Some Community News Items for April and May 1903

Athens Weekly Review
April 3, 1903

IN MEMORIAM
Mary Park, daughter of J. Y. and M. J. Park, was born July 1_, 1892, and died November 9, 1902. Mary was a good Christian girl. No one knew her but to love her. But she is gone from us. We loved her so dearly. She was so good and kind. We did not know death was so near when she called to me and said, "Aunt Mollie, I am going to die. There isn't any thing hurts me now. I want you all to meet me in heaven." She sang three good religious songs just before she died. She knew everybody until the last hour. She said to the doctor when he came in, "Doctor, I am freezing to death. Put me to sleep so I will not wake any more." She took hold of a young man's hand that was standing by her bed and said, "Watson, will you meet me in heaven." She said to me, "Aunt I am so happy I am going home." She looked at her cousin that she loved so well and told her to sit down by her. She called her brother Willie to her and told him to be a good boy and not to go with any band company. O how hard it is to give her up. I feel so lonesome without her. Her sweet voice is still. She will never come in any more with her sweet smiles to cheer us but we hope to meet her some day by and by. We buried her at New York by her grandfather, who partly raised her but who died a few years ago and gave her to her uncle and aunt, *Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Anderson, who did the best for her they could. May God Bless us all.
M. E. A.
Mary Park nor her grandfather or parents are listed in the New York Cemetery
Morrison Chapel Cemetery: Mary E. Anderson Aug. 24, 1866-Dec. 2, 1947 (nee: Parks) wife of M. E. Anderson
M. E. Anderson Oct. 19, 1866-Oct. 25, 1933

Wood School House
Henry Bowman and wife visited her father, Uncle Harvey Hodges of Murchison, Saturday and Sunday.
John Ross and family spent Sunday with Mrs. Ross's parents W. J. Bulger and wife.
Mrs. Ellen Pucket visited her daughter, Mrs. Diaz Perry, of Murchison Saturday and Sunday.
English, Harvey and Bonner Merchant and wife spent Sunday with their mother, Mrs. Pucket.
Jim Coker and wife spent Sunday with Mrs. Anna Harden of Murchison.
H. B. Bulger of Athens visited homefolks last week.

Mrs. W. J. Loper
Emma Elizabeth Moseley was born in Bib county, Ga., Feb. 28, 1855 and died March 24,1903, (Cemetery book Vol. 2 has March 4, 1903) at her home in Athens, Texas, after an illness of two weeks. About 1879 she moved to Texas, having previously married George Saxon in Taylor county, Ga. She was left a widow to W. J. Loper, who is left in sorrow by her death. This union was blessed with five children also.
Sister Loper was for years a member of the Baptist church but joined the Methodist to be with her husband. She had faith and love, and rejoiced to do God's work at home and at church. She met death without murmuring, without fear, With her mind clear she called for her husband and children, told them "good bye." When too weak to speak she pointed upward as a last message. A precious memory, a bright hope of reunion, a sainted one. "We shall meet to part, no, never.
C. B. G.

Double Wedding
A touch of romance still clings to the people of old East Texas. So on the last Sunday two couples of young people chose for their wedding place the roadside with the ever-arching boughs for a canopy. At 2 p. m. near Phillips Chapel were married Austin Valentine to Miss Jessie Thomas, and Rev. Jay Thomas to Miss Viola Doss, Rev. Clyde B. Garrett officiating. The best wishes of a host of friends go with these young people into their new life.

LOCAL ITEMS
Will Pinkard of Chandler was in the city this week on business.
Mrs. Doc Boyett and children of Malakoff are visiting relatives in the city this week.
Half soles for shoes only 10 (cents) at Brooks Nickel Store.
Henry Ritter's horse ran into a barb wire fence with him one night last week. His leg was badly cut. His horse was thought to be ruined.
The Senator shoe will stand the test. You will find it at the old Chaney Tree.
Mayor Larkin, Mayor pro-tem J. B. Wofford, Ben Miller, W. D. and the Review, Sr., all went to Dallas Monday.
For Sale:-A fine jersey bull calf. W. L. Faulk.
Mrs. Holden went to Dallas Monday to make purchased for the grand opening at Reierson, Wood and Scott.
If you need some nice crockery ware, cups and saucers go to Gauntt Bros.
C. G. Hudson of Leagueville was in the city Tuesday. Mr. Hudson is living on the second place he ever lived on. He is a good citizen and useful member of his community.
Make your wife happy by buying her a Royall sewing machine at Garrett's
B. N. Hardin of Murchison was in the city this week. He has corn of last crop in the field yet. The ground has been to wet to haul it our. He also has corn coming up of this years planting.
$15.00 cash and two years on balance will get you a Singer Sewing machine, no interest, see J. C. Brooks at Nickel Store.
Capt. Eustace has purchased the neat residence of W. A. Wofford and will remove it onto a lot he has purchased of Henry Matthews. The lot lies between the homes of S. H. Adams and De. Will Matthews. Mr. Wofford will build another residence on the same lot he now lives on. He will build a fine house, perhaps two story. So Athens improves all the time and may be properly called a city of good homes.

Aley
Please allow me to correct a serious error in my last article. It was Mr. Dave Wilson's nephew that was killed at Kemp and not Stubbs as was first reported. No one is to blame as it was a misunderstanding of my informant. On the morning of 26th death visited Shiloh community and another happy home is broken. Mrs. Cora Bond, nee Holley, wife of Lem Bond, has gone to that "undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns." Her father was one of Henderson county's oldest settlers and Cora was born and raised here. She was a good neighbor, a true Christian and a most consistent member of the Christian church. Be sides a husband and new born babe she leaves many relatives and friends who will miss her sweet smiles and genteel voice. Weep not, dear friends, but bow submissively to the will of Him who doeth all things for the best to those who love Him. Live so you will meet her in the resurrection morn. Mrs. Bond was buried in Shiloh cemetery. Mrs. John Bond is caring for the babe Mrs. McKinsey is very sick of pneumonia. Mrs. Sparks is still very low but her symptoms were favorable today. Jim and Drew Thornton and their families and W. J. Smith were guest of Will F. Thomas today. Johnnie Little had his saddle horse very badly cut on the wire Saturday. The last grand jury found bills against two men in this vicinity for obstructing the public highway. This is as it should be. Our state has some fine laws and the time is a hand when they must be obeyed. The law-abiding people are in the majority and the lawless will surly have to behave themselves or pay the penalty. Tom Henson, our efficient road overseer, has written our commissioner to come over and examine our roads and if there is a man in the county who knows better what to do than they we want his advice. While at home we cannot get away we cannot get back. We are desperately in earnest about it too-good roads. The stove man is with us. But don't think for a moment we are going to patronize him. Our old stove will do to fry "hog law" sausage on until we can get to Athens. We always buy from our home merchants and every patriotic soul should patronize home industries. We would all profit by leaving alone traveling fakers from the North.
Themis.

Fincastle
Dr. Hall delivered a very interesting sermon last Sunday. After services were over all were heartily welcomed to remain and dine with those who brought their dinner. There were visitors from Kickapoo, LaRue and Frankston. Bro Bridges of Brushy Creek was with us and preached in the afternoon. Uncle Peter Harden is quite sick. Mrs. R. S. Adams is sick this week. T. A. Phillips who has been sick for two weeks is now able to perform his daily business. E. P. Miller is in our midst this week repairing fences Mr. Rice and wife of Frankston visited their parents___Tatum and wife Saturday and Sunday accompanied by their sister Alma Tatum. Miss Mittie McLane is visiting her sister, Mrs. Dansby, this week. Ed and Fred Phillips and Oscar Powell were in Frankston Saturday on business. Miss Eva Freeman's school was out Friday. She returned home Sunday accompanied by Pierce Freeman and wife. Mrs. Mary Miller is sick. Alton Tatum of Frankston came through here Saturday traveling at a lively rate with the highest hopes of reaching Noonday on time. Joe Hurt is in Athens on business this week. Miss Nannie Phillips is spending a few days with friends in Frankston. The young folks had a pleasant time at J. N. Tatum's Friday night where they spent the evening in singing and social chat. Miss Roxie Phillips is confined to her room with sore eyes this week.
Sleepy Ned.

Baxter
Corn planting is nearly a thing of the past. Some are planting cotton and plowing Irish potatoes. Mrs. J. A. Akin is very sick. Her recovery is doubtful (page torn, unreadable) and family (page torn) ksonville are visiting her during her illness. We had religious services all day last Sunday conducted by Bro. Pulley. After the eleven o'clock service a sumptnous dinner was served so the inner man could renew his strength both spiritually temporally if he wished. Our Sunday School is up-to-date at this place in fact we are moving along nicely regardless of A__(page torn) Lucindy's boll weevil or Themis good road discussion. I think they both have a hard problem to solve but there is no telling what women can do when they try. Married at the residence of the brides parents Mr. Walter Troublefield to Miss Maud Smith Rev. I. T. Odell officiating. All are of Baxter. Only a few friends and relatives were present to enjoy the festivities of the occasion. Thompkins & Thompkins are fencing a large hog pasture and will go to raising fine hogs. Geo. Breedlove has a severe attack of rheumatism. He can hardly get about. Frank Oliver, the delinquent tax collector, is after the tardy tax payer in this part of the county. Dave Hester of Grand Saline made a business trip to Baxter this week.
El Jon.

City Council Proceedings
March 26, 1903 at a regular meeting of the city council the official reports of the Recorder, Marshal and Assessor and Collector were filed, examined and approved.
Application of secretary to buy desk for city council was allowed desk not to cost over $15.00.
The city stock law ordinance was suspended until further notice.
Nat Jones was appointed to collect the delinquent taxes of 1902.
The city tax levy for 1903 is 25 cents on the hundred dollars valuation and a poll tax of $1.
CLAIMS ALLOWED
J. I. Wofford's salary $60.00
W. R. Bishop, fees city attorney 80.00
W. T. Eustace, fees as recorder 30.00
J. I. Wofford, feeding prisoners 17.75
A. D. Aldredge & Co., stat'y? 22.50
Athens Electric Light Co. 50.00
W. T. Eustace, exofficio 12.50
Joel Baker, scavenger 35.75
Bob Baker, work on streets 51.50
Total $360.00

Athens Weekly Review
May 1, 1903

New Hope

All the farmers are wishing for rain so they may plant their cotton. Sunday school of this place is progressing nicely. Bro. Pulley says it is the "ideal" Sunday school. Mr. and Mrs.. E. E. Smith visited her mother Sunday. Miss Beckham entertained Mr. Browning of Kendra Sunday evening. Walter Wood and wife visited her brother E. M. Ansley Saturday and Sunday. Some of young people attended the Baptist meeting at Reids Branch Sunday and report a nice time. Brown Eyes.

Wood School House

Health of our community is very good. Our school closed last week. The people of the community are busy plowing their corn and planting cotton and setting out sweet potatoes. There was a wedding here last Sunday, Mr. Arthur Davidson and Miss Jessie Bammans (sic). A large crown attend a candy braking at Mr. Davidson Monday night. Uncle Freel Armes was seen going in the direction of Athens. He says there is good fish at Caney Creek. Mr. Editor please tell the people of Post Oak Schoolhouse community to hobble their water melon vines and muzzle their hogs. We want to see some melons and potatoes from that country. The people of Henderson county and Van Zandt are going to work the Riley grave yard the first Saturday in May. Everybody invited.
Two Sisters.

Mrs. Minerva Ratcliffe

The subject of this sketch was born in Alabama in Auderdale Co., the eight of August 1821. Her parents moved from there to the state of Tenn., when a child. Lived there until she was 12 years old; moved from there to Marshall Co. Kentucky. She lived there until she was married to Jno. G. Ratcliff, June 11, 1842; lived there till she was the mother of three children. Mr. Ratcliff moved to Texas in 1857 in a two horse wagon. He crossed the great river at Iron banks and the Arkansas river at Little Rock and Red River at Mill Creek crossing. He settled in Navarro county five miles south of Corsicana on Richland Creek. Mrs. Ratcliff attend the first wedding and dinner that was ever given in Corsicana and at that time just one blacksmith shop and a mill that was run by horse power and they beat meal all that year in a mortar. Moved from there to Anderson Co., where they lived two years and moved from there to Henderson county, and is on the place where she has lived for fifty years. In 1892 Mrs. Ratcliff was left a widow with five living children; they lived together fifty years. She has sixteen grandchildren and sixteen great grand children. No trait of character is more valuable in a woman than the passion of sweet temper. She has always been liked by every one who knew her. If she ever had an enemy she does not know it. She has been a constant member of the Primitive Baptist Church for thirty four years. She ash always proved a true Christian. She is hale and all life; she can churn, wash dishes and sweeps the floor. She can walk to see her neighbors and they are always glad to see Aunt Norvia for she is so kind and affectionate toward the young as well as the old. May her future life be long and happy and peace to rest Written by a friend.
We wish this friend had written more about Mrs. Ratcliff. These old mothers, God bless them; are the makers of our country. To them the present and future generations are indebted for all the blessings of civilized life we now enjoy. Honor them, cherish them reverence them, do all you can to make their declining years bright with the sunshine of kindness. They won't be here long. Their type will never be on earth again.
*note: I couldn't find Mrs. Minerva Ratcliffe buried in any cemetery in Henderson Co., nor John G. Ratcliff. bf

A Negro Killed Near Baxter

Monday morning last on the I. L. Tompkins farm near Baxter, a difficulty arose between John Lyons and his two sons, Wash and Charley on one side and Antney Scott on the other. The result was Antney Scott was killed and John and Wash Lyons were charged with the killing and were brought to Athens and lodged in jail.
Justice Starr and Country Attorney Mobley went down to the scene of the killing Monday evening and an inquest was held, the finding of which was that deceased come to his death from the hands of John and Wash Lyons. The persons al worked on the Tompkins farm. We understand that trouble originated from an altercation between one of Lyons' sons and a half brother, one Powell, who charged each other with certain offenses. Monday morning on the farm the difficulty was renewed by the persons above mentioned.

The Unveiling Sunday.

Las Sunday the W. O. W. (Woodman of the World) camp of Athens assisted by members of other camps had unveiling ceremonies at the City Cemetery in memory of Sovereigns *Stephen Faulk and **W. H. Montserrett. The Sovereigns met at the Court house and formed a procession and march to the cemetery. There were about one hundred and twenty-five in line. There was a large crowd of spectators congregated at the cemetery when the sovereigns arrived. They first halted at the grave of Sovereign Montserrat when the beautiful ceremony of the order was gone through with. Rev. Benge and Judge Blades conducted the exercises. The camps then moved on to the grave of Sovereign Faulk where the same ceremonies to his memory were preformed. There Sovereign Judge Blades of the Athens Camp, the orator of the day delivered an eloquent address appropriate to the occasion. We have heard same highly complimented for its oratorical finish and delivery. Miss Annie Pinkerton read the poem, "Why should the Spirit of Mortal be Proud." The afternoon was very fine and everything passed off very pleasantly. The order of Wood Craft is certainly flourishing in this and surrounding counties and is doing a great work. Long may it live and flourish to afford relief to widows and orphans and to honor the memory of its deceased members.
* Stephen D. Faulk June 15, 1864-Jan. 9, 1900 Athens City Cemetery
** William H. Montserret Aug. 12, 1861- Dec. 22, 1902 Athens City Cemetery

Athens Weekly Review
May 8, 1903

Meredith
Grandma Meredith is very sick. The Walton people worked their graveyard Saturday; we will work the cemetery at this place next Saturday May 9th. The Walton W. O. W.'s have moved their camp from the school house to the hall over the store formerly occupied by Mr. Bailey. The camp meeting will begin at this place Friday night before the 2nd Sunday in August.

Forest Grove
Corn is looking very well but cotton is sorry. Not much sickness here now. Our Sunday school is in a prosperous condition. It is reported that F. N. Smith of Stockard has sold his store and will move out in the country soon and be a farmer. Miss Myrtle Hughes and brother visited their sister last Saturday and to the delight of all brought back Miss Hester Stockard. let everybody come to Sunday school Sunday morning. Don't forget.
Jim

Center
Health is good. Nat Tinkle of King Willow, Navarro county, has been here a few days buying cattle. Our debate is progressing nicely Post Oak and Center are going to have a joint discussion here Friday night. Bob Beck and family of Beck's Chapel and W. T. Williams and family of Center went to Round Lake fishing last Saturday. W. F. Welch and J. J. Willingham visited the city of Tight Wad Saturday evening.
Plow Boy

Beck's Chapel
We have just had a good rain. Potato slips will be set out by the thousands. We are having our cotton chopped out. Miss Williams filled her appointment here Sunday. She gave us a good lecture on the 14th chapter of St. John. At night Bro. Willis preached for us. He is like a cyclone. He had all of us dodging. We met up with our friend W. H. Davis and he made a statement why he gave up his office as constable of precinct No. 2. He has promised us if the commissioner's court will reconsider the act that he will serve out his unexpired term. We hope the court will do this.
WFW

New Hope
Last week the writer was very much surprised and grieved to see and unpleasant mention of her name in the communication from Union. The school at that place is very small and the children uncommonly well behaved so that there was never any need of punishing one more than keeping it in on a lesson. Besides this some of the most interested patrons have already expressed their approval of the way the school was taught. There will be no Sabbath school here next Sunday on account of the quarterly meeting at Pine Hill. Most of our member are expecting to go down and hear Bro. Adams again. Most of the farmers of this community are wishing for rain.
Leo Beckham.

Trouble in Trans-Cedar
Sheriff Williams returned yesterday evening from Trans Cedar where he was called by phone Wednesday morning. A man by the name of Thomas and one by the name of Boss Robertson had been prosecuted by one Mr. Grounds for sbearing (sic) a horse his.
Tuesday night two Thomas boys and Roberson went to Grounds' home and tried to get him out. They finally shot into the house slightly wounding Grounds and his daughter. The Thomas boys were put under $500 bonds. Roberson had not been found. (The Robertson/Roberson names are spelled as written)

Transcribed by Bunny Freeman, May 2003

Old Newspaper Articles of Henderson County

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