Freestone County, Texas History News of 1902 Dallas Morning News - February 23, 1902 - Page: 21 Freestone County Fairfield, Tex., Feb. 21 – Reward of $10 for two white men about 19 years old, one, John Wellington, is about 5 feet 8 or 10 inches high, weighs about 140 or 150 pounds, black hair, very large mouth and thick lips, had on white hat, blue overalls, blue overshirt, lace string in front, old slippers, one run down, small scar on nose. The other, Pete Spear, is tall and slender, had on a blue jumper with brass buttons, big white hat, has large scar on face. I hold capias for them. J. F. Roper, Sheriff Freestone County. Dallas Morning News – Feb. 26, 1902 edition - Page: 10 The executive committee of the Texas World’s Fair Commission…. Freestone – Prof. C. K. Moffett, Mrs. Rufus Watson, Fairfield. Dallas Morning News – March 10, 1902 edition - Page: 2 ANCIENT HISTORY Stories of Bygone Days When the Trinity Was Navigated FINE PACKETS BUILT Record Shows That They Carried Heavy Loads and Did a Good Business THE FAIRFIELD LEDGER NEWS Chronicles of Steamboat Matters Made Long Ago by Editor J. W. Fishburn – McGarvey’s Letter The Home Advocate, published in Dallas by S. A. Fishburn, is running a department entitled, “Auld Lang Syne,” in which in published extracts from old Texas newspapers and other publications, also half-tone pictures of early scenes in this State. Its March issue will contain a half-tone engraving of a Trinity River steamboat laden almost to the smokestack with cotton and commanded by Capt. Louis Flatau of Dallas, who navigated the Trinity in the fifties and sixties. The same issue will contain the following among other extracts from the Ledger, which was published at Fairfield, Freestone County. Mr. Fishburn’s father, Capt. J. W. Fishburn, was the editor and founder of the paper and well known to old Texans: Letter from Capt. McGarvey – We call the attention of our readers to the subjoined letter form Capt. McGarvey, formerly of steamer Job Boat No. 1. Capt. McGarvey, it will be remembered, was the first to demonstrate the fact that the Trinity was navigable to Dallas, he having succeeded in carrying the Job Boat up to that point in the spring of ’68 – Trinity Advocate, Palestine. Rochester, Pa., Aug. 28, 1869 – Editor Trinity Advocate: Gentlemen – You will please inform the planters, merchants and others that Capt. Frank and Dan Marratta are now having built two new and substantial boats to run exclusively in the upper Trinity River. The boats will run through to Dallas when the west fork of the river is cleaned out. Will be in Texas by the last of November, ready for the winter and spring trade. The boats are fitted out to comply with the law governing the steamers on Red River and will be conducted in a regular packet line style. Bills lading signed through to Galveston and vice versa to all towns bordering on the Trinity River. Papers in adjoining counties will please copy. J. H. McGARVEY The Trinity River – We are of the opinion that if one tithe [should be tenth] of the energy displayed by some persons were exercised by those most interested in the matter, this valuable river would not be allowed to pour its vast floods of water into the Gulf, almost unused and uncared for. For six months, it has been navigable for steamers of sufficient burthen to do our carrying business, yet only a few venture-some spirits would trust their vessels to the dangers arising from numberless snags, overhanging trees, etc. From what we have learned from persons familiar with this stream, we feel confident that a very limited amount of capital properly invested in the improvement of the river for purposes of navigation, would yield a large return, and enable vessels to reach the head of navigation in a reasonable length of time, and with comparatively small risk. Will not some company of capital see the chance for so rich a harvest, and come to the rescue, or will it be left for the counties adjacent to do this important work? Who will do the work, who reap the reward? - Fairfield Ledger, Aug. 13, 1869 Good News – New boats for Trinity. We have been shown a letter from Capt. J. H. McGarvey, written from Rochester, Penn., saying that he had contracted for the building of two new boats for the upper Trinity and that he would be ready for the trade by the first of October. Capt. McGarvey speaks very favorable of the aid and encouragement given him by the business men of Pennsylvania, and adds that his boats will have full loads of through freight from Pittsburg to the head of the hollow, through which the Trinity River finds its way to the Gulf. – Galveston News, Dec. 25, 1869. This will indeed be good news to all those who live adjacent to the “hollow through which the Trinity River finds its way to the Gulf.” The “trade” will be ready for you, Capt. McGarvey, if Freestone’s seven thousand bales of cotton are a guaranty. Here’s a kind of reconstruction, in which there is no disfranchising clause. Let every one aid in the glorious work, and the equal rights for which we now sue in vain will be spontaneously accorded us. Money is power. - Fairfield Ledger. Trinity River Trade – The following comprise the steamboat tonnage engaged and to engage in the Trinity River trade the coming season: Ida Reese, John T. Stubblefield, master, is at Halls Bluff, Trinity River. She carries 1,100 bales of cotton. Indian No. 22, B. M. Grace, master, is at Grace’s Landing, Trinity River. She carries 300 bales. Mollie Hamilton, P. A. Spickernagle, master, is in the Mermenteau, La., and soon expected here. She carries 1,200 bales cotton. Black Cloud, Thomas Peacock, master, now plying hence to Liberty, carries 1,100 bales cotton. Fleta, Robt. Mercer, master, at Calcasieu, La., carries 450 bales cotton. Justice, James Patrick, master, at Patrick’s Ferry on Trinity River, carries 350 bales of cotton. Early Bird, J. Poitervant, master, is at present in Pearl River, Miss., but will be here on the opening of the season. She carries 750 bales cotton. C. B. Lee, T. Avant, master, is at Moore’s Bluff, Trinity River. She carries 200 bales cotton. Mustang, Robt. Dickey, master, though sunk at Swilley’s woodyard, Trinity River, will be raised and re-enter the trade. She carries 900 bales of cotton. Here we have for one river a carrying capacity of about 1,700 tons, counting four bales of cotton to the ton, in addition to which we are informed that Capt. J. H. McGarvey is building two steamers at Rochester, Pa., suitable for the trade and expects to have them ready by the opening of the season. Their capacity we did not ascertain. – Flake’s Bulletin, Jan. 22, 1870. We desire to ask some of our moneyed men if one or more of them should put up and keep a good warehouse at some point on the Trinity River, say- West Point – would it not prove remunerative to the owners and a very great convenience to the shippers? If so, where is the man who will first see the opportunity in leading in so important a movement? - Fairfield Ledger, Jan. 1, 1870 I saw a freight bill today per Phoenix Express, in which the charges on two dry goods cases of ordinary size were $23. Such enormous figures are charged I feel more than ever than ever the necessity for opening up the Trinity River. By all means let our people go to work to accomplish this end and thus relieve themselves of a burden that can but weigh the down for all time. – Ed. Cor. Fairfield Ledger, Jan. 15, 1870 We were pleased to learn from C. N. Eley that a number of first-class steamers would ply the Trinity regularly, as long as navigation is possible. The Black Cloud was to leave for West Point early this week and would have a large cargo of merchandise for account for many of our merchants and business men as well as its proprietors. In our opinion the counties contiguous to this river could not invest in a more profitable enterprise – one that would so greatly assist in building up their best interests – than the improvement of this river from its mouth to the highest point where navigation is possible. A few thousand dollars expended by each county in clearing out snags, straightening the channel and removing overhanging trees, would very soon, in our opinion, yield a rich return. - Fairfield Ledger, Dec. 25, 1869 Warehouse on the Trinity – We learn that our fellow citizens, Messrs. McDaniel and Gill, will soon have a good warehouse completed at West Point on the Trinity and will receive, store and forward all merchandise for any person desiring the same. - Fairfield Ledger, Jan. 15, 1870 Steamers Arrived – We learn the steamers Black Cloud and Cleona have reached West Point and discharged their freight. The former is now loading at different points on the river, between West Point and Lockridge, and the latter at that place. Their prospect for full loads at the head of navigation is good. We hope they may be enabled to make regular trips. We heard there were other steamers expected soon with heavy supplies for sale. Thus far none such have been offered. - Fairfield Ledger, Jan. 22, 1870 Steamers Arrived – Rev. Mr. Hammet at Pine Bluff writes to a citizen of our town that the steamer Early Bird passed up to Lockridge’s Bluff on yesterday to be gone three days, and on her return would take as many as 200 bales of cotton at $9 per bale. Those who wish can now send their cotton in, as the river is very high and still rising. - Fairfield Ledger, Apr. 30, 1870 Trinity River – Our friend, W. M. McDaniel of Butler, dropped in on us yesterday and informed us that this stream is very much swollen and is still rising rapidly. The steamer C. B. Lee went up on Wednesday to Lockridge’s Bluff, loaded with salt. The very heavy rains north of us will doubtlessly keep this river up several weeks. – Fairfield Ledger, June 25, 1870 Fort Worth Morning Register – March 14, 1902 edition Dates for Primaries 6. Freestone – April 5. Dallas Morning News – March 15, 1902 edition - Page: 10 Personal Hon. Lee Satterwhite of Freestone County is in the city and is taking an interest in the contest for State offices. Dallas Morning News - April 28, 1902 edition - Page: 7 Society Hillsboro .... Mrs. J. T. Sims of Fairfield and Mrs. Bonner of Corsicana visited Dr. W. T. Sims last week. [Probably is Mrs. Taylor Jackson Sims (Martha Helen Sims) and her daughter Fannie Adriance Sims wife of William Pierre Bonner] Dallas Morning News – April 6, 1902 edition - Page: 4 Prince Claims Freestone Special to the News Corsicana, Tex., April 5- Telephone reports at midnight from Freestone County announce that Prince has carried the county for Congress over both opponents by 100 majority. Dallas Morning News – May 11, 1902 edition - Page: 23 Killing in Freestone County Special to the News Fairfield, Tex., May 27 – News was received here by telephone this evening from Buffalo that J. W. Miller was killed there today. Miller killed Edgar Linson’s father and brother there about two years ago. Fort Worth Morning Register – May 24, 1902 edition - Page: 2 Certified questions answered – O. B. Winfield et al. vs. H. C. Hackney, from Freestone. Dallas Morning News – May 29, 1902 edition - Page: 9 Freestone County Fairfield, Tex., May 27 – Five dollars reward. I want a very black negro by the name of Henry Brown, about 20 years old, 170 pounds, 5 feet and 9 inches high, wide space between upper teeth, was raised at Waco. He will try to ride freight trains. I hold a warrant for him. J. F. Roper, Sheriff. Dallas Morning News – May 31, 1902 edition - Page: 11 Freestone County Fairfield, Tex., May 27 – Who wants a black mare mule, about 6 years old, 15 ˝ hands high, no brand; also a bay horse, about 10 years old, branded 2 on shoulder, heavy mane and tail? I have them up for ten das six miles south of Fairfield. Address J. F. Hays, or J. F. Roper, Sheriff Freestone County. Dallas Morning News – June 28, 1902 edition - Page: 3 Cotton Saved in Freestone Rain Came Too Late, However, for the Other Crops Special to the News Wortham, Tex., June 27 – A splendid rain fell here this morning and the prospects for a good season are encouraging. The rain is too late to help corn, except in spots, but is life to cotton and other growing crops. Dallas Morning News – July 24, 1902 edition - Page: 7 Mortuary MEASLES – Mexia, Tex., July 23 – Mrs. Susan C. Measles of Mills, Freestone County, died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. H. R. Parker, in this city. [Same Issue, Page 6] Reunion of Gurley Rangers Thirteenth Annual Meeting Held in Waco Yesterday – Roster of the Survivors Company A - …. Ben Spencer, Fairfield, Freestone County; … Dallas Morning News – July 25, 1902 edition Texas State Siftings …Roxa Stauffer, 20; at Mills, Freestone county, Mrs. Susan C. Measles;… Dallas Morning News – Aug. 12, 1902 edition - Page: 6 State Press The Fairfield Record announces that an old maids’ convention is to be held in Fairfield. Surely it must be a conference. There are not enough old maids in Freestone County to make a convention. Dallas Morning News – Aug. 17, 1902 edition - Page: 3 Texas Matters in Washington …Texas postmasters appointed: Baty, Freestone County, James A. Beene; Beene, Freestone County, John Bishop; …. Dallas Morning News – Aug. 23, 1902 edition - Page: 8 TEXAS MATTERS IN WASHINGTON Postoffices Established And Postmasters Appointed Yesterday Special to the News Washington, Aug. 22 – Postoffices established and postmasters appointed: Ivory, Freestone County, Cloyd S. McDonald; … Fort Worth Star Telegram – Aug 19, 1902 edition - Page: 3 Big Land Suit Filed Tyler, Tex., Aug. 19 – Suit has been filed in the United States district court here for the recovery of eleven leagues of land of the Manuel Rionda survey in Anderson and Freestone counties. The suit was filed by William H. Williams, Mary D. League, Samuel W. Campbell, John W. Campbell, Sarah P. Campbell, Mary C. Campbell, Annie W. Campbell against Amelia L. Howard, Harry S. Hardee, Francis C. Zachary, Caroline A. Owen, Emma O. Zachary, Florence D. Zachary, Florence T. Ellis and James A. Stewart. The plaintiffs are residents of Texas and other states and the defendants reside in Missouri and Louisiana. The suit was instituted by Houston attorneys. Dallas Morning News – Sept. 10, 1902 edition - Page: 2 Real Harmony Here Freestone County Contest Settled by Agreement Special to the News Fort Worth, Tex., Sept 9 - The Freestone County contest was settled “out of court,” this is, without a submission and discussion by the executive committee. The first case of genuine harmony was brought about and P. D. Daniel was agreed upon as county chairman and Ed Lewis as chairman of the united delegation, the members of which are to have half a vote each, according to the agreement. Daniel headed one delegation and C. R. Lewis the other. Dallas Morning News – October 9, 1902 - Page: 2 Oakwoods Cutting Affray Prominent Citizen of Freestone County Is Dangerously Hurt Special to the News Oakwoods, Tex., Oct. 8 – C. C. Whitt of Butler, Tex., was severely cut yesterday evening. Thomas Thomas, a restaurant man and a tamale vendor, surrendered. Whitt is a prominent man in Freestone County, serving as Magistrate for the last six or eight years, and the nominee for the office another term. The altercation came up over some tamales. Thomas surrendered to Constable Wade. Whitt is still alive, but the chances are against him. Dallas Morning News – Nov. 13, 1902 edition - Page: 5 Col. G. A. Sessions Dead Special to the News Wortham, Tex., Nov. 12 – Col. G. A. Sessions died last night at the home of his son, Castro, at Woodland, after an illness of several days. Col. Sessions represented Freestone County in the constitutional convention, which framed the present State Constitution. His death removes one of the landmarks of Freestone, his age being 76. He was at one time the largest planter in the county, but of late years has lived a retired life among his children, who are Mesdames John L. Wortham and W. E. Bonner of Mexia, Mrs. Tom Parker of Wortham and Castro, his son, at Woodland. ============================================= Dallas Morning News – Dec. 03, 1902 edition - Page: 4 Freestone County Local Option Special to the News Buffalo, Tex., Dec. 1 – A local option election was held in Precincts 8, 6, and 2, Freestone County, Saturday, Nov. 29. All went dry. [“dry” = prohibiting alcohol] [Same Issue, Page 11] Railroads Badly Needed Rich Section of Central Texas Is Not At Present Reached Special to the News Austin, Tex., Dec. 2 – If the several railroad projects that are now under way are carried out, that section of country embracing Madison, Leon, Freestone and parts of other counties situated in a rich agricultural section of Central Texas, which are now badly lacking in railway facilities, will be covered with a network of lines. In addition to the building of the International and Great Northern and Rock Island through the region referred to, which is now assured, the Velasco, Brazos and Northern and the Trinity and Brazos Valley are projected. … ... =============================================