Kimble County, TX - Biographies: Amberson, R. T. Thursday, August 24, 2000 Submitted by: burtwyat@ctesc.net (Frederica Wyatt) ************************************************************************* USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net ************************************************************************* The Junction Eagle, 1931 Used with permission Biographical Sketch of Lif of Late Mr. R. T. Amberson (Written by G. Lewis, Special Correspondent) Another of the great unsung pioneer heroes of the expansive southwest was withdrawn from our midst when Mr. R. T. (Uncle Tol) Amberson of London died at his home at London recently. Uncle Tol, as he was called by everyone, was born in San Antonio on August 15, 1852, but his home during his early life was spent in Clinton, De Witt County, Texas. In 1883 he moved to Frio County near Pearsall where he lived three years, moving to Kimble County in 1886. He immediately went to San Angelo for one year but returned to London in 1887 where he resided continuously until his death on January 3, 1931. Mr. Amberson was married to Miss Georgia Wilson on November 6, 1877 and from this union seven children were born, four girls and three boys. They are: Mrs. E. R. Chandler, London; Mrs. Mary Cummins, Grand Falls, Texas; Mr. William Amberson, deceased; Mrs. Addie Spruell, Phoenix, Arizona; Mr. R. R. Amberson, London; Ethel, deceased; Mr. Tom Amberson, London. His good wife survives him. Mr. Amberson served as commissioner of the London precinct for a number of years, and also served as Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Corder. He is credited with erecting the first cotton gin put up in the London country, and operated this gin for a period of thirty years. He was connected with other businesses during his residence in London. He was at all times interested in the livestock industry, raising cattle, sheep and goats. He was a loyal citizen, loyal to his community, to his county, to the state and country. Having been initiated by the Junction Lodge 547 on April 11, 1891, he served honorably as a Mason for a period of 40 years. Uniting with the Baptist Church many years ago, he lived a consistent Christian life to his death. In 1874 he went up the trail with Cal Suggs, a cattleman of southwest Texas, taking a herd of cattle to Kansas City, Mo. On this trip the outfit was attacked by Indians near Brownwood, in which attack Mr. Amberson received a shot through the left arm from the savages. Being naturally left-handed, Mr. Amberson had to continue fighting, using his right arm to stead his left during the remainder of the battle and completely routed the Indians, and pursued them so closely that they were forced to abandon much of their equipment, which the cowboys gathered up and saved for souvenirs. Pages could be written describing the great character and works of R. T. Amberson, and others like him who have been instrumental in changing this once wild country into a peaceful habitation for us who remain. In closing I suggest it would be only a fitting tribute paid if we would raise a monument to the memory of the old timers of this county, and inscribe their names upon it. I would want Uncle Tol Amberson's name written high on the list. =======================================================================================