Freestone County, Texas Newspapers FREESTONE COUNTY NEWSPAPERS CURRENT NEWSPAPERS - FAIRFIELD, TX. [Note - there is another newspaper named the Fairfield Recorder in Baltimore, Maryland and another in Ohio.] 1) The Fairfield Recorder (weekly) Fairfield 1876-Current The first issue of The Fairfield Recorder newspaper was on Saturday, September 23, 1876 (Vol I, No. 1). Freestone County Museum just off the courthouse square in Fairfield has most of the existing original copies. They have a reader with microfiche of the historical copies of the paper. The Fairfield Recorder office on the courthouse square in Fairfield itself has copies dating from about the 1920s onwards. [As of 1877:] "Recorder: Saturdays; democratic; four pages; size 22x32; subscription $2; established 1867; L. D. Lillard, editor and publisher; the only paper in the county seat; Freestone county has a population of 15,000, and is one of the largest cotton-raising counties of the State." *45* Freestone County Museum has a large collection that was obtained from the same source as Baylor. This collection is on microfiche. The Freestone County Museum also has a large number of bound volumes of more modern Fairfield Recorder newspapers. Baylor University's Texas Collection [b1919955] has: Sep 23, 1876; Sep 25, 1885-Sep 21, 1888; Sep 27, 1889-Sep 19, 1890; Jan 2, 1891-Dec 31, 1931; Sep 24, 1936; Aug 30, 1951; Jan 3, 1952-Dec 25, 1952; Jan 6, 1955-Dec 27, 1956; Jan 2, 1958-July 28, 1960; Sept 1, 1960-Dec 28, 1961; Jan. 3, 1963-Dec 28, 1970; Apr 11, 1974; Mar 13, 1975-Oct 30, 1986; Texas Tech University has the 60th anniversary issue (Sept 24, 1936). The Texas Confederate Museum at The Haley Memorial Library & History Center in Midland, Texas has a copy from 1962 (TCM94.3.181 - Box 13). The George Louis Crocket Papers are located at the East Texas Research Center in the Ralph W. Steen Library at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches Co., Tx. Folder 6L: Letters. 31 items of which (Early History of Freestone County. Typescript of articles from the FAIRFIELD RECORDER. 5 p. Typescript Carbon. 5 p.) Navarro College has copies of the Fairfield Recorder at their south campus. Owner(s) - Tas Silas Watson Jr. and Joe Lee Kirgan (around 1966-1978), Past Owners - Lewis David Lillard, Sr. 1876-1898; (with S. H. Lester as printer and R. B. Gannaway as printer apprentice in 1880) W. O. Perry 1898-1900? *8*; Lee Colby Kirgan, 1900-1947; *10* Joe Lee Kirgan, 1947-1959; Ramon Richard Kirgan, 1959-1960 Joe Lee Kirgan, Jr. 1960-1966 (full owner); 1966-1976 (half owner) Tas S. Watson, Jr. 1966-1976 (half owner) Lee Colby Kirgan walked from Hubbard in 1895 to Fairfield to work with Lewis David Lillard. In 1899, the Fairfield Recorder's eight pages (13"x20") were published every Friday and was Democratic leaning. *54* In 1947 upon his father's (L.C.) death , the eldest living son, Joe Lee Kirgan, became editor and publisher. Upon his death in March of 1959, his younger brother Ramon succeeded him. In January 1960, Joe Lee Jr. (the grandson of Lee Colby Kirgan) purchased the paper. Tas S. Watson, Jr. purchased a half interest in the paper in 1966. 2) Freestone County Times - at Fairfield 2000-Current ========================================================================== CURRENT NEWSPAPERS - TEAGUE, TX. 1) Teague Chronicle Teague July 27, 1906-Current Freestone County Museum has a large collection that was obtained from the same source as Baylor. This collection is on microfiche. The B-RI Railroad Museum in Teague has a large collection of actual papers that were donated by someone. Baylor University's Texas Collection [b1920651] has: Aug 3, 1906 (Vol. 1, no. 2)-Apr 8, 1910; Apr 22, 1913-Dec 31, 1919; Jan 21, 1921-Dec 26, 1985 Some online sites have the Friday, July 16, 1920 issue. In a brick building in 1907. *59* ========================================================================== CURRENT NEWSPAPERS - OTHER AREA NEWSPAPERS: Great resources for obituaries of Freestone county residents: 1) Corsicana Daily Sun 2) Palestine Herald 3) Mexia Daily News 4) Leon County Today - published in Buffalo 5) The Jewett Messenger (1885-current) 6) The Kerens Tribune (1892-current) 7) Palestine Herald-Press (1949-current) 8) Groesbeck Journal (1892-current) General informantion: 5) Richland Chambers lake has a current publication whose I do not remember. This publication covers the extreme northern part of the county, but is mostly Navarro County. Mostly it lists homes for sale. ========================================================================== OLD NEWSPAPERS - KIRVEN, TX. (Kirvin's post office was established in 1907 and still exists) 1) Kirven Commerical Record Kirven/Kirvin 1911-probably July 1922 [William H. Norman was the last known editor for the Commerical Record.] [Only existing paper Monte Akers was able to located was dated May 7, 1922] [Last known attribution was June 30, 1922 issue of the Fairfield Recorder that quotes the Commerical Record.] 2) 1911-? 3) 1911-? ========================================================================== OLD NEWSPAPERS - FAIRFIELD, TX. (Fairfield's post office was established in 1851 and still exists) 1) "Republican" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) 1854?-1854? [editors: Charles T. Friend and Wm. L. Moody] *4*, *34* [unknown if even started] 2a) "Freestone Journal" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) 1855?-1856? *39* [editor: Morris R. Reagan] *35* [John Gregg and Morris Reagan purchased the press from the Wood brothers that ran the "Leon Pioneer" from 1852-1855 and brought the press from Centerville to Fairfield. *38* ] [This became the "Texas Pioneer"] 2b) "Texas Pioneer"/"Fairfield Pioneer" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) 1855 *6* *53* to 1861 after civil war *7*-May 1867 *1* [weekly newspaper established by W. L. Moody and Morris R. Reagan in fall of 1855. Was formerly the "Freestone Journal".] [editors: N. R. Barnes and Morris R. Reagan (Dec 1856-?) *37* was located in Fairfield on May 1857 - *49* J. L. Caldwell, editor and publisher in July 1857 J. L. Caldwell ?-late 1858-? J.L. Caldwell & George K. Anderson - (? to June 1859) Dr. Wm. B. Moores of Fairfield *2* (Oct 1859 to ?)] Moore and Caldwell (Sept 1860) [Sept. 26, 1857 issue of "The Weekly Independent" of Belton, TX mentions the receipt of No. 18, Vol. 2 of the "Texas Pioneer"] [for a while in late 1858 this ran jointly at Springfield as well] [moved to completely be in Fairfield in 1860 *48*] [ was the "Fairfield Pioneer" at least by 1859] [Described as independent in politics by the "Bellville Countryman" in Sept. 22, 1860.] James L. Caldwell & George K. Anderson were still running the newspaper in 1861. *46* J. Moreland took over the Texas Pioneer newspaper after the civil war, running it till 1867. *47* Eventually the printing press was bought and moved to Mexia by Captain Jacob Willis Fishburn. *47*, *51* Known Issues of the Texas Pioneer: Freestone County Museum has the July 11, 1857 (Vol. 2, No. 24) issue. This issue is also displayed on the newspaper web page on this site. Texas State Library at Austin has June 1 and July 3, 1859 issues Baylor Univ. at Waco has June 3, 1859 (Vol. 4, no. 5) issue Univ of Texas at Austin ( Briscoe Center for American History building ) has the Oct. 11, 1862 issue. New York Hist Soc. in New York, NY. and the Boston Athenaeum in Boston, MA has the Apr 9, 1863 issue. 3a) "The Texas Farmer and Stockman Journal" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) Jan. 1860 *40* - Sept 1861 *55*, Jan 1862 - ? [publisher: James L. Caldwell and Anderson] [editor: Dr. Wm. B. Moores of Fairfield ] *3*, *36* [monthly paper of sixteen pages] Prospect proposed the newspaper's title as "The Texas Farmer and Stockman Journal" which was changed to "The Texas Farmer and Stock Journal". 3b) "The Texas Farmer and Stock Journal" 3c) "Texas Pioneer and Stock Journal" 1860-1863? Monthly. Free of charge to county clerks for recovering stolen or lost livestock. [Editor: James L. Caldwell] *41* University of Texas (at Austin) - Newspaper Collection has October 11, 1862 issue (Microfilm on misc. Coupland-Ft. Worth reel) [Microfilm on Coupland-Cranfels Gap reel] 4a) "The Ledger" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) 1869-1872 [Univ Of Texas At Austin has the only known issue: Dec. 4, 1869.] 4b) "Fairfield Ledger" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) called Fairfield Ledger in October 1871 *58* and May 1872. *57* Began in Fairfield, but moved to Mexia about the end of 1872. *51* 5) "Freestone County News" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) Aug 1887 *5* *76* - Aug. 16, 1888 - Apr 1889? [editors: Mr. Bell (who withdrew before 1st issue) Will W. Irvan (who resigned after 1st issue) Dr. David Wesley Dies (who was editor for probably the whole lifetime of paper. David was the editor in Aug 1888. The News likely ended when David died in 14 Apr 1889.) printer: Mr. J. A. Jones (joins after 1st issue) stance: anti-prohibition] The Freestone County Museum in Fairfield, TX has the only known existing copy of the "Freestone County News"- the Thursday, Aug. 16, 1888 issue given by Jerry Christian, Carter family. "Freestone County News" and "The Fairfield Recorder" newspapers both existed in Fairfield in 1887-9 at this point in time. 6) "Fairfield Banner" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) ?-Feb. 1892-? ========================================================================== OLD NEWSPAPERS - WORTHAM, TEXAS (Longbottom was renamed Wortham in 1874. Wortham's post office still exists.) 1) The Wortham News Wortham May 1897-? Owners/Editors: Napoleon P. Houx and Catheart - May 1897-abt Feb 1898 *26*, *27*, *28*, *29*, *30* Mr. Houx leaves to Mexia to start a populist paper there about Feb. 1898, which later becomes the "Mexia News". Robert Lee Satterwhite runs the Wortham News in Aug 1899 *9* *17* 2) Southern Christian Advance Wortham spring 1893-Dec. 1894 began in Corsicana in 1890 with Rev. Edward L. Wood as the editor *24* published in Wortham in 1893 Editor: Rev. J. E. Bounds *23* 3) Democrat Wortham 1890-1892 Editor: Martin Dies *16* Robert Lee Satterwhite was editor in Apr 1891. *20*, *33* 4) The Wortham Banner ? - Jan. 1892 *31* [Owner - J. S. Kimbrough. Sells to Robert Lee Satterwhite in Jan 1892.] 5) The Wortham Signal [Jan 1892 *31* - Dec. 1892? *19*] [Owner - Robert Lee Satterwhite Jan 1892 to Dec 1892? *19*. Editor after Aug 1892. *32*] [Editor - James T. Denton - March 1892 to Aug 1892] *21*, *22* mentioned in F.R. in Feb 1892 *32B* enlarged itself to 5 column, 8 page in Sept 26, 1892 *78* 6) The Signal (at Fairfield) = Robert Lee Satterwhite 1894-? *18* 7) The Freestone Vindicator Wortham Sept. 17, 1892 *14* -1906? *13*, *15* Editor was J. T. Spelman/Spilman Sept. 25, 1892, *79* quoted by Southern Mercury paper - March 2, 1893 Editor was Rev. R. M. Baker Nov. 1893 *23* J. E. Saunders ??? 1894-May 1894 *25* M. W. Moody May 1894-??? 1894 *25* Editor was Robert Lee Satterwhite ??? 1894-Dec. 1894 *13* Editor was Abner Eubanks in Jan. 1895 - 1896+ *12*, *13* printed in St. Louis, Missouri and shipped to Wortham, TX and then mailed out *79* was a six column quarto (so larger size) *79* called the "Wortham Vindicator" between 15 June 1894 and Nov. 1895 *44* 8) The Wortham Journal (weekly) Wortham May 1899-July 1, 1976 [Owner/Publisher: Robert Lee Satterwhite - established - May 1899-1902 *50* Republican, 4 pages, 18"x24", established 1899; Lee Satterwhite, editor and publisher. *54* until Aug 1901 *73* Tom and Edward Satterwhite Aug 1901 *72*, *73* to 1902 Edward Satterwhite 1902 *50* - after Oct 1940 Univ of Texas At Austin: Has the only known issues from N. P. Houx's time period: March 3, 1898 (Vol. 1, no. 35) to Feb 9, 1899. During this time period, it might be for Mexia and Wortham. [It maybe refered as "The Weekly News" in 1898 as per the National Arhives, but I have no proof of this since I have not seen the originals. The Fairfield Recorder May 12, 1899 issue refers to "Wortham Journal" on page 4.] A reporter from the Wortham Journal visited Teague and his article was reprinted in the August 2, 1907 issue of the Teague Chronicle. Printed by Ralph? Richardson late 1930s?-late 1950s. Hand cranked press. Printed more than just news (business cards, funeral notice, ads, etc.). 4 pages (single page folded). Published Thrusday, distributed Friday. Had social news. Later contracted out to Mexia in late 40s or 50s?. Dolores Farquhar was owner-editor-publisher of the Journal from 1960-1970. FC Museum is suppose to have the microfilm/microfiche. Southwest Microfilm Publishing Co. at Arlington & El Paso, TX (http://swmicropublishing.com/catalog.html) offers 35mm microfilm copies of these issues: 1/6/1928 - 12/29/1955 under its catalog # (MF35-0006910).] University of Texas has in its newspaper collection the Wortham Journal ( [Aug 26, 1904 (Vol. 6, no. 17) -Aug 2, 1918: incomplete](Microfilm on misc. Whitesboro-Wylie reel). Also many issues of the Wortham Journal are on "The Portal to Texas History" from the 1928 to 1932 and a few from 1933 and 1934. The surviving issue known is from Friday, October 18, 1940. End: On Jul 1, 1976, The Coolidge Herald and The Wortham Journal combined to become "The Bi-Stone Weekly Review" published in Mexia by Bob Wright. *75* ========================================================================== OLD NEWSPAPERS - STREETMAN, TEXAS (Cade of Navarro County was renamed Streetman, Freestone County in 1907. Streetman's post office still exists.) 1) The Streetman Enterprise (weekly published every Friday) May 3, 1912-1926 by E. H. Campbell. The Library of Congress has Vol. 3, no. 15 (Aug. 28, 1914). University of Texas at Austin has in its newspaper collection the Streetman Enterprise Aug 28, 1914 issue (Vol. 3, no. 15) on Microfilm on misc. Springtown-Sulphur Springs reel. Same issue is now available online at the Texas Portal. Streetman Enterprise Thursday, July 15, 1920 issue exists on some online sites. 2) The Streetman News 1926-1927, 1937-1941 (weekly published every Thursday) Known editors: W. L. Wilson, Dan S. Dove, and Lesile McCary. Sept. 2, 1937 issue was listed as Vol. 1, #20. Lesile McCary edited that issue. W. E. McKissack, J. G. Milner, and W. B. Teer are listed as publishers on that issue. August 25, 1938 issue lists W. L. Wilson as the manager and having the same three publishers. Also the Portal of Texas History has Thursday, July 13, 1939 and Thursday, December 7, 1939 available online. ========================================================================== OLD NEWSPAPERS - COTTON GIN, TEXAS (Cotton Gin's post office was established in 1851 and existed until 1908 when mail was routed to Mexia, Limestone County) 1) The Cotton Gin Herald of Cotton Gin, Texas - Mar 1, 1873 is the only known existing issue. The only issue is posted on this website, under Newspapers. The Cotton Gin Heral was a weekly newspaper done by Anderson & Storey. [As of 1875:] "Cotton Gin, Freestone Herald Saturdays; four pages; size 22x31; subscription $2; established 1875; George K. Anderson, editor and publisher. *45* [As of 1876: Same as 1875] "circulation 200" *45* [As of 1877: Same as 1875] "circulation 439" *45* 2) "Freestone Herald" (of Cotton Gin, Freestone Co., TX) Apr 1875-Dec 1880 *11*, *42*, *43*, *56* [editor: George K. Anderson] In Apr 1875, Anderson & Storey were listed as the proprietors. The Feb. 19, 1876 (Vol. 1, no. 46) issue listed Anderson & Storey as the publishers. [American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, MA has this issue] The July 15, 1876 issue is Chicago Historical Society Library in Chicago, IL. The July 15, 1876 issue is at the Chicago Historical Society (of Chicago, IL) at the Chicago History Museum with call number of Kellogg Vol. 3, #116. Lists Anderson & Storey as the publishers. The June 23, 1877 issue was found in 29 July 1927 by the Mexia Weekly Herald. Lists Anderson & Storey as the prop'rs, with George K Anderson, editor and publisher. Paper was published on Saturdays. So I assume that this paper still exists in Mexia. *77* ========================================================================== OLD NEWSPAPERS - TEAGUE, TEXAS (Brewer was renamed Teague in 1906. Teague's post office still exists.) 1) Teague Tribune (Aug. 1907-abt August 1910) started August 1907 with Tilden Lafayette Childs as its editor and Levi Colby Kirgan as its publisher. *60*, *61*, *62* Levi Colby Kirgan returned to focus on the Fairfield Recorder in mid November 1907 leaving Tilden Childs as sole owner. *63*, *64* was in a brick building by Oct. 1907 *59* known to exist in 1909 produced a special 32-page edition about having good roads and passing the road bond issue in Dec. 1909 *65* known to exist in August 1910 unknown exactly when ceased 2) Teague Daily Herald (started as daily/later weekly) Dec. 1911-abt Jan. 1914 bought by Tilden Lafayette Childs and J. P. Yantis in Dec. 1911. *66* J. P. Yantis was still editor in Feb. 1912 *71* would later be by Yantis & M. P. Daniel in May 1912 *70* experimented with afternoon editions in April 1913 *68* J. J. Moody was the editor starting about Sept. 1913 and switched it from a daily to a weekly *67*, *69* known to exist in Jan. 1914 unknown exactly when ceased Baylor University's Texas Collection has: Apr. 1, 1912 (Vol. 2, no. 1) ========================================================================== OLD NEWSPAPERS - BREWER, TEXAS (The forerunner community to Teague) (Brewer's post office was established in 1880 and existed until 1906 when it was renamed to Teague) 1) Brewer Courier [No known existing copies] 2) Brewer Chronicle [No known existing copies] (known to exist in March 9, 1906 when the Fairfield Recorder refers to it on page 4) ========================================================================== OLD NEWSPAPERS - SPECIALIZED SOCIAL NEWSPAPERS 1) Southern Mercury Magazine - 1886 to 1907 - printed in Dallas by the Grand State Farmers' Alliance of Texas. Farmers alliances were common throughout Texas in 1870s to 1900s. ========================================================================== OLD NEWSPAPERS - SPECIALIZED RELIGIOUS NEWSPAPERS 1) Texas Baptist by Samuel Hayden, Texas Baptist Herald by John Link, and their later merger into the Texas Baptist and Herald. These Baptist newspapers ranged state-wide. ========================================================================== OLD NEWSPAPERS - OTHER SPECIALIZED NEWSPAPERS 1) Texas Farmer of Dallas, TX issued by the Texas State Grange existed 1880? - June 21, 1913. Baylor University's Texas Collection has original Aug. 11 to 25, 1900 issues Panhandle-Plains History Museum at Canyon, TX has original Aug. 17, 1889; Apr. 19, 1890; May 17, 1890; Oct. 8, 1892 issues Texas State Library at Austin, TX has originals: Some issues missing, 1892-1895, 1905; Scattered issues, 1906-1909 Univ of Texas at Austin, TX has scattered issues on microfilm and single original issue Sept. 15, 1894. ========================================================================== OLD NEWSPAPERS - OTHER AREA NEWSPAPERS BUFFALO (Leon County) 1) Buffalo Banner (1893-known to exist in Jan. 1909-?) 2) Buffalo Bubbles (known to exist in 1901) CENTERVILLE (Leon County) 1) Centreville Democrat (known to exist in 1900) 2) The Leon Pioneer at Centerville (in Leon County) 1852-1855 3) The Democratic Farmer at Centerville (1883-?) 4) The Leon Lone Star at Centerville (1873-?) 5) The Leon County News (Centerville) (1930-?) COOLIDGE (Limestone County) 1) The Coolidge Herald (1921-Jul 1, 1976) On Jul 1, 1976, The Coolidge Herald and The Wortham Journal combined to become "The Bi-Stone Weekly Review" published in Mexia by Bob Wright. *75* CORSICANA (Navarro County) 1) Corsicana Courier-Observer (known to exist in 1893 with Benjamin G. McKie as editor) 2) Corsicana Observer (known to exist in Feb 1901, 1908, Jan. 1909) 3) Corsicana Democrat (known to exist in 1898, 1900, 1901, 1902) 4) Corsicana Truth (known to exist in 1901) GROESBECK (Limestone County) 1) Groesbeck New Era (known to exist in 1901) 2) The Groesbeeck Clarion (1874-?) 3) The Limestone New Era 4) Groesbeck Journal (known to exist in 1898) JEWETT (Leon County) 1) Jewett Sun (known to exist in Sep. 1900 - July 1901) (believed to only have lasted this time period) 2) Jewett Messenger (known to exist in 1894-1991) KERENS (Navarro County) 1) Kerens Enterprise (1888-1888?) (only known copy is Oct. 11, 1888) 2) The Kerens Tribune (1892-known issues 1991-2019) MEXIA (Limestone County) 1) The Bi-Stone Weekly Review (at Mexia) 1901?-? re-opened July 1976-after 1978 (the reopened one said "combined with The Coolidge Herald and The Wortham Journal") 2) Mexia News (known to exist in 1902, 1908, 1909, 1910) 3) Mexia Enterprise (known to exist in 1902, 1907) 4) Mexia State Herald (known to exist in 1900) 5) Mexia Evening News (?-known to exist in 1901-1923) 6) Mexia Ledger (1869-known to exist in 1900,1901-?) 7) Mexia Oil Ledger (1921-?) 8) Mexia Courier (known to exist in 1898) 9) Mexia Herald Echo (known to exist from Feb. 1893 - Oct. 1899) OAKWOOD (Leon County) 1) Oakwood Oracle (known to exist in 1909-Jan. 1941) 2) Oakwood Call (known to exist in 1902) 3) Oakwood Sun (known to exist in 1900, 1901) 4) Oakwood Times (first issue (Vol. 1, #1) was July 21, 1894 and J. A. Kirgan (father of L. C. Kirgan was the editor) known to exist in Feb. 1898) PALESTINE 1) Palestine Daily Herald (1902-1949) 2) The Anderson County Herald (at Palestine) (1901-?) 3) The Bagpipe (at Palestine) (only 1906) 4) The Daily Visitor (at Palestine) (1898-?) 5) The Eastern Texas News (1875-1884) 6) The East Texas News (1884-1898) 7) The Palestine Advocate (1860-?) 8) The Palestine Daily Visitor (?-1925) TEHUACANA 1) The Hilltop Echo MISCELLANEOUS 1) Kosse Cyclone (of Limestone County) (known to exist in 1895-1939) 2) Lockhart Post (known to exist in 1901) 3) Putname Gazette (known to exist in 1901) 4) Normangee Star (known to exist in Feb. 1937) ========================================================================== OTHER OLD SPECIAL INTEREST NEWSPAPERS 1) Sovereign Visitor (1891-1937) (official newspaper for Worldmen of the World) 2) Baptist Standard (1888-current) 3) Texas Baptist and Herald (1886-1908) 4) Southern Mercury (1886-1907) 5) Farmers' Union Password (known to exist 1905-1907) ========================================================================== ========================================================================== NOTES: *1* = See Dallas Herald - May 25, 1867 edition - Page: 2 "The Fairfield, (Freestone county,) Pioneer, has been discontinued for want of support." *2* = See Dallas Weekly Herald - October 19, 1859 edition: "..annual address was delivered by Dr. Wm. B. Moores, of Fairfield, editor of the Pioneer at that place. ..." *3* = See Texas State Gazette, September 24, 1859 edition: "The Texas Farmer and Stock Journal," is the name of a periodical that being started at Fairfield, by the publishers of the Pioneer. Mr. W. B. Moores is to be the editor. We shall be glad to see the undertaking successful. *4* = San Antonio Ledger - Feb. 9, 1854 edition, Page: 2 Messrs. Charles T. Friend and Wm. L. Moody, have issueda prospectus for a paper to be published at Fairfield, Texas, to be called the "Fairfield Republican". It is to be democratic in politics. Success to the Republican. *5* = Fairfield Recorder - July 22, 1887 edition "The new paper to appear in town soon, will be called the Freestone County News. It is gotten up by a stock company, and will be managed by a board of directors. Its place of publication will be in the Herring building on the west side of the square. Their office outfit was received this week, and is being put up in position. Fairfield Recorder - August 12, 1887 edition "The Freestone County News will make its appearance this week." "Texas Items Messrs. Charles T. Friend and Wm. L. Moody, have issued a prospectus for a paper to be publishd at Fairfield, Texas, to be called the "Fairfield Republican." It is to be democratic in politics. Success to the Republican." *6* = Democrat & Planter newspaper [of Columbia, Kaufman County, Texas] - 26 May 1857 edition [Listing Texas newspapers] "...Reporter, at Tyler; Pioneer, at Fairfield and Printer, at Crockett,.." *7* = Dallas Weekly Herald - May 10, 1856 "The editor of the Pioneer is descanting on an inspiring theme - Man's inhumanity to - hogs. According to the editor, all the hogs of the flourishing village of Fairfield are mercilessly left without any better shelter from sun or storm than afforded them underneath the Masonic Hall, where they are so crowded as to be uncomfortable, and he fears, unhealthy. ..." *8* = Dallas Morning News - August 24, 1898 Bought the Fairfield Recorder Mexia, Tex., Aug. 23 - W. O. Perry of the Herald-Echo of this city has bought the Fairfield Recorder and will continue the publication of both papers. *9* = Dallas Morning News - August 2, 1899 Editor Satterwhite Injured Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., July 31 - News has just been received here over the telephone from Wortham, in this county, of the serious cutting of Lee Satterwhite by a negro. Mr. Satterwhite is the editor of the Wortham News at that place. Two negroes have been arrested. *10* = Dallas Morning News - December 31, 1899 Lost While Hunting Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., Dec. 23 - Mr. L. Childs, deputy postmaster, and Mr. L. C. Kirgan, editor of the Fairfield Recorder, had a very unpleasant experience last night..... *11* = Galveston News - December 30, 1880 - Page 8 State Press. What the Interior Papers Say Mr. Geo. K. Anderson, editor and publisher of the Freestone Herald, in consequence of long-continued ill-health, and upon the advise of physicians has been forced to suspend publication of the Herald and devote his time to a more active business. He takes an appropriate farewell to the profession. The Herald was an excellent weekly and useful representative of the interests of its county. It was characterized by good sense, independence and moderation. *12* = Dallas Morning News- August 19, 1895 - Page: 9 Wortham There is one weekly paper here, the Freestone Vindicator, A. Eubanks editor. *13* = Dallas Morning News - Feb. 20, 1896 - Page: 3 Journalistic -- The first newspaper published at Wortham was the Democrat, established in 1890 by Martin Dies, now county judge of Wood county, Texas. After running the paper two years Mr. Dies sold it to Lee Satterwhite, who published it about a year and half and sold it to a joint stock company, who changed the name to the Freestone Vindicator, running it as a populist paper up to January 1895, then leaving the plant to Mr. Abner Eubanks who now runs the paper as a free silver democratic journal, retaining the name of Vindicator, but beginning with a new volume number. By Mr. Eubank's chronology the Vindicator is at the beginning of its second volume, and is a six-column weekly folio. The Christian Advance, of which Mr. J. E. Bounds was editor was moved from Corsicana to Wortham in the spring of 1893, but its publication was discontinued in December 1894. *14* = Dallas Morning News - September 25, 1892 Page: 8 The Craft The many papers established recently in Texas in the interest of the people s part are remarkable for the journalistic ability which they, with few exceptions, evince. One of the last to appear is the Freestone Vindicator, which was born at Wortham, Freestone county, on the 17th. It is a well gotten up six column quarto, edited by J. T. Spelman. There are no flies on either the editor or the paper. *15* = Dallas Morning News - August 6, 1893 Page 4 The News Special Edition Freestone Vindicator: The special edition of the News, a model of typographical neatness, came to our office last week. While we differ with it politically, we are compelled to admit that it is one of the best newspapers in the state and has the enterprise essential to make a first class paper. *16* = The Dallas Morning News- April 20, 1890 Part 1; Page: 4 The Craft EDITOR MARTIN DIES paid Dallas a visit last week, and while here purchased a plant for his new paper at Wortham. *17* = Dallas Daily Times Herald - August 2, 1889 Page: 3 Editor Satterwhite Injured Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., July 31 News has just been received here over the telephone from Wortham, in this county, of the serious cutting of Lee Satterwhite by a negro. Mr. Satterwhite is the editor of the Wortham News at that place. Two negroes have been arrested. *18* = The Dallas Morning News - Dec. 9, 1894 Page 6 The State Press --- What the Papers Throughout Texas Are Talking About Lee Satterwhite will start a new paper, the Signal, at Fairfield. *19* = The Dallas Morning News - January 20, 1893 Page: 4 The State Press The Fairfield Recorder says: Mr. Lee Satterwhite, formerly editor of the Wortham Signal, has accepted a position on the Recorder for this year, and will assist in the editorial as well as the mechanical work. *20* = The Dallas Morning News - May 14, 1891 Page: 1 San Antonio Gets It The committee on membership reported the name of Mr. Lee Satterwhite of the Wortham Democrat. *21* = The Dallas Morning News = March 3, 1892 Page: 4 The State Press The Madisonville Messenger remarks: The Wortham Signal is the latest adventure in journalism. Jas. T. Denton, formerly a resident of this county, is at the helm. Success to him and his paper. *22* = The Dallas Morning News - August 8, 1892 Page: 8 The Craft Lee Satterwhite has taken Editor Denton s place temporarily on the Wortham Signal. *23* = The Dallas Morning News - Nov. 25, 1893 - Page: 1 Central Texas Conference Of the Methodist Protestant Church in Session at Wortham Wortham, Freestone Co., Tex., Nov. 24 The Central Texas annual conference of the Methodist Protestant church met in the sixteenth session at the Methodist Protestant church in this place at 10 o clock this morning. The conference was called to order by Rev. J. S. York, president, and Rev. G. P. Miller, secretary. ... Rev. J. E. Bounds, editor of the Southern Christian Advance, is present. Rev. R. M. Baker, editor of the Vindicator is present. *24* = Dallas Morning News - February 9, 1890 Part 1; Page: 4 The Craft The Southern Christian Advance, published at Corsicana, with Rev. Edward L. Wood as editor and Rev. L. M. White, D. T. Lake, W. H.Munnerlyn, J. M. Bauman and S. W. Lane associate editors, is a new addition to the religious press of Texas. It is handsomely printed on good paper. The salutatory takes up most of the space on the first page, and is very explicit as to the aims and purposes of the paper. *25* = The Dallas Morning News - May 7, 1894 Page 4 The State Press M. W. Moody has succeeded J. E. Saunders on the Wortham Vindicator. J. B. Hicks is associated with the new management. *26* = The Fort Worth Morning Register - May 9, 1897 Part 1; Page: 1 City News Mr. N. P. Houx, an old time printer and newspaper man, known all over the state, having for a number of years resided in Austin, called at THE REGISTER office last night and met old friends of the craft. Mr. Houx will soon establish a paper at Wortham, to be called the Wortham News, and the best wishes of his friends are with him in his venture. *27* = The Dallas Morning News - October 9, 1897 - Page: 3 Personal Mention Corsicana, Tex., Oct. 8 N. P. Houx of the Wortham News was here yesterday afternoon. *28* = The Dallas Morning News - October 19, 1897 - Page: 22 The Round-Up Editor N. P. Houx of the Wortham News is among the press boys at the fair. *29* = The Dallas Morning News - March 5, 1898 Page: 4 State Political News Populist Paper Mexia, Tex., March 3 The Weekly News, a populist paper, with N. P. Houx as editor, appeared to-day. This makes four papers for Mexia. *30* = The Fort Worth Morning Register - May 23, 1897 Page: 4 The Wortham News is a new venture in Texas journalism, by Houx & Catheart, two veteran printers, who will give the good people of Freestone county a first-class paper, if the appearance of the first number counts for anything. The News, as its name indicates, is bright, newsy and up-to-date. *31* = The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) Jan. 24, 1892 Page: 8 J. S. Kimbrough has disposed of the Wortham Banner, and Lee Satterwhite starts the Wortham Signal in its stead. *32* = The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 8, 1892 Page: 8 The Craft LEE SATTERWHITE has taken Editor Denton s place temporarily on the Wortham Signal. *32B* = The Fairfield Recorder - February 5, 1892 "... The Wortham Signal of last week did not mention the death of any person, but noted the illness of quite a number which we closely follow." *33* = The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - April 12, 1891 Part 1; Page 4 The Craft The Wortham Democrat is now conducted by Editor Satterwhite. *34* = Texas Republican (of Marshall, Texas) of Feb. 18, 1854 Republican is the name of a new paper to be pubished at Fairfield by Friend & Moody. We protect the name." *35* = "Texas State Gazette" (of Austin) of August 11, 1855. Page 2. "New Paper We have received the three first numbers of the Freestone Journal, published at Fairfield, Freestone county; Morris R. Reagan, editor. The Journal is a neatly printed sheet, of about the size of The Trinity Advocate, is Democratic in politics, and is published at $2.50 in advance. The editoras late as the 24th, while expressing his decided opposition to Know Nothingism, supported Jowers for Lieut. Governor, because he could not believe in the face of Jowers' solemn denials, that he really was the nominee of the party; yet the editor seemed to think it was strange that Jowers got the support of Lanternites. Perhaps he will know hereafter, how much credit to give to the statements of all candidates of the Lanternites: every one of whom denied his identity with the party.... *36* = "Navarro Express" (of Corsicana) of November 17, 1859, page 4. Published the prospectus of this journal. To be published at "Fairfield or Springfield or Cotton Gin, Freestone County. The publication appeared at Fairfield the next spring. W. B. Moores, Editor and Caldwell & Anderson, Publishers. *37* = "Texas State Gazette" (of Marshall) of December 5, 1856 Talks about N. R. Barnes taking over for W. L. Moody and that the paper was Democratic. *38* = Book: "Lone Stars and State Gazettes" by Marilyn McAdams Sibley published by Texas A&M press in 1983. page 220. *39* = "Texas State Gazette" (of Austin) of June 28, 1856 - Page: 1 Railroad Meeting in Falls County ...Resolved, That copies thereof be forwarded to the Freestone Journal, Brazos Statesman, and Austin papers for publication. ... *40* = "The San Antonio Ledger and Texan" of Sept. 10, 1859 - Page: 2 "The Texas Pioneer is shortly to appear in a much enlarged and improved form. It is a spirited little paper, and we wish the proprietors success. About the first of January next the proprietors of the Pioneer intend publishing a monthly Agricultural journal, under the title of "Texas Farmer and Stock Journal". They have made arrangements with experienced gentlemen in various States for contributions upon subjects of direct interest to the readers of the Journal, and as no pains will be spared to make it equal to any in the South, we hope the undertaking will meet with success. The price will only be $1 per annum in advance. Address Editors or Publishers of the Pioneeer, Fairfield or Springfield, Texas. *41* = The San Antonio Ledger of October 13, 1860 - Page: 3 "We observe from the "Texas Pioneer and Stock Journal" that owing to the drouth and the failure to get lumber for enclosing the fair ground, the Collin county fair has been postponed till Tuesday the 13th day of November next. *42* = The Dallas Weekly Herald (of Dallas, Texas) - July 28, 1877 - Page: 4 The State Over Freestone County - On Wednesday of last week; at Davids' mills, a Mr. Bugg was killed by his brother-in-law, Adams, for abusive language in reference to Adam's mother. Adams made his escape -- On Saturday, the 14th, at Woodland, Mr. Haralson was killed by Mr. W. P. Johnson. The Freestone Herald did not learn the particulars. ... *43* = Galveston News of Dec. 10, 1877 - Page: 8 "The Freestone "Herald" is not weary of the good work of encouraging the extension, in both variety and number, of enterprises suited to the resources and industry of Texas, and thinks: There is no question before the people of Texas of greater importance than that of the manufacture of cotton into yarn, rope and cloth, where it is grown. ... *44* = Fairfield Recorder - Nov. 15, 1895 issue "Wortham Vindicator" *45* = [George Rowell - American Newspaper Directory - 1875, 1876, 1877] *46* = Navarro Express newspaper of Coriscana, Navarro Co., TX - Mar. 20, 1861 edition: Upon our arrival at Fairfield, we visited the "Pioneer" office, and found Caldwell & Anderson "fat and saucy," with more work than they could do, which accounts for our getting their paper so irregularly. *47* = [Source - History of the Texas Press Association: By Ferdinand B. Baillio. 1916] "Freestone County - The Fairfield Pioneer was published by W. L. Moody and J. L. Caldwell from 18S6 till 1861, after the State's secession. It was revived after the War by J. Moreland, till 1867. The Pioneer was subsequently bought by J. W. Fishburn, who moved the office to the nearest railroad station and continued the paper as the Mexia Ledger, established 1869, J. W. Fishburn editor and proprietor." *48* = History of Springfield - Part Two by William Reagan of the Limestone County Historical Commission J. L. Caldwell and W. L. Moody began publishing a weekly newspaper called the Texas Pioneer. The newspaper ceased publication in 1860 when Caldwell moved to Fairfield. *49* = Trinity Advocate (of Palestine, Texas) - May 13, 1857 Page: 2 "We called on some of our friends and acquaintances in Fairfield, among whom were the Proprietors of the Texas Pioneer. These gentlemen have had to struggle with many difficulties in publication of their paper, but are still in hopes that they may yet overcome the prejudices of some and the positive ill will of others."" *50* = Fairfield Recorder - May 15, 1903 - "The Wortham Journal was established in May, 1899, by Lee Satterwhite. ... in 1902, he sold the Journal to his brother, Ed Satterwhite, who still owns it." *51* = Lewis Publishing Company. A Memorial and Biographical History of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon Counties, Texas, 1893 - p. 359 "In its newspaper press, Mexia has been well and fully supplied from the first. Its pioneer has been the vigorous Ledger, which was founded in 1869, in Fairfield, by Captain Jacob Willis Fisburn, now decased. When, in 1871, Mexia began to absorb so much of Fairfield, the people called for the Ledger to come too, and it responded in 1872. Since 1891 it has been owned by James O. Jones." *53* = July 11, 1857 (Vol. 2, No. 24) issue of The Texas Pioneer newspaper - Has a notice "Look out for the Sheriff" where W. L. Moody is threatening to sue anyone indebted to the Pioneer office for the years 1855-6 if not paid by July 1 next. *54* = Rowell's American Newspaper Directory by George P. Rowell & Co., Publishers. 1899. New York. pg. 1041. *55* = The Navarro Express, September 19, 1861 edition: "Mr. J. L. Caldwell, editor of the Stock Journal, at Fairfield, authorizes us to say that said paper has been discontinued until the 1st of January next, when its publication will be resumed." *56* = Denison Daily Cresset - Thursday, April 22, 1875 issue, Page 4: "Vol. 1, No. 2, of the Freestone Herald is on our table, with a request to X, which we accept. The Herald is a neatly printed, ably edited, twenty-four column paper, edited and published at Cotton Gin, Freestone county, Texas, by Geo. K. Anderson, Anderson & Storey, proprietors. Sucess to you gentlemen." *57* = Dallas Herald. May 4, 1872 issue, Page: 2 "A SINGULAR PHENOMENON -- We learn from the Fairfield Ledger that in Freestone and two or three other counties from which it has heard, the present crop of young peaches are growing toge her. In many instances from three to five having formed a solid cluster, and we learn from Mr. James Trim, who lives seven or eight miles north of Hillsboro, that he has observed this singular phenomenon likewise in several peach orchards in the northern portion of the county. This is a case for the consideration of ye naturalist. Give us light." *58* = Dallas Herald. Oct. 7, 1871 issue, Page: 2 The Fairfield Ledger informs us there are but four white Radicals in Freestone County. It offers that for "low." The Ledger advises the sowing of wheat, rye and barley, all of which do well in a dry season. Good advice. *59* = Teague Chronicle - Nov. 22, 1907 issue "...Our Teague exchanges, the TRIBUNE and the CHRONICLE, both report new brick buildings for that city, besides many other contemplated projects. ... - FAIRFIELD REPORTER. " *60* = Teague Chronicle - Aug. 30, 1907 issue "...The writer received a sample copy of the TEAGUE TRIBUNE last Thrusday. The paper is quite a credit to Teague and Freestone county and deserves a liberal patronage. ... - Bill Arp, Jr." *61* = Teague Chronicle - Aug. 23, 1907 issue "The new paper for Teague, "THE TEAGUE TRIBUNE" came out last week with its first issue edited by Tilden L. Childs, published by L. C. Kirgan and was a splendid sheet. " *62* = The State Herald (of Mexia, TX.) Thursday, August 22, 1907; Page: 10 "The first issue of the Teague Tribune, a new paper recently lauched at Teague by L. C. Kirgan and Tilden Childs has been received. It is a special edition showing the advantages of Teague as a fruit and truck country and as a good place for a profitable investment. The paper is full of ads of the business firms of the little city and the news columns are full of news and other good reading. We wish the youngster a long and useful life and much prosperity." *63* = The State Herald (of Mexia, TX.) Thursday, November 14, 1907; Page: 2 "L. C. Kirgan has sold his interest in the Teague Tribune to his partner, Tilden Childs, and has returned to Fairfield to give his entire time to the Recorder. Well, one paper is enough for a man to look after anyway, for even as good a newspaper man as Kirgan is. Tilden Childs is now sole owner of the Teague Tribune. Mr. Childs is not a veteran, just recently having entered the newspaper ranks, but he is showing through the columns of his good paper that he has hit onto his proper calling. A good writer and a pleasant gentleman, he will no doubt continue to build up the Tribune until it will rank with the best country weeklies in the state." *64* = The Bastrop Advertiser (of Bastrop, TX.) Saturday, November 16, 1907l Page: 4 "Teague Paper Changes Hands Mexia, Tex.: L.C. Kirgan, editor of the Fairfield Recorder, has sold his interest in the Teague Tribune to his partner, Tilden Child, who is now editing the Tribune. Mr. Kirgan will devote his entire time to the Fairfield Recorder." *65* = The Knox County News (of Knox City, TX.) Friday, December 17, 1909 Page: 6 "The News is in receipt of the 32-page good roads edition of the Teague Tribune. The News editor cannot see how any one can read this issue and oppose a road bond issue. Editor Childs has ever been a progressive and enterprising newspaper man and deserves credit for this splendid edition. It is a hummer! The citizens of Teague should be proud of the Tribune." *66* = The State Herald (of Mexia, TX.) Thursday, December 7, 1911; Page: 4 "The Teague Herald, daily and weekly, recently changed hands and is now the property of Tilden Childs and J. P. Yantis. Mr. Childs founded the Teague Tribune, the immediate predecessor of the Herald, but has been out of the business for some time building good roads. Mr. Yantiss, who is the active manager of the paper, is an experienced printer and newspaper man, having received his training in his father's office -- the Athens Review -- and is fully competent to give Teague a live paper, which he is doing. We welcome the new proprietors back to the fold." *67* = The Mexia Weekly Herald (of Mexia, TX.) - Thursday, November 27, 1913 - Page: 1 "Editor J. J. Moody of the Teague Herald, was in the city Friday night and Saturday visiting his cousin, Mrs. J. A. Gentry, who is on the sick list. Mr. Moody while a young man, went to school here to Milton Park, and also taught in this county, but for the past several years he has lived in other parts of the country. He has been at the head of the Teague Herald only a few months, but his ability as a newspaper man shows in every page, column and line of that now splendid newspaper. While in the city we received an appreciated visit from him." *68* = The Mexia Weekly Herald (of Mexia, TX.) - Thursday, April 10, 1913 - Page 4 "The Teague Herald is now giving its readers the afternoon press report and contains many items of news from the country at large up to 2 p.m. daily. This is quite an undertaking for a paper the size of the Herald, as it costs considerable, but so long as the feature pays expenses it is all right. We trust that our live neighbor will make it a go for good." *69* = The Mexia Weekly Herald (of Mexia, TX.) - Thursday, September 4, 1913 - page 4 "SOLD AGAIN The Teague Herald has changed hands again, the new owner being Mr. J. J. Moody, a former citizen of Limestone county, who has been in the newspaper business for several years in the southern part of Texas. In his saluatory the new editor says: "For many months past no attention seems to have been paid to the business management of the paper." "The Herald from now on will be run as a business proposition, taking no part in local broils other than to give each side fair and impartial reports. Let everybody get together and pull for Teague." That is the proper ring for a salutatory, and the first issue of the paper under new management shows that Mr. Moody means what he says. He announces that he has three boys, all printers and will endeavor to get out a first class weekly. The daily has been discontinued. We do not remember ever having met Mr. Moody, but we recognize in him a newspaper man and gladly welcome him to this part of the state - the best in Texas. Here's hoping that the Herald will ever live to do good for its town and the country in general." *70* = San Antonio Express (of San Antonio, TX.), Friday, May 17, 1912 - page: 3 "TEXAS NEWSPAPER MAKERS AT TEMPLE ... NEW MEMBERS ELECTED ... M. P. Daniel, Teague Herald ..." *71* = The Houston Post (of Houston, TX.) Sunday, February 11, 1912 - Page 50 "The Teague Herald on Thursday celebrated its first birthday and Editor J. P. Yantis has certainly made a healthy looking one-year-old out of it." *72* = The Fairfield Recorder - Friday, August 9, 1901 Page: 4 "The Wortham Journal, under the new management of Tom and Edd Satterwhite, continues to be one of the newsiest local papers on our Exchange." *73* = The Fairfield Recorder - Friday, August 9, 1901 Page: 4 "Hon. Lee Satterwhite, has sold out the Journal at Wortham to his brothers, Tom and Ed Satterwhite, and having purchased a paper at Collinsville, Grayson county, will move there after the special session of the Legislature. We wish friend Satterwhite many laurels in his new home." *74* = The Fairfield Recorder - Friday, February 25, 1898 Page: 1 "[Mexia Herald-Echo] ... We understand that there is soon to be a populist paper started here by Mr. Houx, of Wortham. We are glad to welcome Mr. Houx as a citizen of our little burg, but we can't see the point of prosperity for our brother as one populist paper has just fainted by the wayside. " *75* = The Wortham Journal - Thursday, June 24, 1976 Page: 1 *76* = Brenham Daily Banner - Tuesday, August 16, 1887 Page: 2 "THE BANNER acknowledges the receipt of the initial number of the Freestone County News, published at Fairfield by Dies & Irvan. It is a neat, newsy paper and we wish it great success." ---------------------------------------- "The News says an unusual number of divorce suits are being filed in the district court of Freestone County." *77* = The Mexia Weekly Herald - Friday, July 29, 1927 - Page: 4 COTTON GIN PAPER OF 1887 IS DISCOVERED, TELLS OF LIFE IN TOWN NOW ALMOST VANISHED BY PAUL COHN (Written for Mexia Daily News) There has just been brought to the writer's attention, a copy of the Freestone Herald, published at Cotton Gin, Texas, dated June 23, 1877, being Vol. III, No. 12. This is a six column paper, four pages. The front pane is of general interest, poetry, a short story, "Making a Home on the Farm" and other similar items making up the front page. The second page is the editorial page, stating: "Freestone Herald, Anderson and Storey, prop'rs, with Goo. K. Anderson, Editor and Publisher and classes itself as the Official Organ of Freestone County. Subscription rates are $2 per year. Advertising rates are based on 1 square, 10 lines, 1 insertion $1 with a charge for each subsequent insertion at 75c. The paper was published on Saturdays. Mention is made in the editorial relative to those desiring public schools should organize school communities and avail themselves of the public school law, and make returns to the County Judge on or before Sept. 1, for the next year scholastic prorata. Says an editorial: "The Crockett Patron seems to think the Local Option does good in the suppression of crime. Two of our county justices have resigned. No whisky, no business. Must go to the plowhands or something else." "A letter from C. E. Jones in Coleman County states that one corn in the valley fields, which was in the silk and promised finely was killed by a frost two weeks before. The fields were dry enough to burn. It is feared the mast, which is most important to them is a!so killed. Such a thing in June is unprecedented in Texas. Reliable parties showed the editor evidences of the work of trust about the same time on sweet potato vines, and rose leaves in Freestone County, but no damage resulted to crops. Perhaps not one individual in a hundred was aware of the frost at the time stated. A communication dated June 19 1877, addressed to the Herald advised that on Tuesday evening next, 26, a musical and dramatic concert will be given at the Opera House at Mexia for the benefit of the Baptist Church. The best talent of the town had been largely drawn upon, and will be aided by distinguished performers from Tehuacana Hills, Corsicana and other points. The minor drama of the "Toodles" will be presented for the first time. "Your presence and that of the people of your vicinity is respectfully solicited." Another editorial concerns an error alleged by the Herald on the part of the Rusk Observer in censuring the Mexia Ledger, which as the Observer stated, "was threatened by the lawless element of Freestone County for discharging its duty in condemning the mob which removed several prisoners from jail and hung them and also censuring some of the officers of that county for a failure to discharge their duty." The Herald calls attention to the fact that the event occurred in Limestone County, not in Freestone County, and the people of this county would never censure the Ledger for condemning mobs and that the Observer has no grounds for its charges. Some of the citizens of Groesbeck condemned the Ledger. Minutes of the Elders' and Deacons' Convention held at Cotton Gin on the Thursday before the 4th Sabbath in June, 1877, is also published. A reprint is had from the Corsicana Index of a letter written by Major John B. Jones of the Frontier Battalion to his father Col. Henry Jones, relating war incidents in chasing outlaws and bandits. A column is devoted to Texas items: Palestine sent St. Louis its first peaches, bringing $7.50 per bushel. Palestine also had the first raspberries on the St. Louis market. First wheat in Sherman brought $1.10. Gov. Hubbard has issued a proclamation declaring Parker county no longer a frontier county and not subject to Indian incursions. Six shooters will have to be laid as idle. Waco Examiner reprint states that Perry Davis was found guilty in the District Court for the murder of Policeman Neal and penalty assessed at death. Wheat crop in McLennan County is much injured by the rust. It is estimated that the crop will be a third less than estimates several weeks before. Incident reported was the firing upon a party of three prisoners charged with horse stealing, and one killed. Party shooting unknown. Bird Bailey one of the prisoners, and the one killed was a notorious character. Page Three of the paper is the local page and only page carrying local advertising and local personals. "E. Hobbs this morning placed three cotton blooms on editor's desk the first of the season in this section. "Exercises at Oak Island Academy close next Thursday evening 28th inst. Reading, Essays, and Declamations in the afternoon, beginning at 3 o'clock; and same continued at night with music." "An incident is told wherein a convict hired to a Capt. W. W. Lang of Falls County escaped, making his way through Freestone County, towards Oakwoods, selling his horse, stolen, to a freedmen taking a note payable in the following fall. Description was given. Fairfield, June 20, 1877, announcement of Public Installation of officers Fairfield Lodge No. 103, A. F. & M. with address by Capt. J. D. Shaw of Mexia in the Methodist Church at Fairfield, and after the ceremonies, a basket dinner on the grounds near the Capt Bragg residence grounds. A column is devoted to Freestone County Estrayed stock, etc. Dr. J. S. Wills advertised as General Druggist and dealer in various other articles. J. M. Day, Watchmaker and Jeweler, Commerce St., Mexia, also advertises. Page 4 of the Herald carries general lot of items of general interest, with the usual advertisements of Salves, Pills and what-nots. Cotton Gin, according to statements of old timers, was a flourishing community around the 70's and received its name from the fact that the first Cotton Gin was located at this point and as farmers would reply when asked as to their destination, "Cotton Gin," and so it was natural when the post-office was located there, the name Cotton Gin should stick. Stores supplied the needs of the territory eastward and northward. However as the railway extended to Mexia, it was natural the inland town became of lesser importance and gradually simmered down to its present status. When you motorists pass through Cotton Gin, you see a relic of a past day, still holding on tenaciously onto a tiny portion of this past existence. ---------------------------------------- *78* = The Fairfield Recorder - Friday, September 16, 1892 Page: 2 The Wortham Signal has enlarged herself to 5 columns 8-page paper, and Bro. Satterwhite is spreading himself, editorially, and giving his readers a neat newsy paper. Just wait until the "Vindicator" apears in the arena of combat, and we may look for lurid lighning in the north-west. ---------------------------------------- *79* = The Fairfield Recorder - Friday, September 23, 1892 Page: 3 The Freestone Vindicator is the name of a third party paper which made its appearance on our streets this week. It is a big paper, as far as quanity of reading matter is concerned being a six column quarto. It is nominally published in Wortham, being mailed at that office, but is printed altogether in St. Louis and shipped every week to Wortham and there mailed to its readers. Mr. J.T. Spilman is editor of the Texas side of it.