Frontier Times Magazine Vol 9 No. 7 - April 1932

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The original Hunter's Frontier Times Magazines were published by noted Texian, historian and writer, J. Marvin Hunter from October, 1923, until October, 1954.  In the 70's these great volumes were reprinted by Western Publications for a brief period of re-distribution.  This volume is one of these reprints.
These magazines are highly sought-after and are of almost unparalleled value to historians, collectors, and genealogists.  They are rich in first-hand accounts of formative pioneer events including, depictions of early settlers and treks, soldiers, Rangers, Indians and bandits; of  battles, privations and tragedies; of riches won and lost, of mines, and hidden treasure.  No modern revisionism here - just the facts: bold, bloody and accurate.  Each magazine is also a voluminous resource of genealogical data: family names, ancestors, relations, locations, employments, relocations, birtdates and deathdates. 
As a veteran seller of these fine periodicals I have seen my buyers become passionate about accumulating them and doing all they can to get ahold of as many as they can.  If you are a newcomer to these great volumes, settle in for a feast: if you a return purchaser, welcome back.  You know my service and my policies: Shipping is $2.50 for the first volume, .25 cents apiece for every volume after that.    Thanks!

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Some names mentioned in this volume:
Ethan Allen; Sgt Albert Ammons; Mrs E. L. Anderson; Benedict Arnold; Fred C. Arnold; Roger Ashley; A. W. Austin; W. S. Austin; Barker; Iva Battise; Lizzie Battise; Birch; Bob Blalock; Doke Bowles; John Bowles; Sterling Price Bowles; W. B. Bowles; J. H. Boyle; Martin Bremen; Mrs J. Z. Brown; George Buchanan; Henrietta Buchanan; Henriette Buchanan; James Buchanan; James Pres Buchanan; Thomas R. Buchanan; Henritta Buchannan; Mrs A. W. Bulay; Mrs Mary Buram; Sgt Billie th Caston; Rev Chambers; Mrs Emily Smith Cheesman; Albert Chowning; Jack Christal; James H. Christal; Mrs Amasa Sr Clark; Pat Cleborne; Alice Miss Clow; Mrs Bula Whittington Connellee; Charles Ulrich Connellee; Crimmins; John L. Daugherty; J. M. Daughterty; Blabe Davenport; Clabe Davenport; J. W. Davenport; Capt John M. Davenport; Mrs Mary DeHoff; George Adm Dewey; John Dimitry; Dixon; Dobie; Frank Doran; Dr Dork; Duval; Lt Echols; Lt W. H. Echols; Lt William Holding Echols; Sam Everette; Col J. W. Fannin; Dr Flowers; Forrest; Corp Frane; Freemont; Miss Elishiaba Furgerson; Hobby Galloway; Gillett; Goodnight; Dick Green; Nobe Griner; Grohman; Jot Gunter; Evetts Haley; Elias Hardcastle; Gunter Hardie; Henry Harwell; Jeremiah "Jerry" Harwell; Jerry Jr Harwell; Pike Harwell; Wash Harwell; Hayes; Andrew Rogers Haynes; Bert Power Haynes; Charles Haynes; Charles Earnest Haynes; Charles Hickman Haynes; Charlie Power Haynes; Henry Haynes; Henry Perdue Haynes; Henry Power Haynes; John Haynes; Leon H. Haynes; Mary Alice Haynes; Violet A. Haynes; Walter Ralph Haynes; William Clifford Haynes; Lt Hazen; Lt W. B. Hazen; Lt Wm L. Hazen; Capt W. R. Henry; Hank Herrick; Columbus Corp Herring; D. B. Hicks; Andrew Jackson Hitchcock; Lt J. H. nd Holman; Lt James H. Holman; Frank Isabell; Mrs Will Jackson; A. N. Jennings; Col Joseph E. Johnson; W. R. Johnson; Johnston; Rev A. W. Jones; Jim Jones; Lt Jim Jones; Judge Jones; Margaret Jones; Will Jones; Daniel Kachel; F. C. Kaiser; Fred C. Kaiser; Julius Kaiser; John Kennedy; King; John Henry Kirby; Col Knox; Sidney Lanier; Lanier; Layland; Lee; Lehmann; Lemley; Glenn R. Lewis; Rob Lewis; George Lichtheuser; Gideon Dr Lincecum; Billy Manning; May; John S. Mayfield; John McCormick; Al McFaddin; Rev J. N. McKay; Capt Nathaniel Michler; Jim Minear; Tomath Lee Chief Mingo; Miss Mary Alice Morrow; Sgt Louis Nelson; A. L. Nibling; Albert Jr Nibling; John Corp Nichols; Philip Nolan; Dick Nowlin; Dr Nowlin; Jim Nowlin; Mrs Gus Obenhaus; Ben Patton; Lt Charlie Patton; Sgt; rd Perkins; Capt Bill Perry; T. D. Pettie; John Henry Phillips; John Loyd Phillips; Mrs C. G. Pitts; Capt John Pope; Jane Miss Power; Ben Pulliam; Bill Quinn; Steve Ray; Rayburn; Capt Richter; Laura Sellman Rockefeller; Rose; E. H. Dr Rowell; W. N. Dr Rowell; Col Russell; Capt W. R. Russell; William Charles Russell; Capt Sansom; Jeff Sansom; Capt John Sansom; Jeff Sanson; Santa Anna; Saunders; Schon; Dorothy Chambers Schotter; John Chief Scott; John Shaffer; Shaffer; George Kermit Shelley; Mrs O. L. Shipman; Mrs E. L. Shufelt; Clint Smith; Mrs J. R. Smith; Jeff Smith; Mrs Jim Smith; George W. Smyth; Sowell; Elvina Sylvestine; Emily Miss Sylvestine; Sylvestine; Bera V. Thomas; William Thomas; Charley "Chief Sun-Kee" Thompson; Lutie Thompson; Capt W. A. Thompson; Capt Wadsworth; Wallace; Col Wm Ward; Washington; Ira Wheat; Capt Ww. H. C. Whiting; "Bushy Head" Williams; Charlie Williams; John Williams; O. W. Judge Williams; Woodhull; Woodhul Woodhouse;

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Contents of this volume:

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Thrilling Life Story Of A Texas Ranger
THE FOLLOWING very interesting story of Fred C. Kaiser, (on the cover) written by himself a year or two before he died, gives the readers an insight into the hardships and troubles our frontiersmen had to contend with in the early days. Mr. Kaiser died at his home near Blanco, Texas, February 11, 1930. His story follows:
My parents came from Germany, father being a turner by trade. While I was quite young we moved to New Braunfels, some 30 miles distant. Father afterwards took up a homestead on the Guadalupe River, thirty miles west of New Braunfels, and we moved there in the fall of 1855. The land of course was unimproved, a log house was built…
Further Mentions: I was born near San Pedro Spring in San Antonio, December 15, 1849 * a man by the name of Hodge * a family named Walters * a family by the name of Bryant moved into the country and settled about a mile away * a man by the name of Dixon * a small store owned by a man named Krause at the head of Honey Creek * a man byname of Toler * Currey's Creek * A man by name of Randall * school at Lower Currey's Creek * for Dr. Nowlin who lived on Currey's Creek * with a man by name of Busby * May Manning * Heranda in Grayson county, Mississippi * Billy Manning * Ben Patton * Steve Ray * Bonham * Mills' Ferry on Red River * Hellemy * Mrs. Gathens * Jim Jones * Ammon's ranch * Capt. Sansom * Will Jones * Charlie Williams, Jeff Sansom * the settlement near Comfort * Company C * Charlie Patton, lieutenant * Louis Nelson, first sergeant * Perkins, third sergeant * Billie Caston, fourth sergeant * Albert Ammons fifth * Columbus Herring, first corporal * John Nichols, second corporal * Camp Verde, on Verde Creek, in Kerr county * Captain Richter * Fort Clark * Jeff Sanson * Jim Minear * Clint and Jeff Smith, who lived on the Cibolo * Red Water Hole on Devil's River * Enchanted Rock in Llano county * Frio Water Hole * Fort Griffin on the clear fork of the Brazos * the Double Horn Mountains *
Investigators Find Love Story Of Late President
HOPES FOR SUDDEN riches by many West Texas "Buchanan heirs," have repeatedly turned to disappointment. But what of the rumors of a fabulous fortune left by the former president. The investigation of the rumors of the mythical millions has revealed interesting stories of the love and money affairs of President James Buchanan. This story recalls some of the more notable ones.
Further Mentions: Glenn R. Lewis, 51st district attorney for Tom Green county * Thomas R. Buchanan, who is employed by the Bowen Plumbing Company * Mrs. Gus Obenhaus * Mrs. Jim Smith * Rob Lewis of Water Valley * Still other Buchanan heirs reside at Sonora, Menard * Daniel Kachel * Henrietta Buchanan * Mrs. Mary DeHoff * John Shaffer, who was the bachelor president's most intimate friend * Dickson College *
Predicament Of Alabama Indians Told By Native Girl
By Miss Emily Sylvestine
This is a unique history of the Alabamas written by a member of the tribe near Livingston. The author, Miss Emily Sylvestine, who probably will be "the lucky girl" in the case, describes in simple and interesting fashion the trials and tribulations of the Alabamas from the time of DeSoto to the present day. She tells of witches and "medicine men" of the Green Corn dance and other time-honored Indian rites.
Further Mentions: Two chronicles of DeSoto's expedition tell of pushing through the Alabama village of that time * The good chief, Tomath Lee Mingo * a village on what is called "Horse-pen Creek" in Tyler county * Pecan Tree village, near the birthplace of John Henry Kirby * the present village and Woodville * close to the Big Thicket * " Abba Mingo" the chief in the sky above them all. * Coushattat * Dorothy Chambers Schotter * John Scott * Charley Thompson * Chief Sun-Kee * Mr. and Mrs. Currie of North Carolina * Rev. A. W. Jones of Woodville * Dr. Flowers * the Assembly Home Mission * Dr. Dork of Livingston * two Indian girls, Lizzie Battise and Elvina Sylvestine * Iva Battise * Mrs. A. W. Bulay of Livingston * Mr. Hobby Galloway *
BEAUTIFUL EPITAPH ON MONUMENT OF GEN. ALBERT SIDNEY JOHNSTON
It is said that soon after the transfer of General Johnston's remains from the Shiloh battlefield to New Orleans a lady visiting the cemetery found pinned to the temporary tomb the above beautiful epitaph. It was written in a delicate hand with a pencil, and the rain had nearly obliterated the characters. The lady made a verbatim copy of the manuscript and sent it to one of the New Orleans papers, with the request that if possible the name of the author should be published. This was gladly done and the beautiful lines went the rounds of the press of this country and England as a model of English composition. Public curiosity being aroused, the authorship was traced to John Dimitry, a young man of New Orleans. The young man, though only a boy, served in Johnston's army at Shiloh, and on visiting New Orleans and the grave of his chieftain, wrote the lines on the inspiration of the moment and pinned them on the headboard as the only tribute he could offer.
On the monument of General Albert Sidney Johnston, one of the great and popular generals of the Confederacy, in the cemetery at Austin, Texas, is inscribed the beautiful epitaph contained in this story, written by the young man. It is a truly amazing composition.
A Graphic Account Of An Indian Raid
This story is about the notable Indian raid that occurred in the Sabinal Valley, Uvalde, county, in 1859 and actually includes two accounts of the same event written by two authors. The first is the account written by the son of one of the victims, Mr. J. W. Davenport, whose father, John Davenport was killed in the attack, and is stated to be true and accurate in detail, according to the old settlers who lived in the area where this gruesome event occurred. Following his version of the story, is the account of the same event by Captain W. R. Russell of Harper, Texas, who was a member of Captain W. R. Henry's Frontier Rangers and who participated in the raid and subsequent pursuit.
Further Mentions: Doke Bowles * the Patterson settlement * the Blanco creek * his new ranch on the Leon * Weed on Ranch * John Kennedy's ranch * Lieut. W. L. Hazen * John McCormick * Ben Pulliam * William Thomas * Arnold, Arnette * Bushy Bead" Williams * Clabe Davenport, brother of John * Everett * Frank Isabell, Nobe Griner * John 'McCormick * a man named Wheat * Black Creek in Medina county * Admiral George Dewey * Mrs. J. Z. Brown * Ranchero Creek * Capt. W. R. Henry's Frontier Rangers * Fred C. Arnold * Sam Everette *
Surveying Under Difficulties In 1860
Col. M. L. Crimmins. This is an excellent account of the Topographical Engineers when Colonel Robert E. Lee, 2nd Cavalry, was in command and the incredible hardships they endured while surveying the Southwest, particularly a strip of country on either side of the San Carlos trail, between Fort Stockton and the Rio Grande, which was unknown and thought to be waterless. It was important that our troops have more information about it, so they could pursue successfully the Indians who hid there. Camels were the only animals which could be used to traverse these waterless regions. (Continued next month)
An excerpt: The poor famished mules, which were ordinarily so wild that they were never turned loose to graze without being hobbled, now fearlessly and frantically went to the water barrels to draw the bungs with their teeth and gnaw at the bungholes. It was expected that all the mules would be lost unless water was found that day. Only a canteen of water was issued each man, with enough to make a cup of coffee. This was the fourth day since the camels drank and the water was then brackish. It was the same kind of water they had in their barrels, which was so full of filth and impurities that, when the hung was taken from a barrel, a stench came forth.
Further Mentions: Lieutenant Colonel Joseph E. Johnson, Captain W. H. C. Whiting and Captain Nathaniel Michler * Captain John Pope * Second Lieutenant W. H. Echols * Twenty camels from Camp Verde, under Amasa Clark, and twenty-four pack mules were assigned as transportation * Camp Houston * Camp Houston was at the second crossing of the Devils River, about 40 miles northwest of Del Rio * Beaver Lake * Johnsons Run * Howards Springs * Lieutenant Holman * Piscas Creek abounding in fish. The commander caught a dozen large fish weighing from 10 to 15 pounds each * Makins Spring * Fort Davis * "Camel Hump Mountain," * San Francisco Creek * the Southern Pacific Railway and the road from Del Rio to El Paso * Military Border Highway. * Second Lieutenant James H. Holman *
After Many Years
Judge O. W. Williams, Fort Stockton, Texas.
Story of ‘ol Hank Herrick whose life and experience as a miner and adventurer on the frontier mirrors that of countless frontiersmen and wanderers in search of mines full of riches and freedom of the frontier. In the experience of hundreds of early American settlers in Arizona and New Mexico, saving only that very few of them ever had a stake like Hank to help out the desired return to the old home. A life of forty years in a country with a wide horizon of sky and mountain among a people whose habits, ambitions and passions were greatly loosened from the conventions of civilization, left the wayfarer helpless to rest content within the bounds of a small farming community.
Further Mentions: the territory from the Gila River to the Sacramento Mountains in the East and as far South as the Mexican border * Martin Bremen * Silver City * the East Bound overland stage coach at Silver City, New Mexico * T. D. Pettie * Mr. Lawrence, reporter for the Denver Mining News * Sam Marcial * Mr. Donaho * the two camps of Shakespeare and Lieutdorfs * the Pyramid Range * the Copper Queen Mine * the little town of Fairmont in Clark County, Missouri * Jornada del Muerto * Newton *
FIRST ICE FACTORY IN TEXAS
The first ice manufactured in the United States was in Texas. Jefferson, Texas, claims the honor, of being the home of the first ice factory in our country, the first ice made in the United States having been manufactured there in 1873… J. H. Boyle, of Jefferson
Wouldn't Swap Pioneer Days For Modern Times
THE JOYS AND thrills of the modern are nothing compared with those of the early days in Texas, when Indians and buffalo roamed over the State and the purchase of a calico dress once in six months made a woman happy, according to Elias Hardcastle, old frontier settler, and long time resident of Milam county and also Devine, in Medina county. He came to Texas in 1864 in an ox wagon, along with his parents, from Pike county, Alabama. He recounts in vivid terms, the life of the pioneer in those difficult times.
Further Mentions: Mrs. E. L. Shufelt * Bill Quinn * John Stockman * Little River * the head of Pine Oak Creek, eight miles west of. old Nashville * joined Capt. W. A. Thompson's Co. F of the 31st Texas Regiment *
Meteoric Ethan Allen
Ethan Allen was born, in 1737, in Litchfield, Conn., only five years after George Washington himself saw the light of day. When he was in his early thirties, Allen moved to Bennington, in what is now Vermont but was then disputed ground. Ethan Allen was made colonel and commanding officer of these "Green Mountain Boys" as they called themselves, but before they got very far with their private war, the Revolution broke out, and Ethan Allen dropped the cause of his particular Colony to embrace the cause of all the Colonies. Here began his military career, a short one, as it proved, but one long enough to include an outstanding feat that indirectly contributed to Washington's taking of Boston and that fixed the name of Ethan Allen forever in the minds of his countrymen.
Further Mentions: the "New Hampshire Grants," * Ticonderoga * Benedict Arnold * De la Placo *
DESERT TRAVEL IN EARLY DAYS REAL HARDSHIP
Account of W. S. Austin, who was born in Fannin county, Texas, March 10, 1876. In the fall of 1879, he moved down 50 miles southwest of San Antonio and in 1888 left his home town for Arizona, arriving in Tempe July 4, three months later. He describes the hardships endured in the journey through those inhospitable parts during those stirring times.
Further Mentions: A. W. Austin * the San Pedro River and down into Florence * Rincon * old Geronimo * Maricopia * Gray crossing * We crossed the Gila and Salt Rivers on a ferry boat * the Hayden mill *
TEXAS ONE AND INDIVISIBLE
Speaker Garner is reported by. the United States Daily as again speaking of the possibility of the division of Texas into five States, in accordance with the Joint Resolution of Congress in 1845 providing for the annexation of Texas. His argument is based on the differing sectional needs of the area included in the State, and the influence that would accrue to the Southwest and the South, should these have eight additional votes in the Senate. For comparison he mentions five New England States, omitting Massachusetts, which unitedly have less population and far less area than Texas, yet have ten Senators as against two from Texas. Texas in fact has over four times the area of all the New England States combined…
MANY HISTORICAL DATA ARE COLLECTED BY U. OF TEXAS
Mentions: J. Evetts Haley * Frost Woodhull, San Antonio * Frank Doran, Hempstead * Dr. Gideon Lincecum * The Nibling papers * Messers. A. L. Nibling and Albert Nibling, Jr., of Belton * Jot Gunter and his grandson, Gunter Hardie * land firm operations of Gunter and Munson * Mrs. C. G. Pitts, Coleman * Miss Alice Clow * the Mavericks * Mrs. Emily Smith Cheesman * George W. Smyth, Texas pioneer * the Boundary Commission of 1840 * J. M. Daughterty, Van Horn * The Al McFaddin * Mrs. Al McFaddin * Mrs. Bula Whittington Connellee * Charles Ulrich Connellee *
A Hero Tragedy Stalks Beyond The Grave
Dr. W. N. Rowell. A very excellent account of A. J. (ANDREW JACKSON) Hitchcock Born at Columbia, Ga., Feb. 21, 1814. Coming from a home of wealth and refinement, he was one of that band of 112 volunteers from Georgia who came to Texas with Lieut. Col. Wm. Ward in December, 1835, to assist the colonists in their struggle against Mexico. This body of men, known as the Georgia Battalion, was placed with Col. J. W. Fannin's command and served under Fannin's orders until the time of his surrender near Goliad on March 20, 1863, the greater part of them being present and meeting death in the massacre in that place some days later.
Mr. Rowell declares that it was his "good fortune to be thrown in every close association" with Hitchcock. "A relative of my mother, who also was from Georgia, he was a welcome and honored guest in our home, where, during the last years of his life, he would often be for many weeks at a time and it was there, in the intimacy of the family circle while gathered around the old-fashioned fireside, that I heard from his lips, retold many times, the story of his escape from death at Goliad. It is perhaps not amiss for me to state here that, after his tragic death, my father, the late Dr. E. H. Rowell, was appointed administrator of his estate; and that the many facts brought out at that time by correspondence and otherwise, all corroborated in detail Hitchcock's story as he told it to us."
The record of Hitchcock’s life reads more like a tale of fiction than that of sober truth. A man, too, of such a lovable nature and endowed with such noble traits of character that it was truly said of him that he was "a brave soldier, a true friend and charitable Christian."
Further Mentions: the I. O. O. F. cemetery in Denton * Ward and King * James H. Christal, father of Jack Christal *
After going some distance they were ordered to halt, and their guards, about double their own number, immediately began firing into their ranks. A scene impossible to describe then followed. The first volley, fired at such close range, killed most of the Texans, and the greater part of those who survived were too badly wounded to make any effort to get away. Hitchcock did not think any would have escaped, had not the Mexican troops at once begun to strip the bodies of those fallen of clothing and valuables. So intent were they on that gruesome work that slight attention was at first paid to the very few who, like himself, remained unwounded, and who, as soon as the first shock of surprise and horror was over, started running in an effort to get away. Most of these were overtaken and butchered before getting very far. Hitchcock, so far as he then knew, was the only one fortunate enough to escape. As he fled a number of the Mexicans gave chase and forced him toward a high picket fence or stockade, which was apparently too high for him to get over. Hitchcock was sure it would have been impossible for him to have done so under less terrifying circumstances, but with the Mexicans so close upon him, he did succeed in scrambling over. He then ran into some brush and timber, through which he made his way to the San Antonio river nearby, he cautiously worked down stream and finally entirely eluded his pursuers…
With the horror of the scene he had witnessed ever before him, Hitchcock made every effort to keep hidden from the troops of cavalry that were soon sent out in search of Texans who might have escaped. But the following day he was discovered and retaken, and with his captors Hitchcock found four other prisoners who, like himself, had escaped death the day before, but were now recaptured. It is interesting to note that Hitchcock believed to the day of his death that only he and those four men survived the Hound massacre, though it is known that there were 25 or so who were so fortunate. Historians generally place the number at 27…
Once more free, Hitchcock and his companion now found themselves confronted with' a situation so desperate that not only was their ingenuity taxed to the utmost, but it seemed that Providence itself must favor them if they should be successful in winning their way to complete safety. They were many miles within the enemy lines, on a low level plain which would afford scant protection in case they should encounter any of the numerous bodies of troops then being concentrated by Santa Anna for what proved, some clays later, to be the decisive battle of San Jacinto.
Their intense suffering as prisoners was as nothing compared to what they now had to undergo. Traveling almost continually both day and night, spurred on by the fear of discovery and recapture, they soon began to feel the pangs of hunger. All their efforts to obtain food failing, they were finally forced to the extremely of eating the horned frogs which they found as they walked along. These, supplemented by two terrapins which they were fortunate enough to run across, constituted their entire food supply (luring their eight days' travel. While the expressions on Hitchcoks's face as lie told of the enforced fare of raw horned frogs indicated that the recollection was anything but pleasant, it was with a chuckle that he told of his enjoyment of the change in diet provided by the terrapins, although they, too, were eaten raw…
HENRY PERDUE HAYNES
By Violet A. Haynes. Henry Perdue Haynes was born in Gonzales, the Republic of Texas, February 12, 1842. His parents were Charles Haynes and Miss Jane Power, who were married in the Republic of Texas in Gonzales county in 1840.
Charles Haynes settled in Lockhart for a time, and from there moved to Llano county in 1860. It was from here his two oldest sons, Henry and John, joined the Confederate army in 1862. Henry Haynes served in the 18th Texas Cavalry, dismounted, Darnells regiment, Grandherry's brigade and Pat Clebornes division. He and his brother John, were captured at Arkansas Post, taken to Chicago, where they were put in close confinement in Ft. Douglas prison.
Further Mentions: Miss Mary Alice Morrow * Mr. and Mrs. Haynes had only one child, Mary Alice, who was born in New York, February 28, 1892 * a little daughter, Margaret Jones * Rev. J. N. McKay * Andrew Rogers Haynes * William Clifford Haynes * George Kermit Slieley. * Charlie Power Haynes * Sterling Price Bowles * John Loyd Phillips and John henry Phillips * William Charles Russell * Etc.
CAME WEST IN' A WAGON TRAIN
By Bera V. Thomas. Account of "Jerry" Jeremiah Harwell, who resided for 65 years in Hunt county, five miles north of Commerce. Coming from Alabama by way of wagon train, the first stop on reaching Texas was in Marion county, near Jefferson. In a few years Harwell gleaned enough from his blacksmith shop to buy the land and home in Hunt county, where he so long resided. The sills for the house, built in 1870, were hewn oak, and the rafters were elm saplings. They still are in perfect condition.

Mentions: Old Sonora Cemetery * the Fourth Alabama Cavalry under Colonel Russell * Mrs. Mary Buram of Putman * Miss Elishiaba Furgerson. * four sons, Jerry Harwell, Jr., Fort Worth; Wash Harwell, Lubbock; Pike and Henry Harwell, Commerce; three daughters, Mrs. J. R. Smith, Dallas; Mrs. E. L. Anderson, Dallas, and Mrs. Will Jackson, Commerce

Frontier Times Magazine Vol 9 No. 6 - March 1932

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Contents of this volume:

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Gerome Shield, Typical Texas Sheriff
NOTE: This is NOT a duplicate to the article on Gerome Shield found in the February, 1932 edition of Frontier Times.
GEROME W. SHIELD, was a typical Texas sheriff of the old school. During the years that he was sheriff of Tom Green county he was a terror to violators of the law, and when he went after a man-a cow-thief or a desperado, he always brought him in, dead or alive. He was absolutely fearless in dealing with lawless characters, and no matter how "tough" or how "desperate" the criminal happened to be, 'Rome Shield did not hesitate to take his trail and follow it until he got his man. Before he became a sheriff he was a cowboy and ranchman, and after he served four consecutive terms as sheriff of Tom Green county, he went back to the ranch life which he loved so well, and followed stock-raising until he died. This is a brief account of his life.
Further Mentions: He was born in Panola county, Mississippi, March 23, 1862 * came to Texas with his parents in 1869 * The family settled in Hunt county * moved to Coleman county and Trickham. * In 1884, 'Rome Shield located in Green county, securing work on the William Hewitt ranch on Live Oak Creek.
Fought With Billy The Kid
Eugene Cunningham. Here is some very serious and detailed history on Billy the Kid.
(EDITOR'S NOTE-Mr. J. W. Bracken, of Austin, Texas, has this to say about the above article. "I was all over Northwest Texas and Northeastern New Mexico just after the Lincoln county War, and this account of that bloody affair, with a few exceptions, is the most accurate account I have ever seen in print. In no account of that War have I ever seen the names of Jim Hisaw and a man by the name of Howell. I know that they were two of Chisum's main fighting men, Hisaw especially. Hisaw had several indictments against him in Lincoln county. Captain McMurray brought him to our headquarters camp and told me to hold him till he came after him or sent for him, which I did. Later on he took him to Lincoln county and got all of the indictments against him dismissed. Howell fell off of a wagon somewhere in East Texas and was killed. Jim Hisaw was known all over Northeast Texas in the 80's, Captain McMurray used him as an undercover man. He was one of the most reliable men that I ever had any dealings with.")
Further Mentions: * Lincoln county, New Mexico * the Captain Mountains * Florencio Chavez * the old Murphy, Riley and Dolan store building * the McSween store and bank * Billy the Kid * John Chisum * the Harold boys, Tunstall, McSween, Major Murphy, Pat Garrett * the Seven Rivers country * the valley of the Bonito * Lincoln * the firm of Murphy, Riley & Dolan * Alexander A. McSween * J. H. Tunstall, a young English capitalist * Mrs. Scholland, sister of Colonel Emil Fritz * To McSween came a, Major Murphy's one-time friend and partner at the military post of Fort Stanton. * Emil Fritz, who had established the Fritz ranch below Lincoln * Fort Stanton * the firm of Spiegelberg * Murphy, Riley and Dolan went to law * Rio Feliz * Jesse Evans * Frank Baker, Billy Morton and Jim McDaniels * Frank Coe * Coe's Ruidoso ranch * Jim Gillett * the sheriff of Silver City * San Elizario jail. * Rio Feliz ranch * Dick Brewer * Tom Hill * the Rio Penasco, a few miles from the Pecos * Frank Baker * Blazer's above Tularosa * Charlie Bowdre, Dock Middleton * Scroggins and Steve Stevens * Jack Middleton * George Coe * George Hindman * Old Mesilla * George Mind * Billy Matthews and Dad Peppin * John Copeland sheriff * Harvey Morris * Tom O'Phalliard * Ighenio Salazar, Ignacio Gonzales, Jose Semora, Francisco Romero * Colonel Dudly, commanding Fort Stanton * Harvey Norris * Skurlock * Sheriff Bob Beckwith * Salazar * Governor Axtell * General Lew Wallace * the old Ellis house * Jimmy Dolan * Jesse Evans * Bill Campbell * Tom Pickett * Dave Rudabaugh * Stinking Springs * one Bernstein, Mescalero Agency clerk * J. W. Bell * Bob Ollinger * Bob Beckwith * Pete Maxwell, the Fort Sumner sheepman * John W. Poe-an old Buffalo hunter *
TEXAS RIVER FLOWS TWO WAYS
A. H. Dunlap, a member of the State Board of Water Engineers, says there is a river in Texas that flows two ways. This fact was discovered by Mr. Dunlap recently during a trip to…
Some Early History Of San Saba County
By J. M. Low. [SELLER’S NOTE: HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHY THESE FRONTIER TIMES ARE INVALUABLE FOR HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH. HERE IS AN ACCOUNT FULL OF FIRST-HAND ACCOUNTS OF THE EARLIEST SETTLERS OF THIS REGION].
I will give you the names of some of the earliest settlers of San Saba county, when they came and where they settled, especially will I mention those whom I remember as having moved in from 1854 to 1860.
The first settlement was on Lower Cherokee Creek. On November 7, 1854 David Matsler, Poplin and Rumsey moved to this locality. A few weeks later D. D. Low and his brothers, J. M. and W. A. settled on the Colorado river. About the same time E. M. Boyett and Ambrose Kasey moved from Burnet and settled in the same neighborhood.
Further Mentions: A. J. Crawford's father, D. A. Harris, Joe Barnett, J. W. Flemming, Sam Linn, John Barnett, T. P. Hamrick, Jim Bolt, W. W. and Jim Crawford, Mrs. W. F. Luckie * the mouth of Simpson Creek * Abner Gregg, his two sons W. R. and John F. Dawson and John Smelser's father settled on Rough Creek. * Watses * Harkley and his sons, W. J., Levi, Riley and Israel, Jackson Brown and J. McDaniel settled on Wallace Creek * In 1854 or 1855 James Wood and his sons, W. R., John Spencer and Henry, and A. Woods settled on Richland Creek. Pony Hall, Beardy Hall and Pick, John and Bob Duncan settled near the same place about the same time. * Dr. Sloan and his two sons, Dr. Allen, At. H. Wardsworth, J. L. and John Baxter, John Fleming, A. J. Rose, Harvey Maxwell, McCarty and the Kings settled on the San Saba river in the Rock Shoals neighborhood. * Simpson Creek was settled by Matthew Hubbert, W. J. Murray, Henry and Allen Taylor, Jack Binion, Rev. John Davis, Burl Hamrick and Tom Farr * San Saba was settled in 1855 by Dr. J. C. Rogan, Dr. J. W. Hudson, J. S. Williams, the Burtons, Ely and Amos Freestone, G. B. Cooke, W. T. Murray, Barnett, Wear, George Williams, H. Harmon * Joe and Irvin Campbell, Chainey Crouch, Jack Latham, W. Thaxton, James Henderson, Jack Hinton, George Conway, and Haidens moved to Wallace Creek in 1855 * Upper Cherokee: Dr. Elliott was the first to move there. From '45 to '60 the following men settled there Capt John R. Williams, D. S. Hanna, Joe Hext, W. J. and Matthew Kuy. kendall, John Jackson, R. T. and Ben Barber, R. W. Gray, E. Estep and Joe Montgomery and his sons, J. C., J. N., M. L. and Lehue * Frank Haskell, Kelley and Poplin *
Further Mentions: Broyles' Valley * Charley Harris and Lambert * , J. B. Harrell and A. L. Houston of Georgetown * Isaiah Clark of Missouri * William Wier * J. H. Brown * Cyrus Ford * The Shaw Bend locality * Matt Brown, W. McShan and Linnett Mussett * Jeff Warren * Warren Crossing * A. Kirkpatrick and his brother, Jay * Pecan Bayou * W. J. Wallis, Rev. Sam Gay, J. P. Pyeatt and his brother, Andrew * Rough Creek * David Holland * Holland Hill. * Lampson and Billy Cole * Pool Branch * Bill Baker * Falls Creek * William Jennings * Dick, Tom Gooch, Newt Jackson, H. W. Marley, Buck Davis and Asherbrand, D. Beardsley and Joe Pullin * Marley Creek * Rev. Arnett, E. M. Moore * the Widow Eastman and Williamson * Cherokee Creek * Chappell community * J. Y. Tate and R. Kolb * : Dr. Masterson, Frank Ward, Captain Grumbles and his son, John, Jim and Wiley Williams, Capt. N. D. McMillin, J. N. Gauney, B. F. Smith, R. Bedwell, D. M. Williams, J. A. Taylor, W. R. Doran, J. R. Bomar, S. W. Terry, Bige Duncan and Nick Sutton * Davy Houston, William Davis and Cleveland, James Kelley and J. W. Means. * The first campmeeting in San Saba county was held in the fall of 1855 on Hamrick Greek by Rev. Smith, known as "Cedar Top," * Simpson Creek * Mrs. J. B. Carroll * by a Missionary Baptist minister from Burnet * John Hudson, Presbyterian * Flemming Spring * Cherokee Creek * Mrs. Matsler * Revs. Tunnell, Arnett, Moorland and A. G. Lane * The first store in the county was just below the Hamrick Branch * Jim Bolt put a saloon at the same place His smith was a negro * The first grave dug in the county was just across Mill Creek * Captain Grumbles * Sinnett Nussett * San Saba county was organized in act creating the county and defining its bonds was passed by the sixth Legislature. The boundaries of the county were as follows: "Beginning at the mouth of Fall Creek,. on the Colorado river; thence due west thirty miles; thence due north to the Colorado river thence…*
* The first election for county officers was held on the 3rd day of May, 1856, at which the following officers were Elected: Jacob Harrell, chief justice; A. Sloan, district clerk; Eli Freeman, sheriff; M. Harkey… * G. B. Cook * ; Cal Montgomery, J. H. (Shorty) Brown, Williamson `Fear and James Wood * John McNeel * Chief Justice Jas. L. Burland, of Burnet county * J. C. Rainey's * Wallace Creek * Rowe's land, on the hill near old home place * J. C. Rainey's place * James Story * the R. D. McAnnelly Survey No. 37 * the 0. Wilcox Survey * The Cherokee Indians, led by their famous chiefs, Bowl and Egg, went on the war-path, murdering men, women and children * Capt. Lynch * McAnnelly's Bend * Lynch's Creek * the German Immigration Company * Captain Ed Burleson * the place owned by O. S. Ayres on Wallace Creek *
Cattle Battle On Edwards Plateau In 1884
Sam Ashburn. In this story, W. J. (Joe) Greer recounts a battle cattlemen fought with sheepman. The site of this severe skirmish in the then, untamed Edwards Plateau country was the famous Green Lake, a lake that never goes dry, now a matter of three miles off the Junction Rocksprings road and about halfway between Junction and this city. Mr. Greer had fenced in the lake, the times were dry and hard, and water was going at a premium. Drifting sheepmen and cattlemen wandered through the country building foundations for many fortunes of this period. Residents of the west did not like fences and neither did they like the sheepmen at that time so they took their wire knippers and cut the fence away.
Further Mentions: Camp Leona on the Leona river four miles south of Uvalde * the Greer Brothers ranch * One of the rangers, W. W. Baker * a Mr. Gaines and a Mr. Turner * Dr. Burt * Dr. Coleman, then ranching on the North Llano * William Tillery * Mason, Texas * M. M. Bradford, L. K. Henderson, Eaf Dragoo, J. D Gaines, Jack Turner, Frank Heggermann *
Traded Farm For A Sack Of Coffee
W. S. Adair. Story of Texas pioneer, L. T. Caton whose father, J. C. Caton moved the family from Missouri to Texas in 1852. They settled in Denton county and later in Ellis County.
Further Mentions: Colbert's Ferry, four miles north of the present site of Denison * a rich Indian, named Colbert * Old Man Chrystol * Denton county * 160 acres on the east side of Denton Creek * John Beal * with M. Ball, who lived in a cabin eight miles north of Decatur * Jacksboro Fort Belknap * After a sojourn of a few years on Denton Creek, father sold his survey, or traded it, for a survey near Pilot Point * John Anderson arrived at Pilot Point with several families of negroes and a drove of mules and jacks * we moved from Sherman to Ellis county, taking a place three miles from Possum Trot (now Red Oak), and eight miles below Lancaster, Dallas county * E. J. Davis, reconstruction Governor * Cole Younger, who had sacrificed everything for the Southern cause *
Texas Rangers Of Early Days To Get Reward
By Byron C. Utecht. Mentions the Rangers’ widows who will receive more than $200,000 in federal pensions.
Further Mentions: Maj. A. B. Coffee of the Adjutant General's Department * Coryell County * 'Mrs. Roy Smith, Big Spring * Company A. J. H. Neal, G. B. Broadwater, T. L. Oglesby, George W. Baylor and L. K. Caldwwell * Company B, G. W. Campbell, June Peak, Ira Long, Bryan Marsh and S. A. McMurray. * Company C, G. W. Arrington, John Hoffer and G. W. Schmidt. * * Company E, N. O. Reynolds, C. L. Neville and J. T. Gillespie. * Company D, D. W. Roberts and L. P. Sicker. * Company F, Pat Dolan and Joe Sheely. * John B. Jones, who was Adjutant General in 1880 * Baylor and General Grierson * General Buell * The last battle with Indians in Texas, according to well authenticated reports, took place ins Blanca Canyon, not far from Quitaque on the West Texas Plains, General McKenzie, leading United States cavalry, driving from Texas Comanehes and Kiowas. The site of this battle is pointed out today, and the new Denver and South Plains Railroad runs close by. *
'TEXAS BOB' HECKLE IS CLAIMED BY DEATH
Robert "Texas Bob" Heckle, snowy haired frontiersman, veteran of cattle and Indian trail, friend of all pioneers had been a resident of the Salt River valley for 42 years, coming from Texas, where his family had moved when he was less than one year old.
Mentions: Mrs. Emma Robinson, Cactus; Mrs. Hattie Lewellin, San Diego ; Mrs Ella Sullivan and Mrs Agnes Sikes, Glendale ; and six sons, David, Canon; Robert, Prescott; Travis, Camp Wood; Ingersoll, Wagner; Lee, Glendale; and Claremmce, Redding, Calif.
SAN ANTONIO LONG A MILITARY CENTER
All through its history, as today, San Antonio has been a center of military activity. From the time the Spanish established the old mission of San Antonio de Valero, in 1715, until the present, there has rarely been a day when uniformed soldiers were not to be seen in and about the city. Today San Antonio is headquarters for the independent military establishments which contribute toward making San Antonio the largest military center in the world. Until the world war came on, Fort Sam Houston was the outstanding military reservation. Then came the three flying fields, running close second to the gigantic central post. But in point of acreage the establishment at Leon Springs, consisting of Camp Stanley and Camp Bullis, are by far the largest. The United States government established San Antonio as a military post on October 28, 1845. For several years the army establishment moved about, and it was not until May 6, 1870, that the first deed for Fort Sam Houston was executed. The original deed called for 1,245 acres. Several times later on other acreage was acquired and today the army establishment in and around San Antonio occupies a total of 33,278 acres.
Morrell, The Pioneer Preacher
Marjorie Rogers, Marlin, Texas. SPREADING THE gospel in the wilds of Texas in 1835 was a hazardous undertaking, and it took a real he-man to act as "skypilot." During this period, "Wild-cat-Morrell," the famous "cane-brake" preacher from Tennessee, planted the first seeds of Baptist doctrine in Central Texas by preaching the first religious sermon to be heard in this part of the country. Z. N. Morrell heard that soul stirring appeal that was hurled from the various pulpits of the States and decided to hit the trail for Texas. "Who Among You Will Go To Texas?" The province of Texas was considered a real mission field, and it was. The map was put before Morrell and his companions and the "Falls of the Brazos" was pointed out as a good location for a colony to be established, so they mounted their horses and rode away. Colonists were so anxious to hear a sermon in this new country where there were few settlers and no churches at all that the denomination made no difference, and all expounders of the gospel were treated with the greatest of respect. And why not? These pioneer preachers could fix a broken wagon wheel, shoot Indians, plow a field and talk politics as well as uplift morals. It was generally understood that a Texas minister had real zeal, faith and courage or he would not be in this wild part of the country where it took a fighter to live. This is a great story about a truly great man.
Further Mentions: Morrell was born in South Carolina, January 17, 1803 * Sterling C. Robertson * the Municipality of Viesca * Sarahville de Viesea * Old Milant Land District * Falls county * the Forks of Little River or Griffin's Fort * Parker's Fort * Fort Griffin * Cartwell * J. R. Jenkins * the Yegua bottom * Elm Creek * Lieutenant Erath * John K. Allen's framed building * Col. Ed Burleson * Colonel Burleson, Jack Hays, Ben and Henry McCulloeh, Morrell, Judge R. E. Baylor, for whom Baylor University was named, T. W. Cox, the three famous pioneer preachers, and many others met the Indians in a bloody battle at Plum Creek * Mrs. Watts, whose husband was killed at Linnville
Captain John Pope's Route To The Pacific
Col. M. L. Crimmins.
THE DECADE from 1845 to 1855 was one of the fullest in United States history, and each of its events had a definite bearing on the proposed Southern Railway, with whose route this article deals. The admission of Texas in 1845, followed closely by the Mexican War, opened a vast new territory to settlement and exploitation. The discovery of gold in California made quick transportation and communication imperative, not only to save the following thousands from the fate of those who were journeying for wearying months around the Horn, dying like flies inNicaragua, or guiding the perilous and uncertain destiny of a prairie schooner across an unfriendly land, but also to bind the new and highly prosperous territory (so soon to be a State) to the Union. The growing friction between North and South, the realization of many Southerners in 1850 that war must come, and their intelligent and unceasing efforts to postpone it until the South was economically in a better position, the gradual swinging of trade routes away from north-and-south to east-and west, made a railroad connecting the South with the new southern empire a prime necessity. Quite naturally, it was Jefferson Davis, Secretary of War in President Pierce's Cabinet, who sent out the expeditions to report on the possibility of the five different routes for such a railroad to the Pacific. Congress appropriated $150,000 for this purpose. The route this story describes was the most southern of the five surveyed, and extended from the Red River to the Rio Grande, near parallel 32, north latitude. The survey was made in 1854 by Brevet Captain John Pope, Corps of Topographical Engineers. In 1849, Captain Randolph B. Marcy, 5th United States Infantry, had laid out a wagon road along the line Pope was to follow a road which has been in constant use since that time. This is the historic account of that route.
Further Mentions: * Dr. Brown, of Gonzales * Captain Pope * Dona Ana, * Preston * Kenner Garrard, 1st Dragoons * Lieutenant L. H. Marshall, 3rd Infantry * Captain Charles L. Taplin, Acting Mineralogist; Dr. W. S. Diffenderfer, Surgeon and Naturalist; John H. Byrne * the Staked Plain * The Organ Mountains * the Huecos * the Guadalupe Mountains * The Llano Estacado, a desert with neither wood nor water * Captain Taplin * Fort Belknap * Young County * The Wacos, Wichitas, and Caddoes * Choctaws, Chickasaws, and Cherokees * Fort Arbuckle * Forts Richardson * Fort Chadbourne * The oil fields of Young County * Archer County *
Tale Of Lost Mines Refuses To Die
The early settlers of the San Saba and Llano country found an old road leading south from the presidio of San Luis de las Amarillas. As it was their belief that the Spaniards had hauled bullion over it to San Antonio and Mexico, they called it Silver Trail and they traveled it themselves until the country was fenced. Like other roads laid out by men who must beware of ambush it kept as much as possible to high and open ground. The land it traversed on the North Fork of the Llano came to be known as Lechuza ranch.
In 1881 the Lechuza came into the possession of a young Scotchman, Capt. George Keith Gordon, who, after having hunted slavers on the east coast of Africa and mapped many of its harbors, had lately retired from the British navy. Many years have passed since Captain Gordon became interested in the San Saba mine; he is still interested and has a trail to hunt out. This is his story
Further Mentions: Fort McKavett * Gen. John R. Baylor * Capt. Ben McCulloch of the Texas rangers * Packsaddle mountain * A Spaniard by the name of Blanco * the Bowie mine * the Blanco mine * Among the earliest settlers in Llano county was a man by the name of Larimore * Jim Rowland * a fellow named Chancy *
GEORGETOWN WOMAN TELLS OF INDIAN CAPTURE
Mrs. Mary Fritz Halden who spent her girlhood at Fredericksburg when it was a pioneer town, recalls the event that nearly cost her her own life when she was a small child.
Most Texas histories contain the tragic story of 15-year-old Amy Metzger and her sister, Ann, 13, who were captured by an Indian band about two miles from Fredericksburg as they trudged home from school. That was in 1867, in turbulent reconstruction days.
It was by merest chance, however, that little Mary Fritz did not accompany her friends on that fatal walk. The girls had stopped at the Fritz home to invite their friend to their house for the night, but Mary's mother had objected because a rain storm seemed near.
Disconsolately, the two Metzger children walked homeward, until in a wooded section they were stopped by Indians. The older girl screamed and fought against her captors, the younger was tied to a tree, bound and gagged.
And 13-year-old Anna was forced to look while a scalping knife grew red with her sister's blood ; fortunately she fainted before the savages started their work of mutilating the body.
The whole town was thrown into a frenzy when the crime was discovered a day later as the girls' brother came up on Amy's body, lying in the road. There was no trace of the younger girl, and it was not until many months later that her story of being taken with the Indians and made to live in their village was learned. How she escaped, made her way to Mexico, and finally advertised for her parents in a newspaper which was read in Fredericksburg, is part of Texas pioneer history.
Further Mentions: Mrs. Charles Mosteller * George Halden * Georgetown *
Ranch Founded By Richard King Becomes An Empire
By Charles Harrison. Here is story of the almost immortal figure, Captain Richard King, whose name is synonymous with the largeness of Texas itself. He had laid the foundations of what is the largest ranch in the United States and perhaps in the world. His picture hangs in the mess hall on the second floor of the big bunk house at Santa Gertrudis, a picture made in 1885, the year of his death, by one F. W. Guerin. And in that now fading likeness with its high forehead, steely blue eyes, blocky jaw, with wavy chin whiskers, there is written the character of the man who fought for an empire and won. Beneath that picture at the long pine table there sit today men of his stamp booted men, with the sorrel hair of cow ponies still clinging to their chaps, drinking cups of boiled coffee, telling yarns of the days before "barb" wire ruin't Texas."
Further Mentions: the Edwards Plateau * Santa Gertrudis creek, about two miles from the present town of Kingsville * The brand that he took was the Running W, and he lived to see that brand known by every cowman from Texas to the plains of Saskatchewan. Why he took the brand is lost in, legend. Some say that it was the brand of a herd that he bought from a hacienda in Mexico. Essentially the brand is a line with a hump in the middle, no angles, no crosses and hence no chance for "blots," in the lingo of the cow camps. It is a brand that cannot be "burned"-changed by rustlers into another mark. *
When Captain King passed on, the management of the King pastures were left to his wife, Mrs. Henrietta M. King, and her capable son-in-law, Robert J. Kleberg. Captain King was the pioneer, the man who subdued the wilderness, who set up cannon in front of his ranch house to drive away marauding bandits. Robert J. Kleberg was, the builder, the man who consolidated the vast King holdings, who bred up the King herds, who took the lead in every movement for the betterment of the cattle industry. And when the irons that once seared the XIT and other brands equally famous onto the flanks of the thousands of steers that were driven up the Chisholm Trail to the 'Kansas rail heads are rusting away in the dust of forgotten corrals, the Running W of Captain King is still found in every packing pen from North Fort Worth to Chicago.
Further Mentions: Robert W. Stayton and James B. Wells * Robert J. Kleberg was born in DeWitt County December 5, 1853 * Miss Alice Gertrudis King * Samuel G. Ragland * Raymondville * John D. Finnegan * La Puerta ranch * the Corpus Christi National Bank * The Santa Gertrudis pastures lie in Kleberg, in Jim Wells and in Brooks counties * Then there is the Laurelas, its headquarters in the brush 20 miles southeast of Kingsville, in Kleberg county. Charlie Burrell is the foreman of this outfit. * Worth Wright * the Canella pasture * And the Norias, in Kenedy, Willacy, Brooks and Hidalgo counties. Headquarters are 60 miles south of Kingsville, on the Missouri Pacific. Here Calsar Kleberg, nephew of Robert Kleberg, is manager. *
REMINISCENCES OF A FORMER TEXAN
Account of Mrs. John Petty, who came to Texas with her family in the fall of 1849 from Mississippi, settling at a village called Chappell Hill in Washington county, named for the Chappells. She goes on to relate primarily, of life as as a student and then teacher in the this area during frontier days.
Further Mentions: two young men to teach, Mr. Dunn and Mr. Wilson * Deguerre * ambrotypes * Miss Helen Swearengen * Mrs. Kirby * Mary, the mother of Eugene Daughtrey of Georgetown, and Ed Wallis, (afterwards of Wallis and Landis of Galveston) *
Founding Of Town By Castro In 1844 Celebrated
Account relates the early history, founding and development of Castroville, TX
Further Mentions: the Order of the Alhambra, a branch of the Knights of Columbus * Henri De Castro * Rev. J. M. Odin * Louis Rodriguez * G. L. Haas * Louis Huth and J. S. Bourgeois * Quihi on the banks of Lake Quihi, nine miles west of Castroville * Verde Creek to New Fountain * the town of D'Hanis * Names of the original colonists are graven on the side of the Castroville memorial as follows: Jean Batiste Lecomte, Theodore Gentilz, August Fretelliere, J. S. Bourgeois, Louis Huth, George Cupples, Charles Goubaud, Jean Faiver, Denis Boileau, Anton Erath, Joseph Ilaby, Joseph Bader, George Oertel, Leanard Hans, Xr. Clovis Chapoy, C. F. Macles, Leopold Menetried, Theopltile Mercier, Antoine Gully, Phillip Schneider, Louis Graf, Johnnes Hal'ler G. L. Haas, Charles De Montel, Sax Caspard, August Weber, August Bartz, Berthold Barth, Lorenz Rihn, Joseph Marc, Durs Spani, Ov ide Reseq, Joseph Haegelin, Joseph Diseher, Xavier Jung, Jacob Zinsmeyer, .Jean Stefan, Joseph Burell, Jacob Haby, Anton Gsell, Joseph Weber, Nicolas Ilab3' Michel Simon, Jean Ulrich Zuercher, Zacharie Ludwig Methicu Weber, Jean Marie Resee, and Jean Nicolas Fourgeaux *
The Great Plains; A New Plan For History Writing
By J. Evetts Haley. Account relates insights of Walter Prescott Webb, who wrote on the differences between the Eastern and Western cultural and social development. Webb spent his boyhood upon the edge of the Plains country, at the western fringe of the Cross Timbers of Texas, and found from experience that the problems of living there were different from those of the 'eastern woodland his family had left behind. In the West, Webb saw many of the readjustments and adaptations demanded by a dry climate of eastern institutions and technique of life. Here he saw the scourge of beating hail and blowing sand, the blight of hot winds, the plague of grasshoppers and the devastation of drought. When he became interested in writing the history of the open country, this personal experience sharpened his insight into its problems and deepened his sympathy for his people. Like other pioneer explorations, the beginning of this one is of interest. Webb clearly reveals the fact that innovations in pioneer traveling ranching, fencing, provision of water, systems of land and methods of farming were forced by the differences in the Plains environment. Hence the proof is readily apparent that when "the Anglo-Americans who approached the Great Plains from the East. . . With an experience of more than two centuries of pioneering in the woodland, crossed over into the Plains, their technique of pioneering broke down and they were compelled to make a radical readjustment in their way of life . . . The history of the white man in the Great Plains is the history of adjustments and modifications, of giving up old things that would no hanger function for new things that would . . . " How well every Westerner who has pulled a "sucker rod" or railed up an old cow knows the truth of this observation!

Further Mentions: Prof. Frederick Jackson Turner, the dean of Western history * Emerson Hough * Ginn and Compan

Frontier Times Magazine Vol 9 No. 5 - February 1932

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Some names mentioned in this volume:
J. L. Allhands; Allison; Austin; Baker; Mattie Bates; Lt H. C. Benson; Birch; Jim Bowie; Amanda Bowles; Adolph Brandl; Lt Brett; Lt Brown; J. W. Bryant; Vic Bryant; R. E. Buchanan; Caldwell; C. D. Carlisle; James H. Casey; O. S. Clark; Lt Powhatan H. Clark; Pres Cleveland; Dr Coates; Coleman; J. E. Cosper; Betsy Ann Crane; Capt John Crane; Crimmins; Crook; Cora M. Cross; W. D. Crump; Col Custer; Jim Dalrymple; Davenport; Davis; J. De Cordova; Dep Sheriff Henry Decker; Angelina Dickinson; Dixon; Dobie; Mrs Harvey Donoho; Ed Dozier; M. L. Earle; Hayden Edwards; Maj Joel A. Elliot; Maj Elliott; Emma Emerick; Harry Emerick; Mrs Harry Emerick; Julian Espinosa; Vivian Espinosa; W. O. Farrier; Elizabeth Ann Fenley; Media Ware; Adam Fetter; P. L. Filer; Gen Filisola; Lt Finley; Lee D. Flynt; T. Forsythe; Mrs S. J. Fowler; Asa Frary; Charles Frary; Freemont; Fuller; Lt; Gatewood; Miss Lennie S. Gillen; Gillett; Goodnight; Neil Graham; Chauncy H. Graves; Green; Grohman; Howard Grove; Alexander Hamilton; Capt Hamilton; Capt Louis Hamilton; Capt C. A. P. Hatfield; J. P. Henderson; Charles Herff; Dr Ferdinand Herff; William Hewitt; Dr H. K. Hinde; Lewis Hindle; Mrs Charles W. Hobbs; Capt E. Hocker; D. R. Hodges; Emmaline Ware Holderness; Henry F. Hoyt; Mary Humphries; Stonewall Jackson; Clint Johnson; Judge Delos R. Johnson; J. Willis Johnson Sr; Jacob K. Johnson; Lee Johnson; Lt Johnson; W. R. Johnson; Johnston; Dr Anson Jones; Pearce Keeton; Mrs Gaylord Kenner; Mrs E. D. Klinger; Joseph Lamb; A. M. Lamm; Mrs A. M. Lamm; Angus Madison; Capt Lawton; Capt H. W. Lawton; Layland; Capt Lebo; A. W. Leedom; Lemley; J. D. L. Lowrance; Miles A. Lowrance; John S. Mayfield; Perry McConnell; C. B. Metcalf; Col Ben Milam; Gen Nelson A. Miles; H. C. Miller Sr; Gen I. H. Morgan; Charles J. Moulton; Lt Col Myers; Bud Newman; Rev Bishop Odin; Rudolf Oerter; Chief Pawnee Killer; D. Pipkin; J. B. Polley; Sam Pollock; A. J. Porter; Lon Porter; Robert Prewitt; Rayburn; Lt Robbins; Roberts; Rose; Betsy Ross; Guadalupe Ruiz; Dick Russell; Lea Russell; Saunders; Victor M. Scanlan; Schon; Capt Schreiner; Gen Sesma; Lt Gen Sheridan; Sherman; Brown Shield; Gerome W. Shield Jr; Jerome W. Shield; Joyce A. Shield; Lee Shield; Mary Shield; Rome Shield; Charlie Siringo; Arthur Slater; Erastus Smith; Dr DePort Smythe; Carl Prince Solms; A. J. Spradley; Jim Stanton; Alice Stephens; Tankersley; Taylor; Emma Taylor; Jeff Taylor; Thompson; Mason Thurlow; Tom Tobin; Alfred Tom; Charles Tom; Ellen Tom; Joe Tom; Capt John F. Tom; Simpson Tom; Capt Simpson Tom; W. B. Travis; Col Wade; Lt Walsh; Berry Ware; Bobby Ware; Burgess Ware; Geo Ware; Ira Ware; Joel Ware; Miss Leo Ware; Mary Ware; Oscar Ware; William Ware; Washington; Margaret Weaver; Col West; Allen Wetzell; Lt Wilder; Mrs H. R. Wofford; A. E. Wood; Leonard Wood; Agnes Ware Woodward; Tom Yarrington; Yarringto Yarbrough;

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Contents of this volume:

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On the cover: General Nelson A. Miles
How U.S. Troops Caught Geronimo
Lieutenant-General Nelson A. Miles, U. S. A. (Retired).
The Apaches believed themselves to be the first superior man. They excelled in activity, cunning, endurance and cruelty. They recognized no authority nor force superior to their own will. Led by Mangus-Colorado, Cochise, Victorio, and later by Geronimo, Natchez, Chatto and Mangus they kept that whole country in a state of terror.
General Crook had for years been trying to subjugate them and bring them under control and finally on April 1, 1886, he asked to be relieved from command of that department. On April 2, President Cleveland assigned Lieutenant-General Nelson A. Miles to the command. To Miles, it seemed a very undesirable duty and a most difficult undertaking. Under a military rule at that time, he had just been deprived of personal staff officers and was obliged to go to Arizona alone. He knew but few of the officers or troops serving in that department and less of the topography of the country.
He had, however, been closely following the history of those Indian hostilities and traced the movements of the Indians on the military maps. On arriving at Fort Bowie, Ariz., and proceeded to devise his plan to capture the furious chief and bring the region to rest. This is his first-hand account of that effort.
Further Mentions: Lieutenant General Sheridan * Captain H. W. Lawton, of the Fourth Cavalry * Lieutenants Johnson, Finley, Benson, Brown, Walsh and Smith * Assistant Surgeon Leonard Wood, a young athlete fresh from Harvard Medical College * Captain Lebo, Lieutenants Powhatan H. Clark, H. C. Benson, Captain C. A. P. Hatfield, and Lieutenants Brown, Walsh and Brett * Captain Hatfield * Lieutenant Gatewood * Lieutenants Wilder and Finley * Fort Bowie, Ariz * Captain Lawton * Colonel Wade *
John C. Ware Passed Away Sunday Dec. 20
JOHN C. WARE, one of the early pioneers of Texas, first settler of the Sabinal canyon and at Utopia, formerly known as Waresville, since he was a 13 year old boy. This pioneer early settler lived to the age of 92, having known a very eventful life. He was buried at the Waresville cemetery.
John C. Ware was born on Ware Creek in Montgomery county, July 20, 1839. His father, Capt. William Ware, was born in Kentucky in 1800 and came to Texas in 1828. He played an important part in helping Texas to obtain its independence from Mexico. He was wounded in the fighting around the old Veramendi house on Soledad street in San Antonio with Colonel Ben Milam. Later, he was one of the twenty-two captains who led their men to victory against Santa Anna on the fields of San Jacinto. William Ware was the Sabinal _.canyon's first white settler, and his son, John C. Ware, was the first white child to view the canyon.
John C. Ware's mother who was Betsy Ann Crane, daughter of Capt. John Crane, who was killed in a battle with Cherokee Indians and for whom Crane county takes its name, died Dec. 20, 1849. Exactly 82 years later to the clay, her son, John, passed away. This is the story of this notable Texan and frontiersman.
Further Mentions: Elder A. E. Wood of Sabinal * Elder Arthur Slater * John Davenport * Company B of Duff's regiment * Capt. Ware was married to Miss Mattie Bates April 29, 1880 * Elizabeth Ann Fenley * Mrs. Emmaline Ware Holderness of New York City; William Ware, San Antonio; Joel Ware, Utopia; Ira and Oscar Ware, New Mexico; Berry Ware, Sabinal; Media Ware Fenley, Sanderson, and Mrs. Agnes Ware Woodward, Wichita Falls. Children of the second marriage now living are Mrs. Minnie Miller, Utopia; Mrs. Harvey Donoho, Sabinal ; Mrs. Gaylord Keener, Elizabeth, La., Geo. Ware, Utopia; Burgess Ware, Sabinal; Miss Leo Ware and the adopted son, Bobby 'Vi are, of Utopia. Surviving also are two sisters, Airs. Amanda Bowles of Los Angeles, Cal., and Airs. Emma Taylor of Uvalde * J. W. Bryant, of Dallas, Texas *
San Angelo Pioneer Passes
Account of Mr. Sam Pollock, long time resident of San Angelo and one of the survivors of the Ben Ficklin flood. "I landed here without a nickel," Mr. Pollock often said. He came to the United States with his parents from Ireland when he was less than two years old, and arrived in San Angelo, then composed of a few houses, stores and saloons. Mr. Pollock worked in Oklahoma, Illinois and Kansas in the pioneer construction of railroads in that part of the United States. In Wichita, he was employed by a firm of cattle raisers who grazed their herds near Wichita, then the shipping point for all of the "lower country," as Oklahoma and Texas were called. The wagon train with which Mr. Pollock enlisted carried supplies into the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Kiowa Indian Nations, and terminated its journey at Fort Sill. This account relates his involment with cattle and also his experience in the notable Ben Ficklin flood which occurred at the heads of the Middle and South Conchos, and Dove and Spring Creeks. The water rose rapidly, but did not reach Ben Ficklin until daylight, giving the citizens of the town time to get to the higher grounds and preventing any deaths in the town proper. The town was destroyed.
Further Mentions: Camp Colorado * the present town of Coleman * the Colorado River at Eighteen Mile Crossing * Fayette Tankersley * a man name McElvay * Asa Frary, a pioneer merchant * Charles Frary * a merchant named Sessman * Clint Johnson and Lewis Hindle, an uncle of Dr. H. K. Hinde * survivors of the flood: * Mrs. Charles W. Hobbs and Clint Johnson. C. B. Metcalf * Schwartz and Raas * the Probandt store * West Harris avenue * NEGRESS DIED AT AGE OF 125Without doubt the oldest person in Texas passed away a few weeks ago when Aunt. Mary Humphries, a colored woman, breathed her last at her little home in the Durgin community of Rusk county. That this venerable negress was born in 1805 is a fact well established by records. The place of her birth was near Memphis, Tennessee. She was born a slave and remained a slave until freed by the proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, following the great struggle between the armies of the North and the armies of the South.
Her first owner was named Ware, whose property she was until she was nearly grown. But one day she suddenly found herself the property of another… Further Mentions: a man named Trammel * The Trammel family moved to Texas in 1836, bringing Mary Ware, a grown woman, with them * Aunt Mary's husband was named Humphries *
Recalls Early Days In Kerrville Country
By Cora M. Cross. J. D. L. Lowrance, pioneer cowboy whose father, Miles A. Lowrance, was the second man to locate his family at Center Point. He was a great believer in establishing industries in every neighborhood, preaching that it was the salvation of frontier settlements to, as nearly as possible, provide for themselves. And he backed up his belief by building the first cotton gin, grist and saw mills in the Kerrville section. The little plants were all operated by water power, but they did good work and were invaluable to early settlers. The settlement first had the name of Carl's Haven, because Prince Carl Solms selected it as his choice of landings for the German immigrants who came over to locate in his colony. This is excellent early history of the area.
Further Mentions: Lowrance Mill * Powder Horn-the town that changed its name like a chameleon does its color * Mrs. Terry * the Center Point schoolhouse * Captain Schreincr, one of the biggest cattle owners and drivers of the day * Dick Russell & his brother, Lea * Miss Alice Stephens * Georgetown * Leon Springs * the Gunter Hotel * FROM H. C. MILLER, SR.Our good friend, H. C. Miller, Sr., of Brenham, Texas, writes as follows:
Dear Mr. Hunter: For some time I have been thinking of asking you to get some one of the old timers to give Frontier Times an article on two subjects that would interest many of your readers. One would be a write-up of a bank robbery in San Antonio that was pulled off by a lone bandit in about 1875. I remember that the bandit had buried kegs of water along the route he intended to take across the barren lands on his way to Mexico after the robbery. The kegs of water refreshed him and his horse, after which the water not consumed was poured out on the ground. It is not clear to my mind, but if I recollect aright those giving chase had to abandon the trail because of lack of water. The other subject I think people would be interested in is of the days when the Texas cowmen were called upon to volunteer rangers service without recompense in order to break up cattle rustling on the Mexican border in West Texas. The State was not able to pay for the service and no doubt the cattlemen were more than anxious to volunteer their services in such a good cause. In the last issue of Frontier Times I read an article quite interesting by Mr. J. B. Polley of Floresville on the subject `El Tordillo Holds Secrets. In this article Mr. Polley refers to Captain John F. Tom and his brothers, Alfred and Charles, also to Mrs. Ellen Tom and to Captain Simp (Simpson) Tom. These were all my mother's people, Captain Simp Tom being her brother. You will pardon the reference, but I am proud of the Toms. One of my mother's brothers, Joe Tom, of Brenham, Texas, reared me, and as I often put it, brought me up on turnip greens and stirrup leather. He was a grand man of the old school of the South…Further Mentions: the Southern Pacific depot at Rosenberg, Texas * Wharton * a Mr. Burke * a Mr. Burt * a Mr. Moulton * Eagle Pass * Chas. J. Moulton, a sheepman * Captain Tom's ranch * Chas. Moulton * Mrs. S. J. Fowler of Crandall * J. P. Henderson, Crandall, Texas * Allen Wetzell * Robert Prewitt, P. L. Filer and Mason Thurlow * Len Porter * A. J. Porter *
With Custer On The Plains
By J. Marvin Hunter. Lengthy and detailed account records military operations against the Indians of the Plains. Excellent eye-witness details of events taken largely from Custer’s own writings.
Further Mentions: the valley of the Platte river * the forks of the Republican * Fort Sedgwick * Fort Wallace * General Sherman * Major Joel A. Elliot * Colonel West * Lieutenant Robbins * Colonel Cook * Fort McPherson * Fort Hays * chief Pawnee Killer * Captain Louis Hamilton, a lineal descendant of Alexander Hamilton * Doctor Coates * Beaver creek * Colonel Myers' * Great Battle on Open Plain * Comstock, the favorite scout *
Texas Seventy-Five Years Ago
By Col. M. L. Crimmins, U. S. Army Retired. Story describes the Texas of 1857-8 from the perspective of Mr J. De Cordova, long-time resident of Texas and was a resident before she separated from Mexico. He was an eye witness in the struggle for independence, and went on to be a careful chronicler of subsequent historical, political and social development of the state. This account records unmerous intersting and pertinant historical and social developments and data such as:
The story about Dr. Anson Jones, the last president of Texas and an Englishman * In September, 1836, there were only five thousand seven hundred and four voters in the State, while in 1857 there were ten times that number and the population was estimated at 550,000, with a yearly increase of about one hundred thousand, in prospect. * The first places of higher educations: The Baylor University, at Independence; The Texas Monumental and Military Institute at Rutterville ; The Live Oak Seminary, at Gay Hill; The Guadalupe High School, at Seguin; The Austin College, at Huntsville; The Gonzales College, at Gonzales; The St. Mary's University; and The College of the Immaculate Conception, at Galveston. * The, old school Presbyterian Church had one synod consisting of four presbyteries, fifty-three churches, fortythree resident ministers, and twelve hundred and sixty-one members tinder his jurisdiction.
The Cumberland Presbyterians had more than twice the number of ministers and were located throughout the State.
The Episcopal churches had talented clergymen at Eaton, Gillett, Fontaine.
* The Baptists had numerous churches and were well supplied with clergymen. They were prosperous and had established two institutions of learning.
The Methodists were very numerous and were found all over the State. They were usually the first to estab six subordinate lodges.
The Methodists had the following educational institutions of learning: The Andrew's Female College, at Huntsville; The Bastrop Male and Female Academy, at Bastrop; The howler's Institute at Henderson, The Gilmer Female College, at Gilmer; The McKenzie Institute, near Clarksville; The Paine Institute, at Goliad; The Paris Female Institute, at Paris; The Soule University at Chappell Hill; The Starrville Female College; and The Waco College at Waco. Etc, etc
Further Mentions: * Texas Almanac, 1858 * two periodicals in Galveston, the Christian Advocate, weekly, and the German Apologist.
* The Grand Lodge of the Ancient York Masons * The Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows * the Commercial and Agriculture Bank at Galveston *
The railroads of Texas at that time consisted of the Houston & Texas Central Railway, which extouded fifty miles from Houston to the town of Hampstead. The Buffalo Bayou, Colorado, and Brazos railway extended thirty-five miles from Harrisburg to Richmond. The Galveston, Houston and Henderson Railway was then being built from Galveston to Houston. The bed of the San Antonio and Mexican Gulf Railway had already extended twenty-five miles from Lavaca, but the mails had only been laid five and one-half miles. The Pacific Railway, or the Southern Pacific as it is now called, had, by the fifteenth of February, 1858, extended to within five miles of the city of Marshall, and was given sixteen sections of land for every mile they had completed.
Spanked By A President
John Mayfield. Mayfield records a situation involving Mr, Chauncey H. Graves, an 85 year old Missourian, who gave details in a letter in which he said Lincoln was no weakling in applying a barrel stave. Graves, Robert Lincoln, a son of the president, and some other boys in the neighborhood were putting on an animal show in the Lincoln barn in Springfield. The "Wild" animals were dogs suspended from the rafters in a fashion to cause them to "growl" like lions. A neighbor reported the cruelty to Lincoln, who, stave in hand, unexpectedly visited the show. After loosing the dogs, Lincoln rounded up the show managers and applied the barrel stave so effectively that the show business stopped.
Further Mentions: Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston and Lieut. Colonel Robert E. Lee. * Nathan Henry Miller * 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company A * James H. Casey *
Taught Young Texans Their Three R's
Account of pioneer Medina county couple, Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Lamm of Hondo who turn the pages back to pioneering days and relate to the moderns some of the trials that came with instilling into young Texans the rudiments of the three 'R's in pioneer Texas. Mrs. Lamm’s teachers' certificate was granted her Sept. 14, 1871, by the superintendent of public instruction for the State of Texas.
As that was the period following the cessation of Civil. War hostilities it was also an era of depression. So it became necessary for the patrons of Prospect School near Bryan, where Mrs. Lamm taught, to levy an assessment of 5 cents a day for pupils so the teacher might have funds enough for food and clothing. For eight years she instructed the young idea bow to shoot, in a mental way. Here is their intersting story.
Further Mentions: Mr. Lamm was born in Muscogee county, Georgia, Oct. 20, 1841, and in 1851 the father moved to a vilrage near Louisville, where a year later, the father died leaving Angus Madison Lamm an orphan with no means * the Third Regiment, Alabama Volunteers * the Southern Rifles at Union Springs, Macon county, Alabama, Ga., * T. Forsythe of Mobile, Ala * the Battle of Seven Pines * Battle's Brigade * the Battle of Chancellorsville, where. Stonewall Jackson was killed * the fight between the Merrimac and the Monitor. * Vic Bryant, D. Pipkin, W. O. Farrier, Tom Yarrington and Neil Graham * . On Dec. 9, A. M. Lamm and Miss Lennie S. Gillen were married * A. W. Leedom, supervisor of the 28th judicial district * Dr. DePort Smythe * In 1890, Mr. and Mrs. Lamm came to Hondo, Texas, where Mr. Lamm started a mercantile business * Mrs. Souter * Rudolf Oerter of San Antonio, Texas * , Mr. Adolph Brandl, Lagennd Hauptpost, Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany * Mr. Brandl * C. D. Carlisle of San Antonio, Texas * "GRINGO BUILDERS"
Mentions: Mr. J. L. Allhands of Joplin, Mo., and Dallas, Texas. * Veteran W. D. Crump, of Shallowater, Texas * The great evangelist, Sam Jones * Gen. I. H. Morgan * Max Coleman * WANTS INFORMATION ABOUT ESPINOSAS
Mentions: Mr. R. Stocks Watson; Covina, California * Joseph Lamb * Bancroft * the Espinosa brothers, who terrorized Colorado Territory in the early 1860's * California Gulch * Vivian Espinosa * Tom Tobin * Fort Garland * Judge Delos R. Johnson, of Franklinton,, La. * Victor M. Scanlan, Hattiesburg, Miss * Jacob K. Johnson, Bogalusa, La. * Lee D. Flynt of Uvalde, Texas * Jim Dalrymple, Uvalde, Texas
Rome Shield, A Texas Sheriff
Story of GEROME W. SHIELD, former sheriff of Tom Green county, Texas, who was identified with the livestock industry here for 48 years and the nemesis of cattle thieves while serving as the last sheriff of Tom Green county before a half dozen other counties were carved from it.
Born in Panola county, Mississippi, March 22, 1862, the youngest of five boys in a family of nine children, Mr. Shield came to Texas in 1869. The family settled in Hunt county and moved in 1874 to Trickham, Coleman county. It was from there that Mr. Shield came to Tom Green county on June 3, 1884. He worked first on the William Hewitt ranch on Live Oak Creek, then in Tom Green, now in Coke county, which a brother, Lee Shield, later purchased. Lee Shield sold his interest in 1886 and Rome Shield remained on the ranch until 1888 when he was elected hide and animal inspector and moved to San Angelo.
Mr. Shield served four consecutive terms ending in 1900, being re-elected three times without opposition. His efficiency as hide and animal inspector from 1888 to 1892 won for him the sheriff's office. Curbing cattle thieving and leading the posse that trailed and captured three of the four men who in June, 1898, held up a Santa Fe passenger train at Coleman Junction were some of Mr. Shield's achievements in public office. His friends said that during his eight years as sheriff he never failed to get a man for whom he had a warrant, although some were fugitives for several years.
Further Mentions: * Mrs. E. D. Klinger, formerly Miss Mary Shield, from Cornwallis, Oregon * Joyce A. (Curley) Shield, Gerome W. Shield, Jr., and Brown Shield * Miss Emma Emerick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Emerick * Centralia creek near Stiles * the Naylor Hotel * Ed Dozier, ex-sheriff of Concho county * Perry McConnell, Sutton county sheriff at Sonora * The men who held up the train were Bill Taylor, his brother, Jeff Taylor, Pearce Keeton and Bud Newman. All lived in Sonora and Junction country and operated along Devil's River and the Llano * R. E. Buchanan of Fort Worth * Engineer Jim Stanton and Fireman Lee Johnson * Pearce Keeton * Bud Newman * D. R. Hodges, then a deputy sheriff * Deputy Sheriff Henry Decker * Bill Taylor * the S. P. railroad * Red Tom," a Ranger * Captain E. Rocker * Vinton L. James. of San Antonio, Texas * Charles Herff * Dr. Ferdinand Herff, pioneer physician *
"Deaf" Smith's Heroic Deeds Are Revealed
M. L. Earle. Account of Erastus Smith, generally known as "Deaf Smith," a brave and distinguished Texan in the days of the Texas Republic. Smith was in Texas three years ahead of Moses Austin, four years ahead of Stephen F. Austin, and 15 years ahead of Sam Houston. He was a man who had lived under more different flags, and had been in more skirmishes and battles in Texas than any other man, high or low, who fought in the final battle of the revolution, at San Jacinto.
Smith was born in Duchess county, New York, April 19, 1787, under the flag of the United colonies, nearly two years before the flag designed by George Washington and Betsy Ross, came into use. It was as a pilot, that Deaf Smith first came into the lime-light in Texas. He piloted Dewitt's colony into Texas and became a member of that colony himself, but soon wandered away alone to San Antonio, where he married a Mexican, but this Mexican marriage did not interfere in the least with his loyalty to his own people.
Erastus Smith gave himself the nickname by which he became famous in Texas history.
Shortly after his arrival here, when he was seeking better health, Smith, accompanied by his faithful dog, was hunting on the Guadalupe river. A favorite gun was momentarily placed on the bank and for some reason it slipped into the stream. Smith did not for an instant think of losing the gun, although he could not swim. Smith then tied a rope to a nearby tree and lowered himself into the water. He was some time recovering the gun, and when at last he had finished the water pressure on his eardrums had robbed him of his hearing. Ever after that time he was deaf.
Further Mentions: Hayden Edwards * "The Republic of Fredonda," * he was with Jim Bowie, at Mission Concepcion * He was with Milam at the storming of Bexar * Mrs. Dickinson and her 15-month-old child, Angelina * General Sesma * Buffalo bayou * Anahuac * Lynch's ferry * General Cos * General Filisola * the name of Karnes * Mrs. H. R. Wofford, granddaughter of Deaf Smith * J. E. Cosper, of Duncan, Arizona * CAME TO TEXAS DAY OF SAN JACINTO BATTLEMrs. Margaret Weaver, who died at Cleburne a few weeks ago, arrived in Texas on the very day the battle of San Jacinto was fought, April 21, 1836. She was 99 years old. She came with her people in an ox wagon 95 years ago, when she was four years old. The party crossed Red river just before the battle of San Jacinto was fought, and the men in the party hurried to join General Houston's forces, only to find before they reached him that the battle was over and Texas independence had been won.
SHAFTER LAKE, A STRANGE BODY OF WATERIn Andrews county lies a most remarkable body of water known as Shafter Lake. This lake covers two sections of land, lies 3,500 feet above the sea level, and 50 feet below the elevation of the surrounding country. It is a lake of clear salt water, free from alkali. In this respect it differs from other salt lakes of the Southwest. The lake is fed by flood rains, having no outlet.

The remarkable feature of this inland salt lake is..

Frontier Times Magazine Vol 9 No. 4 - January 1932

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Contents of this volume:

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General Steven Watts Kearney (Cover picture)

By Col. M. L. Crimmins
One of the outstanding soldiers of the Mexican War was Stephen Watts Kearny. On May 13, 1846 war was declared with Mexico. General Kearny was put in command of the Army of the West. General Kearny commanded the force of sailors and marines with Company C of the First U. S. Dragoons, at the Battle of San Gabriel and the Plains of the Mesa, California on January 8, and 9, 1847. He was appointed Governor of California from March 1, 1847, until June when he left to become Military and Civil Governor of Vera Cruz, Mexico. On October 31, 1848, he died at St. Louis Mo., in line of duty as a result of illness contracted at Vera Cruz, Mexico. He was breveted Major General December 5, 1846, for gallant and meritorious conduct, in New Mexico and California, to date of the Battle of San Pasqual. It was due to the inspiring courage of General Kearny that the long hard march from Fort Leavenworth to Santa Fe and California was accomplished and due to his diplomacy that New Mexico was occupied without blood-shed.
The spirit of this man inspired his men. He walked many miles that his foot-sore men might ride his charger. The courage of the men will always be a reflection of the courage of their commander. With the cooperation of naval forces under Commodore Stockton and the Californians under General Fremont, the acquisition of California and the intervening states was made possible and brought to our country a huge source of wealth and prosperity.
Further mentions: First U. S. Dragoons * Army of the West * Santa Fe, the capitol of New Mexico * General Kearny * Philip Kearny and Lady Barney Dexter Kearny, his wife * Michael K e a r n y * Monmouth, New Jersey * Columbia College, New York * First Lieutenant Thirteenth U. S. Infantry * Battle of Queenstown Heights * Fort Leavenworth, Kansas * "Oregon Trail" * Fort Laramie, Wyoming * "South Pass." * Green River * On June 30, 1846, General Kearny was appointed Brigadier-General * St. Louis Flying Horse Artillery * Bent's Fort * James W. Magoffin * Major General Winfield Scott * Winfield Scott * Clinton H. Kearny * Battle of San Pasqual * Merriwether Lewis * Maj. Swords * Lieut. Hammond * Lieut. Warner of the Topo. Engs * Mr. Robideaux * Miss Cotheal, a sister of Mrs. Major Swords * Lieut. Col. Fremont * Capt. Cooke * Capt. Allen * Capt. Moore * Major and Mrs. Stewart and to Mrs. Hunt * Bishop Hawkes * Mr. Kennerly *
MONUMENT TO CYNTHIA ANN PARKER
On Armistice Day a monument was dedicated at Fort Park, near Groesbeck, in Limestone county, where Cynthia Ann Parker was kidnapped by the Indians in 1836. The old fort is about two miles northwest of Groesbeck. Col. Alvin M. Owsley delivered an address at the dedication.

Justice Conner May Seek Spanish Gold

Justice Truman H. Conner mentions a legend about Spanish gold buried in Eastland county. Years ago the jurist ' was "on the verge of finding it." At that time he loaded some supplies in a wagon and with Judge Black followed a map supposed to show the way to gold cached in Southwest Texas, near the Pecos River. They never found the landmarks-the vagaries of weather had worn away the markings. Two years ago Justice Conner went back, alone this time, for Judge Black 'had died. Success was not forthcoming, but Justice Conner talked to other persons who have convinced him that the treasure actually is buried somewhere in the vicinity. It is near Castle Gap, in the neighborhood of what is known as…
Further mentions: J. Frank Dobie * Emperor Maximilian * Live Oak Creek near Sheffield *
SAN JACINTO BATTLE FLAG DISCOVERED
"…the flag carried by San Flouston's Texas troops in the battle of San Jacinto in 1836 had been discovered in the possession of Mrs. Mary Virginia Moore Drew, of Ardmore, Oklahoma. According to the story the flag, which is a wisp of silk bearing three stars, is well preserved and has a bullet hole through it. The flag was the property of General Sam Houston and was carried by John G. Moore: then a boy of 12 years, according to the story. Mrs. Drew is a daughter of Mr. Moore..."
TEXAS WOMAN SOLD HALF DOLLAR FOR $400
Mentions: Mrs. Sam Dowty, of San Angelo * Max Mehl, a coin collector * F. B. Mason

When Ghosts Walked in Courthouse Shade

By Vivion Richardson. Recollections of Thomas W., (Captain) Blount, and the history of the the San Augustine country, the "Valley of the Giants.". The progenitor of the Blount family came from Normandy with William the Conqueror, and when his descendants, adherents of Charles I, were driven from England by Cromwell they turned to America. Captain Blount's great grandfather lost a leg at the siege of Savannah and George Washington during his second term in the capitol made the old man customs collector in the very city where he had been wounded. The grandson, Stephen W. Blount, came from Georgia to San Augustine and at the famous meeting in the blacksmith shop at Washington-on-the Brazos, stood up and proposed the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Further Mentions: his wife, Mary Landon * Talladega, Ala * Elisha Roberts, the last alcalde under the Mexican regime * George Teel * Rusk and Palestine * Gen. Summerfield Griffith * one Donald McDonald, who operated a mill two miles below San Augustine in the early days * with S. S. Davis and William Nash * Dr. Isaac Jackson Roberts * Thomas J. Rusk, with K. L. Anderson, later vice president of the Republic * Dr. Stone, the eminent Southern surgeon of the New Orleans Medical College * John A. Green, who was lieutenant governor of Texas for ten years and whose descendants still live in San Augustine * George Whitfield Terrell, a tall, spare man whom the Indians called the Lean Captain * Anson Jones * Pinckney Henderson * K. L. Anderson * O. M. Roberts * Ben Roberts * Three-Legged Willie Williamson * Judge Ochiltree *
HOW COLORADO COUNTY VOTED ON SECESSION
Mentions: Colorado county * old Confederates of Eagle Lake * The Harvey's Creek box * Oak Grove box * The Dunlavy box * Mentz and Bernardo boxes * Cryers precinct * Altair, Nada and Garwood * Rock Island precinct * Sheridan, Provident City * Santa Anna precinct * Sandies * Weimer *
Jake Alford, Pioneer Officer
Jake Alford, veteran Eastland county attorney living and practicing his profession at Rising Star, is one of the pioneers of this section and in an early day served four years as a deputy sheriff under Bill Adams, picturesque frontier peace officer of Brown county, and had the distinction of serving four years and handling many noted badmen but never having made an arrest. Alford, when only 17, was sent by his chief one time to run down and arrest a gang of horse thieves that had stolen horses from settlers in Hamilton and Brown counties. The rustlers, it was believed, were making their way into Indian Territory, leading and driving the stolen horses.
Further mentions: Brownwood * Putnam * Hamilton county * Green Simpson, sheriff of Shackelford county * Bill Adams * Cisco * J. W. Hartman *
El Tordillo Holds Secrets
IN THE OLDER settled parts of state are many points of interest, where tragedies have been enacted, and where buried treasure has been searched for. One of these points of tragic interest is El Tordillo, near where the three counties of Wilson, Live Oak and Atascosa join. The following article, written by J. B. Polley of Floresville, is full of interest regarding this place. THIS IS UNUSUALLY GOOD EARLY HISTORY OF THE AREA!
Further Mentions: Hills of El Capote & El Tordilla * El Capote erects its head twelve miles below Seguin on the east side of the Guadalupe River * other eminences that were known in the old days as landmarks-Santarita, Tequache, San Cartha and Lomo Alto * the ^-Medina River * the Calvillo ranch, nearly opposite the town of Floresville * the Nueces River a short distance below Oakville * "The first settlers in the vicinity of El Tordillo were the brothers Dan and William Brister. They moved there in 1854, from a place they had settled in 1874 on the Cibolo, just above the mouth of the Martinez, driven to the move, old Dan said, because the Cibolo country had got so full of people that lie didn't have elbow room. The next movers to the Tordillo section were Capt. John F. Tom and his brothers, Alfred and Charles, who, in 1855, moved from the Guadalupe River, near Seguin * Capt. Peter Tumlinson, who them lived on the Gallinas, some twenty miles northwest of the Tordillo * a man by the name of Hopkins * Alex Walker * Shockley Hollow * E. J. Davis * Bell Branch * Mrs. Ellen Tom * the Coynes and Peevy feud * Frank Tennill * the old Barlow ranch' on Weedy * Campbellton * John Campbell's store at Campbellton * Jim Coynes * cowardly John Schrier * Bivarias ranch * Callahan * man named Owens * Edwards * Joe Weyman * Lee Mayes, a lad of 18 * . A German by the 'name of Rabensburg, an American named Sanderfur * Ben Rosser and Capt. Simp Torn
Sheriff When Nueces Was Dead Line
O. W. Nolen, Dilley, Texas.
This is the story of J. C. B. Harkness, born in Green county, Alabama, August 23, 1842. He was one of the most noted sheriffs of the pioneer days of the Southwest. Beginning his career as a peace officer in 1878 he served at the tine when outlawry was so firmly entrenched in the country that any officer who honestly endeavored to enforce the law was immediately marked for death by the cattle rustlers, horse thieves and border toughs. It was in those days that the Nueces was known as the "dead line" for sheriffs, and Sheriff Harkness not only crossed the "dead line" time and again but he helped to wipe out the sinister, imaginary line, for at one time he had three counties under his jurisdiction. Before Zacala and La Salle counties were organized they were attached to Frio county and Sheriff Harkness not only crossed the "dead line" but he also whipped the outlaws to a finish in a great brush covered territory as large as some states in this county, and larger than some whole European countries. This is his story.
Further Mentions: C Company of the 11th Alabama regiment * Al Fields * Joe Loston of Pearsall * Slaughter & Woodward * Governor O. M. Roberts * Billy Thompson, King Fisher * B. L. Crouch's ranch on the Leona * Frio Town * Miss Martha Meriwether of Alabama *
A Real Texas Cowboy
By Mrs. Harriet Phenix Pharr, Reagan, Texas. Here is some FINE, very early Jacksboro and Jacks County history. The account is written by the daughter of the P. K. Phenix Family who came to Texas in 1849, settling at Bookston, Lamar county and then settling on the bank of Keechi Creek, Jacks county. The first courthouse in Jacks county was held in their house.
Further Mentions: President Buchanan was an uncle of the writer’s father * Daniel Tucker * N. T. Byers, a Baptist missionary * Elder Gormley, a Christian minister * William and Newton Nix * John Chisholm of Lamar county * John Curry * Mrs. Campbell * Mr. Mason, who was on his way to his son's home, a mile away. Mr. Mason found Campbell and his wife dead, and went on to his son's and found he, too, had been murdered. A short distance from the house lie found the body of his son's wife, and her little child yet alive and clinging to its dead mother's breast
FROM MRS. MADDUX
Interesting letter and early Mason, county history from Mrs. Maddnx, a daughter of William Greenwood, who settled in Mason county in the early fifties, and was one of the prominent citizens of that section for many years. Mentions: Mr. Turner, the oldest settler at Camp San Saba * Grandfather Allen * another settler by the name of Rumsey, or Ramsey * Jack Couch' * Hugh Allen * Mr. Pill Turner * Albert Turner
Tells Of The Rondout Robbery
An interesting account of the $3,000,000 mail robbery at Rondout, Illinois, related by Roy R. Roche, of Watertown, Wisconsin, who himself looked into the business end of a sawed off shotgun, when he and several other railway mail clerks were held up in the famous $3,000,000 mail robbery at, Rondout, Ill.
Further Mentions: the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul mail train * William Fahy * the Newton brothers captured at Del Rio * Herbert Holliday was another member of the daring band * Another man by the name of Glasscock *
First Settlers At Jacksboro
By J. Marvin Hunter. Account of Samuel Dunn Houston who was born in Caldwell county, Texas, July 14, 1855. (Contains nice old photo of Mr Houston). His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Fred E. Houston, who came from Tennessee in an ox-wagon, locating first on the San Marcos River, within two miles of the present town of Luling. This was prior to 1840, and they were among the earliest settlers there. Samuel Dunn Houston was a nephew of General Sam Houston, and was named for him. He worked on his father's farm and ranch near Lockhart until he was about seventeen years old, then became a sure enough cowboy. Altogether he made twenty-eight trips "up the trail." This is a great story of his life and adventures as well as good history of the area.
Further Mentions: Ogallala, Nebraska * R. G. Head * the boss, John Sanders * Tusler's ranch on Pumpkin Creek * four thousand big Texas steers that belonged to D. R. Fant * the old King Ranch herds * the Court House Rock * the old seven Crook Ranch * Theodore Luce, of Lockhart, Texas * the Neobrara River * the Dillon Ranch * Jack Woods, an old cowboy that worked on the Bosler ranch *
The Skittish Years Of Old Fort Concho
By O. R. Parsons. Although Fort Concho lasted only twenty years, it protected west Texas during the most important twenty years of its early history. Protection came at the right time to play a big role in opening the Edwards Plateau to the ranchmen, the sheep herder, the small agriculturist and other pioneers of civilization. When the fort was built the settlements in Tom Green county were hardly worthy of the name. There was Ben Ficklin, a small mail station, and the only one in a radius of a hundred miles and more the Bismark farm, consisting of fifteen people, counting noses of children and women, all of whom settled near the main Concho.
Further Mentions: A timely Indian raid at Fort McKavett in 1866 * Spring Creek * a little German settlement called Fredericksburg * , a San Antonio contracting and hauling firm, Adams & Wickes * the Fort Concho Realty Co * Menardville * The Nimitz Hotel (built by the same Nimitz who made the Fredericksburg Hotel famous) * Hackberry Creek in the southwestern corner of Mitchell county * Capt. Bryan Marsh, with eighteen members of Company B, Frontier Battalion of Texas Rangers * Colonel Grierson, the commanding officer * A San Angelo man, John Hoffer, was then a member of the Texas Rangers * Reveille * General MacKenzie and General Shafter *
Trail Historian Corrects Errors
THE FAMED Chisholm cattle trail, about which more has been written than any other southwestern trail cannot be traced in Texas for the reason that it never existed in this state according to George W. Saunders, who has spent more than fifty-five years on trail history. Furthermore while Chisholm blazed the trail which bore his name, Mr. Saunders says, it should have been called the McCoy trail in honor of the man who had it blazed. "Texas," said Mr. Saunders, "had four well-defined trails with many intersecting them. The four main trails were the Goodnight and Loving, the Wilson to Wilbarger, the Cameron to Montague, and the Live Oak to Kimble. "
Further Mentions: Joe McCoy of Abilene * Goliad, Bee, Live Oaks, San Patricio, Refugio, Victoria, Gonzales and Karnes counties, Texas * Red River station * Colverts' Ferry below Denison * Doan's Crossing * Fayette Tankersley of Mertzon, Texas * Tom Green, Irion, Reagan, Upton, Crane, Ward, Winkler and Loving * The counties on the Cameron-Montague county trail, are Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo, Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg, Nueces, Jim Wells, San Patricio, Live Oak, Bee, Goliad, Karnes, Wilson, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, Williamson, Bell, Coryell, MeLennan, Bosque, Hill, Johnson, Tarrant, Denton, Wise, Cooke and Montague. * The trail from Wilson to Wilbarger passed through the counties that now are Wilson, Bexar, Kendall, Kerr, Gillespie, Kimble, Menard, Concho, McCullough, Coleman, Calahan, Shackleford, Throckmorton, Baylor and Wilbarger. * "The trail from Live Oak to Kimble went through what are now the counties of Live Oak, McCullen, LaSalle, Dimmit, Zavala, Uvalde, Real, Edwards and Kimble *
Texas Pioneer Recalls Battle With Indians
Captain J. P. Wylie, of Dallas, former Indian fighter, remembers as though it occurred yesterday the disastrous Dove Creek Indian fight in what is now Tom Green county in 1865, one of the thrilling chapters in West Texas history. The soldiers and settlers were badly defeated in this fight. Mr. Wylie joined Company A, under Captain Cook, and went to Camp San Saba, whence we were before long transferred to Camp Colorado, in Coleman county, where with Company B, we formed a battalion, under Captain Fossett and Captain Tolton. He goes on to describe the events that led up to and occurred during this bloody fight.
"My parents moved from Van Buren county, Arkansas, to Texas in 1845, the year Texas was annexed to the United States," Capt. Wylie said in describing, his early life in the Lone Star state and the events leading up to the battle of Dove Creek. "Mother often told me about the trip and the experiences of the family on the way.
We came through Indian territory and crossed the Red River near Paris, then called Pin hook, and settled in Navarro county, near the future site of Corsienna. That part of the country still was full of Indians, who were friendly and who, mother, said, took a delight in playing with me, a white papoose being a novelty to them.
Further Mentions: Lieutenant Mulkey and Private Mart Chilters * a buck private named Bedford * Spring Creek * an old frontiersman named Sharp * Captain Tolton *
Free Masonry In Texas
By Anson Jones. This is a brief and sad sketch of the first establishment of Freemasonry in Texas. It was founded, as this article declares, "amid the stern concomitants of adversity and war, but its foundations were laid broad and deep; and upon them has been raised a superstructure of strength and beauty, symmetrical in its proportions, and vast in its dimensions, which I trust will rise "usque ad astra," and continue as a beacon to guide and cheer worthy Masons on their journey of life; and against which the wasting storms of time shall beat in vain and the restless waves of persecution dash themselves to destruction in angry foam; while the presiding genius of the institution, from its lofty walls, shall ever continue to exclaim in emphatic tones, to be heard by all- East, West, North and South." [Matt 23:10]
Further Mentions: John A. Wharton, Asa Brigham, James A. E. Phelps, Alexander Russell * Bro. J. P. Caldwell * Gen. John Austin's * the M. W. Grand Master of that body, J. H. Holland * Master Mason, Bro. W. D. Hall * St. Johns Lodge No. 5 * Holland Lodge No. 36 *
MONUMENT TO OLD TRAIL DRIVERS

Mentions: the organization of Wilbarger county * Doans, where the old western trail crossed the river into what has since become the State of Oklahoma * Dodge City, Kansas * Mrs. Bertha Doan Ross, daughter of the late C. F. Doan, first man to bring his family to Wilbarger county, and founder of the Doan Crossing store * the old Doan farm