GERALD POULTRY AND EGG COMPANY
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MID-TEX FEEDS
Located on the North side of the Square in Hamilton,
Phone 183, Buys Poultry, Eggs, Furs, Cream, and Manufactures Feed for Cows
and Poultry.
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A little more than four years ago J. P. Gerald [Jonathan
Pope Gerald] established the Gerald Poultry and Egg Company in Hamilton in
a small way, but it did not stay small very long. The business has grown
by leaps and bounds from the very start.
Mr. Gerald was born in Hamilton County. He acquired his
education at Evant, Sam Houston Normal, and studied Pharmacy in the
University of Texas. He taught school for several years.
Later he moved to Ireland and established a drug store
which he conducted until he moved to Hamilton and established his present
business. He takes an active part in church and civic work and is one of
Hamilton’s most useful citizens. He has served on the Government
Emergency Crop Loan committee since its conception and has always given
his time on any project of benefit to the rural districts.
T. S. Gerald [Thomas Sumter "Tom" Gerald,
Jr.]
father of J. Pope Gerald, was a Mississippian and Confederate veteran. He
was captured by Union forces and held prisoner for some time at Ship
Island. Of three brothers who fought in the Civil War, he was the only one
to survive. After the close of the war he came to Texas and settled near
Jonesboro where he engaged in farming, ranching, and merchandising. This
venerable gentleman is now living in Goldthwaite and recently celebrated
his 86th birthday with a homecoming, with all members of his family
present except one. Mr. Gerald’s mother, Mrs. Callie Bateman Gerald [Martha Caroline "Callie" (Bateman)
Gerald] was born in Gonzales
County 79 years ago, her family coming to Texas with Stephen F. Austin’s
pioneer colonists. Her father, J. M. Bateman, was famed among the
colonists for his skill as an Indian fighter and was always active in
protecting the early citizens from Indian depredations.
Mr. Gerald, the subject of this sketch, married Miss
Pattie Hill [Pattie Walton Hill] , daughter of Robert Hill
[Robert Miller Hill] of Evant who began merchandising in this town over fifty years ago
and is still actively engaged in business. He is a native of Kentucky,
where his father was an extensive land and slave holder. Her mother [Hattie Logan McCormic
Hill] was also a Kentuckian. She was a member of
one of Kentucky’s most noted families.
J. P. Gerald has built his business on service and
square dealings with his fellowman. He has paid top prices for turkeys,
chickens, eggs, furs, cream, etc., and established himself with the
producer. In February, 1934, he installed mill equipment and started the
manufacture of Mid-Tex Feeds for cows and poultry. Being a chemist and
thoroughly familiar with feeds for cows and poultry, he is now
manufacturing feeds with excellent results. Users of Mid-Tex Feeds are
loud in their praise for it and Mr. Gerald states, that this business is
growing steadily.
P. M. Gerald [Pope Miller Gerald], son of J. P. Gerald,
is associated withy his father. He is a graduate of Ireland High school
and attended College at Texas Christian College and West Texas State
Teachers College. Last month he was married to Miss Mona Ferguson [Mona
Elizabeth Ferguson], also a Hamilton girl.
Bob Braun, an employee of the firm has grown up with
this business and has many friends and customers who rely on his knowledge
of feeds in making their selection for various fowls and livestock.
This enterprising firm has established several routs
throughout the community and their buyers call on farmers for eggs and
poultry in many districts.
The Hamilton County News, Vol. IV, Number
11--Section Three
Historical and Trading Expansion Issue
W. F. Billingslea, Editor-Publisher
Subscription Price ONE YEAR ..$1.00
June 29, 1934
