Freestone County, Texas
Biographies 


Biography of Robert Lee Satterwhite
  (Jan. 28, 1871-Nov. 29, 1959, buried in Panhandle Cemetery in Panhandle, 
    Carson Co., TX.)


History of Texas and Texans, Volume V
by Frank W. Johnson; editor Eugene C. Barker
The American Historical Society, Chicage and New York, 1914
page 2164

"ROBERT LEE SATTERWHITE.  The proprietor and editor of a newspaper occupies a
vantage ground which may make or mar a reputation, or build up or tear down a
cause worthy of support or approval by the public.  For this and other reasons,
the city of Tulia and the county of Swisher have reason for congratulation that
the Tulia Enterprise is in such safe, sane and conservative hands.  It is
considered one of the best general newspapers for the family published in this
section, as well as an outspoken, fair-play exponent of the best elements of
the Democratic party -- in fact, it is in all respects well worthy of the care
and sound judgment displayed in its columns, and reflects credit on the editor
and publisher, Robert Lee Satterwhite.  Mr. Satterwhite was born January 28,
1871 in Nevada county, Arkansas, and is a son of James Lewis and Mary Janes
(Basden) Satterwhite.

James Lewis Satterwhite was born in 1848, in Arkansas, whence his father,
Dempsey Satterwhite, had come from an from an eastern State in that year,
making his home on a farm in Washita county.  James Lewis White was still a lad
of tender years when the Civil war broke out, and he at once offered his
services to the Confederacy and served until the close of hostilities with an
Arkansas regiment.  On the close of his military career, he returned to
farming, and so continued on in his native State until 1885, when he came to
Texas.  He is now living a retired life, his home being located in Freestone
county.  He is a Democrat, a member of the Missionary Baptist church, and a
public-spirited and highly esteemed citizen.  His wife, Mary Jane Basden, was
also born in Arkansas, and was a daughter of Capt. W. R. Basden, who came from
Alabama in 1848 and settled in a home on a farm.  In 1871 he became a member of
the Arkansas legislature, and was long prominent in Democratic politics in the
State.  Mrs. Satterwhite still survives and lives in Freestone county.  She and
her husband had seven sons and two daughters, and of these, Robert Lee was the
second in order of birth.

The early education of Mr. Satterwhite was secured in the public schools of
Arkansas and Texas, and at the age of sixteen years he began working on a farm.
He then received his introduction to newspaper life when he learned the trade
of a printer, and four years later, in 1893, established his first paper, the
Wortham Signal, at Wortham, Freestone county.  This he conducted for two years
and then sold out and engaged in farming, which he followed from 1893 to 1896.
In the latter year he again engaged in newspaper work, establishing the Wortham
Journal, and this he sold in 1898 to his brother, Edward Satterwhite, who still
conducts it.  In that year Robert L. Satterwhite enlisted for service in the
Spanish American War as a member of Company L, Second Texas Regiment, under
General Oppenheim.  On his return to the pursuits of peace, he located in Knox
county and again engaged in farming, but in December, 1909, moved to Tulia.
Here Mr. Satterwhite again entered the journalistic field as founder of the
Tulia Enterprise.  His efforts in behalf of the reading public have received
the support which they have deserved, both in the matter of advertising and
subscriptions, and he is now conducting a clean, wholesome newspaper, filled
with the latest news, breezy local happenings and well-written, timely
editorials.  The office is fitted with all modern appliances to be found in
first-class establishments, and the job department is equally well equipped,
and turns out all classes of job printing in neat, attractive style. 
 
On August 17, 1893, Mr. Satterwhite was married at Fairfield, Texas, to Miss
Bessie Weaver, a native of Texas and daughter of J. M. Waver, an early settler
of Navarro county.  Four children have been born to this union:  Leta, born
August 20, 1894, at Wortham, Texas, and now the wife of James Sanders, a
resident of Deaf Smith county; Leroy, born March 27, 1896; Gladys, born July 1,
1900; and Mary Besse, born October 4, 1908.  

Mr. Satterwhite has been the architect of his own fortunes, for when he left
home he was possessed of neither money or influential friends.  He feels,
however, that he owes much of the credit for his success to his choice of
locations, for it is his belief that this section offers greater opportunities
to the man of ambition and determination than any other.  He has taken an
active interest in civic affairs, and has long been known as an earnest worker
in the ranks of the Democratic party.  While a resident of Freestone county, in
1901, Mr. Satterwhite was sent to represent his district in the State
Legislature.  Subsequently, in 1903, he was made assistant reading clerk of the
house.  He has the respect and confidence of a wide circle of friends, many of
whom are fellow members of the Missionary Baptist church.
"