HomeMy WebLinkAboutVarious Subjects compiled by Bill PageAnne Boykin - Museum meeting Page 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: <rwjensen @ag.tamu.edu >, <EJW4ATC @aol.com >, <lucile8419 @aol.com >,
<jnewton @bvcaa.org >, <payton @fabtexas.com >, <thabitingozi @festival- africanart.com >,
<bjperrysr @hotmaii.com >, <wtaylor902 @hotmail.com >, "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib- gw.tamu.edu >, "Brenda
White" <BWHITE @lib- gw.tamu.edu >, "Miguel Juarez" <MJuarez @lib- gw.tamu.edu >, "Rebecca Hankins"
<RHankins @lib- gw.tamu.edu >, <betty @msc.tamu.edu >, <A- broussard @tamu.edu >,
<M- broussard @tamu.edu >, <chet @txcyber.com >, <retrac21 @verizon.net >, <bcarrollj2003 @yahoo.com>
Date: 7/28/2005 6:42:26 AM
Subject: Museum meeting
The next meeting of the African American National Heritage Society will be held at 7 p.m., on Tuesday,
August 2, at the Bryan Public Library.
Please bring recipes to be included in our cookbook. We would like to get the cookbook printed by
December.
Stories from Long Ago
Shooting Affray at Bryan
Bryan, Brazos Co., Tex., May 30 * In an altercation between Dr. W.F. Green and Dr. J.S. Reed, both
colored, Green was shot this afternoon. The two met in the postoffice about 2 p.m. Both parties drew
their pistols and commenced firing, resulting in Dr. Green receiving a fatal shot in the left breast, and Dr.
Reed a slight wound in the left arm. Reed was arrested and landed in jail and in an interview says that the
shooting was an outcome of an article printed in a local colored paper and that he did the shooting in self
defense.
Dallas Morning News, 1 June 1896, p.5
Colored Masonic Grand Lodge
Bryan, Brazos Co., Tex., May 24 * The colored Masonic grand lodge of Texas will hold a meeting here
June 13 to 17 inclusive, under the auspices of Social Tie Lodge No. 56. The programme includes music,
adresses, memorial services, installation and annual banquet. C.L. Versea is chairman of the committee
on arrangements and C.C. Carter is chairman of the reception committee. A rate of one and one -third
fares is announced.
Dallas Morning News, 26 May 1899, p.5
Colored Ball Players at Bryan
Bryan, Tex., July 8 * The colored baseball teams of Bryan and Austin played here Monday afternoon.
Score, 8 to 5 in favor of Austin.
Dallas Morning News, 9 July 1903, p.10
Negro is In Trouble
Bryan, Tex., Aug. 15 * Dave Washington, colored, of Millican, was lodged in jail here today charged with
aggravated assault. Washington is alleged to have written an indecent letter to a white lady, and a posse
went to his home yesterday to arrest him. It is said that Washington fired upon the party. They
succeeded in arresting him, however, and gave him a beating, then turned him over to Constable Charles
Dixon, who brought him to Bryan today, and landed him in jail, charged as above. Washington denies
Anne Boykin - Museum meeting Page 2 ,
sending such a letter, and no name is signed to the note. There is but little excitement about the affair
owing to lack of positive evidence.
Dallas Morning News, 16 August 1905, p.12
Killed by Lightning
New was received here yesterday morning that a Negro was killed by lightning below College Monday
afternoon. The Negro and a white man were near a stove which was struck by lightning, the Negro being
killed and the white man badly shocked. Another Negro was rendered insensible on Jim Dunn's place
from a strike of lightning. He subsequently recovered.
Bryan Morning Eagle, 11 July 1900, p.3, col.2
City Commissioners Dedicate Cemetery
The City Commission met in regular session Thursday night and passed an ordinance dedicating the
Negro cemetery in Oakwood in the west edge of town, approving the survey and fixing other details.
Bryan Daily Eagle, 16 November 1923, p.1, col.5
Colored Population Has Organized City Cemetery Association in Bryan
Pursuant to a call made by R.B. Goosby, a Negro city cemetery association was organized at a meeting
held on Thursday night. The cemetery is to be located on the West Side and is to be known as Oakwood
Cemetery. The following were elected: H.H. Haynes, president; J.A. Vaughan, secretary; E.W. Thomas,
treasurer; C.C. Calhoun, chairman of board, and wives of the following as board members: R.B. Goosby,
A. White, D. McIntosh, B.E. Bowen, R.E. Ellis, Ed Nash, Wheat Hill, Will Powers, Wilbur McVreem. The
session adjourned subject to call.
Bryan Daily Eagle, 18 July 1924, p.1, col.2.
Deaths
Rev. Louis Lane, one of the oldest ministers of the Texas Conference, died July 3, while in charge of
Plantersville circuit. His funeral was attended by a large number of friends.
Southwestern Christian Advocate, 4 August 1881
CC: <ROpersteny @aol.com >, <Aboykin @cstx.gov >, <kelrod @cstx.gov >,
<hpmayo @prodigy. net >, <bvmnh @tca.net >, <cjbatchelor @yahoo.com >, <franl020 @yahoo.com>
Anne Boykin - Re: Museum m eeting Page 1
From:
"Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To:
<Aboykin @cstx. gov>
Date:
9/29/2005 6:51:17 AM
Subject:
Re: Museum meeting
Hi, Anne:
I would be inclined to put all of these together in one file, maybe
something like "African Americans newspaper stories"
Many of the stories fit into multiple categories - for example:
Walter King, a well known Negro restaurant keeper died Thursday night
at his home and was buried in the city cemetery Friday afternoon. He
was 43 years of age and had accumulated quite a bit of property and was
generally respected by the white men for his dependableness.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 13 July 1922, p.4, col.3
You could put this either under business, or else under families.
Hope this helps.
M
Anne Boykin - F wd: Ne Mus eum me etin g Page 1 i
From: Katie Elrod
To: Anne Boykin
Date: 10/31/2005 10:50:56 AM
Subject: Fwd: Next Museum meeting
more articles from Bill!
Katie Elrod
Neighborhood Services Staff Planner
Historic Preservation Staff Liaison
City of College Station, TX
979 - 764 -3761
kelrod @cstx.gov
www.cstx.gov
HOLD /cstx.gov
>>> "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu> 10/26/2005 6:10 AM >>>
Please note the CHANGE in meeting date I
The next meeting of the African American National Heritage Society will be held at 7 p.m., on Monday,
October 31, at the Bryan Public Library.
Stories from Long Ago
Another Child Bitten
The hydrophobia situation grows more serious and another child was severely bitten this morning. At the
home of Eliza Woods, colored, their dog was kept tied and the little girl going too near it this morning was
seized and badly bitten. She would perhaps have been killed had not a Negro boy gone to her rescue and
pulled her away from the dog. The woman cooks at the Allen Academy and carried the child at once to
Prof. H.W. South. He called Dr. Raysor and after attending to the child, they went to see about the dog
and found it unmistakably mad. The dog was shot and killed by Dr. Raysor. As soon as the Academy's
students learned of it, they took up a collection to have the child treated and raised $26.00. Prof. South
will leave with the child for the Pasteur Institute at Austin tonight. The kindness of the faculty and students
of the Academy is highly commendable.
Brazos Pilot, 2 May 1907, p.6, col.3.
A. M. Panthers Beat Navasota Wildcats
The Panthers eleven of A &M Consolidated Negro high went down to Navasota Friday afternoon and took
the Wildcats, representing the Negro high school, into camp by a score of 13 to 0. Scoring was largely
due to the ball carrying ability of Capt. J.W. Walker and Co- Captain A. Eaton.
Bryan Daily Eagle, 29 September 1945, p.4
Had a Heart Attack
Green Foster, a Negro 65 years old, dropped dead yesterday on the farm of Joe Kosh, three miles east of
town, from heart failure. Justice Mitchell viewed the body and returned a verdict in accordance with the
above statement.
Bryan Daily Eagle, 14 December 1902, p.7
Anne Boykin_ Fwd: Next Muse meetin - - - --- - -- - - - -- -- — - Page
Uncle Bill Smith Killed
Bill Smith, one of Bryan's old time darkeys was killed today in a well upon which he was working at the
Fountain sanitarium. The well is nearly forty feet deep and the old Negro was laying brick down about
twenty -five feet when gas began to rush in through a crack from a nearby cesspool. He shouted to the
darkey helping him to draw him up and stepped into the well bucket and was pulled within six feet of the
top when he became unconscious and fell back into the well. Owing to the amount of water in the well, so
far efforts to recover the body have failed, and the water is being drawn out. "Uncle Bill" was well known
and had been a familiar figure on the streets of Bryan for more than forty years. He had many friends,
both white and black, who will regret to learn of his tragic death. Bryan Daily Eagle, 9 December 1912, p.6
Lincoln High to Play at Calvert
The Lincoln High Panthers of College Station will be seeking their first victory of the year in Calvert on
Friday night, and will take on the Brenham Lions at Bomber Park on Tuesday night, Oct.7, at 8 p.m. The
Panthers lost to Caldwell last Friday afternoon by a 7 -0 score.
Bryan Daily Eagle, 1 October 1947, p.7
Tree Blew Down
Jim Jones, an old Negro living in the Brazos bottom, was the victim of an unusual accident last Tuesday
while the heavy windstorm was at its height. He was working in timber when a tree blew down upon him,
breaking his hip bone and collar bone. He was unconscious for several hours and is still in a critical
condition.
Bryan Morning Eagle, 9 March 1902, p.3
Millican Negro is Accidentally Killed
Navasota, Texas, Jan. 1 * A Negro man named Joe Edwards, was accidentally shot late yesterday
afternoon while out hunting with his brother, the charge from the shotgun entering his right side. He was
brought to the sanitarium here in the ambulance of C.A. Dunavant, but died before surgeons could begin
the operation that was found necessary. The remains were carried back to Millican. Edwards lived about
three miles from Millican, it is said.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 4 January 1923, p.3
Kemp Hi PTA
Rev. D.E. Everett, pastor of the Lee Chapel Methodist Church, will be guest speaker at the 7:30 PM
Monday meeting at the Kemp High School PTA. His talk will be on "Effective Learning for Wisdom and
Stature." Ninth grade students will present the program.
Bryan Daily Eagle, 14 January 1962, p. 10
Anne Boykin - Fwd: Official Response from Loupot's
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 9:20 PM
To: Coan, Clay (Luanda)
Subject: Fw: FW: Aggie Style - Loupots Bookstore in Northgate
Thought you might need a chuckle for the day! Love, Mom
- - - -- Original Message - - - --
From: Marsha Frels < mai Ito: mfrelsCa�ecisd.orq
To: dcoan ecisd.org
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 12:30 PM
Subject: Fw: FW: Aggie Style - Loupots Bookstore in Northgate
Original Message - - - --
From: Erin Stavinoha < mailto:erinfrels(a
To: golson(�ykc.com ; csfalknor(o ;
ken neth .frels(o)usa.apachecorp.com ; mfrels(�ecisd.org ;
zog49 earthlink. net ; Ikaspar(D_idriveonline.com ;
stddwo11(a unxmail.shsu.edu ; dougolson5392(a hotmail.com ;
Olson(cDMicroageCS.com ; olsoneileen(o)yahoo.com
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 11:02 AM
Subject: FW: FW: Aggie Style - Loupots Bookstore in Northgate
From: Carissa Malone < cmalone(a.hoovers.com >
To: 'Peyton Shipman' < pshipman1(a)austin.rr.com >, 'Erin Stavinoha'
< erinfrels(�hotmail.com >
Subject: FW: FW: Aggie Style - Loupots Bookstore in Northgate
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 10:40:34 -0500
Page 3
Anne Boykin F wd: Off icial Respon fro Loup Page 4
From: Rachel Ogden
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 10:39 AM
To: Andy Chaudoir; Ashton Arthur; Billy Blunt; Brandon Elizondo;
Bretagne Sammons; Carissa Malone; Chalu Harden; Dallas Gremillion; Dan
Guest; David Martens; Janey Whisenant; Jeff Woods; Jordan Yenne; Kyle
Danehy; Kyle Stewart; Martin Kilbane; Rachel Ogden; Sam Sigholz; Taylor
Krischke; Michelle Hart; Michael Moyer
Subject: FW: FW: Aggie Style - Loupots Bookstore in Northgate
This made me giggle!
m
Ann Boy Fwd: Official Res f rom L oupot 's Page 1
From: Trey Fletcher
To: DEVELOPMENT_ SERVICES
Date: 9/29/2005 8:04:17 AM
Subject: Fwd: Official Response from Loupot's
>>> "Bettis, Hal (Houston)" <Hal.Bettis @GlobalSantaFe.com> 09/28/05 5:07 PM >>>
And now you know the rest of the story.,,.
J r.
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Richards, Ramsey (Houston)
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 3:42 PM
To: Brooks, Fred (Houston)
Cc: Bettis, Hal (Houston); Shackelford, Tom (Houston)
Subject: FW: FW: Aggie Style - Loupots Bookstore in Northgate
Official Response
I knew that there had to be a good reason.
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Breed, Alan (Houston)
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 3:37 PM
To: Coan, Clay (Luanda); Richards, Jess (Houston); 'Richards, Jon';
Todish, Jeff (Houston); Askeroglu, Igal (Houston); Richards, Ramsey
(Houston); 'David Allen'; 'Conrad, Kevin (US - Austin)'; 'Chris Conrad'
Subject: RE: FW: Aggie Style - Loupots Bookstore in Northgate
I got this from an Aggie blog site - a response from Loupot's on their
window boarding strategy:
From: (name removed) fmailto:xxxxxx(d-)lou pots. coml
Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 1:30 PM
To: (name removed)
A nne Boykin - Fwd: Official Response fr Loupot's Page 2
[Subject: FW: windows boarded from inside
yep - -our windows will not support the weight of plywood screwed into
their frames -- neither is there sufficient masonry wall surrounding them
for an attachment - - -- therefore our contractor, a "good Ag ", suggested
saving the store from a major cleanup and letting the glass go - - - -it
wasn't a difficult decision to make!! thanks for your interest -- -(name
removed)
Oh, by the way - the Aggie evacuation route (Loop 610) was the only
freeway in town not in gridlock last Thursday - now who has the last
laugh!
Alan
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Coan, Clay (Luanda)
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 3:29 PM
To: Richards, Jess (Houston); Richards, Jon; Todish, Jeff (Houston);
Askeroglu, Igal (Houston); Richards, Ramsey (Houston); 'David Allen';
'Conrad, Kevin (US - Austin)'; 'Chris Conrad'; Breed, Alan (Houston)
Subject: FW: FW: Aggie Style - Loupots Bookstore in Northgate
I really hope this is a Photoshop job!!! If any of you Aggies don't
understand the joke, PM me and I will explain.
Regards,
Clay Coan
Rig Manager
GSF Jack Ryan
244 923 - 639 -980 Luanda cell phone
244 222 - 670 -411 Luanda office phone
244 222 - 670 -501 Luanda office fax
clay.coan(a globalsantafe.corn < mai Ito: clay.coan(c globalsantafe. corn >
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Dianne Coan [mailto:dcoan(a)ecisd.orq]
An ne Boykin - Fwd: Next board meeting Page 1
From:
Katie Elrod
To:
Anne Boykin
Date:
12/29/2005 9:11:29 AM
Subject:
Fwd: Next board meeting
Katie Elrod
Neighborhood Services Staff Planner
Historic Preservation Staff Liaison
City of College Station, TX
979 - 764 -3761
kelrod @cstx.gov
www.cstx.gov
HOLD /cstx.gov
>>> "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu> 12/28/2005 1:15 PM >>>
The next meeting of the African American National Heritage Society will be held at 7 p.m., on Tuesday,
January 3, at the Bryan Public Library.
Stories from Long Ago
The Texas Conference
The Texas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church met in the Tabernacle Church, Galveston, Dec.
10, and finished its business Saturday night, but the appointments were not read until after the Sunday
night services'`
Appointments " Navasota District, F.C. Moore, P.E.
Navasota and Millican, John Guess
Brenham, S. Hardwell
Brenham Circuit, T. Jackson
Hempstead, Edward Lee
Hempstead Circuit, J.L. Smith
San Felipe, L. Lane
Belleville, Aaron Alexander
Courtney, A. Campbell
Plantersville, P. Noble
Anderson, F.D. Bookman
Red Top, D. Adkins
Bryan, W.W. Brown
Bryan Circuit, James Dalton
Brewer's Hill, Wade Hamilton
Hearne, J.S. Whitaker
Southwestern Christian Advocate, 25 December 1879, p.1
The Texas Conference
The fifteenth session of the Texas Conference was held in Houston, Dec. 8 -13. Bishop E.O. Haven
presided, W. Wesley, Secretary. Several matters helped to make it one of the best sessions of this body.
It met on historic ground. Fifteen years ago Bishop Simpson reorganized the Texas Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church on the spot where the late session was held "
Anne Boyk - Fwd: Next bo meet _ _ _ Page 2
Appointments * Navasota District, F.C. Moore, P.E.
Anderson, Frank Gilmore
Belleville and Hempstead circuit, Aaron Alexander
Brazos circuit, J.L. Smith
Brenham, W.W. Brown
Brenham circuit, B.D. Watrous
Brewers Hill, J.L. Smyth
Bryan, Wade Hamilton
Bryan circuit, W. Van Hook
Courtney, L. Horne
Hearne, J. Whitaker
Hempstead, Edward Lee
Matthew circuit, to be supplied
Navasota and Millican, B.F. Williams
Plantersville, Lewis Lane
Prairie Plain, F.D. Bookman
San Felipe, D. Adkins
Washington, T. Jackson
Southwestern Christian Advocate, 23 December 1880, p.2
Texas Conference
This body of ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, closed its sixteenth session in Marshall,
December 12. This conference includes the work among the colored people of Texas, in the Eastern half
of the South *
Appointments * Navasota District, F.C. Moore, Presiding Elder - Austin P.O.
Anderson, F. Gilmore
Belleville and Hempstead, to be supplied by W.H. Jackson
Brenham, W. Brown
Brenham and Washington, to be supplied by M. Reeves
Bryan, W. Hamilton;
Bryan Circuit, W. Van Hook
Burleson Circuit, J.L. Smith
Courtney, L. Horne
Hearne and Franklin, S. Lawrence
Hempstead, J.S. Whitaker
Iola Circuit, supplied by S. Thurman
Navasota and Millican, E. Lee
Plantersville, A. Alexander
Prairie Plain, F.D. Bookman
San Felipe, D. Adkins
Southwestern Christian Advocate, 22 December 1881, p.2
i An Bo ykin - F wd : PR H OLD WEEKLY R EP OR T, JAN. 23 -25, 200 Pa e 1
w = -- _ - =— - — 9
From: Katie Elrod
To: Becky Nugent
Date: 1/25/2006 12:11:00 PM
Subject: Fwd: PROJECT HOLD WEEKLY REPORT, JAN. 23-25,2006
Becky:
Anne had an exceptional week last week - thought I would send you her progress report - might be
something you can use for PR.
Katie
Katie Elrod
Neighborhood Services Staff Planner
Historic Preservation Staff Liaison
City of College Station, TX
979 - 764 -3761
kelrod @cstx.gov
www.cstx.gov
HOLD /cstx.gov
>>> Anne Boykin 1/25/2006 9:49:08 AM >>>
WEEKLY REPORT
Jan. 23 -25, 2006
1. Accepted an assortment of documents for Project HOLD from Jerry Cooper (former A &M yell leader
and former editor "The Texas Aggie"). Documents include: COCS Charter files (1970s), College Park
section map, late 40s aerial of College Park, abstracts of 602 Bell St., plats of College Park (circa
1921 -23).
2. Began volunteer training of Anne Triche- Steen, an African - American woman married to a member of
the Steen family. The Steens have been in College Station for several generations. Anne has already
been able to bring in much needed documents from the African - American community for Project HOLD.
3. Began training a new oral history/mini - biography team with James L. Boone, Jr. (A &M '41) and Mary
Hamlin, a newcomer to CS. Mary will also work with Anne Triche -Steen conducting oral history interviews
of the African - American and Hispanic communities.
4. The oral history team completed an interview with J.O. Alexander (A &M '40), a former Aggie yell leader,
former cotton farmer and rancher in Wellborn and retired from Anco Insurance. Mr. Alexander's
grandfather and great uncles built, owned and operated the Bryan - College Interurban and the Peavine
RR.
5. Jan. 23, Colleen Risinger, HPC member and Project HOLD volunteer, accompanied me to College Hills
Elementary to speak to the 120 members of the fourth grade who are studying family heritage. We
demonstrated use of the Project HOLD website and distributed PH pencils, PH brochures, and Pocket
Pages to the students and PH mugs and Heritage booklets to the teachers.
6. 1 began gathering the items for the "Brides of the Brazos" exhibit. The Opersteny's, Boykin's,
Robinson's and Lancaster's have contributed so far. Installation is scheduled for Feb. 13th at the
Conference Center.
7. Jan. 24, 1 met with Mark Smith to learn more about setting up web logs (blogs). It looks like this
particular site he used would be a great aid for the neighborhoods who wish to communicate more
effectively with us and with each other. However, the new City restrictions have barred our access to the
site: http / /cityfixer.blogspot.com/
8. In trying to research information and photographs for my work with Project HOLD I was once again
A nne Bo - F PROJECT HOLD WEEKLY REPORT, JAN. 23 -25, 2006 Paae 2
reminded that I no longer have access to the Google image search.
9. Jan. 24, continued scanning the Police Chief Melvin Luedke files.
10. Jan. 24, Made arrangements with the new editor to scan the entire collection of the "Brazos
Genealogist." The collection contains invaluable historic information from the Brazos Valley area. The
collection will be stored on Project HOLD in it's entirety which may include 80 volumes.
10. Will try to complete the scanning of three Lincoln High School yearbooks ('50, '52, '54) today.
Anne
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykin(o
CC: Anne Boykin
Anne Bo ykin - Fwd: FW: Hispanics at Te xas A &M Exhi and contributors Pag —
From: Katie Elrod
To: Anne Boykin
Date: 1/30/2006 8:40:16 AM
Subject: Fwd: FW: Hispanics at Texas A &M Exhibit and contributors
! Here is a lead!
Ke
Katie Elrod
Neighborhood Services Staff Planner
Historic Preservation Staff Liaison
City of College Station, TX
979 - 764 -3761
kelrod @cstx.gov
www.cstx.gov
HOLD /cstx.gov
>>> " Cepeda- Benito, Antonio" <ACepeda @TAMU.EDU> 1/27/2006 3:15 PM >>>
Hi there,
I would like to invite PHN members to contribute to the "Hispanics at
Texas A &M: Celebrating 130 Years, 1876 - 2006" Exhibit that will open
April 28, 2006 at the Cushing Memorial Library and Archives. This
exhibit will be traveling around the country showing our heritage. It
would be great if PHN could be listed as CONTRIBUTOR for the exhibit.
All we need to raise is $200. $10 to $20 individual donations are
suggested. Thanks.
Send it to:
Cushing Memorial Library
c/o Jo Talley
5000 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843 -5000
In the subject line add the following: Hispanics Exhibit/PHN
Thanks,
Antonio Cepeda
PHN 2005 President
Hispanics have long been a part of the rich history and traditions of
Texas A &M University. In April of 2006, Cushing Memorial Library and
Archives will honor their presence by opening a major exhibit dedicated
to Hispanics at A &M: their experiences, contributions, and influences as
important Aggie family members. Three years in the making, the exhibit,
"Hispanics at Texas A &M: Celebrating 130 Years," will open with a
reception on April 28, 2006 and will be on display in the Wendler
Gallery on the second floor of Cushing Memorial Library on the A &M
campus, for one year.
This exhibit follows two other significant exhibits devoted to the
Anne Boy kin - Fw d: Tom Barker
From:
<Iwink2 @aol.com>
To:
<aboykin @cstx.gov>
Date:
4/17/2006 7:52:36 PM
Subject:
Fwd: Tom Barker
Elizabeth Anne Boykin
LEFT -WRITE INK BOOKS
8407 Shadow Oaks
College Station, TX 77845
H: 979 - 693 -0224
C:979- 450 -3296
F: 979 - 764 -5604
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: JGilbert@udelhoven.com
To: Iwink2 @aol.com
Sent: Mon, 17 Apr 2006 07:35:53 -0800
Subject: Re: Tom Barker
Anne -
Well I don't know about the adventure but we certainly grew up with a
work ethic, I was president of our FFA Chapter as a freshman in high
school (could not believe they couldn't get a senior elected) and past
president of our CS 4 -H club, but was constantly told (by my parents)
that my other work could not suffer, raising pigs, feeding horses and
milking 80 to 90 cows twice a day, that meant starting at 4:30am to be
finished by 6:30, clean up and head for the bus. I tried to play
football one year but it nearly killed me, cause my work at home did
not change, just because I was doing something after school. It used to
amaze me that kids that lived in the city just had to get up and go to
school (I am sure they did more than that) but it always seemed like
it.
Oh well, I had better get to work, just something in your note sparked
a lot of reminiscing. Take care.
Jim Gilbert
Udelhoven Oilfield System Services, Inc.
184 E. 53rd Ave.
Anchorage, AK. 99518
1'
j Anne Boykin - Re: Old Document Page 1
From:
"Bill Page" <bpage @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To:
<Aboykin @cstx.gov>
Date:
4/18/2006 10:11:03 AM
Subject:
Re: Old Document
This is a copy of a report from the Freedman's agent at Millican.
This was a branch of the U.S. army charged with assisting the freed
slaves - its technical name was Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and
Abandoned Lands.
They had a field agent stationed at Millican for a while after the Civil
War, and then the agent moved to Bryan.
I may have a transcription (or partial transcription) of this report - I
will check later, if you are interested.
This reported concerned the race riot that occurred at Milican.
Hope this helps.
>>> "Anne Boykin" <Aboykin @cstx.gov> 04/18/06 9:00 AM >>>
Dear Bill,
I have come across a rather bad photocopy of a document and wonder if
you could help me determine what it is. It appears to be a legal
document from Millican, Texas dated July 23, 1868. The Spenserian is
rather difficult to read in places so I may not have all the letters
identified correctly. The cover reads:
B.R.F. & D of Texas R. 148, 1868
Millican, Texas
July 23, 1868
Rawdlett, N. H.
Sub. Asst. Com.
Makes special report of the riot which occurred at that place on the
15th and following days.
Copy furnished
Genl. Howard
R. 191.
Recor. R. F. & D of Texas. July 30, 1868.
Many thanks!
Anne
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykin @cstx.gov
Anne B oykin - Re: Old Docu Page 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: <Aboykin @cstx.gov>
Date: 4/18/2006 11:00:05 AM
Subject: Re: Old Document
It turns out I have not transcribed that particular report.
I do have quite a number of newspaper references to the riot, such as
the following, which was published in an African American Methodist
newspaper published in New Orleans.
Our First Martyr
A Methodist Preacher Hung
Rev. Anthony Bewley has a companion in martyrdom. In the "Lone Star"
State, another Methodist preacher has been hung. Texas claims the
proto -martyr of our Church since its reorganization in the Southwest.
In the winter of 1865, an intelligent, courageous, powerfully built
colored man, twenty -five years old, entered the Thomson Biblical
Institute, to prepare for the Christian ministry. He was Edwin Brooks.
A machinist by trade, he commanded four dollars per day; but he left all
to follow Christ. A faithful student, he advanced rapidly in his
studies, and after a year's tuition, joined the Texas Conference, and
was sent by Bishop Simpson to Millican, Texas, and at the succeeding
Conference was reappointed by Bishop Ames. He soon became a leading man
among his people, who looked up to him for religious advice and
political counsel. In August last a white man entered the cabin of a
freedman and threatened his life; but the man fled to the woods - the
old place of refuge. From this incident occurred what was called the
" Millican riot," which resulted so fatally to the blacks. In the
troubles that followed, Rev. Edwin Brooks was the recognized leader of
his brethren. After the excitement had subsided, Brooks was ordered to
Austin to report to General Reynolds. On his way he found himself
pursued by a band of armed men, from whom he fled and took refuge in the
"Brazos river bottoms." But the blood- hounds were soon upon his path
and uncovered his retreat to his bloody pursuers. Having secured their
victim, they demanded that he should disclose the object of his mission
to Austin, and that he should recant his Republican principles.
Refusing to do either, they began to torture him in the most cruel
manner. They stripped the flesh from his body, but he refused to
recant; they broke his legs, but he declined to foreswear his honor and
his faith; they then hung him by the neck till he died a martyr for his
Church and country. After the horrid murder, the colored people were
permitted to take the body of their pastor down and give it a decent
burial. Thus a former student and fellow laborer, ended a life in which
he had suffered as a slave, fought as a Union soldier, and which he
crowned with martyrdom.
New Orleans Advocate, 24 October 1868, p.5, col.1
Ann Boykin - Re: Old Documen
_____ P age __ 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: <Aboykin @cstx.gov>
Date: 4/18/2006 11:00:05 AM
Subject: Re: Old Document
It turns out I have not transcribed that particular report.
I do have quite a number of newspaper references to the riot, such as
the following, which was published in an African American Methodist
newspaper published in New Orleans.
Our First Martyr
A Methodist Preacher Hung
Rev. Anthony Bewley has a companion in martyrdom. In the "Lone Star"
State, another Methodist preacher has been hung. Texas claims the
proto -martyr of our Church since its reorganization in the Southwest.
In the winter of 1865, an intelligent, courageous, powerfully built
colored man, twenty -five years old, entered the Thomson Biblical
Institute, to prepare for the Christian ministry. He was Edwin Brooks.
A machinist by trade, he commanded four dollars per day; but he left all
to follow Christ. A faithful student, he advanced rapidly in his
studies, and after a year's tuition, joined the Texas Conference, and
was sent by Bishop Simpson to Millican, Texas, and at the succeeding
Conference was reappointed by Bishop Ames. He soon became a leading man
among his people, who looked up to him for religious advice and
political counsel. In August last a white man entered the cabin of a
freedman and threatened his life; but the man fled to the woods - the
old place of refuge. From this incident occurred what was called the
" Millican riot," which resulted so fatally to the blacks. In the
troubles that followed, Rev. Edwin Brooks was the recognized leader of
his brethren. After the excitement had subsided, Brooks was ordered to
Austin to report to General Reynolds. On his way he found himself
pursued by a band of armed men, from whom he fled and took refuge in the
"Brazos river bottoms." But the blood- hounds were soon upon his path
and uncovered his retreat to his bloody pursuers. Having secured their
victim, they demanded that he should disclose the object of his mission
to Austin, and that he should recant his Republican principles.
Refusing to do either, they began to torture him in the most cruel
manner. They stripped the flesh from his body, but he refused to
recant; they broke his legs, but he declined to foreswear his honor and
his faith; they then hung him by the neck till he died a martyr for his
Church and country. After the horrid murder, the colored people were
permitted to take the body of their pastor down and give it a decent
burial. Thus a former student and fellow laborer, ended a life in which
he had suffered as a slave, fought as a Union soldier, and which he
crowned with martyrdom.
New Orleans Advocate, 24 October 1868, p.5, col.1
Anne Boykin - Information re: Wm. H. Millican 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie
Date: 2/7/2007 8:16:08 am
Subject: Information re: Wm. H. Millican
Just fyi
Announcements ... The Legislature * 17 District ... For Representative:
We are authorized to announce Wm. H. Millican as a candidate to represent the counties of Burleson,
Brazos and Milam in the next (12th) Legislature. Election November 30 ...
(Houston) Tri- Weekly Union, 30 Sept. 1869, p.4
Bryan Election * Yesterday evening, R.B. Hunt and Dr. Farner were arrested by a file of soldiers and
lodged in jail.
What grievance these gentlemen had been guilty of we were unable to learn precisely.
We understand, however, that Hunt had hurrahed for Jack Hamilton * was, perhaps, accused of firing his
pistol. Dr. Farner was incarcerated for merely saying that they jail could be torn down.
Later in the evening our side of the street was the scene of considerable excitement. Quietly seated in our
sanctum, as we should be, we heard some one call out, "Look out, Bill! He is going to shoot you!" We
immediately ran to the window and on looking out, saw W.H. Millican riding soberly along, and a man who
calls himself Bonds, a policeman, on foot, with a pistol in hand, in hot pursuit of the aforesaid. It was but a
few moments before "pop" went Bond's six - shooter. Perhaps he shot again when Millican got his pistol
out, and, putting his horse into a lope, fired back at his assailant * we think, twice.
The origin of this whole fracas, as we learned, was a follows. Wm. Millican, staring home, fired his pistol
at somebody's dog. Bonds, as was his duty as a policeman, pursued him * but, as was not his duty,
without telling Millican to halt, or giving him any warning whatever, fired at him from behind.
Bryan Appeal.
Flake's Bulletin (Galveston), 8 December 1869, p.7
Anne Boykin- Information re: Wolf Pen Creek 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Anne Boykin" <Aboykin @cstx.gov>
Date: 2/7/2007 8:23:56 am
Subject: Information re: Wolf Pen Creek
Hi, Anne:
This story is apparently just an urban legend.
For many years both wolves and coyotes were popularly referred to as "wolves," and both animals could
be found in early Brazos County, so there often is no way of being sure which animal any particular source
was describing.
Like most place names, no one is really sure of the origins of the name of "Wolf Pen Creek."
However, its name was in use 25 years before the founding of Texas A &M, so the one thing we can say
for sure is that the story you sometimes hear about it being named after a place where college students
penned wild wolves is false.
The earliest reference to its name is in the Brazos County Commissioners Minutes, Book A, p.542. In
1851, the county commissioners granted William C. Boyles authority to change the Boonville to Fuqua's
Ferry Road from north of Carter's blacksmith shop to the Wolf Pen Branch.
"Branch" was an early term for a creek.
Of course, college students may have LATER penned wolves in this same area, but I have not seen any
documentation supporting that.
I have not done extensive research on wolves in Brazos County, but in the course of my research into the
county's history, I have collected a few references that may be of interest.
Mrs. R.L. Weddington, a citizen of the county since 1850, said: "There were many wolves, bears,
panthers, and wildcats in the county. Deer ran in herds through the woods. My brother frequently went
into the woods before sun -up and returned with three or four wild turkeys. The woods were literally alive
with coveys of quail and prairie chickens." (Marshall, Elmer G., History of Brazos County, Texas, masters
thesis, University of Texas, 1937, p.13)
On Martin's place, five miles north of Millican, a gray wolf snatched a Negro baby sitting in the door of a
cabin, and was in the act of running off with it, when the mother picked up a rifle and shot the brute dead.
Infant Africa rolled over with the wolf as he took his death tumble, but was rescued without damage.
Galveston Daily News, 15 August 1876, p.2
ca. 1876 or 1877 ? * recollections of Mrs. William A. Banks, as published in John Adams, Keepers of the
Spirit: The Corps of Cadets at Texas A &M University, 1876 -2001, pp.12 -13: "it was no uncommon sight
at that time to see a pack of wolves leap out in front of us at the sound of foot steps, from among the tall
rank weeds that encompassed the campus grounds, when taking these walks, so it was not considered
safe for ladies or children to go alone * There was too a stout boy of under 14 yrs., Duncan Martin who
had come to enter College but was too young. This boy was lonely for need of playmates and wandered
one sunny afternoon too far out from the building, chasing butterflies * the little lonely girl sat at my window
watching him with strained eyes fearing he would be completely lost among the tall strange weed * finally
a cry of distress from the boy reached the ears of the little girl & she ran to inform the father of his boys
dangers for she saw the wolves jumping fiercely on him and biting him again & again. The father
immediately summoned the aid of the Com. and Corps of Cadets to the boy's rescue & the wolves leaped
rapidly out of sight at the coming of the body of men. We were next anxious as to the seriousness of the
lad's injuries & had him brought into my quarters where his wounds were properly dress, after which he
was safely ensconced to his Father's keeping and all was soon quiet again * [on another occasion] some
Anne Boykin - Information re: Wolf Pen Creek 2
of the Profs, our guest & I lingered over our cups of tea, engaged in delightful conversation when suddenly
there came from the last cadet who had gone out a terrible cry of 'oh, I'm killed, I'm killed'. Immediately
the Com and Cadets were again called, the cadet having turned back again & had fallen on the cement
floor of the mess Hall porch. These wolves had returned & had crept in stealthily behind him & had bitten
him severely on his body * he was carried to comfortable quarters where he rec prompt attention. The
wolves then made their next appearance with their faces pressed closely against the Mess Hall windows
all along one side sniffing & snorting as if they meant to come through * just at our table & you may
imagine our fright as the horrible mouths of these animals looking in on us as if they would devour us in an
instant. It is needless to say that the ladies were panic stricken & did not hesistate to depart taking our
flight above stairs. Our little girl was inconsolable sobbing & crying saying 'she could not get up the steps.'
The Corn in the meanwhile gave orders for the Cadets to form in line that a thorough search would be
made for these marauders * In an instant at the sound of footsteps they had scampered away and never
came so near again, though for three years about dark they would assemble in the small skirt of the
woods near the last brick residency & render that weird howl till the wee hours o the night *"
Brazos * A party of cowboys near Welborn Station found two wolf dens, and succeeded in killing a lot of
cubs and two old wolves, one day this week. (Houston) Daily Post, 2 June 1883, p.2, col.4
Bryan, Tex. * Several parties out driving yesterday had a lively chase after a wolf. The animal was finally
brought to bay against a fence in the south part of town and captured by means of a rope. The wolf
escaped from a show Saturday night. Dallas Morning News, 20 October 1903, p.3
A crowd of Bryanites, who were out driving Sunday afternoon had a lively chase after a wolf which
escaped from the Forepaugh and Sells Bros. show Saturday night. They rounded it up and captured it in
the southern part of town. The animal was brought to bay against a fence and roped. It had a collar on
and was handled by the use of two hitch reins. The wolf has been given to Luther Taylor and will hereafter
be company for "Shorty" the badger. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 22 October 1903, p.2, col.3
Joe Hearne's wolf escaped from the fire station zoo yesterday morning, and rejoicing in the frolicsome
ecstacy of unexpected freedom, raced down Main Street, creating consternation among the assorted
aggregation of canines loitering on the thoroughfare. His wolfship was finally rounded up by Joe Hearne
and taken back to captivity. Bryan Morning Eagle, 6 April 1906, p.5
The boys planned a wolf chase yesterday afternoon south of town, but the wolf, which was hauled out in a
box from town, took French leave of the party after being liberated and given a start, and returned to the
fire station zoo. Bryan Morning Eagle, 28 April 1906, p.5
Some of the boys took the wolf out for another chase yesterday afternoon and got what they wanted. His
wolfship gave them a clean run for their money, and like Mark Twain's cayote, left them "solitary and alone
in the midst of a vast solitude." Bryan Morning Eagle, 1 May 1906, p.3
You can look at the following articles on microfilm in the Course Reserves / Current Periodicals
Department on the second floor of the Evans Library.
"Bothered by Wolves Hill Calls for Help," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 3 May 1917, p.3, col.4
"Tame Coyote Brought Back From Bremond by Berger and Zolkosky," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 17 April 1924,
p.1, col.3.
"Hunters Bag Two Wolves," Dallas Morning News, 20 September 1925, sect.2, p.6
Bryan, Texas * Brazos County has paid its first $20 wolf bounty of the year to Phillip K. Trant of Kurten,
proprietor of the Twacliff ranch. Dallas Morning News, 27 June 1954, sect.1, p.5
"Wolf Bounty Doubles Total Number of Kills," Bryan Daily Eagle, 25 May 1965, sect.A, p.1, col.3. The
animals killed in Brazos County mostly were coyotes, with a few wolves also being among the dead.
Anne Boykin - Information re: Wolf Pen Creek 3
"East Texas Wolves Generally Coyotes," Dallas Morning News, 11 July 1965, sect.B, p.5. Says that
recent wolf sightings in Brazos County are coyotes.
Hope this helps.
Anne Boykin - Early Brazos County stuff 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 2/9/2007 7:47:28 am
Subject: Early Brazos County stuff
Just fyi:
Here are some miscellaneous early newspaper references to Brazos County.
A Negro Taken up: On the night of the 5th inst. at the house of John Millican, on the east side of the
Brazos, 10 miles above Washington. Says his name is Luke, and his master, Eli Bordlow lives in
Louisiana, on the east side of Red river, 7 miles above Campty: he is about 40 years old, 5 feet 10 inches
high, nose short and thick, brow high, hair mixed with grey, complexion common; he has a scar over the
right eye about 3 inches long, caused by a blow with a stick from a mulatto; a little impediment in his
speech; states that he has now none of the clothes he wore when starting, which may have been in the
latter part of May. Washington County, Sept. 10, 1837
Telegraph and Texas Register, Sept. 30, 1837, p. 3
An election will be held on the first Monday in September next for two Representatives to represent this
county in Congress ... Precinct of Sutherland, at the home of John Millican, presiding officer W.T. Millican,
and at the house of Ferguson, Esq.; presiding officer Ferguson, Esq....
Texas Emigrant (Washington) 31 Aug. 1839, p. 4.
The election returns in the Counties of Washington, Brazos and Montgomery have been made illegally in
several of the precincts, owing to the ignorance or negligence of the judges, and in consequence the Chief
Justice is unable to give a certificate to Judge Grimes, who is undoubtedly the successful candidate ...
Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston), 4 Oct. 1843, p. 2.
We have received a specimen of a mineral found near the residence of the Hon. Millican, on the Navisoto,
which so closely resembles chalk, that it would readily be mistaken for that mineral. It makes a plain, even
mark like chalk, and is so soft that it soils the fingers. Large beds of it are found on the Navisoto. We
mentioned some weeks since that a large bed of this mineral had been found near the sulphur spring on
that stream. We understand that thousands of tons of it can be procured. It can be readily levigated so as
to form a fine white powder like Spanish whiting, and like that article would probably answer to form putty
or a coarse paint.
Democratic Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston), 20 September 1849, p.2
Married, on Sunday, the 17th of February instant, by the Rev. L.S. Friend, Hon. Elliott M. Millican, of
Brazos Co., to Mrs. M.E. Triplett, of this county.
(Austin) Texas State Gazette, 16 Feb. 1850, p.197
The Steamer Brazos recently ascended the Brazos River as high as Munson's Bluff near the mouth of
Little River about one hundred miles above Washington. The trip was made on a rise of the river without
difficulty and we learn from some that with some little expense, the navigation of the Brazos may be
A nne Boykin -Early Brazos County stuff 2
extended to that point but not beyond. The falls just above Washington are by most persons, however,
deemed a serious obstacle, except at high stages of water.
Galveston Weekly News, 11 March 1850, p.1, col.6
If any of our friends in Brazos County find a bay horse, with a halter on, a star in his forehead, and
branded A V R, they will, of course, take good care of him, for we have the best reason in the world to
believe we lost just such an one. At least, we know that we took such a horse away with us, and did not
bring him back. But we were so badly lost at the time, we can't exactly say whether we lost the horse, or
the horse lost us; all we know about it is that we were separated, and when we found ourself twenty five
miles from anywhere the horse wasn't there. We did some tall walking that day. We have left our mark in
Brazos County.
Washington America, 26 March 1856, p.2, col.1
Gentlemen Sportmen.
Of the State of Texas * I am a man of fifty six years of age, the first day of February last, and I banter any
man of the State, of the same age, as a marksman sixty yards with a rest. Of any man ten years under
that age, I will take one quarter of an inch the advantage, and in that proportion down for every ten years,
of I will give any many over my age the same advantage, for any amount, not limited.
Address Henry G. Hudson
Boonville, Brazos County, Texas
Washington American, 30 July 1856, p.3
A Murderer
Arrest of the murderer * His attempted escape
Is shot by the Guard
Some weeks since a gambler by the name of Roberts, killed another man, by the name of Melton at
Camron, Milam County. Roberts escaped and went to Brazos County. A writ was sent to that county for
his arrest. On Sunday the 24th of August Roberts went to Boonville and spent the day in drinking * during
the day he got into a quarrel with a man, and shot at him twice. At night while asleep, the Sheriff arrested
him, chained his hands and put him under guard in the Court House. Roberts got the chain off of one of
his hands, and attempted to escape. As he ran, one of the guards shot at him from the Court House, the
ball grazing his head, another fired at him with a shot gun, which took effect. Roberts lingered until the
next Sunday when he died. He seems to have been a reckless man and a terror to the community.
State Gazette (Austin), 13 September 1856, p.4
"He was followed in a spirited address by the Hon. E.M. Milligan, of Brazos County, who briefly adverred to
the danger of foreign influence in our country, and illustrated it by some startling disclosures in regard to
that influence exerted in the early days of the Texas Republic, during the canvas between Gen. Burleson
and Anson Jones." Confederate's account of the Fillmore Barbecue at Washington.
Wonder if Mr. Milligan referred to Sam Houston during the "Republic," when he went in favor of the
Franco - Texian bill and every measure to introduce colonies of foreigners? Sam did more than any other
man to bring foreigners to Texas, and yet after they have come, cleared up the country and added to its
wealth, he desires to make them little above free Negroes in political rights. Mr. Milligan never opened the
book of Know Nothingism at this chapter!
State Gazette (Austin), 8 Nov. 1856, p.2
Anne Boykin - Early Brazos County stuff 3
The "Ranger" thinks that Sam Houston may calculate on getting Brazos County if he runs for Governor,
provided that he does not move into it before the election! Brazos gave Fillmore one majority.
State Gazette (Austin), 13 Dec. 1856, p.2
A Negro boy and horse, belonging to John Millican, Esqr., were drowned in the Brazos, a little below the
mouth of the Navasota, on Saturday evening last. The water at the ford is scarce three feet deep, but the
boy becoming frightened, it seems, forced the horse out of the track and into the channel.
Washington American, 14 Apr. 1857, p.2
Millican, Brazos County * The varments seem to have a spite at us; coons and squirrels must have come
from all parts. They have damaged our cotton crop to a considerable extent, as well as corn * We have
had two light showers within the past two days, and the prospect is good for more. There is here an entire
failure of the post oak mast, but we have some few pecans, pin oak, acorns, &c.
Galveston Weekly News, 15 September 1857, p.2, col.3
...A little out of the bottom we found the house of Mr. Millican, late Senator in the Texas legislature, where
we breakfasted. Mr. M., in his capacity of neighborhood doctor, was out when we arrived, attending upon
the cases of scarlet fever, which was raging in the neighborhood. Quite a number of children were down,
and some had died, whilst others were not expected to live. After breakfast, with a fresh team, we started
on, and without any adventures worth speaking of reached Boonville ....
Galveston Weekly News, 26 Jan. 1858, p.3
Boonville, Brazos County,
July 27th, 1858
Editor Telegraph
Dear Sir: If it were not preposterous, I would request you to send my paper by private conveyance. I'm
sure 'twould come oftener and sooner. But as Uncle Sam must do the business of transporting the mail
from one section to another, I shall not make a request so unreasonable. I'll wait for the wagon with Job's
patience, but yet will not forget to curse everything but Mr. Buchanan and you editors.
My object is to call the attention of Maj. Scott to the present morbid state of the mail between this and
Houston. I say morbid state, because the great belly of the thing is in a "tight," and needs apperients; and
the Major is the only cathartic in range who can expurgate it, and bring to life and animation, that which is
now indigestible and dormant.
Since the new contracts went into operation, mail matter from Houston and Galveston becomes
grey- headed and state.
I have been informed by individuals that they had not received a paper from either place since the new
arrangements. I have however been more fortunate, having perused one Telegraph since.
We do not know what has become of the "Right of Search" question, the "Ocean Telegraph" adventure,
and many things which we shall not mention. Forsooth there is no news in our reach except local, and
that is getting as dry as the weather. The fault must be somewhere, and whether it be chronic or
temporary, is a question we should like to see tested. And this is the voice of the community about here.
Complaint after complaint breaks forth until the clamor would seem to betoken a storm. It is to be hoped
you will insert this, or speak out upon the subject yourself.
Anne Boykin - Early Brazos County stuff 4
Respectfully,
HOSPES.
The Weekly Telegraph (Houston), 4 Aug. 1858, p.3
The Anderson Central Texian says that a youth named Thos. Whittington was committed to jail in Grimes
County, the other day for robbery in Brazos County. He had previously been arrested in Brazos, but had
escaped.
The Weekly Telegraph (Houston), 13 Oct. 1858, p.2
Millican's, Brazos County, June 9th, 1859. Eds. News:... On Tuesday the 7th a young man by the name
of Thos. Brumfield was killed, by a young man who called himself Davis, but we afterwards learned his
right name is Pelton. They were in the woods at cards, a short distance from the house of Lewis Rectors,
there were some three other men present, who being duly sworn, stated the amount of money up was
$1.50. A difference arose as to how the game stood. Brumfield drew a pistol upon Pelton, and told him
that he had rather shoot his heart out than to eat. Pelton then drew a Bowie knife, and stuck it in
Brumfield in sundry places, inflicting only two severe wounds, either of which was sufficient to cause
death, one under the left arm entering his lungs, the other in his right breast; he only lived about two
minutes. The parties are strangers in this country. Brumfield, we learn lived near Groce's Retreat,
Grimes County, and had started on a visit to see some friends as we suppose, from circumstances.
Pelton we learn has a family near Crockett; he was engaged as teamster in hauling rock for building the
bridge across the Navasota. A writ was had for him immediately, and he was searched for diligently, and
found, but made his escape into the Navisoto bottom; the presumption is that he will make for eastern
Texas ....
Galveston Weekly News, 14 June 1859, p.2
Texas, Brazos County,
June the 23, 1859.
Editor of the Telegraph *
Dear Sir I see in the Telegraph, of June the 15th on page the 2nd in column 4, an article cawling on the
friends of General Houston, to set the old general Wright on the subject of Know Nothingism, &c.
as one think the People Will set the general Wright on the 1st Monday in August next.
Now Call on you or some of your Numerous Readers of the Telegraph to set Mr. Runnels right before the
People on the following Charge it was rumerd and that very strong to, during the last Canvass Runnels
Mooved in to Washington or the Upper edge of Austin Countyes Date unknone, there Hierd out his
Negroes after said Negroes had worked 6, or 8, Months, times got vary troblesom. Runnels give Up the
Hire of His Negroes to get Posession of them then While Houston and others was defending ther Country
Runnels took His Negroes and fled for Eastern Texas.
The said Report has ben Confermed this Somer by a gentleman living in Parker County he Stated to the
Wrighter that he met Runnels With his Negroes on his Way to Eastern Texas between Brazos River And
Where the Town of Anderson Now Stands.
the a bove needs no Comment but if true What Claims has Runnels on the People of Texas
I Hope you will Publish the a bove in the Weekely Telegraph and oblige
Anne Boykin - Early Brazos County stuff 5
A Houston Man
P.S. if you Should Refuse to Publish the a bove enclose this letter and send it to the Wrightor.
We don't refuse to publish the above, and so will not enclose it to the Wrightor. Runnels has never, that
we are aware of, set up any claims on the people of Texas. The party that nominated him, however, claim
for their principles the support of the people, believing that they are the only salvation of the country. Will
our friend inform us whether he thinks that Houston's anti - Nebraska vote, his Oregon vote, his submission
to Fremont speech, and his calling the Massachusetts Abolitionists the vicegerents of God, gave him any
claims upon the people of Texas? The question is not whether Runnels or Houston shall be honored by
the people; but whether the people of Texas will sustain the democracy in the great battle between pro
and anti - slavery, or by voting for Houston, pronounce for submission to Abolitionism in all its tyrannical
deformity.
Weekly Telegraph (Houston), 6 July 1859, p.1
Our friend David McIntosh, Esq., County Clerk of Brazos County, has resigned that office. We have
always found him in our many business transactions to be a gentleman to be relied on. He had made an
efficient and faithful officer, and carries with him the best wishes of the community in which he resides.
His successor is a gentleman every way qualified for the position, and one in whom the people of Brazos
may place confidence. Texas Baptist (Anderson), 18 Aug. 1859, p. 3.
We learn that the H. & T.C. Railway Co. have received bills of lading of the iron to finish their road to
Millican's in Brazos County. There is about four miles of grade yet to be completed. They have also just
received two new locomotives, which will give them a full compliment. They will open the road to
Navasota as soon as the bridges are finished to that place.
The Weekly Telegraph (Houston), 16 November 1859, p.1
The Fourth at Millican
Millican, Brazos Co.,
July 5th, 1860
Editor Telegraph: Perhaps an account of the proceedings had at Millican Depot on the 4th inst., in honor
of our national anniversary, might not be uninteresting to some of your readers. The morning was
ushered in by the booming of cannon, &c. The bright sun rose clear and transparent upon the happy
faces of those who had assembled to do honor to our "country's" natal day. About ten o'clock, the people
having assembled at the site selected for the Depot of the Houston & Texas Central Railroad, were
formed into procession by W.R. Ellis, Esq., chief Marshal, and Mr. C.C. Bass assistant Marshal, headed
by a band of music, and proceeded to the grove where a stand had been erected and seats provided for
the audience. After the band had played several national airs, the President R.P. McMichael, Esq.,
introduced Mr. B.L. Barnes, who proceeded to read the Declaration of Independence in a clear and
distinct tone of voice. Mr. Barnes clearly deserves much credit for the able manner in which he read our
national Declaration. A.C. Brietz, Esq., was then introduced, who proceeded to deliver an address of
about one hour's length in a patriotic and forcible manner. Mr. Brietz was followed by E.W. Morey, Esq.,
who addressed the audience for about half an hour in a neat, chaste and elegant style. Both speakers
acquitted themselves with much credit, and much to the satisfaction of the numerously assembly; the
reading and speeches were interspersed with sweet strains of music and intervals by the band in
attendance, which added much to the grace as well as interest of the occasion. After the addresses were
delivered the company were once more assembled in procession, and were marched to the table, which
was covered with a profusion of delicious viands, prepared under the superintendence of Mr. F. Link.
After the repast was finished, the crowded repaired to the residence of Mr. Link, where the young and old,
Anne Boykin - Early Brazos County stuff 6
fair women and brave men, engaged in the poetry of motion, chasing the hours with flying feet. Much
enthusiasm prevailed; altogether it was a great celebration; perfect harmony and good feeling existed, and
I have never seen a celebration of a similar kind compete with this or reflect as much credit upon a
community. The crowd was variously estimated from four to five hundred. Millican Depot is situated in
Brazos County, eighty miles from Houston, and for beauty of location, and the industry and hospitality of
its citizens cannot be surpassed. Long may it wave.
A Looker On.
The Weekly Telegraph (Houston), 10 July 1860, p.2
Brazos
Booneville, Texas, Aug. 15th, 1860
Maj. John Marshall *
Dear Sir: Please send me the "State Gazette." I will send the money for it by first safe chance; if none
offers, by mail.
I am satisfied that our country, though hitherto intensely Know Nothing, Houston and Opposition, will go
largely for Breckinridge and Lane. I do not believe that Houston would now get twenty votes in the county.
It remains to be seen what he will get on the day of election. A few days ago I heard a gentleman,
decidely the most influential man in the county, who was an old line Whig, an active Know Nothing, and
has been a strong Houston man, say that he voted against Col. McAdoo, although a warm personal friend,
and although he was opposed to nominations for ministerial offices, because he advocated Houston's
claims for the Presidency against what he believed to be the true policy of the South.
Indeed these are the sentiments of all the most intelligent men of our county, who have heretofore been
on the side of the Opposition. The vote in this county was not as large by one -third as that given last year,
and the result is in favor of the Opposition, though their majority is smaller than ever before.
Yours truly,
J.L.K.
State Gazette (Austin) 25 Aug. 1860, p.2
Anne Boykin - Re: College Station schools, founded 1909? 1
From: Anne Boykin
To: BPAGE @lib „gw.tamu.edu
Date: 2/25/2007 11:37:38 pm
Subject: Re: College Station schools, founded 1909?
WOW! You are amazing! I think we need to pass this on to Ann Ganter. Maybe the CSISD will get
involved as well. I would certainly like to be a part of this effort! THANKS! Anne; -)
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykin @cstx.gov
http: / /HOLD.cstx.gov
>>> "Bill Page” <BPAGE @lib- gw.tamu.edu> 02/25/07 5:06 PM >>>
Based on the conversation at the last meeting of the historical
commission, I thought folks might be interested in the notes I have on
the early history of the College Station schools.
While I was getting them together, I realized that, while their were
schools on the campus at least as early as the 1880s (and probably from
1876), one can make a good argument that the "official" beginning of the
College Station schools was in 1909.
At least, that's when the state legislature created the A. and M.
Independent School District.
It strikes me that might be an anniversary folks want to celebrate in
2009?
If so, I would be willing to help research the topic, but I do NOT want
to do any of the writing / speeches / work on displays, etc.
My initial thoughts was that, among other things, someone might write a
history of the first 50 years of the College Station schools
(pre- incorporation period, plus 1909 through 1959).
Anyhow, this is probably something we can talk about at our next
meeting.
For whatever they're worth, here are my fragmentary notes on the early
years of the College Station schools.
Notes on College Station Schools, 1883 -1944
compiled by Bill Page
25 February 2007
[Texas A &M campus] April 16, 1883 ... Our dear teacher has left us.
Yes, Miss Jonnie [Bradford ?] has gone home. She will start to Boston,
Mass., Wednesday ... (May Cole Diary, Texas A &M University Archives, box
Anne Boykin - Re: College Station schools, founded 1909? 2
1, file 1 50).
[Texas A &M campus] Mon. Sept. 1st, 1884. Well! School has at last
commenced. We have a new teacher. Her name is Miss Mary E. Miller of
Dallas ... Miss Mary's little sister Annie will stay with us and go to
school ... School opened this morning with eleven pupils ... Monday
Sept. 25th. It was very cold this morning and as Clarence had a chill,
Jim made a fire in the school house ... Wednesday. Oct. 6th ... While
Bertha was at the school room a pig walked in the room and stayed
awhile, then walked out ... (From May Cole Diary, Texas A &M University
Archives, box 1, file 1 50).
"Brazos County School Apportionments," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 19 Sept.
1907, p.8. Mentions "College School"
"College Station," Houston Chronicle, 11 October 1908, section 2, p.14.
Prof. and Mrs. C.E. Sampson had a baby daughter; Miss Watkins will
assist Mr. Bennie Bittle in teaching "the local school "; Miss Willie Mae
Carson has been ill; Esther and Francis Davis will spend the winter on
campus; various housing assignments on Quality Row are listed.
Austin, Tex., Jan. 18 * The following bills were introduced in the
Senate today ... By Mr. Harper: Creating an independent school
district of the Agricultural and Mechanical College ...
Dallas Morning News, 19 Jan. 1909, p.2
Agricultural and Mechanical College Independent School District,
Creation Of ...
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:
Section 1. That a school district is hereby created in Brazos County
at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, the territorial
limits of which shall be co- extensive with the property lines of that
institution.
Sec. 2. That the affairs of said school district shall be managed by a
board of three trustees, who shall be appointed annually by the
President of the Agricultural and Mechanical College, and the act shall
be duly certified by him to the local authorities of Brazos County for
information and observance.
Sec.3. That the trustees shall take and certify the census of the
children within the scholastic age and the funds shall thereafter be
apportioned directly to his district and the law pertaining to
independent districts shall govern so far as applicable though the State
Board of Education may make such special regulations for the government
of this district as it may deem expedient.
Sec.4. That it shall be the duty of the county school superintendent
to transfer to this district whatever amount of money may have been
apportioned for the current school year to the old district for and in
behalf of the children included in the new district as shown by the last
scholastic census, provided only such children may not have had the
advantage of such fund in the old district.
Anne Boykin - Re: College Station schools, founded 1909? 3
Sec-5. That the near approach of the close of the present school year
and the fact that the Agricultural and Mechanical College is situated in
a common county school district which does not meet the present demand
of the public schools interest, creates and emergency and imperative
public necessity, that the constitutional rule requiring bills to be
read on three several days be suspended, and that this act take effect
and be in force from and after its passage, and it is so enacted.
Approved March 10, 1909
Takes effect ninety days after adjournment.
Local and Special Laws of the State of Texas Passed at the Regular
Session of the Thirty -First Legislature (1909), pp.202 -203.
"New Teachers of Brazos County Short Biographical Sketch of Each, Also
List of Old Teachers," The following are the new teachers of the Brazos
County schools for the present school year.... Misses Helen Kelly and
Lillie Ferguson, two more Brazos County young ladies, will begin their
school work in their home county. Miss Kelly was a student in the A.&
M. Summer Normal this year. She will be the assistant teacher at the
Harris School. Miss Ferguson will teach the Wixon School. She has been
a student in Bryan Baptist Academy the past two years ... Misses Agnes
Kinnard, Lucy Christian and Ida Martin, all of Brazos County, were also
members of the graduating class at the Sam Houston Normal in 1911. Miss
Kinnard will teach the campus school at A.& M. College. Miss Christian
will teach the Mudville School, and Miss Martin will teach in the Kurten
School ... Miss Grace Watson will teach the Minter Springs School. Miss
- Watson was a student in the A.& M. Summer Normal this year and did
creditable work there ... Miss Mary Conway will teach the Dowling
School. Miss Conway was a student in the A.& M. Summer Normal this year
and made good on her examination there ..." Bryan Weekly Eagle, 12
October 1911, p.8
Classification of Public High Schools (Texas State Department of
Education Bulletin no. 26, 1913), p.15: List of High Schools (Sept.5,
1913) ... ineligible to classification:
College Station
College Station, Texas, Aug. 21 * Construction of the Agricultural
and Mechanical Consolidated School is being rushed with the view of
having the building completed and equipment installed by Sept. 13, the
opening date. The Consolidated School includes the school districts of
Welborn, Union Hill, Dowling, College Station and Shiloh. Students will
be brought from the rural districts to the high school in an omnibus.
Vocational agriculture, domestic science and arts and manual training
will be covered in the school. It will have the grammar grades and will
carry through high school. It will be affiliated with institutions of
higher learning. It just such a school as the college wishes to see
established in the rural districts of Texas. It means, according to
President W.B. Bizzell, who has fostered the organization of this
school, the abolition of the two room school and the substitution
thereof of a modern building with a definite course of instruction and a
capable and adequate teaching staff. This is done with but little
additional expense to the patrons of the school.
Anne Boykin - Re: College Station schools, founded 1909? 4
W.L. Hughes of Brady will be the superintendent of the new school. The
high school staff will include George Wilcox of Jacksboro, V.R. Glazener
of Midway, Miss Marie Frey of Corsicana, Miss Stout of Austin, while the
graded school will have miss Alma McKnight of Marlin, Miss Quata Wood of
Hico, Miss Corinne Nash of Dallas, Miss Ruth Wallace of Commerce and
Miss Ina Lipscomb of Calvert.
Dallas Morning News, 22 Aug. 1920, p.2
Texas Dept. of Education, Public School Bulletin, 126 (Nov.1920):
p.9: Public school officers ... (A. and M. District): President of
board Martin L. Hayes, Secretary of Board E.J. Fermier
p.21: scholastic year * 1920 -1921
Independent district * A. and M.
Scholastic population: white 73
colored * 0
amount apportioned at $14.50 per capita - $1,058.50
College Station, Texas, July 4 * Prof. Martin L. Hayes, president of
the A.& M. College Consolidated Rural School Board, has announced the
faculty for the coming session as follows: W.L. Hughes, College
Station, principal and teacher of vocational agriculture; George B.
Wilcox of College Station, assistant principal and teacher of science
and mathematics; Miss Marie Frey of Corsicana, teacher of home
economics; Miss Jessie Gooldy of Fulton, Mo., teacher of English; Miss
Ina Lipscomb of Calvert, sixth grade; Mrs. Fannie Matthews of
Huntsville, fifth grade; Miss Ruth Wallace of Cookville, fourth grade;
Miss Bettie White of San Marcos, third grade; Miss Quata Woods of Hico,
second grade; Miss Corinne Nash of Houston, high fourth grade; Miss Alma
McKnight of Marlin, first grade, and Miss Gladys Broach of Bryan,
piano.
Dallas Morning News, 5 July 1921, p.11
College Station, Texas, June 24 * The A.& M. Consolidated School has
been ranked as an affiliated high school and the graduates will receive
credit for thirteen and one -half units toward admission to Texas
colleges and universities. This information has been received by W.L.
Hughes, principal of the school, from the State Department of Education.
Recently the school was officially designed as a *first -class high
school* by the State Department. Girls will receive two and one -half
of their units of credit in home economics and boys three units in
agriculture.
Dallas Morning News, 25 June 1922, p.5
1923 Directory Officers and Employees Agricultural and Mechanical
College of Texas.
People of interest include: Consolidated School * includes 8 single
women and 1 married woman as teachers
College Station, Texas, April 25 * Five College Station girls, pupils
of the A. & M. consolidated rural school and winners of first place in
the Brazos County clothing contest, left Wednesday for Fort Worth to
enter the State clothing contest being held there. The girls are Misses
Mary Frapp, Eugenia Sober, Julia Ball, Lilly Bess Kyle and Estelle
Meyers.
Dallas Morning News, 26 April 1923, p.4
Anne Boykin - Re: College Station schools, founded 1909? 5
Bryan, Texas, Jan. 16 * At a meeting of the executive board of the
Brazos County Interscholastic League, it was decided to hold the annual
county meet on Friday, March 14, at the A.& M. College consolidated
school, and director general George B. Wilcox, head of the A.& M.
Consolidated school, and director general of the league, presided at the
meeting.
Dallas Morning News, 17 Jan. 1924, p.5
College Station, Texas, June 21 * The prize of $20 in gold won by
Miss Ethyl Walton of the A.& M. Consolidated Rural School for her essay
entered in the American Chemical Society's prize essay contest and
which was selected as one of the six first winners in Texas, has been
received. It was sent to George B. Wilcox, superintendent of the
school, and presented by him to Miss Walton, who is the daughter of T.O.
Walton, director of the extension service of the college.
Miss Walton is now anxiously awaiting the judgment of the national
committee, which is to select the best six essays from among the State
winners. The national winners will receive four -year scholarships to
Yale University or Vassar College, which carry in addition to tuition,
$500 a year in cash.
Of the other five winners in Texas who are now eligible for the
national prizes three are in Dallas, one in Houston, and the other in
Freeport. They are Joe Franklin, 3217 Hall Street, Dallas, James Cole
Reid, Dallas; Howard F. Hambleton, 1219 North Haskell, Dallas; Katherine
Burns, Freeport; Charles J. Robertson Jr., Houston. Announcement of the
national winners is expected in a few days.
Dallas Morning News, 22 June 1924, p.6
Mineral Wells, Texas, Oct. 10 * E.W. Chaney, for the last two years
principal of the Mineral Wells High School, has resigned that position
to accept the appointment as superintendent of the consolidated public
schools of the A.& M. at College Station. Dallas Morning News, 11 Oct.
1925, p.6
Bryan, Texas, Dec. 21 * The boys* basket ball team of the A.& M.
Consolidated High School is the leader up to the present time in the
race for county championship honors. In the last three games
Consolidated defeated Harvey, 18 to 9; Kurten, 28 to 10, and Tabor, 8 to
4. It is believed the race will narrow down to Consolidated and Tabor,
the winner to have the honor of playing the Bryan High School for county
championship honors. The Consolidated team is composed of Rupert Barron
(captain) and Leslie Jones, guards; Marvin Morehead, center; Louis Todd,
L.M. Gandy and Nelson Crenshaw, forwards.
Dallas Morning News, 22 Dec. 1925, p.9
During the 1926 / 1927 school year, the A. and M. Consolidated School
District reported that it had no *colored* students enrolled in
classes, although 6 *colored* children lived within the school
district. [Twenty -Fifth Biennial Report State Department of Education
1926 -1928. Austin: Von Boeckmann -Jones Co., 1929, p.258]
"A. and M. Public School Teachers Join Association," Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 11 November 1926, p.1, col.5. Mrs. Carl Sprague was a member
Anne Boykin - Re: College Station schools, founded 1909? 6
College Station, Texas, Nov. 20 * W.L. Hughes, head of the rural
education department, school of vocational teaching, A.& M. College of
Texas, is being urged for election as president of the Texas State
Teachers* Association at the annual meeting of that organization in El
Paso Nov. 25, 26 and 27. E.W. Chaney, superintendent of the A.& M.
consolidated schools, heads a committee of friends of Mr. Hughes*
urging his election. Letters recommending him for president and setting
forth *ten reasons* why have been sent out by Mr. Chaney to every
school superintendent of the State.
Dallas Morning News, 21 Nov. 1926, p.7
"Consolidated School A. and M. Opens Sept. 19," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 18
August 1927, p.4, col.2. Mrs. Carl Sprague taught 4th grade.
"A. -M. Consolidated to Begin Sept. 17," Bryan Weekly Eagle, "Trade
Edition," 6 September 1928, p.1. Mrs. Carl Sprague was music teacher
By the 1929 / 1930 school year, the A. & M. Consolidated School
District was reporting the enrollment of African American students
exactly where they attended classes is not specified, however. My GUESS
is that they continued to use the same small, segregated buildings they
had used prior to this time.
A.& M. Consolidated District, 1929 -1930:
Colored:
Scholastic population: 154
Enrollment: elementary * 145
high school * 1
(From: Twenty -Sixth Bienniel Report Texas Superintendent of Public
Instruction, p.343)
*Bryan Briefs,* Houston Informer, 11 July 1931, p.5, col.4. *We
regret the non - appearance of the Juneteenth celebration program at
Brushy Church of which Prof. L.A. Nash teacher of the higher branches of
the Wellborn Consolidated school, was the principal speaker. He
discussed the subject, *What is the Negro Doing and What is His Future
A.& M. Consolidated District, 1934 -1935
Colored
196 * scholastics 6 -17 years
201 * enrollment
average daily attendance * 127
number of teachers * 5
number of grades taught * 9
number of days taught * 158
number of months teachers paid * 8
[From: Report of the Results of the Texas Statewide School Adequacy
Survey (1937), p.1726]
A.& M. Consolidated District, 1940 -1941:
Colored:
Scholastic population: 287
Enrollment: 195
Average daily attendance: 134
Number of classroom teachers: 5
Anne Boykin - Re: College Station schools, founded 1909?
Aggregate annual salaries of classroom teachers: $ 4,136
(From: Thirty- Second Bienniel Report Texas Superintendent of Public
Instruction, p.81)
*Meet to Discuss A.& M. Consolidated School Improvements,* Bryan
Daily Eagle, 17 March 1941, p.3, col.7. Including proposed *Negro
elementary and high school*
*Consolidated School Bonds are Carried,* Bryan Daily Eagle, 31
March 1941, p.1, col.2
*Campus Study Club Plans Shower for Negro School,* Bryan Daily
Eagle, 3 November 1941, p.6, col.1
*Consolidated Negro Boys Work on Food for Freedom,* Bryan Daily
Eagle, 2 April 1942, p.7, col.6
*College Station Negroes Study First Aid Courses,* Battalion, 30
June 1942, p.1
"Negro Qualifies to Give 1 st Aid Work to Fellows," Bryan Daily Eagle,
30 June 1942, p.6, col.6. Eddie Chew, employed at Texas A &M, is "now
conducting classes for Negroes at the Negro A.& M. Consolidated School
"A -M Consolidated Ready to Open ...," Bryan Daily Eagle, 3 September
1942, p.1, col.5
"A -M Negro High School Closes to Help Farmers," Bryan Daily Eagle, 23
September 1942, p.7, col.3. For one day.
"Consolidated Negro Homemakers Progress," Bryan Daily Eagle, 25
November 1942, p.4, col.4
"Ag Dept. at Consolidated Negro School Successful," Bryan Daily Eagle,
26 November 1942, p.4, col.5
"The A. and M. Consolidated Negro Choral Club will render ...," Bryan
Daily Eagle, 11 March 1943, p.3, col.6
"Kemp Consolidated Win County Basketball Meet," Bryan Daily Eagle, 29
March 1943, p.4, col.3
"A -M Negro School Commencement to be Tuesday Night," Bryan Daily Eagle,
15 May 1943, p.3, col.8.
"A.& M. Negro Consolidated Commencement Opens," Bryan Daily Eagle, 22
May 1943, p.3, col.5. At Washington Chapel.
"Delay Opening of Negro AM School Until Sept. 13th," Bryan Daily Eagle,
31 August 1943, p.2, col.7
"Negro Consolidated Wins in State Meet," Bryan Daily Eagle, 27 April
1944, p.5, col.5.
"Mrs. Anna Smith Funeral Service This Afternoon," Bryan Daily Eagle, 29
Anne Boykin - Re: College Station schools, founded 1909? $
November 1944, p.1. She had been a teacher at a public school on
campus until her marriage to a professor in 1912; she later served as
College Station postmistress.
Anne Boykin - Re: Fwd: College Station schools, founded 1909?
From: Anne Boykin
To: Page, Bill
Date: 2/26/2007 8:24:00 am
Subject: Re: Fwd: College Station schools, founded 1909?
Dang! I have to go to Citizens University tonight or I would tag along. Next time!
As far as community events, I think getting the school children involved would be interesting. Recreating
a period school room, essay contests, historical presentations, art exhibit, history exhibit. I think we
should put this on the agenda in the near future and discuss it. I bet we could get George Bush Library,
Arts Council, CSISD, BISD, Childrens Museum, and COCS involved in a heart beat.
Schedule the celebrations for the month of Public School Week. I think it is in the Spring.
LOL ... this reminds me of the Hood's Brigade Pageant that lasted two days. Have you seen that program?
Anne
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykin @cstx.gov
http: / /HOLD.cstx.gov
>>> "Bill Page" < BPAGE(5lib- gw.tamu.edu 2/26/2007 8:17 am >>>
Great.
I want to go to the Carnegie Library after work today, to do a bit of poking around in some of the county
records they have covering the period from 1878 to the 1920s (just photocopies of two volumes), plus I
also want to take a look at some newspaper articles.
If I can get there while Nan Ross and Shirley Ferguson are still there, I will also ask them if they have any
early printed materials relating to A &M Consolidated (I know, for example, they have a few issues of the
old Bryan High School newspaper).
I will keep you posted on what I find.
0
>>> "Anne Boykin" < AboykinCabcstx.gov > 2/26/2007 8:12 AM >>>
She's in!
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
— — - —
An ne Boykin - Re: Fwd: College Sta tion s chools, founded 19 1
From: Anne Boykin
To: Page, Bill
Date: 2/26/2007 8:43:20 am
Subject: Re: Fwd: College Station schools, founded 1909?
I go to Austin regularly (lived there for 30 years) to see my grandchildren. So I can certainly do that. Just
tell me where to go. I think Ann Ganter can get the school kids involved so you don't have to.; -) The
more folks we involve, the more we can delegate the different aspects of the celebration. Didn't Bryan
celebrate a school anniversary recently, last year? If I remember correctly it was so underplayed and
quiet it sort of fizzled. I want a big bang with this deal!
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykin @cstx.gov
http: / /HOLD.cstx.gov
>>> "Bill Page" < BPAGE0)lib- gwAamu.edu 2/26/2007 8:35 am >>>
I think getting the schools involved is a GREAT idea (just as long as I
don't have to do it <G> )
I suspect there will be enough photographs for at least one good
display.
And, who knows, if we can get the word out early enough, then maybe we
can get some of the long term families to share their own photographs.
There's a good bit of stuff, mostly well buried, located in the Cushing
Library - if we can just get some good volunteers to work on going
through mostly unindexed collections.
For example, there may well be information in:
Thomas, F.L. and Mabel, Papers * Cushing Library. Mrs. Thomas'
papers include some diaries she kept, plus transcripts of radio shows
and columns she wrote reviewing children's books, a number of letters,
and other materials. Most of the materials date from the 1930s onward.
And there might be scattered information in:
Campus Study Club, Papers * Cushing Library. Includes minute books,
yearbooks, scrapbooks, etc.
And these oral history transcripts may have good stories:
Abbott, Virginia Burnes, and Ruth Norris Harrington
Two faculty wives discuss their social lives on campus from the
1920s to the 1940s. Interviewed by Candy Stroup, December 1, 1978. 30
pages.
Anne Boykin - Re: Fwd: College Station schools, founded 1909? 2
Anderson, Helen Arnet Salyer
Wife of Frank Anderson examines campus life from the 1920s to the
1950s. Interviewed by Candy Stroup, November 17, 1978. 23 pages.
Doak, Henryetta Carter
Social life on campus for faculty wives from the 1920s to the 1950s.
Interviewed by Candy Stroup, November 17, 1978. 26 pages.
Eckles, Mary Bolton
Daughter of former president of Texas A &M, Francis Cleveland Bolton,
discusses growing upon campus in the 1920s. Interviewed by Candy Stroup,
November 14, 1978. 18 pages.
Reynolds, Maudames Destyger
Wife of the Chief of the Division of Agronomy, E. B. Reynolds
discusses campus social life from the 1920s to the 1940s. Interviewed by
Candy Stroup, November 20, 1978. 21 pages.
Spriggs, Rosa Feldman
Wife of C. 0. Spriggs discusses campus life in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interviewed by Candy Stroup, November 27, 1978. 11 pages.
Trotter, Lina Ann
Wife of Ide Trotter discusses her life and campus events and club
during the 1930s and 1940s. Interviewed by Candy Stroup, November 15,
1978. 20 pages.
Williams, Madge Rees
Faculty wife of David W. Williams discusses campus life and women's
clubs from the 1920s to the 1950. Interviewed by Candy Stroup, February
1, 1979. 43 pages.
And there are bunches of other things that I don't have in my notes -
collections of campus photos, for example.
Also, if someone is willing to go to Austin, this collection might
contain something?
Lomax, John Avery, Papers * Center for American History, University
of Texas. Reportedly includes letters, personal financial records, and
other materials from the period when he taught at A &M, ca. 1905 to 1908,
including materials written by his wife.
Anyhow, there will be more than enough places to mine information on
the early years, I think, if we can get a good team together.
Bill
>>> "Anne Boykin" < AboykinCabcstx.gov > 2/26/2007 8:24 AM >>>
Dang! I have to go to Citizens University tonight or I would tag
Anne Boykin - Re: Fwd: Colle Stati schools, founded 1909 g
along.
Next time!
As far as community events, I think getting the school children
involved would be interesting. Recreating a period school room, essay
contests, historical presentations, art exhibit, history exhibit. I
think we should put this on the agenda in the near future and discuss
it. I bet we could get George Bush Library, Arts Council, CSISD, BISD,
Childrens Museum, and COCS involved in a heart beat.
Schedule the celebrations for the month of Public School Week. I think
it is in the Spring.
LOL ... this reminds me of the Hood's Brigade Pageant that lasted two
days. Have you seen that program?
Anne
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykinCa�cstx.gov
http: / /HOLD.cstx.gov
>>> "Bill Page" < BPAGELalib- gw.tamu.edu 2/26/2007 8:17 am >>>
Great.
I want to go to the Carnegie Library after work today, to do a bit of
poking around in some of the county records they have covering the
period from 1878 to the 1920s (just photocopies of two volumes), plus
I
also want to take a look at some newspaper articles.
If I can get there while Nan Ross and Shirley Ferguson are still
there,
I will also ask them if they have any early printed materials relating
to A &M Consolidated (I know, for example, they have a few issues of
the
old Bryan High School newspaper).
I will keep you posted on what I find.
Bill
>>> "Anne Boykin" < AboykinCabcsbc.gov > 2/26/2007 8:12 AM >>>
She's in!
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin - Re: Fwd: College Station schools, founded 1909? 1
From: Anne Boykin
To: Page, Bill
Date: 2/26/2007 9:00:58 am
Subject: Re: Fwd: College Station schools, founded 1909?
Oh for heaven's sake .... are they idiots or what ? ?? I can't believe that!!!! That's a gross error of omission!
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykin @cstx.gov
http: / /HOLD.csb(.gov
>>> "Bill Page" < BPAGE(cblib- gw.tamu.edu 2/26/2007 8:46 am >>>
I'll get you directions on where to go.
The biggest problem I heard about the Bryan celebration (in part because of who I know) was that they
essentially ignored African Americans.
We won't make that mistake - and with the Lincoln School former students association, we have a good
contact group to work with.
LI-M
>>> "Anne Boykin" < Aboykin(Q?cstx.gov > 2/26/2007 8:43 AM >>>
I go to Austin regularly (lived there for 30 years) to see my
grandchildren. So I can certainly do that. Just tell me where to go. I
think Ann Ganter can get the school kids involved so you don't have
to.; -) The more folks we involve, the more we can delegate the different
aspects of the celebration. Didn't Bryan celebrate a school anniversary
recently, last year? If I remember correctly it was so underplayed and
quiet it sort of fizzled. I want a big bang with this deal!
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykinC&cstx.gov
http: / /HOLD.cstx.gov
>>> "Bill Page" < BPAGE(Mib- gw.tamu.edu 2/26/2007 8:35 am >>>
I think getting the schools involved is a GREAT idea (just as long as
I
don't have to do it <G> )
Anne Boykin - Re: Fwd: College St ation schools, founded 1909? 2
I suspect there will be enough photographs for at least one good
display.
And, who knows, if we can get the word out early enough, then maybe we
can get some of the long term families to share their own photographs.
There's a good bit of stuff, mostly well buried, located in the
Cushing
Library - if we can just get some good volunteers to work on going
through mostly unindexed collections.
For example, there may well be information in:
Thomas, F.L. and Mabel, Papers * Cushing Library. Mrs. Thomas'
papers include some diaries she kept, plus transcripts of radio shows
and columns she wrote reviewing children's books, a number of letters,
and other materials. Most of the materials date from the 1930s
onward.
And there might be scattered information in:
Campus Study Club, Papers * Cushing Library. Includes minute books,
yearbooks, scrapbooks, etc.
And these oral history transcripts may have good stories:
Abbott, Virginia Burnes, and Ruth Norris Harrington
Two faculty wives discuss their social lives on campus from the
1920s to the 1940s. Interviewed by Candy Stroup, December 1, 1978. 30
pages.
Anderson, Helen Arnet Salyer
Wife of Frank Anderson examines campus life from the 1920s to the
1950s. Interviewed by Candy Stroup, November 17, 1978. 23 pages.
Doak, Henryetta Carter
Social life on campus for faculty wives from the 1920s to the
1950s.
Interviewed by Candy Stroup, November 17, 1978. 26 pages.
Eckles, Mary Bolton
Daughter of former president of Texas A &M, Francis Cleveland
Bolton,
discusses growing upon campus in the 1920s. Interviewed by Candy
Stroup,
November 14, 1978. 18 pages.
Reynolds, Maudames Destyger
Wife of the Chief of the Division of Agronomy, E. B. Reynolds
discusses campus social life from the 1920s to the 1940s. Interviewed
by
Candy Stroup, November 20, 1978. 21 pages.
Spriggs, Rosa Feldman
Anne Boykin - Re: Fwd: College Station schools, founded 1909? 3
Wife of C. 0. Spriggs discusses campus life in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interviewed by Candy Stroup, November 27, 1978. 11 pages.
Trotter, Lina Ann
Wife of Ide Trotter discusses her life and campus events and club
during the 1930s and 1940s. Interviewed by Candy Stroup, November 15,
1978. 20 pages.
Williams, Madge Rees
Faculty wife of David W. Williams discusses campus life and women's
clubs from the 1920s to the 1950. Interviewed by Candy Stroup,
February
1, 1979. 43 pages.
And there are bunches of other things that I don't have in my notes -
collections of campus photos, for example.
Also, if someone is willing to go to Austin, this collection might
contain something?
Lomax, John Avery, Papers * Center for American History, University
of Texas. Reportedly includes letters, personal financial records,
and
other materials from the period when he taught at A &M, ca. 1905 to
1908,
including materials written by his wife.
Anyhow, there will be more than enough places to mine information on
the early years, I think, if we can get a good team together.
An
>>> "Anne Boykin" < Aboykin @cstx.gov 2/26/2007 8:24 AM >>>
Dang! I have to go to Citizens University tonight or I would tag
along.
Next time!
As far as community events, I think getting the school children
involved would be interesting. Recreating a period school room, essay
contests, historical presentations, art exhibit, history exhibit. I
think we should put this on the agenda in the near future and discuss
it. I bet we could get George Bush Library, Arts Council, CSISD, BISD,
Childrens Museum, and COCS involved in a heart beat.
Schedule the celebrations for the month of Public School Week. I think
it is in the Spring.
LOL ... this reminds me of the Hood's Brigade Pageant that lasted two
days. Have you seen that program?
Anne
Anne Boykin - Re: Fwd: College Station schools, founded 1909? 4
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykin @cstx.gov
http: / /HOLD.cstx.gov
>>> "Bill Page" < BPAGECa?lib- gw.tamu.edu 2/26/2007 8:17 am >>>
Great.
I want to go to the Carnegie Library after work today, to do a bit of
poking around in some of the county records they have covering the
period from 1878 to the 1920s (just photocopies of two volumes), plus
I
also want to take a look at some newspaper articles.
If I can get there while Nan Ross and Shirley Ferguson are still
there,
I will also ask them if they have any early printed materials relating
to A &M Consolidated (I know, for example, they have a few issues of
the
old Bryan High School newspaper).
I will keep you posted on what I find.
An
>>> "Anne Boykin" < AboykinCabcstx.gov > 2/26/2007 8:12 AM >>>
She's in!
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykin @cstx.gov
http: / /HOLD.cstx.gov
College Station. Heart of the Research Valley.
A nne Boykin - Re: Minter Springs Cemetery I
From: Anne Boykin
To: Page, Bill
Date: 2/27/2007 9:02:07 am
Subject: Re: Minter Springs Cemetery
I don't know how you do it. I need an 80 hour week just to keep up with the daily chores around here.
You are such a fabulous wealth of information! I so appreciate your leads!!! I thoroughly enjoyed your
email this morning. Lots of good information there. I recognized some of the names from the headstones.
I couldn't find anything about our local historic marker rules and regulations that says we can't have one
out in the county. It just mentions pertaining to College Station history. I certainly hope "they" are not
going to do away with state markers for cemeteries. Who said that at the last BCHC meeting?
Lots to digest here...... many thanks!
Anne
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykin @cstx.gov
http: / /HOLD.csb(.gov
>>> "Bill Page" < bpage @lib- gw.tamu.edu 2/27/2007 8:40 am >>>
In your spare time <g >, you might also want to visit the Cushing Library to look at this collection:
Batts, J. W. - Papers
TAMU Archives
Personal and business papers, ca. 1893 -1920, of J. W. Batts, Brazos County, Texas District Clerk and land
and loan agent. Includes correspondence, bills, abstracts of title to land, material on Minter Springs.
I have never looked at this collection, so I don't know how much information it contains
Bill
>>> "Anne Boykin" < aboykin(a)cstx.gov > 02/27/07 12:59 AM >>>
Bill - My nephew is considering making this cemetery an Eagle Scout
project. I saw that the Brazos Genealogist has an article on it in VII
(1): 8 -9. Do you have a copy? We are also thinking of applying for a CS
Historical Marker (its faster) for it since there are some notable CS
folks buried there: Neeley, Straub, Barron. There is also a headstone
for someone who served in the Mexican War.
Anne
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Anne Boykin - Re: Before Lincoln School ?
From: Anne Boykin
To: Page, Bill
Date: 2/27/2007 2:12:38 pm
Subject: Re: Before Lincoln School ?
Bill! There you go, dropping a bombshell and taking off for lunch! LOL! I'm intrigued! I'll check on this with the Planning
and development guys. Anne
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykin @cstx.gov
http: / /HOLD.cstx.gov
>>> "Bill Page" < BPAGE @lib- gw.tamu.edu 2/27/2007 12:30 PM >>>
Hi, Anne:
Just in case you don't have enough to keep you busy:
On my lunch break, I took a look at the microfilm of:
Hughes, W.L., *History of A &M Consolidated School,* Battalion, 19
July 1945, p.2; 26 July 1945, p.2; 2 Aug. 1945, p.2; 9 Aug. 1945, p.2.
As I recalled, these are fairly general articles, which only begin with
1920 and don't give many interesting facts ...
Except for this paragraph, in the 3rd article:
"It became necessary a good many years ago to erect a new building for
the colored children and furnish transportation. The budget for the
colored school alone now runs about $15,000 a year. In the beginning
the colored school consisted of a one -room school situated just east of
the campus on what is now Highway 6. No transportation was needed. The
budget for such a school was only a few hundred dollars annually. The
colored school is now housed in a $12,000 building and is doing an
excellent job of furnishing a practical education for the colored
children. It is a 12 grade school with 10 teachers. Vocational
agriculture and home economics are featured."
This pretty well confirms what I have long suspected - That Lincoln
School was not the first school for African Americans in the A &M school
district.
Instead, it apparently was the first "decent" (or at least better)
school, there having been an earlier one room school that was part of
the A &M system.
My GUESS is that even though the schools had officially consolidated,
the African American students continued to attend individual schools in
Wellborn and other points.
Certainly, a one room building would not have housed them all.
For example:
Anne Boykin - Re: Before Lincoln School ? 2
A.& M. Consolidated District, 1934 -1935
Colored
196 * scholastics 6 -17 years
201 * enrollment
average daily attendance * 127
number of teachers * 5
number of grades taught * 9
number of days taught * 158
number of months teachers paid * 8
[From: Report of the Results of the Texas Statewide School Adequacy
Survey (1937), p.1726]
Anyhow, one possible avenue of research would be to find out if the
City of College Station owned the land this one room school was located
on.
I have NO idea how well the City's legal records are organized - but if
this is a feasilble idea, it might be worth having someone check to see
if their's a deed where the city bought (or was given) land just east of
the city, on Highway 6.
Just engaging in rank speculation, might this be the present site of
the City Hall?
Wouldn't that be something?
Gotta run - lunch time is about over.
Bill
Anne Boykin - Another idea
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Anne Boykin" <Aboykin @cstx.gov>
Date: 4/17/2007 12:08:56 pm
Subject: Another idea
Hi, Anne:
We have a couple of tiny display cases in the reference area in the
library here, and constantly are looking for display ideas.
We tossed around one (that wedon't have enough items to do) - but I
thought it might be a fun topic, either for a display or for a lunch
time lecture, if you could get someone to run down the sources.
An "Old Time" Kid's Summertime in College Station [ "old" being a
relative term]
We came up with three things quickly: Jubilee Junction, Pooh's Park,
and the drive in.
The only references I have to these summer activities are:
Jubilee Junction:
"Western Town Opens In July," Bryan Daily Eagle, 13 June 1967, p.1,
col.2
"Western Town Receives Name," Bryan Daily Eagle, 15 June 1967, p.1,
col.3
"Amusement Center Opens On Saturday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 28 July 1967,
P.1, col.1
Lunin, Fanchon, "Junction Starts With A Bang," Bryan Daily Eagle, 30
July 1967, p.4
And there were articles or ads about Pooh's Park in the Eagle on:
May 1, 1979, sect.A, page 9
Sept. 4, 1979, sect.A, page 8
Skyway Drive In
Skyway' to Open Wednesday Night; Space In Plenty
"Skyway," Bryan's first and only drive -in theater will open
Wednesday evening at 6:30 o'clock with parking space for 1000 cars and
lawn chairs for those who come afoot or desire to leave their machines.
Rest rooms and concession booths also have been installed. The theater
is on Highway 6 between Bryan and College Station. The new outdoor
theater will open with "Her Husband's Affairs," starring Lucile
Ball and Franchot Tone, and two shows will be given nightly, rain or
clear. The opening attraction is a light comedy which has been enjoyed
by many movie theater audiences. The owner and operator of "Skyway"
is Jack Farr, of Farr Amusement Company, formerly of Texas City, and he
secured the name of his new drive -in theater through a contest in which
a number of attractive and valuable prices were given.
Bryan Eagle, 3 April 1948
Anne Boykin - Another idea 2
Wanted Pipe Wanted
Before we can install our IN CAR SPEAKERS we need 750 feet of 2 -inch
pipe, new or used for speaker post - -- if you have as much as a 'five
foot' piece laying around the house and of no use to you... swap it
to us for theatre passes or sell it for cash.
Bryan Eagle, July 28, 1948
"Schulmans Take Over Drive In," Bryan Daily Eagle, 22 June 1965, sec.A,
p.10, col.7. Brief article about the Schulman family buying the Skyway
Drive In Theater.
"Skyway Twin Ceremonies Set Tonight," Bryan Daily Eagle, 27 Aug. 1969,
sect.A, p.11, col.3
Although, as one of my co- workers (Dorothy McMurray Fos) pointed out,
they could also talk about the skinny dipping hole out by the A &M
nuclear reactor, of the CS swimming pools, regional summer camps, etc.
I suspect folks who grew up in CS would have a pretty fair scattering
of family photos of events at those locations?
All you need is someone with a lot of free time to work on this <g>
Bill
Anne Boykin - Re: Another idea 1
From: Anne Boykin
To: Page, Bill
Date: 4/17/2007 2:28:54 pm
Subject: Re: Another idea
OH Bill..... you have an evil mind. ; -) First, ask Dorothy what her class was at CHS. I may need her to represent her class at
the 60s Decade Reunion this summer. I'm guessing it was '68 or '69. And tell her how much I enjoyed being a friend to her
sweet sister, Ann.
Of course I am interested!!!! I know where Mr. Schulman lives now and I have been trying to get him to come here for an
oral history interview. He is only as far away as Crockett. I will be meeting with Rebecca Hankins tomorrow at Cushing
about collaborating oral history efforts. 1:30pm. I'll try to stop by your office.
I have some fond memories of the Palace, the Queen, the Skyway and the Circle. But none compare to the totally unique
experience of seeing a movie amongst the Aggies at the Grove or the Campus Theaters,
Ok, I'll bite.....
Anne
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykin @cstx.gov
http: / /HOLD.cstx.gov
>>> "Bill Page" < BPAGE@lib- gw.tamu.edu 4/17/2007 12:07 PM >>>
Hi, Anne:
We have a couple of tiny display cases in the reference area in the
library here, and constantly are looking for display ideas.
We tossed around one (that wedon't have enough items to do) - but I
thought it might be a fun topic, either for a display or for a lunch
time lecture, if you could get someone to run down the sources.
An "Old Time" Kid's Summertime in College Station [ "old" being a
relative term]
We came up with three things quickly: Jubilee Junction, Pooh's Park,
and the drive in.
The only references I have to these summer activities are:
Jubilee Junction:
"Western Town Opens In July," Bryan Daily Eagle, 13 June 1967, p.1,
col.2
"Western Town Receives Name," Bryan Daily Eagle, 15 June 1967, p.1,
col.3
"Amusement Center Opens On Saturday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 28 July 1967,
P.1, col.1
Lunin, Fanchon, "Junction Starts With A Bang," Bryan Daily Eagle, 30
July 1967, p.4
Anne Boykin- Re: Another idea 2
And there were articles or ads about Pooh's Park in the Eagle on:
May 1, 1979, sect.A, page 9
Sept. 4, 1979, sect.A, page 8
Skyway Drive In
Skyway' to Open Wednesday Night; Space In Plenty
"Skyway," Bryan's first and only drive -in theater will open
Wednesday evening at 6:30 o'clock with parking space for 1000 cars and
lawn chairs for those who come afoot or desire to leave their machines.
Rest rooms and concession booths also have been installed. The theater
is on Highway 6 between Bryan and College Station. The new outdoor
theater will open with "Her Husband's Affairs," starring Lucile
Ball and Franchot Tone, and two shows will be given nightly, rain or
clear. The opening attraction is a light comedy which has been enjoyed
by many movie theater audiences. The owner and operator of "Skyway"
is Jack Farr, of Farr Amusement Company, formerly of Texas City, and he
secured the name of his new drive -in theater through a contest in which
a number of attractive and valuable prices were given.
Bryan Eagle, 3 April 1948
Wanted Pipe Wanted
Before we can install our IN CAR SPEAKERS we need 750 feet of 2 -inch
pipe, new or used for speaker post - -- if you have as much as a 'five
foot' piece laying around the house and of no use to you... swap it
to us for theatre passes or sell it for cash.
Bryan Eagle, July 28, 1948
"Schulmans Take Over Drive In," Bryan Daily Eagle, 22 June 1965, sec.A,
p.10, col.7. Brief article about the Schulman family buying the Skyway
Drive In Theater.
"Skyway Twin Ceremonies Set Tonight," Bryan Daily Eagle, 27 Aug. 1969,
sect.A, p.11, col.3
Although, as one of my co- workers (Dorothy McMurray Fos) pointed out,
they could also talk about the skinny dipping hole out by the A &M
nuclear reactor, of the CS swimming pools, regional summer camps, etc.
I suspect folks who grew up in CS would have a pretty fair scattering
of family photos of events at those locations?
All you need is someone with a lot of free time to work on this <g>
Bill
Anne Boykin - Re: Another idea 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Anne Boykin" <Aboykin @cstx.gov>
Date: 4/17/2007 2:32:59 pm
Subject: Re: Another idea
If you're interested, one of my friends who works at the Cyclotron on
campus was a projectionist at the Grove in the late 1970s, I think. He
was also a projectionist at Cinema I and II.
That may be a little recent for your oral history program, but he does
have some fun stories.
I'll check with Dorothy
Bill
>>> "Anne Boykin" <Aboykin @cstx.gov> 4/17/2007 2:28 PM >>>
OH Bill ..... you have an evil mind. ; -) First, ask Dorothy what her
class
was at CHS. I may need her to represent her class at the 60s Decade
Reunion this summer. I'm guessing it was '68 or'69. And tell her how
much I enjoyed being a friend to her sweet sister, Ann.
Of course I am interested!!!! I know where Mr. Schulman lives now and
I
have been trying to get him to come here for an oral history
interview.
He is only as far away as Crockett. I will be meeting with Rebecca
Hankins tomorrow at Cushing about collaborating oral history efforts.
1:30pm. I'll try to stop by your office.
I have some fond memories of the Palace, the Queen, the Skyway and the
Circle. But none compare to the totally unique experience of seeing a
movie amongst the Aggies at the Grove or the Campus Theaters.
Ok, I'll bite..
Anne
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Volunteer Coordinator
Project HOLD
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykin @cstx.gov
http: / /HOLD.cstx.gov
>>> "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu> 4/17/2007 12:07 PM >>>
Hi, Anne:
We have a couple of tiny display cases in the reference area in the
Anne Boykin - Re: Another idea 2'
library here, and constantly are looking for display ideas
We tossed around one (that wedon't have enough items to do) - but I
thought it might be a fun topic, either for a display or for a lunch
time lecture, if you could get someone to run down the sources.
An "Old Time" Kid's Summertime in College Station [ "old" being a
relative term]
We came up with three things quickly: Jubilee Junction, Pooh's Park,
and the drive in.
The only references I have to these summer activities are:
Jubilee Junction
"Western Town Opens In July," Bryan Daily Eagle, 13 June 1967, p.1,
col.2
"Western Town Receives Name," Bryan Daily Eagle, 15 June 1967, p.1,
col.3
"Amusement Center Opens On Saturday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 28 July 1967,
P.11, col.1
Lunin, Fanchon, "Junction Starts With A Bang," Bryan Daily Eagle, 30
July 1967, p.4
And there were articles or ads about Pooh's Park in the Eagle on:
May 1, 1979, sect.A, page 9
Sept. 4, 1979, sect.A, page 8
Skyway Drive In
Skyway' to Open Wednesday Night; Space In Plenty
"Skyway," Bryan's first and only drive -in theater will open
Wednesday evening at 6:30 o'clock with parking space for 1000 cars
and
lawn chairs for those who come afoot or desire to leave their
machines.
Rest rooms and concession booths also have been installed. The
theater
is on Highway 6 between Bryan and College Station. The new outdoor
theater will open with "Her Husband's Affairs," starring Lucile
Ball and Franchot Tone, and two shows will be given nightly, rain or
clear. The opening attraction is a light comedy which has been
enjoyed
by many movie theater audiences. The owner and operator of
"Skyway"
is Jack Farr, of Farr Amusement Company, formerly of Texas City, and
he
secured the name of his new drive -in theater through a contest in
which
a number of attractive and valuable prices were given.
Bryan Eagle, 3 April 1948
Anne Boykin - Re: Another idea 3
Wanted Pipe Wanted
Before we can install our IN CAR SPEAKERS we need 750 feet of 2 -inch
pipe, new or used for speaker post - -- if you have as much as a 'five
foot' piece laying around the house and of no use to you... swap
it
to us for theatre passes or sell it for cash.
Bryan Eagle, July 28, 1948
"Schulmans Take Over Drive In," Bryan Daily Eagle, 22 June 1965,
sec.A,
p.10, col.7. Brief article about the Schulman family buying the
Skyway
Drive In Theater.
"Skyway Twin Ceremonies Set Tonight," Bryan Daily Eagle, 27 Aug. 1969,
sect.A, p.11, col.3
Although, as one of my co- workers (Dorothy McMurray Fos) pointed out,
they could also talk about the skinny dipping hole out by the A &M
nuclear reactor, of the CS swimming pools, regional summer camps, etc.
I suspect folks who grew up in CS would have a pretty fair scattering
of family photos of events at those locations?
All you need is someone with a lot of free time to work on this <g>
Bill
College Station. Heart of the Research Valley.
Anne Boykin - Villa Maria & Howell house 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 4/21/2007 1:48:48 pm
Subject: Villa Maria & Howell house
CC: "Ron Hambric" <RHAMBRIC @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
Just fyi ...
ran across these two articles today while looking for articles about the College Station schools and about
North Main Street in Bryan.
"Howell Buys Villa Marie as Homesite," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 22 May 1935, page 6
"Villa Maria Convent Buildings Being Razed," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 26 June 1935, page 6
Neither article mentions anything about the bricks from the convent buildings being used in the Howell
house.
There may have been other articles - I skimmed through those papers pretty quickly, really focusing on the
two subjects I was looking for.
In addition, there might have been something published in the Bryan DAILY Eagle issues during 1935 that
didn't make it into the weekly edition of the paper.
Anne Boykin - Brazos County odds & ends 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 4/22/2007 1:56:09 pm
Subject: Brazos County odds & ends
CC: "Ron Hambric" <RHAMBRIC @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
Just a couple of things I ran across while looking for info. on the
College Station schools and on North Main Street in Bryan.
First, here's a mystery:
"Buffalo is Found in Brazos County Here at Wellborn," Bryan Daily
Eagle, 2 November 1937, page 1.
The herd belonged to August Straub of Minter Springs. The aforesaid
buffalo was a female, age estimated at three years her fate was not a
happy one, the subject of buffalo steaks and roasts being mentioned in
the article. I did not find any follow up article explaining where she
came from. There had been a buffalo or two some years earlier at the
A &M zoo, if memory serves, but I think they were all long gone by 1937?
Certainly, that zoo had some interesting critters, as per the
following:
"A.& M. Will Get Elk and Bear from Yellowstone," Dallas Morning
News, 11 December 1921, p.6. For its zoo.
Second, for some time I had wondered about the graves of the Ursuline
sisters who died while serving at Villa Maria.
I had seen articles indicating that they were first buried at the
convent, such as:
"Burial of Mother Pierre," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 11 Jan. 1912, p.1,
col.4. She was buried in the convent cemetery
I recall - but cannot find my notes now - that at some point, their
graves were moved to the Catholic Cemetery in Bryan.
Which would have been okay, but I when I checked, there did not appear
to be any marked graves for the sisters in Bryan.
Well, this afternoon I found:
"Ursuline Sisters Visit in Bryan After Ten Years," Bryan Daily Eagle,
11 November 1937, page 1. This notes that they came to move the remains
of the Ursuline sisters from the Catholic Cemetery in Bryan to
Galveston.
Mystery solved.
For whatever it is worth, this is by no means the only Brazos County
cemetery that was moved.
Anne Boykin - Brazos County odds & ends 2
See, for example, the following article about the moving of the graves
from the Bryan Episcopal Cemetery (which was located at the church), to
the Bryan City Cemetery: (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 19 Jan. 1911, p.8,
col.4
Anne Boykin -More housing notes
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib- gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 4/24/2007 7:19:47 am
Subject: More housing notes
FYI: "The Reveille" was the official campus newspaper (as opposed to the student newspaper, the
Battalion). This has not been microfilmed but is available in the Cushing Library in paper copy. At some
point its name changed to "The Daily Bulletin."
"Rooming House for Wives of Soldiers," Bryan Daily Eagle, 28 June 1918, p.4. The College turned the old
hospital into a rooming house for wives of soldiers who were stationed at the training camp at A &M.
"Arranging for Living Accommodations for Overflow Population from the College Camp," Bryan Daily
Eagle, 5 September 1918, p.3. Overview of housing problems; notes that wives were recently forced to
vacate the makeshift dormitory.
"Mrs. Durkee Will Look Into Housing Conditions for Soldiers' Wives," Bryan Daily Eagle, 26 September
1918, p.4
"Care for Campus Women Discussed with Y.W.C.A. Worker at College," Bryan Daily Eagle, 30
September 1918, p.4
"Club Quarters Go to Young Women," Reveille, 20 December 1918, p.4. "When the new quarters,
originally for the army officers stationed here, are completed early in the new year, they will be converted
into a home for the young women employees on campus."
"Home for Women to Be Ready Soon," Reveille, 7 February 1919, p.1
"Young College Women Enjoy Novel Dance," Reveille, 22 February 1919, p.3. "Young women employed
by the College, but residing in Bryan" had a dance; "Half of them appeared in men's costumes and the
other half in their usual evening dress." The article lists the names of those attending. I suppose this was
the female equivalent of the all male "stag" dances held by cadets for over 50 years, where some of the
cadets dressed as women. There is a photo of some of the cadets in female garb posted on the Cushing
Library web site, though it's hard to find.
"Many Campus Changes Scheduled for Summer," Battalion, 29 May 1919, pp.1, 12. "The stucco building
facing the interurban line, built originally as an officers' quarters and transferred to a community home for
many of the young ladies employed on the campus, has been finally decided upon as a dormitory for the
girls and young women who will attend the summer school at college ..." Contained "34 splendid rooms."
"Still Hunting Rooms," Bryan Daily Eagle, 15 September 1919, p.4. Two professors discover that
"apartments for families with children are practically unobtainable."
"Bachelors Move Out to Leave Rooms for Soldiers' Families," Bryan Daily Eagle, 17 September 1919, p.1.
Unmarried campus employees voluntarily vacate the annex to the Shirley Hotel on campus where they
have been living so that faculty members with families can move in.
1931: Dugan, Haynes W., The History of the Great Class of 1934. On pp. 15 -16, the author notes that in
1931, Charlie & Mae Boriskie ran a boarding house where the Ramada Inn is located, and that Mrs.
Plasik's boardinghouse was located on what is now West Campus. He also mentions that there were
other boarding houses in College and Bryan for students at that time, but doesn't name them. I suspect
married students lived in one or more of these boarding houses, though it would be nice to find out
something more about them.
Anne Boykin - More housing notes
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 4/24/2007 7:19:47 am
Subject: More housing notes
FYI: "The Reveille" was the official campus newspaper (as opposed to the student newspaper, the
Battalion). This has not been microfilmed but is available in the Cushing Library in paper copy. At some
point its name changed to "The Daily Bulletin."
"Rooming House for Wives of Soldiers," Bryan Daily Eagle, 28 June 1918, p.4. The College turned the old
hospital into a rooming house for wives of soldiers who were stationed at the training camp at A &M.
"Arranging for Living Accommodations for Overflow Population from the College Camp," Bryan Daily
Eagle, 5 September 1918, p.3. Overview of housing problems; notes that wives were recently forced to
vacate the makeshift dormitory.
"Mrs. Durkee Will Look Into Housing Conditions for Soldiers' Wives," Bryan Daily Eagle, 26 September
1918, p.4
"Care for Campus Women Discussed with Y.W.C.A. Worker at College," Bryan Daily Eagle, 30
September 1918, p.4
"Club Quarters Go to Young Women," Reveille, 20 December 1918, p.4. "When the new quarters,
originally for the army officers stationed here, are completed early in the new year, they will be converted
into a home for the young women employees on campus."
"Home for Women to Be Ready Soon," Reveille, 7 February 1919, p.1
"Young College Women Enjoy Novel Dance," Reveille, 22 February 1919, p.3. "Young women employed
by the College, but residing in Bryan" had a dance; "Half of them appeared in men's costumes and the
other half in their usual evening dress." The article lists the names of those attending. I suppose this was
the female equivalent of the all male "stag" dances held by cadets for over 50 years, where some of the
cadets dressed as women. There is a photo of some of the cadets in female garb posted on the Cushing
Library web site, though it's hard to find.
"Many Campus Changes Scheduled for Summer," Battalion, 29 May 1919, pp.1, 12. "The stucco building
facing the interurban line, built originally as an officers' quarters and transferred to a community home for
many of the young ladies employed on the campus, has been finally decided upon as a dormitory for the
girls and young women who will attend the summer school at college ..." Contained "34 splendid rooms."
"Still Hunting Rooms," Bryan Daily Eagle, 15 September 1919, p.4. Two professors discover that
"apartments for families with children are practically unobtainable."
"Bachelors Move Out to Leave Rooms for Soldiers' Families," Bryan Daily Eagle, 17 September 1919, p.1.
Unmarried campus employees voluntarily vacate the annex to the Shirley Hotel on campus where they
have been living so that faculty members with families can move in.
1931: Dugan, Haynes W., The History of the Great Class of 1934. On pp. 15 -16, the author notes that in
1931, Charlie & Mae Boriskie ran a boarding house where the Ramada Inn is located, and that Mrs.
Plasik's boarding house was located on what is now West Campus. He also mentions that there were
other boarding houses in College and Bryan for students at that time, but doesn't name them. I suspect
married students lived in one or more of these boarding houses, though it would be nice to find out
something more about them.
Anne Boykin - Next board meeting 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Ric Jensen" <rwjensen @ag.tamu.edu >, <BVAAM @aol...
Date: 4/27/2007 1:12:09 pm
Subject: Next board meeting
The next meeting of the African American National Heritage Society will
be held at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, May 1, at the museum building in Bryan.
Stories from Long Ago
Grimes County Schools
Capt. Cad. Harn, of Navasota, has been the means of establishing three
freedmen schools in Grimes County — one at Navasota, one at Anderson
and one at Courtney. This step, Captain, is a wise and laudable one.
Houston Union.
Flake's Bulletin (Galveston), 5 May 1869, p.8
Hanged by Their Thumbs
Bryan ... We learn that two Federal soldiers attempted to rob a
freedman in freedmentown on Wednesday night and cut the freedman
severely in two or three places about the neck and face, that the
freedman finally succeeded in getting his pistol, and fired a random
shot at them, when the blue coats fled. We learn also that the soldiers
were identified, and have been paying for their fun by a protracted
suspension by the thumbs, and other ordinary military punishment. Good
for them. — News Letter.
Galveston Tri- Weekly News, 14 June 1869, page 2
A Runaway Captured
A Negro boy, named Jerry, was taken near this place on the 5th of May.
Said boy says he belongs to a Mr. Hern, living on the Brazos, 25 miles
from Wheelock. Said boy further says that his overseer's name is
Adams. He is about 18 years old, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, and of good
appearance.
For further information address to the undersigned, Fort Belknap,
Texas.
J.S. West
San Antonio Ledger, 1 June 1854, p.3
Negro Man Shot
From the Brenham Enquirer we learn that a Negro man belonging to J.A.
Chappell, Esq., was shot on the night of the 23d ult. The shot took
effect in one arm just above the elbow, and in his breast. The arm was
amputated. The wounds in the breast were but slight. The Negro is said
Anne Boykin - Next board meeting 2
to be doing well.
Texas State Gazette (Austin), 6 Jan. 1855, p.148
Returned to Slavery
During the last term of the District Court of Grimes County, eighteen
free Negroes went into voluntary servitude to different persons in the
vicinity of Anderson. Two families to Wm. Berryman, two men to Angus
Passmore, one man to Robert McIntyre, two James W. Barnes, and one woman
to John R. Kannard.
Dallas Herald, 2 May 1860, p.1
Died of His Wounds
Moses Lacey, colored, who attempted an assault on a lady at Bryan, has
died of the gun shot wounds with which the plucky woman defended
herself.
San Antonio Daily Light, 10 October 1889, p.1
Lynching at Navasota
John Brown, a Negro, is strung up by the citizens of Navasota for rape
of a white girl, which crime he confessed.
San Antonio Daily Light, 6 August 1890, p.1
Benefit Fair Given at Bryan
The fair given by our colored citizens for the benefit of the African
Methodist Church, (C.B. Foster, Pastor), came off on last Saturday and
Sunday, and, we learn, was quite a success. The fair came off in the
church in Freedmen Town, and was attended by about five or six hundred
persons. The tables were neatly arranged, and the articles of sale
embraced those usually exhibited on such occasions.
Houston Daily Union, 19 Aug. 1870, p.2
Eighteen Foot Rise
Bryan, Brazos Co., Tex., Sept.28 — A colored man who operates the
ferryboat at Pitt's Ferry, on the Brazos River, was in town to -day and
reported an eighteen- foot rise in the river.
Dallas Morning News, 29 Sept. 1896, p.6
Anne Boykin - Endorsements from local folks 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 5/7/2007 7:16:17 am
Subject: Endorsements from local folks
CC: "Ron Hambric" <RHAMBRIC.PO1.LIB @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
In olden times, companies ran newspaper and magazine ads containing
product endorsements they had received from satisfied customers.
Here are some endorsements from Brazos County residents used in
newspaper ads.
[Endorsement for Child's Catarrh Specific]
am cured; another formidable case at last yielded to your treatment.
W.B. Morse, Bryan, Texas.
Texas Siftings (Austin, TX), 16 December 1882, page 5
W.L. Bringhurst, Professor of English, A. and M. College, College
Station, Tex. We are much pleased with your Premium Sewing Machine. My
wife thinks it has no superior among the machines of the continent. My
little boy, 8 years old, sews on it with ease.
Dallas Morning News, 10 February 1887, page 7
[Endorsement for Ayer's Pills]
For eight years I was afflicted with constipation, which at last became
so bad that the doctors could do no more for me. Then I began to take
Ayer's Pills, and soon the bowels recovered their natural and regular
action, so that now I am in excellent health. — S.L. Loughridge,
Bryan, Texas.
The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA), 16 May 1889, page 7
[Endorsement of Cuticura Soap]
My baby was severely afflicted with some dreadful skin disease. Its
head, face and hand for awhile were nearly one solid sore. I had
doctors prescribe for it, tried several remedies, but all seemed to do
no good. I saw an advertisement of the Cuticura Remedies, and concluded
to try them. I bought a complete set, and began using, and now my
little girl seems to be completely cured. Geo. W. Turner, Teacher,
Bryan, Texas.
Columbus Enquirer -Sun (Columbus, GA), 22 July 1893, page 4
[Endorsement for Peruna]
Miss Lou Ware writes from Bryan, Texas, the following letter: "For
several years I have suffered with throat and lung trouble caused from
taking cold when confined to my room with measles. Peruna cured my
throat, and I believe by using as directed that my voice will be
entirely restored, (as I had lost it almost completely.) This cure has
been perfected by Peruna after repeated trials with many other articles
without benefit. I believe it to be the best medicine in use for what
it is recommended.
Fort Worth Register, 20 January 1901, page 5
[Endorsement for Dr. Thurmond's Blood Syrup]:
Bryan, Texas, April 15, 1895 — For several years I suffered with a
large ulcer on my leg. I tried doctors and every blood medicine that
anybody would recommend. I finally took six bottles of Dr. Thurmond's
Anne Boykin - Endorsements from local folks
Blood Syrup and it made a permanent cure. Two years have passed since I
took the medicine. Wylie Kelley.
Fort Worth Telegram, 1 February 1906, page 5
[Endorsement for Cardui, The Woman's Tonic]:
After 18 months of suffering and the most excruciating pain that any
one ever suffered, I am now enjoying the best of health, as a result of
taking Cardui, the woman's tonic. Everybody thinks my cure one of the
most remarkable ever made; so many physicians said I could not get well
without an operation. Since taking Cardui, the lump in my side, that
has given me so much trouble and anxiety, has disappeared and I have not
had a symptom of its return. Mrs. M.J. Scott, Wellborn, Texas.
Charlotte Daily Observer (Charlotte, NC), 29 September 1911, page 9
The late 19th century and early 20th century were, of course, the age
of "patent" (over the counter) medicines.
Virtually unregulated, the best of them were frequently little more
than colored water with a little flavoring.
Many of them were dangerous - such as Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup,
sold to quiet teething babies.
This medicine did quiet fussy babies - because it contained large
amounts of opium.
Upton Sinclair's book "The Jungle" exposed unsanitary meat packing
practices.
Sinclair's book - along with the work of other "muckrakers" - led to
the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906.
Anne Boykin - Clocks & watches in Brazos County 1
From:
'Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To:
"Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie
Date:
5/10/2007 6:32:08 am
Subject:
Clocks & watches in Brazos County
CC: "Ron Hambric" <RHAMBRIC.PO1.LIB @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
A few more items for your amusement ...
Bryan has had another jail delivery — nine prisoners escaped ...A
hole was cut through the floor of the prison and the earth excavated to
the depth of five feet beneath the wall, and piles which had been driven
in the earth against the walls of the building, the aperture of the
tunnel through which they escaped, being about five feet from the wall.
The instrument used was evidently a common case knife. Three horses in
the vicinity were missing the night of their escape, and it is supposed
were stolen by some of the prisoners. The following are the escaped
prisoners: Harry Johnson and Joe Francis, theft; Thompson, theft. The
remaining four were Negroes. Joe Beckham, colored, confined for
stealing a watch, escaped and was recaptured on the suburbs of town.
All the rest are unheard from up to date. There were three prisoners
who remained in prison, without attempting to escape. Galveston Daily
News, 14 March 1869, p.2, col.4
1875: May 28 — A.G. Prewitt, guardian of Abner Prewitt, gave W.A.
McMichael a deed of trust on the "crop of corn and cotton now being
raised on the place known as the Mrs. T.C. Hunter place ... about five
miles from the town of Millican," plus four mules, two bay horse
mules, and one gold watch. [Brazos Co. Deed of Trust, Book A, p.3321
Wesley Brown — Brazos County Probate Packet No. 111: 25 Aug 1879:
Letter from Effie Brown and son Clabe Brown, they did receive the estate
of Wesley Brown: 1 mule, 1 yoke oxen, 3 cows and calves, 1 silver
watch, 1 clock, 1 D.B. shotgun, 1 trunk and a lot of bedding and
clothes.
[ad] ... C. CLAYDON, practical watchmaker & jeweler Brazos Pilot, Sept.
1, 1882, p. 4.
The office of Folkerson [ Fulkerson] and Lawrence, lumber dealers, was
burglarized last night. The safe was blown open and about thirty
dollars in money, one silver and one gold watch and a check for $252
were taken out. No arrests have as yet been made. Fort Worth Daily
Gazette, 10 Feb. 1885, page 4.
Bryan ... The watch reported in The News as found in the possession of
the woman arrested by City Marshal Carr was stolen from the A. and M.
College. Dallas Morning News, 12 Feb. 1886, p.3
Bryan ... Mag Kellum, a Negress who stole a watch and ring from Ella
Canton, is now behind the bars at Franklin. Dallas Morning News, 17
Feb.1886, p.3
Millican ... A burglar entered the house of George Dunlap, a farmer,
three miles from Millican, while the family were at supper last night
Anne Boykin - Clocks & watches in Brazos County 2
and carried away a trunk containing $100 and a gold watch. He carried
it half a mile and took the money and watch and fled. The thief is said
to be a colored man who claims to be from Sumner, Ga. Officers are
requested to look out for him. Mr. Dunlap will pay a liberal reward.
He is described as being about 21 years old, weighs about 130 pounds,
had on a brown coat and hat and black speckled pants. The money is all
silver. The watch is open- faced -gold, blackened by sulphur and is out
of repair. The man has a peaked brown face and downcast expression.
Houston Daily Post, 29 Jan. 1887, p.4
Millican ... Mr. G.W. Dunlap is a planter living about three miles from
this place. While he was eating supper last night some one entered his
room and robbed him of his trunk. It contained, besides his clothing,
$100 in cash and one gold watch, open face, gold dial with stem hands
and winding chain broken. Mr. Dunlap will pay a liberal reward for the
recovery of the watch and money, also for capture of the thief. The
long drouth has at last been broken and we are having a fine rain.
Farmers have been busy planting for the last two weeks. We have at last
two iron bridges finished, one leading to Allenfarm, the other to the
Brazos. Galveston Daily News, 29 Jan. 1887, p.2
Millican ... $25 reward for the arrest of one J.D. Hayman, weight 130
lbs., brown hair, gray eyes, face scratched, down cast expression on his
face; dress: brown coat, dark pants, brown hat, new box toed shoes.
Wanted for theft of one gold open face watch, gold dial, beautifully
engraved, steel hands, broken winding chain; also $100 in money. M.R.
Millican, constable... Galveston Daily News, 1 Feb. 1887, p.5
Brazos County Commissioners Minutes, 1891 -1897, p.46: 21 Nov. 1891: A.
McKenzie was given the contract to remove the clock from the old
courthouse and to take care of it until the new courthouse was finished
Bryan, Tex., Feb. 10 — All officers and citizens look out for the
following stolen goods, stolen on the night of Jan.31 last from the
agricultural and mechanical college: One quarter size solid gold watch,
box case, initials W.E.P., in fancy unconnected letters in front of
case, contained Waltham 11- jeweled movement, No. 4,512,739. Also chain
of solid gold, curb pattern, full length links, a little worn. When
stolen was attached to watch by small piece of chamois skin; also had on
it a locket of oval shape with straight flat side. Also one lady's
engraved gold watch with initials S.P.C. on face, ring out of stem and
crystal gone. Inside of case is scratched in trying to straighten it.
Elgin gold chain fob in shape of padlock, stem winder and set. Any
information in regard to either of the above articles or thief send to
Gov. L.S. Ross, College Station, or T.C. Nunn, sheriff Brazos County.
Dallas Morning News, 12 Feb. 1892, p.3
Bryan, Tex., March 8 ... Stolen on train between Austin and Taylor, one
Elgin national movement gold watch, No. 3,979,633, 14 -karat case No.
2,260,105; watch has dog with bird engraved on outside. Reasonable
reward for watch and thief. Address T.C. Nunn, sheriff Brazos County.
Dallas Morning News, 11 March 1892, page 7
(Taken from the files of the Bryan Daily Eagle, December 21, 1898,
twenty -five years ago.): Ring up central for the correct time, supplied
from John M. Caldwell's new electric clock. [printed in: Eagle, 21
Anne Boykin - Clocks & watches in Brazos County 3
December 1923]
Jasper Harris, colored, has been lodged in jail charged with the theft
of two watches. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 17 January 1901, p.6, col.1
Bryan, Tex., Nov. 2 — Stolen, in Bryan, Oct. 8, one lady's gold
watch chain, small link like eye glass chain; one large plain gold ring,
engraved inside "Johnnie to Willie "; one scarfpin, white, I have a
round, flat locket, stolen from some one, with precious stones set in
circle on one side, other side embossed in leaves. T.C. Nunn, Sheriff
of Brazos County. Dallas Morning News, 5 November 1901, page 7.
Bryan, Tex., Nov. 11 — Fifty dollars reward for return of watch and
evidence to convict the thief, or $25 for watch. Solid Gold, 18 carat,
case extra heavy, with extension hinges, hunting style, No. 70757, B.W.
Raymond; Elgin movement, 1091703, heavy twist link, 18 carat gold chain,
worn thin at ends of links and tied in knots; bar or vest guard broken
off; was attached when last seen. Notify pawnbrokers. 18 -size shield
on back of case. Stolen Nov. 3 — R.M. Nall, Sheriff Brazos County,
Tex. Dallas Morning News, 12 November 1905, page 28.
A good sized chicken snake was found in a clock regularly used at the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Levy yesterday morning. The clock sat on
the mantel and got so it would not run. It was brought down to the Levy
store and on examination revealed the snake snugly coiled on top of the
works inside the case and very much alive. How it got there is a
mystery. The snake was transferred to a glass jar and placed on
exhibition. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 24 May 1906, p.2, col.3.
"Bryan Socially," Brazos Pilot, 3 January 1907, p.3. Christmas
presents to company sponsors from the cadets included a watch with
diamond settings, a pair of pearl and gold opera glasses, a gold watch
pin, a gold watch set with solitaire diamond, and a pearl and diamond
brooch.
"Employed Another Watchmaker," Bryan Daily Eagle, 27 May 1912, p.3,
col.5
"Recovered Watch Lost in Flood," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 25 Dec. 1913,
p.6, col.4. Henry Berger
"Report on Court House Clock," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 21 Oct. 1915, p.7,
col.6
"Town Clock Going," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 4 Nov. 1915, p.4, col.6
"Negro Charged With Stealing Chance's Watch," Bryan Daily Eagle,
17 Nov. 1925, p.1, col.4.
Bryan police authorities believe, according to Chief Martin, that they
have made a start in rounding up the night marauders who have been
entering homes in this city recently in the arrest late Friday afternoon
of Chris Tatum, who is charged with shoplifting and at whose home was
discovered women's wearing apparel and jewelry which the police
believe was stolen. Tatum, who is held in the county jail, was caught
by Will Gelber leaving the store with a lot of lingerie, which he had
Anne Boykin - Clocks & watches in Brazos County 4
gathered up. Gelber gave chase and was joined by Policeman Tillis and
Cheatham and Deputy Sheriff Baker. Tatum was caught. Later Chief
Martin took Tatum to his home and there found lingerie and a supply of
silk hosiery and a ladies' gold watch, old fashioned in design, with
the monogram CET on the back. The watch, the police hope, may serve to
connect Tatum with some of the burglaries reported here in the last
three or four weeks. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 25 April 1929, p.3, col.2.
Bryan, Texas, April 13 — City employees and city firemen surprised
City Manager J. Bryan Miller with a party at which he was the guest of
honor. Mr. Miller has resigned as city manager of Bryan to accept a
similar position at Lubbock, effective May 10 and the party was in the
nature of a farewell compliment. Mr. Miller was presented with a fine
watch. Dallas Morning News, 14 April 1930, page 2.
"Watch is Given Joe Patronella For Lodge Work," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 22
Jan. 1931, p.3, col.2
"Reed Gets Hunch; Result, Recovery Sack of Watches," Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 12 Oct. 1932, p.1, col.7
"Booming of Court House Clock After Years of Silence Startles Many
Bryanites Thursday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 17 Feb. 1939, p.1, col.3
"Bethany is Given Watch by Pupils of Bowie, Ibarra," Bryan Daily Eagle,
25 May 1949, p.4, col.5
Syptak, Virginia, "Reid Clock Doctor," Bryan Daily Eagle, 20 Nov. 1957,
- p.1, col.3
Anne Boykin - Horse and mule accidents, etc. 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 5/11/2007 7:16:58 am
Subject: Horse and mule accidents, etc.
CC: "Ron Hambric" <RHAMBRIC.PO1.LIB @lib- gw.tamu.edu>
A Negro boy and horse, belonging to John Millican, Esqr., were drowned
in the Brazos, a little below the mouth of the Navasota, on Saturday
evening last. The water at the ford is scarce three feet deep, but the
boy becoming frightened, it seems, forced the horse out of the track and
into the channel. Washington American, 14 April 1857, p.2
1861: Oct. 23 — The 12th Texas Cavalry, recruited in the area around
Ellis and Hill Counties, passed through Millican. "Pass through the
town of Boonville and camped near the railroad. On this day one of the
H.C.V. [Hill County Volunteers] got his leg broken by a wagon running
over it. On the following morning before Aurora dawned, all were on the
march and every company striving to get before, when several companies
mistook the road; when they found it out, they came back at the top of
their speed and such charging through the timber and confusion I never
witnessed before, but they could not gain their former position and had
to fall in the rear. When near Millican we fired two salutes to warn
them of our approach. The regiment was then formed in a solid column of
fours and marched through the town with banners unfurled and arms
presented. We crossed the Navasota River that evening ...."
Anderson, John Q., editor, Campaigning With Parson's Texas Cavalry
Brigade, C.S.A. Hill Junior College Press, 1967.
Died — In Millican, Texas, on the 15th inst., in her 20th year, Miss
Ada, third daughter of John H. and Eliza P. Le Pert. Whilst riding on
horseback, on the afternoon of the 14th inst., her saddle turned, and
she was thrown against a stump, causing concussion of the brain. She
lingered in an unconscious state for 8 hours, when death ensued.
Parents, sisters and many friends mourn her untimely fate. Galveston
Daily News, 19 Apr. 1865, p.2
Miss Ada "Sapert" was thrown from her horse and killed; her funeral
was at Millican on 15 Apr.1865. South Diary, file 1 -11.
1867: Mar. 4 -- ... Also called to see J.E. Millican, who had got badly
hurt by a fall from a horse ... [From W.S. South Journal, in Hull
Papers, Cushing Library, Texas A &M University, box 1, file 1 -13].
A Mexican, name unknown, fell from a wagon near Navasota, and was
killed, he was drunk at the time. Daily Express (San Antonio), 16 Aug.
1871, p.2
Bryan — The damage done to Bryan by the late storm, which was at its
height here Thursday night and all Friday, is estimated at from $5000 to
$6000. The new two story brick store of D. Mike & Co., just finished,
was blown down. Loss about $ 4000. Other stores were more or less
damaged. Dwelling houses were blown off their foundations and trees and
fences blown down. The damage to the cotton is very great. This county
loses from five to six thousand bales. A son of J.M. Robinson, who
keeps a livery stable here, was sent out by his father last Friday
morning, during the storm, to drive a man to Caldwell. On returning to
Anne Boykin - Horse and mule accidents, etc. 2
Bryan he was drowned in a creek about three miles from here. The creek
was high and rapid, and it is supposed that when the hack went into the
water it turned over and was taken down by the water. The hack was
fastened up all around, and it is thought that he was drowned before he
had time to get out. The horses were found drowned and still hitched to
the hack a few yards below the crossing. Robinson's body was found a
quarter of a mile below the crossing half buried in the sand. Galveston
Daily News, 21 September 1875, p. 1.
`Blackshear, Frank; "old;" resident of Brazos Co.; died after being
thrown from horse. Navasota Tablet, 12 Oct.1877, p.3, col.1
Millican ... John C. Pool was endeavoring this afternoon to catch a
friend's horse, whereupon his own fell and he under, the horse
receiving serious injuries. Mr. Pool has been speechless since, and is
not expected to recover. Galveston Daily News, 25 Dec. 1877, p.1
Millican ... A.B. Freeman's horse fell with him this morning while
running across a bridge, breaking Freeman's right leg just above the
ankle. Galveston Daily News, 30 Jan. 1878, p. 1.
Frank Stasney, aged 45; born Moravia; farmer; died Sept.1879; killed by
horse. 1880 Mortality Schedule, ED 18, family no. 78. Brazos County
Commissioners Minutes, Vol.C, p.117: Inquest for " Stasner" was paid
for on 12 Nov. 1879.
Bill Roundtop, a freedman living on the farm of Mr. Newson, on the
Brazos River, was killed to -day. An ox -team ran away with him and
dragged him on the ground by a rope with which he was holding the
animals. His tracks, where he was found showed that he had thrown
himself back, in the attempt to stop or hold the team, and it is
supposed that the jerk or shock broke a blood vessel, causing death. No
bruises were discovered on the body. Galveston Daily News, 7 October
1881, p.1, col.7
Bryan Pilot: It has been raining almost incessantly since the 4th of
January. During this time there have not been exceeding half a dozen
fair days. As a consequence, farmers have been unable to make any
preparations for another crop. The creeks and rivers have overflowed
and flooded the bottom lands, doing much damage to fences. In some
instances small houses have been floated off. The Brazos is said to
have been higher a few days ago than it had been for many years. Among
the casualties we have heard of was the loss of a pair of fine mules and
a hack, belonging to Major Tabor's stable, in the Little Brazos, on
Sunday. The driver, a colored man, made his escape on a log. The mules
and hack were valued at $400, and the loss is a serious one to Major
Tabor. Galveston Daily News, 12 February 1882, p.3, col.9
Bryan, April 29 — A mechanic by the name of McRoy, while in a state
of intoxication, mounted a factious horse, and in "loping" the horse
across the railroad, fell off, the horse falling upon him, kicking him
in the forehead and injuring him internally. He is in a precarious
condition, and his recovery is doubtful. Dallas Weekly Herald, 3 May
1883, p.7, col.2.
J.G. Hall, late of Alabama, was found dead in the Brazos bottom, near
Anne Boykin - Horse and mule accidents, etc. 3
Millican. He is supposed to have been thrown from his horse and killed.
Brenham Daily Banner, 16 Feb. 1884, p.2
Millican ... A Negro here attempted to drive a loaded wagon across the
railroad track in front of an incoming freight. The engineer seeing the
danger called for the brakes, but was too late. The wagon was mashed
into atoms, but the horses and driver escaped unhurt. Fort Worth Daily
Gazette, 8 February 1885, p.5
Bryan, Nov. 19 — The bridge on the College road, about three miles
south of Bryan, gave away in the centre while a four horse team was
crossing, completely demolishing the wagon and team, besides seriously
injuring the driver. Dallas Morning News, 20 November 1885, page 1
Bryan, Dec. 13 — A German by the name of A. Reisenboyner while riding
out of town this evening was thrown against a post and instantly killed.
He was about 60 years old and a carpenter by trade. Dallas Morning
News, 14 December 1886, page 5
Millican ... Henderson Sewell, an old colored man living near here,
left home late last evening to get his horse out of the field. Not
returning last night, search was instituted for him. They were not long
in finding his dead body where his horse had been staked out. There was
a bruise on his forehead, indicative of a heavy blow, supposed to have
been kicked by his horse. Galveston Daily News, 16 May 1889, p. 1
Benchley, Brazos Co., Tex., March 25 — Col. C.C. Seale, a prominent
stock farmer living one mile from this place, while returning from the
town of Bryan to his home was thrown from his hack by his team running
away with him and was seriously but not fatally hurt. Dallas Morning
News, 26 March 1890, page 6
Wellborn, Tex., Sept. 7 — Saturday Major Beane, a genial old
gentleman of Brazos County, was out with a party of friends chasing the
wild deer, but being unsuccessful he left the party to return home.
Sunday his nonappearance caused uneasiness at home and friends went out
in search of him. He is supposed to have been seized with apoplexy soon
after his separation from the other hunters and to have fallen from his
horse, as he was found in the forest Monday at noon in an unconscious
condition with his head and face infested with worms. He was taken home
and tenderly cared for, but died in a few hours. Dallas Morning News, 8
September 1892, p.5
Bryan, Texas, March 13 - Today as the 12.27 p.m. Houston and Texas
Central passenger train was leaving Bryan it struck Mark Taylor, a
colored man, and fractured his skull, from the effects of which he is
now dying. Taylor was working for Mr. Frank Wallace, a well -known
Brazos County farmer, who lives about six miles from here, and was
unloading seed in Colonel A.C.L. Hill's seed house on the railroad
reservation near the track when the train came by. Fearing the team
would be frightened, Taylor got out of the wagon to hold them. As the
train rushed by one of the mules lunged forward and threw Taylor against
the cowcatcher, with the result as related. The train was stopped and
the man was picked up. A crowd shortly gathered and officers took
charge of the unfortunate Negro, while the train proceeded north. Mark
Taylor was an orderly and hard working Negro, and when hurt had in his
Anne Boykin - Horse and mule accidents, etc. 4
pockets $50 in money, his savings for the past year, and which had just
been paid him by Mr. Wallace. Justice of the Peace Thomas Johnson held
the inquest. Houston Daily Post, 14 March 1893, p.7, col.6
Bryan ... A team attached to a buggy occupied by Messrs. Joe Groginski
and M. Wolf ran away yesterday afternoon and demolished the buggy. Both
men were thrown out. Mr. Wolf was bruised up slightly and Mr. Groginski
had his head skinned up some. Galveston Daily News, 9 Feb. 1895, p.2,
col.5
A livery team attached to a buggy containing Messrs. M. Wolf and Joe
Groginski ran away Thursday throwing both gentlemen out and bruising
them up considerably. Mr. Groginski's head was skinned up and his
right eye badly blacked. The buggy was demolished and the team roughed
up and captured by Jeff Cole. The gentlemen procured another team and
went to Madisonville, where Mr. Wolf has been laid up the past week.
(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 14 Feb. 1895, p.3, col.3
*Mr. Collins, a "young man "; killed near Macy by his horse falling
on him. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 25 Apr.1895, p.11, col.1 Galveston Daily
News, 24 April 1895, p.2, col.3
Bryan, Brazos Co., Tex., Feb. 2 — Stuart Boatwright was thrown by a
horse this afternoon and had one arm broken. Dallas Morning News, 3
February 1896, page 8
A horse ran away with a Negro at Allenfarm Thursday, and threw him
against a tree, breaking both jawbones and otherwise bruising him up
badly. The Negro's name is Tom Scott. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 3 February
1897, p.3, col.4
*Mr. Sim Forby, died at Kurten; was thrown by a mule. (weekly) Bryan
Eagle, 16 Sept. 1897, p.6, col.1
Bryan ... Tom Bishop, a Negro who resides on a farm in the bottom across
the Brazos River, came to town yesterday riding a mule and met his death
in a peculiar manner last night on the way home. It was stated by those
who informed the Negro's employer here that he had been drinking and
fell from the mule when the animal kicked his brains out. Dallas
Morning News, 12 Feb.1898, p.2
Millican, Tex., May 16 — Mr. Mike Relehan, an old and prominent
citizen living near here, was killed by a runaway team while returning
home from Navasota this evening about 8 o'clock. Dallas Morning News,
18 May 1898, page 3.
Bryan - A mule team ran away with a Negro man on Judge W.J. Moore's
farm in the Brazos bottom, horribly mashing him up, from which he died a
few hours later. Houston Daily Post, 3 July 1898, p.5, col.2
Bryan, Tex., July 2 — A Negro man was killed by a runaway team on
Judge Moore's plantation in the Brazos bottom this morning. Dallas
Morning News, 3 July 1898, p.21
*Eddie Smith, was killed in Bryan by a horse; aged 18; buried in
Calvert; nephew of Mr. H. H. Smith. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 26 Jan. 1899,
Anne Boykin - Horse and mule accidents, etc. 5
p.6, col.2
*Mr. G.C. Cox, aged about 32; raised in Burleson Co.; killed by a mule;
buried at or near Cook's Point. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 29 June 1899,
p.4, col.4
Bryan, Texas - An old Negro by the name of Henry Pierce was kicked by a
horse here late yesterday afternoon and had his arm crushed near the
shoulder. Houston Daily Post, 4 September 1899, p.5, col.6
While Messrs. Goodman and Miller (the former of Navasota, and the
latter of Bryan) were out driving in or near Navasota yesterday, the
team ran away and both gentlemen were injured and unconscious for
several hours. Mr. Robert Cuthrell is here looking after Mr. Miller's
jewelry establishment. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 25 Apr. 1901, p.6, col.3
Julius Levy returned from Navasota yesterday morning and reported
Isador Goodman was very dangerously injured by the runaway accident, and
Rudolph Miller of this city badly bruised up. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 25
April 1901, p.6, col.4
Bryan, Tex., Nov. 22 — While driving this afternoon, Charlie Wetter
and two sisters were thrown from their buggy in a runaway accident. One
of Mr. Wetter's legs was broken, and he was otherwise bruised up. The
young ladies sustained slight injuries and were badly frightened.
Dallas Morning News, 23 November 1903, page 7
"A Negro Killing Mule," Bryan Morning Eagle, 13 January 1904, p.3,
col.4. An African American man named "Speed" was killed on the Edge
farm.
News reached town yesterday afternoon after the Evening Pilot was on
the street, of the death of Lucien Turner, colored, who was killed by
his wagon running over him near Providence church. Turner was employed
by Mr. J.H. Suber to haul wood to the A. & M. College, and while driving
along the road, one of the standards on his wagon broke, causing the
wood to fall and throwing him to the ground in front of the wheel, which
passed over his body, crushing out his life. Brazos Pilot, 30 August
1906, p.3
"Killed by Falling Horse," Bryan Daily Eagle, 2 March 1909, p.4,
col.2. Fred Williams, who was the son of Todd Williams, of Harvey; also
mentions Sam Greer.
An exciting runaway occurred on Main street at noon today that was full
of fire and ginger and had everybody jumping while it lasted. A horse
attached to a buggy that belonged to an Italian from the bottom took
fright on North Main and in his madness dashed on to the sidewalk about
the middle of the Zanetti block and ran with the buggy right up the side
walk to the Marwill corner. The buggy was torn to pieces, but further
than that no damage was done. It looks like a miracle that the run with
the buggy could be made on the side walk that distance without hurting
some one, or doing some serious damage. Bryan Daily Eagle, 8 Dec. 1909,
p.1
Phillip Groginski, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Groginski, was right badly
Anne Boykin - Horse and mule accidents, etc. 6
hurt yesterday afternoon by his buggy turning over with him. The horse
became frightened after the accident & the buggy was broken up very
badly. Bryan Daily Eagle, 9 May 1910, p.3, col.4
"Kicked by Mule," Bryan Daily Eagle, 30 Oct. 1914, p.3, col.3.
"A Runaway Team Does Much Damage," Bryan Daily Eagle, 7 September
1916, p.1, col.5. Ed Campbell, driver, who worked for E.F. Parks
Furniture Company
Bryan ... Westly Harris, a Negro, was instantly killed and his wife
seriously injured when the wagon in which they were riding was struck by
a southbound International & Great Northern passenger train near the
Agricultural and Mechanical College. The wagon was demolished and both
mules killed. Dallas Morning News, December 26, 1920, p.3
Green Varner, a Negro living on Route 2 out of Bryan who was picking
cotton on the farm two miles above Mumford in the Brazos Bottom managed
by John Moss of Hearne and known as the Watts place last Saturday when
the flood waters came rushing down was in Bryan late Tuesday afternoon
and told the graphic story of the drowning of three Negro women and a
child 1 and' /2 years old. The flood waters were heard at this place as
early as nine o'clock Saturday night but no attempt of escape was made
until day light Saturday morning, all believing there was no danger.
When John Owens loaded in his wagon his wife, three sons, Carrie
Henderson, a daughter; Mabel Owens, a daughter -in -law; Pinkie Rice,
mother -in -law; two grand children and Green Varner of Bryan all Negroes
and started for high ground they passed both railroads, I. & G. N. and
"Jack" and the stretch of country between the Big Brazos and had
passed the Little Brazos when they met the mad rush of water. Seeing
their escape up the road was impossible John Owens jumped from the wagon
and attempted to cut the wire fence to go across the fields. Here it
was the mad rush of water hit them and the bed of the wagon was swept
off down with the tide carrying with it the human freight. All were
rescued except the wife, daughter -in -law and the baby child. Pinkie
Rice, the mother -in -law caught a tree several miles down the river and
was found late Sunday afternoon. The bodies of the drowned have not
been found up to late Tuesday night. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 15 September
1921, p.4
"A.& M. Cadet Killed by Fall; Carlton W. Eddins of Kerrville is
Thrown to Death by Horse," Dallas Morning News, January 25, 1928,
sect.1, p.3. Cavalry member; he was working his way through college;
campus flag was at half mast.
Anne Boykin - Cars, trucks and motorcycles 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 5/14/2007 6:57:27 am
Subject: Cars, trucks and motorcycles
CC: "Ron Hambric" <RHAMBRIC @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
"College Station, Tex., May 5 ... It is learned with considerable
satisfaction here that the college community is to secure two lines of
automobiles connecting this place with Bryan. For some years there has
been talk of an interurban electric railway to furnish frequent and
rapid communication with Bryan and at one time the proposition seemed to
be taking on pretty definite shape. But for some reason the matter was
allowed to drop. Dallas Morning News, 7 May 1906, page 2
"Still Full of Fight," Galveston Daily News, 29 Nov. 1908, p.6.
Though beaten again and again by UT, "the fighting spirit is still
dominant "; mentions "college bus"
"Automobile Accident," Bryan Daily Eagle, 11 Sept. 1911, p.4, col.2
[advertisement] "Hupmobile..." Bryan Daily Eagle, 17 Jan. 1912, p.6,
col.5. Mentions Howard R. Cavitt.
"Motorcycle Strikes Auto," Bryan Daily Eagle, 7 Feb. 1912, p.3,
col.3. Frank Murray was riding the motorcycle.
"Automobile Smashup," Bryan Daily Eagle, 14 November 1912, p.3,
col.3. S.W. Hooks' new Cadillac was wrecked.
"New Automobile Agency," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 28 Nov. 1912, p.5,
col.6.
"Bryan Automobile Club Organized," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 16 Apr. 1913,
p.7, col.7. H.R. Cavitt was a member.
"Bryan Motor Car Co.," Bryan Daily Eagle, 22 Apr. 1913, sect. 1, p.8.
Howard Cavitt worked there
Bryan, Tex., Nov. 24 — At 10 o'clock last night fire broke out in a
Negro pool hall on north Main Street, damaging it to the extent of $300,
which was partially covered by insurance. A Negro undertaking
establishment next door was damaged a few hundred dollars, fully
covered. The damage to the building which belonged to C.G. Parson was
also covered. The automobile of Dr. A.L. Mondick caught fire about the
same time and was damaged in the sum of $125. No insurance. Galveston
Daily News, 25 Nov. 1914, p.8
"Automobile Accident," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 3 June 1915, p.8, col.6
"Automobile Was Hit by Train," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 8 July 1915, p.8,
col.5. Belonged to T.C. Nunn
"Automobiles Getting Numerous," Bryan Daily Eagle, 23 June 1916,
p.3, col.5.
"Auto and Buggy Collide," Bryan Daily Eagle, 26 December 1916, p.1,
Anne Boykin - Cars, trucks and motorcycles 2
col.4. Beulah Stevens.
"Auto Run Amuck," Bryan Daily Eagle, 19 June 1917, p.4, col.5.
Louis Nichols
The South Dallas exemption board has an opening for one more volunteer
to go to the A.& M. College for the two weeks' course in automobile
driving, repairing and general mechanical instruction. The reason of
this vacancy is that one of the men who volunteered a few days ago to go
with this increment learned yesterday that he would not be able to go.
Any registrant under the jurisdiction of the South Dallas board who
wishes to volunteer for this movement should report at the board
headquarters tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock. Dallas Morning News, 14
April 1918, page 12
"650 Auto Mechanics Will Arrive College Saturday— More Later," Bryan
Daily Eagle, 13 June 1918, p.1, col.2
770 Men Arrive at College for Auto - Mechanics Course," Bryan Daily
Eagle, 17 June 1918, p.1, col.4.
College Station, Texas, July 28 — Lieutenant Henry B. Major of Media,
Pa., assigned to the training detachment of Agricultural and Mechanical
College, died at 3:15 o'clock this morning as the result of injuries
sustained a short while before when an automobile in which he was
returning from Bryan collided with a wagon driven by Oliver Walker, a
13- year -old boy of Wellborn. Lieutenant Patrick J. Nee, of Chicago,
attached to the Signal Corps unit at the college, was bruised
internally, but probably will recover, while Lieutenant John T. Kernodle
Jr., who was driving the car, escaped with slight injuries. Both the
car and the wagon were demolished, and while the driver of the wagon is
in the hospital, he will recover. Lieutenant Major, seated in the rear
of the automobile, was thrown to the asphalt pavement, and the car
turned over on him, crushing all the bones in the pelvic region and
injuring him internally. He is survived by his parents Mr. and Mrs.
S.R. Major of Media, and his body will be forwarded there tomorrow.
Dallas Morning News, 29 July 1918, page 1
"Negro Woman Hit by Auto," Bryan Daily Eagle, 30 September 1918,
p.4, col.4.
"Seriously Injured When Automobile Hits Motorcycle," Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 17 Oct. 1918, p.3, col.3. Henry W. Moehlman
Bryan, Texas, April 19 — J.J. Adams, 19, of Crockett, Texas, a
sophomore at A.& M. College, was killed about 8 o'clock Saturday night
in a motorcycle accident on the college road near Bryan. Adams died on
the way to the hospital at Bryan. Fort Worth Star Telegram, 20 April
1919, page 1
College Station, Texas, April 20 — Joseph Gerard Adams, a sophomore
student of Agricultural and Mechanical College, was instantly killed
here late Saturday, when a sidecar motorcycle in which he and two other
cadets were riding was thrown into a ditch just at the entrance to the
Bryan Country club. Adams suffered a crushed chest. He and another
cadet were in the sidecar when the driver was forced to turn out of the
Anne Boykin - Cars, trucks and motorcycles 3
road to avoid a car ahead. The front wheel struck a hole and was
wrecked, the car turning completely over in the ditch. Adams was barely
21 years of age and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Adams of Crockett,
his father being a lawyer of that place. The body was taken to the
parents' home early today. The other cadets riding with Adams escaped
with slight injuries. President Bizzell announced after a thorough
investigation that the accident was unavoidable and that the driver of
the motorcycle was not to blame.
Dallas Morning News, 21 April 1919, p.3.
"Two Ladies Were Seriously Hurt in Bad Auto Smash," Bryan Weekly Eagle,
10 June 1920, p.3, col.3. Mrs. Olivia Suber
"Little Girl Run Over by Automobile," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 15 July 1920,
p.3, col.2. Fannie May Carroll
College Station, Texas, Aug. 21 — Construction of the Agricultural
and Mechanical Consolidated School is being rushed with the view of
having the building completed and equipment installed by Sept. 13, the
opening date. The Consolidated School includes the school districts of
Welborn, Union Hill, Dowling, College Station and Shiloh. Students will
be brought from the rural districts to the high school in an omnibus.
Vocational agriculture, domestic science and arts and manual training
will be covered in the school. It will have the grammar grades and will
carry through high school. It will be affiliated with institutions of
higher learning. It just such a school as the college wishes to see
established in the rural districts of Texas. It means, according to
President W.B. Bizzell, who has fostered the organization of this
school, the abolition of the two room school and the substitution
thereof of a modern building with a definite course of instruction and a
capable and adequate teaching staff. This is done with but little
additional expense to the patrons of the school. W.L. Hughes of Brady
will be the superintendent of the new school. The high school staff
will include George Wilcox of Jacksboro, V.R. Glazener of Midway, Miss
Marie Frey of Corsicana, Miss Stout of Austin, while the graded school
will have miss Alma McKnight of Marlin, Miss Quata Wood of Hico, Miss
Corinne Nash of Dallas, Miss Ruth Wallace of Commerce and Miss Ina
Lipscomb of Calvert. Dallas Morning News, 22 Aug. 1920, p.2
Bryan, Texas, Aug. 28 — Eugene Leroy, reported held in Rio de Janeiro
in connection with the Detroit trunk murder mystery case, lived in Bryan
during 1916. He worked here as a automobile mechanic. According to
Sheriff Morehead he owed the county a fine at the time he left here.
Fort Worth Star - Telegram, 29 August 1920, page 1
"First Automobile Owned in Bryan by M. Bonneville," Bryan Weekly Eagle,
2 June 1937, p.6, col.5.
McKay, Paul, "Bryan Enters the Automobile Age," Bryan College Station
Eagle, 12 Jan. 1985, Saturday Magazine, p.19
Anne Boykin - Re: College Station cemetery
From: FRAN LAMB <fran 1 020@yahoo.com>
To: Bill Page <BPAGE @lib- gw.tamu.edu >, Regina Opers...
Date: 5/16/2007 5:06:40 pm
Subject: Re: College Station cemetery
CC: Ron Hambric <RHAMBRIC.PO1.LIB @lib- gw.tamu.edu >,...
Thank you, Bill, for that info. I may have to record another HH script and include these names. FYI,
here's something I found to be most interesting...
The oldest identifiable stone marker for a grave in Brazos County is the gravesite of Mary Jones who
died in 1842 at the age of 3 days. This marker is located in the Jones - Roberts Cemetery, near Jones
Road in College Station.
Cheers,
FRAN
Fran Lamb Reply to: franl020 @yahoo.com
P.O. Box 202, Calvert, TX 77837
cell: 979/777 -3980, Calvert: 979/364 -3884, fax: 364 -2792
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Anne Boykin - Re: A &M Consolidated School Building
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: <aganter @csisd.org >, "Anne Boykin" <Aboykin @cst...
Date: 5/14/2007 8:47:06 am
Subject: Re: A &M Consolidated School Building
Part of the confusion may be because some schools consolidated to 1920.
For example:
"New Houses, New Furniture, New Books," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 30
Sept. 1897, p.1:
"Following are some of the more important improvements made during
the last twelve months in the rural schools of Brazos County ...
District No. 2, Wellborn — One assistant teacher added to the school.
Nice bookcase provided for the school library and many new books put in
District No. 5 — New school opened in the Dowling community...
District No. 6 (this apparently was the Shiloh District) — Two small
one teacher schools consolidated; a new modern two -room schoolhouse
built and a well put down at same ..."
Unfortunately, this doesn't name the two schools that consolidated
And then there is:
"Consolidation Talk for Two Schools," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 31 May
1917, p.4. Shiloh and Rock Prairie schools
don't know if those two schools did consolidate in 1917 or not.
:3111
>>> "Anne Boykin" <Aboykin @cstx.gov> 5/14/2007 7:49 AM >>>
Ann - This just in from Bill Page who never ceases to amaze me. I
remember someone saying that they were never really quite certain of
the
schools that were actually consolidated. This mention will certainly
help to document them. Becky Nugent suggests we call out 100 year
celebration: 100 Years of Class! I like it!
THANKS, BILL!
Anne
College Station, Texas, Aug. 21 — Construction of the Agricultural
and Mechanical Consolidated School is being rushed with the view of
having the building completed and equipment installed by Sept. 13, the
opening date. The Consolidated School includes the school districts
of
Welborn, Union Hill, Dowling, College Station and Shiloh. Students
will
be brought from the rural districts to the high school in an omnibus.
Anne Boykin - Re: A &M Consolidated School Building 2
Vocational agriculture, domestic science and arts and manual training
will be covered in the school. It will have the grammar grades and
will
carry through high school. It will be affiliated with institutions of
higher learning. It just such a school as the college wishes to see
established in the rural districts of Texas. It means, according to
President W.B. Bizzell, who has fostered the organization of this
school, the abolition of the two room school and the substitution
thereof of a modern building with a definite course of instruction and
a
capable and adequate teaching staff. This is done with but little
additional expense to the patrons of the school. W.L. Hughes of Brady
will be the superintendent of the new school. The high school staff
will include George Wilcox of Jacksboro, V.R. Glazener of Midway, Miss
Marie Frey of Corsicana, Miss Stout of Austin, while the graded school
will have miss Alma McKnight of Marlin, Miss Quata Wood of Hico, Miss
Corinne Nash of Dallas, Miss Ruth Wallace of Commerce and Miss Ina
Lipscomb of Calvert. Dallas Morning News, 22 Aug. 1920, p.2
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Project HOLD Staff
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykin @cstx.gov
http: / /HOLD.cstx.gov
College Station. Heart of the Research Valley.
Anne Boykin - Brazos County dogs 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie
Date: 5/17/2007 6:44:24 am
Subject: Brazos County dogs
CC: "Ron Hambric" <RHAMBRIC.PO1.LIB @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
My favorite is the treatment for grange ... I hope no one lit a match
near that dog <g>
Rev. Anthony Bewley has a companion in martyrdom. In the "Lone Star"
State, another Methodist preacher has been hung. Texas claims the
proto- martyr of our Church since its reorganization in the Southwest.
In the winter of 1865, an intelligent, courageous, powerfully built
colored man, twenty -five years old, entered the Thomson Biblical
Institute, to prepare for the Christian ministry. He was Edwin Brooks.
A machinist by trade, he commanded four dollars per day; but he left all
to follow Christ. A faithful student, he advanced rapidly in his
studies, and after a year's tuition, joined the Texas Conference, and
was sent by Bishop Simpson to Millican, Texas, and at the succeeding
Conference was reappointed by Bishop Ames. He soon became a leading man
among his people, who looked up to him for religious advice and
political counsel. In August last a white man entered the cabin of a
freedman and threatened his life; but the man fled to the woods - the
old place of refuge. From this incident occurred what was called the
" Millican riot," which resulted so fatally to the blacks. In the
troubles that followed, Rev. Edwin Brooks was the recognized leader of
his brethren. After the excitement had subsided, Brooks was ordered to
Austin to report to General Reynolds. On his way he found himself
pursued by a band of armed men, from whom he fled and took refuge in the
"Brazos river bottoms." But the blood- hounds were soon upon his path
and uncovered his retreat to his bloody pursuers. Having secured their
victim, they demanded that he should disclose the object of his mission
to Austin, and that he should recant his Republican principles.
Refusing to do either, they began to torture him in the most cruel
manner. They stripped the flesh from his body, but he refused to
recant; they broke his legs, but he declined to foreswear hi honor and
his faith; they then hung him by the neck till he died a martyr for his
Church and country. After the horrid murder, the colored people were
permitted to take the body of their pastor down and give it a decent
burial. Thus a former student and fellow laborer, ended a life in which
he had suffered as a slave, fought as a Union soldier, and which he
crowned with martyrdom. New Orleans Advocate, 24 October 1868, p.5,
col.1
We glean from the Eagle that Welkey's carpenter shop and dwelling are
combined, and face the Public Square. Last Sunday night the family left
a lamp burning on a shelf underneath another shelf, and went to church.
On the shelf above was a can of coal oil. Shortly after the family
left, our townsman, Charlie Sterne, of the firm of Messrs. J.J. Adams &
Co., was passing along and saw the house on fire. He gave the alarm,
and finding the door barred, he broke into the house through a window,
although forcibly opposed by a big watch dog that bit him. The shelves
were in flames, and the flames were creeping through the crevices of the
side of the building. Half a bucket of water was all he could find on
Anne Boykin Brazos County dogs 2
the premises, but with this, aided by a dipper, he succeeded in putting
out the fire. Houston Daily Union, 14 July 1870, page 2
The following seems to be a rather left- handed compliment from an
editor to his own town: "We notice that the Legislature has changed
Bryan from a town to a city. While at work at this job we wish it would
also change its name, and call it either Dogtown or Pupville. Either
would cover the case. As Bryan has outgrown her town breeches they are
for sale cheap. They can be bought at a bargain, and they will do as
well as new ones to start a town with. Apply to the mayor. The
contents of the pockets go with the breeches without additional
charge." — Eagle. (San Antonio) Daily Express, 11 Nov. 1871, p.
2.
1872: April — "Bryan Forty -Five Years Ago as Told by an Old
Paper," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 26 April 1917, p.4. About Weekly
Bryan Appeal, 26 April 1872. "War was being made on the dogs by the
city authorities, the alarm having been excited by a 'few cases of
hydrophobia'..."
Bryan ... Yesterday evening five convicts at work on the farm of Major
White, in the bottom, attacked Mr. Murray, the guard, took his gun from
him, and keeping him with them made off in the direction of Grimes
County. They were trailed with dogs last night, but were not captured.
Mr. Murray with one convict has returned. He says they released him
near Wellborn. Galveston Daily News, 22 Jan. 1880, p.1, col.3
Bryan ... The case of Jerry Berryman, charged with the theft of two
puppies, came up before the court for trial. The attorney for the
defendant made a motion to dismiss the case on the ground that it was no
offense to steal a dog; that the statute did not make any provision for
it ...The court over ruled defendant's motion and forced defendant to
trial. Galveston Daily News, 24 July 1886, p.2, col.4
Millican ... N.W. Rector had his barn burned to the ground last night.
It was the work of an incendiary. Mr. Rector was awakened during the
night by his dog, and found a man in his turnip patch and crowded him so
close he left without his basket of turnips. Later in the night he was
awakened, to find his barn on fire. He lost all his corn and oats.
Christmas passed without any notable event. Houston Daily Post, 26 Dec.
1886, p.4
The correspondent of the Bryan Pilot gives this account of Allen farm
worked by convicts: This farm is worked on shares by the State, with
second -class convicts, consisting of old men, young boys and cripples
— those whose physical defects prevent their being first -class
laborers, and the number is kept up to an average of 100. The State
guards, feeds and clothes the convicts, and Messrs. Rogers and Hill
furnish land, prison, teams and implements, and the crop is equally
divided. Last year, there was made and gathered some 800 bales of
cotton, and some 1400 bushels of corn, on 1000 acres of land, and this
year there will be about 1800 acres in cultivation, and at this time it
is all bedded, and ready to plant. The convicts are well clothed, well
housed and well fed — satiety of appetite being the only limit to
their food, and the latter consists of bacon or pork, cornbread, yam
potatoes, biscuit, molasses, hominy, peas, and in season, almost every
Anne Boykin - Brazos County dogs 3
variety of vegetable ever grown in this section — several acres of
which are grown here every year. There are some fifteen or twenty
trusties, charged with the minor details of the farm, and there has not
been an attempt to escape in a long while. There is a mounted guard for
every squad of eight convicts, and as an additional precaution, there is
a pack of hounds kept, that are not allowed to run anything but
convicts, and escape is well nigh impossible. Dallas Morning News, 1
March 1887, p. 4.
Brazos County... Stolen from Harry L. Hayes, at Millican, Tex., 3 Dec.
1887, 1 sorrel horse ... with the horse was a black back dog, Greaser, and
high rubber boots. $10 reward... Address D.D. Dawson, sheriff, Bryan,
Tex., or Harry L. Hayes, Millican, Tex. Galveston Daily News, 5 Dec.
1887, p.3, col.2
Bryan, Texas, March 16 - Robert Elliott, a barber, died yesterday of
hydrophobia. He was bitten by a mad dog three weeks ago, but did not
know at the time that the dog was mad. Three days ago he began
complaining of the arm on which he was bitten hurting him. The pain
increased until he was compelled to take to his bed. New York Times, 17
March 1888, p.3
Bryan, Tex., March 16 — Robert Elliott, a Negro barber who was bitten
by his dog about three weeks ago, was taken with convulsions a day or
two since, and died yesterday undoubtedly from hydrophobia. Galveston
Daily News, 17 March 1888, p.6
A five - year -old Negro boy from near here got lost while rabbit hunting
yesterday morning and was found dead this morning. His three dogs were
still with him. He probably died from exposure, being out all night in
the cold rain. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 31 December 1888, p.1
Entirely too much rain has made the crop prospects around Millican much
less promising than they were two weeks ago ... There is an immense
immigration of squirrels to the country around Millican. The woods are
full of them, and the Negro and his rifle and squirrel dog are making
music in the woods. Brenham Daily Banner, 26 June 1889, p.1
Bryan, Tex., Dec. 12 — Arrangements have been made to have a jack
rabbit chase on Burton's prairie, some six miles northeast of Bryan.
A large number of swift - footed greyhounds have been engaged for the
sport, including some famous dogs from neighboring counties. Dallas
Morning News, 14 December 1891, p.6
Bryan, Tex., March 19 — One of the Negro convicts on the Buck Watts
plantation made a desperate attempt for liberty yesterday, and had it
not been for the excellent pack of dogs kept on the place he would have
been successful. He ran in all a distance of about twenty -five miles,
crossing his own track several times, and coming near Bryan he turned
south toward Navasota. The dogs followed his trail to the very mark,
crossing the rivers and roads without hesitation, and overtaking the
Negro a mile or so south of Bryan. The guards followed the dogs closely
and brought their prisoner back about 3 o'clock in the evening,
passing through Bryan on their return. Dallas Morning News, 21 March
1892, p.5
Anne Boykin - Brazos Cou dogs 4
Wellborn, Brazos Co., Tex., March 24 — Mr. M. Kelly's boy, about 3
years old, died Wednesday of hydrophobia, caused from the bite of a
puppy about a month ago. He has another child about 5 years old, that
was bitten at the same time, but has shown no symptoms as yet. He
leaves to- morrow, however, with the child for New York to have it
treated. It seems that at the time this occurred the dog, being only a
puppy, was fighting with another dog, and the children endeavored to
separate them, but were unable to do anything with them, and were
bitten. Some of the men around the house separated them, and the puppy
attempted to bite them. But little was thought of the matter, though
they felt some uneasiness, and the children were not allowed to play
with the dog, which died a few days later, though showing no symptoms of
being mad. Dallas Morning News, 25 March 1893, p.7
Bryan, Tex., March 2 — Sheriff Nunn has shipped two of his fine
bloodhounds to Lewiston, Mo., receiving $75 for "Roily," who is a
sure catcher. Galveston Daily News, 3 March 1894, page 5, col.7
Robert Grey Tabor, Jr., Bryan, Brazos Co., Tex. — Mr. Big Hat and
cousins. Here comes another little boy to ask admittance to your Cozy
Corner. I go to school and am in the fourth grade. I study reading,
spelling, arithmetic, geography, language and Texas history. I have a
Shetland pony, three horses, two nanny goats, two shepherd dogs and one
cat. I am 9 years old. This is my first letter to the Cozy Corner.
Dallas Morning News, 22 December 1895, page 14
Please tell me what is the matter with my dogs. The hair is coming off
them. I think it is mange. If so, give me a remedy. [signed]
Subscriber, Bryan, Texas.
Ans. — Grease your dogs well once a week, for three or four weeks,
with a mixture of sulphur and lard. Texas Farm and Ranch, 16 June 1900,
page 5
Bryan, Texas — Dear Happyhammers: I want to join your happy band of
girls and boys. I think it is so nice to help the little cripples get
chairs. I am a little girl 8 years old and love to read the Haps
letters. Grandpa takes The Post. I have a pet dog and I named him Jet,
because he is so black. Inclosed find 10 cents for the helping fund.
Ira Maude Camp.
Houston Post, 17 February 1901, page 25
Bryan, Texas — Dear Happyhammers: Good evening! I'm here again.
My Collie has seven little puppies; her name is Bonnie. We have one
Collie; Sister Ray says he is her dog; he is the same age of our baby
brother and a great deal larger. Ray's pet cat is named Benno; she
has three little kittens. I like April best, because I can go
barefooted then. Drew Kennard, my papa knows where your home is. My
sister and I are going to make a violet bed so we will have the club dog
and flower. A true Hap, Johnny Higginbotham Clary. P.S. - Find
inclosed 5 cents for helping fund. Houston Post, 14 April 1901, page
33
Bryan, Tex., April 20 — George Jenkins of this city, who was taken to
Atlanta, Ga., Thursday night for treatment for hydrophobia, died in that
city this morning at 6:40. Mr. Jenkins was bitten by his pet dog
recently. He was thirty -eight years of age and a native of England, but
Anne Boykin - Brazos County dogs 5
had lived in Bryan nearly twenty years. He was a leading architect and
builder of this section of the State, and such buildings as the new
Ursuline Convent of this city and the new agricultural building at the
A. and M. College, both of which were erected by him in the recent past,
are monuments to his genius and skill. His parents, five brothers, one
sister and his wife survive him. His wife is now en route home from
England. Dallas Morning News, 21 April 1902, p.2
College Station, Texas — Dear Happyhammers: Here I come to chat a
while with you all. It is wet here now. A mad dog came into the yard
last week and papa went out to kill him, but the gun snapped. There was
not a load in it, so the dog got away. I got my seed on January 19 and
was glad to get them. [signed] A true Hap, Abney Garrison. Houston
Post, 1 March 1903, p.39
Colored Policeman Bailey Bowen killed a dog thought to have rabies
yesterday. The hot weather is upon us and it is high time to get rid of
all vagrant canines. Bryan Eagle, 11 July 1903
The Eagle learns from Dr. Oliver that a gentleman named Brock was
bitten by a mad -dog in the country Tuesday and left last night for
Pasteur Institute. Bryan Daily Eagle, 13 February 1904, p.3
Bryan, Tex., March 5 — Sam Brock, the Brazos County young man who was
bitten by a mad dog on the left hand Feb. 9, has returned from New
Orleans, where he took the Pasteur treatment for the prevention of
hydrophobia, and is now as well as ever. He was a patient at the
Charity Hospital in New Orleans, where free treatment is provided for
all who desire it, and the only expense he was at was lodging and meals,
which he obtained at the hospital. Mr. Brock was bitten on Feb.9; he
reached New Orleans on Feb. 14, and was discharged from the hospital on
March 1. Dallas Morning News, 6 March 1904, p.2.
Friends of Mr. and Mrs. Ab Carroll of the Wixon community are grieved
to learn of the death of their little son, 6 years old, which occurred
on Saturday night from hydrophobia. The boy was bitten by a dog about
six weeks ago, and was attacked by the fearful malady only a short time
before. He died in great agony. Bryan Daily Eagle, 16 March 1904, p.3
Two children of Frank Bukowski, living near Wellborn, were bitten by a
dog belonging to the family, Monday, one on the hand and the other on
the knee. The parents becoming alarmed, Mr. J.K. McGregor took them and
their father to Mr. Mark Wilcox's home north of Bryan Tuesday
afternoon, and the latter applied his madstone to the wounds, but it
would not adhere. The dog had never before manifested any vicious
tendency, and it is hoped there will be no serious result from the
wounds. Bryan Morning Eagle, 8 June 1905, p.3, col.4
Austin, Tex., Dec. 28 — Dogs, supposed to be the most rabid of all
animals when in hydrophobia, can be given hydrophobia and cured, as was
demonstrated at the Pasteur Institute of the State of Texas, operated in
connection with the State Lunatic Asylum in this city. The Pasteur
Institute turned out today as cured nine fine registered fox hounds from
Bryan, which had been bitten by another hound in the kennels at Bryan,
which went mad and traveled eighty miles in one day and was killed. The
other dogs, which are very valuable, were rushed here in crates in
Anne Boykin - Brazos County dogs 6
charge of a Negro attendant at the kennels. They have been inoculated
with the poison from animals which died with hydrophobia, and
successfully withstood the treatment. They will not go mad as a result
of the bite of their kennel mate which had the rabies. It has been a
remarkable case and said to have been the first of its kind in this
section of the United States. It keeps the record clean at the Pasteur
Institute. With the nine dogs cured, the institute has treated 140
patients and none was lost, but all saved from the dread hydrophobia.
There are now twelve patients in the institute taking the treatment.
Dallas Morning News, 29 December 1905, p.10
Mr. J.T. Hanway, who is in Austin `phoned to Mrs. Hanway last night
requesting that his friends and patrons be notified that he will be
absent about two weeks longer. He is at the Pasteur Institute taking
precautionary treatment, for the reason that a week or ten days ago he
doctored a dog that subsequently died and was believed to be affected
with rabies. He reports that he is feeling fine and getting along
nicely. Bryan Morning Eagle, 25 February 1906, p.3
Bryan, Texas — Dear Mrs. Foster and Happyhammers: Here I come again.
I will tell you about my being lost. It was on December 18. All of
the men were at the spring killing hogs and I tried to go to the house
for a knife to help with the hogs, but I missed the way to the spring.
My brother's dog followed me the first day. There were over 500 men
in the woods hunting for me. Every one had a biscuit in his pocket for
me when they found me. I had my stockings full of hickory nuts to take
home with me. I ate huckleberries and blackhaws all the time I was
gone. There were wolves in the woods. There were two bloodhounds in
after me and there were plenty of wild hogs there at that time. But I
was not afraid. I was only 7 years old then. Many a child would have
been frightened to death even when they saw those men. I have taken up
a small collection for the helping fund and will try to do better next
time. Names of senders, Mr. D.W. Hazard, 5 cents; Mr. A.M. Tillery, 5
cents; Mr. W.A. Free, 5 cents; Mr. W.C. Free, 5 cents; total 20 cents.
send my love to Mrs. Foster and the Haps. A true Hap, Minnie Free.
[Very interesting, but I wish you had told when and how you slept and
where and how they found you. Certainly our Heavenly Father was caring
for you all the time, and I hope you will repay His love. — Ed..]
Houston Post, 6 January 1907, page 39
The hydrophobia situation grows more serious and another child was
severely bitten this morning. At the home of Eliza Woods, colored,
their dog was kept tied and the little girl going too near it this
morning was seized and badly bitten. She would perhaps have been killed
had not a Negro boy gone to her rescue and pulled her away from the dog.
The woman cooks at the Allen Academy and carried the child at once to
Prof. H.W. South. He called Dr. Raysor and after attending to the
child, they went to see about the dog and found it unmistakably mad.
The dog was shot and killed by Dr. Raysor. As soon as the Academy's
students learned of it, they took up a collection to have the child
treated and raised $26.00. Prof. South will leave with the child for
the Pasteur Institute at Austin tonight. The kindness of the faculty
and students of the Academy is highly commendable. Brazos Pilot, 2 May
1907, p.6, col.3.
Emmett Rohde caught a large wild cat after an hour's chase near town
Anne Boykin - Brazos County dogs 7
yesterday morning. The animal fought viciously and cut up one of Mr.
Rohde's dogs considerably. The pelt, feet and head have been
preserved for mounting. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 16 May 1907, p.2, col.2
Deputy Sheriff Conlee succeeded in capturing the Negro Independent
Williams, who shot and killed Ike Minor at Mudville yesterday morning.
He secured some blood hounds and ran him down and caught him late
yesterday afternoon, news of which had not reached town when the Pilot
went to Press. He brought him in this morning and landed him in jail.
Brazos Pilot, 11 July 1907, p.6
Ed Carll of Wellborn came up from Millican yesterday bringing with him
a Negro prisoner, Joe Malone, charged with the theft of a dog. Bryan
Daily Eagle, 21 May 1908, p.3, col.3
A mad dog in the residence district on the west side this morning
caused quite a commotion for a time. It was discovered in the yard of
Joe Kosh and its peculiar actions alarmed the family who took refuge in
the house. Deputy Marshal Dickson was notified and he went at once to
the house but it was some time before he could get a shot at it. He
finally succeeded however, in killing it. There are hundreds of
worthless dogs in town and the people should use every precaution to
protect themselves. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 17 June 1909, p.1, col.4.
At an early hour this morning quite a little excitement was had in the
eastern part of town, when a large white dog, with every evidence of
madness made an onslaught on everything in sight. Several dogs
belonging to parties in that section of town were bitten and the furious
beast did not stop until he had been shot down by Constable C.L. Baker.
Some of the parties whose dogs were bitten shot them including some fine
bird dogs. Let's muzzle our dogs. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 15 July
1909, p.7, col.6
Abram Hensarling of Wellborn and Evander Hensarling of Steep Hollow
called at The Eagle today and reported a big cat chase on Wixon Creek
last night, enjoyed by Evander Hensarling, Charley Hartsfield and Elmer
Bullock. They had two splendid cat dogs, and after hunting a while a
big cat was jumped and after a two hours chase the varmint took a tree
and was shot out by one of the boys. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 15 January
1914, p.3, col.3.
Charlie Hartsfield and Sam Freeman brought a catamount in to the Eagle
office today that they killed last night on Mrs. Moore's place on
Wixon Creek. It measures four and one half feet from front to back toes
and has claws about three - quarters of an inch in length and weighs about
twenty pounds. Messrs. Charlie Hartsfield, Sam Freeman, Elmer Bullock
and Ernest Thompson were out last night giving the dogs of Mr.
Hartsfield a run, when they struck the trail of the cat. He ran to a
tree and Elmer Bullock shot him with No.7 shot behind the left foreleg,
after which the dogs took hold and finished him. The run lasted about
an hour and the cat put up a game fight, wounding two of the dogs, but
they stayed with the cat until they finished him. This is the second
cat this crowd has killed in the last four days. Mr. Hartsfield says he
is going to mount the cat and preserve him. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 15
January 1914, p.4, col.5.
Anne Boykin - Brazos County dogs 8
Ten people, largely children, residing in the vicinity of Allen
Academy, are all taking treatment for hydrophobia since the advent of a
dog with rabies in that community on Sunday night. According to
information received by the Eagle, a small dog belonging to Albert Novak
went mad on Sunday and created some havoc in the neighborhood, biting
the mother dog and a number of children, including the three children of
Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Lenz, Evelyn, Ervin and Emmett. These same three
children were treated fro the same thing about a year ago, when bitten
on a previous occasion. The owner of the dog that was bitten, Mr.
Novak, had the dog shot last night. The head of the dog that went mad
was first sent to the A. and M. College and later to Austin and a
telegram received on Tuesday by Mr. Novak stated that the brain of the
dog showed indications of rabies. Bryan Daily Eagle, 31 December 1924,
p.1, col.4
Bryan, Texas, July 8 — Two mad dogs appeared in Bryan during the week
and a large number of other dogs were bitten but no person was injured.
A wholesale slaughter of dogs in the communities where the rabid ones
appeared was begun by city officials and up to Saturday night
twenty -five had been killed. Several valuable dogs were bitten and have
been put under treatment in the veterinary department at the A.& M.
College. Dallas Morning News, 9 July 1928, sect.1, p.4
"Sure, Man's Best Friend is the Doggie," Dallas Morning News,
Oct.6, 1929, Feature Section, p.3. About President Milner's dog
Pluto.
"485 Dallas Youths Among Aggie Student Body," Dallas Morning News,
Dec.1, 1940, sect.4, p.5. Reveille was a member of the Red Cross.
"Negro is Caught After Long Race With Bloodhounds," Bryan Daily
Eagle, 15 July 1941, p.1, col.2. Henry Pickens.
"Rank of 'General' is Sought for Reveille, Aggie Mascot, in WAC of Dogs
for Defense; Need $ 100," Bryan Daily Eagle, 21 August 1943, p.3.
"Plans to Enlist Reveille as General in the W.A.C.'s Begin," Battalion,
21 August 1943, p.1.
"College Station Artist to Portray Reveille in Oil," Battalion, 2
October 1943, p.1. Miss Marie Haines.
"Miss Marie Haines, Well Known College Station Artist, Paints
Reveille's Portrait; Will be Completed on Monday," Battalion, 20
November 1943, p.1. Includes photo of her with Reveille.
"'Mom' Claghorn's Pet Dog Dies," Battalion, 27 February 1952, p.1.
Campus nurse.
"Mascot Reveille II Adjusts to New Routine of Mother," Battalion, 11
December 1952, p.1. She gave birth to 10 pups.
"Lincoln Union Debators Win; Keep Women at A &M," Battalion, 23 January
1973, p.1. Debate on "Should A &M Ban the Broads ?" Apparently this was
not very serious; one person said, for example, "Let's leave the sheep
to the sheep and Reveille to the Corps."
Anne Boy kin - Plays and shows
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 5/25/2007 11:45:06 am
Subject: Plays and shows
CC: "Ron Hambric" <RHAMBRIC.PO1.LIB @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
[ad] Great Southern Circus and Menagerie (Late Robinson and Eldred's)
Will Exhibit at Washington, Anderson, Boonville ... Texas Baptist
(Anderson), 20 May 1857, p.3
Letter from Bryan ... Mr. Crisp, with his theatrical troupe, has been
here for several weeks, and has met with much patronage and
encouragement; he left yesterday morning. There is also here a
traveling show, playing necromancy, gymnastics, and exhibiting animals.
Galveston Daily News, 7 April 1868, p. 3.
Miss Agnes Stanfield, better known in the literary world as Ada Clare,
was married at Houston, Texas, on Sept. 9 to J.F. Noyes, manager of the
theatre at Bryan City, Texas. New York Times, 27 September 1868, page
5
The Varieties Theatre at Bryan has closed for the present season.
Galveston Daily News, 14 March 1869, page 2.
"The Radico Negro Convention at Bryan," Houston Daily Times, 5
August 1869, p.2. "Bryan, August 3, 1869 — The convention met this
morning at 10 o'clock, in the New Theatre, which was speedily filled
with blacks and whites — principally blacks. "The Hon." G.T. Ruby
occupied the chair, and the Rev. George Washington Honey acted as
temporary secretary ...."
"A variety of traveling shows appeared in early Brazos County. The
Bryan News Letter of 29 August 1869, for example, told about the
citizens of Bryan being excited by the appearance of a brass band on the
streets of the city. Upon investigation the citizens discovered that
`Professor Hardy, the ventriloquist, was home and that he and his
boys were responsible for the melodious tones.' The Professor agreed
to a request to give an entertainment at Sterne's Hall on Friday
night. The house was full." from Page, Bill, "Cultural History:
The Arts and Recreation in the Nineteenth Century," in Brazos County
History Rich Past — Bright Future, p.353, citing Wilcox, Lois A., The
Early History of Bryan, Texas (1952), p.86
Bryan ... The convention will assemble in about an hour at the Academy
of Music ... The situation is as follows: R.Q. Mills is far ahead ...
Mills' opponent is Beall, of Bryan, whose friends are grouped at his
headquarters on Main Street ... The Convention was called to order ...
Wm. Cavitt, of Brazos, was appointed temporary secretary, and Wm. R.
King, of Brazos, sergeant at arms ... As a committee of credentials the
following gentlemen, one from each county, were appointed: Brazos, A.C.
Brietz ... Galveston Daily News, 31 Aug. 1876, p. 1.
Two drunken rowdies, residents of Bryan, grossly insulted Maud and
Jennie Wallace, on their way to the Opera House, during their recent
performance at Bryan. A colored porter came to the rescue of the two
sisters. Galveston Daily News, 13 January 1877, p.2
Anne Boykin - Plays and shows 2
The concert and festival at the Academy of Music last night, given by
the ladies of the Methodist congregation for repairs to the church, was
in every sense of the term a magnificent success —just such an affair
as the superior taste and untiring efforts of fair ladies will ...
(article continues) ... Brazos Pilot, 26 April 1877, page 4
Bryan — On the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, 100 miles from
Houston. Population, 3,500. County seat of Brazos County. Seat of
several institutions of learning.
Opera House. Size of stage, 21x35. Seating capacity, 600. Five
scenes — drops and flats. Rent — one night, $20; two nights, $40;
one week, $90. License, $12.50. Address: L. Sala, seats sold by W.G.
Walaroh, under Opera House.
Academy of Music — Seating capacity, 600. Six scenes. Rent — one
night, $10.
Newspapers — Appeal and Post, both published weekly.
Bill poster — E.A. Leake.
Jeffery, John B., Guide and Directory to the Opera Houses, Theatres,
and Halls of America, 1878, p. 151.
The Bryan Rifles have leased the Opera House for their armory. Denison
Daily Herald, 13 June 1878, p. 3, col. 1
Bryan ... The coronation of a May queen, with supper, etc., took place
at the Academy of Music for the benefit of the Baptist Church. Miss
Lula King was crowned queen of May. Galveston Daily News, 5 May 1880,
page 1
Bryan ... Segrist, Howe & Co.'s traveling show raised their tent in
Bryan, and an exhibition. After the performance was over and they were
about to bid adieu to our borough, the Bryan bill - poster presented his
bill for services rendered in posting, amounting to a little over five
dollars and payment was refused, whereupon the bill - poster at the late
hour of midnight, by the aid of an attorney, sued out an attachment,
which made the aforesaid circus ante up and pay the cost. Galveston
Daily News, 10 October 1882, page 1.
Bryan ... Callender's Minstrels show here to- night. Galveston Daily
News, 13 October 1892, page 1
Bryan ... To -day fell one of the heaviest rains of the year and,
notwithstanding, fully 4000 persons were in Bryan to attend Batchellor &
Doris's circus. They gave a good performance, better than the
circuses heretofore who have visited town. Galveston Daily News, 17
October 1882, page 1
Bryan ... Quite a number of disturbances were committed during the stay
of the circus. Among the number was a serious difficulty that took
place between three attaches of the circus, two of whom made an assault
upon the third, striking him with a slung -shot and a hammer, besides
giving him several severe cuts on the head and in the face and neck.
Officers being on hand, one of the two who made the assault was
immediately arrested and bond fixed at $500. Being unable to give bail,
he was remanded to jail. The other party made his escape, as the
officers were unable to trace him in the crowd. Galveston Daily News,
Anne Boykin - Plays and shows 3
18 October 1882, page 1
Bryan ... To the surprise of all, only one building was entirely
destroyed by the conflagration last night... The wall of the opera
house, with the store of L. Spring beneath, on one side of the burnt
building, and the wall of Smith's grocery on the other, are so damaged
that they will probably have to be rebuilt... Galveston Daily News, 13
Feb. 1883, p.1
Bryan ... The public schools of Bryan are now having their
examinations, and will close tomorrow with literary exercises at the
Academy of Music ... Galveston Daily News, 20 June 1884, p. 3.
Bryan, May 13 — A band of Turks came into the city to -day with three
bears and entertained the citizens with a bear dance. The outfit was
dilapidated. Galveston Daily News, 14 May 1885, page 2
Bryan ... The Lucky Seven, a social club, gave a hop at the Academy of
Music last night, which was well attended and highly enjoyed. Galveston
Daily News, 22 May 1887, p. 11.
The Bryan Prohibition club met at the Academy of Music last night, and
was addressed at length by Judge Thomas. There was a large attendance.
The antis meet tonight, when Captain Henderson replies to Judge Thomas.
The committee controlling Minter Spings meeting have reconsidered, and
agree to divide time with the antis. Invitations are out to the
Agricultural and Mechanical College commencement ball, June 27.
Galveston Daily News, 25 May 1887, p. 3.
*Prohibition meeting at the Academy of Music; Fort Worth Daily Gazette,
May 26, 1887, p. 4; May 27, 1887, p. 5.
Bryan ... The concert and amateur play given last night for the benefit
of the Episcopal Church was a decided success, both in point of actual
merit and in the amount raised. Galveston Daily News, 12 June 1887,
page 2
Bryan ... The Amateur Company rendered their play Two Buzzards in
Navasota last night for an appreciative audience. Galveston Daily News,
15 June 1887, page 1
Bryan, Tex., February 8 — The Bryan Dramatic club gave a very
creditable performance at the Academy of Music last evening, rendering
Loan of a Love and the Specter Bridegroom. The proceeds of the
entertainment, as well as of the supper that followed, go to the
Presbyterian Church. Galveston Daily News, 9 February 1888, page 8
"The Assembly Hall on the Texas A &M University campus was also
completed in 1889. This building included an auditorium with an area of
about 3000 square feet on the first floor and a balcony of about 2000
square feet. It had a seating capacity of 800 people; 1,000 if seats
were placed in the aisles. Ernest Langford wrote 'all things
considered, this old building came close to being the most uninteresting
building ever erected on the Campus. "' from Page, Bill, "Cultural
History: The Arts and Recreation in the Nineteenth Century," in
Brazos County History Rich Past — Bright Future, p.353, citing
Anne Boykin - Plays and shows 4
Langford, Ernest, Here We'll Build the College, 1963, p.38
College Station, Tex., April 5 — Shortly the corner -stone of the new
assembly hall of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas will
be laid. It will be a handsome and commodious structure, adding much,
not only to the general appearance of the grounds and buildings, but to
the convenience of the faculty and students as well. The following
invitation, with programme attached, has been sent out to the friends of
the college and the public generally: You are cordially invited to
attend the laying of the corner -stone of the new assembly hall of the
Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, College Station, Tex.,
Monday, April 22, 1889. Programme: 10 a.m. college chapel, prayer by
the chaplain, Rev. C.P. Fountain; address by Hon. R.C. Beale, Corsicana.
Sit of new assembly hall. Placing the corner -stone in position.
Dallas Morning News, 6 April 1889, page 3
Bryan ... The new Assembly Hall of the Agricultural and Mechanical
College is now finished and in use. The building is one of the finest
structures of the kind in the state and has a seating capacity of about
900. Religious services are conducted by the chaplain of the college
every Sunday at 11 a.m., to which the public is invited. Galveston
Daily News, 5 December 1889, page 1
Bryan ... The second story of the city hall has been leased for ten
years to Messrs. H. Rypinski and Jake Schwarz. These gentlemen will
convert it into a first -class opera house. Bryan Eagle, 8 May 1890,
p.5, col.2
H. Rypinski and Jake Schwarz gave a mortgage to J.E. Butler on
furniture and fittings in the Grand Opera House, located on the 2nd
floor of the Bryan City Hall Building, which included 436 opera chairs,
scenery, drop curtains, etc.; dated 1 Sept. 1890. Brazos Co. Deed of
Trust, Book G, pp.131 -133
H. Rypinski and Jake Schwarz gave a deed of trust to H.O. Boatwright
for furniture, etc., in the Opera House; dated 30 Mar. 1891. Brazos Co.
Deed of Trust, Book G, pp.326 -327
Bryan, Texas, February 19 - The opera house management have a telegram
from the Uncle Tom's Cabin Company that they will not cancel their
engagement in Bryan and will be here on time to show. Manager Schwarz
says they can not place in his house, and there is a determined air
about some of our citizens which indicates that they will have a lively
reception. Our people say they are getting along amicably and
peacefully with the Negroes and that these sores are just healing up and
are being relegated to the past, and they don't care to have anything
occur that will renew or reopen bygones. This is a political year, and
Brazos County is very evenly divided between the Negroes and the whites,
and only by the most careful and judicious management are the whites
enabled to hold the county government. We have this year, for the first
time in many years, a white representative in the legislature. Good
citizens say positively that their amicable relation with the Negroes
shall not be disturbed by any such abolitionist trash. Houston Post, 20
February 1892, p.2, col.2
"Uncle Tom's Cabin" company are here and their car is sidetracked
Anne Boykin - Plays and shows 5
on the Houston and Central Texas railway. They are anxious to play
Bryan, if they can get the opera house, which has been denied them. So
far no satisfactory arrangements have been made. Houston Post, 21
February 1892, p.2, col.1
The "Uncle Tom's Cabin" company played at the Academy of Music
last night, the management of the Grand Opera house declining them that
building. It was not till 5 p.m. that the management of the company
decided to play, as they did not care to play and risk any trouble.
They had a fair sized audience of white people and many Negroes. The
car left for Navasota last night. Houston Post, 22 February 1892, p.6,
col.6
Manager Jake Schwarz of the Grand Opera House is planning to put on an
original minstrel performance with home talent Aug. 11. His plot is to
unite minstrelsy and farce comedy, and he has written a very clever
little sketch and enlisted the services of 20 or 25 young men for the
production. Galveston Daily News, 7 Aug. 1893, p.2, col.1
Manager Jake Schwarz gave his benefit amateur minstrel performance at
the Grand last night. It was of original design, being a union of
farce, comedy and minstrelsy, and was quite a success. In the closing
of the after piece, Jack Roberts accidentally fired a blank cartridge in
the face of Sam Davis. The skin was painfully powder burned and one eye
considerably hurt. Galveston Daily News, 17 Aug. 1893, p.3, col.6
Bryan, Tex., Oct.6 — W.H. Harris' show exhibited here yesterday and
last night. During the performance last night about 8 o'clock a storm
blew the tent down on a large crowd of spectators, and for a time
pandemonium reigned. The wind blew furiously, the ladies and children
squalled and there was a general scramble for the outside. Fortunately
few people were hurt. One of the center poles blew down on a circus
bandman named Fox and broke his leg in two places. The gale did not
last long, but was accompanied with some rain and a blinding electrical
storm. Dallas Morning News, 8 October 1893, p.4
"A. and M. College," Galveston Daily News, 13 November 1893, p.5. The
campus drama club performed "Ingomar the Barbarian "; the cast included
Miss Lessie McConnico, Miss M. Stella Shepard, and Miss Mae B. Webb.
"The Dramatic Club," Battalion, 1 December 1893, p.12. "At the last
meeting of the club Misses McConnico, Webb, Shepherd, Hutson, Mrs. Morse
and Mr. John Walton were elected honorary members ... and the young
ladies who assisted so pleasantly in the recent play completely won the
hearts of all the college ..."
The Aamold grand concert at the opera house last night was a very
pleasant and successful entertainment. Aamold, while not a violinist of
the first magnitude, is very clever and has the touch of a master. The
home talent or the program was well received. Mrs. Davis and Miss Carr,
a duet; Mrs. A. L. Banks, solos; Mrs. Boatwright, Miss Friley, Messrs.
Webb and Withers, quartette; Miss Friley, solo. Mrs. J. J. Adams
managed the concert with great energy and perseverance. Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 7 March 1895
As announced in our last issue a colored theatre has been rigged up on
Anne Boykin - Plays and shows g
Rat Row and a home talent minstrel organization holds forth there three
nights a week. The first performance was given Saturday night, and
developed some real talent in singing and dancing, especially the
latter. The "acting" of the show was positively excruciating,
however it may improve with practice. When a Negro tries to act the
nigger he acts the fool; all he has to do is to act natural. The boys
should not keep their music so much in the background; it is their best
feature. The order was good, no smoking or bad conduct being allowed in
the room. A few white people were present. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 14
March 1895, p.6, col.4
John B. Mike, manager of the Grand Opera House, is putting up new,
substantial and convenient bill boards about town in anticipation of the
approaching theatrical season. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 27 June 1895, p.3,
col.2
Mr. Jake Schwarz has secured the management of the Waco Opera House
under a three years' lease. We congratulate the well -known Bryan
businessman on his success in new fields. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 4 July
1895, p.6, col.3
Manager John B. Mike says he will put a new piano in the Grand Opera
House before the next theatrical season. Bryan Daily Eagle, 24 April
1897, p.4, col.1
Those who attended the opening of the Grand opera house last night were
surprised and delighted with the wonderful transformation which has been
effected in the interior. It has been practically renewed throughout,
at an expense of several hundred dollars, and presents a soft,
harmonious and beautiful effect that cannot fail to please. The ceiling
is exceedingly handsome, with tinted crimp work relieved by painted
panels, with a dome effect in the center, set round with incandescents
and encircling the large electric chandelier. The arch in stucco and
plastic relief, is probably one of the prettiest in the state. The
panels, arch and the wall spaces on each side of the stage are
exquisitely painted. A new drop curtain containing an elaborate
painting, completes the wonderful transformation made by Artist B. E.
Lee, and makes of the Grand an opera house of which the people of Bryan
may justly be proud. The stage settings are also receiving attention in
harmony with the other extensive improvements. Manager John B Mike has
spared no pains or expense in the work, and his enterprise, which is in
striking contrast with the course usually pursued, by managers in the
smaller cities, deserves the encouragement of a liberal patronage from
amusement lovers. We trust the present season will be sufficiently
successful to reward him for his effort. The attendance was not large.
The performance of Mr. Sedan presented numerous tricks and illusions
known to the magician's art, some being very well received. His work
was evidently retarded however, by the fact that owning to the work on
the opera house the stage settings and property could not be placed
until late in the afternoon and the lights were oil early in the
evening. The performance will be repeated tonight. Weekly Bryan Eagle,
14 Oct. 1899
"Grand Opera House," Bryan Morning Eagle, 27 Sept. 1901, p.3,
col.4. Managed by John B. Mike
Anne Boykin - Plays and shows 7
Mr. and Mrs. Jno. B. Mike and little daughter, Miss Lucille, returned
yesterday from Ft. Worth where they have been spending the past 4
months. Mr. Mike left his son, Louis, in charge of the Vendome theatre,
which he has been running for the summer, and came home to look after
the improvements he is having made at the opera house, as well as others
he contemplates. He says he is booking an exceptionally strong list of
companies for the Grand opera house the coming season. Bryan Morning
Eagle, 28 July 1907, p.2, col.2
$5.00 Reward — I will pay $5.00 for information leading to the arrest
and conviction of the party who severed the elevator rope at the opera
house Tuesday. Bryan Morning Eagle, 16 Dec. 1908, p.4, col.3
"Dallas Student is Star in A.& M. Minstrel Show," Dallas Morning
News, 29 May 1922, sect.2, p.14. H.L. Peoples, Jr., son of founder of
Aggie Mothers Clubs; mentions Peoples' "imitative darky slang and
mannerisms ", etc.
"Academy of Music Flourished in Bryan Forty -Odd Years Ago," Bryan
Daily Eagle, 19 May 1924, p.3, col.3.
McKay, Paul, "High Culture Comes to Bryan," Bryan - College Station
Eagle, 28 July 1984, "Saturday Magazine," page 6.
Anne Boykin - Re: Newsletter
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Anne Boykin" <Aboykin @cstx.gov>
Date: 5/24/2007 10:34:30 am
Subject: Re: Newsletter
I don't really have a good photo handy. I guess that makes me seem
mysterious <g>
Here are some random autobiographical notes - use as much or as little
as you please.
I grew up in Burkburnett, near Wichita Falls, in north Texas
I came to Texas A &M in the 1970s, and graduated with a degree in
Psychology and a minor in Sociology — which perhaps explains my
fascination with social history — how our ancestors lived and why they
made the choices they did.
I am not a librarian (which requires an advanced degree) — my job
title is library program coordinator. I work in the Evans Reference
department.
I take it as a personal challenge when someone tells me their ancestors
weren't anyone special — I truly believe that every single
person's story deserves to be told.
I am a past president of the Brazos Genealogical Association and also a
member of the Texas Research Ramblers
I have published many articles in print or electronic form concerning
genealogy and local history
I have been doing genealogical research on my own family for over 30
years - and I still learn something new about my ancestors nearly every
week.
I have been a member of the Brazos County Historical Commission for
over ten years.
I helped with the writing of the Brazos County history published in
1986 (the Texas Sesquicentennial) and also participated in the
"Celebrate Bryan" activities in 1996.
It was through those events that I got to know Mrs. Mell Pruitt, and
that friendship led to my being involved with the Brazos Valley African
American Museum.
I have served as secretary for the African American National Heritage
Society of Bryan, since its organization in 1999.
1 guess you could say I believe in the gospel of local history - it
tells us more than where we came from and how we got here.
It adds a rich texture to our daily lives, allowing us to see people,
Anne Boykin - Re: Newsletter 2
places and events as part of a rich interwoven tapestry, with everyone
and everything being part of a single whole.
>>> "Anne Boykin" <Aboykin @cstx.gov> 5/24/2007 9:32 AM >>>
Bill - I want to include some info about you and your work in the
newsletter. Can you send something to me? A picture would be good too
want to give you credit for gathering all of this information. ; -)
Hold on to what you've got, don't let go 'cause it means a lot!
Anne Boykin
Project HOLD Staff
Neighborhood Services
City of College Station
979.764.3491
aboykin @cstx.gov
http: / /HOLD.cstx.gov
College Station. Heart of the Research Valley.
Anne Boykin - Brazos County odds and ends 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 5/24/2007 11:39:17 am
Subject: Brazos County odds and ends
CC: "Ron Hambric" <RHAMBRIC.PO1.LIB @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
If any of our friends in Brazos County find a bay horse, with a halter
on, a star in his forehead, and branded A V R, they will, of course,
take good care of him, for we have the best reason in the world to
believe we lost just such an one. At least, we know that we took such a
horse away with us, and did not bring him back. But we were so badly
lost at the time, we can't exactly say whether we lost the horse, or
the horse lost us; all we know about it is that we were separated, and
when we found ourself twenty five miles from anywhere the horse wasn't
there. We did some tall walking that day. We have left our mark in
Brazos County. Washington America, 26 March 1856, p.2, col.1
The stage from Bryan to Waco, says the Anderson Gladiator of the 13th,
was fired into again a day or two since, a few miles above Bryan. There
were two passengers only on the stage at the time, we are told, a Mr.
Mendell and Levy, both of Navasota. The first named gentleman jumped
off the stage — so the story goes — when the firing commenced, and
ran off into the woods, since when he has not been heard from. By a
liberal application of the whip, the driver was enabled to get out of
harm's way with the mail. Mobile Daily Register, 23 June 1868
We learn that two Federal soldiers attempted to rob a freedman in
freedmentown on Wednesday night and cut the freedman severely in two or
three places about the neck and face, that the freedman finally
succeeded in getting his pistol, and fired a random shot at them, when
the blue coats fled. We learn also that the soldiers were identified,
and have been paying for their fun by a protracted suspension by the
thumbs, and other ordinary military punishment. Good for them. — News
Letter. Galveston Tri- Weekly News, 14 June 1869, page 2
The Brazos Eagle is responsible for this: A little boy of this town
who took a peep at the views a man had on exhibition in connection with
a hand organ and gift enterprise, was asked upon his arrival [to] name
what he had seen. One of the views represented the crucifixion of our
Saviour, and the little fellow being impressed with this picture said he
"saw our Saviour with a whole lot of Yankee soldiers around him." (San
Antonio) Daily Express, 5 May 1871, p.3
Bryan ... A Pilot correspondent claims to have seen the fabled mermaid
in Thompson's Creek. The rest of the world will not trouble itself
about the creature until it is safely caged in a menagerie. Dallas
Weekly Herald, 16 June 1877, p.3, col.2
The other day a Bryan young lady stepped on a barrel hoop in some thick
weeds, and imagining there was a snake around her ankle, screamed and
ran till she discovered her mistake. Houston Post, 17 October 1880,
p.2, col.3
Bryan Enterprise: About a week ago the students rooming in the mess
hall building were thrown into a state of consternation at the sound of
a terrible explosion in the third story of the building. Two students
Anne Boykin - Brazos County odds and ends 2
who live in Bryan are permitted to return home from college on Friday
night and remain with their parents until Monday morning. So last
Saturday a week ago while in Bryan, a fellow- student, knowing they were
in town, went into their room to be to himself, where he could study in
quiet and seek repose. It was cold. He determined to make a fire. The
student put paper in the stove, laid on the kindling, struck the match,
and before he could say Jack Robinson he was thrown violently against
the door, some eight feet from the stove. The stove was carried to the
ceiling, and the window sash lay in shattered pieces on the ground
below, a distance of sixty feet. The student was somewhat mutilated.
His hair was singed off close, and he was terribly burned about the face
and eyes. The cause of the explosion was a pound of gunpowder which the
young men had placed in the stove to prevent accident of any kind that
might happen while absent from their room. Galveston Daily News, 6 May
1884, p.5, col.2 [I shared this article with John Adams, and he used
it in his history of the Corps at Texas A &M].
Bryan ... Some time ago the city fathers passed an ordinance against
cows running at large in the city. Several of the aldermen's cows were
found in the pound, and now the ordinance is modified to include only
Main Street. Galveston Daily News, 9 March 1885, p. 3.
A woman named Mayham living in Brazos County, near Millican, while her
husband was asleep procured a sharp knife and performed a surgical
operation on him which will ruin him for life. The Navasota Tablet
gives the details. The woman having finished her work ran into the yard
and jumped into a well 80 feet deep, but strange to say escaped unhurt.
Brenham Daily Banner, 14 July 1885, p.2
Bryan, Tex., May 14 - A species of grave robbery has this week been
discovered in the City Cemetery here and the facts given The News
reporter by Marshal Wilcox. Some three or four graves have been
recently dug into, and in two cases coffins opened and the remains
turned over or disturbed, but in on instance yet found carried away.
The object of the ghouls is not apparent, but an impression prevails
that probably some one has been on the hunt for a good specimen of
skeleton. No clew. Dallas Morning News, 15 May 1887, p.14
A middle aged colored woman, who lives on John Newsom's place, ten
miles south of Bryan, came to town on Monday, with her husband, and was
at J.W. Johnson's store trading. It was here first visit to Bryan in
sixteen years. Her name is Katharine, wife of Berry Nicholson. Mr.
Johnson made her a present of a handsome dress. (weekly) Bryan Eagle,
26 December 1889, p.5, col.3.
Lawn tennis is becoming very popular with the Professors and ladies,
but they can't beat Prof. Puryear. College Journal, April 1891, p.16
Bryan, Texas, May 9 — The Houston and Texas Central railroad people
are building a neat freight depot at the college. Lieutenant B.C. Morse
of College has erected a great high flag staff from which the stars and
stripes float now. Houston Post, 10 May 1892, p.8, col.4
Bryan, Tex., Aug. 20 — Commissioners' court adjourned yesterday
until next Saturday. The members of the court visited the poor farm to
investigate a report that two paupers had been buried in such shallow
Anne Boykin - Brazos County odds and ends 3
graves that the tops of the coffins were hardly below the surface of the
ground. The court ordered that the bodies be taken up and reburied.
Dallas Morning News, 22 August 1893, p.6
Some smart Aleck has stolen and destroyed my ice cream signs where I
advertised ice cream soda for 5 cents a glass. It does not make any
difference, however, as I sell quantities of ice cream daily, as it is
the best five cent drink ever sold across any soda water counter here or
anywhere else. A. Emden. Bryan Daily Eagle, 18 Apr. 1896, p.4, col.1
"We heartily welcome the young ladies that have entered our school.
Their presence certainly makes the time pass much faster and adds a vast
amount of pleasure to our college days. We are hearty supporters of
co- educational institutes, for man derives more good from the company of
one refined lady than from any other source.
No worthier gift can man receive,
No grander vision can he see,
No greater joy can e'er be his,
Than woman's fair nobility.
Battalion, September /October 1899, p.4.
Presumably written about the Hutson twins, and the earliest editorial
position on coeducation by the Battalion I have seen.
After running on 'College Time' during the winter term, the College is
back on standard time again! (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 19 March 1903, p.2.
The match game of basket ball between the A. and M. College campus team
of girls and the Ursuline convent team was played on the convent grounds
yesterday afternoon. It was an excellent game, highly enjoyed by a
large number of spectators. The score was 14 to 9 in favor of the
convent. After the game, the visiting team and spectators were treated
to refreshments consisting of ice cream and cake, and an informal
musical recital was greatly enjoyed. Bryan Daily Eagle, 12 April 1904,
P.5
A colored man named J.W. Williams was in the city yesterday exhibiting
an armadillo which he captured on Still Creek near Bryan. Many saw the
curious animal at J.L. Hearne's. Bryan Daily Eagle, 6 May 1908, p.3,
col.2
The fire company on yesterday moved into its new building being erected
on the site of the old fire bell tower. The building is not by any
means completed, but the work had progressed to that extent that would
permit the boys to move in on the ground floor. Since the city hall and
fire station were burned last March, the company has occupied the old
Tabor livery stable on north Main Street. While they were comfortably
located, still they felt that it was only a temporary arrangement, and
now that they are enabled to move home, they feel good indeed. The new
station is gradually nearing completion, and being built especially for
the company, will give the boys more comforts and conveniences than they
have enjoyed heretofore. Bryan Daily Eagle, 17 Sept. 1909, p.1
Fatalities were narrowly averted at the A. and M. Consolidated School
Thursday afternoon at about 3 o'clock when the stucco ceiling of the
room housing the second grade fell with a crash just as the children
Anne Boykin - Brazos County odds and ends 4
were leaving the room. The impact of the falling concrete badly damaged
the school furniture and probably would have killed a number of children
had it fallen on them instead. Miss Troy Harper, teacher, acting on
general instructions given her by Superintendent George B. Wilcox two or
three days before, had just succeeded in clearing the room after hearing
the ceiling crack. Its fall had been suspected for several days as a
result of the work of the recent wet weather.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 11 Oct. 1923, p.2.
Who loaded the revolver with which Ruby Sheridan, Negro vaudeville
performer, was killed about 8:30 o'clock last night is the puzzle
county and city authorities are trying to solve. James Hughes, who
fired the fatal shot and Eugene Allen, who is suspected of loading the
revolver, are held in the county jail. A verdict following the inquest
has been held up by Justice J.T. McGee until further investigations have
been made. The woman was a member of a troupe playing in a Negro
theatre on north Main Street as are the men now held in jail. Last
night, just before the performance began, Hughes and the Sheridan woman
were rehearsing behind the curtain. They stood about 10 feet apart.
Hughes, who had been using the revolver, loaded with blanks, in the act
aimed the weapon and pulled the trigger. The woman, struck in the left
breast by a bullet, fell unconscious. Hughes ran from the theatre for a
doctor but before medical aid could be given the woman was dead. The
arrests followed. According to the authorities the solution of the case
depends upon finding who loaded the revolver and their belief is that
some one in the company either wanted the woman out of the way or
desired to frame Hughes and planned the killing for one of the two
reasons. The custom in the company had been, it is said, for the owners
of the show, a Negro woman, to load the revolver with blanks just before
the show opened. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 28 March 1929, p.2
Anne Boykin - Bryan Rifles, etc. 1
From: 'Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: 'Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 6/7/2007 7:14:13 am
Subject: Bryan Rifles, etc.
CC: "Ron Hambric" <RHAMBRIC.PO1.LIB @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
John Blair knows MUCH more about the Bryan Rifles and the other guard
units in Brazos County than I do.
As an aside, if anyone is interested, he will be giving a talk to the
Brazos Genealogical Association later this month on military records
located in Austin. Visitors are welcome - contact John for more
information.
As many of you know, John is doing in depth research into this topic
and would, I suspect, greatly appreciate it if anyone happens to run
across any documentation concerning these local outfits held by private
individuals.
If anyone wants more information about the history of the Texas
militia, the Texas Volunteer Guard, and the National Guard in Texas,
there is an excellent overview in the "New Handbook of Texas Online"
under "Texas National Guard."
Once John finishes his research, the local Texas Volunteer Guard
outfits might also be a good candidate for a subject marker?
General Order No. 1. Navasota (Brazos) County, 64 infantry men
required; place of inspection Boonville ... time of muster and
inspection Tuesday, 5th July. Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston), 1
June 1842, p.3
List of Acts and Joint Resolutions, passed by the Seventh Congress ...
No. 54. An act for organizing the militia of the counties of Robertson
and Brazos ...
Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston), 1 Feb. 1843, p.1
Texas Rangers.
Inspectors — Times and Places of Rendezvous ...
District II — Inspector A.M.M. Upshaw will muster in the volunteers
at Washington, 18th October. District II includes the counties of
Matagorda, Wharton, Colorado, Austin, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston,
Harris, Montgomery, Walker, Madison, Leon, Brazos, Grimes, Burleson and
Washington.
Texas State Gazette (Austin), 7 Oct. 1854, p.52
Bryan ... The Sheriff has commenced the enrollment of the militia in
this county, the necessary blanks having just arrived. Houston Daily
Union, 30 July 1870, page 3
Something over 500 militia men have been enrolled in Brazos County -
300 white and 200 black. None have paid the $15. Galveston Daily News,
12 August 1870, p. 3.
Anne Boykin - Bryan Rifles, etc. 2
Bryan is to have a militia company. Denison Daily Cresset, 24 May
1877, p. 1, col. 2
Bryan, Dec.11, 1877 —Thomas E. Muse, United States Navy, died here
on the 9th and was buried yesterday with military honors by the Bryan
Rifles. Galveston Daily News, 12 December 1877, p.1
Bryan ... The ball given by the Bryan Rifles on the night of the 22d
inst. was a grand success. Music was furnished by the splendid brass
band from Calvert. Three companies of our fire boys returned yesterday
from the annual parade at Houston delighted with the magnolia city and
their free ride. Galveston Daily News, 25 Apr. 1878.
The Bryan Rifles have leased the Opera House for their armory. Denison
Daily Herald, 13 June 1878, p. 3, col. 1
Bryan, June 14 — Col. Will Lambert, aid -de -camp to Gov. Hubbard,
reviewed and inspected the Bryan Rifles a few evenings since, after
which the company was drilled by Capt. Olmstead of the A. and M.
College. The boys express themselves as highly pleased with the visit
of these gentlemen, and wish they would come often. Galveston Daily
News, 15 June 1878, p. 1.
"The Wind -Up at Bryan," Galveston Daily News, 27 June 1878, p.1.
"The veterans at 9 a.m. visited the college ... "; also states
that "Capt. Olmsted, the commandant, then marched the battalion and
Bryan Rifles to the parade ground ..."
Bryan, Aug. 14 — Gen. James, acting inspector of State militia,
inspected the Bryan Rifles last night. For proficiency in drill, order
of arms, accoutrement, and uniforms, the company is classed third in the
state. Galveston Daily News, 15 Aug. 1879, p. 1.
Bryan, Aug. 19 ... The fifteen dollar prize to be awarded to the crack
shot of the Bryan Rifles, was taken this evening by Jack Loughridge, he
having won it three times in succession, which under the rules makes him
the owner. Galveston Daily News, 20 August 1879, page 1
The Bryan rifles give their grand annual ball to morrow night, which
promises to be an interesting social episode. Galveston Daily News, 1
Jan. 1880, p. 8.
Bryan, April 20 — The Bryan Rifles have invited Captain Beall to
deliver an oration at their grand military picnic, on the 4th of May.
Galveston Daily News, 27 April 1880, page 1
Bryan, May 4 — The picnic given by the Bryan Rifles was well attended
notwithstanding the cloud this morning. The Manning Greys, of Austin;
Travis Rifles, of Austin; Brenham Greys; Calvert City Guards; Navasota
Guards and Jones Rifles, of Hearne, were represented making, with the
Bryan companies, about 1000 soldiers. The surrounding country was fully
represented, and the merchants closed their stores from 9 till 4
o'clock and turned out. Maj. Penn, after concluding his morning
revival services at the Baptist Church, was seen on the picnic grounds.
The target shooting between Hearne, Navasota and Bryan resulted in a
victory for Bryan, James Butler being the champion shot. After the
Anne Boykin - Bryan Rifles, etc. 3
target shooting Capt. Stoddard introduced Capt. Thos. J. Beall, who
delivered an interesting oration, his subject being the Heroic
Character. The next good thing was dinner, instead of a picnic, as
advertised. The result was found to be an extensive barbecue, with Maj.
Tabor for a boss of course. There was a bountiful supply on the table.
Maj. Anderson and Capt. Harmon were the high strung marshals of the day.
At the glass ball shooting Mr. O.B. Beall won the prize, breaking 10
out of 10 balls at 18 yards rise from three traps. Mr. H.C. Milton, of
Navasota, was second, breaking 8 balls. Mr. W.O. Morgan shot 5 pigeons
out of 5 at 21 yards rise. The companies met in convention to -night and
elected the following field officers: H.B. Stoddard, colonel; E.L.
Bridges, lieutenant colonel; George Burke, major. A ball complimentary
to the visiting companies is being given by citizens to- night.
Galveston Daily News, 5 May 1880, page 1.
Bryan ... The Rifles, our military company, sent delegates to the
Austin Military Convention. Galveston Daily News, 17 Feb. 1881, p. 1.
The Convention of the Texas Volunteer guards met at Austin ... and
appointed the following committees: On credentials ... Lieutenant W.B.
Page, Bryan Rifles; ... On Permanent Organization ... Capt. J.G.
Anderson, Bryan Rifles ... Austin Daily Statesman, 17 Feb. 1881, p. 4.
Bryan ... The Gregory Rifles (colored), of this city, under command of
Captain J.D. Jackson, had an eight hour drill to -day and target
practice. Third sergeant J.W. Wood took the prize. Galveston Daily
News, 19 August 1881, p.1
Bryan ... The Bryan Rifles gave a prize drill and ball last night at
Mike's Hall. Captain John Tabor drilled the squad, and Captains Hare,
Baker and Rice of the Agricultural and Mechanical College were the
judges. The prize, a neat gold medal, was awarded to Mr. W.K. Wise, Mr.
W.L. McConnico being second best. Of course, the young folks had a
bushel of fun at the ball. Galveston Daily News, 2 Nov. 1881, p. 1.
Bryan, December 31 — The Bryan Rifles gave a military ball and supper
last night at the Academy of Music. The entertainment began with a
competitive drill, in which Mr. James Bradford was the victor, winning
the beautiful gold medal offered to the best drilled man in the company.
Captain Tabor drilled the squad. After the drilling came the dancing
and a splendid feast. The Navasota Guards and other military companies,
also cadets from the Agricultural and Mechanical College, were
represented. Young ladies from Galveston, Houston, Waco and other
portions of the State attended. It is needless to add that the
entertainment was a success. Galveston Daily News, 1 Jan 1882, page 1
"Bryan," Galveston Daily News, 20 June 1882, pp. 1, 4. "...
competitive drill between four select squads taken from the college
students and a select squad from the Bryan Rifles ..."
Bryan, Oct. 10 ... The Bryan Rifles gave a hop last night, and were
presented with a fine banner by the ladies of Bryan. The company is
composed of some of the best young men in the city, who take a great
interest in the support and standing of the company. Galveston Daily
News, 11 October 1882, page 1
Anne Boykin - Bryan Rifles, etc. 4
Bryan ... Mr. John D. Roberts, one of the oldest cotton men in Texas,
and for years in the employ of Mr. Guy M. Bryan, Jr., of this place,
died to -day, after a brief illness of malarial fever. Mr. Roberts was
the oldest member of the Bryan Rifles. Galveston Daily News, 14
Dec.1882, p.1, col.5
*Bryan ... The remains of John D. Roberts left on the 5 o'clock train
for Houston for burial, escorted by quite a number of the Bryan Rifles
... Galveston Daily News, 16 Dec. 1882, p.1, col.6
Bryan ... The grand military ball to be given by the Bryan Rifles will
take place on the 18th inst. Invitations are now out. Galveston Daily
News, 9 Jan 1883, page 1
Bryan, July 30 ... At the last meeting of the Bryan Rifles the
following were elected officers of the company for a year: Captain A.A.
Wyse, first lieutenant Joseph W. Clark; second lieutenant, Ed. Stuart;
orderly sergeant, John C. Caldwell; second sergeant, H. Moody; third
sergeant, Will Romain; fourth sergeant, Frank Mauldin; first corporal,
Al McQueen; second corporal, George Hunt; third corporal, Kit Jones;
fourth corporal, Sam Hassell; ensign, Hammet Shields. Galveston Daily
News, 31 July 1884, page 2
Bryan, Brazos, September 12 — The Bryan Rifles will give a
competitive drill and ball on the night of the 26th of September.
Galveston Daily News, 13 September 1884, page 5
Bryan ... The town has been alive during the past four nights, awaiting
the returns, and to night the good news is being celebrated with great
demonstrations. The artillery from the college is celebrating the event
with 100 guns. The college students are in line, 125 strong. The fire
companies, Bryan Rifles, and hundreds of citizens are in procession with
torches in honor of the event. The city is illuminated with fireworks
and bonfires; in fact, the city is wild with demonstrations exulting
over the victory ... A sad accident occurred about 12 o'clock, while the
celebration was going on, which resulted in the sudden and horrible
death of one of the most estimable and worthy young men of Bryan.
William Williamson, while loading one of the cannon, had his arm blown
off and was injured internally, which resulted in his sudden death ...
Mr. John Tabor also lost one of his fingers. This sad accident has cast
an entire gloom over this community. Galveston Daily News, 8 November
1884
Bryan ... The funeral of William Williamson, the young man killed by
the sudden discharge from the cannon on Friday night, took place to day.
The Bryan Rifles, Fire Company and the entire community turned out to
pay their last respects to the dead. The cause of the sudden killing,
from the best information, shows it to be the fault of no one; but that
the bucket of water with which the cannon was being swabbed out was
turned over and the sudden discharge resulted from dry swabbing and a
hot cannon, and all who were manning the cannon are exonerated from
blame. The community, in the death of William Williamson, lost an
industrious and worthy young man and citizen. Galveston Daily News, 9
November 1884
The Bryan Rifles will give their seventh annual ball in Bryan on the
Anne Boykin - Bryan Rifles, etc. 5
night of Dec.31. From Dallas Herald, 28 Dec. 1884, reprinted Dallas
Morning News, 28 Dec.1934.
Bryan, Dec. 31 ... The Bryan Rifles gave to -night a military ball and
supper, with competitive drill. Large numbers were in attendance from
Hearne and Navasota. Galveston Daily News, 1 January 1885, page 2
Bryan, February 18 — Major Frank Clarke, who committed suicide on
Sunday night, was buried ... The Bryan Rifles and Masons attended the
funeral in a body, and concluded the services at the grave with the
solemn and impressive services of the Masons ... Galveston Daily News,
19 February 1885, page 1
Bryan, March 9 ...The Bryan Rifles gave to -night a public exhibition
drill, which was largely attended. Galveston Daily News, 10 March 1885,
page 3
Bryan, April 8 — The Bryan Rifles will hold a dress parade on next
Monday afternoon, and at night will have a competitive drill, concluding
with a hop. Galveston Daily News, 9 April 1885, p.5.
Bryan ... The Bryan Rifles have returned from the State drill at
Lampasas, highly pleased with their treatment. Galveston Daily News, 30
June 1885, page 5
Bryan ... Appropriate resolutions were passed by the Bryan Rifles at
their last meeting, thanking the people of Lampasas for their
hospitality, extended the company while at the state encampment.
Galveston Daily News, 9 July 1885, page 1
Bryan, July 29 — Mr. Tom McQueen was elected captain of the Bryan
Rifles at their last meeting. Captain McQueen was a student of the
Agricultural and Mechanical College for four years and is well versed in
the manual. His election bespeaks success for the company. Stuart was
elected first lieutenant and John M. Caldwell second lieutenant.
Galveston Daily News, 30 July 1885, p. 4.
Bryan, Oct. 23 — The Bryan Rifles will give a ball and exhibition
drill next Friday night, October 30. A medal is to be given to the best
drilled man, a book of tactics to the one who bears inspection best, and
four medals to the best file of four. Galveston Daily News, 24 Oct.
1885, p. 2.
Bryan, October 31 — The Bryan Rifles gave their semi - annual drill and
military ball, last night, which was attended by a large number of the
elite and fashion of the city. The gold medal for the best drilled man,
was won by Sergeant Mosely. The book of tactics, for the best inspected
gun and accoutrements, was awarded to Corporal Finlay. The four bronze
medals, for the best drilled four, was won by the second four, composed
of Privates Hazzal, McQueen, Adams and Gainor. Mr. Wash Hardy awarded
the second best file of fours an oyster supper. The members of the
Bryan Rifles are taking a great interest in their company, and are
endeavoring to make it one of the crack companies of the State.
Galveston Daily News, 1 Nov. 1885, p. 2.
Bryan, Nov. 1 — The Bryan Rifles gave their semi - annual drill and
Anne Boykin - Bryan Rifles, etc. 6
military ball last night, which was attended by a large number of the
elite and fashion of the city. The gold medal for the best drilled man
was won by Sergt. Mosely. The book of tactics for the best inspected
gun and accoutrements was awarded to Corporal O. Finlay. The four
bronzed medals for the best drilled file of four was won by the second
four, composed of privates Hazzel [Hassel ?], McQueen, Adams and Gainor.
Mr. Wash Hardy awarded the second best file of fours an oyster supper.
The members of the Bryan Rifles are taking a great interest in their
company, and are endeavoring to make it one of the crack companies of
the State. Dallas Morning News, 2 November 1885, p.2
The Adjutant General issued commissions today to the following officers
... T.B. McQueen, captain; V.B. Hudson, first lieutenant; and J.A.
McQueen second lieutenant of the Bryan Rifles ... Galveston Daily News,
4 December 1885, p.1.
Bryan ... District Clerk A.J. Buchanan arrived to day from Belton with
his bride, formerly Miss Stella Allen. The Bryan Rifles and many
friends sent telegrams of congratulations. Mr. V.B. Hudson, County
Attorney; Mr. Frank Mauldin, of the Pilot, and Mr. J.H. Buchanan
accompanied Mr. A.J. Buchanan to witness his marriage. The new couple
have the well wishes of the community for future happiness and
prosperity. Dallas Morning News, 13 Dec. 1885, p. 4.
Bryan, July 9 — The Bryan Rifles, at their regular meeting, resolved
to attend the interstate drill. They have ordered new uniforms for the
occasion, consisting of blue coats with white trimmings and white
ducking pants. Dallas Morning News, 10 July 1886, p.7
Houston ... Captain McQueen of the Bryan Rifles, has been in the city
for several days past watching the drilling of the Houston Light Guard
and getting pointers from the movements and evolutions of this
celebrated company. He left for home last evening, much pleased with
what he learned and the courtesies extended to him by the officers and
members of both companies. Galveston Daily News, 16 July 1886, page 3
The Interstate Drill, full list of companies entered to date ... Bryan
Rifles, Captain T.B. McQueen, Bryan, Tex.... Galveston Daily News, 18
July 1886, page 2
Galveston ... The next company to arrive was the Bryan Rifles. This
command reached the city by the early morning being the following team:
officers: Captain T.B. McQueen; first lieutenant, W. Wipprecht; second
lieutenant, J.N. Davis; first sergeant, T. Cardwell; second sergeant,
Homer Mosly. Privates: A. Johnson, A. Dimick, W. Goodan, C. Davis, W.
Gainer, Jack Cleveland, J. Bering, J. Caldwell, W. Shockley, W. Koppe,
C. McKenzie, J. Mastachia, C. Jenkins, W. Dodson, C. Booth and Mit
Dawson. Galveston Daily News, 4 August 1886, page 8
Galveston ... The Bryan Rifles, with Captain T.B. McQueen commanding,
came next, attired in cool - looking uniforms of white duck pants, blue
sack coats and white helmets, the United States summer regulation
uniform. They were loudly cheered immediately upon their entry. Their
captain has a good and clear voice, and apparently believed in giving
his orders in rapid succession as very little intermission was allowed
between any of the movements. The manual, with numbers and without, was
Anne Boykin - Bryan Rifles, etc.
almost perfect, their being very few conspicuous errors in the
manipulation of their pieces, with the exception of a trivial one in
executing the swivel attack. In fixing bayonets, reversing arms,
supporting arms, resting on arms, and particularly in stacking arms with
bayonets attached, they were very perfect. In one order, however, the
captain committed an error by giving the order of support arms while the
company was already at a support, which caused one man to inadvertently
attempt to ... (article continues) ...Galveston Daily News, 7 Aug. 1886,
D. 5.
Bryan ... The Bryan Rifles were complimented on their return from
Galveston, with a grand reception. A banquet was spread, after which a
ball was given in honor of their success at the interstate drill.
Galveston Daily News, 14 August 1886, page 2
Austin ... The officers of the Second Regiment of Texas Volunteers met
here today ... Captain McQueen, Bryan Rifles ... Galveston Daily News,
12 October 1886, page 5
* ... Cards have been received in this city announcing the marriage, on
the 9th instant, of Miss Nora B. of Bryan to Mr. James Moroney of
Dallas. The bride is one of Bryan's most popular young ladies, and has
quite a number of friends in this city who join in wishing that the
future may bring nothing but happiness ... is the daughter of Mr. T.J.
McQueen, one of Bryan's most prominent citizens, and sister of Captain
Tom McQueen of the Bryan Rifles ... Galveston Daily News, 8 June 1887
Bryan, Tex., June 14 — The Bryan Rifles, a military company of this
place, which disbanded some time since, partially reorganized last night
with a membership of twenty- eight. The reorganization will be completed
on next Tuesday night, when at least seven more applicants will be
admitted and a captain chosen. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 17 June 1888,
page 4.
*Chas. P. Martin was a member of the Bryan Light Infantry, Bryan Eagle,
2 Jan. 1890, p. 5, col. 3
*C.P. Martin was secretary of the Bryan Light Infantry, Bryan Eagle,
27 Feb. 1890, p. 1, col. 2
Austin ... A camp of instruction of the Texas Volunteer Guard is hereby
ordered to take place at San Antonio, Tex., beginning on Monday, July 7
... Second regiment infantry ... Company F, Bryan light infantry, Capt.
C.E. Jenkins ... Dallas Morning News, 14 June 1890, page 6
*Chas. S. Gainer, was commissioned 1st Lt. in Bryan Light Infantry,
Austin Daily Statesman, 9 Nov. 1890, p. 2, col. 4
"Austin's Tented Field; What Was Done Yesterday at the State
Encampment," Dallas Morning News, 23 July 1891, page 2. "...
Link's band of Bryan serenaded in front of Gen. Roberts'
headquarters this evening...."
Bryan, Tex., Oct. 19 ... The Bryan light infantry are in receipt of a
letter of invitation from the president of the state fair requesting
them to be present on the 21st instant. As this company is one out of
Anne Boykin - Bryan Rifles, etc. 8
ten to be invited out of a total of sixty -four companies in the state
the Bryan boys feel very much complemented. They have accepted the
invitation. Dallas Morning News, 20 October 1891, page 6
Bryan ... Major Preston of Galveston, inspector of the state militia,
came up yesterday and inspected the Bryan light infantry at their armory
last night. Galveston Daily News, 26 October 1891, page 3
Brazos Light Guard was organized on 8 June 1887; Captain Lewis Johnson
was appointed 6 November 1890; 1 st Lt. Henry Andrews was appointed 6
Nov. 1890; 2nd Lt. Flint Richards was appointed 16 October 1891. Report
of Texas Adjutant General, 1892, p.28
"The Corner Stone Laid," Dallas Morning News, 10 July 1892, page
14. For "Brazos County's magnificent new courthouse" ... "when
a procession was formed in front of the Masonic hall and marched to the
courthouse in the following order: Bryan light infantry, Captain C.S.
Gainer commanding; Vulcan lodge, A.O.U.W.; Brazos lodge, A.F. and A.M.;
Link's T.V.G. headquarter band ..."
Bryan, Tex., July 9 — The Bryan light infantry and Link's cornet
band are making active preparations to leave for Austin to attend the
encampment. The former is under the command of Captain C.S. Garnier
[Gainer] and the boys have a good record in previous encampments,
standing as seventeenth in the state, and they are expected to win first
place in this encampment. Link's band consists of twenty -five men and
is the brigade headquarters band and one of the best interior musical
organizations in Texas. It is charge of L.R. Bonneville, drum major,
and Prof. R.J. Newland, leader. Both band and militia company leave for
Austin Monday noon. Mr. W.S. Adams of Bryan has been appointed brigade
clerk on General H.B. Stoddard's staff, in place of Mr. W.E. Saunders,
off on furlough. Dallas Morning News, 11 July 1892, page 6
Bryan ... Sergeant Alf Y. Patterson of the Bryan light infantry won the
company's elegant gold badge last night in a competitive drill for the
best drilled individual soldier ... Major Joe B. Reed, commissary
sergeant of the Second brigade, Texas volunteer guard, left to -day for
Austin to attend the encampment. J.D. Roberts, commissary sergeant for
the Bryan light infantry, and Jack Shaw, occupying a like place for
Link's headquarters band of this place, left to -day for Austin to
arrange for their respective organizations. Galveston Daily News, 11
July 1892, page?
"Mr. W.P. Link, died at his home in Peru, Illinois; he had formerly
lived in Bryan; Link's Cornet Band at Bryan was named for him.
Galveston Daily News, 29 July 1892, p.1, col.4
Bryan — Capt. C.S. Gaines [ Gainor] informed Adjt. Gen. W.H. Mabry at
Austin that the Bryan Light Infantry has voted to withdraw from the
Texas Volunteer Guard and to disband. Action grew out of
dissatisfaction over the recent state encampment at Austin. Captain
Gaines cited the arrogance and dictatorial conduct of many commissioned
officers above the rank of captain as one cause of the dissatisfaction.
From Dallas Morning News, 19 Aug. 1892, reprinted 18 Aug. 1942.
Bryan, Tex., Aug. 20 — The split -up of the State militia has started
Ann Boykin - Bryan Rifles, etc.
4
the Bryan Light Infantry having disbanded and returned its commission.
Capt. C.S. Gainer, in his letter to Adj. Gen. Mabry, says the whole
Texas volunteer guard is going to pieces. He charges the superior
officers with favoritism and conduct unbecoming soldiers or gentlemen in
favoring certain companies in the encampment decisions, in assailing the
character of officers and men, and in denying them a hearing. Politics
has entered the ranks of the militia, and it promises to wind up like
the Democratic convention did. Washington Post, 21 August 1892, p.7
Bryan, Tex., Aug. 20 — The split up of the State militia has started,
the Bryan Light Infantry having disbanded and returned its commission.
Captain C.S. Gainer, in his letter to Adjutant - General Mabry, says the
whole Texas Volunteer Guard is going to pieces. He charges the superior
officers with favoritism in favoring certain companies in the encampment
decisions in assailing the character of officers, and men, and in
denying them a hearing. Philadelphia Inquirer, 21 August 1892, page 2.
The Bryan Light Guard (colored) left today for Austin with about
thirty -two men in all, in command of Captain Lewis Johnson, for the
State encampment. The depot was thronged with Negroes today to say
good -bye, and their sponsor stacked up immense. Houston Daily Post, 24
August 1892, p.2, col.2
Austin — The state encampment of colored militia opened this morning.
The four companies are the Excelsior Guards, San Antonio; Ireland
Rifles, Seguin; Brazos Light Guards, Bryan; Capital City Guards, Austin.
From Dallas Morning News, 25 Aug.1892, reprinted 24 Aug. 1942.
"The Brazos Light Guards company ...," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 20
June 1895, p.6, col.5.
Brazos Light Guard: Capt. Jeff Young was appointed 7 March 1895; 1 st
Lt. Henry Andrews was appointed 6 November 1894; 2nd Lt. F. Richards was
appointed 16 October 1891. Report of Texas Adjutant General, 1897,
p.29
Anne Boykin - Soiled doves and disorderly houses 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie
Date: 6/26/2007 7:14:45 am
Subject: Soiled doves and disorderly houses
CC: "Ron Hambric" <RHAMBRIC @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
Information about "fallen women" and their clients is hard to find,
since they were not talked about in polite company and only rarely were
mentioned in the press.
1864: July 3 — ... Returned to Bro. Ellis' and got a little boy by
the name of Alonzo Crawford to go home and live with me. His Pa was
killed in Arizona so his Ma abandoned to vice and left her two little
boys in the hands of strangers ... [See W.S. South Journal, in Hull
Papers, Cushing Library, Texas A &M University, box 1 -10]
"Millican Items," Galveston Weekly News, 26 October 1866, p.2, col.5.
"... Freedmentown ... It contains about two or three hundred huts, one
church or school house, about a thousand thriving looking Negroes. The
women live in the lowest state of prostitution. Many of them use the
most blasphemous and vulgar language that can possibly be conceived
Brazos County District Court Record Book C: p. 505: State of Texas vs.
Hannibal R. Hall and Mary Wood fmc [sic] ... April 1868: Mary Wood,
along with M.K. Strickland, appeared before the Court and gave bond for
$200; she was charged with keeping a "disorderly house"
Brazos Co. Deeds, Book H, pp. 110-111 — dated 2 May 1868: Mary Wood
gave a mortgage to Brazos Co. sheriff J.H. Neille, on a house in lot 9
in block 25 in Bryan — whereas H.R. Hall was fined $250 and costs for
keeping a disorderly house, & said Hall having been confined in jail for
22 days not being able to pay his fine — Moore & Hall gave a note
(although it was only signed by Moore with an 'Y') to Sheriff Neille for
the amount.
The Bryan News Letter says that Bryan is infested with more bawdy women
and of a lower class than any town of its size in the United States.
Texas Countryman, 22 January 1869, page 3
Bryan, May 24, 1869 ... The city was a scene of excitement on Saturday
afternoon, caused by the burning of two houses near the Railroad. The
fire originated, I learn, by the explosion of a kerosene lamp in a house
occupied by women of bad repute, who were absent from town, at Hearn
station, on a pleasure excursion. The house was burned down, together
with the one adjoining, occupied as a bakery. Houston Daily Times, 25
May 1869, p. 2.
The State of Texas, Brazos County
In the district court of the Brazos County, Spring term, 1870
James M. Thurmond vs. Mina Thurmond ... [this was an especially nasty
divorce proceedings between a former Bryan mayor and Brazos County judge
and his wife. Actually, this lawsuit was filed in January 1870, about
the time that H.T. Downard was appointed as Thurmond's replace; I don't
know if the timing is signficant ... James Thurmond later became mayor
of Dallas, and was shot and killed in a Dallas courtroom some time after
Anne B oykin - S do ves a nd disorderly houses 2
he had completed his term of that city's mayor]
Among the charges made by James Thurmond concerning his wife: "...
said defendant wholly disregarding the feelings and in violation of the
wishes, and without the knowledge or consent of the plaintiff and in
violation of her duty as a lady and as a wife, and in violation of all
good breeding, and rules of decency & propriety, did borrow from a Negro
woman a freed woman of color, the clothes to wit a dress and other
apparel of said freed woman used and worn by the said freed woman of
color at her every day work, and did actually put said clothes upon her
own person, and in said uncouthly dress and in the dark hours of the
night & when said plaintiff was from home did walk the streets of Bryan
Mina Thurmond, not to be outdone, said that "her said husband at the
period aforesaid became a frequent and almost nightly visitor of the
houses of ill fame in the Town of Bryan, and particularly did her said
husband keep and consort with one Florence Howard, a woman of notorious
ill fame, and the inmate of a house of prostitution, and did, in
violation of his said marriage vows, keep the same Florence in illicit &
unlawful intercourse and was so public and shameless in his said acts of
(illegible), that the said Florence publicly charged said that her said
husband, in his capacity of Mayor of the Town of Bryan, was afraid to
fine or punish her for any violation of the ordinances of said Town;
that among theses studied acts of cruelty to the deft. her said husband
repeatedly boasted to her in secret that he had kept more than fifty
women of ill fame in his life ...."
James Thurmond also accused his wife of carrying a pistol and of
meeting with other men; she accused him of beating their child in an
abusive manner, treating her coldly, calling her names (including
"damned bitch "), and threatening her life.
Human nature being what it is, there's no way at this point to know how
much truth there was in any of these charges.
Bryan City Charter, approved November 1871 ...
Article X, Section 1. The mayor and aldermen shall have power and
authority to pass ordinances regulating bawdy houses, houses of ill fame
or of prostitution, to license the same or abate the same. (Gammel,
H.P.N., The Laws of Texas 1822 -1897, Austin: The Gammel Book Company,
1898, volume 7, pages 126).
This was a common provision in city charters of the day - at least 6
Texas cities had regulated prostitution districts - see:
http: / /www.tsha.utexas.edu/ handbook /online /articles /PP /J*bpl .html
I have not found any evidence that Bryan had any similar regulations,
however.
Brazos County ... The "soiled doves" have been interfered with by
the police.
Dallas Weekly Herald, 16 June 1877, p.3
1879: Tomlinson, Marie Guy, The State Agricultural and Mechanical
College of Texas, 1871 -1879: The Personalities, Politics, and
Uncertainties. Texas A &M University, masters thesis, 1976, page 518:
Anne Boykin - Soiled doves and disorderly houses
In the middle of the Crisp affair [1879], one of the charges was that
Professor Lewis had borrowed money from President Gathright the previous
year to buy his daughter's trousseau but had never repaid the debt.
[This is from a letter from Thomas S. Gathright to George Pfeuffer,
College Station, TX, 2 Nov. 1879, "Historical Letters File, Thomas S.
Gathright," TAMU Archives). On pp.553 -554: Hogg also recalled trouble
over the dismissal of cadets who had lied, been drunk, and had been in
"houses of ill fame." Again, this statement dates to the infamous Crisp
affair in the late 1870s.
Bryan — County Court is in session this week. The case of Mrs.
Carthon, for keeping a disorderly house, was continued. Quite a number
of witnesses were in attendance. Houston Post, 9 May 1883, p.1, col.2
Bryan ... The Mayor's Court was represented this morning with offenses.
Anna Smith, a Negress and prostitute, was fined and hired out.
Galveston Daily News, 21 Aug. 1883, p.1
Sheriffs' Department, Brazos County. Bryan, Tex., July 19 — Ten
dollars reward: Arrest and wire at my expense Mattie Walker and Loula
Douglass. Mattie is a bright mulatto, about 18 or 20 years old, weighs
about 130 or 140 pounds. Loula is black, with straight hair, perhaps
false, wears bangs, is 20 or 25 years old, weighs 115 or 120 pounds.
Both had on broad striped blue dresses when they left here; went to
Calvert, then to Waco, and left for Temple. Both frequent saloons and
places of low repute. Will pay the above reward for them in any jail in
Texas. D. Dawson, sheriff. Galveston Daily News, 20 July 1889, p.7,
col.2
Bryan, Tex., Dec. 22 — This morning at an early hour B.J. Wallace
shot and killed Egbert Moorman at a house of ill fame in the northern
part of this city. From the evidence adduced at the examining trial
this evening the circumstances were as follows: Moorman quarreled with
Wallace, and after some words had passed, Moorman made an attack on
Wallace with a knife, when Wallace shot Moorman. Moorman was formerly a
resident of Madison County. Wallace's bond was fixed at $750, which
he readily gave. Galveston Daily News, 23 Dec.1891, p.3, col.3
*... Albert Mormon was killed in a house of easy virtue at Bryan by
Bolton Wallace....
San Antonio Daily Light, 23 Dec 1891, page ?
Bryan ... In the district court yesterday Bolton Wallace was tried for
the killing of Egbert Morman and acquitted. Galveston Daily News, 30
March 1892, p.2, col.3
A couple of white women were arrested at College yesterday and brought
to town. The arrest was made at the instance of the College
authorities. The women were released yesterday afternoon. Bryan Daily
Eagle, 27 February 1897, p.4, col.2. [Although this doesn't state why
the women were arrested, I think we can guess the answer with some
certainty.]
Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Bryan, that it shall
be unlawful for any white male person over the age of sixteen years, to
loiter around, or go into and remain in any house in the city of Bryan
K3
Anne Boykin - Soiled doves and disorde houses
where the inmates of said house are Negro prostitutes, or to engage in
conversation with said Negro prostitutes, or to be seen in company of
same at any public place within the corporate limits of said city. The
person violating the provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty
of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction shall be fined, not less than ten
nor more than one Hundred Dollars.
J.T. Maloney, Mayor,
J.B. Hines, Secretary.
Bryan Daily Eagle, 24 August 1909, p.3, col.3.
"City Marshal Cut by Negress," Bryan Daily Eagle, 22 May 1916, p.3,
col.4.
"Negress Bond is Placed at $500," Bryan Daily Eagle, 26 May 1916,
p.1, col.5.
"Secured New Trial," Bryan Daily Eagle, 14 March 1917, p.1, col.5.
"Drusilla Hudley v. the State," 194 South Western Reporter 160
(1917). ... The facts may be thus briefly stated: Appellant was a Negro
woman, and, doubtless, a prostitute. On Saturday night, the 13th of the
month, she was sitting in a restaurant, and a Negro man also sitting by
her had his feet in her lap. The assaulted party, Conlee, who was city
marshal of Bryan, ordered her away. She said to him that it looked as if
he had it in for her. The next Saturday night, the 20th of the month,
she was standing upon the sidewalk, as testified by Conlee, or in the
door of the house, as testified by herself. Conlee came up the street
and ordered her away. He says she muttered something that he did not
understand, but did understand her to say it seemed to her that he had
it in for her. He slapped her with his hand upon the face, and then
knocked her down and choked her pretty badly. Some of the witnesses say
she got up and he again jerked her down, and while they were on the
ground, some of the testimony shows she cut him with a knife in the
face. Other witnesses testified that she cut him when they arose from
the street, and when they arose they had each other by the front or
breast. Conlee jerked his pistol and struck her on the head two or three
times. She says that he did that before she fell the first time. There
is some difference as to when this occurred, but all agree that it
occurred, and Mr. Conlee so testifies himself. He testified that he
slapped her and knocked her down and choked her. She bought this knife,
under some of the testimony, between the first meeting between Conlee
and herself on the 13th and the second meeting on the 20th. Other
testimony shows she bought it a week prior to the first meeting. The
party from whom she bought the knife stated that she said she wanted a
good keen knife that "was a rib getter or a man getter." This is denied
by appellant. She says she paid 85 cents for the knife, and the seller
of the knife testified it was a good knife and that appellant paid 85
cents for it. She says she got the knife for fear of a certain Negro
woman with whom she had had trouble, and some of the evidence shows she
and another Negro woman had had a fight and the owner of the premises
ordered the other woman away. There is testimony also to the effect that
she had the knife with her on this occasion to make a Negro man take her
to the country that night; that he had disappointed her, and that if she
came across him she purposed to make him take her by bullying him with
the knife. This is a sufficient statement of the case. We are of
Anne Boykin - Soiled doves and disorderly houses 5
opinion this evidence does not sustain a conviction against this woman
for assault to murder ....
Anne Boykin - Rosprim community 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 7/14/2007 2:41:49 pm
Subject: Rosprim community
CC: "Ron Hambric" <RHAMBRIC @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
The community of Rosprim was located between Providence Church and the
Brazos River, near two African American churches: Brushy Church and St.
Mark's Church. (See Road Map of Brazos County, Texas, 1916, as
reprinted in Brazos County History: Rich Past — Bright Future, page
417). This community, named after the Rosprim family, has the unusual
distinction of having been served by postmasters who were twin brothers,
Matt M. Vitopil and S.J. Vitopil.
J.V. Rosprim of the Providence neighborhood called on the Eagle while
in town yesterday, and exhibited a branch from one of his Japanese plum
trees on which were forty -five fine plums about half ripe and very
beautiful fruit indeed. Mr. Rosprim says he has fourteen plum trees
bearing heavily. He has 350 fruit trees of different varieties in an
orchard of one and three fourths acres which shows what can be done in
this country with proper attention to the branch of diversified farming
coming under the head of horticulture. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 29 June
1899, p.6, col.1.
Mr. J.V. Rosprim has the thanks of the Eagle for a basket of very fine
Thurber peaches. Mr. Rosprim has done much this year to demonstrate the
capacity of Brazos County for growing fruit. His fine large peaches
have been the admiration of the town all the season, and have sold very
readily. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 3 August 1899, p.6, col.1
Application from J.V. Rosprim, dated 3 October 1900, for a postoffice
to be called Rosprim; nearest river is Brazos River, nearest creek is
Turkey Creek; postoffice would be about 2 miles from Brazos River and
one mile from Turkey Creek; about 300 people to be served by this
postoffice; no village or town located there. From: Post Office
Department Reports of Site Locations (National Archives microfilm)
Texas postoffices established ... Rosprim, Brazos County, Josef V.
Rosprim, postmaster ... Dallas Morning News, 9 February 1901, page 3
Rosprim, Texas, May 19 — A good rain fell here last Sunday which was
much needed. The boll weevil is the topic of the day, and we learn that
many have quit their cotton already as it was being destroyed by them.
(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 23 May 1901, p.3, col.3
Rosprim, August 26 — We are needing rain very bad in this section to
help the grass and for stock water. Cotton is about all open and the
farmers are picking it as fast as they can. Mr. Geo. Echols has moved
his gin out on the public road and has improved it considerable, with
another gin stand and elevator, he is now prepared to do first class
work. Miss Bettie Gandy of Rock Prairie spent several days last week
with Misses Callie and Mattie Foster of this community. Mrs. G.A.
Foster returned home last week after a month's visit to her parents in
Grimes County. The young people enjoyed a social at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. James Boxley last Wednesday night. Mr. Geo. Echols and others
attended the truck growers mass meeting at the court house last Saturday
Anne Boykin Rosprim community 2
and believe this is a good move and will be a success. Mr. Walter
Reynolds of Beaumont is visiting Mr. and Mrs. C.N. Simpson this week.
Bryan Morning Eagle, 31 August 1901, p.2, col.5
Texas postmasters appointed ... Rosprim, Brazos County, M.F. Vitopil
... Dallas Morning News, 7 March 1904, page 1
Postmasters appointed ... Rosprim, Brazos County: Sidney J. Vitopil,
vice M.F. Vitopil, resigned ... Dallas Morning News, 14 June 1904, page
7
Bryan, Tex., Sept. 10 — Last night at a Negro festival near the iron
bridge on the little Brazos River, Grant McGill was shot in the body and
seriously wounded. Robert Mitchell was shot in the arm and is only
slightly injured. Both men are Negroes and shotguns were used.
Mitchell has been lodged in jail here. About 1 o'clock this morning,
in another part of this county, below Rosprim, a Negro named Will Green
was shot from ambush and killed. A few minutes later another Negro
named Clarence McGown was shot at the same place, but not seriously
injured. Justice A.G. Mitchell visited the scene of the shooting and
held an inquest today. A festival had also been held at the house of a
Negro in the locality where this killing occurred. Late this afternoon
J.H. Suber brought in a Negro, giving his name as Babus Anderson, in
connection with the killing of Green, and lodged him jail to await
investigation of the Grand Jury, which meets again Tuesday. Dallas
Morning News, 11 September 1905, p.7
Babus Anderson, colored, charged with the murder of another Negro named
Will Green near Rospim about three weeks ago, was convicted in the
district court yesterday and given twelve years in the penitentiary.
Bryan Daily Eagle, 30 September 1905, p.3, col.3
Caldwell, Tex., June 25 — Saturday evening a Negro named Adam Nelson
went into the store of J.V. Rosprim in the Brazos bottom. He got into
an altercation with Mr. Rosprim. The darky was shot through the body
and may die. Mr. Rosprim, who is charged with assault with intent to
murder, has given bond pending the outcome of the Negro's injuries.
Dallas Morning News, 28 June 1906, page 2
Texas postmasters appointed ... Rosprim, Brazos County, F. Rosprim vice
S.J. Vitopil, resigned ... Dallas Morning News, 14 December 1907, page
12
Mr. and Mrs. Mat Vitopil will have the sympathy of many friends owing
to the death of their baby last night. The Eagle was unable to learn
the funeral arrangements. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 28 May 1908, p.2,
col.3. I
A son of Mr. and Mrs. J.V. Rosprim was badly hurt by a kick from a
horse yesterday afternoon. He was out on the Brazos River and the horse
kicked him on the leg below the knee and a very serious and painful
wound was inflicted. The flesh was torn loose from the bone and
stripped down for several inches. He was brought to town at once and
attended by Drs. Mondrick and Raysor, and is resting as well as could be
expected. The nature of the wound is such that it will be some time
before he is well again. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 5 August 1909, p.3,
Anne Boykin- Rosprim community 3
col.2
The hail that fell late Saturday afternoon and Saturday night did quite
a lot of damage in this county. Out east of town the truck farms of
W.C. Wilcox and F.W. Yeager were badly damaged. Mr. R.M. Nall who lives
immediately between the two places was also badly damaged by having his
corn badly beaten and split up. There was a heavy hail in the bottom in
the neighborhood of Stone City, but reports from there today stated that
the damage was not as great as at first thought and nothing will have to
be planted over. The heaviest damage was in the Smetana and Rosprim
communities. The Eagle is informed that much of both corn and cotton
will have to be planted again in these communities. Bryan Daily Eagle,
9 May 1910, page 1
"Uncle" Dave Collier of Rosprim, one of the oldest and most highly
respected colored men in the county, died on Monday, May 22. He was 75
years old and had lived at Rosprim for eighteen years. "Uncle" Dave
had many friends among both white and black, who were very sorry indeed
to hear of his death. Bryan Daily Eagle, 29 May 1911, p.2, col.2.
Bryan ... A girl 14 years of age was criminally assaulted while returning
to her home from school at Rosprim, in this county, yesterday afternoon.
Sheriff Conlee was notified at once of the crime and, after making an
investigation, place a Negro under arrest. He was taken to the home of
the young lady, who positively identified him as her assailant. He was
brought to town and lodged in jail and a charge of criminal assault
preferred against him. Dallas Morning News, 24 Dec.1911, p.11
"A Crime Most Foul," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 28 Dec. 1911, p.6, col.4.
Near Rosprim School.
Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Rosprim were visitors to the city today from Rosprim.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 16 April 1914, page 5
J.J. Rosprim of Rosprim was in the city today on business. Bryan
Weekly Eagle, 14 May 1914, page 5
The following Texas postoffices become domestic money order offices,
effective July 1 ... Rosprim .... Dallas Morning News, 12 June 1914,
page 5
Bryan, Texas, March 30 — The general merchandize store of J.V.
Rosprim and the Rosprim postoffice, located in same building, were
completely destroyed by fire last night. Rosprim is eight miles
southwest of Bryan. It is believed the store was first robbed and then
set on fire. The loss was estimated at $3,000 and partly covered by
insurance. Sheriff Nunn is at the scene today. Dallas Morning News, 31
March 1915, page 14.
The post office at Rosprim was discontinued 14 December 1918
Brazos County Alien Land Registrations, 1922: In 1921 Texas passed a
law requiring aliens who owned land in Texas to register at the county
court house. Although aliens were generally prohibited from owning real
estate, many had nonetheless acquired land. These records provide
information on immigrants which may not appear in other sources.
Anne Boykin - Rosprim community 4
p.2. Martin Berka, aged 64; about 5 ft. high; weight 130 lbs.; left
leg been broken and shorter than right; complexion dark; face wrinkled;
hair black, with sprinkling of gray; eyes black; mustache black and
gray; place of birth Velenov, Moravia, Austria - Hungary (now
Czechoslovakia); arrived in U.S. 23 Nov. 1899 at Galveston; present
address Rosprim; lived 23 years in Brazos Co.; owns 53 acres of land in
Brazos Co. which he bought from Fred Rosprim and his wife on 3 Dec.
1913. Statement given 8 Dec. 1922. [The Galveston Daily News of 24
November 1899 (p.8) has the following note: "The following is the
passenger list of the North German Lloyd steamship Ellen
Rickmers, due about November 27 ... Martin Berka and family, Bryan."
The Galveston Daily News of 25 November 1899 (p.5) notes that the ship
arrived on Nov. 24.]
Mrs. Fred Rosprim, aged 67, who with her husband, came to Brazos County
more than 50 years ago and who can well be called pioneer residents of
this section and who could tell many interesting things concerning early
day history of the Brazos River Valley, died Christmas day afternoon of
complaints resulting from her advanced old age. The Rosprims have lived
in the community which was fittingly named after them, about eight miles
southwest of Bryan on the Jones Bridge road. The funeral services will
be held on Thursday morning, December 27th, at 10:00, at the St. Joseph
Church, conducted by Rev. Father Gleissner. Besides an aged husband,
Mrs. Rosprim leaves one son, Joe V., who once was proprietor of a
general store and postoff ice at Rosprim, but who now resides at Salmon,
Texas, and a daughter, Mrs. Mary Dockal of the Rosprim community. The
store at Rosprim was managed by M.F. Vitopil, whose wife is a niece of
Mr. Fred Rosprim's, and whose grocery store in this city will be
closed on Thursday morning during the funeral. Interment will be made
in the Catholic cemetery under the direction of McCulloch- Gordon Co.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 27 Dec. 1923, p.1, col.3
Bryan, Texas, Oct. 1 — Funeral services were held at the home of Mrs.
Fanny Vitopil for Ferdinand Rospim, 80, who died Monday at the home of
his grandson, F.A. Hudett, near A.& M. College. Mr. Rosprim was a
native of Austria, but had been a resident of Brazos County for more
than fifty years. He is survived by one son and one daughter, J.V.
Rosprim of Palestine and Mrs. August Dockal of Bryan. Dallas Morning
News, 2 October 1930, section 1, page 4
Bryan, Texas, Jan. 24 — M.F. Vitopil, a leading grocery merchant and
business man of Bryan, died at his home. The funeral was held Friday
from St. Joseph's Catholic Church, with burial in Mount Cavalry
Cemetery. He is survived by his wife and three brothers, Frank J. of
Bryan, Anton B. of College Station and his twin brother, S.J. Vitopil of
Houston. Dallas Morning News, 25 January 1931, sports section, page 15
Anne Boykin - Riverside community
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 7/13/2007 7:02:01 am
Subject: Riverside community
CC: "Ron Hambric" <RHAMBRIC @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
This farming community, located about one mile west of Smetana, was
founded about 1887. A cotton gin was located there. (Brazos County
History — Rich Past, Bright Future, page 38). For a time, John
Kosarek (later in partnership with a man named Wehrman) ran a store
there. Many of the settlers in this area were of Czech or Italian
ancestry.
Pete San Angelo and Sam Piccolo, farmers of the Riverside community,
were among those calling on County Agent C.L. Beason on Wednesday,
asking for information concerning control of grasshoppers, which, those
farmers said, were hatching out in countless numbers. The county agent
advised the use of the bran mash poison, and suggested that the entire
community enlist in a campaign of systematic poisoning, using only the
poison recommended by the College and which has been found effective
when used as directed. Reports of the grasshopper menace would indicate
that the farmers of Brazos County, as well as other counties, are face
to face with an emergency which should be met with systematic concert of
action. Bryan Daily Eagle, 15 April 1925, p.1, col.6.
Bryan, Texas, Dec. 29 — The store of John Kosarek at Riverside, seven
miles west of Bryan, burned Sunday. There were two buildings. The
stock of goods also were destroyed. The loss was estimated at $10,000,
with $5,225 insurance on buildings, goods and fixtures. Dallas Morning
News, 30 December 1925, section 2, page 11.
Bryan, Texas, July 24 — Mrs. L.M. Goodson of Riverside, Brazos
County, celebrated her ninety -third birthday Thursday. Sunday the
occasion will be celebrated with a big dinner at her old home near the
Brazos River, with her children, grandchildren, great - grandchildren and
other relatives and friends attending. Dallas Morning News, 25 July
1926, page 4
Bryan, Texas, Dec. 11 — Mrs. L.M. Goodson, 94, of Bryan, pioneer
citizen of Brazos County, died Sunday morning. She was born in
Tennessee in 1833 and had lived in Brazos County sixty -five years and
was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. She is survived by two
children, Mrs. Mary Ewing and W.P. Goodson, both of Bryan. Burial will
be Monday morning in the Goodson Cemetery at her old plantation home in
the Brazos bottoms. Dallas Morning News, 12 December 1927, page 1.
Mrs. Nunzie Todaro, aged 50 years, 6 months and 1 day, after a long and
painful illness, passed away at the family home at Riverside, Brazos
County, Thursday afternoon. Beside her husband, Victor Todaro, the
deceased is survived by four daughters: Mrs. Losie Schanlin, Mrs. Lena
Canatello, Mrs. Annie Salvaggio, Mrs. Carrie Boutagwa, all of Bryan.
The funeral was held at Saint Anthony's Catholic Church in Bryan this
morning at ten o'clock, with Rev. Basil Bravi of that church
conducting the service. Interment followed in the Catholic cemetery,
Bryan, with McCulloch - Dansby funeral directors in charge. Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 10 Jan. 1929, page 2
Anne Boykin Riverside community 2
Bryan, Texas, Jan. 19 — John Zulowski, 81, for many years a resident
of Riverside, Brazos County, was buried from St. Joseph's Catholic
Church in this city. Father J.B. Gleissner conducted the funeral
service. Dallas Morning News, 20 January 1930, section 1, page 4.
[This last name should be Zulkowski; I could not find an obituary for
this man in the Bryan Eagle, which seems odd.]
Bryan, Texas, Sept. 27 — The store of Kosarek & Wehrman at Riverside,
six miles west of Bryan, was burglarized Thursday night, the safe blown
open and $400 in cash stolen and many valuable papers taken. Half the
cash belonged to the Riverside Gin Company and half to the above firm.
Dallas Morning News, 28 September 1930, section 1, page 11
Jacob Nemec, aged 80 years, died Wednesday night at 7:30 o'clock, at
the residence of his son and family, Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Nemec at
Riverside, where he made his home. Mr. Nemec Sr. was in unusually good
health for a man of his advanced years until only a few weeks ago. Born
in Czechoslovakia, May 1, 1847, Mr. Nemec lived in his native country
until 1902, when with other members of his family he came to the States,
and directly to Brazos County where friends he knew in his boyhood days
had already settled on farms on and near the Brazos River. He lived
here continuously from that date until his death. His wife passed away
several years ago. Surviving him are six sons and one daughter: Frank
and Fred Nemec, who still make their home in Czechoslovakia; Jacob Nemec
of Oregon; Rudolph Nemec of Robstown; John and Simon Nemec of Brazos
County; Miss Mary Nemec, Robstown. One sister, Mrs. Tom Nemec in
Czechoslovakia, and 26 grandchildren and 13 great - grandchildren also
survive. Funeral services will be held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs.
J.J. Nemec Friday morning at 9 o'clock and at St. Joseph's Catholic
Church at 9:30 with Rt. Rev. J.B. Gleissner officiating. Mount Calvary
cemetery will be the place of interment, with McCulloch - Dansby in charge
of arrangements. Six grandsons will serve as pallbearers: Adolph and
Pete Kucera, Antone, Frank, Charley and Joe Nemec. Bryan Daily Eagle,
23 Jan. 1936, p.1, col.7. Jacob Nemec
Mrs. Christine Nemec, aged 85 years, 1 month and 14 days, passed away
at an early hour Friday morning at the family home in Riverside
community, following an illness of about three weeks. Funeral services
will be held at the home Saturday morning at 9:30 o'clock, and at St.
Joseph's Catholic Church at 10 o'clock, with Rt. Rev. J.B. Gleissner
conducting the services. Interment will be made in Mount Calvary
Catholic cemetery. Mrs. Christine Nemec was born in Czechoslovakia,
Dec. 15, 1851. When a young woman she came to the States with members
of her family, and in 1903 she settled in Brazos County and had resided
here for the past 34 years. McCulloch - Dansby had charge of funeral
arrangements and the following were the pallbearers: Frank Nemec,
Charlie, Anton and Joe Nemec, Franch Hubecek and Hugo Dobrovolny. Bryan
Weekly Eagle, 3 Feb. 1937, p.1, col.3. Mrs. Christine Nemec
Anne Boykin - Evans ferry, Pitts ferry, Pitts bridge
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 7/15/2007 2:51:22 pm
Subject: Evans ferry, Pitts ferry, Pitts bridge
Pitt's Ferry was earlier known as Evans' Ferry. The exact date that
Evans' Ferry was constructed is not known, but it was in operation by
1868. These ferries — and later the bridge — were important in the
history of both Brazos and Burleson Counties. The first bridge at this
location was built about 1876. It apparently was destroyed a few years
later, most likely by a flood on the Brazos River. Various attempts
were made to construct another bridge over the next several years, but
the first known replacement was not built until 1896. In 1878, a post
office was opened at Pitts Bridge, in Burleson County. That post office
closed in 1918. A Catholic chapel was established at Pitt's Bridge in
1909. Research has not disclosed how long that chapel was in use.
Appointments of postmasters:
Pitt's Bridge:
Pitt(s), Wm. C., 23 Sep 1878
Discontinued 9 Apr 1879
(Re- established) Pitts, Wm. C., 24 Nov 1879
Moore, Wm. J., 21 Feb 1881
Parker, Geo. S., 25 Jan 1888
Ewing, Alex. L., 28 Aug 1888
Changed to Pitt Bridge, 29 Dec 1891
Pitt Bridge:
Goodson, Thos. B., 29 Dec 1891
Fuchs, Jacob A., 16 Feb 1915
Discontinued 29 Jun 1918
From: Wheat, Jim, Postmasters & Post Offices of Texas, 1846 -1930
Hammett Hardy applied for a new road to be built to Evans Ferry on the
Brazos River on 9 January 1868. (Brazos County Commissioners'
Minutes, Book A, page 197).
A Mr. Pitts was appointed as the Evan's Ferry Road overseer on 15
July 1869. (Brazos County Commissioners Minutes, Book A, page 254).
Brazos County ... Two notorious outlaws, John Wilson and Bill Langley
[Longley ?], for whose capture Gen. Reynolds offered a reward of five
hundred dollars each, are still prowling in this vicinity. Of late they
seem to be joined by a third party. These, however, are only a branch
of an organized band operating from the Trinity to the Colorado through
Madison, Brazos, Burleson and Bastrop counties. Last Thursday, when
about half a mile from Evans' ferry in this county, these worthies
halted two freedmen and attempted to rob them. Finding they had nothing
valuable, they fired upon them and wounded them both — one at least,
fatally. Several citizens of that section are now in pursuit of the
desperadoes. Flake's Bulletin (Galveston), 16 June 1870, page 1
Anne Boykin - Evans ferry, Pitts ferry, Pitts bridge 2
Two desperadoes, named John Williamson and Bill Langley [Longley ?], who
shot at and wounded two Negroes near Evan's Ferry, in Brazos County, a
few days ago, have been arrested by citizens and taken to Bryan for
trial. News. Daily Express (San Antonio), 21 June 1870, page 2
Bryan — Richard Ham, one of the parties concerned in the shooting of
two freedmen, near Evans' ferry, was arrested and tried in Bryan last
Monday. He was committed to the Galveston jail for safe keeping, until
the next term of the District Court of Brazos County. (Houston)
Times, 21 June 1870, p.3, col.3
The Big Brazos has been on a bender for the past week, with such full
banks as may impede travel. It is what is called a "red rise,"
caused by excessive falls of water in the upper plains. Several parties
have gone from Bryan to Evans' and Moseley's ferry and found
themselves unable to cross. We under the fall has begun. When we get
the much talked of iron bridge, these delays to travel will cease, and
travelers may bid defiance to the turbulent waters of this classic
stream. An iron bridge would be worth millions to Bryan. Bryan Appeal,
20th. Galveston Daily News, 22 July 1870, p.3, col.2
Bryan. From the Appeal: A gentleman from Bryan, who crossed the
Brazos bottom last Sunday at Evans' Ferry, tells us that he heard of
no caterpillars, and that he talked with several planters in the
vicinity of Evans' Ferry, all of whom reported no sign of the worm.
Houston Daily Union, 19 Aug. 1870, p.2
The ferry was between three and four miles below the mouth of the
Little Brazos River in the James Curtis league on land that W.C. Pitts
bought from C.C. Clayton on 13 June 1871. (Brazos County Deed Records,
Book M, pages 139 -140).
On 29 May 1872, the road from Bryan, which was formerly the Evan's
Ferry Road, was listed as the Bryan and Evans (or Pitts) Ferry Road.
(Brazos County Commissioners Minutes, Book A, page 352).
A new road was built to Pitt's Bridge across the Brazos River from
the Bryan and Moseley's Ferry Road in 1876. (Brazos County
Commissioners Minutes, Book B, page 168).
Bryan Appeal ... A shooting affair came off on last Friday at Pitt's
new bridge on the Brazos, nine miles from this place, between Henry
Hodges and - -- Henderson. It seems that Henderson and Hodges had some
convicts at work in the bottom, when they got into an altercation,
resulting in Henderson receiving two very severe pistol shot wounds at
the hands of Hodges. At last accounts it was thought Henderson would
recover. Hodges stood a preliminary examination before a magistrate and
was discharged. Galveston Daily News, 12 May 1877, p. 4.
Caldwell, March 9 — In a shooting affair yesterday evening, at or
near the plantation of Col. Tom Evans, in the Brazos bottom, some twelve
miles from Caldwell, Col. Evans was killed, and a Mr. Grice seriously
wounded. Grice accused Evans of inducing farm hands from the Grice place
to go and farm on the Evans plantation. When thus accused Col. Evans
shot Grice in the head with a pistol, knocking him down. While down,
Grice pulled his pistol and fired on Evans, the ball taking effect just
Anne Boykin - Evans ferry, Pitts ferry, Pitts bridge 3
above the right knee, ranging up into the bowels causing death. Mr.
Grice was expected to recover when last heard from. The attending
physician expressed surprise that Col. Evans' wound caused death.
They were both very well -to -do farmers of this county. Have not been
able to learn all the particulars yet. Galveston Daily News, 10 March
1881, page 1
Caldwell, March 11 — In my special to the News of the 9th instant I
stated that Col. Evans shot Mr. Grice in the head. This was a mistake.
Col. Evans struck Mr. Grice on the head with a stick, knocking him down.
The other statements in my report are correct. Mr. Grice has
surrendered and been released on bail. Galveston Daily News, 12 March
1881, page 1
Bryan, March 9 — Colonel Tom Evans was killed yesterday by a Mr.
Grise, near Pitt's ferry, on the Brazos. Dallas Weekly Herald, 17
March 1881, p.7
Notice to Contractors. Bids will be received for the construction of
an iron bridge across the big Brazos River, near Pitt's Ferry. Plans
and specifications can be seen until July 24, 1885, at the office of
Cole Bros., Bryan, Tex., on which date all bids will be considered. The
right is reserved by the Bridge Committee to reject any and all bids.
W.M. Koppe, M. Bonneville, M.D. Cole, G.M. Bryan, Jr., Milton Parker,
W.A. Hassell, Bridge Committee. Galveston Daily News, 8 July 1883, page
2
Bryan ... The new railroad from Brenham to Waco will cross the Brazos
River at or near Pitts' Ferry, about eight miles east of Bryan, and
property holders are hoping the road will not be built .... Dallas Morning
News, 26 May 1886, p.7.
Bryan, Tex.... The Commissioners' court of Brazos County has decided
to build two iron bridges across the Brazos River , and has selected the
point known as Pitts' ferry for one bridge, and for the second bridge
such point on the river between the mouth of Hope Creek and White's
ferry as in the opinion of a competent engineer is most available. It
is thought that these bridges will increase Bryan's cotton receipts at
least 5000 bales and that trade will improve in proportion. Galveston
Daily News, 26 May 1889, p.2
Mr. C.F. Moore called at the Eagle office Tuesday and laid before us
the plans for a magnificent iron bridge which it is proposed to erect
over the Brazos at Pitts Ferry. Mr. Moore's plan is issuing bonds to
the amount of $10,000 at 6 per cent upon the bridge and float them among
the citizens of Bryan. The cost of the bridge is to be $20,000 and the
other $10,000 is to be held by Mr. Moore and his associates, as we
understand, which is to be paid up stock, or unencumbered ownership,
which goes to make secure the $10,000 bonds proposed to be floated. If
the Eagle has the correct idea about the matter, and we think when it is
asked that an investment of $10,000 be made in the enterprise to run
from three to twelve years, which bears six per cent interest and is
absolutely safe. Besides the six per cent interest, purchasers should
look at the great advantage such a bridge would be to Bryan. The vast
amount of Territory to be opened up, and which would necessarily find it
s was to Bryan as a trading point. It appears that in this another
Anne Boykin Evans ferry, Pitts ferry, Pitts bridge 4
splendid opportunity is offered Bryan to extend her trade and increase
her population. We must push out for new territory, go into new fields,
and such a bridge would give thousands of bales of cotton to Bryan. The
Eagle commends the scheme to the favorable consideration of Bryan's
monied people and business men. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 2 October 1890,
page 1
Bryan, Tex., Sept. 9 — J.D. Palmer and a large force of hands have
arrived here and gone down to the Brazos bottom to build the new iron
bridge across the Brazos River at Pitt's ferry. Galveston Daily News,
10 September 1896, page 2
Bryan, Brazos Co., Tex., Sept.28 — A colored man who operates the
ferryboat at Pitt's Ferry, on the Brazos River, was in town to -day and
reported an eighteen- foot rise in the river. Dallas Morning News, 29
September 1896, p.6
Bryan, Tex., Oct.1 — J. H. Welch, the young man injured by falling
from the new bridge at Pitt's ferry a few days ago, was brought to town
this morning and sent to a Houston infirmary. Both ankles were badly
sprained and are much swollen and his back was injured. Galveston Daily
News, 2 October 1896, page 2
Bryan ... The iron work on the new bridge across the Brazos River at
Pitt's ferry has been completed and the bridge will doubtless be
finished within the next fortnight. The promoters of the enterprise are
contemplating a grand celebration, to take place on the formal opening
of the bridge to travel. This gives Bryan three iron bridges across the
Brazos in the trade territory tributary to this point. Dallas Morning
News, 23 November 1896, p.6.
*Infant child of Mr. and Mrs. P.T. Solly died; lived at Pitts Bridge on
the Brazos River. (weekly) Temple Times, 15 Jan. 1897, p.4, col.5
The residence and contents belonging to Frank Wallace, an industrious
and thrifty Negro, was burned near Pitts Bridge Sunday night. Loss
estimated at $1000 with no insurance. Wallace was not home when the
fire occurred and his wife got the children safely out of the home upon
discovering the flames, but afterwards two of the little ones crept back
into the burning building, and were found and rescued a second time just
before .... (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 4 March 1897, p.6, col.5 (Issue
filmed out of order, between February 18 and February 25).
*Gertie Reed died, aged 3; daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lucien Reed; died
at home near Pitts Ferry in Brazos bottom. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 2
Sept.1897, p.3, col.3; 2 Sept.1897, p.6, col.4
Bryan, Texas - A colored summer normal opened here this morning with an
enrollment of twenty -five. Each train brings more teachers and the
attendance is expected to reach fifty. The normal is under the auspices
of the counties of Brazos, Burleson, Grimes and Milam. Following is the
faculty: A.H. Colwell, Bryan, director; C.C. Carter, P. Landry, Bryan;
A. White, Anderson; L.A. Nash, Pitts Bridge, and A.H. Huff, Baileyville.
Houston Daily Post, 6 July 1898, p.10, col.6
L.B. Reed of Pitts Bridge, was here yesterday. Bryan Daily Eagle, 31
Anne Boykin - Evans ferry, Pitts ferry, Pitts bridge 5
July 1898, p.3, col.1
*Jeremiah Wilson died, aged 75 years, 7 months, 27 days; had lived in
TX about 2 years; died at home of his son -in -law Prof. J.W. Carson at
Pitts Bridge in Burleson Co.; Mrs. J.W. Carson was the only remaining
member of his family; buried Bryan cemetery 27 Sept.1898. Bryan Morning
Eagle, 27 Sept.1898, p.2, col.4. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 13 Oct.1898,
p.2, col.3
Bryan ... A Bohemian girl, 8 or 9 years of age, was drowned to -day at
Pitts' bridge in the Brazos. She fell out of a boat in which she and
a small brother were rowing and the body had not been found when the
report was made. Dallas Morning News, 19 June 1899, p.4
Bryan ... J.C. Lewis brought here to -day a number of excellent specimens
of the leg and body bones and teeth of a gigantic mastodon, found near
Pitt's bridge, where the bank of the Brazos River had caved in as a
result of the overflow. The bones are in an excellent state of
preservation and would be a valuable addition to a museum. Dallas
Morning News, 26 September 1899, p.5.
*Mrs. Estelle Carson, died at her home at Pitts Bridge on the Brazos
River; maiden name was Wilson; born Canton, MS in 1867; visited her
uncle at College Station in 1889 where she met Prof. John W. Carson;
they married in 1890 in MS; Prof. Carson formerly taught at Texas A &M;
left husband and 3 small children, the youngest only 2'/2 years old.
(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 18 Jan.1900, p.3, col.2; 18 Jan.1900, p.7, col.1.
Houston Daily Post, 14 Jan. 1900, p.18, col.3
Bryan, Tex., April 12 — The Brazos River was within banks this
morning and has been running down rapidly and the sloughs running out
all day. The fields have been considerably washed in places and the
fences damaged, but no loss of stock is reported. Experienced farmers
say that all inundated cotton lands will have to be replanted, but some
corn where the water did not stand too long appears to be all right.
The Pitts bridge piers show the water to have been three and one -half to
four feet lower than during the flood last year and one foot below the
rise of 1895. Dallas Morning News, 13 April 1900, page 2
Mr. W.A. Pitts and Miss Lizzie Barnhill were married yesterday at the
bride's home near Pitts Bridge. Rev. J.D. West of Bryan officiating.
(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 26 Dec. 1901, p.7, col.3
Mrs. T.M. Ewing and Miss Lillian Ewing of Pitts Bridge were in the city
yesterday. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 1 May 1902, p.2, col.4.
Bryan ... At the meeting of the Bryan Business League ... a number of
important matters were discussed for developing the trade of the town
and committees appointed to look after them. Among them was a
proposition to petition the Commissioners' Court to lease the Pitts
Ferry toll bridge and the Battes Ferry on the Brazos River, between
Brazos and Burleson Counties and make both of them free, as an
inducement to bring trade to Bryan. This will likely be done .... Dallas
Morning News, 4 August 1903, p.10.
Capt. W.C. Pitts died at his home in this city yesterday afternoon at 2
Anne Boykin - Evans ferry, Pitts ferry, Pitts bridge 6
o'clock in the 70th year of his age. Capt. Pitts was a pioneer
citizen of Brazos County and a life long farmer. His wife died ten
years ago and he leaves four children, Mr. Will Pitts and Misses Maggie,
Mary and Frances Pitts. Capt. Pitts was a native of Alabama. He was
well known throughout the county and owned property on the Brazos near
Pitts's Bridge. For some years his eye sight has been impaired and he
was not often seen upon the streets. The members of the family have the
sympathy of all in their bereavement. The funeral will be conducted
from the family residence this afternoon at 5 o'clock. (weekly) Bryan
Eagle, 13 August 1903, p.1, col.3
A petition to the commissioners court to lease the Pitts Bridge and
Batte's Ferry, and make both free to the public, in accordance with
the plans outlined at the last meeting of the business league, has been
circulated and liberally signed on the streets the past two days.
(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 13 August 1903, p.5, col.1
Bryan ... The gin on the plantation of Mrs. Millie L. Chance at Pitts
Bridge, in the Brazos bottom, was destroyed by fire at midnight last
night. Cause unknown. Loss $3,000, insurance $1,600. The plantation
is under lease to Greathouse Bros. Dallas Morning News, 9 June 1904,
P.9.
16 April 1907: Joseph Lee Anders, of Pittsbridge, Burleson County,
Texas, received a patent on a root and stalk pulling machine (U.S.
Patent # 850715).
Mrs. John Gregg was a visitor to the city today from Pitts Bridge.
(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 22 April 1909, p.7, col.3
Mrs. Tom Ewing was a visitor to the city today from Pitts Bridge.
(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 13 May 1909, p.5, col.1
Miss Eula Gregg and brother, John Gregg, Jr., of Pitts Bridge, were
visitors to the city today. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 6 May 1909, p.7,
col.1
Bryan, Tex., June 5 — Rt. Rev. Bishop N.A. Gallagher of Galveston
arrived in Bryan today and is the guest of Father Gleissner and Father
De Simone. On tomorrow the bishop will officiate at the dedication of a
new Catholic chapel recently erected by Father de Simone in the Brazos
bottom at Pitts Bridge. Galveston Daily News, 6 June 1909, page 6
Eula Gregg entertained a few friends at an elaborate barbecue and
picnic at Pitts Bridge in compliment to her guest Miss Carrie Neal of
Navasota. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 5 August 1909, p.7, col.3
Bryan, Tex., March 21 — Civil engineer White, who surveyed the
trolley line from Bryan to the agricultural and mechanical college, took
the field this morning with a force of hands to survey the new railroad
from Bryan to the Brazos bottom. The road will tap the International &
Great Northern at Smetana, six miles west of Bryan, and the tracks of
that road will be run into Bryan. It will cross the river at Pitts
Bridge and run down the bottom, taking in all the best farms in the
levee district. The road will be a great convenience to the planters in
handling and marketing their crops, and will forever secure that section
Anne Boykin - Evans ferry, Pitts ferry, Pitts bridge
as trade territory for Bryan. Galveston Daily News, 22 March 1910, page
Mr. T.A. Satterwhite brought in the largest fish this afternoon that
had been seen in Bryan in a long time. It was caught by J. Snider at
Pitts Bridge on the Big Brazos and bought from him by Mr. Satterwhite.
It was a yellow cat and weighed 51 pounds. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 14
April 1910, p.2, col.4
Miss John Gregg and Mrs. Hugh Looney were in the city today from Pitts
Bridge. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 21 December 1911, p.5, col.3.
Clarence Hilliot was a Sunday visitor from Pitts Bridge. (weekly)
Bryan Eagle, 29 February 1912, p.5, col.3
Jim Ogden was over today from Pitts Bridge, Burleson County. (weekly)
Bryan Eagle, 11 April 1912, p.5, col.3
M.B. Parker was a visitor to the city today from Pitts Bridge.
(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 2 May 1912, p.5, col.1
T.C. Easley of Pitts Bridge was a business visitor to the city
Saturday. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 2 May 1912, p.5, col.3
Jacob Fuchs was over today from Pitts Bridge. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 23
May 1912, p.5, col.1
Mrs. John Gregg of Pitt Bridge, who has been visiting Mrs. S.H. Jackson
of Houston, returned home today. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 4 July 1912,
p.3, col.3
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Elliott were in town this morning from Pitts
Bridge. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 26 December 1912, p.5, col.2
Mrs. Mary Ewing was in the city today from Pitts Bridge shopping.
(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 6 February 1913, p.5, col.3
V.J. Keller of Pittsbridge was a visitor to the city today. (weekly)
Bryan Eagle, 4 September 1913, p.5, col.2
"Will C. Pitts Dead," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 8 January 1914, page 1
"Pitts Bridge Open," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 15 January 1914, page 8
Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Gregg, Sr., of Pitts Bridge spent the day in the city
today. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 26 March 1914, page 5
C.C. McRea and Jacob Fuchs Sr. of Pitts Bridge were in the city today
on business. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 30 April 1914, page 5
"Bridge Span Fell In," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 28 May 1914, page 5.
"To Repair Pitts Bridge," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 4 June 1914, page 7
Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Gregg Sr. of Pitts were among the visitors to the
city today. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 23 July 1914, page 5.
Anne Boykin - Evans ferry, Pitts ferry, Pitts bridge g
"Pitts Bridge Work is Progressing," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 30 July
1914, page 7
Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Betts of Pitts Bridge were among the visitors in the
city today. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 6 August 1914, page 5
C.C. McRea, J. Fuchs, Sr., and John Nabors of Pitts Bridge are
attending the Cotton Carnival in Galveston. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 6
August 1914, page 5
Mrs. J.H. Gregg of Pitts Bridge and guest Mrs. I.H. Hunter of
Gatesville were visitors to the city today. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 6
August 1914, page 5
Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Betts of Pitts Bridge are guests of Mr. and Mrs. E.C.
Horder. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 13 August 1914, page 5
C.C. McRea was in the city today from Pitts Bridge. Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 3 September 1914, page 5
Miss Anna Fuchs of Pitts Bridge went to Plantersville yesterday, where
she will teach the coming season. She was accompanied to Navasota by
her brother, J.A. Fuchs. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 24 September 1914, page 5
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Looney of Branchville are guests of Mrs. Loony's
parents Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Gregg Sr. of Pitts Bridge. Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 15 October 1914, page 5
Bryan ... Material for repairing the sunken piers of Pitts Bridge across
the Brazos River is being assembled, and the work will be done by county
labor under direction of County Engineer Boyett. The bridge has been
out of commission since the piers sank two months ago. and the loss of
this highway cuts off a big trade from Bryan. Dallas Morning News,
September 6, 1919, p.5.
Clarence Gregg, a Bryan Negro now living in Kansas City, has invented
and patented a new type of machine gun designed to carry 1400 cartridges
in the magazine and to be fired without the immediate attention of the
operator. The gun, it is claimed can be operated at a distance or by an
electric attachment. It can also be operated by hand or by pressing the
foot against a lever. The machine can be made to fire any number of
cartridges at a time. Gregg, according to an article in the Kansas City
Post, was working on the gun during the war and was permitted to
continue his work instead of entering the army. He is working for a
Kansas City contractor, while a model maker is now engaged in preparing
a working model of his invention. He will take the model to Washington
for government experts to examine. Gregg was born and reared on a
Brazos bottom plantation near Pitts Bridge, and his mother, Leah Gregg,
still lives at the old place. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 17 February 1921,
p.4
"Professor at Carnegie Values A. & M. Fossils," Dallas Morning
News, 15 April 1923, sect.3, p.2. "He mentions a fossil tortoise
secured by Dr. Francis near Pitt's Bridge, on the Brazos River, and
named by Dr. Hay `Testudo Annae,' the specific name being given in
Anne Boykin - Evans ferry, Pitts ferry, Pitts bridge g
honor of Mr. Anna J. Francis, wife of the discoverer
Bryan ... Sheriff Lewis of Burleson County was in Bryan Monday morning
and reported to Sheriff J.H. Reed that a dead Mexican had been found
near Pitts Bridge, just across the Brazos River in Burleson County. He
had been shot four times. The officers are searching for another
Mexican in connection with the matter. Dallas Morning News, 13 July
1927, sect.1, p.3
Bryan ... Ninety -two feet of the wooden approach of Pitts Bridge across
the Brazos River on the Brazos County side, Highway No.21, fell in the
river Monday night. Half the material was swept away by the river.
Recent flood waters had undermined and weakened the bridge. Repairs
costing several thousand dollars will begin at once, according to J.E.
Blair, division highway engineer. The bridge will be closed for some
weeks. Dallas Morning News, 28 May 1930, sect.1, p.3
"Will Widen Highway," Dallas Morning News, July 7, 1930, sect.2, p.15.
"... The commission also appropriated $10,660 for a new steel span for
Pitts bridge across the Brazos River to replace a wooden span which
recently was swept away by high waters."
Bryan ... The Pitts bridge across the Brazos River of State Highway
No.21, the east and west highway through Brazos County, has been opened
to traffic. A new 150 -foot steel span is being put in on the Brazos
County side to replace a wooden span that fell in the river a short time
ago. The repairs are not completed, but a temporary approach to the
bridge proper has been put in so it can be used during the busy fall
season. Only light cars and lightly loaded trucks will be permitted to
cross the bridge. Dallas Morning News, 4 August 1930, sect.2, p.13
Bryan ... The new steel span for Pitts' bridge across the Brazos River
on Highway No. 21 has been swung into position, other repairs completed
and the bridge opened to traffic, according to announcement from the
office of J.E. Blair, division highway engineer. The steel span
replaces the wooden approach to the bridge on the east end, which fell
into the river some months ago, caused by sloughing of the banks during
flood stage in the river. Dallas Morning News, 25 October 1930, sect.1,
p.2
Another trace of the prehistoric mammals that once ranged this country
was found Monday by Pete and Adolph Kucera on a high bank on the Brazos
River about half a mile below Pitts bridge. Where erosion had bitten
into the bank the Kuceras, who recently have uncovered bones and teeth
of mastodons, found what they believe to be part of a skull and a tooth
that weighed about nine pounds. The bone of the skull was honey- combed
and rather crumbly, but the tooth covering, in appearance was not unlike
mother -of- pearl, was just as hard. The brothers went to Texas A.& M.
College this morning, with their latest finds, to see Dr. O.M. Ball,
curator of the recently established museum, in which his collection and
that of the late Dr. Mark Francis, have been placed, in an effort to
have him go out and look over the area in which they made their
discoveries. Bryan Daily Eagle, 16 August 1938, p.1, col.4.
Anne Boykin - Fountain Switch community 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 7/22/2007 2:19:06 pm
Subject: Fountain Switch community
CC: "Nan Ross" <nross @bryantx.gov >, "Ron Hambric" <..
Fountain Switch (sometimes called simply "Fountain ") was located on
the International and Great Northern Railroad, in the northwest corner
of Brazos County. (Brazos County History— Rich Past, Bright Future,
page 38). This community was home to a railroad section house and also
a school.
A Negro section hand on the I.& G.N. got his leg broken in a hand car
accident at Fountain Saturday. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 23 April 1903,
p.7, col.4
"Brazos County Teachers Institute," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 25 January
1906, page 1. Teachers attending included Lucy Wilson, Fountain
school.
B.F. Kennedy of Fountain was in the city yesterday and left for La
Porte. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 25 January 1906, page 5.
Citizens of the Fountain community are making vigorous complaints
regarding the lack of a depot at Fountain on the I.& G.N. S.S. Kennedy
was in the city yesterday and stated that he would go to Austin to take
the matter up with the railroad commission. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 1 March
1906, page 2
Miss Lucy Wilson returned to her school at Fountain Sunday after
attending the teacher's institute and visiting at home. Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 1 March 1906, page 2
S.S. Kennedy of Fountain returned from Galveston yesterday. Bryan
Weekly Eagle, 8 March 1906, page 2
Dendy Cahill of Fountain went to Smetana yesterday. Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 22 March 1906, page 2
J.C. Blume was here yesterday from Fountain's Switch. Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 5 April 1906, page 6
M.L. Vitopil and family and P.J. Vitopil visited Fountain Sunday.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 21 June 1906, page 2
Mrs. C.T. Conaway of Fountain was a visitor in the city yesterday.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 28 June 1906, page 1.
S.S. Kennedy of Fountain was in the city yesterday. Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 5 July 1906, page 2.
B.F. Kennedy of Fountain was in the city yesterday. Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 12 July 1906, page 8.
B.F. and S.S. Kennedy and Misses Lola and Fannie Kennedy of Fountain
were in the city yesterday. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 19 July 1906, page 8
Anne Boykin - Fountain Switch community 2
Justice nominee B.F. Kennedy of Fountain was in the city yesterday.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 2 August 1906, page 2.
B.F. Kennedy of Fountain was in the city yesterday. Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 9 August 1906, page 2
Albert Higgs was in the city from Fountain Switch today. Bryan Weekly
Eagle, 6 August 1914, page 5
Rabb Higgs was in today from Fountain. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 4 November
1914, page 5.
Miss Wealthy Smith of Fountain was a visitor to the city today. Bryan
Weekly Eagle, 19 November 1914, page 5
Miss Vina Smith of Fountain Switch died at her home at that place at 9
o'clock Thursday morning, after an illness of one month. Miss Smith
was 62 years of age, and was a sister of Peter Smith, a well known
resident of Fountain, with whom she was living at the time of her death.
She had been in bad health for a number of years and was taken
seriously ill about four weeks ago. Her condition grew worse steadily
until death resulted at the time mentioned. She was a sweet Christian
character and an earnest worker in the work of the Lord. She leaves a
number of friends to mourn her loss and express deep sympathy for the
relatives and members of the family in their bereavement. The funeral
was held from the home yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Dr. M.E.
Weaver, pastor of the First Baptist Church of this city, conducting the
services. The remains were laid to rest in the family cemetery at
Fountain. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 3 December 1914, page 5.
[The Smith family cemetery was not located when the Brazos Genealogical
Association inventoried the county's cemeteries in the 1980s.]
Mrs. Wiley Higgs has returned from a brief visit to Mrs. Ralph Higgs of
Fountain. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 10 December 1914, page 12.
Rabb Higgs of Fountain was in town today. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 20 May
1915, page 5
Rabb Higgs was in town today from his plantation on the Little Brazos.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 19 August 1915, page 5
Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Higgs of Fountain Switch were visitors to Bryan
today. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 2 September 1915, page 5
Mr. and Mrs. Wiley Higgs have moved to their farm near Fountain Switch.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 23 September 1915, page 5
Miss Nona Belle Jones of Harvey is visiting her sister, Mrs. Wiley
Higgs, at Fountain Switch. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 21 October 1915, page 5
Mr. and Mrs. Wylie Higgs of Fountain were visitors to the city today.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 21 October 1915, page 5
Baker vs. Loftin et al., No. 5886.
Court of Civil Appeals of Texas, San Antonio
Anne Boykin - Fountain Switch community 3
198 Southwestern Reporter 159; 24 October 1917, Decided
Appeal from District Court, Brazos County; J. C. Scott, Judge.
Suit by Smithie Loftin, for herself and minor children, against Jas. A.
Baker, receiver of the International & Great Northern Railway Company.
Judgment for plaintiffs, and defendant appeals. Counsel: Doremus,
Butler & Henderson, of Bryan, and Wilson, Dabney & King, of Houston, for
appellant. Lamar Bethea and W. C. Davis, both of Bryan, and Ward &
Bickett, of San Antonio, for appellees. Appellee, Smithie Loftin, widow
of Charlie Loftin, for herself and as next friend and guardian of their
two minor children, brought this suit against the appellant, acting
receiver of the International & Great Northern Railway Company, to
recover damages for the death of Charlie Loftin by the alleged
negligence of appellant ... The case was submitted in a general charge,
supplemented by specially requested instructions. Upon a verdict in
favor of appellee judgment was rendered for $8,000. The testimony
developed the following facts: Charlie Loftin was a section foreman in
the employ of appellant, and lived in appellant's section house at
Fountain Switch, which is about seven miles in a northern direction from
Bryan, Tex., and about one mile north of the bridge near which deceased
was killed at the time alleged, by appellant's engine. Appellant
furnished deceased with a motorcar to be used and operated by deceased
on appellant's railroad track, subject to several rules known to
deceased. Deceased employed laborers in the work required of him as
section foreman. On Saturday, July 1, 1916, deceased, with his nephew
and two Mexican laborers were busy performing their duties for appellant
on the section until 5 o'clock p.m., after which time all four went on
the motorcar from the section house at Fountain Switch for the purpose,
among other things, of getting money for the Mexican laborers. After
arrival in Bryan, the Mexicans bought provisions, and about 9:30 p.m.
all the party, boss, nephew, and laborers, mounted the motorcar to
return from Bryan to the section house at Fountain Switch. While in
Bryan deceased and his nephew drank four of five glasses of beer each.
When the party left Bryan, deceased had several bottles of beer and a 25
cent bottle of whisky with him. Deceased operated the motorcar. After
traveling about five miles from Bryan, the car stopped at Thompson Creek
crossing, which was about two miles from the section house at Fountain
Switch, and about one mile south of the scene of the killing. Here the
entire party dismounted from the motorcar and remained nearly 2 1/2
hours. The Mexicans mounted the motor first, deceased became angry with
them and required them to get off. Then deceased attempted to force them
to get back on, but the Mexicans ran off along the railroad track in the
direction of the section house. Deceased took his position on the
motorcar and told his nephew to shove the car off, which he did.
Deceased was angry with the nephew, and forced him to get off the motor
while in motion. There was a lighted lantern on the frame of the
motorcar visible from the rear of the motorcar. The motor was heard
popping, by the nephew, as it went for quite a distance. The nephew made
his way to the section house across the fields, where he secured a
lantern for the purpose of returning to meet his uncle, but did not do
so. The motor stopped near a bridge about 1,200 feet north from the
Smetana Railroad crossing, a public crossing. The lighted lantern on the
motor was seen burning at 12 o'clock, midnight, at this point by a party
of boys and girls, who also heard a man singing in the neighborhood of
the lantern. The light was visible from the Smetana crossing, and was
seen by the group of boys and girls from distances of 200 to 500 yards,
and seemed to be on the railroad track, near the railroad bridge. One of
Anne Boykin - Fountain Switch community 4
the girls saw the light from the lantern until the engine of the
_ north -bound passenger train extinguished the lantern light, wrecked the
motorcar, and killed the deceased. Smetana crossing was more than 1,200
feet south of the place of the injury, and the train operatives had an
unobstructed view of the track ahead from the Smetana crossing to the
place of injury. No warning of any kind was given of the approach of
this north -bound train. There was testimony for appellant that the
admitted 2 per cent. curve in the track, beginning just south of Smetana
crossing and extending to a point beyond the place of injury, rendered
it impossible for the engineer and fireman to discover the presence of
deceased or the motorcar in time to avoid the injury. The testimony was
that the headlight, because of the curved track, shone to the left of
the track at the scene of the killing and left the place of injury in
darkness until the engine was within less than 100 feet of the deceased,
and that the train could not be stopped in less than 600 feet.
Contradicting this testimony, there was evidence that the headlight of
the engine enveloped the track, where deceased was killed in a bright
light, from the time the train reached Smetana crossing continuously as
the engine approached the place of injury, and that deceased and the
motorcar were clearly visible to the operating engineer and fireman
continuously from Smetana crossing to the place of injury. According to
appellant's witnesses, the headlight was a narrow beam. According to
appellee's the headlight was very wide. The evidence was undisputed that
a light from a lantern on the top of the frame of the motorcar on the
track at the place of the injfireman as far back as the Smetana crossing, more than 1,200 feet away,
and continuously from the Smetana crossing to the place of injury. The
engineer and fireman both testified that there was no light from a
lantern on the motor during the time the engine reached Smetana crossing
and approached the place of the injury. The jury could, and probably
did, find from the evidence that the engine headlight sufficiently
illuminated the place of the injury in a way to give the engineer ample
time to have avoided the injury, and that the lantern light did shine a
warning of the danger of deceased, which warning signal should have been
observed by the engineer, and the injury avoided. The fireman testified
that he discovered the deceased lying at right angles to the track, with
his head on the left rail; that this discovery was made when the engine
was about 30 feet from deceased, and could not have been discovered
sooner or further away because of the failure of the headlight to
illuminate the curved track. The fireman further testified that he gave
an immediate warning to the engineer of his discovery, and that the
engineer brought the engine to a stop 675 feet beyond the place of the
injury. According to the testimony of the engineer and fireman, the
engineer saw the motorcar about the same moment that the fireman first
saw the deceased; and the engineer did not discover the deceased, nor
the fireman the motorcar until after the killing. The location of the
body and groceries tends to prove that deceased was on the motorcar
where last seen by the nephew. The evidence fails to explain why the
deceased stopped at the place of the injury, or why he remained there
until hit. There was evidence that he may have been drunk. There was
evidence that the motorcar may have gotten out of order. There was
evidence that the motorcar was partially off the track before it was
struck by the engine. Whether it had become derailed or had gotten out
of order and stopped, and deceased was trying to clear the track by
removing it is not explained. Deceased was an experienced section
foreman, having worked for appellant in that capacity for about 9 years.
He was 52 years old, strong and active. The railroad track between
Anne Boykin - Fountain Switch community 5
Smetana and Fountain Switch was habitually used night and day by the
general public. The engineer testified that it was his duty to keep a
lookout to avoid injuring persons between Smetana crossing and Fountain
Switch. The judgment is affirmed.
Dove Hall, colored, was married Sunday night about eight o'clock and
about nine, on the same evening, while the wedding festival was
"on," he shot and killed Oscar Harrison, another Negro man,
who was among the wedding guests. The two affairs took place at the
home of the bride's father, Mose Johnson at Fountain Switch, four
miles west of Bryan. Sheriff Jess Conlee of Brazos County soon appeared
on the scene, and the bride groom was transferred from the festival to
the county jail where he awaits trial. The body of Oscar Harrison was
brought to Bryan and is being prepared for burial at a colored
undertaking establishment. No reason is given fro the killing, and
everybody seemed in a good humor, and the "boys were only
hurrahing," one of those present explained. The shooting was done
with an automatic pistol, in the possession of Hall. Bryan Daily Eagle,
4 October 1926, p.1, col.2.
Powell Harvey, well known Negro of the Fountain Switch community west
of Bryan, died at his farm home in that community Tuesday at 6 o'clock
after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m.
with interment made at Canaan cemetery seven miles west of Bryan.
Powell Harvey was one of the leading Negro citizens of Brazos County and
owned his farm home and was always energetic and dependable. He was
constable in Precinct No. 5 for a long period of years and held the
confidence of all, both white and black, by being a faithful and
efficient officer of the law. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 15 May 1930, p.2.
Bryan ... All local ministers filled their respective posts last Sunday
... Rev. Henry Hodge and Mrs. 011ie Scott of Fountain Switch, were
united in marriage last Saturday. ... W.R. Ford, Reporter. Houston
Informer, January 10, 1931, page 8
Anne Boykin - Big cats of Brazos County 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <ROpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 7/24/2007 6:49:35 am
Subject: Big cats of Brazos County
CC: "Nan Ross" <nross @bryantx.gov>
Mrs. R.L. Weddington, a citizen of the county since 1850, said:
"There were many wolves, bears, panthers, and wildcats in the
county. Deer ran in herds through the woods. My brother frequently
went into the woods before sun -up and returned with three or four wild
turkeys. The woods were literally alive with coveys of quail and
prairie chickens." (Marshall, Elmer G., History of Brazos County,
Texas, masters thesis, University of Texas, 1937, p.13)
Millican ... George Hempfling has a large catamount, in a beautiful
home -made cage, ready to be shipped this week to the world's Columbian
fair. Galveston Daily News, 17 April 1893, page 1, col.6
Uncle Abe Hensarling was in town Saturday and told the Eagle reporter
that the hunters out in his community have been chasing a big wild cat
nearly every night the past week, and in spite of all their efforts the
cunning animal has so far eluded them. When overtaken the animal whips
back the dogs and then escapes. Last night a week ago Uncle Abe says
there were twenty -seven men and twenty dogs after the cat and still they
could not catch him. Efforts to poison him with strychnine on fresh
meat have also failed, as the cat seems to know when there is poison
about. The big cat has been depredating on meat houses and making a
nuisance of himself generally. Uncle Abe says anybody with good hunting
dogs is invited to come out and join in the hunt, and promises lots of
fun to those who love the sport. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 20 May 1897,
page 2
Bryan, Tex., July 30 — Ed Wickes, John M. Caldwell, W.H. Cole, E.
Rhode, John Vick and Henry Shelburne captured and killed a large
catamount while hunting on Thompson Creek, west of Bryan, this morning.
Hung up by the hind feet, the feline measured 4 feet 6 inches from tips
of forefeet to hind feet. Galveston Daily News, 31 July 1904, page 4
E.F. DeHart was in from Harvey yesterday and reported the killing of a
very large wild cat a few days ago. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 5 April 1906,
page 5
Emmett Rohde caught a large wild cat after an hour's chase near town
yesterday morning. The animal fought viciously and cut up one of Mr.
Rohde's dogs considerably. The pelt, feet and head have been
preserved for mounting. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 16 May 1907, p.2, col.2
Killed a Wild Cat — Abram Hensarling of Wellborn and Evander
Hensarling of Steep Hollow called at The Eagle today and reported a big
cat chase on Wixon Creek last night, enjoyed by Evander Hensarling,
Charley Hartsfield and Elmer Bullock. They had two splendid cat dogs,
and after hunting a while a big cat was jumped and after a two hours
chase the varmint took a tree and was shot out by one of the boys.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 15 January 1914, p.3, col.3.
Charlie Hartsfield and Sam Freeman brought a catamount in to the Eagle
Anne Boykin - Big cats of Brazos County 2
office today that they killed last night on Mrs. Moore's place on
Wixon Creek. It measures four and one half feet from front to back toes
and has claws about three - quarters of an inch in length and weighs about
twenty pounds. Messrs. Charlie Hartsfield, Sam Freeman, Elmer Bullock
and Ernest Thompson were out last night giving the dogs of Mr.
Hartsfield a run, when they struck the trail of the cat. He ran to a
tree and Elmer Bullock shot him with No.7 shot behind the left foreleg,
after which the dogs took hold and finished him. The run lasted about
an hour and the cat put up a game fight, wounding two of the dogs, but
they stayed with the cat until they finished him. This s the second cat
this crowd has killed in the last four days. Mr. Hartsfield says he is
going to mount the cat and preserve him. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 15
January 1914, p.4, col.5.
Three of the A.& M. cadets went out kodaking yesterday afternoon on the
river and scared a wild cat out of some brush. Upon investigation they
found a nest of little kittens containing four. They got one each and
carried them back to College, where they were given to a house cat to
raise. They are now at the veterinary barn and can be seen there.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 23 April 1914, page 5
Bryan, Texas, Jan.3 — James Godwin of this city was showing on the
streets Saturday a large bobcat, which came from his farm, six miles
southwest of town. The animal was sixteen and a half inches tall, as
long as a dog and weighed eleven pounds. He says bobcats are plentiful
in the neighborhood of his farm. Dallas Morning News, 4 January 1926,
sect.1, p.3.
Anne Boykin - Crimes in College Station 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Regina Opersteny" <rpersteny @aol.com >, "Julie...
Date: 2/3/2007 3:48 pm
Subject: Crimes in College Station
CC: <aboykin @cstx.gov>
I thought folks might be interested in these notes on the history of crime and law enforcement in the
College Station area.
They are not especially complete - just random items I have jotted down over the years.
Feel free to share these with anyone who might be interested.
Notes on College Station Crime and Law Enforcement
compiled by Bill Page
"Richard CARTER v. the State," 20 Texas Reports 339 (1857). Involved conviction of Carter, a slave
owner, for allowing his slave to carry gun off of his property.
Bryan, May 24 -- Near the Agricultural and Mechanical College, this morning, a Negro named Austin
Gandy was shot and killed by another Negro named Stewart. Gandy made the first shot the ball going
through Stewart's shirt, but not hurting him. Stewart is now in jail. Galveston Daily News, 25 May 1878
"The Cadet Lynching Scrape," Galveston Daily News, 6 Nov. 1878, p.2, col.1. Statement by Gathright
clarifying earlier newspaper stories.
The storehouse, with stock of merchandise, owned by Mr. E.B. PUGH, at College Station, was entirely
destroyed by fire last night. The fire is supposed to be the work of an incendiary. Mr. PUGH was at the
college attending the cadets' ball when the fire was discovered, and before he was able to reach the store
it was almost entirely consumed. He was insured in the Liverpool Company for $2700, which will cover
about half his loss. Galveston Daily News, 24 Dec. 1882, p.1
(need to transcribe): A watch was stolen from A &M. Galveston Daily News, 12 Feb. 1886, p.3
(need to transcribe): Jodie CREWS accidentally shot & killed Silas MOORING at Texas A &M; both men
worked at A &M; CREWS was charged with negligent homicide. Brenham Daily Banner, 28 Apr. 1886,
p.1; Galveston Daily News, 27 Apr. 1886, p.5, col.5; 16 May 1886, p.2, col.3
Strayed or stolen from the A. & M. College of Tex. on the night of Aug. 23 2 large mare mules ... The pair of
mules were bought of Messrs. WORK of Ennis, Tex. A liberal reward will be given for information. T.M.
SCOTT, agent. Wire D.D. DAWSON, sheriff. Galveston Daily News, 28 Aug. 1888, p.2, col.4
Bryan, Tex., Feb. 10 * All officers and citizens look out for the following stolen goods, stolen on the night of
Jan.31 last from the agricultural and mechanical college: One quarter size solid gold watch, box case,
initials W.E.P., in fancy unconnected letters in front of case, contained Waltham 11- jeweled movement,
No. 4,512,739. Also chain of solid gold, curb pattern, full length links, a little worn. When stolen was
attached to watch by small piece of chamois skin; also had on it a locket of oval shape with straight flat
side. Also one lady's engraved gold watch with initials S.P.C. on face, ring out of stem and crystal gone.
Inside of case is scratched in trying to straighten it. Elgin gold chain fob in shape of padlock, stem winder
and set. Any information in regard to either of the above articles or thief send to Gov. L.S. ROSS, College
Station, or T.C. NUNN, sheriff Brazos County. Dallas Morning News, 12 Feb. 1892, p.3
Bryan, Tex., Aug.1 * Stolen from W.C. BOYETT, at College Station, August 1, 1892, $15 in silver, $4 in 1
cent copper pieces, $3 in stamps, also three tickets, one Houston and Texas Central railroad ticket from
Anne Boykin - Crimes in C ollege Station 2
College to Wellborn, No.294; from College to Navasota, No.647, College to Hempstead, No. 260. 1 will
pay $10 for the arrest of the thief in any jail in the state. T.C. NUNN, Sheriff. Galveston Daily News, 2
Aug. 1892, p.7
(need to transcribe) Post office at College Station robbed. (weekly) Temple Times, 4 Aug. 1892, p.7,
col.2
"Two boys broke into the rear room of W.C. Boyett's store at College Monday...," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 28
Feb. 1895, p.3, col.3
"A Negro employed at College came in to town at breakneck speed one night last week and reported that
three men attempted to hold him up at the bridge on the College road ...," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 13 June
1895, p.3, col.3
"An episode of commencement not chronicled in our last issue was a capture of a keg of beer and two
Negroes on the way to College on the night of the ball by Sheriff Nunn ...," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 20 June
1895, p.3, col.3.
Bryan, Tex., May 19 * Strayed or stolen, on the night of May 18, from Jos. HOLICK, near College Station,
one gray mare, 12 years old, branded on hip I X L, about 15 hands high, in good fix, has some kind of itch
on head and neck, scar on left leg made by wire. Reasonable reward for mare or information leading to
her recovery and $10 for thief if stolen. T.C. NUNN, sheriff of Brazos County. Dallas Morning News, 22
May 1896, p.7
A couple of white women were arrested at College yesterday and brought to town. The arrest was made
at the instance of the College authorities. The women were released yesterday afternoon. Bryan Daily
Eagle, 27 Feb. 1897, p.4, col.2. This is the entire article, and although it doesn't state why the women
were arrested, I think we can guess the answer with some certainty.
Bryan, Tex., Dec. 18 * Stolen, on Nov.20, one sorrel horse, 16 hands high, no brand, 6 or 7 years old, had
on three shoes well worn, has small feet, star in forehead, is a little swayback, one hind foot has some
white on it. On same night a hornless saddle was stolen at College, six miles north of here. I will pay $25
for thief and $25 for horse, or information that will lead to recovery. Address all information to J.E.
FARQUHAR, constable at Wellborn, Tex., or T.C. NUNN, sheriff Brazos County, Tex. Dallas Morning
News, 19 Dec. 1898, p.3
Bryan, Texas * In a difficulty last night between Milt Jackson and Dallas Brown, both colored, near the
Agricultural and Mechanical College, Jackson was dangerously wounded with a shotgun. Brown claimed
self- defense and came in this morning and surrendered to the officers. Houston Daily Post, 19 Dec. 1898,
p.3, col.4
"A Negro named Milton Jackson was shot and dangerously wounded near College Station ...," Bryan Daily
Eagle, 20 Dec. 1898, p.3, col.4. By Dallas Brown.
Bryan, Tex., July 31 * Strayed or stolen, one bay mare, about 14'/2 hands high, branded H S on the left
side of neck and branded J K. J encircled by ring on the left hip; one brown mare mule, about 13'Y2 hands
high, branded R F on the right thigh; one sorrel mare mule, about 13'/2 hands high, branded J B on left
shoulder. Notify J.M. Boeiskie [BORISKIE ?], College Station, Tex., or T.C. NUNN, Sheriff, Brazos County.
Dallas Morning News, 4 Aug. 1900, p.5
Bryan * Sunday night Messrs. Sam Meredith and B.J. Hayood were in pursuit of two Negroes charged with
the theft of property from a plantation in the Brazos bottom. Upon coming upon the Negroes and calling to
them to stop it is alleged that one of them shot Mr. Meredith, who received a slight flesh wound in the
shoulder. Thereupon a general shooting affray ensued in the dark, the results of which were not fully
known that night nor for two days following. Yesterday the body of Will Favers, one of the Negroes
evidently wounded in the affray, was found near the scene of the fight, which occurred near College
Anne Boykin - Crimes in College Station 3
Station. Today Meredith and Haygood had an examining trial before Justice Mitchell and gave bond. The
other Negro evidently made good his escape. Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb.1901, p.2
"Burglaries in Texas," Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 1903, p.3. "... The store of Saunders Bros. & Co., at
Iola, Grimes County, twenty -three miles from Bryan, was robbed last night and Sheriff NUNN of Brazos
County was notified to look out for the parties suspected, who came toward Bryan. The Sheriff
immediately communicated with the livery stables and found that a team and buggy hired Wednesday was
returned to one of the stables. His next thought was to intercept the parties if they had left town, and W.C.
BOYETT of College Station was hurriedly notified by telephone, a description of the parties wanted being
given. While Sheriff NUNN and Mr. BOYETT were talking, a freight train from Bryan stopped at College
Station and two men answering the description got off. They were placed under arrest on the charge of
robbery and were relieved of two ugly - looking pistols. They brought their prisoners to town and they were
turned over to Sheriff NUNN ...."
Bryan, Tex., Jan.7 * Sheriff Coss BAKER of Grimes County came up today after C.W. DUNLAP and Bill
YOUNG, the men arrested New Year's Day at College Station, charged with the robbery of SANDER'S &
SANDER'S store at Iola, Grimes County. The prisoners were taken by Sheriff BAKER to Anderson. They
waived examination at the preliminary hearing here a few days ago and bonds were fixed at $1,000 each.
Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 1903, p.10
Bryan, Tex., Aug. 3 * Constable C.L. Baker today reported to The News correspondent a difficulty between
two Negro women this morning below College Station. One of them, Mattie Murray, received seven ugly
cuts, some of them eight inches long. None of them are believed to be dangerous. The other woman,
Annie Jackson, came to town and gave up. Dallas Morning News, 4 Aug. 1904, p.9
Bryan, Tex., Sept.29 * Sunday night a fine buggy horse was stolen from J.J. Jones of the College Station
community, and a saddle from Levi Battle, residing near. Mr. Jones traced the horse north, officers were
notified at various points, and Mr. Jones was himself deputized by Sheriff NUNN and took the trail, as a
result of which he and another party arrested a white man and recovered the horse and saddle at Mexia
yesterday morning. Mr. JONES brought the prisoner, whose name is given as Charlie DAVIS, back to
Bryan, and he was lodged in jail, charged with the crime. Dallas Morning News, 30 Sept. 1904, p.9
Bryan, Tex., Sept.30 * The store and stock of merchandise of W.C. BOYETT was destroyed by fire at
College Station this morning, between 2 and 3 o'clock, involving a loss of $5,000, with only $2,000
insurance. In the fire was $1,000 worth of new goods received yesterday, which had not been opened.
Mr. BOYETT also lost his books and store accounts, but records and supplies of the postoffice, which
were in the building, together with his records, etc., with the Houston and Texas Central agent's money on
hand, were in the safe and were recovered after the fire. Wirt BOYETT, son of Mr. BOYETT, was
sleeping in the building and awoke barely in time to make his escape before the house collapsed. Mr.
BOYETT thinks the fire was of incendiary origin and that robbery was intended. The knob was broken off
the safe door. Sheriff NALL visited the scene this morning, but was unable to discover a clew. Mr.
BOYETT states that he will rebuild. Dallas Morning News, 2 Oct. 1905, p.3
"Ran Amuck at College," Bryan Daily Eagle, 30 March 1909, p.3, col.4. Frank Sims.
"Another Negro Killed," Bryan Daily Eagle, 1 August 1910, p.3, col.4. Cy Williams shot and killed John
Progue near College Station.
"Cutting Scrape at College," Bryan Daily Eagle, 18 April 1911, p.5, col.3. Will Brown; Annie Brown
"College Students Fined for Shifting Box Cars," Galveston Daily News, 29 Nov. 1911, p.9. Commandant
had cadets move railroad cars to get fuel oil for campus
"Visit from Col. Milner," Bryan Daily Eagle, 17 Jan. 1912, p.5. Because of a meningitis scare, the campus
had been placed under strict quarantine, with guards stationed at every campus entrance.
Anne Boykin - Crimes in College Station 4
College Station, Tex. * Feb. 16 * Burglars last night entered the office of Freight and Passenger Agent
Davis of the Houston and Texas Central Railway here, but secured nothing. A crude effort was made to
open the safe, with an iron bar, but it was ineffective, although the safe was so badly damaged it could not
be later opened. The cash drawer was broken open but it was empty. There was only about $30 in the
safe. Sheriff CONLEY is investigating the matter. Dallas Morning News, 17 Feb. 1912, p.8
(Joe Brown, a Negro boarded at College Station, Tex., a train. He was armed with a pistol. Parties on the
train when it reached Bryan, notified an officer. The Negro covered the officer with his pistol and escaped
up the railroad. Posse followed upon a freight train. Negro shot into the caboose, wounding Conductor
Wiggins. Sheriff of Brazos County with a small posse from Hearne intercepted the Negro. He resisted
arrest and was shot to death.) Irving Index, 1 February 1913
"Mexican Killed," Bryan Daily Eagle, 13 October 1913, p.2. Julio Veyra, a waiter in the Mess Hall, was
found beaten to death near the railroad
"Two Men Were Killed by Live Wires at A. & M. College," Bryan Daily Eagle, 15 Dec. 1913, p.1, col.3. The
men who died were C.D. "Buster" SUBER, night watchman at Texas A &M and George EASTER (an
African American janitor)
"Two Killed by Live Wire," Dallas Morning News, 15 Dec. 1913, p.1
"Negress Cut at College," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 8 July 1915, p.3, col.6. Della Childress
"Negro Shoots At Farmer 3 Times," Bryan Daily Eagle, 19 Apr. 1916, sect.1, p.7, col.3. Joe DOMINIK was
shot at.
"Derailed the Trailer," Bryan Daily Eagle, 1 December 1917, p.1, col.2. A &M cadets deliberately derailed a
car on the interurban by rocking back and forth.
"Negro Crapshooters Caught and Fined," Bryan Daily Eagle, 28 June 1918, p.4, col.3. At the College
Seven of Sunny Mexico's sons, all of them waiters in the College mess hall, were arrested when those
gentlemen were found indulging in what they call "shooting the African golf ball." All rest in the Brazos
County Bastile, thanks to Sheriff L.E. Morehead, Deputy Dave Jolly and the other deputy sheriff at
College. The sheriff found the delightful little party in full swing in the Mexicans' barracks at College last
night.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 27 April 1922, p.1.
"New Nibbles on Bryan and College," Bryan Daily Eagle, 22 March 1922, p.2, col.3. Bored students from
A &M went looking for something to do & encountered a group of "Mexican" railroad workers. Having
nothing better to do, they started throwing rocks at the men. Whereupon one of the workers pulled out a
six shooter and shot it into the air -- not surprisingly, the Aggies very quickly left the area.
"Negro Is Arrested At College * Said To Be Bad Actor," Bryan Daily Eagle, 29 Dec. 1923, p.1, col.5. Lee
WALKER
Bryan, Texas, Aug. 11 * Harry LYSANGER, a white convict from Burleson County, serving a term on the
farm of Dolly Boyett, broke barracks with two other convicts Sunday night and refused to surrender to the
guard, R.C. TURNER, Monday morning at daylight, near College Station, and was killed. The two other
convicts surrendered and were taken back to the farm by Mr. Turner, who appeared before the Sheriff and
county authorities in Bryan at 10 o'clock Monday morning, presenting bond for his appearance. Dallas
Morning News, 12 Aug. 1924, sect.1, p.5
"College Station Soldier Held as Two Shot," Dallas Morning News, April 13, 1925, sect.1, p.4. On A &M
dairy farm.
Anne Boykin - Crimes in College Station 5
Joe Carey, a young Negro farmer aged about 21 or 22, was hot in the back from a bullet from a 32- pistol
in the hands of a Bohemian farmer, the ball lodging in the body, according to Sheriff Jess Conlee who
made an arrest in the case. The incident happened about 8 or 9 o'clock this morning. According to the
Sheriff the Negro, who lives on his parents' farm about 2 miles south of College, had been at the house of
Charles Brumer, and had been talking to the daughter in a manner deemed offensive. The Bohemian
ordered the Negro from the place and he returned with a shotgun, whereupon the Bohemian farmer went
into action. This is the version as given by Sheriff Conlee. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 6 August 1925, p.1, col.6
"Prohibition Raids Made Close to A. -M.," Bryan Daily Eagle, 5 June 1928, p.6.
"Cigarette Thefts Are Cleared Up; Trio Is Jailed," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 10 Feb. 1937, p.2, col.4
"Charge Negro Foreman Uses Abusive Language," Bryan Daily Eagle, 4 May 1939, p.1, col.7. "Negro
foreman of a gang of workmen employed on the dormitory construction job" to a white subordinate?
"Negro is Jailed After Shooting; Murder Charged," Bryan Daily Eagle, 5 Dec. 1939, p.1, col.7. The crime
took place "in the servants quarters of the E.L. Williams home on the Campus of the Texas A. & M.
College" * the servant's quarters were next to the family's garage.
"He Has Chased Thieves, Heard the Bones Rattle * Meet Sgt. Mac," Battalion, 3 Sep. 1942, p.1, col.3.
About John T. McDonald (1875 -1946)
"Service Station Burglarized at College Station," Bryan Daily Eagle, 29 Dec. 1945, p.1, col.4. John
BRAVENAC
"Baylor Suspends 4 Students After Paint Daubed at A &M," Dallas Morning News, Oct.24, 1958, sect.1,
p.6. Baylor students
Navasota Funeral services for Mr. Lee E. Norwood, 74, of Wellborn, who was the College Station police
chief from the city's incorporation until 1969, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of the Lindley
Robertson Funeral Home, Rev. Jerry Wood of Wellborn Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Wheat
Cemetery in Millican. Survivors include his wife, Irene, one sister, Mrs. Sidney (Cleo) Holder of Dripping
Springs; on brother, Joe Norwood of Wellborn, and a number of nieces and nephews. Eagle, 27 Feb.
1973, p. 2.
Anne Boykin - Brazos Count info. 1
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: <hdeth19414 @suddenl ink. net>
Date: 2/7/2007 9:29 am
Subject: Brazos County info.
CC: <Aboykin @cstx.gov>
I am slowly collecting (and organizing) information relating to natural history and agriculture in Brazos
County, which I would be happy to share if anyone is interested.
These are just more or less random notes - certainly not comprehensive research files - but perhaps
enough to help jump start someone else's research.
For example, here are some notes concerning sheep and goats:
Wheelock, Robertson Co., Texas, Oct. 23, 1847.
E. Burke, Commissioner of Patents:
Dear Sir: I herewith transmit to you an estimate, as near as can be made of the number and quantity of
stock and produce raised, and on hand in the counties of Brassos, Robertson, Leon, Limestone and
Navarro, in the state of Texas, in the year 1847. 1 would state that these counties are thinly peopled.
Brassos County lies between the Nasaroto and Brassos Rivers, south of the San Antonio road, and has
been settled for about twenty years; but the population has not increased for the last five years....
Estimated number of cattle, horses, &c., and amount of produce for the county of Brasso for 1847:
Number of bales of cotton, of 500 lbs. each 245
bushels of corn, (maize,) 40,000,
price 25 to 37 1/2 cts.
oats, 300
371/2
" sweet potatoes 3,250
37 1/2 to 50
wheat 00
rye 100
75 cts.
horses and mules about 300
" cattle 5,000
sheep 100
" hogs 4,000
$3 50 per 100 lbs.
Price of beef on foot $ 1 50 per 100 lbs.
Prices estimated in October of this year, (1847)....
S. W. Kellogg
Annual Report of the Commissioner of Patents, for the Year 1847. Washington: Wendell and Van
Benthuysen, 1848. pp. 397 399.
German Immigrant Of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kurten, written by: Mrs. H.P. Dansby Jr. And Mrs. B.F. Norman
Jr., 1948
http: / /www.historictexas. net / cemeteries /3c /2b /brazos - kurten - info.htm
accessed 25 July 2005
"The [Zerbst] family came by boat up the Brazos River to Old Washington. [probably in the 1850s ?] Here
Anne Boykin Brazos County info. 2
they heard of the German settlement in the Cottonwood community. This is near the present town of
Wheelock, Texas in Robertson County. They traveled by ox cart to this place to make their home in the
new country. Here they bought a sixty -acre farm and built a log house * They lived off the land partly by
raising food and partly by hunting and fishing. Mrs. Kurten did not care for wild game and wished her
brothers would quit going hunting. At first they did not have any cattle or other stock. A kind neighbor let
them milk some of his cows, finally they managed to buy a few cows and got a herd started. There were
no fences, so the cows grazed on the open range on what is Kurten community now. The only fences
used were rail fences, and they could only enclose gardens and small fields * Sometimes squirrels and
great herds of deer would migrate from one section to another and if not watched they would eat the
garden and food crops ... [In the 1860s ?] Since they had no cows to graze on the land and no slaves to
work it, Mr. Kurten bought eighteen hundred sheep. His first sheepherder was Ive Sabo and some of his
descendants still live there. He learned first hand the meaning of the story "wolf'. His herd had to be
closely watched to keep wild animals from destroying them * In need of a big house, Mr. Kurten decided to
make his own brick from suitable clay in a nearby branch. Adolph Gerka and Perter Winter, who had been
brick masons back in Germany, helped make the brick and build the house`
NOTICE: Having determined to change my business, I offer for sale my FARM, situated two miles south
of Boonville, and 2 1/2 from Briant Station Dept., on the Central Railroad, containing 333 1/2 acres, as
healthy a location as the Peaks of Otter, in Va., and second to no place as a sheep ranche. There is 56
acres in cultivation under a good fence; two wells of excellent water, and a good horse mill, at six dollars
per acre, which is less than the improvements cost me; payable one half cash, the balance when we whip
the damned Yankee ruffians !
Also, 640 acres unimproved land, heavily timbered, within three quarters of a mile from the Central road,
at two dollars per acre, on half cash, the balance as above. I will take young negroes, Confederate notes,
state notes, or if the purchaser choses, I will take gold and silver. Mr. Wm. McINTOSH is fully authorized
to sell in my absence. William H. HARDY. (Galveston) Tri Weekly News, June 18, 1862, p. 1, col. 5
1000 Head of Sheep for Sale.
I wish to sell 1000 head of sheep, mostly Ewes of different grades, in lots to suit purchasers. I will sell on
accommodating terms. I will take good notes at 10 per cent., negroes or Confederate money for them.
[signed] Wm. McIntosh.
Boonville, Brazos Co., Texas, Aug. 4, 1862.
[Houston] Tri - Weekly Telegraph, August 13, 1862, p. 2. c. 4
1865: Apr. 1 -- "On December 9, 1864, the [Commissioners] Court ordered that a tax ... be levied ... to
'provide more effectively for the support and maintenance of the indigent families and dependents of
soldiers.' The tax was to be collected in corn, bacon, wool, and cotton ... Three agents were appointed to
receive the tax, L.F. FLETCHER at Millican ... On April 1, 1865, there were at Millican 225 pounds of wool,
1,667 pounds of cotton, 758 bushels of corn, and 1,290 pounds of bacon ...." [From Elmer G. Marshall,
The History of Brazos County, Texas, 1937, pp.82 -83; cites as his source Records of the Commissioners'
Court for the Year 1865]
1887: June 13 -- More than 20 residents (not named) of precinct 1 asked that an election be held
concerning "whether hogs, sheep and goats shall be permitted to run at large "; commissioners ordered
that an election be held on 30 July 1887; election judges were W.A. McMICHAEL, Geo. DUNLAP & Elliott
McLEOD. Brazos Co. Commissioners Minutes, Book D, p.123
Brazos County Tax Rolls
Bryan, Brazos Co., Tex.... The commissioners' court is in session, examining the tax rolls which have
been completed by Assessor R.M. Nall ... Following is a complete statement of the wealth of the county ...
sheep 4471, value $3340; goats 222, value $100 ... Dallas Morning News, 31 August 1895, p.3
Successful Sheep Raising
Anne Boykin - Next meeting announcement
From: 'Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib- gw.tamu.edu>
To: "Boykin Anne" <aboykin @cstx.gov >, 'Brenda White...
Date: 3/4/2007 2:38 pm
Subject: Next meeting announcement
The next meeting of the African American National Heritage Society will
be held at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, March 6, at the museum building in Bryan.
Stories from Long Ago
Brazos County Republican's
Bryan, Tex., Sept. 2 - The Republican County convention took place
to -day at Stearns Chapel, three miles west of Bryan. A large delegation
was present from all precincts.
It was very evident from the start that fun was coming, and no sooner
had Rev. L. Burton ceased praying and N.A. Alberson had announced that
the house was ready for business when a half dozen were on their feet
for recognition, and there was a short war of words before quiet was
finally restored.
After considerable oratory from a number of colored gentlemen Wesley
Robinson of Bryan and N.A. Alberson, the present incumbent, were put in
nomination for temporary chairman. After preparing for the voting by
call from precincts, and some voting had been done in that way, Edwin
Thomas withdrew the name of Alberson and Robinson was nominated by
acclamation.
The committee on credentials having been appointed by the chair, W.P.
Davis was called for, and in response began by reading from the speech
of Mr. Cuney, as published in The Galveston News. He spoke for some
time, and fully indorsed the words of Mr. Cuney. He made many
illustrations regarding the two old parties and the people *s party,
saying that as long as two parties in anything are left alone peace
reigns, but when the third party comes in there is going to be trouble.
Now, my Republican friends, you keep clear of the third party.
After Davis* speech, Elias May, an old colored man who has
represented this county in the state legislature in time past, came
forward and spoke for about half an hour. He is a candidate for
Congress, and took up the same line of argument, urging the Republicans
to stick to the party and not be led off by any of these new ideas as
set up by the people *s party. The speech was original and very
interesting.
After May *s talk committees were appointed to select delegates to the
state, congressional and senatorial conventions.
The following are lists of delegates to the different conventions:
Delegates to state convention: K.K. Dangerfield, F.D. Vaughn, E.W.
Anne Boykin - Brazos County info. 3
Bryan, Tex., Nov.23 - Mr. W.W. Hudspeth, a farmer in this county, is making a notable success of stock
farming that is worthy of mention. Mr. Hudspeth has 600 head of sheep, from which he clipped 2000
pounds of wool. He sold the wool for 14'h cents per pount and also sold $240 worth of mutton this year.
Mr. Hudspeth has a portable pen for fertilizing his farm. The pen covers an acre and it takes one man
about two hours to move it. Mr. Hudspeth claims there is more money in raising sheep than cattle in this
section. Dallas Morning News, 223 November 1900, p.9
Brazos County Assessment
Bryan, Tex., Aug. 22 - County Assessor Nall's rolls for 1901 are complete and the footings are shown
below ...
Sheep, 1339 $1,409
Goats, 401 $ 213
Dallas Morning News, 25 August 1901
Bryan, Brazos Co., Tex., June 12 - James WILSON, Jr., W.C. WARREN, William HUDSPETH, Gus
STEVENER, Henry KURTEN, J.W. PARKER and Polk ANDERSON sold their spring wool clip of 16,000
pounds to Henry MITCHELL of Wheelock Friday at 16 cents per pound. These gentlemen are all
prosperous Brazos County farmers who do not believe in depending entirely on cotton. Galveston Daily
News, 13 June 1904, p.4
"A. & M. College News," Dallas Morning News, 24 January 1909, p.12. "Prof. C.H. Alvord of the
Agricultural Department is now using a herd of goats to clean up the college lands. There is much of the
2,416 acres of college land in Brazos County that has had timber on it. Gradually this timber has been
cleared off, but there is a growth of grass of various kinds, small shrubs, etc., and the goats are grazing on
this land to clean it thoroughly * The goats eat clean. Where they graze there is not a sprig or a growth
left."
"World's Champion in Sheep Judging," Galveston Daily News, 4 Dec. 1910, p.22. Texas A &M students
won at Chicago
Works to Aid Brazos County Sheep Raisers
Bryan, Texas, March 3 - J.J. Hunt, wool specialist of the State experiment station, division of animal
industry, is working in connection with County Agent C.L. Beason to assist the sheep raisers of Brazos
and adjoining counties. His plan is to organize a wool and mohair pool in order that the sheep and goat
raisers may secure the best prices possible for their output. There are a number of small flocks of sheep
in Brazos County.
Dallas Morning News, 4 March 1924, p.22
* **
And here are some notes on fish and fishing
Fish
Bryan Pilot * The small carp which Mr. D.S. Burton put into his tank in March have grown wonderfully. The
water gave out in one of his tanks recently, and the fish were removed to another place. They were all
remarkably large, but the boss fish measured 21 inches in length and 13 inches around the body.
Galveston Daily News, 6 August 1883, p.3, col.8
A wagon load of six or seven hundred pounds of fish was brought in from the Navasota River yesterday
and sold out on the streets. Bryan Daily Eagle, 24 January 1897, p.4
A wagon loaded with five hundred pounds of cat fish and buffalo caught from the Navasota River, was on
the streets yesterday, and proved a great attraction. Bryan Daily Eagle, 21 February 1897, p.4
Anne Boykin - Brazos County info. 4
Billy Roman, John Caldwell and Ira Wyse have returned from a fishing and hunting trip to Wickson Lake
where they * (continues) * Bryan Daily Eagle, 20 June 1897, p.4, col.1
Harvey, Texas, August 5 * The weather is very warm here and we are needing rain * The seigning at Cole
Springs last Thursday was largely attended and about 400 pounds of fish were caught. I never saw a
crowd enjoy a dinner any better in my life. Bryan Morning Eagle, 7 August 1901, p.3, col.4.
The Fin - Feather club put 500 bass, crappie and rock bass in the lake south of town Monday night. The
club will shortly begin the improvement of the property by the erection of a club house and boat house.
Bryan Morning Eagle, 27 August 1902, p.3
A gentleman told the Eagle reporter yesterday that coming in from the Brazos bottom Monday he saw a lot
of boys catching catfish, some of them fully eight inches long, from the shallow pools of water standing
along the roadside in the Rant Smith lane where the road has been graded up heretofore and the water
has been standing since last fall. As no creek or river overflows that locality, just where the fish came
from is a mystery, unless they rained down. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 30 April 1903, p.6
One thousand black bass were received yesterday from the government fish hatchery at San Marcos and
placed in the Fin - Feather lake. This makes close to three thousand young fish in the lake. (weekly) Bryan
Eagle, 18 July 1903, p.13
The recent rains have raised the big railroad tank, south of town, about ten or twelve inches. The
Fin - Feather club people report immense numbers of young fish in the lake. Fishing will not be allowed
until next year. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 6 August 1903, p.5
An alligator gar weighing 137 pounds was caught out of Bundick lake, near the Bundick crossing
Madisonville Meteor. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 18 May 1905, p.1, col.3
On last Monday was a week ago, April 13th, Gabe Evans, one of the best Negroes in the community, left
his home to go fishing. He did not return that night nor the next day and a search was made, but no trace
of him was found. Not a word had been heard from him until this morning when his dead body was found
in a drift in Bee Creek. It was supposed he fell in the creek and was drowned, but Dr. Hill said an inquest
was to be held this afternoon. Brazos Pilot, 30 April 1908, p.3
"Plans for A.& M. College," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 16 July 1908, p.2, col.1. "Directors Green, McInnes,
Milner and Poteet in counsel with President Harrington decided today to provide a huge pool for water
sports at the A. and M. College. They will throw a dam across a ravine that runs past the college, distant a
half mile, and will impound water enough to make a pool half a mile long, straight away, 50 to 100 feet
wide and from 10 to 20 feet deep. They ordered a survey today and expect a report at the August meeting
of the board orpus Christi. It is their purpose to have the pool ready for use late this year. They will stock
it with fish and afford the college boys a new and healthy outlet for some of that surplus physical energy
that has heretofore been worked off in melodramatic rebellion."
At a meeting held Friday afternoon in the office of W.C. Davis, permanent organization of a new fishing
club was effected and plans were formulated for the establishment at an early date of an extensive
piscatorial resort. Regular formation of the club was constituted with the election of the following officers:
E.J. Jenkins, president; H.W. South, vice president; S.H. Dunlap, secretary; T.J. Preston, treasurer. An
executive board composed of the foregoing officers and W.C. Davis, J.H. Allen and J.V. Brogdon was
created. Definite plans for the sinking of an artificial lake to be well stocked with various and the gamest
species of the tinny tribe were made, although the site has possibly not been agreed on. The meeting was
behind closed doors and the proceedings in default were not given out. No name has yet been assigned
to the organization, this being deferred until a later date when the members will again assemble. The
membership of the club was limited to seventy -five and forty of this number were enrolled Friday. (weekly)
Bryan Eagle, 30 July 1908, p.3, col.6.
Anne Boykin - Brazos County info. 5
Three trout weighing an average of nearly 5 pounds each is a pretty good record and not often made. Mr.
J.E. Covey, however, pulled three of the speckled beauties from the sparkling waters of Fin Feather Lake
yesterday, whose combined weight totaled 14 % pounds. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 10 September 1908, p.1,
col.4.
Mr. T.A. Satterwhite brought in the largest fish this afternoon that has been seen in Bryan in a long time. Ii
was caught by J. Snider at Pitts Bridge on the Big Brazos and bought from him by Mr. Satterwhite. It was
a yellow cat and weighed 51 pounds. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 14 April 1910, p.2, col.4.
Napoleon Wilson, colored of Stone City, brought to town today a whopping big catfish. The big fellow
weighed 59 pounds and was taken from the Brazos River. Bryan Daily Eagle, 5 April 1911, p.5, col.3.
Hay, Oliver P., "A Fossil Specimen of the Alligator Snapper (Macrochelys Temminckii) from Texas,"
Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, 50 (200):452 -455 (July / August 1911). Found during
dredging operations in the Brazos River between College Station and Navasota.
The following party of Brazos County people were camped last week at Sulphur Springs on the Navasota
River and report a most delightful time: Mr. and Mrs. I.B. Todd and children, Mr. and Mrs. Amon Williams
and children; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Cargill * (illegible)'` and Luther Johnson. Every moment of the
encampment was enjoyed and the men of the party provided plenty of fish and squirrels. It was reported
to the Eagle that 160 pounds of fish were caught, and all the squirrels killed that the whole party could use.
A regular feast was enjoyed every day. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 18 July 1912, p.1, col.3.
A wagon load of fish was on the streets this morning that attracted considerable attention. The fish were
caught out of the Navasota River, twenty miles from Bryan, and were of the Buffalo specie. The load
weighed 500 pounds and ranged in weight from four to thirty -five pounds each and found a ready sale.
(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 24 February 1916, p.7, col.3.
Mr. Ben Bulmanskie brought to town this morning two of the finest fish that have been on display in Bryan
since the fishing season opened. They were caught at Goodson's Bend on the Big Brazos, and were the
channel cat variety. The larger one, which was a yellow cat, tipped the scales at 26 '/z pounds, and the
small one at 16. Mr. Bulmanskie said he caught the fish Thursday night on a trot line. Bryan Daily Eagle,
21 July 1916, p.3, col.6.
"A Large Cat Fish," Bryan Daily Eagle, 7 August 1916, p.4, col.2.
"Fisherman Returns Home," Bryan Daily Eagle, 11 August 1916, p.1, col.2. Jesse Hensarling.
Bryan, Texas, July 15 * R.E. Dansby, 15 years old, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Dansby of this city, is the
champion fisherman of this section. While fishing in the Navasota River a few days ago he hung a catfish
that fought with such vigor the boy was pulled into the river and for a time it was doubtful as to who would
win. Young Dansby was game himself, however, and the fish was finally landed. It weighed twenty -four
pounds. Dallas Morning News, 16 July 1921, p.6.
Mr. J.D. Battle of Millican was here Saturday and called on the Eagle. Mr. Battle gives the details of quite
a happy affair that occurred at Millican the other evening. A party of fishermen organized and went to the
Navasot River on a fishing excursion, among whom were the following: H.B. Crawford, J. Walter Smith,
C.E. Seeley, J.E. Corey, Byrd Corey, Ed. Dowling, R.W. Baker, W.G. Grada, S.H. Smith, J.T. Sawyer, W.
McCullough, L.B. Black, Chas. Loops Sr. and Charles Loops of Houston, R.A. Pato and Will Sangster of
Navasota, M. Wood and family, M.E. Fanning and family of Lubbock. Mr. Battle states that about 11
o'clock that night the fishing party returned to Millican with about 200 pounds of fish. The people were
assembled on the Main street of Millican, many of them having retired for the night and a real fish fry was
provided and a great feast served which was greatly enjoyed by the people of Millican. This fish fry was
unique in the history of the town and the Eagle feels sure that when County Agent Beason, Secretary
Eberstadt, Rev. Vivion and Prof. Kraft read this story they will be afraid to go to sleep for fear they will miss
another fish fry. Col. Battle in speaking of the affair said while it was out of the ordinary he hoped to see it
Anne Boykin Brazos County info. - 6
repeated again soon and promised the editor of the Eagle a midnight hurry call. And he will not call in
vain. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 14 September 1922, p.4
Bryan, Texas, Aug. 24 * State Deputy Game Warden Sledge Houston of Somerville was in Bryan Friday
after making a trip through the county looking after violations of the game laws. He reported the arrest of
three white men for dynamiting fish in the Navasota River. The men lived in Grimes County but were
arrested on the Brazos County side. Their names were withheld by the game warden. Dallas Morning
News, 25 August 1924, p.8
"Mrs. Patterson Caught Big Cat with Rod - Reel," Bryan Daily Eagle, 10 August 1925, p.1, col.2. 39 pound
catfish.
Bryan, Texas, Aug. 27 * John, Sam and Clifford Stark, brothers of Normangee, were placed under
appearance bonds of $200 each in District Court here Saturday on charges of dynamiting Navasota River
preferred by Game Warden J.D. Conlee of Bryan. Dallas Morning News, 28 August 1927, p.3
"Brothers Accused of Dynamiting River for Fish on Friday," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 1 September 1927, p.3
"Alligator Gar Weighing 106 Lbs. Caught in Brazos," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 29 August 1929, p.2, col.6.
Weldon Jones and Frank Richey were exhibiting today a beautiful specimen of yellow cat fish, caught on a
trot line at Ferguson's Crossing in Cold Springs in the "Navasot" last night. The giant cat weighed 55
pounds and was more than 40 inches in length and was one of four fish captured by Jones and Richey the
total weight of which was in excess of 70 pounds. The second largest of the catch was a mud cat
weighing 10 pounds and it was picked up a few feet from where they hooked the 55 pound yellow cat.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 20 March 1930, p.6
"Monster Catfish Netted by Kulak Party in Navasot," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 26 June 1930, p.6, col.8
Bryan, Texas, July 9 * Henry H. Rohde of this city has grounds for his claim of being the champion
follower of Isaak Walton in this section. He is a member of the Navasota Fishing Club that has control of
the Brazos River at the Government lock and dam, six miles west of Navasota. He has a nice lodge there
and spends much of the summer months in that vicinity. On Tuesday he caught with hook and line a
catfish that weighed fifty pounds, which is the largest fish caught in this manner in this section in many
years. The giant fish was brought to Bryan and placed in cold storage. Dallas Morning News, 10 July
1931, sect.1, p.10.
Rev. J.G. Gilford, pastor of Allen Chapel, A.M.E. Methodist Church, was found dead in his automobile
early Friday morning, on Highway 21 several miles west of Bryan. Justice R.B. Grant held an inquest and
reported death was due to natural causes. Rev. Gilford, who has been pastor of Allen Chapel since last
November, and is survived by his wife, went fishing Thursday afternoon. One good sized fish and tackle
were found in the car. He apparently was on his way home and died of a heart attack about sundown
Thursday night, as the car was seen on the highway about that time, but was not investigated until Friday
morning. The car was slightly crosswise on the pavement and county officers wonder either that the car
did not leave the highway when Rev. Gilford was stricken, or that some other car did not crash into it
during the night. The switch was on and the battery run down when the machine was examined this
morning. Time for funeral service has not been set, pending word from relatives out of town. Bryan
Weekly Eagle, 14 October 1936, p.6
Frank Chavez and Francisco Avila pleaded guilty in Justice Grant's court Wednesday afternoon to setting
a fish trap in the Little Brazos River and were fined $25 and costs each. Several others, held on the same
charge were dismissed. The charge was filed by Game Warden Sam E. Cavitt, who said the men had
built two dams in the river, in the vicinity of Highway 21, and were thus controlling the movement of all fish
in that stretch of water. Bryan Daily Eagle, 28 July 1938, p.1
Anne Boykin - Brazos County info.
An Boykin - North Main Street in Bryan
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: <ROpersteny @aol.com >, <Julie @BCSChamber.org >, "
Date: 2/23/2007 7:13 am
Subject: North Main Street in Bryan
I pulled together these notes from my files on various topics, for a
student I was helping.
I thought some other folks might be interested in them?
North Main Street in Bryan
compiled by Bill Page
23 February 2007
I doubtless have more citations to businesses located on north Bryan
Street, which are only listed by the name of the business, but which
don *t specifically mention *north Bryan.*
At five o'clock this morning, everybody in the town was brought on Main
Street by the cry of fire, only to discover the storehouse occupied by
Samuels & Cohn, dry goods, and Mitchell & McLelland, druggists, in the
new brick block on North Main Street, fronting the railroad, to be in
flames. Persons were prevented from entering the building by the
intense smoke, which was caused by the burning of a lot of kerosene.
The losses are as follows: Mitchell & McLelland, stock of drugs, $5000;
insurance, $2000; building, $5000; no insurance; Samuels & Cohn, stock
of dry goods, $20,000; insurance, $10,000; W.C. Padgett, stock of
saddlery, $25,000; insurance, $1000; building, $8000; insurance, $2000;
W.G. Dilleshaw, stock dry goods, $10,000, no insurance; building, $5000,
insurance, $2000; S.E. Echols, groceries, $6000, partly saved,
insurance, $1000; S. Kaiser, dry goods, damaged slightly by removal;
A.B. Carr, bar room, total loss, $1500, insurance $980; H. Richenbaum,
fruit stand, $1500, insurance, $1000; I.J. McQueen, groceries, slightly
damaged by removal; Fulkerson & Davis, dry goods, damaged by removal;
Jos. Zacavo, restaurant, damaged by removal; Peter Ameto, slight damage
by removal; J.L. Barnes, bar room, damaged by removal; Spring & Paris,
badly damaged by removal; insured; C. Baker, one building, loss, $5000;
insurance, $3000; one building badly damaged, which is also insured.
Both fire companies were promptly on hand, and did noble work. The boys
of Alert Engine Company, No. 2, were the first on hand, and worked like
beavers in the rear of the buildings, while Hook and Ladder Company No.
1 worked in the front, on Main Street, with the bravery that only a
fireman can boast of. Mr. Levi Plaisance, Second Assistant Hook and
Ladder Company No. 1 is now lying dangerously sick from inhaling the
smoke caused by the buring of kerosene oil, while bursting open the
doors of the house. His recovery is doubtful. All the buildings burned
were new, and the occupants had just begun to feel comfortably settled
down, only to be ousted by this unwelcome fire. The total loss is
estimated at $100,000. The origin of the fire is yet a mystery.
Galveston Daily News, May 12, 1875, p.1.
Bryan, Tex., Feb. 17 * It has been some years since we have had a
Anne Boykin - North Main Street in Bryan - 2
chronicle of a fatal shooting scrape in our comparatively quiet town.
Such a one occurred this morning between 9 and 10 o *clock, in which
Marty Willman, white, shot and to all appearances mortally wounded Pete
Hall, colored. The difficulty which gave rise to the shooting commenced
yesterday, and was caused by a disagreement in a settlement between the
two, Willman claiming an offset of some $2 or $3 on some money which he
was to pay Hall, which Hall denied. A quarrel over it was recommenced
this morning, and Willman being armed shot Hall, as he turned to run, in
the small of the back, and little to the left. Hall came from the
railroad to Main street, still shooting, until Hall reached Lem Hall *s
drug store, where he took cover and fell. Constable Smith seized
Willman after he had fired five shots and took him into custody. Dr.
Hall, who raised the Negro Pete Hall, and who was formerly his owner,
examined his wounds and pronounced them fatal. One shot entered the
back of his thight and came out in front. The shot which went into his
back lodged close to the navel and can be felt from the outside with the
finger. The Negro Hall is about 25 years old and has always lived in
this city. Willman is a young man of good family and good reputation,
and was raised in this place. He claims that there was a plot in which
Hall was the chief to kill him subsequent to their quarrel yesterday,
hence his arming himself. He is now in custody, pending examination.
If the offense is a bailable one he will have no trouble in giving the
required bond. Judge C.E. Arnolds, the Magistrate, is absent from town,
but is expected home to- night.
Dallas Morning News, February 18, 1887, p.2
Bryan, Brazos Co., Tex., Aug. 10 * The grand lodge of United Odd
Fellows is still in session. A general parade was given this afternoon,
the delegates and officers appearing in full regalia, led by a colored
brass band, which came down for the occasion from Waco. The procession
passed up Main Street and out to the park, where addresses were made.
The grand annual banquet is in progress to- night. The delegates will
leave to- morrow. Everybody seems exhausted after the grand
demonstration here yesterday. The News was in great demand to -day on
account of the comprehensiveness of its report.
Galveston Daily News, 11 August 1894, p.5
As announced in our last issue a colored theatre has been rigged up on
Rat Row and a home talent minstrel organization holds forth there three
nights a week. The first performance was given Saturday night, and
developed some real talent in singing and dancing, especially the
latter. The *acting* of the show was positively excruciating,
however it may improve with practice. When a Negro tries to act the
nigger he acts the fool; all he has to do is to act natural. The boys
should not keep their music so much in the background; it is their best
feature. The order was good, no smoking or bad conduct being allowed in
the room. A few white people were present.
(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 14 March 1895, p.6, col.4
"The peaceful monotony of existence on Rat Row...,"
(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 28 March 1895, p.3, col.4.
Jim Reddick v. The State.
Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas
35 Tex. Crim. 463; 34 South Western Reporter 274; 1896 Tex. Crim. App.
LEXIS 42
Anne Boykin - North Main Street in Bryan 3
Decided February 19, 1896
This case involved the conviction of an African American man named Jim
Reddick for the rape of an *Italian woman.* Among other items, the
summary of the Texas court decision notes: Billy Cunningham testified:
"That at good daylight he saw the defendant standing on the corner of
Main street in Bryan, called "Rat Row."
Bryan * Eugene Washington, the Negro arrested yesterday for assaulting
Miss Dehart on Thursday, near this place, now hangs to a limb of a
cottonwood tree, on Main street, in the city of Bryan, it being one of
the most public places in the city. His death is the work of an
infuriated mob at 6:30 o *clock this evening, composed of the best
people of the county.
New York Times, January 24, 1897, p.1
Dennis Calhoun and Lath Loughridge, two Negroes, had a lively fight on
Main Street yesterday afternoon. Calhoun *s face was badly bruised up
and Lath came out of the scrap with a bleeding hand. Both were arrested.
Lath gave bond and Calhoun was locked up.
(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 29 April 1897, p.6, col.4
Bryan, Tex., May 24 * Will Fuqua, a Negro cook, was shot and killed
on the Houston and Texas Central Railroad track near Main street this
morning. After the shooting Mr. Edgar Covey, a young white man and
member of a leading family, gave himself up. An examining trial was
held this afternoon and Mr. Covey gave bond in the sum of $1,000. The
killing was the result of a difficulty caused by the Negro *s impudent
and insulting conduct toward the young man *s mother while employed as
a cook.
Dallas Morning News, May 25, 1901, p.10
J.S. Foster, colored, is preparing to open a drug store in a
subdivision of the Parsons building on North Main Street.
Bryan Morning Eagle, 7 June 1906, p.5, col.2
B. Kaczer & Co. have purchased from the estate of the late Major J.W.
Tabor the livery stable property including building & 2 lots on the east
side of north Main Street ... The property has a 79 ft. front by 150 ft.
depth. Kaczer & Co. will erect a brick store building on the property,
as early as practical, 50 x 100... [article continues].
(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 23 May 1907, p.5, col.3
"Building Office and Warehouse," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 3 Feb. 1910,
p.5, col.4. About Parker Lumber Company.
"Work on Parker Warehouse," Bryan Daily Eagle, 14 Feb. 1910, p.1,
col.3
"G.S. Parker, Lumber," Bryan Daily Eagle, 22 Apr. 1913, sec. 3, p.9
*Hair Pulling on Main Street,* Bryan Daily Eagle, 18 Aug. 1913,
p.6, col.4. Dora Hunter
*Colored Picture Show,* Bryan Daily Eagle, 19 May 1914, p.3, col.6
* need to verify location
Anne Boykin - North Main Street in Bryan 4
*Negro Killing on Main Street,* Bryan Daily Eagle, 20 Aug. 1914,
p.3, col.5. Asia Johnson and Elija Ransom
A small fire occurred last night about 10 o *clock in the Negro pool
hall belonging to Will McQueen, in the rear of the building on North
Main street occupied by Stephan *s Bottling Works, and owned by C.G.
Parsons. The damage to the building is estimated at about $75, which is
fully covered by insurance. The stock of the Negro undertaking
establishing adjoining the pool hall and in the same building was
damaged to the extent of about $100 by fire and water. This damage was
also covered by insurance. The pool hall suffered about $300 damage by
fire and water. The pool tables were taken from the building and
allowed to set in the rain all night, which damaged them considerably.
The damage is only partially covered by insurance. The origin of the
fire is unknown, but it is thought to have started in the rear of the
pool hall, as part of the floor and wall were burned. The pool hall had
been closed for the night before the fire occurred.
Bryan Daily Eagle, 24 November 1914, p.3
Bryan, Tex., Nov. 24 * At 10 o *clock last night fire broke out in a
Negro pool hall on north Main street, damaging it to the extent of $300,
which was partially covered by insurance. A Negro undertaking
establishment next door was damaged a few hundred dollars, fully
covered. The damage to the building which belonged to C.G. Parson was
also covered. The automobile of Dr. A.L. Mondick caught fire about the
same time and was damaged in the sum of $125. No insurance.
Galveston Daily News, 25 Nov. 1914, p.8
In a difficulty in a Negro pool hall on North Main street this morning,
Charley Duren, the well known Negro piano player, was stabbed through
the jaw by Cicero Shivers. Shivers was arrested, but says he was only
playing with Duren.
Bryan Daily Eagle, 10 April 1915, p.5, col.5.
*Negro Cutting Scrape,* Bryan Daily Eagle, 26 December 1916, p.2,
col.5. Zack Williams cut Geo. Crawford *in a Negro restaurant on
north Main Street.*
*Colored Citizens Back Mosquito Campaign,* Bryan Daily Eagle, 16
February 1920, p.3, col.5. Will Roy McQueen and the Star Theater
need to verify location
"Picture Show for Colored People Only," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 20
September 1923, p.1, col.4 Two Aggies, H.S. Barlow & D.E. Gibson,
opened a Blacks only movie theater in Bryan * need to verify
location.
Gloster Jefferson, Negro, has a fractured skull as a result of a rather
one -sided combat which took place on North Main Street, in the colored
section, last night. Cicero Wilson, another Negro, said to have
inflicted the wound, is in jail charged with attempt to commit murder.
According to the story given The Eagle, Jefferson had been walking down
the street, and caught up with a party of Negresses returning home from
church. In the party was Wilson *s wife. Wilson is said to have
snapped a shotgun a couple of times at Jefferson, but the gun did not
explode, so he got out and cracked Jefferson over the head with the gun.
Anne Boykin - North Main Street in Bryan
5
Wilson evidently thought he had killed Jefferson, as he is reported to
have told the sheriff that he had killed the other Negro.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 24 June 1926, p.1
Who loaded the revolver with which Ruby Sheridan, Negro vaudeville
performer, was killed about 8:30 o'clock last night is the puzzle
county and city authorities are trying to solve. James Hughes, who
fired the fatal shot and Eugene Allen, who is suspected of loading the
revolver, are held in the county jail. A verdict following the inquest
has been held up by Justice J.T. McGee until further investigations have
been made. The woman was a member of a troupe playing in a Negro
theatre on north Main Street as are the men now held in jail. Last
night, just before the performance began, Hughes and the Sheridan woman
were rehearsing behind the curtain. They stood about 10 feet apart.
Hughes, who had been using the revolver, loaded with blanks, in the act
aimed the weapon and pulled the trigger. The woman, struck in the left
breast by a bullet, fell unconscious. Hughes ran from the theatre for a
doctor but before medical aid could be given the woman was dead. The
arrests followed. According to the authorities the solution of the case
depends upon finding who loaded the revolver and their belief is that
some one in the company either wanted the woman out of the way or
desired to frame Hughes and planned the killing for one of the two
reasons. The custom in the company had been, it is said, for the owners
of the show, a Negro woman, to load the revolver with blanks just before
the show opened.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 28 March 1929, p.2
Bryan, Texas, April 12 * The First State Bank and Trust Company of
Bryan has awarded the contract for its new bank building to Henger &
Chambers Company, general contractors of Dallas. The plumbing and
heating was awarded to Hill Brothers of Waco, the electrical work to
C.E. Griesser of Bryan and the vault equipment to the Diebold Safe and
Lock Company of Dallas. The total contracts amounted to $80,000. The
building will be two stories, fronting 38 * feet on Main street and
running back 100 feet through the block. All Bryan contractors were too
crowded with work to bid on the building.
Dallas Morning News, 13 April 1929, p.28
Burney Goosby, old time Southern Negro, a friend to everybody, and a
part of Bryan and her history for more than half a century, died
suddenly at his home in this city Monday night at 11 o'clock. He was
at his barbershop on North Main Street until 8:30, went home and retired
and died an hour later. Burney Goosby was brought to Bryan in the early
days by R.K. Chatham and his brother Bob Chatham, and his duty for many
years was to drive a wagon from the Chatham Machinery Company and Gin
Factory in the northern part of Bryan, to the railroad twice every day,
where machinery from the factory was shipped to all parts of the state
and the south. In later years he opened a Negro barber shop and
continued the operation and ownership of the place until his death. He
was a kind - hearted, humble Negro, knew his place among his white
friends, and was extremely polite and respectful always. For many years
he was a political leader for the Republican Party in Brazos County and
was twice delegate to the national Republican convention. A quaint
custom of Burney Goosby*s was at 4 a.m. every morning to blow a
*bugle call.* Early residents of Bryan remember well the notes
of Burney *s bugle, which, through all his life, he never failed to
Anne Boykin - North Main Str in Bryan 6
sound forth at the appointed hour and now that the *call` will sound
no more, many will miss the notes on the still morning air. It is told
that this custom was begun in the days of anti - prohibition, to awake
those who took a *morning *s morning* to remind them of the time to
be *up.* Funeral services will be held next Sunday afternoon at 3
o *clock from Shiloh Baptist Church, the pastor, Rev. J.W. Rhodes,
conducting the service.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 13 June 1929, p.3
"June - teenth," was spent in celebration by the colored folk of Bryan
and Brazos County today, in memory of their emancipation from slavery.
The younger generations, remembering little of the days of slavery,
except as they have heard their fathers, mothers and grandparents tell
of them, entered into the joys of the day as of any other holiday, but
to the ex- slaves the day had a deeper and more vital meaning. One old
Negro, hobbling along the sidewalk on his stick, declared in answer to
an inquiry as to how he was enjoying the day, "Taint much tant nothin'
like de old times to me." "And how old are you ?" continued his
interested white friend. "Old enough to 'member all 'bout de time de
stars fell, and you what year dat wuz. I don't. I was big 'nough den
to pack water from de spring to de house and hep my mammy do de washin',
and I was at de spring gettin' some drinkin' water, when I saw de fust
star go to shootin' and shot home, des like de star, let me tell ye."
"I aint habin no pleasur' much myself, but I lov' to see de young 'uns
happy," the old Negro added as he sat down on a little box at the street
corner to watch the celebration parade go by. Following the parade on
Main Street, which was composed of many decorated automobiles, a band
and decorated floats, dinner was served at the West Side park and there
was a program of music and speaking, and as a finale this afternoon a
big baseball game."
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 20 June 1929, p.4
The True People of America, a Negro fraternal organization with state
recognition will hold its annual grand session in this city opening July
29 and ending August 3. This organization is only two years and six
months old and has a membership of about 12,000. At this meeting a host
of delegates and visitors from all parts of Texas will be present.
There will be the four bands and sixteen Palatine Guard companies
besides hundreds of delegates and visitors to arrive on the special
train over the Southern Pacific Lines and a large number will arrive
over the Missouri Pacific Lines at 3 p.m. Monday. Opening parade will
form at the Southern Pacific depot, upon arrival, and will proceed to
West Side Park, the central point of the meeting *s activities. Monday
evening at 8 the grand opening program begins and the nature of this
program will be in the manner of welcome addresses and responses by
noted speakers. Tuesday evening at 8 a unique parade will make up at
the park and the members, dressed in their gaudy uniforms will march to
Rev. S.E. Diggs* church where the grand annual sermon will be preached
by Rev. F.R. Randles, grand chaplain of Denison. Wednesday at 8 p.m. a
masked parade forming at West Side Park marching up to Main Street and
back to the park. Thursday, 4:30 p.m., grand street parade. 8:30 p.m.
installation of grand officers and official annual banquet. Friday,
4:30 p.m., dress parade. 8:30 p.m., competitive drill among 16 drill
companies and band concert.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 25 July 1929, p.2
Anne Boykin - North Main Street in Bryan 7
*Bryan Briefs,* Houston Informer, 25 July 1931, p.2, col.3.
*J.L. Thomas, the expert tailor, is in Marshall this week.* (The
1937 Bryan City Directory shows J.L. Thomas as operating *Top Notch
Tailors,* located at 520 North Main Street).
*Bryan Briefs,* Houston Informer, 2 July 1932, p.5, cols.1 -2. J.
L. Thomas is an *expert tailor.*
Demonstrating how today *s pride and joy becomes tomorrow *s eyesore
and nuisance, a large cottonwood tree just back of Maniloff *s store on
North Main, being felled Tuesday by order of the city commission is the
last survivor of a tree planting campaign, said to have been sponsored
by the late Col. J.W. Tabor in 1872, and which at one time provided
luxuriant shade for delight of man and beast along Main Street in Bryan.
The veteran tree is being removed to prevent damage to the roofs of
buildings in that section of town after numerous complaints from
property owners. Within the memory of many old timers here, the
cottonwood trees planted in 1872 still stood along Main Street in goodly
number, and grew to be fine specimens of their kind. It was not until
the pavement was laid on this thoroughfare that they disappeared
entirely from the landscape of Bryan. Among the last of these
messengers of civic pride left to speak of former leaders in public
affairs in Bryan, were three that stood at the very heart of Bryan *s
present business center; one by the First National Bank, one in front of
Eugene Edge *s store and one in front of the Jenkins Drug Store.
Today, citizens of Bryan recounted some of the events in which these
trees figured as landmarks. Two Negroes were found hanging by ropes in
the tree near the bank one bright sunshiny Sunday morning about 35 years
ago, when the populace of the then lethargic country town got astir for
the day, according to a number who saw this gruesome sight. Another
citizen, related how a $1 bet was lost by the man who thought he could
fell one of these trees in a day, an no less dependable authority than
Harry Estill vouched for the story, that when Bill Rowan was a young lad
employed at Jenkins Drug Store, there was a big toad that spent its
daytime hours hid away in a hold at the base of the tree near that store
coming out a night to feast on bugs that collected about the store
lights. One night in a spirit of mischief Bill rolled a whole pace of
*Compound Cathartic* pills along in front of the toad, which it
eagerly snapped up without stopping to taste them. Harry vouched for
the fact that the toad stayed in hiding both day and night for nearly a
week, and finally emerged much thinner and considerably (illegible).
For several days, workmen have been busy sawing down limbs from the tree
back of Maniloff *s so that it may be brought down without damage to
surrounding property and late today or tomorrow they giant trunk nearly
three feet through will fall and the last evidence of one civic movement
will be destroyed. Thus time passes and the work of man with it.
Bryan Weekly Eagle, 1 June 1932, pp. 1, 2
"Main Street Width Fixed by Oxen; Old Citizen Reminisces," Bryan Daily
Eagle, 25 July 1935, p.1, col.5
*Fire in Negro Cafe,* Bryan Weekly Eagle, 12 May 1937, p.1, col.6.
Business not named; was located at Main and 22nd Street in Bryan.
"Held as Bootlegger," Bryan Daily Eagle, 30 July 1938, p.1, col.4.
Willie Somers kept a restaurant at 20th and Main Streets.
A nne Boykin - North Main Str i n Bryan g
*Negro Stampede Injures Mercer, Liquor Law Man,* Bryan Daily Eagle,
27 January 1941, p.1, col.1. Mentions the pool room operated by Otis
Cramer (the 1937 Bryan City Directory shows Otis Cramer as the operator
of the Bright Light Social Club at 512a North Main Street).
"Varisco is Buyer of Another Block on Main Street," Bryan Daily Eagle,
17 April 1944, p.1, col.7
"Brazos Varisco Buys Zimmerman Block on Main," Bryan Daily Eagle, 21
Dec. 1944, p.1, col.7
*Bryan Amusement Plans New Movie House on N. Main,* Bryan Daily
Eagle, 14 September 1945, p.1, col.1. Will be called *The Circle*
"Lester Purchases Another Building on North Main Street," Bryan Daily
Eagle, 18 March 1946, p.1, col.1
"Lester Plans to Build New Block on North Main," Bryan Daily Eagle, 22
March 1946, p.1, col.1
"Congdon Bakery Will Open Soon on No. Main Street," Bryan Daily Eagle,
10 April 1947, p.1, col.7
"Congdon's Bakery Opens Wednesday; Public Is Invited," Bryan Daily
Eagle, 29 April 1947, pp. 1, 4.
*Starlight Theater* was a theater for African Americans; the ads
give its address as *Bryan and 21 St.* See the Bryan Daily Eagle, 7
Feb. 1947 and 7 March 1947.
Anne Boykin - Bit more, North Main Street
From: "Bill Page" <BPAGE @lib - gw.tamu.edu>
To: <ROpersteny @aol.com >, <Julie @BCSChamber.org >, "
Date: 2/23/2007 7:40 am
Subject: Bit more, North Main Street
Bryan, February 21 ... This morning another conflagration occurred which
destroyed the entire block of old buildings in Bryan known as *Rat
Row,* and which were the first buildings erected in Bryan when it was
the terminus of the Central railroad. The loss is as follows: M.
Moustachia, building, $300; saved stock, Wm. McCorquodale, building,
lost $400, stock damaged $200, Mr. Bonneville, building loss $900,
occupied by Mrs. L.H. Thompson, whose stock was damaged $200, C.F. More
[Moore], loss on building $500, insured for $400, L.C. Leroy & Dozier,
stock damaged $150, the Coulter building, $500, F. Zannette, two
buildings, loss $800, damage to stock $300. No insurance on any of the
buildings and stock except the C.F. More building. Mrs. Zubier *s loss
on her household effects amounted to about $50. The firemen were on
hand and did good service, saving many buildings that would otherwise
have been destroyed.
Galveston Daily News, 22 Feb. 1884, p.1