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HomeMy WebLinkAboutProhibition, Temperance and LiquorStories of Long Ago -Bill Page - 1870 Prohibition, Temperance and Liquor In the 19th Century, many Americans banded together to fight the perceived evils of alcohol. The popular view of alcohol abuse was fed, in part, by newspapers, who frequently reported tragedies involving the over consumption of liquor. Temperance groups were active in Brazos County by 1870. The United Friends of Temperance, Texas' first statewide anti-liquor organization, was formed in 1870. In 1883 the Texas branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was founded. In 1887 opponents of liquor promoted a state prohibition referendum. This was hotly contested in Brazos County, though the amendment eventually was soundly defeated in the statewide election. In 1903, the issue again came to the forefront in Brazos County, with special newspapers being published on both sides of the issue, and a controversial County Commissioners' opinion that ended up being fought to the state supreme court. The [Brenham] Ranger says that Dr. Millican, of Brazos County, in a fit on insanity, caused by hard drinking, jumped from the third story window of Lott's hotel in Washington last week, and was instantly killed. (Houston) Tri-Weekly Telegraph, 27 October 1860, page 2 °Mr. Crittenden is dead he got to drinking and he lay out under Mr. Barkleys house one night and was taken with pneumonia and died on Tuesday fifth and left his family almost naked." Letter from Frank Dodson, 10 March 1867, reprinted in Foster, Betty C., Bryan Legends and Legacies, City of Bryan, 1996, page 31. On Monday night last, as the Central train was going into Millican, a man supposed to be drunk was laying across the track and was run over. Of course he was killed. Flake's Bulletin (Galveston), 6 February 1869, page 1 The [Houston] Union says a rumor prevailed in Houston last evening that a white fiddler named Jimmy Dunn and a colored man named Scott, were killed in Bryan on the 19th, and adds: These parties are well known in Houston, where they have resided for the past year or two. They were rather hard cases, largely addicted to drink. Galveston Daily News, 22 July 1869, page 2. The delegates appointed by the different Councils of the Friends of Temperance of Texas, assembled at Waco on the 4th inst., for the purpose of organizing a State Council. The following councils were represented, to wit ... Bryan Council No.2, A. Allen .... Flake's Bulletin (Galveston), 16 July 1870, page 6 Houston, Nov. 4, 1870. Editors News -The State Council of Friends of Temperance, which has been, for several days past, in session in this city, adjourned yesterday to meet again at Bryan, on the first Tuesday in May, 1871. The following gentlemen were elected officers of the Order in Texas ... Rev. Dr. F.M. Law, of Bryan, Chaplain .... The deliberations of the Council were chiefly in regard to the changing the Constitution and Ritual of the Order. The Council was composed of gentlemen of intelligence, weight and influence, from different sections of the State ... The Order now embraces over fifteen thousand members in Texas, and there seems to be no reason to doubt but great good will be accomplished by the Friends of Temperance in Texas, as well as in other States. Yours, Observer. Galveston Tri-Weekly News, 7 November 1870, page 1 Texas State Council, Friends of Temperance - A much larger delegation than has yet assembled, met at Waxahachie, Tuesday, July 2. Two hundred and twenty-nine Councils, embracing about 25,000 members, were reported. The cause of total abstinence was reported from all quarters to be in a flourishing condition and onward tendency. A large amount of important business was transacted. A public address on the °moral grandeur of the Temperance movement," was delivered by the President of Baylor University, Dr. W.C. Crane. The next session will be held at Tyler, on the first Wednesday in July next, at 2 o'clock. The following officers were chosen ... Rev. F.M. Law, of Bryan, was chosen Associate... Galveston Tri-Weekly News, 8 July 1872, page 2 Millican ... John E. Millican was shot last night and died in an hour and a half. He was on his way home from a temperance meeting, and when within thirty yards of his own door, was shot down, two shots being fired in quick succession, and a third in half a minute or less; nine shots penetrated his body; he was carried to his house, and remained conscious until near his death. He accused Allen Myers and Mrs. B.F. Baldridge with the shooting. The parties are both under arrest. Millican had at the time of his death a case pending in court for the killing of Robert J. Myers, father of the two prisoners, over a year ago. A preliminary trial will take place this morning, when more light may be thrown upon this sad affair. Galveston Daily News, 31 August 1872, page 2 The prohibitory liquor law has been repealed in Millican, and its inhabitants are happy once more. (Austin) Daily Democratic Statesman, 3 February 1875, page 1 Brazos County -The religious exercises of the a colored congregation were interrupted on Saturday last by the arrest of the Rev. Willis Van Hook, one of the bell weathers leading the concern, on a charge of stealing five gallons of whiskey. Galveston Daily News, 23 April 1876, page 2. Millican ... We have not voted on Local Option yet, but think we will give whisky the go-by very soon. Galveston Daily News, 25 January 1877, page 1 Bryan Pilot ... As the day fixed for taking a vote upon the Local Option law in this county draws nearer and nearer, the interest and feeling manifested become more and more intense. A vigorous opposition has been inaugurated by the proprietors of saloons and many others, while the prohibitionists are no less active in their work. The prohibitionists take the position that ours is a country where the majority rule, and that every man has a right to think, speak and act just as he pleases, provided he does not please to deny his neighbors the same privileges. If a majority of the voters in the community decide that whisky shall not be vended in their midst, no man must claim the right to stick up his shingle. As to the feasibility of their plan for the suppression of its consumption, there are questions raised, and we find good and wise men on either side of the problem. The advocates of the prohibition law say that its adoption will greatly lessen, if not entirely stop the drinking of ardent spirits as a beverage. Such an end is certainly very desirable, but whether the adoption of a prohibitory law will accomplish it is a question that can only be decided by experience. Galveston Daily News, 4 March 1877, page 2. College Station ... Bryan, five miles distant, held an election Saturday last, 10th inst. Candidates, King Alcohol and Morality. King Alcohol was the successful aspirant, getting a majority of near two hundred, and so he continues in office. With us college folks, local option is compulsory, no intoxicating liquor being allowed for sale within two miles of the college, consequently, our moral ...(text missing) ... is pure. Galveston Daily News, 15 March 1877, page 1. Sixty-five undergraduates and three of the professors at Bryan have organized a United Friends Council of Temperance. Thirteen ladies, wives and daughters of the professors, are of the association .... Austin Daily Democratic Statesman, 7 November 1877, page 3. Bryan -The African Methodist Conference has been in session here for several days, Bishop Ward presiding. This evening temperance and prohibition were discussed, and the conference was unanimous in advising their colored brethren everywhere to vote for prohibition whenever they had an opportunity to do so. The conference was addressed on the subject by several prominent white citizens of this place. Galveston Daily News, 20 December 1877, page 1 In Millican, yesterday evening, at four o'clock, a Negro said he could drink, at one time, a quart of whisky if some one would pay for it, whereupon a candidate for an office, or something worse, furnished the scads. The Negro drank the whisky on the spot, and at 11 o'clock last night took his departure for a place where people are not supposed to have anything to say in running the governmental machinery. Only one vote lost. Galveston Daily News, 31 August 1878, page 1 The Negroes at Bryan are somewhat in advance of their brethren elsewhere. They have inaugurated a temperance movement and already some 80 names have been enrolled. Denison Daily Herald, 6 October 1878, page 3 A Bohemian named Trilcik was run over and killed near Bryan by a freight train. He was drunk and laid down on the track. Brenham Daily Banner, 10 September 1881, page 2 Bryan ... The election on local option, which takes place on the 18th inst., promises to be hotly contested by both parties. Dallas Weekly Herald, 9 March 1882, page 5 Bryan, March 11 -The local option question is hot here. A two-column advertisement, paid for by the anti-prohibitionists, came out in our city paper, the Brazos Pilot, yesterday. The prohibitionists respond in a lengthy circular to-day. Lectures were delivered throughout the precinct to-day. If half the colored vote can be polled in favor of the question it will carry. Dallas Weekly Herald, 16 March 1882, page 3 Bryan, March 15 -Local option is the question of the day here. Its advocates are zealous, and quite sanguine of success. Hon. W.K. Homan, state senator, spoke last night and to-night at the court-house in its favor. The opposition can get no one to espouse their cause and argue the question with him. Mr. Dyer, from Chicago, spoke to the colored people to-night, also in the interest of local option. Bryan, March 18 -Local option lost here to-day by about one hundred. As it was only a precinct election, the friends of the movement say they will petition the judge to order an election for the county. It is very probable it will carry in the county. Dallas Weekly Herald, 23 March 1882, page 3 Bryan, December 26 -William White, at one time foreman of section 14, and now in the employ of the Houston and Texas Central railway, on section 15; was killed to-day by falling from a bridge about four miles north of Bryan, while in a state of intoxication. He had been in town drinking several days and was taken out by the section hands, and in undertaking to return to Bryan met with the fatal accident. A.W. Cearnals, justice of the peace, held an inquest over the body this evening, and the verdict was that William White came to his death by falling from a bridge of the Houston and Texas Central railway. Galveston Daily News, 27 December 1882, page 1 Bryan, April 29 ... A mechanic by the name of McRoy, while in a state of intoxication, mounted a fractious 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, page 7. Millican, May 4 -News reached here late last night of the killing of Price Green by Jim Smith at Allen Farm -both colored. The difficulty occurred through too much drink, and while scuffling, Smith struck Green over the head with a bottle, from the effects of which he expired in a short time. Smith is still at large. A coroner's jury was at once summoned, but as yet have not rendered a verdict. Galveston Daily News, 5 May 1884, page 1 °Texas Methodists," Galveston Daily News, 7 December 1884, page 6. °Personnel of the Conference ... Rev. J.L. Lemons, editor of the Temperance Banner, is with Colonel N.N. John ...." The Bryan Temperance Banner has adopted a patent inside, and says: °With the new year we send out the Banner, in a new dress, which we hope and believe will meet the approval of our patrons. We make this change and improvement on our faith in the temperance people of Texas, believing that they will sustain a first class paper, and such we intend the Banner shall be." The Banner prints advertisements of Herb bitters, Hop bitters, Iron bitters, Prickly Ash and Hostetter's bitters. The later is a favorite tipple of some topers, and if alcohol is not a leading ingredient in the others, those who take them are badly fooled. Webster's dictionary defines bitters as °a liquor, generally spirituous, in which bitter herbs or roots are steeped." Galveston Daily News, 10 January 1885, page 4 °Grand Council; Meeting of the United Friends of Temperance Yesterday," Waco Examiner, 23 July 1885, page 4. Met in Waco; °Rev. J.L. Lemons, editor and proprietor of the Temperance Banner, is attending the Grand Council. Rev. W.J. Phillips, of Bryan, is a visitor and looker on at the proceedings." Bryan, August 24 -Miss Beauchamp, president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, delivered an interesting and able lecture on temperance, last night, at the Baptist Church, to a crowded house. There were several renditions of music appropriate to the occasion. Galveston Daily News, 25 August 1885, page 2 Bryan, September 1 -The Band of Hope, a temperance organization of sixty-eight members, met at the Methodist Church last Sunday and had exercises and enrolled new members. Galveston Daily News, 2 September 1885, page 2. Bryan, September 7 ... The Temperance Banner and the Gatesville Advance have been merged into one, and will now be the leading Prohibition paper of the state. Galveston Daily News, 8 September 1885, page 2 Wellborn ... Our little village has been improving steadily for the last six or eight months, not a rapid, abnormal growth that might end in a swifter death, but one that bespeaks permanency. The demand for dwelling houses is greater than the supply ... From the fact that perhaps half of our business houses are saloons, it would seem that the prohibition boom had not yet reached us; yet, we have a temperance organization here with a good membership. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 10 September 1885, page 6. The Bryan Enterprise says: The present law allowing a county to vote on the prohibition question every year should be changed. Every five years is often enough. In having an election every year it naturally entails a large expense to the county, and keeps the people forever in a fever of excitement and engenders an incalculable amount of ill-feeling between neighbors. Galveston Daily News, 20 September 1885, page 6 Rev. J.J. Lemons, editor of the Prohibition Advocate of Bryan, says: Waco is not the only place jubilant over the result; the grand jubilee was had in hell, with a capital °H." If his majesty is to have a successor from Texas, Coke will doubtless be elected and coronated with distinguished honors, but if his majesty is still in reign, Coke will doubtless be honored for faithful services. Texas Siftings (Austin), 26 September 1885, page 5 The prohibition campaign is warm at Franklin ... Dr. Daniels, of Bryan, is expected there to-day. Dallas Morning News, 11 March 1886, page 6. Bryan, Tex., May 24 - Mr. Luther Benson, the great temperance lecturer from Indianapolis, Ind., will lecture here next Sunday night. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 26 May 1886, page 4. Bryan ... Last night one William Dansby, a stout farmer, was in town, and, becoming intoxicated, got into a row and knocked down a farmer named Wyatt, and was doing up most anyone that came in his way, when City Marshal Carr attempted to arrest him. He refused to be arrested, and was getting the better of Carr, when Carr attempted to use his revolver, but was disarmed by some one in the crowd. Policeman Bishop then came to his assistance, and the two, with the assistance of several others, succeeded in managing him, not, however, before both Carr and Bishop had been severely bruised about the head and face. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 22 August 1886, page 4 °Working for Prohibition," Dallas Morning News, 9 September 1886, page 8. Rev. F.M. Law, of Bryan, was elected as a member of the State Executive Committee. Waco, Oct. 2 - A number of the temperance men of Bryan, after consultation, have decided to ask the anti-liquor men of the state, prohibitionists and local optionists to meet in Waco, Tuesday Oct. 12, at 10 o'clock a.m. It is thought the Dallas convention was too small to be regarded truly representative, and it is especially desired that the temperance men of all grades and from every part of the state shall come together for the purpose of bringing about harmony, and, if possible, to formulate a platform and policy for future action. Among those who authorized this publication are men who stand in this county and in the state. Of the number are M.D. Cole, Dr. F.T. Mitchell, Dr. F.M. Law and Dr. J.H. Webb. Dallas Morning News, 3 October 1886, page 9 °A Big Prohibition Pow-Wow," Dallas Morning News, 23 October 1886, page 6. At a meeting in Waco, Dr. F.T. Mitchell of Bryan was elected temporary chairman; Mr. Furguson of Bryan and Dr. F.M. Law of Brazos County also attended. °The Prohibitionists," Dallas Morning News, 19 January 1887, page 5. Rev. F.M. Law, of Bryan, was a member of the group's executive committee and attended their meeting at Waco. Millican, Tex.... The temperance council gave a supper and ball last night, and realized about $25 for the benefit of the council. Altogether it was quite a pleasant evening, the supper being first-class and abundant. Houston Daily Post, 27 February 1887, page 4. The Bryan Pilot, however, desires the apostles of prohibition to preach by precept and example. It says: Let all who propose to advocate prohibition not only preach, but practice temperance ... (article continues at length) ... Galveston Daily News, 7 March 1887, page 2 Bryan, Tex., March 13 -Amass meeting of the citizens was held here in the courthouse yesterday for the purpose of sending delegates to the prohibition convention that convenes in the city of Waco on the 15th inst. Dr. Law, pastor of the Baptist Church of this city, and T.B. Gentry, a farmer, were chosen, and the convention then adjourned to meet at the opera house next Saturday to receive report of delegates and mature plans for further work. Dallas Morning News, 14 March 1887, page 1. °The Prohibition Campaign," Dallas Morning News, 15 March 1887, page 5. Attendees at meeting in Waco included Dr. Mitchell of Bryan. °The Prohibition Campaign," Dallas Morning News, 16 March 1887, page 1. Persons attending prohibition meeting in Waco from Brazos County included Dr. Law, Dr. Mitchell and G.B. Lynch. °The Prohibition Campaign," Dallas Morning News, 17 March 1887, page 1. Dr. F.M. Law, of Bryan, appointed to group's central committee. Welborn, Tex., April 16 -Prof. Hayes spoke here to-night on prohibition, and organized a club to work in its behalf. If Texas goes as strong for prohibition as this town it will be carried by a big majority. Dallas Morning News, 17 April 1887, page 4. °... The following named Texas newspapers ... have enlisted for the war' under the Anti-Prohibition banner ... Bryan Slovan, Brazos Pilot ...." Brenham Daily Banner, 30 April 1887, page 2. The Galveston News, commenting on Mr. Reagan's acrobatic capers on prohibition, calls it mobility of intellect. Imbecility would be a better word. -Brazos Pilot. Dallas Weekly Herald, 30 April 1887, page 2 °Prohibition F~cecutive Committee," Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 19 May 1887, page 4. Met at Waco; Dr. F.M. Law, of Bryan, was a member. Bryan ... The prohibitionists have a rally at Minter's Springs, in this county, on the 26th instant. They declined a proposal to divide time with the antis that day. Galveston Daily News, 22 May 1887, page 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 Springs meeting have reconsidered, and agree to divide time with the antis. Galveston Daily News, 25 May 1887, page 3. Bryan, Tex., May 24 -The prohibitionists had a rousing meeting in the Academy of Music at this place last night. There were about two hundred and fifty present, including the ladies. Judge J.D. Thomas addressed the meeting in favor of prohibition. Both sides in regard to the prohibition amendment are becoming very enthusiastic in this portion of the state. Dr. F.T. Mitchell of Waco is expected to address the citizens of this place on the subject of prohibition on next Saturday afternoon and next Saturday night. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 26 May 1887, page 4. Bryan, Tex., May 25 -Last night, at the Academy of Music, Captain J.N. Henderson of this place answered Judge J.D. Thomas' speech on prohibition, by fully presenting, in a clear, elaborate and logical manner, his views on the anti-prohibition side of the question. If these two gentlemen continue to make speeches pro and con, this section of the country will be well worked up by the time the election takes place. Judge Thomas will make a prohibition speech about twelve miles north of here next Saturday night. Judge J.A. Buckholtz has accepted an invitation to be present on the occasion and to answer Judge Thomas' speech. It seems that both sides are afraid the opposite will get the first claim on the voters upon this great question. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 27 May 1887, page 5. Bryan, Tex., May 28 -Ref. F.T. Mitchell, formerly a Methodist pastor here, spoke to the Prohibition club to-night. Dallas Morning News, 29 May 1887, page 13 Calvert, Tex., June 1 - Dr. Mitchell, of Bryan, lectured on Prohibition to a Negro audience here last night. Dallas Morning News, 2 June 1887, page 2 Bryan, Tex., June 3 ... The Justice Court has been occupied for the past day or two with a number of cases for selling liquor to minors. The defendants were aquitted. The anti-prohibitionists meet to-night to organize a local club. Galveston Daily News, 4 June 1887, page 4 Bryan, Tex., June 4 -The anti-prohibitionists organized a club here last night, with Judge R.J. Smith as president. Dallas Morning News, 6 June 1887, page 6. Bryan, Tex.... G.A. Coulson, state lecturer, addressed the prohibitionists of Bryan last evening. He was faavored with a good audience. Galveston Daily News, 15 June 1887, page 1 Bryan, Tex., June 14 - Mr. G.A. Coulson, the state lecturer in favor of the prohibition amendment, addressed an assemblage of the citizens of this place, consisting of prohibitionists and anti-prohibitionists last night. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 16 June 1887, page 5 Bryan, Tex.... Judges Ford and Buckholts argued the pro and con of the prohibition question to a large audience. Judge R.J. Smith, by invitation of the Anti-prohibition club addressed them last night. Galveston Daily News, 19 June 1887, page 2 Bryan, Tex., June 19 -The Prohibitionists were addressed by Judge Spencer Ford of this place to-day at Bryan church, about ten miles northeast of town. Judge R.J. Smith of this place addressed the people of Bryan to-night on the anti-Prohibitionists side of the question. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 20 June 1887, page 1 Bryan -The colored population of this town and surrounding counties turned out en masse and celebrated Emancipation Day. They were addressed at the grounds, two miles from town, by Dr. Cochran of Dallas and a number of colored orators on the prohibition question, besides other exercises usual on such occasions. Galveston Daily News, 21 June 1887, page 2 Bryan, Tex. -The Negroes had a good crowd at the Court-House last night and were addressed by Akers from the anti point of view. The prohibitionists claim that a division of time was refused their colored speaker. The speech of Rainey, the colored prohibitionist, at the emancipation celebration yesterday, is said to have been of a highly incendiary nature. Galveston Daily News, 22 June 1887, page 2. Bryan, Tex., July 7 -The prohibitionists gave the colored population a barbecue today, and they were addressed by Bishop Turner, colored, of Georgia. He has a fine appearance and impressive delivery. His audience numbered 300 or 400, with a sprinkling of whites. Dr. Carroll is billed for this place July 11. Galveston Daily News, 8 July 1887, page 5 Bryan, Tex., July 7 -The colored people of this county are having a barbecue to-day at this place for the benefit of the proposed prohibition amendment. The elders, deacons and preachers of that class are flocking in from different directions from other counties. There is a large number in attendance. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, July 9, 1887, page 5 Bryan, Tex., July 16 -The barbecue given by the antis to-day was considered a grand success by all. The pros and antis were treated alike. Addresses were delivered by Congressmen Charles Stewart and R.Q. Mills. Mr. Stewart spoke in the forenoon to a large audience. Mr. Mills spoke in the evening to an increased audience over the one in the forenoon. The crowd at this time was estimated from 3000 to 5000 people, but 3000 would about number them. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, July 18, 1887, page 5 Bryan, Tex., July 21 - Dr. J.W. Height, regent of the Southwestern University, and Dr. Bishop of Waco, spoke this afternoon to a large audience on prohibition, and Dr. Haygood spoke to-night at 8:30 on the same subject. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, July 22, 1887, page 5. Millican ... Riley Brown, colored, while coming home from work last night about 9 o'clock, was shot and instantly killed. He was found by his son this morning about 200 yards from home, dead, with his pipe still in his mouth. Officers investigating to-day. They followed the tracks along from the scene of the killing to the house of Tom Wilson, a white man. The tracks showed that two persons did the killing and Woolsey has not been seen to-day. One of the tracks is about the size of the boot Woolsey wears, being unusually small. Whether the evidence adduced will warrant any arrests is not yet known. The deceased was said to be very outspoken against prohibition and quite intelligent, but it is not generally believed to have anything to do with it. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 29 July 1887, page 3 Millican, Tex.... Judge Buckholt of Bryan made a speech here today against the prohibition amendment. He was followed by Professor Colwell, colored, also from Bryan, in favor of the amendment, with a short but very interesting address. Galveston Daily News, 31 July 1887, page 3. [Reprinted from the Waco Examiner] For some time the prohibitionists have been reveling in the enjoyment of a bit of martyrdom said to have been handed to them at Welborn, July 13. It is a pity to puncture the bubble, but inexorable truth requires it. Below we present a series of affidavits, which settle the matter definitely. Appended read the Dallas Herald's Welborn special. Wellborn, Tex., July 14 -The people here are wild over the attempted assassination of Dr. John F. Eaves, which occurred here yesterday evening. Wm. E. Farquhar, a desperate character of this community, had concluded a speech chock full of abuse and vituperation, after which a young doctor, John F. Eaves, was called upon to answer him. Eaves referred to the various murders committed in the county and the acquittal of the murderers, brought about in many instances by the saloon influence. He also called attention to the fact that a majority of the murders for ten years past had occurred in saloons and characterized such places as dens of vice and crime. It appears that Farquhar took the allusions as personal references to himself, to his troubles in court and to his former business. He went deliberately and got his rifle and walked close up in front of Eaves and fired at the speaker, the ball barely missing the mark. Dr. Eaves declared that he was not astonished at the dastardly deed, which he characterized as the legitimate fruit ofanti-methods. The community here and at Bryan are enraged and it is openly declared that Farquhar's merely the tool of the antis who have determined to silence the prohibition speakers. Wellborn, Tex., July 20 -The above alleged special telegram is false in stating that there was speaking for and against the prohibition amendment in Wellborn, Tex., on July 13, 1887, by William E. Farquhar and myself, and in stating that after such speaking said W.E. Farquhar attempted to assassinate me. The said Farquhar and myself have never had a difficulty, but always have been and are yet good friends. The special to The Galveston News of the 13th instant was all a hoax. J.F. Eaves, M.D. The State of Texas, County of Brazos -Personally before the undersigned authority this day came and appeared Joseph Barrow, who being by me first duly sworn, deposes and says that he is telegraph operator at Wellborn, in Brazos County, Tex., and has exclusive charge of the telegraph office at said place and did have such charge and control on the 14th day of July, 1887. That no such telegram as the above, taken from the Weekly Dallas Herald of July 16, was sent from said office on that or any other day. J. Barrow. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20th day of July, A.D., 1887. J.E. Butler. Notary Public, Brazos County, Texas. The State of Texas, County of Brazos -Personally before the undersigned authority this day came and appeared the undersigned citizens of Wellborn, Brazos County, Tex., who being first duly sworn, depose and say that they were in Wellborn on the 13th day of July, 1887, and there was no speaking in said place on said date, either for or against the prohibition amendment by Dr. J.F. Eaves or William E. Farquhar, or any other person or persons, and that there was no difficulty between said Eaves and Farquhar as stated in the above alleged special on the said date or any other date. That said Farquhar does now and always has borne the reputation of being a peaceful and law abiding citizen. W.T. Roberts, J.H. Royder, A.W. Royder, J.E. Farquhar, J.M. Creed. Sworn to and subscribed before me this, July 20th, 1887. J.E. Butler. Notary Public, Brazos County, Texas. The State of Texas, County of Brazos -Personally before me the undersigned authority this day came and appeared John N. Farquhar, who, being by me first duly sworn, deposes and says that he resides in Wellborn, Brazos County, Texas, and was in his store, in said place, on the evening of July 13, 1887, and was in said town during the whole of said day, and that there was no speaking either for or against the proposed prohibition amendment in said place during said day, by either William E. Farquhar, or Dr. John F. Eaves, or any other person, as stated in the Dallas Daily and Weekly Herald; that during the evening of July 13, Dr. John F. Eaves and William E. Farquhar were in the storehouse of affiant indulging in a friendly conversation, and there was no difficulty between them that this affiant heard; that had there been an attempted assassination of Dr. John F. Eaves by said Farquhar, this affiant would have heard of same. J.N. Farquhar. Sworn to and subscribed before me this July 20, 1887. J.E. Butler. Notary Public, Brazos County, Texas. Dallas Morning News, 2 August 1887, page 6 The prohibs of Brazos County are boy cotting the Brazos Pilot, but it doesn't seem to have any visible effect. Brenham Daily Banner, 25 August 1887, page 2 In the District Court to day in the case of the State of Texas vs. Judge D.C. Barmore, county judge of this [Brazos] county, in which the defendant was charged with drunkenness in office, the jury, after considering their verdict all the afternoon, reported in open court that they could not agree, whereupon, by request of the counsel of both sides, the judge of the court entered a mistrial in the case and discharged the jury. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 4 April 1888, page 1. Out of the seven officers of this [Brazos] county, who were indicted at this term of the court, no one of them was convicted except W.W. Peyton, Esq., who pleaded guilty this morning and was fined in the sum of $5, and in the case of the State versus Judge D.C. Barmore, the county judge, there was a mistrial ... Proceedings have been instituted against Judge D.C. Barmore, county judge, and E.L. Ward, Esq., justice of the peace of this [Bryan] precinct for habitual drunkenness in office, and the relator asks that on hearing of the petitions by a jury that the above named offenders be removed from office. The trials will take place next Thursday and Friday respectively. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 10 April 1888, page 5. The jury in the case of County Judge D.C. Barmore, who was charged with habitual drunkenness in office, brought in a verdict about noon to day in effect that the charges of the relator were not true. In the case of the State of Texas, upon the relation of one of Brazos County's citizens, vs. E.L. Ward, justice of the peace in and for this (Bryan) precinct, in which the defendant was also charged with habitual drunkenness in office, the defendant was tried to day and the jury found the charges of the relator true and returned a verdict to that effect. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 14 April 1888, page 6. It will be remembered by the readers of the Gazette that E.L. Ward, Esq., was removed from the office of justice of the peace of this, Bryan, precinct, on the 13th of this month on a charge of habitual drunkenness. To day the Commissioners' Court assembled in special session for the purpose of appointing a person to fill the unexpired term of said office, and appointed Mr. Sam C. Martin, Jr., to fill the vacant office. At the same meeting P.M. Cairsey, Esq., was appointed to fill a vacancy in precinct no. 2 of this, Brazos, County, which vacancy was caused by the resignation of Thomas Rowan, Esq., and in precinct no. 6 Charles Newman was appointed to fill the place made vacant by his own resignation a few weeks since. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 24 April 1888, page 6. 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 February 1898, page 2 °W.C.T.U. Items," Dallas Morning News, 11 June 1900, page 6. °Miss Mattie Webb writes that Bryan W.C.T.U. has held its first meeting with a good attendance and two new members. Most of them have paid dues. A class in the reading circle will be formed soon." Bryan, Tex., July 25 - A prohibition club was organized here last night with fifty-five members. Robert Armstrong is president and W.A. Watkins secretary. Mrs. A.C. Zehner will be here Tuesday and open the campaign. Pros and antis are both active in the county. Dallas Morning News, 26 July 1903, page 4 A colored anti-prohibition club was organized at the court house last night, with R.B. Goosby chairman and F.D. Vaughn secretary. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 6 August 1903, page 5 °W.C.T.U. Items," Dallas Morning News, 10 August 1903, page 8. °The antis and the pros are both thoroughly organized in Brazos County. Several meetings have been held by the pros. On the 28th Mrs. Zehner went to Bryan and held a meeting of the ladies in the Methodist Church. In the opera house at night she spoke to an immense audience in the interest of the home as opposed to the saloon." Bryan, Tex., Aug. 9 -Rev. D.Y. Babgby of Navasota, preached at the First Baptist Church this morning at 11 o'clock. His subject was °The Bible vs. the Saloon." The prohibition campaign has been industriously waged by both sides during the last week or ten days. The Commissioners' Court meets tomorrow for the August term and a petition for a local option election will likely be presented to the court and acted upon without delay. Dallas Morning News, 10 August 1903, page 7 Bryan, Tex., Aug. 11 - A petition asking for a local option election in all of Brazos County, except Justice Precinct No.5, has been presented to the Brazos County Commissioners Court, now in regular session, and action on the same has been deferred until Friday morning at 10 o'clock. Dallas Morning News, 12 August 1903, page 7 Bryan, Tex., Aug. 12 -Hon. Stump Ashby of Fort Worth spoke at the opera house last night in the interest of prohibition. He will speak at various points in the county. Hon. Barry Miller of Dallas is expected here Friday to speak in the interest ofanti-prohibition. Dallas Morning News, 13 August 1903, page 2 Bryan, Tex., Aug. 13 -Judge V.B. Hudson of this city spoke at the opera house tonight in the interest of prohibition. Dallas Morning News, 14 August 1903, page 3 Bryan, Tex., Aug. 16 - After a two days' hearing, during which both sides were represented by attorneys, the Commissioners' Court, at the conclusion of argument yesterday afternoon on the petition of the prohibitionists for a local option election in all of Brazos County except for Justice Precinct No.5, refused to grant the petition, the vote standing 2 for and 2 against. Judge A.G. Board cast the deciding vote, giving as his reason therefore that he did not believe the petition had the required number of qualified voters. A motion was then made that a local option election be ordered for the whole of Brazos County, the date not being specified. Two of the Commissioners voted for and two against this motion. Judge Board reserved the right to cast the deciding vote until Tuesday morning. Dallas Morning News, 17 August 1903, page 7 Bryan, Tex., Sept. 7 -The hearing of the Brazos County local option case, in which the Commissioners' Court is required, under an alternative writ of mandamus, to show cause why said writ should not be made permanent, requiring the Commissioners' Court to order a local option election in a subdivision of Brazos County as prayed for the by prohibitionists, has been set by Judge Scott for Thursday, Sept. 10. The alternative writ of mandamus was issued recently by Judge Scott upon application of the prohibitionists and he fixed the date of the hearing this morning upon opening the fall term of the Brazos County District Court. Dallas Morning News, 8 September 1903, page 9 Bryan, Tex., Sept. 10 -The Brazos County local option case was taken up before Judge Scott in the District Court this morning on an alternative writ of mandamus. Numerous witnesses have been examined, and the testimony will likely be concluded in the morning. The case is being closely contested by attorneys on both sides, and will occupy the attention of the court all day tomorrow, if not longer. Dallas Morning News, 11 September 1903, page 6 Bryan, Tex., Sept. 10 -The Brazos County local option case was taken up before Judge Scott in the District Court this morning on an alternative writ of mandamus. Numerous witnesses have been examined, and the testimony will likely be concluded in the morning. The case is being closely contested by attorneys on both sides, and will occupy the attention of the court all day tomorrow, if not longer. Dallas Morning News, 11 September 1903, page 6 Bryan, Tex., Sept. 12 - At the conclusion of the argument in the Brazos County local option case, upon a write of alternative mandamus this morning shortly before noon, District Judge K.C. Scott, before whom the hearing was held, granted a peremptory writ of mandamus requiring the Brazos County Commissioners Court to order a local option election in all Brazos County, except precinct No. 5, as prayed for in the petition of the pros refused by a majority of the Commissioners' Court, which petition Judge Scott holds to be legal. The date upon which the order will become effective was not announced today. The attorneys for the antis gave notice of appeal. The hearing occupied the attention of the court for two and a half days. Dallas Morning News, 13 September 1903, page 3 Bryan, Tex., Oct. 25 ... Rev. E.L. Shettles, the pastor, and the congregation of the Methodist Church have begun preparations for the meeting of the Greater Texas conference, which meets here Dec. 2. Rev. Shettles has resigned from the active management of the prohibition campaign in order to get ready for the conference and close up his year's work as pastor. He will still, however, co-operate with the prohibitionists in every way possible. Dallas Morning News, 26 October 1903, page 7 Galveston, Tex, June 17 - A.G. Board et al. vs. A.W. Buchanan et al., from Brazos County, was reversed and rendered in the Court of Civil Appeals yesterday. This was a suit instituted by the prohibitionists of Brazos County for a mandamus against the County Commissioners' Court to compel them to order a local option election in five precincts of Brazos County. The interest in the case consists principally in the fact that all cases wherein local option is involved attract the attention of a vast number of people at this time. In some of the precincts in which the election was desired to be held an election had been held a short time before. The lower court granted the prayer of the applicants and entered the mandamus order as prayed for. The Commissioners' Court appealed and the judgment entered yesterday by the Court of Civil Appeals means the election will not be held. Without entering into a discussion of the legal issues involved, it is sufficient to the general public to state that the holding of the Court of Civil Appeals as that the facts alleged and proved in the lower court did not authorize the issuance of mandamus, or, in other words, that the pros did not make a showing sufficient to entitle them to the extraordinary remedy prayed for. In this case A.W. Buchanan and others petitioned A.S. Board and others, County Commissioners, in writing, complying with all statutory requirements, for a local option election. The commissioners rejected the petition and embraced sections already having local option, namely, Precincts 3 and 6. Thereupon the petitioners obtained a writ of mandamus from the District Court, and it is from this issuance of mandamus that the appeal is taken. Dallas Morning News, 18 June 1904, page 9 Carrie Nation attended the football game between UT and Texas A&M in Austin in 1904. Several articles about her visit to Austin appear in the various newspapers, including: "Texas' Victory," Galveston Daily News, 25 November 1904, page 6. "Miss Grace Leigh Scott Will Speak at College Next Tuesday Evening," Daily Bulletin, 25 April 1924, page 1. Member of Women's Christian Temperance Union.