Freestone County, Texas History News of 1890 Dallas Morning News January 5, 1890 Page: 8 320 acres in Freestone county, near Winkler, $10 per acre. Will trade. ================================================================== [Courtesy of Billie Bournais] Fairfield Recorder Friday, January 10, 1890 Dr. W. N. Sneed and his two little girls returned from a visit to relatives in Georgia. (This was just six months after their mother passed away) ================================================================== Dallas Morning News January 30, 1890 Page: 6 The Superior Courts Synopses of Decisions Rendered at the Galveston Term SUPREME COURT ... J.R. Anderson and wife vs. M.L. Horn; appeal from Freestone. ... ================================================================== Dallas Morning News February 5, 1890 Page: 3 HIGHER COURTS The Superior Court Galveston, Tex., Feb. 4 - .. Reversed and remanded: B. H. Gardner, administrator, vs. Watson, from Freestone. [same issue, Page: 6] Agricultural Pointers Fairfield Recorder: Mr. D. L. Smith, a few miles north of town, was in to renew his subscription recently and gave us the weight of some fine hogs killed by him. The oldest one was 2 years old and pulled down the beam at 443 pounds, while two others 18 months old weighed respectively 411 and 390, making a total of 1244 pounds. It will be seen from a little calculation that the average age of said hogs was twenty months, while their average weight was 414 pounds. Mr. Smith informedus the hogs were about half and half berkshire and essex, and he thinks a cross of this kind better than a straight breed. He got from the largest hog fourteen gallons of lard, or about 140 pounds, which, at 12 1/2 cents a pound (the general price for country lard), would give $17,50 worth of lard alone from one hog. It is safe to say, from the above showing, that hogs can be raised to weigh from 200 pounds and upwards at 1 year old, and that is emphatically the stock of hogs for the farmer citizen of Texas. And in Freestone county especially, where corn is easily raised and the finest syrup made at a comparatively small cost, there is no reason why Freestone farmer who is industrious, economical and temperate, cannot by good management, place himself in easy circumstances in a few years. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News February 12, 1890 Page: 8 Court Proceedings Federal Court ... Suits Filed A divorce suit was filed captioned Josie Durham against E. Durham. The plaintiff in this case is the wife and she states that they were married in Freestone county, Tex., in 1883, and seperated in 1885. She charges that her husband treated her cruelly and finally abandoned her, on which grounds she asks for a dissolution of the marriage ties. ... ================================================================== Dallas Morning News February 18, 1890 Page: 6 Corsicana Cullings George A. Bell of Fairfield is in the city. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News February 26, 1890 Page: 4 Somewhat Excited MEXIA, Tex., Feb. 25 - Sheriff West of Navarro county passed through here early this morning in charge of a negro named John Martin, who is wanted for a nameless crime in Freestone county. As soon as THE NEWS correspondent heard of this he telephoned to Fairfield for particulars, but could only learn the negro's name, and that he was wanted for assault on a colored girl, name not known. Rumors are to the effect that the negro is wanted for an assault on a white girl 14 years old, who has since died from the effects, and that the officers are trying to keep it quiet for fear of a lynching. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News February 27, 1890 Page: 2 Political Points State Senatorial Race MEXIA, Tex., Feb. 26 - Hon. R. E. Steele of Freestone county told your reporter this morning that he would enter the race for state senator from this district. This will make one candidate from each county in the district, to wit: Steele from Freestone, Simkins from Navarro and Richardson from Limestone. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News March 7, 1890 Page: 2 Fairfield Notes FAIRFIELD, Tex., March 6 - Fairfield is on a boom. Two new stores have opened up within the last two weeks and there is considerable talk of a branch road being built from here to Corsicana. If done this will be one of the best market towns in middle Texas, as it is surrounded by a populous country and a fine farming section, with a great abundance of wood and water. The freeze has about killed everything in this section. John Melton, who was shot Saturday by Ben Reynolds, an account of which appeared in THE NEWS of the 3d, is thought to be recovering. M. J. Childs died Tuesday evening. He was a well known citizen of Freestone county, having been engaged for a long time in the merchantile business in Fairfield. He also served one term as clerk of the county court and had many warm friends. He leaves a young wife and several small children to mourn his loss. His life was insured for $20,000, of which about $7000 will be paid to his widow. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News March 16, 1890 Fairfield is on a Boom FAIRFIELD, Tex., March 13 - The First national bank of Fairfield was organized to-day with a capital stock of $50,000 by the election of the following officers: W. T. Watson, president; W. L. Moody, vice president; and Messrs. W. T. Watson, W. L. Moody, O. C. Kirven, E. J. Archmard? and ... ================================================================== Dallas Morning News March 25, 1890 Page: 6 Grange and Alliance News and Views About Farmer's Organization in Texas and Elsewhere Longview (Tex.) Record: ... St. Elmo alliance in Freestone county, Texas, has issued the following proposition: Believing it expedient to give all possible encouragement to the production of a sufficient amount of bread and meat for home consumption, St. Elmo alliance No. 782, makes the following proposition to all other alliances in Freestone county, to estimate the production of same. That each member in county in good standing be invited to pay into the treasury of his alliance 25 cents, the purpose of which is to raise a premium, to be paid to the member making the greatest number of pounds of pork per month old, from one hog, the hog not to be less than 8 months old when slaughtered. The money to paid to the treasurer of the county alliance at its meeting in July to be held by him until the meeting of the county alliance in January, 1891, when it shall be paid to the member entitled ot it, which shall be determinned by a report from the executive committee of each sub-alliance which has members taking stock. Said committee shall take general supervision of the matter in each sub-alliance and over their official seal, when said committee shall examine all reports sent in and award the premium to the member entitled to it, drawing on the county treasurer for the same, provided the winning member shall give to the county alliance a detailed statement by whihc he attained said result, and the plan of feeding. Also, that a like premium shall be paid for the best acre of corn, and under same regulations. J. E. GILMORE, Secretary St. Elmo Alliance ================================================================== Dallas Morning News March 30, 1890 Section: Part I; Page: 3 What the Papers Say Freestone Democrat: The only thing that we could detect about east Texas is very commendable is that she teeth and toe nails for Hogg. Fairfield Recorder: There seems to be a growing sentiment in the state against "dark horses" in nominating conventions, and the sentiment is well founded. The people have the right to know the views of all legislative candidates especially, for these are days of live political issues. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News April 3, 1890 Page: 2 Municipal Elections Wortham WORTHAM, Freestone Co., Tex., April 1 - The following officers were elected in the muncipal election to-day: C. J. Turner, mayor; J. T. Blake, marshal; J. R. Knight, H. B. Stubbs, Wm. Kirven, W. Allegre and J. M. Byers aldermen. ================================================================== The Weekly Times-Herald April 5, 1890 Page: 7 T. B. Newman of Fairfield, Texas, married Miss Fannie Everett of Thomasville, Ga., yesterday. There is said to be a romance connected with their courtship. ================================================================== The Weekly Times-Herald April 12, 1890 Page: 1 COUNTY JUDGE'S CONVENTION They Resolve to Discuss the Road Convention at Galveston in July The county judges of the states held a meeting in the parlors of the Windsor yesterday. Many of them didn't take kindly to the action of the road convention. The following gentlemen were present: William A. Proctor of Runnels county, William A. Bramlette of Fannin county, J. L. Dupree of Victoria county, J. A. Buckholts of Brazos county, R. J. Hatcher of Freestone county, ... ================================================================== Dallas Morning News April 13, 1890 Section: Part 2; Page: 12 Farmers in Conclave They Meet to Discuss Roads and Measures of Political Reform A WIDE PLATFORM ADOPTED ... Mr. White of Freestone county introduced a resolution calling on nominating conventions to adopt a majority instead of a two-thirds rule, which after some discussion was adopted. Thereupon the convention adjourned sine die. The following counties were represented: Dallas, Lamar, Grayson, Guadoploe?, Erath, Denton, Fannin, Collin, Freestone, Navarro and Montague. The attendance at the morning session was about fifty, increased in the afternoon to about 100, of which the following were prominent members: ... G. W. White, Freestone ... ================================================================== Dallas Morning News April 15, 1890 Page: 6 Fairfield Wants a Slice CORSICANA, Tex., April 14 - Fairfield is bent on having some of the pie out of the Corsciana and Southeastern railway enterprise. A delegation of gentlemen from that place are in the city in conference with the officials and they are more than anxious to have the road run through their town. Ere many days it is thought that Fairfield will come up with all that is required of her, and thus not allow the road to sway off from her so as to prove a cane instead of a blessing. If diligence and well directed effort can accomplish anything they certainly will come out victorous with such a person as O. C. Kirven at their head. The judge generally get what he seeks. [column continues at top of page] and seeks only what is for the good of his town and county. The selection of the sage of Freestone to head them in their enterprises shows that there is scarcely a doubt that what Freestone desires within reason she will obtain. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News April 16, 1890 Page: 2 Found Dead in Bed FAIRFIELD, Freestone Co., Tex., April 13 - Rev. M. H. Porter, pastor of the Methodist church, was found dead in bed Sunday morning, having died during the night of heart afffection. He was recently married to an estimable lady in Calvert, who also died on Sunday of last week, just one week before her husband, she having been a bride of only two weeks. Mr. Porter was about 60 years of age and recently came to this place to take charge of the congregation here. He has relatives at Georgetown where he formerly resided. His friends have been telegraphed to and his remains will be forwarded to them. ================================================================== The Weekly Times Herald published in Dallas. (Volume VI, No. 16) April 19, 1890 Page: 2 Rev. M. H. Porter of Fairfield, Freestone county, was found dead in bed yesterday morning. Heart disease. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News April 19, 1890 Page: 3 Mr. Gould's Movements Corsciana and Southeastern CORSICANA, Tex., April 18 - Hon. O. C. Kirven of Fairfield was in the city yesterday, and in conference with the officials of the Corsciana and Southeastern railway company expressed the belief that Fairfield and Freestone county were ready to give a handsome bonus to secure the new road through their town. He thought that $20,000 could be raised almost any time, and in addition hereto depot grounds and right of way through th ecounty would be tendered as a further inducement. Whether this proposition will be accepted cannot yet be determined. Two or three routes are in contemplation and the one likely to accrue most advantageously to all concerned will of course be the line selected. The managers of the new enterprise are of state fame, adepts in their line, and no hesitancy is entertained but that the new line will be one of the most desirable pieces of railroad property in Texas, and more so because its headquarters will be in one of the best cities of the state, situated in the center of this road, in fact, will traverse a region fertile in resources and of boundless extent. The hope of the city is in this enterprise, and of course, it is the pet of the place, and every development in connection therewith is eagerly sought after. In a few days now dirt is expected to be broken at the end of the line. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News April 25, 1890 Page: 7 First National Bank of Fairfield FAIRFIELD, Freestone Co., Tex., April 24. - Messrs. E.J. and H.F. Archinard of Dallas have opened up the First national bank of Fairfield. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News April 27, 1890 Section: Part 1; Page: 2 The Onward Movement Inaugurated by Dallas in the Interest of TOWN AND COUNTY GROWTH Discourses Upon Productive Lands and Cheap Homes, Natural Resources and Development, Building Improvements and Trade Centers, Etc. ... Fairfield's Prospoects FAIRFIELD, Freestone Co., Tex., April 25 - The First National bank of Fairfield starts off with a boom. Everything in Fairfield is flourishing. Real estate is advancing rapidly in price and several business men and capitalists from other towns are turning their attention towards Fairfield and seem to regard it as one of the most promising towns of the future. Its future is indeed bright, with as a country around it as any in the state. It is a matter of surprise and comment to capitalists here now prospecting that this town and county has been so long overlooked in railroad and other business capital, but is attributable to the want of capital, which is now beginning to come in. The new railroad from Corsicana will be here in a few months, the engineers are already in the field and the road is now a certainty. Fairfield is the county seat of Freestone county, situated thirty miles southwest of Corsicana and fifteen miles southwest of the Trinity river, in a fine agricultural center. Capital is beginning to turn from the panhandle portion of Texas to central and eastern Texas, where there is plenty of wood and good water and good health and plenty of cheap, productive farms. There is here an abundance of fine timber for building and factory purposes, and the one thing needful to make this place one of the most important places in central Texas is a development of her natural resources. There is plenty of cheap lands and town lots here and now is the time to buy, before the railroad gets here and before the rush comes. ... ================================================================== Dallas Morning News May 5, 1890 Page: 6 The World of Society Fairfield B. S. Gardner, Esq., of the Fairfield bar and Miss Bertha Preuss formerly of Ennis, were married Tuesday morning the 29th ultimo, at the residence of Mrs. F. M. Bradley. Rev. W. B. Childs officiating. The wedding was a quiet affair, only a few friends being present, but in the evening they received the congratulations of many friends at the Star hotel. Mr. Gardner and his beautiful bride have the prospect of a happy and prosperous married life. The frinds of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. McIlveen were very pleasantly entertained at their residence on Main street on the evening of the 26th, in honor of Misses Clara and Estelle Mahone of Kansas City, Mo. The Fairfield amateur dramatic club met Monday night and after a very pleasant evening adjourned to meet Friday night. The May picnic on the village green is the all absorbing talk of the hour. Miss Mary DeBardo of Young is visiting the family of L. G. Sandifer. Miss Bessie Anderson has returned home, her school at Hendrix school house having closed last week. Misses Estelle and Clara Mahone of Kansas City left on April 28 for Dallas, Fort Worth and other points. They are highly accomplished young ladies and made many friends during their stay here who very much regret their depature. Miss Eunice Childs will be queen of the May with Miss Stella Reece as fairy queen. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News May 7, 1890 Page: 5 AT A BARGAIN - 2100 acres of land in Freestone county three and six miles from Fairfield, the county seat of Freestone county; 700 acres well improved and fine producing soil. I will sell or trade for merchandise or land. Address John G. Phillips, Mexia, Tex. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News June 9, 1890 Page: 2 Summer Festivities Fairfield W. B. Moses of Centerville, editor of Centerville Democrat and a prominent young attorney of Leon bar, was married to Miss Ina Anderson of Fairfield, on the evening of the 28th ultimo, Rev. Harry May officiating. The church was beautifully decorated and crowded to overflowing. After the ceremony a few chosen friends, including the members of the Fairfield bar, were given a reception at the residence of the bride's father, A. G. Anderson. The happy couple left next day for Centerville and Galveston. Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Streety of De Leon were in town last week, but have returned home. Miss Myrtle Decherd of Corsicana and Miss Maidce Campbell of Palestine are visiting relatives in town. Miss Sallie Driver of Hicks Springs and Miss Clara Sims of Cotton Gin are spending a few days in town. Miss Carin Johnson and Miss Annie McCreary have returned from Sam Houston normal institute at Huntsville. There was a very pleasant party Monday evening at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Watson, at which all seemed to have a delightful time. They know just how to entertain and make things pleasant for the young folks. ================================================================== The Weekly Times-Herald June 14, 1890 Page: 6 The Trinity River. A Times-Herald Special Exploring Expedition ... The Trinity was navigated years ago, when the navigators were lacking in money and enterprise to make it a complete success by removing obstructions such as overhanging trees, rock shoals in Freestone county, etc. But now that the Dallas Board of Trade has taken hold of the matter, the practicability of successful navigation is no longer a question. The Board of Trade has raised $20,000 to prosecute the work and the.... ================================================================== Dallas Morning News July 7, 1890 Page: 3 Even in Midsummer Corsicana Miss Electra Peck of Fairfield, but more recently of Dallas, is visiting here, the guest of Judge and Mrs. Rufus Hardy. ================================================================== [Courtesy of Billie Bournais] Fairfield Recorder July 18, 1890 Dr. Mec Sneed, Flenry Childs and Rufe Boyd were seen arguing with Jimmie Hendrix and Bascom Bell a few days ago, trying to get the latter to reopen their census lists; but it was too late. The cause of it was a little blued- eyed girl at Dr. Mec’s, another boy at Mrs. Childs, while Rufe is singing "baby mine" over his first girl. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News August 8, 1890 Page: 4 The State Press ...but the Fairfield Recorder says: It is a shame, but nevertheless true that whisky in our town last Friday was nearly as free as water to all who cared to drink "candidate liquor". Candidate liquor is like the Texan who said when he reported the sale of his watch for $100 and old Adolphus Sterne said, "I reckon you took it in tiger;" "That is as good for me as anything else." ================================================================== The Weekly Times-Herald August 23, 1890 Page: 3 The Last Hours of the Great Convention and the Ticket Closed ... Fifteenth district - W. M. White of Freestone county. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News August 15, 1890 Page 7 Business-Pasture Fire HUBBARD, Hill Co., Tex., Aug. 13 - ... John D. Jones arrived this morning with his bride, formerly Miss Helen Smith, from Freestone county. .. ================================================================== Dallas Morning News October 1, 1890 Page: 9 The Center of Production | COTTON | WHEAT Counties No. of Firms | Acres | Bales | Value | Acres | Bushels | Values Freestone 1,187 44,484 12,015 494,718 120 1,197 823 | CORN | OATS | OTHER CROPS | Acres | Bushels | Value | Acres | Bushels | Value | Acres | Value 37,049 533,577 269,787 2,754 57,135 21,918 85 18,982 ================================================================== Dallas Morning News October 10, 1890 Page 2 Seat of Government Cenus of Fourth Texas District WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 - [Special] - The result of the enumeration of the fourth census district of Texas was announced to-day. This district embraces twenty- three counties in the central and southeastern portion of the state. The total population is 362,000, as against 298,453 in 1880, an increase of 63,547, or 21.29 per cent. This includes convict camps with a total population of 1532. The principal towns of the district are Brenham, whose population is 4683, a gain in ten years of 582, or 14.19 per cent, and Calvert, which has 2620 inhabitants, an increase in the decade of 349 or 15.31 per cent. ... Counties Population 1890 Increase Austin 17,786 3,257 Brazoria 11,474 1,700 Brazos 16,693 3,027 Burleson 12,712 3,469 Calhoun 1,815 *924 [loss] Colorado 19,470 2,797 Falls 21,697 4,457 Fayette 31,413 3,417 Fort Bend 10,576 1,198 Freestone 15,9?3 1,072 ... ================================================================== Dallas Morning News October 29, 1890 Page: 5 State Assessed Values The Tax Tolls of most of the counties in Texas ... Assessment by Counties County 1890 1888 1880 ... Freestone 2,661,538 2,671,789 1,860,152 .. ==================================================================