone County

Fairfield - The continued dry weather has told seriously on the cotton in this county.  Reports now indicate it will be about one-half or two-thirds of what it was last year from the information of the best farmers around here.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) – Sept. 11, 1899 – Page: 3

"Congressman Bob Henry came in yesterday on his way to Fairfield to attend court."
"Mrs. John Stephens returned from a visit to relatives in Fairfield."
"Dr. W. F. Moore went up to Wortham this afternoon."


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - September 11, 1899; Page: 9

Society
Over the State

CORSICANA

Miss Maggie Mullins is in Wortham.
...
Miss Beulah Lott of Fairfield has returned home.
...
Mrs. Walter Anthony is visiting in Wortham.
Mrs. B. B. Campbell has returned from Wortham.
...
Mrs. Thomas Longbotham of Wortham is in the city.
...

MEXIA

Miss Fannie Payne of Woodland is here.
Mrs. Mont Hurst visited in Wortham the past week.
Miss Kate Quinby of Wortham visited here last week.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - September 13, 1899

National Capital News

A postoffice has been established at Harp, Freestone county, Tex., and Wm. T. Roney commissioned postmaster.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - September 15, 1899

Smallpox at Wortham

Genuine Case Found by State Health Officer - Is Isolated

Wortham, Tex., Sept 14 - Dr. Blunt, state health officer, came up yesterday evening to investigate a suspicious case supposed to be smallpox.  Immediately upon seeing it he pronounced it a genuine case of smallpox and ordered it isolated, together with all that had been exposed.  This is the second time smallpox has broken out here this year, the first case having been brought from Tehuacana.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) – Sept. 15, 1899 – Page: 3

"M. H. Harris, of Bonner, was in town today."
"Mrs. J. R. Ross, who has been visiting relatives at Fairfield returned to her home in Hillsboro this afternoon."


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - September 16, 1899

Freestone County Republicans

Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., Sept. 9 - Pursuant to call of Chairman Dawson the republican executive committee of Freestone county met at 2:30 o'clock. Resolutions were adopted indorsing the national administration and William M. McDonald of Kaufman county for national committeeman in 1900.  County Chairman Dawson was commended and the drawing of the color-line deprecated.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) – Sept. 20, 1899 – Page: 3

"Dr. Traynham was in from Cotton Gin today."
"Dr. Clark and wife, of Cade, were in the city today visiting relatives."
"What Walker, of Fairfield, went down to Groesbeck on the after-noon train."


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Sept. 24, 1899 – Page: 7

Industrial Convention
-----
Secretary Fishburn Regards the Outlook Very Promising

Secretary Fishburn said to a News representative yesterday:
The committee on the industrial convention to be held in Dallas on Oct. 20 and 21 ...

     Fairfield, Tex., Sept. 21 – Mr. S. A. Fishburn, Dallas, Tex.:  Dear sir – I have you letter regarding the appointment of delegates to represent Freestone county in the state industrial convention.  I have made the appointment of several of our best men, some of whom I hope will be present at that time.  The following are the names and addresses of those appointed:  W. H. Miller, Dr. W. N. Sneed, Fairfield; F. R. Huckaby, Fairfield; J. A. Wright, Mexia; R. Y. Chancellor, Israel; M. H. Harriss, Bonner; G. T. Bradley, Stewart's Mill; D. S. Clark, Dew; Prof. J. D. Montgomery, Mills; Dr. E. Headlee, W. L. Edwards, Butler;  H. C. Hackney, Wortham;  and W. F. Storey, Cotton Gin.  I trust that you will not be alarmed at the array!  They are good men, and if one don’t go another may.  Yours very truly,
     B. H. Davis,
     County Judge

[same issue]

WANTED - Second-hand engine and boiler in good repair cheap; not less than 40 horse engine and 60 horse boiler.  Address C. J. Turner, Wortham, Tex.

[same issue]

District Court Work

     Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., Sept. 22 - District court adjourned here to-day after consuming only three of the four weeks allotted to this county.  There were seven convictions, in felony cases, but one new trial was granted.
     The grand jury returned fourteen indictments for felony cases and there are now left on the criminal docket only eight cases.
     Judge Cobb will return home to Groesbeck to-morrow and will get a week's vacation before court convenes at Corsicana.
     District Attorney O. C. Kerven [Kirven] has been absent in Colorado during the term on account of his health, but will resume his duties at Corsicana.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Sept. 25, 1899 – Page: 9

Society
CORSICANA

Miss Ursula Miller is visiting in Wortham.
Mrs. D. Briggs visited in Wortham during the week.
Mrs. Mary Lane of Wortham visited Mrs. High during the week.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - October 3, 1899 – Page: 2

"Local Lore"

"John Riley, of Fairfield, left last evening for Dallas to attend the fair."

[Same issue, page 3]
"J. B. Watson, of Fairfield, went to Waco today."

"L. N. Barbee came down from Wortham at noon."


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - October 5, 1899 – Page: 3

"Local Lore"

"L. N. Barbee, of Wortham, was in town today."


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - October 10, 1899 – Page: 3

"J. T. Strain was over from Fairfield today."
"A Magnetic Healer
     Uncle Dan Turner came down from Wortham today to see Capt. Q. L. McDonald.  He was here last Saturday and rubbed the Captain and thinks he can do him some good.  Dan is an ordinary modest looking old darkey who lives on his little farm near Wortham, but he is a magnetic healer with quite a local reputation and has some cures to his credit that would be a great advertisement to some doctors.
     The writer knows something about his work and can certify to his merits as a destroyer of pain."

[The couple are Charles Henry Watson and Johnnie May Beauchamp:]
"Married - Just as we were going to press this afternoon Rev. T. J. Duncan drove up and informed us that he had just performed a marriage ceremony at the residence of A.P. Anderson, the contracting parties being Mr. Charles N. [sic] Watson and Miss May Beauchamp.  Both of the young people are too well known in Mexia to require any flattering notice at our hands, and we join their many friends in extending hearty congratulations and wishing them a long and happy journey through life."
     "Mrs. J. C. Brewer of Fairfield was shopping in the city today."


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - October 12, 1899 – Page: 3

"J. B. Walker, wife and niece were over from Fairfield today shopping."
"Miss Bessie Waller went up to Wortham on the afternoon train."


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – October 13, 1899 – Page: 7

FOR SALE – Cheap, thoroughbred mares, colts and yearlings; one full brother to R. Q. Ban, three half brothers out of Rebel, Virgil and George Kinney mares all registered.  J[ohn] B[ibb] WATSON, Fairfield, Tex.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - October 14, 1899 – Page: 3

"Mrs. Bib Watson and her sister-in-law Miss Annie Watson came over from Fairfield yesterday on a shopping tour - getting ready to go to the San Antonia fair."

"Carter Kirvin came back from the Dallas fair yesterday and went to his home in Fairfield."

"Prof. Lee Ellison, of Ennis, and Miss Hattie Retus, of Wortham, were in the city yesterday, the guests of Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Denning."

"Miss Grace Beauchamp is visiting in Dallas and taking in the fair."

"Miss Josie Steele has returned from a visit to friends from Wortham."


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - October 14, 1899 – Page: 3

Hymeneal

WATSON-BEAUCHAMP – Mexia, Tex., Oct. 11 – Mr. Charles N. Watson [should be Charles H. Watson for Charles Henry Watson] of Stewart's Mill and Miss May Beauchamp were married in this city yesterday, Rev. T. J. Duncan officiating.

[Same Issue; Page 9]

Society Over The State
CORSICANA

Mrs. Ada McConnell of Cade, guest of Mrs. Alf Milligan, has returned home.

MEXIA

Miss Josie Steele has returned from Wortham.
Miss Hattie Retus of Wortham was a recent guest of Mrs. S. P. Denning.
Mrs. Bib Watson and Miss Annie Watson of Fairfield visited here the past week.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - October 19, 1899 – Page: 3

"W. K. Burford has returned from Fairfield."


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - October 20, 1899

National Capital News

The following post offices have been ordered discontinued after Oct. 3:

Texas - ...Young, Freestone county, mail to Yerby. ...

[same issue, in the advertising section]

WANT to correspond with good pottery man.  Address C. A. HARP, Harp, Freestone county, Tex.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - Oct 21, 1899 – Page: 3

"Judge H. B. Davis was over from Fairfield last night on his way to Dallas."
"Jack Bryant returned at noon from Wortham."
"J. L. Miller was down from Wortham today."
"Dr. Traynham, of Cotton Gin, left this afternoon for Dallas."


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - Oct 24, 1899 – Page: 3

"J. T. Strain, of Fairfield, was in town today."
"Miss Alice Anderson was over from Fairfield today."
"Mrs. Womack, of Fairfield, is visiting the family of C. T. Harris."


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - October 27 & 28, 1899

FARMS AND RANCHES FOR SALE

FOR SALE - Small, well improved farm for sale cheap or trade for land in eastern Texas; situated near Fairfield, Freestone county. Address: Tim Lake.  Yerby, Freestone county.


The Evening News (of Mexia, Texas) - October 28, 1899

G. King, of Brewer, was in the city today.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - November 20, 1899 – Page: 9

Society

CORSICANA
Mrs. Fred Freeman has returned from Wortham.
Mrs. Suggs of Wortham visited in the city the past week.

ENNIS
Mrs. J. L. Green has returned from Fairfield.

MEXIA
Mrs. M. J. Ellington has returned from Wortham.
Miss Grace Beauchamp has returned from Stewards Mill.
Mrs. Charles Watson of Stewards Mill is visiting relatives here.

HILLSBORO
Mrs. Lizzie Young will leave for a visit to Freestone county to-morrow.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - November 24, 1899

Union Central Railway

Headquarters Have Been Established at the Town of Wortham

     Wortham, Tex., Nov. 23 - The projectors of the Union Central railway have established headquarters at this place.  Their engineers are running the line east about centrally through Freestone county to the Trinity river.  The corps is now camped at the crossing on Tehuancana creek, to which point they have the line surveyed.  Location of the line east of Tehuancana will be rapidly pushed.  Contract has been let for fifteen miles of the grade and work will begin about Dec. 1.  As soon as the timber belt is reached construction will begin to the west from this point to Waco.
     This road will open up the best part of Freestone county and ere long this county will bloom like a rose.


Fort Worth Morning Register (of Fort Worth, Texas) - December 22, 1899

Union Central Railway
New Line Projected from Houston to Red River

Special to The Register

     Austin, Dec. 21 - The attorney-general's department today approved the charter of the Union Central Railway company, and it will be filed for a record in the secretary of state's department. This proposed railway has a capital stock of $600,000, and its general offices will be operated and maintained at Wortham, Freestone county.  The projected road will commence from the city of Houston, through Harris county, thence through Montgomery, Walker, Grimes, Madison, Leon, Freestone, Anderson, Henderson, Van Zandt, Raines, Wood, Hopkins, Delta and Lamar, on Red river, in this state, in a northerly direction from the city of Paris, in said Lamar county, and form a junction point on said line in said Montgomery county, in a northeasterly direction through the counties Montgomery, Grimes, Brazos, Madison, Robertson, Limestone, Falls and McLennan, to a point near or within the city of Waco, and form a junction point in said Freestone county in a westerly direction through the counties of Freestone, Limestone, and McLennan, connecting with said last mentioned line near Waco.  The rail...


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - December 25, 1899 – Page: 7

In Society
CORSICANA

Miss Mary Clark has returned from Birdston.


Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - December 31, 1899 – Page: 10

Lost While Hunting

     Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., Dec. 23 - Mr. L. Childs, deputy postmaster, and Mr. L. C. Kirgan, editor of the Fairfield Recorder, had a very unpleasant experience last night.  They went out to Caney Creek, about five miles west of town, yesterday evening to shoot squirrels and, after hunting
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in the creek bottom until about 4 o’clock, started to their buggy to come home.  They had not gone far until they discovered they were lost and started on a fast walk to find their buggy before night, but failed, and so, after walking in the bottom until dark, they built up a fire and camped.  Parties went out from town last night and found their buggy, but could not get answers to signals from them and came  back, and this morning a searching party, including the Sheriff with bloodhounds, went out and found them.  They say they have enough hunting to last them for years.  Two creeks come together where they were and the bottom is very difficult to get out of at night or on a cloudy day on account of the many crooked channels.

[Same Issue, Page: 18]

Little Mr. Big Hat

     VERNON S. BRUNSON, Cotton Gin, Tex. – Mr. Big Hat:  Will you allow another little boy to come in your Corner?  I am going to school now.  I like my teacher well.  I study five studies.  I have been going one month.  My school is not very large.  We all have to walk about a mile.  Papa and my brothers make ribbon cane syrup every fall.  We made 100 gallons this fall.  We sowed about 100 acres of grain also.  My age is 15.
     EARNEST MILLER, Cotton Gin, Tex. – Mr. Big Hat:  Will you allow another 12-year-old boy to join your band?  I am going to school. I like my teacher well.  I have been going to school one month.  My school is not very large.  When I come from school I go after the cows.  I study five studies.
     CLAY McKINNEY, Cotton Gin, Tex. – Mr. Big Hat:  Here comes another little boy 11 years old that wants to join the happy band.  I am full of fun and mischief.  I am going to school and I like to go.  I like to study my books.  My teacher is a good schoolteacher.  She has taught me to read and write.  I have four brothers at home.  I have five studies.  If you won’t let Piggy and Peggy eat my letter I will write again.