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to Index Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 339. - o o o - Back
to Index Of Mr. Tucker's parents we record that his father, James Tucker, died in1878, aged 62 years, and mother Easter (Mercer) Tucker, died in 1861, at the age of 35 years. They had a family of five children. Mrs. Tucker's father, John T. Barrett, was born in Hawkins county, Tennessee, and died in 1862. Her mother's maiden name was Jane Baily. After the death of Mr. Barrett she was united in marriage with Elijah Tucker in 1869. She is now 60 years of age. By her first marriage she had seven children: Elijah Barrett; William, deceased; Joseph; Liene, wife of W.B. Harrow; Adda, wife of Branch Tucker; John and Rufus, both deceased. By Mr. Tucker she has three children: William, Mary and Martha (twins). Mr. and Mrs. Branch Tucker have had 11 children born to them, as follows: Maggie, November 3, 1873, died January 28, 1891; Lulie, September 14, 1875, died December 23, 1875; Florence, September 8, 1876; Lewis F., July 7, 1879; Emma, June 3, 1882; Mary, November 7, 1884; Henry, October 19, 1886; Adda, November 28, 1888, died December 28, 1888; Gertrude, December 16, 1890. Then they had infant, unnamed, that died December 29, 1880. Mrs. Tucker is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 346. - o o o - Back
to Index 1. James, who died in childhood Samuel
L. Randlett received a very good education at Franklin, Louisiana,
and remained at home with his parents until 1881, in which year
he moved to Texas and located in Houston, where he apprenticed
himself to an engineer. He remained there four years and then
returned to Louisiana obtained a position of assistant superintendent
on a sugar plantation. He was afterward promoted to superintendent,
remained thus employed until 1889. That year he moved to Lancaster,
Texas, and immediately engaged in the hardware, furniture and
undertaking business. He was married in 1889 to Miss Addie H.
White. , daughter of W.L. and Louisa F. White. They have one
child, Louise, born May 15, 1891. In politics Mr. Randlett is
a strong Democrat and adheres strictly to party rules. He is
a member of the Episcopal church, while his wife is associated
with the Baptist denomination. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 675-676. - o o o - Back
to Index "Honor
and shame from no conditions rise Mr. Mayer has shown his appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a member of the Odd Fellow fraternity, and he is also a leading member of all the German societies. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 676. - o o o - Back
to Index William L. White was reared in White county, Tennessee. When about 13 years old he commenced clarking in his father's store of general merchandise in Sparta and continued in that business until his father's death. He afterward went into the mercantile business with his uncle, J.G. Mitchell, at the same place. In about 1846 he was elected clerk of the branch bank of the Tennessee Bank, located at Sparta, in which capacity he remained about six years. During this time he lived miles inthe country, riding horseback each day over rough, mountainous roads, braving all kinds of weather, promptly and faithfully filling his position at the bank, also superintending his farm work at home. In the spring of 1854 he made his first visit to Texas, remained about three weeks, returned to Tennessee and brought his family to Texas the following October, bought and improved a 640-acre tract, now owned by J. P. Apperson. After coming to this county, Mr. White was for a number of years engaged in the stock business, buying and selling horses and mules, in which he made considerable money. In 1860, he removed to Lancaster, where, in the fall of that year, he opened a dry goods store and was so engaged during the war. In 1865, his brother-in-law, John T. Ellis, became a partner, but later William L. White sold his interest to his brother, Francis M. White. During the war, he was also engaged in the milling business, operating, what was then known as the Keller Mill, at Lancaster, which was then the only mill at that place, and during that time, he was also Postmaster. After selling his interest in the dry goods business, Mr. White began handling cattle, and was actively engaged at that for a number of years, buying in western and central Texas and shipping or driving to Junction City and Abilene, Kansas, New Orleans and Shreveport, Louisiana, and other places. When the cattle busines went down he began handling cotton, and was also interested in farming. Having considerable money of his own and business connections with parties East, he was engaged in the brokerage business, in which he made a great deal of money, and in fact was successful in everything he undertook and at his death left a large estate. He was a man of clear head, good foresight and great adaptability, and was the financier of Lancaster and vicinity for many years. He died at Nashville, Tennessee, May 28, 1881, while there for treatment under the celebrated Dr. Briggs, and was buried at the cemetery at Lancaster. Mr. White was always interested in the welfare of the community inwhich he resided, and took a leading part in every public enterprise. Five years before his death he made a bright profession of faith in Christ. He was married in White County, Tennessee, to Lucinda F., a daughter of Samuel Turney, a prominent and at that day a well-known lawyer of Sparta, Tennessee. This lady accompanied her husband to Texas, and died a few months later near Wilmer, in the southern part of the county. She had two children; 1. Woodson P., who is now a citizen of
Dallas county Six years after the death of his first wife, William L. white was married, April 17, 1860, to Louisa F., the youngest child of Thomas M. and Mary Ellis. To this union were born seven children as follows: 1. Addie H., the wife of Samuel L. Randlett,
of Lancaster The children still reside with their mother. Mrs. White is a member of the Baptist Church and gives of her means to that and other worthy causes. She has acted as guardian for the six youngest children, developing a wonderful business woman and devoted mother, as best she could filling her own and that of her deceased husband. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 366-67. - o o o - Back
to Index In his political opinions the Doctor is a Democrat, "dyed in the wool." He is a member of the Amity Lodge, No. 108, Knights of Pythias. He is a man of honor and integrity, and is entirely worthy of the esteem in which he is held. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 366. - o o o - Back
to Index In 1844, on the 28th day of November, the seventh actual settler of Dallas county, Texas, arrived in the person of William Perry Overton, a native of Chariton county, Missouri, born February 2, 1822, and a son of Aaron and Rachel (Cameron) Overton. Aaron Overton, a Virginian by birth, was a son of Jesse and Elizabeth Overton, the mother a half-breed Cherokee. The Overton family were of English ancestry, and were members of the early Virginia colonies, taking a prominent part in the Revolutionary war. The maternal grandfather of William P. Overton was John Cameron, of Scotch descent, who also did gallant service in the struggles of the American colonies for independence, before he was wounded while on courier duty. Being surrounded by Tories, he threw up his old coon-skin cap, crying, "Hurrah for King George!" and succeeded in galloping through the British lines! Aaron Overton was reared to the occupation of a farmer in his native State, and was there married; immediately after this event he started with his bride for the West, when the West was still east of the Mississippi river. For a time he resided in East Tennessee, and then removed to the western part of the State. Not having reached the place he was seeking, he determined to push on to the limits of the frontier, and this he did, going to Chariton county, Missouri. There, in company with his son-in-law, he opened the salt works, and followed the business for some time. About 1824 he disposed of his interest in that place, and moved to what is now Jackson county, Missouri, where he was among the first permanent settlers. He located on a farm which he brought to a high state of cultivation before selling it. He next went to Independence, Missouri, and there built the first steam mill in Jackson county; he followed milling and agricultural pursuits in connection therewith for several years, improving a farm of 4,000 acres. In 1844,
he determined to make another change, and in company with his
sons, C. C. and William Perry Overton, he came to Texas, making
the journey in primitive style with an ox team, and consuming
two months' time. He located in Dallas county and took up a headright
where Oak Cliff now stands; there he built a horse mill, having
a capacity of 100 bushels of wheat a day; this was the first
mill erected in Dallas county, and customers came a distance
of 100 miles. Mr. Overton conducted this mill until 1851, when
he built a water mill, and two years later he built that is now
known as the Honey Springs Mill; this he owned and operated in
connection with agricultural pursuits until his death. He made
a trip to Missouri each fall until 1847, when he brought his
family to the Lone Star State. His death occurred in 1860, and
at the age of 76 years; his wife survived him until 1874, when
she, too, passed to the realm beyond; she had attained the age
of 87 years. Thus ended the lives of a useful man and woman;
they were possessed of many excellent traits of character, and
those virtues which win and hold the affections. There were born
to them 12 children, 11 of whom lived to rear families and seven
of whom still survive. 1. Aubrey L. Overton The mother of these children passed from the scenes of earth November 10, 1884. Mr. Overton's second marriage occurred July 22, 1885, when he was wedded to Mrs. Jessie F. Price, a daughter of Henry C. Davis. Mr. Davis was a native of Hampshire, England, and of a good family, was killed on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad, at the age of 73 years. No man was more deservedly loved than Grandpa Davis. The home of this worthy pioneer was in early days the home of the weary traveler, the haven of the foot-sore and the weary. During the late war it was a hospital for sick and disabled soldiers; there a cordial welcome has always been for the needy or oppressed, and the hospitality of the host has only been bounded by the necessity of the occasion. The residence of William Perry Overton was erected in 1853-1854, and the first frame house in the county; the timber was hauled from Palestine, Anderson county, Texas, and the entire structure is an excellent state of preservation. William Perry Overton is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and his wife of the Episcopal Church. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 706-708. - o o o - Back
to Index Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 922-923. - o o o - Back
to Index 1. Alonzo, who died about 1855 William Brown Miller was again married, in Dallas, in 1860, to Mrs. Emma Miller, widow of Madison M. Miller and daughter of Silas H. and Amy (Spencer) Dewey, natives of New York. The parents were married at Cooperstown, New York, and later emigrated to Ohio, where the father engaged in farming. The grandmother Dewey, previously Miss Hyde, was a granddaughter of Lord Chancellor Hyde. The maternal grandfather, a Wescott, was of Indian origin, and grandfather, Eliphalet Dewey, participated in the Revolutionary War. Silas H. Dewey came to Walker county, Texas, in 1855, and his death occurred near Bloomfield, Missouri, in 1863; his wife died in Grayson county, Texas, in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had three children: 1. Charles - Memorial & Biographical History of Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 365-366. - o o o - Back
to Index Mr. Witwer has always been a conservative Republican and was a delegate from his district to the Republican National Convention in Chicago in 1884. A thorough knowledge of the city's needs in her public service, gained by a 20 years' business career, and his splendid character and good standing with the people of Dallas pointed to his selection as the head of the postal department here. His selection for this office and his manner of conducting the same are ample proof of his qualifications for this important position. His commission from President Harrison bears date of July 19, 1889, and he entered upon the duties of the position September 16, following. As Postmaster, he has given entire satisfaction to the public and the management of the office is thorough and systematic. He is a man of good intellect and business tact, has a natural business ability and energetic disposition that will mark his way to success. On August 16, 1871, he married Miss Florence C. Buck, of LaPorte, Indiana. They have four children, two sons and two daughters. The family is donated with the Second Presbyterian Church. John Studebaker Witwer is the oldest of a family of 12 children, whose names are as follows: 1. Rebecca Frances, wife of Daniel Sell, who died at the age of 20 years, leaving two sons: George and Clement 2. Leah is the wife of Joseph Kopsey, who is a draftsman for the Studebakers in Chicago 3. Maria Ada is the wife of John Mohler, of Joliet, Illinois. Mr. Mohler is foreman of the Joliet Manufacturing Company. 4. Timothy Wilbur is cashier and confidential clerk for Studebaker Brothers in Chicago. 5. George M. is occupying an important position at South Bend, with Studebaker Brothers 6. Clement S. is superintendent of the Joliet Manufacturing Company at Joliet, Illinois 7. Daniel V. died in infancy 8. Edwin S. is employed and holding a responsible position with Studebaker Brothers at South Bend, Indiana. 9. Dora died in infancy 10, 11. Jacob Frank and Harvey are in the wagon and buggy business at Joliet, Illinois. Rev. George Witwer died 1 October 1886, at the age of 62 years. His wife is still living (1892), at the age of 62 years. Rev. Witwer was a minister of the gospel for 35 years, in the German Baptist Church. Mrs. Florence C. Buck Witwer's parents are: Alvin and Alvira (Wadsworth) Buck. The Wadsworths were of the same family, of Revolutionary fame. Alvin Buck was one of the pioneer settlers of LaPorte county, Indiana, having moved from Massachusetts after his marriage to LaPorte county early in the 1830s. He was a farmer and dairyman. He died 19 October 1881, at the age of 83 years. His wife is still living, (1892) at the age of 82 years. Although she has been blind for many years she is a remarkably healthy and happy woman. James and Dexter Buck are farmers and capitalists. Mrs. Buck has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church almost all her life. Her husband was one of 14 children and she was one of 12 children. Mrs. John S. Witwer is the youngest of six children, all of whom are living, (1892), namely: 1. Lydia, who lives with her sister, Mrs. Edson 2. Cleantha, wife of David Edson who resides in Missouri 3. Dexter is married to Miss Hattie Cartwright and resides in LaPorte, Indiana. He is a retired merchant. 4. James is married to Celia Oder and resides in LaPorte, Indiana. He is a farmer and capitalist. 5. Joseph is unmarried and a farmer. Children of John Studebaker Witwer are: 1. Ella Alvira, the oldest child, is the wife of P. G. Claiborne, acting cashier of the Central National Bank, of Dallas. 2. Walter Clare, the second, is collector for the North Texas National Bank 3. Mary Louise is attending school in the city. 4. John Wilbur is attending school in the city. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 763-765. - o o o - Back
to Index 1. Mrs. Robert Daniels, wife of
a prominent farmer of Dallas County. Three of the family were doctors, Dr. J. R. Palmer, Dr. A. B. Palmer and H.D. Palmer, of Kansas City. Dr. J. R. Palmer was educated, professionally, at St. Louis and Baltimore, in dentistry and medicine, and practiced them both, the former for 25 years. He came to Texas in 1865 and settled in Palestine, Anderson county, where he practiced for some years and then came to Dallas, in 1887. Since his arrival here he has been engaged in the real-estate business. He was living at Fayetteville, Arkansas, when the war broke out, and he enlisted in the C.S.A., as a private in 1861, but when the company was organized he was made First Lieutenant, and afterward promoted to be Captain. He was wounded and retired in November, 1864. After his return home he was elected to the State Legislature, in the fall of 1864, and received all but four of the votes, and there were nine candidates; so it was a high compliment to his popularity and true worth. He did not know that he was a candidate until he received his certificate of election, which he has yet, printed on Confederate paper. As the enemy captured Little Rock before they met, and afterward, when the war was over, they were not allowed to meet, the election was an empty honor. The Doctor is Grand Protector to the Knights and Ladies of Honor, and is devoting most of his time to the interests of this order in Texas. He holds the highest office in the State, and has been representative to the Supreme Lodge of the United States for eight years. In this he feels that he is doing great good. It is a benevolent order and is of great benefit to the members. His position is a serviceable one and very much to his taste. The order numbers about 75,000 members and is rapidly increasing. It has paid out more than $7,000,000 up to the present time, paying about $1,000,000 per year, and is now 15 years old. There are about 120 lodges in the State, and it is the first benevolent lodge that took women is on proven them to be three percent better than the stronger sex in matters of this kind. Dr. J. R. Palmer was married at Macomb, Illinois, in 1856, to Miss Ann Augusta Brooking, daughter of Major T. A. Brooking, of Richmond, Virginia, and son of Chief Justice Brooking, of Virginia. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Palmer was worthy members of the Christian Church, of
which the Doctor was Elder for many years before coming to Dallas.
Mrs. Palmer is a native of Kentucky, and has proven herself a
good true wife to a worthy husband. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 762. - o o o - Back
to Index The Doctor was born March 6, 1830. His wife was born in 1834. They are well and favorably known as worthy, good people, and life-long members of the Baptist Church. Mr. D. G. Wooten, one of the seven living children of Dr. Thomas D. Wooten, received a thorough classical education and graduated at Princeton, New Jersey, College, in 1875, with the degree of A. M., with high honors, although the youngest in his class. Afterward, for a year, he was a Fellow at the John Hopkins University, at Baltimore, and then took the law course at the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson, and graduated with the class of 1878, with the degree of L.L.B. as well as taking the two highest honors of the university. He began the practice of law at Austin, where he was prosecuting attorney four years. He came to Dallas in 1888, and at once took rank as one of the leading members of the bar. While his reputation has been made as a criminal lawyer his native acumen is best shown in the more subtle competent to testify on the matter says, with reference to Mr. Wooten: "He is a ripe scholar, an eloquent advocate, and a profound lawyer. Without being an aspirant for public honors, he has taken a valiant service on the great issues of the day." Mr. D. G. Wooten is a member of the Knights of Pythias and in politics a Democrat. He is one of the rising young men of the South, and a genial, cultured gentleman. Our subject is the oldest of a family of seven children: 1. Etta, the second, is the wife of Honorable H.W. Lightfoot, residing at Paris, Texas 2. Stella is wife of W. J. Bailey, Esq., of Fort Worth, Texas 3. Maude is the wife of Judge Robert H. Johnson, County Judge, residing at Fort Worth 4. Tommie, the youngest daughter, is a graduate of the University of Texas, class of 1890. She is quite literary in taste, much of a lady, and still of the home circle. 5. Goodall H. and Joseph, the two youngest
of the family, are both Mr. Wooten married Miss Carter, a daughter of Colonel Carter, who was one of the immortal band who made the historic Pickett's charge at the battle of Gettysburg, the turning battle of the great Civil war, and he went down in that action. Mr. and Mrs. Wooten had two children, both of whom are deceased; and Mrs. Wooten died in 1887. He was remarried, to Mrs. M. A. Sellers, at Dallas, December 2, 1891. She is from an old Mississippi family, from Kemper county, who are well and favorably known throughout the State. In the
great political campaign between Judge George Clark and Governor
J. S. Hogg, 1892, Mr. Wooten, prior to the nominating convention
at Houston, in August, 1892, took a very prominent part "stumping"
the State for Clark. He established a reputation on all sides
as the foremost orator in the State were accepted as models of
argument, rhetoric, and impassioned eloquence. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 766-767. - o o o - Back to Index He was married in this city, in 1876, to Miss Annie E. Russey, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of B. F. and Elizabeth (Parker) Russey, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Tennessee. The father followed farming and stock-raising until after his removal to Dallas, in October, 1874, when he engaged in the manufacture of brick. The mother died in Tennessee, in 1862, and the father died in Dallas city, in March, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Beeman have had three children: Emmett Martin, Robert Earl and Eva Lena. Mr. Beeman is identified with the Democratic party, and during his administration as City Marshall he saw hard service, having been in six shooting affrays and at that time had a large area to look over. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 747-748. - o o o - Back to Index Scott Beeman was reared to farm life, and educated in the subscription schools of this county. He aided his father in opening up and improving the home farm and afterward began farming on his own account. In 1862 he enlisted in Captain Beard's Company, and was in the battle of Yellow Bayou, in a number of raids under General Marmaduke, and was in the Red River expedition, where he fought for 32 days. He was also in cavalry service, and at the close of the war Mr. Beeman returned to Dallas county, and later removed to the farm of 150 acres which he now owns, and which is in a good state of cultivation. He was married in this country, in 1865, to Betty Merrifield, a native of Kentucky, and daughter of Milton and Margaret Ann (Singleton) Merrifield, also natives of Kentucky. The parents moved to Dallas county in 1849, settling in what is now West Dallas, where the father bought and improved a farm. His death occurred in November 1886, and the mother now resides near Cedar Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Beeman have seven children: 1. Annie, wife of Richard Lagow of Precinct 4 2. Emma 3. Lizzie 4. Milton 5. Katie 6. Grover 7. Ira Politically, Mr. Beeman is a member of the Democratic Party, and socially of the Farmer's Alliance. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 355-356. - o o o - Back to Index William H. Beeman was reared and educated in Illinois, and at the age of 14 years came to Texas and aided in opening up the home farm. He commenced life for himself in Dallas, in the carriage and wagon makers' trade, and in 1851 commenced business for himself on Elm Street, which he continued about 15 years. Mr. Beeman cleared the land where his three-story brick building now stands, known as Deering Block, on Elm Street. After the war broke out Mr. Beeman moved to his farm, where he has 77 acres in a good state of cultivation, having given most of his land to his children. He was married in Dallas County, in 1851, to Martha Dye, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Dye, also natives of Virginia. The parents settled in Kentucky in an early day and in 1847 came to Dallas, where the father died, in 1852, and the mother a few years later. Mr. and Mrs. Beeman have had 10 children. The living are: 1. J. E., in East Dallas 2. Nevada 3. Addie, wife of Benjamin Saye, of Dallas county 4. Holly, of East Dallas 5. L. O., at home 6. Roxie, also at home. Mr. Beeman has seen the complete development of Dallas county, and rode in the first wagon that ever came into Dallas. Politically, he is a Democrat, has always taken an interest in everything for the good of the county, and aids materially in all public enterprises. He assisted in the organization of the county, having ridden 140 miles on horseback to see the judge and get an order to organize. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 856. - o o o - Back to Index Davis Green Chapman, father of James C., was born in Tennessee. He was there married to Miss Caroline Coats, November 20, 1845, and continued to live in Tennessee. He was there married to Miss Caroline Coats, November 20, 1845, and continued to live in Tennessee until he moved to Texas. Arrived here, he settled on Long creek in Dallas county, where he bought 80 acres of land and lived one year. He then moved to Tarrant county, near Fort Worth, and rented land one year, after which he moved to the city of Dallas. In 1861, he purchased 130 acres of land 14 miles east of Dallas. During the war he enlisted, in 1862, in Colonel Darnell's regiment, and served till the conflict was over, being at home sick when the Confederates surrendered. After the way he purchased more land, making in all a farm of 530 acres, which he devoted his time and energies to improving, at the time of his death having it all fenced and 400 acres under cultivation. He died April 29, 1881, at the age of 56 years. Following are their children: 1. Sarah, wife of W. M. Humphreys James C. Chapman was married, February 22, 1877, to Miss Mollie Rugel, who was born July 5, 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman have five children, viz.: 1. Ora, born July 18, 1878 Both he and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 348. - o o o - Back to Index Mr. Cooper's parents, Ferdinand J. and Julia E. (Wheeler) Cooper, were born in Louisiana and South Carolina respectively. The father was at one time Sheriff of Mobile County. Subsequently he engaged in the mercantile business. He was well known as an upright citizen in every way worthy of the confidence which was reposed in him repeatedly by the people. He was born in 1813, and died in 1860. The mother was born in 1817, is still living, has her powers of body and mind well preserved, and makes her home with her son, Thomas C. She is the only surviving member of her father's family. Of her nine children, only three are living. Her daughter, Mary L., is the wife of Colonel O. C. George, and lives in Pilot Point, Texas. Mrs. Cooper is a member of the Baptist church, as is also her husband. The subject of our sketch received his education in Alabama. By the death of his father, he was thrown upon his own resources at an early age. At 14, he began learning the business of railway agent and telegraph operator and he followed that business for a number of years. For the past 15 years he has been a lumber dealer and grain and commission merchant, being fairly successful. He came to Dallas in 1886, and has since made his home in that city. Mr. Cooper was married Jan. 18, 1880, to Miss Emma C. Smith, daughter of W. O. and Mary J. Smith, of Falls County, TX. Her father died on the day of her marriage, aged 51 years, his deat resulting from a complication of diseases. Her mother died in 1885, aged 46 years. Mrs. Cooper and an only brother, James B. Smith, are the only ones of the family now living. The latter is a passenger conductor on the Houston & Texas Central Railroad. He resides in Waco. To Mr. and Mrs. Cooper five children have been born, two of whom died in early childhood. Those living are Willie May, Lou Eva, and Thomas James, aged respectively 12 years, 9 years, and four months. both he and his wife are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Cooper is a member of the Woodmen of the World, Camp No. 1, and is manager of its local board. In his church, in business circles, and in the community at large. Mr. Cooper is highly regarded. He has been an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, ever seeking to secure the best men to serve in official capacity, but has never aspired to political honors himself. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 348. - o o o - Back to Index Mr. Davis was married July 4, 1836, to Miss Lydia J. Mills, who died October 14, 1890, at the age of 54 years. They were the parents of 13 children, only 10 of whom reached maturity: 1. Eugenus A. Davis Mr. Davis is a well educated man, having attended some of the best schools in Indiana. He attended the Asbury University, now the DePauw University, two years, which is one of the leading schools in the United States. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., Plano Lodge, No. 114, and at one time was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his family are nearly all members. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 353. - o o o - Back to Index L. M. Fargason was reared in Henry County, Georgia, where he was engaged as a clerk in a store four years. He was then in the ambrotype business at West Point until 1861, when he came to Texas, and was associated with Dr. Bradfield in the drug business at Dangerfield one year. In 1862, he raised Company G, 19th Texas Infantry, was elected its Captain, and served in Arkansas and Louisiana. He was held to reserve at Little Rock, Arkansas, to reinforce General Hindman or the Arkansas Post, and during the winter of 1862-1863 was at Pine Bluff. He remained there until May, 1863, when he went to Louisiana, and was in Texas at the close of the war. He afterward returned home and engaged in the general mercantile business until 1881, when he was burnt out, losing $3,000-4,000. Coming to Dallas in 1882, he embarked in the grain and cotton trade one year, but since that time he has never engaged in active business. Mr. Fargason is identified with the Democratic party, was collector of water rents in 1887, for the city, and is now serving his second year as Deputy County Assessor of Dallas county. Socially, he is a member of the Oasis Lodge, No. 79, A. F. & A. M. in eastern Texas, has been a Mason for over 40 years, and is a prominent Odd Fellow. Mr. Fargason was married in Henry county, Georgia, in 1849 to Elizabeth Odell, a native of North Carolina and a daughter of Solomon and Sarah (Childress) Odell, also natives of North Carolina. The father, a farmer by occupation, moved to Henry county, Georgia, in 1845, and in 1859 to what is now Morris county, Texas, where he made his home until death, in 1862. His excellent wife survived him a few years, dying in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Fargason have had nine children, seven of whom survive: 1. John E. Fargason Mrs. Fargason is a member of the First Baptist Church at Dallas. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 353. - o o o - Back to Index Rudolph Gunner was educated in the naval academy at Venice, and in 1851 entered the Austrian navy as naval cadet on board the frigate Venus. During the Crimean war he was in Constantinople, and in 1855 was in Egypt with the present King of Belgium, who was then Crown Prince and in very feeble health. In 1857, he started on a two years' cruise on the frigate Caroline on the west coast of Africa, and in 1858-'59 was with the Archduke Maximilian in the Orient. After the battle of Solferino and the loss of Italy to Austria, Maximilian took up his residence in Miramae and Mr. Gunner also resided there as his Aid-de-camp, accompanying him in 1863 to England, Belgium and Paris, France, where the acceptance of the Mexican Empire was stipulated. When Maxilmilan accepted the crown of Mexico, April 10, 1864, Mr. Gunner accompanied him from Miramae on board the Austrian frigate Novarra, being nominated chief of the division of artillery. At Mexico he was created director of the Grand Chambilant and Colonel in the Guardia Palatina, being afterward nominated Chamberlain and charged with the Ttendencia de la Cosa Imperial. He accompanied Empress Charlotte to Tucatan in 1865 and was sent to England in 1866 on important official business. Upon his return to Mexico Maximilian began his movement from Orizaba to Queretaro and sent Mr. Gunner to assume command of the Imperial yacht Undine, destined to take Maximilian to Europe, if he should abdicate the throne. Maximilian was host at Queretaro June 19, 1867, and Mr. Gunner returned to Miramae with the yacht Undine, and re-entered the Austrian navy. In 1857, he settled at Teplitz, Austria, a celebrated watering place, which was greatly damaged by a catastrophe in the coal mines, and Mr. Gunner lost all his accumulations. He came to San Antonio, Texas, in 1855, and in June of the same year, to Dallas, where he has a well stocked book store. His eldest son is a private in the Third United States Cavalry Regiment. He has a brother who is Austrian Consul General to Cairo, Egypt, and another brother who is Chief Surgeon of the Austrian Red Cross and who distinguished himself in the war with Russia. Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 338. - o o o - |