Dallas Co., TX - Obituaries - Ophelia Crutchfield Eakins *********************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Page Nichols Nickell Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************** Ophelia Crutchfield Eakins The Fort Worth Record: Friday Morning, October 27, 1905 PIONEER CALLED HOME One of Earliest Settlers in Dallas Died After Lingering Illness. Dallas, Oct. 26 - (Special) Mrs. Ophelia Eakins, one of the oldest residents of Dallas died at her home 386 South Harwood Street at 4:15 o'clock this morning after an illness of several weeks. Mrs. Eakins, who was the widow of Major John J. Eakins, was born in Louisville, Kentucky, January 11, 1831. Her maiden name was Ophelia Crutchfield, her father bing familiary know as Major Crutchfield. With her family she removed to Texas in 1842, settling in Dallas, where she resided up to the time of her death. Her father erected one of the first hotels ever built in Dallas which was known as the Crutchfield house. She was married to Major John J. Eakins in 1850 and their union was blessed with eight children, only one whom, T. E. Eakins is now living. They purchased a claim of 640 acres located in what is now the southern part of the city, the present residence being near the center of it. When the questions of establishing a city park was agitated later on, Mr. Eakins donated two acres of land for what is now known as Eakins park - the former name being City Park. Their first residence was located on the site of the present courthouse square and it was here she and her husband were married. It is said that members of the family were on the first railroad train that ever pulled into Dallas and were on the trial run of the first street car ever run in Dallas. Mrs. Eakins and her husband were charter members of the First Christian church ever established in the city, and she had been a life-long member of that denomination. Her brother-in-law, J. W. Swindells, was editor of the old Morning Herald form 1852 to 1875. She had resided alone in her neat little cottage at 386 South Harwood Street since the death of her husband in 1887. Her niece, Mrs. Albert Eakins of Madill, I. T., has been at her bedside during her entire illness. Her brother, James O. Crutchfield of Tioga has been wired for and will arrive in the city this afternoon. Her sister in Chicago was also sent for, but is unable to come. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 10 a.m. from the late residence. Interment will probably be made in the old Masonic cemetery.