Freestone County, Texas History News of 1886 Dallas Morning News January 14, 1886 Hotel Arrivals B.S. Gardner, Fairfield ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News January 23, 1886 Hotel Arrivals J. F. Melton, Wortham; O. C. Kirven, Fairfield; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News January 24, 1886 Page: 4 The Ranch and the Range ... Judge Kirvens, of Freestone County, bought the latter and Mr. Trezevant, of Dallas, the former. J. G. Johns sold two lots of Hereford bulls, yearlings. W. W. Synder, of Caldwell, bought the first lot of five at $60 and the second lot four was sold to Cornwall Bros., of Ellis, at $60. One bull sold at $75, Judge Kirven being the purchaser. The following were registered at the sale: J. F. Melton, Wortham; ... O. C. Kirven, Fairfield; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News January 28, 1886 Page: 4 Mexia Judge O. C. Kirven, of Fairfield, and Senator L. J. Farrar, of Groesbeck, were in town yesterday. ========================================================================= The Willis Index - Friday, January 29, 1886 - Page: 2 Texas Patents. The following patents were granted to citizens of Texas, bearing date of Jan. 19, 1886. Reported expressly for this paper by Louis Badger & Co., Mechanical Experts and Solicitors of Patents, Washington, D. C. (Advice Free: Arnold, J. C., Steward's Mill, cotton sweep; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News January 29, 1886 Page: 1 Business Troubles Assignment at Mexia Special to the News MEXIA, Jan. 28 - The firm of Day & Loader, of Fairfield, Freestone County, filed an assignment yesterday for the benefit of creditors, with Mr. Peter Riley assignee. Liabilities $5300; assets, including notes and accounts $5000. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News February 2, 1886 Page: 7 Corsicana In answer to a telegram stating that a member of his family was seriously sick, Judge L. D. Bradley left this morning for his home in Fairfield. District Couty was adjourned until to-morrow morning. No more cases will be tried during this term. Judge Bradley will return as soon as possible and conclude his term by disposing of motions for new trials and such other business as is necessary to the perfection of appeals, etc. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News February 7, 1886 Page: 8 District Court Matters A motion for a habeas corpus hearing in the case of Duncan, Seeley and Loosely was entered. The case was set for next Monday. Judge Kervail and Mr. Gardner, prominent lawyers from Fairfield, arrived yesterday in Seeley's interest. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News February 8, 1886 Page: 4 Cincinnati Editorial Convention Secretary Gilbert, of the Abilene Reporter, Has a Word To The News ABILENE, Feb. 7 - ... ... L. D. Lillard, Recorder, Fairfield; ... [same issue] Hotel Arrivals S. T. Bounds, Wortham; .. D. L. Wingfield, J. F. Melton, Wortham.. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News February 11, 1886 Page: 7 A Young Man Run Over and Killed by a Train. A Darkey's Strike. Special to the News Palestine, Feb. 10 - A young man by the name of Ed Evans, whose mother lives at Fairfield, was killed on the railroad track twelve miles west of here last night. From the engineer of the freight train which ran over the unfortunate young man, it is learned that he left Oakwoods on a preceding train, also a freight, and it being against the rules for passengers to ride on such trains he was put off at a tank four miles this side of Oakwoods. It is supposed the deceased started from the tank to Palestine on the track and falling into a cattle guard, leaving his body partly exposed, the second train ran over him. The body was not greatly mangled, but he died in a few minutes after the accident. The deceased was a nephew of Capt. Gammage, of this place, and of W. H. Gammage, of Oakwoods where the body was carried for interment. A strike occurred here this morning. A Mexician got it on the back of his head from an ax in the hands of a negro. It was a fearful, but not a fatal blow, and blooded the victim fearfully. The darkey skipped and keeps in the dark. [same issue, but Page 1] Mexia Escaped Convicts Captured After a Hard Chase Its First Appearance MEXIA, Feb. 10 - This morning a party from the country came in and reported that three escaped convicts had been seen several miles out. Marshall T. A. Hord, Constable Lewis and several others at once started in pursuit and succeeded after a hard chase in capturing the fugitives about eight miles north of Wortham. They were brought in this evening and lodged in the calaboose. ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News February 13, 1886 Page: 2 Mexia An Old Man Struck By a Freight Train and Dangerously Hurt Special to the News MEXIA, Feb. 12 - Robt. T. Oliver, about 70 years old, a resident of Wortham, was struck by the construction train here this evening. As the train approached he was given proper warning, but he failed to profit by it. No blame was attached to the engineer by Oliver, who says he heard the whistle and bell of the train, but says he does not know why he did not get out of the way. Oliver is badly bruised and his physicians have serious fears on account of his old age. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News February 13, 1886 Page: 2 Stephenville Stephenville, Feb. 10 - Dr. Robert Adams and wife, of Freestone County, reached Stephenville this week, being called to the sick bed of their son. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News February 18, 1886 Page: 1 Tickle, the Terror, Taken Captured in Freestone County Sheriff Childs Surprises the Desperado, and Find His Body Car[r]ying Much Cold Lead. Supposed Comrades in Custody. Special to the News MEXIA, Feb. 17 - Information was received here to-day by telephone from Sheriff Childs, of Freestone County, that he had arrested Henry Tickle, of Navarro County, and had him in jail at Fairfield. He says he arrested Tickle yesterday morning about daylight, about twelve miles from Fairfield, in the Trinity bottom, at the house of William Greer, a relative of Tickle. Having learned the evening before that a man supposed to be Tickle was seen near Greer's house, he summoned a posse and went at night to the house, which he surrounded and about daylight as Tickle came out to the lot to feed his horse he was arrested without trouble. Tickle was armed with a sixshooter and a Winchester rifle, and rode a splendid iron gray horse, which Sheriff Childs took in charge. He states that Tickle is wounded in the foot and badly shot in the face and body with small shot. None of the wounds are serious. Tickle says he was shot with the small shot by the deputy Sheriff of McLennan County, who, he says, waylaid and shot him without any warning, and that if he ever gets free he intends to whip him for what he terms a cowardly act. It is said a reward of $100 is offered for Tickle, who is under indictment in Navarro County for murder and horse stealing. Sheriff Childs says he expects to take Tickle to Corsicana to-morrow and turn him over to the authorities. CONFIRMED FROM CORSICANA Corsicana, Feb. 17 - Henry Tickle, who has had so many fights lately with officers of Navarro and McLennan Counties, was surprised and captured yesterday by Sheriff Childs and posse, of Freestone County, in a field of Will Green's, about twelve miles east of Fairfield. He had left his arms in the house, and when surrounded made no resistance. Sheriff Childs, it is expected, will bring Tickle to Corsicana to-night, where a $200 reward is offered for him. SUPPOSED CONFEDERATES IN CUSTODY Corsicana, Feb. 17 - Two men were last night arrested at Purdon, twelve miles west of here, on suspicion of being horse thieves. They left the train yesterday morning, and one of them went at once to the residence of Henry Tickle. This fact, together with their general appearance and actions, caused their arrest. They will be held a few days to await identification. At the request of the Sheriff a brief description of the parties is given. One, giving the name of B. T. Hightower, and who stated that he had a brother living near Brownwood, is 28 years of age, 5 feet 10 inches high, weighs 150pounds, light complexion and blue eyes, with hair a little dark. He had a burnt looking scar on the back of his right hand. The other party gave his name as John Gillion and is 33 years of age; weighs 140 pounds, is five feet nine inches high and has blue eyes and light hair. [same issue, page 5] Two Years for Assault to Murder Special to the News MEXIA, Feb. 17 - A. Deming, a resident of this place, who was charged with assault with intent to murder a man in Freestone County, several years ago, had his trial at Fairfield yesterday, and was sentenced to the penitentiary for two years. Application was made for a new trial. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News February 25, 1886 Page: 8 Hotel Arrivals ST. GEORGE Mrs. C. A. Sessions, Miss Caddie Carter, Tom C. Kirven, Wortham; ... C. R. Sessions, Wortham... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News March 6, 1886 Page: 5 Texas Patents The following patent were granted to citizens of Texas for the week ending March 2, 1886, reported through the office of J. F. Beale, solicitor of patents, ... J. E. Poteet, Wortham, harvesting sack supporter. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News March 8, 1886 Page: 6 The Tehuacana Presbytery Special to the News WORTHAM, March 7 - The Tehuacana Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has been in session at this place for three days past. Ministers present: R. E. Sanders, J. R. Kirkpartick, D. S. Bordenhaimer, L. N. Johnson, E. R. Jones, D. C. Kincaid, J. S. Grove, J. H. Adams and J. C. Jones. Elders present: J. D. Erskine, J. P. Hickman, M. S. Clark, J. C. Garnewell, J. T. Harris, W. J. Wilkins, E. L. McDonald, W. W. Dowdle, L. H. Lee, J. R. Bell and D. M. Prendergast. Revs. R. B. Crisman, of Corsicana; J. H. Hendericks, Terrell, and S. R. Chadrick, of Longview, were also in attendance and were invited to seats as advisory members. A great deal of business has been transacted in the interest of the church, and the sessions have been very interesting. The people of Wortham have been very kind in entertaining the body. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News March 12, 1886 The Teachers' Association ... J. I. Miller, Wortham, treasurer. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News March 25, 1886 Page: 6 The Killing of Hendricks Testimony Elicited at the Inquest Arrest of a Supposed Member of the Tickle Gang - Sent to Another County for Safe Keeping - Local Notes Special to the News CORSICANA, March 24 - Jim Hendricks, who, while trying to escape arrest yesterday, was shot by Deputy Sheriff G. W. Jackson, died lst night. Justice R. W. Walton summoned a jury and held an inquest over the dead body this morning. The first witness introduced was S. E. Greer, Esq., ... THE STEPFATHER'S STORY A. C. Mitezar, stepfather of deceased, being sworn said: Jim Hendricks and my self came to town together yesterday morning to get some things to take to Wortham, I was not present when he was arrested. The first tat I knew of it was when I came up to Jackson and Hendricks on Beaton Street. Then Hendricks told me he was under arrest and that he wanted me to telegraph for his wife to come up at once from Wortham. ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News April 24, 1886 Page: 7 Burglars at Wortham Special to the News WORTHAM, April 23 - The storehouse of J.J. Stubbs was entered by burglars last night. After an ineffectual effort to bore an opening into the front door, a hole was made in the back door, through which the key was turned on the inside. A hole was partially drilled through the safe door just above the combination. Only $25 was missed out of the cash drawer in the counter. [also same issue] Arrivals at Wootan Wells Wootan Wells, April 23 - The following is a list of late arrivals: J. M. Bailey and wife, A. F. Council, Hearne: Rev. P. E. Kirvin, E. Stephen, Wortham; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News April 28, 1886 Page: 2 Hotel Arrivals ST. GEORGE - ... J. R. Bell, Fairfield; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News April 29, 1886 Page: 8 Hotel Arrivals ST. JAMES - ... J. Ross Bell, Fairfield; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News May 3, 1886 Page: 2 The Gay World's Pleasures TEHUACANA Mrs. Geo. Bell, of Fairfield, is visiting relatives in this place. [same issue] Personal C. A. Sessions, of Wortham, was in the city yesterday. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News May 22, 1886 Page: 8 The Press Excursion It Passed Through Last Night Bound for Chicago ... L. D. Lillard, Fairfield Recorder; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News May 25, 1886 Page: 8 Personal J. A. Newman, A. L. Carter, H. J. Childs and J. H. Waldon, of Fairfield, are booked at the St. James. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News May 26, 1886 Page: 8 Personal C. R. Patrick, of Denison, and N. O. Reynolds, of Fairfield, are guests at the St. James. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News May 27, 1886 Page: 4 Will Have a Postoffice Special to the News Wortham, May 26 - Wortham has at last been made a postoffice, or at least it is ordered to be made one from July 1, and W. J. Singleton will be postmaster. Harry Watkins has lately organized a temperance club here. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News May 28, 1886 Page: 7 Stephenville Occurrences Special to the News Stephenville, May 27 - Mrs. W. W. Moores has gone on a visit to relatives at Mexia and Fairfield. .. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News May 31, 1886 Page: 2 Doings of the Beau Monde Corsicana Mrs. L. D. Bradley, who has been visiting her daughter, Mrs. Ransom, in this city, returned to Fairfield Friday. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News June 2, 1886 Page: 2 Commencement Exercises At the Tehuacana College - Large Crowds Present and Much Interest Manifested Special to the News TEHUACANA, June 1 - ... Among the late arrivals to attend the execises are: .. Miss Eliza Davis and G. A. Bell and wife of Fairfield, .. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News June 7, 1886 Page: 2 Doings of the Beau Monde MEXIA Miss Mollie Davis, of Fairfield, and Miss Eugenia Callett, of Austin, were in town this week. They are visiting Miss May Philpot, near Mexia. .. The following were noticed among the many visitors who arrived in Mexia during the week to attend the Trinity University commencement: ... Miss Mollie Davis, of Fairfield; ... Misses Addie Miller and Lillie Anderson, of Fairfield, are in the city visiting Mrs. R. J. Bryant. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News June 8, 1886 Late Arrivals at Wootan Wells ... P. L. Stubbs, Mrs. J. C. Turner, Miss Eva Nelson, Wortham; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News June 19, 1886 Page: 7 Corsicana Occurrences Special to the News Corsicana, June 18 - The applications of Messrs. Walter Call, of this city, and J. D. Childs of Fairfield, for license to practice law were heard in the District Court last night. The examinations were satisfactory and the committee reported favorably upon their applications. ... [same issue, page 8] Central City Local News WACO, June 18 - ... The graduates of Baylor-Waco University are as follows: Miss Minnie Bradley, Fairfield; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News June 21, 1886 Page: 2 Doings of the Beau Monde CORSICANA Miss Annie Peck, of Fairfield, who has been visiting her sister, Mrs. Rufus Hardy, left on Tuesday last for Waco to attend the commencement exercises of the Waco University. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News June 24, 1886 Page: 5 Dry Weather at Wortham Special to the News Wortham, June 23 - It is stated by those who know that there has been an almost entire failure in the honey product of this section, and that the bees are not only failing to swarm, but are starving out for lack of the usual food afforded by vegetation. One bee grower is reported to have fed two barrels of sugar to his bees. Light showers have fallen here, but no general rain has fallen and the grain cop has been cut very short, and the grass is too short for hay. Millet is very unpromising and very little sorghum was planted. [same issue - Page 8] Hotel Arrivals ST. GEORGE - W. E. Speer, Liberty, Ind.; Mrs. Carter Sessions, Wortham; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News June 30, 1886 Page: 2 The Local Option Issue Simpkins and Kirvin in Joint Debate CORSICANA, Jun 29 - The State senatorial campaign for the Fifteenth Senatorial District was opened in this county by Col. E.J. Simkins, of this city, and Judge O. C. Kirvin, of Farifield. ... ========================================================================= Fort Worth Daily Gazette - Thursday, July 1, 1886 Page: 3 DEATHS ... Mrs. J. W. Orand, Ward Prairie, June 7. ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News July 2, 1886 List of Late Arrivals at Wootan Wells ... W. B. Allen, Wortham; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News July 9, 1886 Late Arrivals at Wootan Wells ... Mrs. J. E. Bounds, Wortham; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News July 12, 1886 Page: 8 Latest Postal News Route 31445, Fairfield to Young - Leave Fairfield Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m., arrive at Young by 2:30 p.m., leave Young Tuesday and Fridays at 8 a.m., arrive at Fairfield by 11 a.m. From July 1, 1896. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News August 5, 1886 B. H. Gardner, of Fairfield is stopping at the Windsor. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News August 14, 1886 Page: 6 Latest Postal News Route 31444, Wortham to Winkler - Leave Wortham Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 a.m. arrive at Winkler by 4 p.m.; leave Winkler Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m., arrive at Wortham by 4 p.m. Aug. 5, 1886. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News August 30, 1886 Page: 2 Doings of the Beau Monde FAIRFIELD The Fairfield Dramatic Club has organized this summer with Judge O. C. Kirven president and is preparing to give an entertainment soon. They had quite an interesting meeting at the residence of Mr. A. M. Milby Wednesday evening. Miss Minnie Bradley is visiting friends at Mexia. Miss Lizzie Forbs, of Falls, is visiting the family of Capt. W. M. Peck. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News August 31, 1886 Latest Postal Intelligence Changes in star schedule in Texas: Route 31,443 Wortham to Fairfield; leave Wortham Tuesday and Fridays at 8 a.m., arrive at Fairfield by 5 p.m., leave Fairfield Tuesdays and Fridays at 5:30 p.m., arrive at Steward's Mills by 7 p.m., leave Steward's Mills Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7 a.m., arrive at Wortham by 2:30 p.m. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News September 1, 1886 Page: 11 Texas Business Centers WORTHAM Wortham is situated on the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, in Freestone County, 193 miles north of Houston and 76 miles south of Dallas. Population about 400. The site is said to be one of the most beautiful on the Houston and Texas Central Railroad. The place has a good school, a Masonic hall, two churches, ten business houses, doing in an aggregate a business amounting to about $157,590. From Sept. 1, 1885, to Sept. 4, 1886, Wortham shipped 2100 bales of cotton, 165 cars of cattle, 52 cars of cotton seed and miscellaneous freight about 100,000 pounds. Freight receipts, a part of which goes to Bonner, eight miles east of Wortham, 2,000,000 pounds. The present crop prospect about Wortham is, as to cotton, good, but corn in the immediate vicinity of town is almost a failure. From a point three and a half miles east of the place and extending to the Trinity River, however, the corn crop is excellent. The soil in and about Wortham is of the richest kind and can be bought in small tracts at from $7 to $15 and $20 per acre. The sanitary condition of the place is pronounced by competent physicians to be almost free from malarial influence. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News September 2, 1886 Page: 7 A Death at Fairfield FAIRFIELD, Sept. 1 - Lucian G. Sandifer, Jr., son of Pastmaster Sandifier, died yesterday morning after a short but painful illness. [His father was the former Lodgemaster of the Fairfield chapter of the Masons.] ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News September 6, 1886 Page: 2 Doings of the Beau Monde FAIRFIELD Rev. W. M. Greer, president of Due West, S. C. , Male Seminary, is visiting friends in and around Fairfield. He preached quite an interesting and instructive sermon at the Methodist Church last Thursday night. Miss [Annie Williams] Willie Bonner is visiting her sister, Mrs. W[alter] B[rice] Robinson, at Palestine. Miss Eliza Daviss returned this week from Jacksonville, where she has been spending the summer with her parents. She will resume her work as teacher of elocution in the college here. The members of the Dramatic Club were entertained royally at the Star Hotel Thursday night. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News September 13, 1886 Page: 2 Doings of the Beau Monde CORSICANA Miss Julia, daughter of Judge L. D. Bradley, of Fairfield, and Miss Irene, daughter of Mr. George Bradley, of this county, came to the city the past week to enter Mrs. Gulick's select school for young ladies. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News September 15, 1886 Page: 6 Heavy Rains at Wortham Wortham, Sept 13 - Four inches of rain has fallen here in the last twenty- four hours, attended by whirlwinds. Cotton plants are small, but fruiting heavily. It is making every day, and promises a yield of a half bale on well cultivated fields. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News September 18, 1886 List of Late Arrivals at Wooten Wells Wooten Wells, Sept. 17 - ... N. J. Wade, Fairfield; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News September 23, 1886 Page: 6 Corsicana It is reported to-day that the fence cutters have been operating in the community of Wortham in this county, having cut recently about five miles of pasture fence for Mr. Finch, a ranchman in that portion of the county. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News October 11, 1886 Page: 3 Doings of the Beau Monde CORSICANA Mr. W. A. Ransom and family left Thursday for a few days' visit at Fairfield. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News October 16, 1886 Page: 3 Dark Lantern Methods A Secret Meeting at Fort Worth Schemes on Foot to Throw the Anti-Monopoly Vote to the Waco Candidates. Judge Reagan's Speech ... Judge Reagan left to-day for Fairfield, where he speaks to-morrrow. The general expression of our people is favorable to Judge Reagan for the Senate in preference to any candidate in the field. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News November 2, 1886 Page: 4 Personal Hon. O. C. Kirven, of Fairfield, is in the city. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News November 3, 1886 Page: 5 Hotel Arrivals GRAND WINDSOR - ...J. B. Watson, Fairfield. ST. GEORGE HOTEL - W. H. Bonner, Bonner; ... J. W. Ford, Fairfield; ... O. C. Kerner, Fairfield; W. E. Bonner, W. B. Bonner, Miss C. Carter, Mrs. J. L. Wortham, Mrs. M. J. Kerner, Bonner; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News November 5, 1886 Page: 5 Hotel Arrivals ST. JAMES ... Wm. Speed, Fairfield; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News November 21, 1886 Page: 11 Wortham Local News Wortham, Nov. 20 - The Methodist conference reassembled again to-day with twenty-five members present. Rev. M. Rooch, visiting messenger from the North Mississippi conference, was fraternally received. Ten carloads of beef cattle were shipped from here to-day. Two animals in the lot weighed over 2400 each. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News December 1, 1886 Personal J. M. Byars and D. K. Roberson, of Wortham, were among yesterday's arrivals. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News December 3, 1886 Personal J. J. Stubbs, of Wortham, is in the city. ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News December 12, 1886 Page: 13 ST. GEORGE - ... S. M????, D. G. Pickard, Harve Sing??, Wortham; ... ========================================================================= Dallas Morning News December 16, 1886 Page: 5 Hotel Arrivals ST. GEORGE - ... C. P. Grizzard, Wortham; B. H. Shanks, Cotton Gin; ...