TX BIOS: Story of Falls County Court houses, by Roy Eddins Selected and converted.American Memory, Library of Congress. Washington, 1994. Preceding element provides place and date of transcription only. This transcription intended to be 99.95% accurate. For more information about this text and this American Memory collection, refer to accompanying matter. U.S. Work Projects Administration, Federal Writers' Project (Folklore Project, Life Histories, 1936-39); Manuscript Division, Library of Congress.Copyright status not determined. 00011 Beliefs & Customs - Folk Stuff FOLKLORE-WHITE PIONEER. Miss. Effie Cowan, P. W. McLennan County, Texas. District No. 8. No. of Words 3,250 File No. 240. Page No. 1. REFERENCE. "THE STORY OF FALLS COUNTY COURT HOUSES, as told by Roy Eddins, Marlin, Texas. "Before anybody builds a house of business, he wants to know of the title to the land upon which he is to build is clear. He wants to know if that land belongs to him and is free of any and all claims and future litigations concerning it are nil- before he puts a lot of money into a structure. Well the land upon which Falls county's new courthouse is to be built (the same spot upon which four previous courthouse have been built and where the business of the county has been transacted for eighty-eight years) is "clear". It is indeed, the property of the county. But not without litigation. Wait--! "Even before a people builds a place of business--a courthouse--it must know it has a right to do business. Falls county certainly has a right to transact business--financial, economic, social, and otherwise. Not only because it has done so for eighty-eight years, but also because it waslegally created or constituted, away back yonder in 1850, so the records show. Since Falls county is going to build a new courthouse a brief history of Falls county, its county site and a few highlights of its early trials and successes are apropriate. Special reference herein is made to the county's court-houses, five of them (and perhaps another). NOTE: C12 - Texas 00022San Jacinto. A government, a constitution and law and order was established in the new empire. A little later after a culmination of the shrewd schemes of "Old Hickory" Jackson, former president of the United States, and our own Sam Houston, Texas became a part of the United States, "land of the free and home of the brave". "Into the virgin wilderness -- Texas-- came people from everywhere in search of new opportunities and adventure. Texas was on a boom. The state, under its original constitution, had been cut up into a few large counties or districts. Soon, however, the pressure of increasing population, prompted the state leglislature, in turn, to cut up these districts into smaller units-- counties with county-sites more conveniently located for the people in the various localities. "During the war of Texas Independence a famous outpost of the colonies of Texas was located at Viesca, atop a hill overlooking the Falls of the Brazos river-- now in Falls county. Citizens of Viesca played a major role in early Texas history, as history records. We do not review that history here, we hasten to our story of Falls county's courthouses and some of the early happenings therein. "Viesca and the territory round about (now known as Falls county) was, at the time of the annexation of Texas to the United States, in a large district, known as the Milam District. When the legislature started cutting up the large districts into counties, Falls county was carved from Milam district. "Falls" was an appropriate name for the new county, because of the falls of the Brazos had always been a destiny making rendezvous in Texas history. 00033"Early legislatures, perhaps, looked at the map and over the valiant and patriotic service of Viesca and drew upon the map lines marking off the new county. It passed necessary laws creating Falls county, taking for granted that Viesca would be the center of the county and become its capital. Soon thereafter people on the east of the river-- early settlers who had been forced eastward because it was safer with the river between them and the western Indians-- registered dissatisfaction over Viesca as the county site. They called for an election to determine the location of the site. "Earliest minutes of the commissioners court of Falls county show that following an election "Adams" was chosen county site of the new county. Ad This site was located around the home of a Dr Adams whose home was under a grove of trees a few hundred feet north of the present courthouse square (the present home of Mrs Nettie Allen). Why a change of name was made, nobody knows definetely, nor do the commissioners court minutes show, but subsequent minutes of the court simply refer to the new county site as "Marlin." While no reason for the change of name was made in the minutes, it is generally conceded the name was given in honor of the Marlin family who lived in the vivinity in early times and members who wrought well in the history of this section and some of whom paid the supreme price in Indian raids-- all of which is another story. "Where Was The First Courthouse? "The commissioners court minutes refer to a meeting of the commissioners court on October 5, 1850. The leglislature had designed Viesca as county 00044site. Was the log cabin in which the court met at or near Viesca, where once thrived a virile and prosperous settlement? Of course, there is nothing at Viesca now--just a bald hill, a big oak tree, silent with all its secrets, some more trees nearby and another old tree dying. They overlook a spot where once the river flowed and created a falls. Even, old Rio Brazos deserted the spot, for on one of its characteristict antics it moved two miles north eastward--presumedly some time after the Civil War (late sixties)--creating the present day falls. "But we digress! Did those early commissioners meet near Viesca? Who knowa? There are some of the opinion that Falls County's first courthouse (in which, maybe, only one meeting of commissioners court was held) was located west of the river. But we must let the mysterious past hold its mysteries. In this narrative, we stick to the records (commissiomers courts and distric court), which indicate Falls county's first courthouse was a log house in "Adams"--Marlin. While pioneers who knew the exact spot upon which it was located have [Passed?] On, they left a tradition, passed directly to many living today, that the old log cabin stood on the identical spot known as the courthouse square today. "Who was the first commissioners? How selected? Once again the [mysterious?] past holds its secrets. The records are vague. The commissioners court records the following county officers---after the protest had been lodged ithe the legislature as to location of the county site; AFTER the legislature had accommodatingly decreased the size of the county. AFTER an election had been held: 00055C. S. Dodds, J. W. Morgan, and Wm. Bloodworth, commissioners; J. W. Jarvis, sheriff; L. B. Barton, county clerk; Wm. Newton, distric clerk; F. Barnes, assessor and collector; David Barton, justice of the peace; G. W..Broadwell, coroner; John Mitchell, constable; S. A. Blain, treasurer; and later the name of F. I. Barton appears as assessor and collector, instead of F. Barnes, who apparently never served. Courthouse "Square" Comes Into Existance "There are available no descriptions of the log house in which the county transacted its business in the beginning. Whatever it was--and it surely must have been crude, comparatively speaking--the pioneers, now with a county to build, started getting 'the house in order". One of the first moves was to start condemnation proceedings to secure plenty of ground around the log house. The land belonged to Allen H. Morrell, soldier and adventurer, son of the famous Baptist preacher and organizer, Z. N. Morrell, (forerunner of the Baptist denomination in Texas. "The condemnation order called for "a square 120 yards in length on four sides, with streets sixty feet wide on the north, south, and west". From this it is conclusive a satisfactory street already existed on the east. Thus--as the order was culminated--came into existence Falls County's famous "courthouse square". "In this brief historical reference, it is impractical to refer to all of the courts' (commissioners and district) proceedings. A few references are made, because they throw some light upon the outstanding happenings as the county's facilities progressed from its first crude log houses to the modern one now in the progress of construction. 00066Townsite Acquired. "Most of the land around-about, belonged to Allen Morrell. The Commissioners wanted enough of it for a townsite. Morrell was, quite expediently, appointed agent for the county to acquire the property and after a process of trading and exchanging of land and lots, ultimately, a townsite of 640 acres (one square mile) was acquired. "Apparently Morrell was doing pretty good--and so was the county under the executive wisdomof its commissioners. Morrell, still acting as agent, started selling lots for residents giving "quit-claim deeds and warranting titles against litagation towit: Messrs. Stroud, Chambers and Hoxey" in the famous La Serda and Chambers land grant disagreement. Thus the county, from the beginning, worked to clear title to the land upon which its courthouse stood and all the land aroundabout in order that a town might grow in peace and tranquility. The Titles To Townsite Property Cleared. "The Litigation, according to Marlin Lawyers pertained to conflicting claims of a Mexican citizen named La Serda and T. J. Chambers who later got a grant from the Republic of Texas. La Serda, several years before Texas was free of Mexico, came in possession of a land grant from the government of Mexico. Some of the land, of course came into possession of individuals through the agency of his grant and since property of individuals, acquired through constituted authorities, regardless of who they are--the government of Mexico, Texas or any other--are respected by all governments and by all people, individuals owning this land under the 00077La Serda Grant held certain rights. "In the confusion following the war and the establishing of the Republic of Texas, T. J. Chambers received from Texas a grant of land in this section also. It so happened that the grants overlapped and some of the land in Falls County, including the one upon which the new county-site stood was included in both grants. Questions of priority of the La Serda over the Chambers grant and that of a grant from Mexico as agains one from the Republic of Texas, brought conflicting claims. Many litigations sprang up. They continued for years. Therefore, as the town lots of Marlin were sold by the commissioners court, it was the intention of the court that individuals buying same should be protected in their rights by the county itself, in the event of unfavorable litigation over these conflicting grants. "Ultimately, of course, the litigations, as far as the townsite of Marlin was concerned, was adjusted. It is interesting to know that Morrell got some sort of mutual agreement from General Chambers where-by he relinquished his claim to the 640 acres in Marlin, in return for other concessiond elsewhere. Thus it was, the county got its "house in order'" to build a city and a better courthouse. Highlights of Activities In the First Log Courthouse Here. "As the townsite was divided into residence lots and streets were laid off, one of the first act's of the commissioners' court, perhaps, urged by its agent, Allen Morrell, and his father, an organizing preacher, 00088Z. N. Morrell of Baptist fame, set aside lots for churches. The court ordered Rev. Morrell to select a lot for a Baptist church. He did--a lot which was very near the courthouse, slightly north on east side of Marlin, Rockdam Waco road (Ward Street). It served until a comparatively few years ago. Larkin Rogers. pioneer who left many descendents, was appointed to select a lot for the Methodists. The lot was chosen south of the courthouseon what is now Williams Street, about where the Sebasta House stands today. F. W. Capps was requested to select a lot for a Presbyrterian church. He selected a lot west of the courthouse, where the church stood for many years--at a spot at the corner of Fortune and Perry streets. "Organization of other denominations also came into existence in the earlier days. However the above mentioned three, were recorded in the courts minutes of o1851 and 1852. The Catholics had a church house on the west-side of the square and the Episcopals on the east side. Both houses were destroyed by fire at different times. "Of course, the early court was especially interested in new and essential roads. Many were created-- some running east, west, north and south. Space does not permit their listing here. Patrols ( Patty-rollers of the negro song "Run Nigger Run" fame) were appointed early, indicating the existence of slavery and the court was interested in helping its citizens slave owners to keep the slaves under control. Some of the early patrols were Captain Luke Church. Privates T. C. Jarvis, T. L. Menefee, Thomas Harvill and William Keesee. 00099"Late in 1851, P. [C.?] Whitaker was employed as county surveyor to run the county lines and mark them. Once again here is evidence of the business-like manner in which the pioneers started out to "set the house in order", to find exactly where the boundaries of the new county were located. First Jail In 1852 "It was early in 1852 a contract was let to build a jail. The minutes give the following instructions as to how it should be built"--house 14 x 16 feet in the clear, built of logs to be edged so that they will fit down. It is to be a double wall of post oak timber and an eight inch space between filled with rock, said house to be floored with a double layer of logs, one layer crossways to the other--and is to be two stories high--second floor is to be one layer of logs and third (ceiling) likewise. There will not be but one wall on the second floor. The wall is to be 9 feet from the lower floor to the second floor and 7 feet to the ceiling on the second floor." "The jail cost $1145. Where was the jail built? The records do not show. There is a tradition--and it is true, according to Col. George Carter and Zenas Bartlett--that it was built north of the courthouse square and east of Craik street. It was on a large lot at corner of Craik and Newton. "Since this is a story of Falls county's courthouses, we pass over the story of jails. However, it is interesting to note that this old log 001010jail--served until 1880, two years after the county's a third courthouse was completed, before it was replaced. The jail finished in 1880 cost $12,500. It was built of brick by Edward Northcraft and, before accepted by the court, was "measured and checked for workmanship" by A. L. Branson and G. W. White. The original log jail was bought by County Judge E. C. Stuart. "An interesting side-light concerning the jail of 1880 is that its location was protested by a number of citizens--and it was finally constructed in the center of the west side of the courthouse square. Later, as in the memories of the citizenship, the jail was again rebuilt and modernized. Early District Court Proceedings. "After great care, following the early election in Falls county, the court arranged bonds of the new officers of a new county, the musty old records show. They are written in long hand by the late Little Berry Barton, one of the long line of Bartons. The court proceeded to draw jurors for Falls County's first court--in its crude log courthouse. The records show C. L. Dobbs and G. W. Morgan were commissioners, J. [?] Jarvis, sheriff and David Barton, justice of the peace and L. B. Barton, county clerk. "Jurors were drawn--the first--as follows: Jeremiah McDaniel, Luke Church, Alexander Hodge, Bennett _______, George Robertson, L. H. Barton, Isaac N. Crouch, David Rice, Allen Maness, Michael D. Castleman, Lewis Powers, John Hodge, David Barkley, P. C. Whitaker, A. G. Gholson, 001111James Marlin, Wilburn Jones, Charles Duncan, Franklin Powers, Larkin Rogers, Wm. Crouch(ineligible),[____?] Sparks, _____ Smith, F. W. Capps, G. D. Duncan, Wm. Hodge, Stephen Adkins, J. G. Capps, Rufus Marlin, Wm. J. Morgan, Carroll Powers. Wm. Crouch, James Wimberly, Morris Adkins, John Mitchell and Alonzo Crouch" "In April of that year, 1851, Judge R. E. B. Baylor called the new county's district court together in the new town of " Marlin ". Joseph F. Crosby, district attorney, was not present and Fred A. Hill was appointed temporarily. The grand jury, not long empaneled, reported "no true bills" and the court adjourned. And so, court began--and the wheels of justice started going 'round and 'round. "A story of district court proceedings, of course, is another story, distinctive of one of Falls county's courthouses. We mention the opening of court, because it took place in the County's original courthouse, traditionally described as "a primitive log affair, with but one room and no flooring at first. Cedar logs were split and legs inserted for seats, and the door opened on the south, with a large post oak for shade in front of it. In the building, incidently, not only was court held, school and church services were held there also. Political speaking and caucuses took place and social meetings, even to dances were often in order. "A chronological list of courts and proceedings and their respective presiding judges and officers is impractical here. Judge R. E. B. 001212Baylor of Baylor University fame, opened the court. Other noted judges served in the old log house, included the Commoner, John H. Reagan, of Confederate fame and U. S. Senate fame and later, as chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission. "Criminal and civil cases tried in the courts were routine--in a county inhabited by law-abiding and conservative -thinking people. "In passing the district court story, we mention here that the county wandered around in several judicial districts during her career, among them the third, thirteenth, twenty-third, nineteenth, and fifty fourth. It is now the Eighty-Second District. Courthouse of 1855 to 1870 "In December 1853, two years after the county was organized, it became evident the old original log courthouse was inadequate. S. A. Blain. district clerk, had rented special rooms and it was necessary for the court to allow rental expenses, which appear to have been $25 a month. A few days after this money was spent the court went so far as to order that a contract be made for building a new courthouse--"to be letFebruary 1, 1854. "However, when February 1st, rolled around the matter was postponed, probably because the court had its eyes and ears toward the state legislature for assistance. A few days after February 1, 1854, the legislature DID come to the assistance of the county in the problem of building a courthouse. By special enactment, the legislature 001313relinquished nine-tenths of the state tax due by Falls county for the specific purpose of building the said house. Details of what followed are meager. In June of that year, George E. Green, J. H. McKissick, D. W. F Field and Henry McKenzie were appointed trustees to superintend building of the house. They were authorized to make contract, see the work thro' to completion and provide furniture and fixtures for the house. "Apparently there were changes in the original plans for the house. The original plans called for a structure costing $5000 (including fixtures, ---etc, "said courthouse to be forty feet square, built of good merchantable brick, 20 feet high, square roof of zinc or as the court may direct hereafter: to have four rooms below: to have four chimneys, one fireplace in each room and four in the court-room above; said house to have four inside doors and eight windows below and 12 windows above; also four outside doors to close the galleries running through the house east, west, north, and south: the windows to have good venetian blinds and to have a cupelo on to of said house; and said house to be well furniehed: also have stairs running from center of said house to the wall: said house to be finished in workmanship manner." In addition to the contract, the courthouse trustees were" to furnish good seats and judge's stand, etc-- as they may think proper for all necessary conveniences". "Following an election in August, one of the first orders of the new commissioners was to apply neccessary laws for use of state tax, donated by the state legislature, for building the courthouse. Contract for the courthouse was let to Messrs. Cremer and Arnold. 00141 "This Tuesday, July 4, 1939, the corner-stone of Falls county's new court house is leveled with splendor of ceremony and patriotism. Once again Falls county takes a forward step in its march of progress. Typical of the progress of people who carved Texas from a wilderness is the evolution of the county's courthouses-- from a log cabin "Somewhere in the wilderness" through struggles with the crudities of pioneer life, through heartaches and trials of the Civil War and Reconstruction days, through the evolution from the horse drawn era to the age of science and marvels of 1939. Soon the business of the county will again be housed in a new abode, creditable as have other abodes been to Falls county. "With impressive rituals, which have been handed down through the years the Grand Masonic Lodge of Texas, Tuesday conducted ceremonies such as, have been conducted in other years for the other county courthouses. Dr William D. Daughtery of Waco, [DEL: [??] :DEL] Grand Chaplin of the Grand Lodge, was the orator of the occasion, he having replaced United States senator Tom Connally , who was unable to attend the program due to unforseen circumstances. "Tom M. Bartley of Waco, grand secretary of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter, was selected master of ceremonies for the corner-stone laying which began on the court-house lawn at 3-30 p.m. preceded by a band concert which started 30 minutes earlier. The day for the Masons began at 1.p.m. when a luncheon was held at the Falls Hotel honoring Grand Master Lee Lockwood and other Grand Lodge officials. NOTE: C12 - Texas 00152"Following is the official roster of Grand Lodge officers who participated in levelling the cornerstone of the Falls county's new courthouse on July 4, 1939. Grand Master, M.W. Lee Lockwood of Waco. Acting as Deputy Grand Master, R.W., Gus Brandt, P.G.M. of Houston: Judge J.P. Alexander [?] was Acting as Grand Senior Warden : [DEL: [?] :DEL] George H. Carter of Marlin. Grand Jr. Warden: Grand Treasurer .- R.W. J.J. Gallaher of Waco : Grand [DEL: ecretary :DEL] Secretary, - R.W. G.H. Belwe of Waco : Grand Orator .- R.W. Rev. Wm. D. Daugherty of Waco: Acting as Grand Architect, R.W. Alva Bryan P.G.M Waco: Acting as [DEL: [?] enior :DEL] Grand Senior Deacon, R.W.,, W.A. Lang of Houston : Acting as Grand Junior Deacon R.W., C.F. Tankersly of Marlin. Grand Marshal, Frank - -Oldhaur of Waco. "Acting as Grand Senior Steward R.W., C.W. Rankin of Brenham. Acting as Grand Junior Steward R.W., D .L. DuPuy of Fairfield. Grand Tiler, W. Dr L. W. Jones of Waco. Bearer of Constitution, R. W. Perry Keele of Mertens. [earer?] of Bible R.W. D.O. Hall of Newby. Acting as Master of Ceromonies, Hon. Tom M. Bartley of Waco. "A Bible and records of the Masonic lodges of Falls county and of the G Grand Lodge were deposited in the copper box placed in the crypt in the r rear of the cornerstone. Among other items placed in the box were copies of Falls county and State papers, including the Marlin Democrat, July 4, [1939?] daily and semi-weekly, records of the city and county, pictures of the old courthouse, public buildings of the city / and county, membership roster of Marlin and Rosebud Chambers of Commerce. Marlin Lions and Rotary Club, Post No. 31, American [DEL: [?] :DEL] Legion and other papers. "The Masons marched from the Masonic Temple to the courthouse, prior to the corner stone ceremonies. The music was furnished by Scheefs Perry band sugmented by members of the Marlin High school bands of past years. A large 00163number of Falls county and Central Texas residents braved the hot July s sun to attend the ceremonies. Also an advance copy of the speech which was to be delivered by Senator Tom Connally was deposited by J.B. Turner, chairman of the local committe. At the conclusion of the program at the courthouse, the Masons returned to the lodge room and closed the lodge and were then entertained informally at the home of Mr and Mrs C. F. Tankersley. A session of the Marlin Lodge Tuesday evening concluded the days program. "It was in 1887 that the corner-stone of the court-house which has just been torn down to make room for the new one, was laid. On that occasion a big barbecue was held. Ranchmen contributed beeves rolling fat on the open range or in green pastures owned by them. Everybody in the town and country took a day off and rode into town, horseback, mule- [DEL: [?] :DEL] back or drove in their farm wagons or surries, [DEL: carriages :DEL] carrages, buggies or carts. What was called hardtack was served with the beef, properly cooked and seasoned. "Chaser" was black coffee made in wash-pots and served with long handled tin dippers or dippers made of gourds. "At night a big dance was held down on Ward street, ( the new highway passes through it ). It was held in Marlin park. On the occasion of the laying of this cornerstone in / 1887 the music was furnished by the Marlin Brass Band, an organization of Marlin men which furnished the band music for public occasions for many years. The Masonic Grand Lodge officiated at this 1887 ceremony as it did in the fourth of July 1939 ceremony the other day. But only one man who officiated at that time was here to again see another cornerstone laying. 00174The cornerstone services of 1887 were held on the exact spot where they were held on the fourth of July, 1939 - at the northeast corner of the build ing. The officers of the Grand Lodge for 1887 were the following, "M.W.G. Master-- A.J. Rose. D.G. Master-Anson Rainey. G.S. Warden-[??] - G. J. Warden-A.S. Richardson. Grand Treasurer-- H. Scherffins. Grand Secretary-- T.W. Hudson. The officers of Marlin Lodge No. 152, A. F. AND A.M. in 1887 were; W.B. Sheilds, W.M.; W.D.Kyser, S.W.; I.J. Pringle J.W.; W.A. Oltorf, treasurer,: C.T. Curry, sec; C.J. Bartlett S.D.; M.C. Brewer, J.D.; R. Rogers, S. Steward; S.A Silverman, J. Steward A.S. Holloway, Tiler. Past Masters; W.L. Patillo, W.S. Hunnicutt, R.C. Nettles, M.H. Curry, I.J. Pringle, W.W. Hunnicutt. "When Rev. E.N. Morrell, who rode from Tennessee to the Falls of the Brazos on the back of a mule in 1835, as he was approaching one of the outposts of civilization he met a strange body of men from whose conversation he learned some had travelled in the west, some in the south, north and east. He felt perfectly safe for he himself was a traveller. This was some twenty or more years before Lodge NO. 152 was organized at Marlin. Came many other pioneers who had been reared in the old States, and with them came those who were members of Masonic lodges. "In reference to laying cornerstones of the courthouse in Marlin was found among the "Dispensations for Corner Stones" in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge which met in 1887, as follows- re orted by the Secretary of the Lodge. "To Marlin Lodge, Bo. 152, to lay cornerstone of Falls county, June 15, I had the pleasure of being present and presiding upon t is occasion. A [?] barbecue was prepared for the occasion and there was said to be about 5000 people present. A pleasant day for all". C.T. Curry - Secretary."00185During that same year --1887 - the same records show cornerstones in other sections of Texas were laid by the Lodge as follows; Female Dept. Baylor- Waco University, Waco, April 21. High School Building, Mason, May 2.; Methodist Chruch, FortWorth, May 4.; Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Tyler, Aug.31; Ladies Annex, Southwestern University, Georgetown, Sep. 22. Masonic Building, Sulpher Springs, Oct 26. "The proceedings show as the Representative of Subordinate Lodge to the Grand Lodge meeting that year (Houston) of "Marlin Lodge, NO, 152, W.W. Hinnicutt, Proxy." Marlin Lodge was then in the Fifteenth District, R.W. Brother, W.W. Hunnicutt, comprised of the following lodges; Eutaw No. 233; Grayson, No. 265; Groesbeck, No. 354; Mt. Calm. No. 204; Potterville. No. 351; Springfield, No. 74; Thornton, No. 486; Marlin No. 152; Reagan, No. 480; Carolina, No. 330; E.M. Wilder, No. 339; Limestone, No. 616; Mooreville, No. 639. "Personell of the lodges active in Masonic work in 1867 in Falls county, comprised the following; (Above roster included of Lodge 152, Marlin). Carolina, NO. 330, at [upee?]-- A.F. Belo., W.M.; N.S. Bonner, Sec: 35 members. Reagan, No. 480-- J.H.T. Mc Daniel, W.M.; John A. Clark, Sec. 25 members. "Master Masons of Marlin Lodge No. 152 for the year 1887 were; J.H. Ander T.D. Alexander, John Ashworth, W.H. Agan, R.F. Alexander, W.C. Bryan, A.L. Branson, W.T. Bentley, M.C. Brewer, C.J. Bartlett, C.H. Bartlett, H.G. Carter, M.H. Curry George Cousins, C.T. Curry, W.J. DeBardeleben, A.J. Daughterty, Geo. [Drank?], A.T. Fairy, Mose Frankel, I. A. Fauver, W.J. Finks, T.N. Harvall, [?].S. Hunnicutt A.S. Holloway, W.W. Hunnicutt, A. Horne, J.R. Hood, J.M. Jolly, Geo. A. King, Sr. 00196W.D. Kyser, Mose Levy, J.R. McClanahan, J.A. Martin, J.E. Miles, R.C. Nettles, Louis Niveth, J.D. Orltorf, J.T. Owens, W.A. Orltorf, W.L. Patillo, J.A. Powers, I.J. Pringle, A.S. Phillips, E.V. Pledge, V.B. Ritter, M.N. Rosenthal, R. Rogers, E.C. Stewart, H.F. Spencer, G.G. Slater, H. Simon, A.J. Solons, W.B. Sheilds, T.C. Spencer, H.J. Simonton, G.W. White, J.T. Wilsford.- Total 59 members. "Entered apprentices were; A.L. Bennett, Aaron Bledsoe, C.H. Calvert, Frank Cain, Henry Coleman, J.L. Caldwell, T.A. Hope. M.C. Williams, J.V. Marlow, J.D. Smith, W.A. Hailey, H.M.Byrden; Fellow Craftsmen were S.B. Easley. Demitted; W.W. Davis, W.W. Sylvester, W.[?]. Titsworth. Deaths; J.P. Parker, Dave Frazier. "From the Grand Lodge the following was taken from the records of the proceedings of this lodge a reference, in available records to Marlin's Lodge was under date of January 15, 1855, when the Grand Lodge met at "early candlelight, January 15, 1855". "The returns of Marlin Lodge under Dispensation, have been returned and I am gratified in respectfully recommending a charter be issued to said Lodge, believong that the work there entrusted to faithful hands. I granted one dispensation to confer degrees in Masonry upon Brother Thomas Harrison of Marlin. This work was done at my request to exemplify the work at Fairfield before the Masters could meet me there and I requested Marlin Lodge, U.D. to permit Third degrees in Masonry to be conferred upon Brother's Craik and Ward at Springfield Lodge on the 16th, day of December, which was granted. This will account for these brethern being returned as Masons and it not appearing in their records where the degree was confered". Elsehwere in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, January 17, 1855 [appears?] this notation in the report of the Committee on Work; "_____ Marlin Lodge U. D. Falls , county; Work is 00207correct except omission of county and state and [reporting?] the Lodge adjourned instead of [called?] off or closed. Returns corrected. We recommend a charter be issued on payment of fees. --------" The report of the committee was signed, "James Sorley, Chairman". "In returns of "Lodges Under Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Texas for the year, A.D.1856", Marlin is shown to have a charter, Number 152, assigned and its officers at work. The records show that "Marlin Lodge 152. held at Marlin, Falls county on the Second Friday of each month. Officers were R.G. Perry, W.M.; W.S. Hunnicutt, S.W.; J. Lang, J.W.: W. [Killebrew?], Treas.; J. Craik Secretary,: H.D. Williams, [?].D.: Z. Bartlett, J.D.; J. Jacobs, Steward,; R.W. Coffey [Steward?]; J. Stansbury, Tiler. "Records so [imperfect?] here that no list of members could be made out. "A "Correct list of all Lodges", in another section of the proceedings of that year, 1856, reveals that Marlin Lodge No. 152 had 39 members and that it was in the 13th, District, comprised of the following counties; "Brazos- Robertson- Falls- Limestone- Hill- Navarro- Limestone- Leon." "Officers of the Grand Lodge of Texas when it convened in 1856 were; F.B. Sexton, W.G.M.; Jno. B. McMahon, D.[?].M.; H. Sampson, G.S.W.; J.J. McBride, G.J.W. H.G. Cartwell, Treas. A.S. Ruthven, Sec. The records are more specific for the year 1857, and more complete. They read as follows; "Return of Lodges, 1857, Marlin Lodge. No. 152. Second Tuesday in each month. Officers; J.L. Conoly, W.M.; James Craik, S.W.; W.S. Hunnicutt, J.W.: Z. Bartlett, Treas.: S.D. Barclay, Sec.: H.T. Williams, S.D.; D.M. Barclay, J.D.: J.H Price, Steward: S.S. Ward, Steward/.SJas. Barton, Tiler,: 00218"Master Masons of Marlin Lodge NO. 152 for 1857 were: W. Wright, John Forbes, L.M. Gay, J.D. Wright, Jesse Brothers, J.H. Pierson, Thos. Harrison, J.W. Norwood, David Barclay, J.L. Straughn, D.G. Adams, James Lang, J.E. Francks, Henry Steele, H.H. Fortune, Joseph Stansbury, Thos. Bennett, Geo. Simmons, J.B. Welch, C.T. Barclay, T.P. Aycock, B. Killebrew, Jas. Guffey, L.D. Forbes, H.J. McKnight, Isaac Jacobs, W.M. Newton. "The first courthouse of Falls county [DEL: is :DEL] was a log cabin , still in existence on the St Clair farm near Chilton. The location of this courthouse apparently was at the old municipal town of Viesca, across the Brazos river from Marlin, a distance of five or six miles (this was before Marlin was in existence). Viesca was for a short time the capital of Falls county, as it had been of the Robertson Colony in the early 1830's. However the available records do not clearly establish just where this old building was when it was used as a courthouse-- Viesca or Marlin. "From the humble house of Falls county's first effort for law and order [to?] the modern abode it will [DEL: [?] :DEL] have the same blessings of liberties [employed?] by the American people were brought [forth?] in the address ( at the [ceremonies?] which took place on the 4th of July 1939 ) by Rev. William D. Daugherty [of?] Waco, Grand Chaplain of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas. Dr Daugherty, [substituting?] for Senator Tom Connally told his audience, "In this great country [of?] our's we buy newspapers that [represent?] the thinking of its editors and the [publishers?] write what they please and not what they are told to write by a [dictator".?] 00229"He stressed the fact that the Masons were firm believers in liberty, freedom and the worship of the church and sought to preserve those institutions which would promote peace, prosperity and happiness among the nations of the world. Dr Daugherty referred to the signing of the Declaration of Independence 163 years ago and discussed the part which Masonry had played in the early history of the United States and even today. He celled attention to the fact that George Washington was a Mason as were most of his Colonial military leaders, and the governors of the 13 original states, adding that the Declaration of Independence was signed on a Masonic alter. "During the course of his address, Dr Daugherty held a silver dollar, coined in 1878, in his hand and commented on the inscription on the coin, pointing out that the hope, motto and faith of the United States was engraved on the silver coin. Holding the dollar in his hand, where it could be seen plainly by his bearers, Dr Daugherty said; "On this coin we find the hope of America- liberty. We enjoy liberties in the United States which are denied others in totalitarian states. We are free to speak as we please and to worship God as we please. There is no one to stop us from enjoying the freedom of speech, press and worship. "However we should not forget that the liberties which we enjoy as a matter of course were purchased for us by our forefathers at a great cost of life and blood. Too often, we casually accept the great blessings of liberty and ignore the enemies that menace us from within and without. In the totalitarian states we find that human personality and liberty subjugated and degenerated in contrast with the unlimited freedom which we enjoy in the United States. We shall never surrender our freedom which we have won so 002310dearly and we should constantly fight against foes of our nation. "Then the motto of America is found on this coin. The inscription 'E Pluribus Unum' is literally translated "One Among Many", but I prefer today to translate it "In Unity There Is Strength". It was the father of our country, George Washington, who said that if the United States was ever to become a great commonwealth, it would be by a unity in government, the removal of geographical distinctions and strict obedience to the laws- no matter how minor they may be. "America's faith is also inscribed on this silver dollar in the simple statement 'In God We Trust'. Our faith should not be something that is casual, but something that is enduring, that lasts through times of hardship as well as in good times. We see natione with many different types of philosiphies. Some believe 'Blessed is that nation whose God is great military strength'. Such is the philosiphy of the distator nations. Others substitute pleasure money or something for God, but in the United States we accept the Holy Father as our God." ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. 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