Spotlight Upon Unsung Heroes

Willie King Solomon: Freestone County Trailblazer

By Wilbur Thirkield Titus

 

While studying trailblazers of Freestone County as heroes, I found that it is
not surprising when one achieves well and makes notable contributions to 
society after he has been raised in a healthy environment and has received a
good education. It is probably far more commendable when the individual does
this when his background is just the opposite. I wonder what the individuals 
would have done if the conditions would have have been different.

Willie King (W. K.) Solomon (12/17/1875-1973), son of Billy King and Nellie 
Rauls Solomon was such a man. He was born in Palestine, Anderson County, Texas
but when his father died, he was brought to the Bethel Community in east 
Freestone County, Texas, where he lived with his aunt Pinkie Rauls Williams.

After barely completing the third grade, he left school to help support his 
family.

W. K. was married twice. His first wife was Colonious Augustus Love.

The children of that union were Nellie Marion, Theresa Mae, Bettye Ann, 
Ardelia, Monico, Ateic, Jello, twins Easter and Rachel, and Quincy Lee.

In 1970, he married Charlene Mable Richardson after the death of Colonious who
died in April of 1966.

In order to care for and educate his family, W. K. had to use his many and 
varied ablilities. His first job was as a saw mill worker. He used a six-mule 
team to load and unload logs. He did well farming and bought a luxury two-
seated surrey, which had a fringe around the top and was drawn by two horses.
He became a blacksmith and fashioned and sharpened farm tools; axes, saws, 
plows etc. He was also a syrup maker. He grew sugar cane and made it into 
syrup in his own mill. He was a beekeeper and harvested honey from the hives 
which he maintained on his place. He was a cook and was known for his good 
barbecue. His first barbecuing job was at Sam’s on Highway 75. He was known 
and respected by many whites who hired him to barbecue for their major 
gatherings and festivities. In 1954, E. R. Hable & Sons employed W. K. as an 
operator and later a night watchman at its rock crusher plant.

W. K. made meaningful conributions to the life of the Butler Community. He
helpd to build the first Lone Star Baptist Church, where he served as deacon,
treasurer, and prayer band leader. He was a Joshua of the Masonic Lodge in 
the 1940s, and served as a trustee on the Butler School District.

After a long life of service to God, his family and community, Willie King 
Solomon died in 1973 and was buried in the Lone Star Cemetery by his beloved 
Colonious.

For additional information, see History of Freestone County, Texas, Vol I.
and Tales of the Love an Solomon Family, By Bennie F. Sandifer, Unpublished.