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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBGA v28-2 spring 2007 Brazos Genealogist CONTENTS PAGE City of Bryan’s Early History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Page 43 McQueen Mineral Well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Navasota River Bridge Accident, 1871 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Page 56 Baseball History of Brazos County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Page 58 Blacksmith of Brazos County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Page 65 Cotton Gins were a Vital Par of the Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Page 68 Area Housing in 1940's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Page 75 Index compiled by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron Hambric 76 BRAZOS GENEALOGIST VOLUME XXVIII NUMBER 2 SPRING 2007 BRAZOS GENEALOGICAL ASSOCIATION P. O. BOX 5493 BRYAN TX 77805-5493 OFFICERS 2007 PRESIDENT . . . . . . . . . . . DON SIMMONS dsimonsAL@direcway.com VICE PRES . . . . . . . . VICKI SIMMONS victsimons@aol.comS ECRETARY . . . . . . LOIS CARPENTER TREASURER . . . . . . . . . . . RUTH HARY rhary@txcyber.com EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . RON HAMBRIC ron@hambric.us STAFF EDITORS MEMBERSHIP . . . . . . . . . ALLEN DEAN asdean96@suddenlink.nett PUBLICITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . LUCI CASH RESEARCH/QUERIES . . . . RUTH HARY LOCAL HISTORY . . . . . . . RUTH HARY CONTINUING SERIES . . . . . BILL PAGE PRINTING/INDEXING . RON HAMBRIC MEETINGS Meetings held the third Monday of each month from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm in the Bryan Public Library. Please arrive early as the library closes at 9:00 pm. Membership is on a calendar year basis, January through December. QUARTERLY The GENEALOGIST is published as Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall Issues. Each volume of the GENEALOGIST corresponds with the membership year. This publication is offered in print or electronic (PDF) version. With PDF you receive CD at end of year with four issues plus copies of handouts from meetings. $15.00 /year if printed version picked up at meetings or PDF selected and CD picked up. $20.00 /year if quarterly mailed or PDF version with CD mailed. Checks for dues may be mailed to the address at the top of the page. WEB SITE The web site for the Brazos Genealogical Association is: http://www.brazosgenealogy.org EXCHANGE The GENEALOGIST is available for exchange with other organizations or publishers who have publications to offer. Send inquiries or samples to P.O. Box 5493, Bryan, TX 77805-5493. SOLICITATIONS We solicit queries, family charts, copies of Bible records, articles and stories with Brazos Valley ties. Family charts should be 8 ½” x 11". EDITORIAL POLICY Neither the Brazos Genealogical Association nor the staff of the Quarterly will be responsible for error of fact or opinion expressed herein. Every effort is made to publish reliable information. The editorial staff reserves the right to accept appropriate material with editing privileges on a space available basis. Members are encouraged to submit pictures/articles of interest concerning the Brazos Valley. Research pertaining to deeds, Bible records, schools, churches, and other groups or organizations are desired. Research on material before the turn of the century is especially welcome. The Association will do limited local Brazos Co. research for $10.00 /hour. Write for details and please enclose a SASE. 43 Brazos Genealogist Volume XXVIII Number 2 Bryan/College Station SPRING 2007 Texas City of Bryan’s Early History Bill PAGE, Researcher Even though the earliest Bryan City records were destroyed by fire (probably when city hall burned the 2nd time in 1888), we do have some scattered references to the earliest history of the town government. Note that it took three tries to get the city incorporated, and on at least two occasions there were efforts made to dissolve the town government. Doubtless more information could be found by checking various county records, such as deeds, lawsuits and commissioners minutes. Two of the more interesting -and missing -documents are the 1877 printed edition of the Bryan city ordinances, and the 1870 chimney flue inspection report, as noted below. *** State of Texas, Brazos County. I, David McINTOSH, Clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby certify that at an election held on the 2nd day of last March in the town of Bryan a majority of the citizens of said town voted in favor of the incorporation of said town to be known by the name of "Bryan City," to be included within the bounds specified in an order entered of record in the minutes of the police court of said county on the 25th day of last March. I further certify that at an election subsequently held for corporation officers L.J. WILSON was elected mayor and Spencer FORD, Calvin McCORMICK, W.B. EAVES and John BARCLAY, were elected aldermen and S.M. YELVERTON, City Marshall of the City of Bryan. Witness my hand and the seal of the County Court of Brazos County at Office in the town of Bryan this 9th day of November A.D. 1867. David McINTOSH C.C.B.C. (Texas State Archives, Gov. Pease Papers 301 56 21). [Bryan citizens' first attempt to incorporate the city was apparently ruled illegal, and these men apparently never took office.] 44 Bryan City, Texas, May 27, 1867. Genl. GRIFFIN, Sir: On the 13th day of April 1867, an election was held in this place for Mayor and Aldermen and town constable at which election the undersigned was elected mayor and Jas. S. HOOD, S.D. CONGER, McCORMACK, EAVES and John BARKLEY were elected aldermen and J. YELVERTON was elected constable. Which said election was duly returned to the county court -and approved -but about that time, your order came to hand and we have not proceeded to act -for fear that we might come in conflict with your orders -We would respectfully ask whether or not we will be permitted to act -for the purpose of having law and order in our place -and for the general welfare of society. Be please to answer, I remain your most obt. servant, L.J. WILSON. (Freedmen's Bureau, Correspondence of the Office of Civil Affairs, letters entered in vol. I, reel 8, frame 0777). Bryan City, Texas, June 9th, 1867. Col. H. PRIME. Dear Sir: Your favor of 30th ult. is at hand contents noted. And it is very much regreted on the part of the citizens of our place that you could not approve of the election that had been held, for the purpose of organizing our Town, as this will leave us without any organization whatsoever for the "preservation of law and order and the well being of society." And as to forwarding through the Gov. "the names of persons qualified & willing to act who at the same time can take the oath of July 2, `62" with due respect allow me to saw tot the comdg. genl. through you that I feel certain that there is not a man, nor men, thus qualified in our place, who can take the oath required It is true that there may be a few men -say 3 or 4 -who could take the oath spoken of but they are not men who are qualified to fill any office. As to where "Bryan City is" I will say that it is 20 miles north of Millican, on the line of the Houston Texas Central Railroad in Brazos County. The county site of said county and some say by the 1st of Sept. is to, and will be, the "terminus" for a time of said rail road -At which time, there we be a population of from 5 to 6 thousand people in said town who will be without any municipal law or regulation -for the prompt punishment of crime -and offenders must of necessity go unwhipt of justice. Very respectfully your obt. srvt. L.J. WILSON. (Freedmen's Bureau, Correspondence of the Office of Civil Affairs, letters entered in vol. I, reel 8, frames 791 792. Bryan City, Dec. 25th, 1867. To His Excellency Gov. PEASE. Dear Sir: At the request of many Citizens of this City I write you to learn if any thing can be done to organize this City, by the appointment of a mayor who could who could appoint a common council and police to protect the city against all manner of depredations committed during the dark hours of the night, and thereby rendering night hideous by shooting, etc. A few nights since a few drunken fellows attacked my own house ordering me to get up or they would shoot into my house, soon after they left one tried to raise the window to steal some clothing nearby. You wrote me some time since that some legislation was necessary before you could act in the matter, but I think under the circumstances a temporary 45 appointment might be made until legislative action can be had. We have now full five thousand of a population in this City, and you may reasonably infer that many came here knowing the insufficiency of the law to put a stop to their base conduct. Many of the citizens have requested me to take hold, and regulate the matter, and if not inconsistent with my official duties, and you will see proper to confer upon me the mayoralty I will at once put the city in proper training, and I think in a short time bring about order, and full security for life and property. Yours most truly, Alex. ANDERSON. (Texas State Archives, Gov. Pease Papers, call number 301 57, folder 2). Dept. of State, Austin, Texas May 27, 1868. To Alexander ANDERSON, Esqr, Bryan, Brazos County. Dear Sir: Enclosed I hand you Order No. 112 appointing you Mayor of Bryan and A.B. FOREMAN, Lemuel PRESTON, A.B. BOWMAN, Thomas HALL and William HAVEMAN Aldermen. You will all take the enclosed oath of office and in all other respects qualify in accordance with existing laws and advise this department. I have the honor to be very respectfully your obt. svnt., W.D. PHILIPS, Secretary of State. (Early State Records, reel 49, Texas State Dept. Letterbooks, p. 317). Incorporation of Bryan -It having been reported by Governor PEASE that the citizens of the town of Bryan, having taken the measures prescribed by the laws of the state to incorporate the said town, upon the recommendation of his Excellency, approved by Brevet Major General J.J. REYNOLDS, commanding the District of Texas, the following list of town officers have been made by Gen. BUCHANAN: Alexander ANDERSON, to be Mayor; A.B. FORMAN, Lemuel PRESTON, A.B. BOWMAN, Thomas J. HALL, and William HAVERMAN, to be aldermen. Texas Countryman, 10 June 1868, p. 2. Military appointments -W.J. PEARCE to be county surveyor, vice John GNATY, who failed to qualify ... municipal officers of the town of Bryan J.W. PEARCE, to be alderman, vice Lemuel PRESTON, resigned; J. McGUIRE, to be alderman, vice A.B. BOWMAN, who has left the county; J. ERWIN, to be constable, to fill an original vacancy. Houston Daily Times, 13 Sept. 1868, p. 4. Military appointments to civil offices ... Bryan City -George W. FARROW and A.H. EDGAR to be Aldermen, vice Thos. J. HALL and Wm. HAVIMAN, resigned. Houston Daily Times, 2 Feb. 1869, p. 4. Appointments -A.G. THURMOND has been appointed mayor of Bryan ... Galveston Daily News, 20 April 1869, p. 2. Bryan ... We are informed that the corporation has during the past week rid itself of its last debt, its indebtedness being a few weeks ago over three thousand dollars. Houston Daily Times, 19 May 1869, p. 2. Our correspondent writes us from Bryan that the Mayor, J.M. THURMOND, has been busy all the week past ferreting out several cases of fraud committed by the county and 46 city officials. It appears that several of the former officials were in the habit of collecting specie for fines and costs of judgment, and rendering their accounts to the Treasurer, accounted for the same in scrip. Ex Mayor Anderson was called upon to reimburse the sum of $452, amount received by him in excess of his just dues. Several other ex officials are in the same predicament, but as the matter is undergoing legal investigation, we refrain from mentioning any names. Houston Daily Times, 29 May 1869, p. 1. ADAMS & HEARNE, bankers at Bryan, and the Central Railroad have refused to pay taxes to the corporation of that city. A suit has been instituted against each, and the probabilities are that the Bryan officials will be well sustained by the people of Bryan, and that they will gain the suit. Houston Union, 26 June 1869, page 1 Bryan has two Negro policemen, whose duty it is to arrest offenders of their own color. One of them, Geo. GREEN, has engaged in severe cruelty on several occasions, while making arrests, cursing, abusing and striking prisoners over the head with a pistol. The News-Letter thinks George needs a plaster, in the shape of a black-jack application, applied to the back to draw the brute from him. (Hempstead) Texas Countryman, 2 July 1869, p.1 col.1 The Bryan Appeal of the 11th says ... The corporate limits of the town have lately been considerably extended ... Galveston Daily News, 13 November 1869, page 1, col.2 City of Bryan. Appointments ... 25 July 1870. H.T. DOWNARD, Mayor; S.D. DEARING, H.A. MOORE (failed to qualify), T. McCARTY, Charles B. FOSTER, Willis Van HOOK, Geo. JAMESON, aldermen; G.W. FARROW, Marshall. (Texas. Election Registers 1838 1972.) Bryan ... A dispatch from Austin gives the following as the newly appointed Common Council for the City of Bryan: Mayor, H.T. DOWNARD. Aldermen, T. McCARTY, S.D. DEARING, H.A. MOORE, Willis Van HOOK, and Charles B. FOSTER; City Marshall, George FARROW. Houston Daily Union, 30 July 1870, page 3 First meeting of the Bryan Fire Department...July 27, 1870. The company organized by calling J.M. STOCKTON to the chair as chairman, and E.F. BAXTER as secretary pro tem. C.A. STEARNS was nominated and elected president by acclamation. J.M. STOCKTON was nominated and elected secretary by acclamation. O.P. YATES was nominated and elected treasurer, vote 9 to 1. B. Frank LEMAN, nominated and elected foreman by acclamation. George GENDER, nominated and elected first assistant foreman by acclamation. L.G. LeGRAND, nominated and elected second superintendent...following members were assigned respectively: Constitution and By Laws: J.S. FOWLKES, N.B. DAVIS and W.C. BUNGER. Uniform and Dress: N.Q. WILSON, O.B. BEALL and O.P. YATES. Finances: L. SANGER, J.O. JACKSON and Milton PARKER. On Contracts, etc.: S.L. HORNER, J.M. STOCKTON, S.M. HUNTER and C.A. STERNE.... Weekly Bryan Appeal, 18 Aug. 1870, quoted in Mrs. A.J. BUCHANAN, "Organization of Bryan's Fire Department Told ...." Bryan Weekly Eagle, 31 Jan. 1934, p.1, col.4. 47 The Bryan Eagle complains that cows are allowed to roam about the streets after night. (Austin) Tri-Weekly State Gazette, 1 August 1870, page 2 1870: December -"Fire Prevention is 80 Years Old Now," Bryan Daily Eagle, 29 September 1949, page 1. "Fire prevention inspections are no new thing in Bryan. Old city records show that a flue inspection was made almost 80 years ago. Guy P. BITTLE, former city secretary, came up this morning with a report of the inspection dated December 1870. H.T. DOWNARD was mayor of the city when the 394 flues were inspected. 207 residences and businesses were inspected and most of the listings were just "Mrs. Jones," or "Mrs. Smith," with no identifying initials. Leading the list of inspected buildings was the old Baptist Seminary. All three flues there were "out of order." Flues of the jail were in need of work, but since a new jail, with new flues, was being built, the repairs were not recommended. Inspection of all buildings in Bryan was completed in the four days from Dec. 31 through Jan. 3. According to the historic document, inspections were made even on New Year's Day." For more about this document, see: "First Residence Inspection for Fire Hazards Recalled by That Being Made in Bryan at Present," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 31 August 1932, page 3. The Bryan city secretary was not able to find this document in the 1990s. Brazos County Deed Records, Book M, page 219: The Corporation of Bryan sold S.N. BATHERWICK lot 7 in block 4 in the Cemetery of Bryan for $12.50; signed by H.T. DOWNARD, mayor, and T.J. DEARING "court"; dated 30 August 1871. Fifty Years Ago -Galveston News, Aug. 12, 1871 … Bryan … The City Council is preparing to bore an artesian well to furnish the city with water … Dallas Morning News, 12 August 1921, p.12 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. City of Bryan. Appointments ... Dec. 4, 1871. H.T. DOWNARD, mayor; T.J. DEARING, marshal (resigned 3 July 1872); T. McCARTY, W. VAN HOOK, C.B. FOSTER, C.F. MOORE, H.A. MOORE, Geo. D. HASWELL, aldermen. (Texas. Election Registers 1838 1972.) Brazos County Deed Records, Book M, page 339: Corporation of the City of Bryan sold J.W. CODY of Hill County lot 25 in block 2 in Bryan City Cemetery, for $12.50; signed H.T. DOWNARD, mayor, and T.J. DEARING, Marshal; dated 1 January 1872 The city [Bryan] by its mayor, H.T. DOWNARD, publishes an ordinance giving him 48 power to appoint as many policemen as he may think necessary for the maintenance of the peace ... In the city directory of the paper, H.A. MOORE is named as postmaster. The office was open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and from 2 to 5 p.m. ... Geo. WOLSTON was secretary of the hook and ladder company ... Weekly Bryan Appeal, 26 April 1872, as described in Daily Eagle, 25 Apr. 1917, p. 3. 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'…" Brazos County Deed Records, Book N, page 285: H.T. and E.F. DOWNARD sold the city of Bryan 22 feet off the front of lot 3 in block 9 in Bryan for $600 "gold dollars"; deed dated 16 January 1873. Brazos County Deed Records, Book N, page 368: J.B. McLELLAND, mayor of the City of Bryan, "by virtue of the authority vested in me by an order of the common council council of said city" dated 3 March 1873, for $1 sold the Bryan Hook and Ladder Company, 22 feet off the front of lot 3 in block 9 in Bryan; deed dated 17 March 1873; this was the same land purchased by the city from H.T. & Eliza F. DOWNARD on 16 January 1873, as recorded in Brazos Co. Deed Book N, page 285. Brazos County Deed Records, Book N, page 404: City of Bryan sold James B. THOMAS lot 55 in block 2 in Bryan City Cemetery for $5; signed Jas. B. McLELLAND, Mayor, and R.L. WEDDINGTON, marshal; dated 14 April 1873. The dispatch of yesterday, reporting a case of yellow fever, was incorrect. There is no case here, nor has there been for three weeks. James B. McLELLAND, Mayor of Bryan, Galveston Daily News, 8 Nov. 1873, p. 2. Bryan ... Bill TABOR, who was indicted for the murder of Higgison, the city attorney at this place, a year ago, broke jail at Caldwell a few days ago, and has fled. Galveston Daily News, 25 Dec. 1873, p. 2 From Bryan ... the city election, which was held here during the general election, having been declared void, another election is being held here to day. No disturbance has occurred. Waco Daily Examiner, 8 Jan. 1874, p. 1. In Mar. 1874, L. ERWIN, mayor of Bryan and W.H. BOWMAN, City Marshal, sold the FREEDMAN burying ground to Willis VAN HOOK and James RUSSELL, trustees of the A.M.E. Church; and to Edward CHESTERFIELD and Jacob ROBINSON, trustees of the A.M.E. Church; and to Abram TURNER and King ARCHER, trustees of the Baptist Church [Brazos Co. Deed Book 4, p.543] At a called meeting of the Board of Common Council of the city of Bryan, held this day, 49 the following resolution was unanimously adopted: Resolved, that all business houses of the city are requested to close this morning from 10 a.m. to 12 m., in respect to our late respected citizen and alderman, William McINTOSH. Galveston Daily News, 26 July 1874, p. 1. A crazy man, whose name is BRAGG, from Montgomery, Ala., made his entrée into Bryan on the 5th inst., and jumped from the second story of the Prima Vista Hotel on the same night, but, strange to say, received but very little injury. He has since been passed upon as a dangerous character to run at large, and placed under the charge of the marshal of the city. Galveston Daily News, 15 Sept. 1874, p.2 Bryan ... The city election passed off quietly. The following are the officers elect: J. R. EVANS, Mayor; W.H. BOWMAN, Marshal, W.V. WALDROP, D.T. WILLIAMSON, Geo. CHAMBERLAIN, W.H. HARMON, W.C. PADGETT, Aldermen. Galveston Daily News, 6 Jan. 1875, p. 1. The finances of our neighboring city Bryan, are said by the Appeal and Post, to be in flourishing condition. Brenham Daily Banner, 29 Nov. 1876, p. 2. Bryan is enforcing the street law. Citizens have to pay the tax or give ten days work on the streets. Galveston Daily News, 18 Jan. 1877, p. 2. A mass meeting of the citizens of Bryan is called for the purpose of considering the question of public free schools, the propriety of the city of Bryan assuming control of free school matters within the corporate limits, and to discuss the graded school system, with a view to its adoption. Galveston Daily News, 22 July 1877, p. 4. The citizens of Bryan held a meeting on Saturday evening to consider the propriety of assuming control of the free school. Brenham Daily Banner, 22 July 1877, p. 1. The question of this city [Bryan] taking charge of the public free school fund to be apportioned to this school community, under authority of a general act of the last Legislature, and otherwise managing and controlling the educational affairs vested within its corporate limits, was put to a test of a vote of the property tax payers at an election held for that purpose on Friday 31st ult.; and the result was a majority in favor of the measure of 118, the vote standing 118 for and 1 against it. Although the election which has just occurred was, upon its face, simply to determine whether the city should take control of the public free schools within its limits, yet it has a much greater significance, for it is understood by all that it was only preliminary to another election, soon to be held, for the purpose of authorizing the City Council to levy a property tax, not to exceed one quarter of one per cent, for the establishment and further support of a first class school, to be organized under the graded system -a system which almost universally obtains throughout the Western States and through which alone the assistance of the Peabody Trustees can be obtained, and there is but little doubt that at this second election a unanimous vote will be cast for levying the tax. With the taxation of one fourth of one per cent on the t axable50 property within Bryan, together with the State appropriation and the Peabody Fund, the citizens of this place will have an annual reserve of $5150 for the support of schools, and this will be as much as she will ever need, perhaps, after the erection of suitable buildings. Galveston Daily News, 7 Sept. 1877, p. 4. Bryan is to vote upon the question of levying an ad valorem tax of one half of one percent to maintain a system of public free schools. (Austin) Daily Democratic Statesman, 16 Oct. 1877, p. 3. The Brazos Pilot, of last Friday, publishes a full account of the killing of a drunken colored man of bad character, by the city officers, on Christmas Eve. A policeman had arrested the Negro and was conducting him to prison, when the prisoner broke and ran down the street, followed by the officer; the two passed the city marshall, who, with the others, joined pursuit, when firing commenced. The Negro ran into a store and fell down, exclaiming that he was shot and was dying. Notwithstanding the piteous pleading of the dying man, the marshall put his foot on his back and struck him several blows on the head with the butt of his pistol. The jury of inquest gave it as their verdict that the deceased came to his death by a pistol wound, but failed to ascertain who fired the shot, or who fired any of the shots. The Pilot condemns the action of the jury, and seems to look upon the investigation as a sham. Navasota Tablet, 11 Jan. 1878, p. 2. The authorities of Bryan have purchased the old county jail of Brazos County, and will use it for a mayors office, court-house, clerk's office, council meetings, etc. Denison Daily Herald, 18 March 1878, p.3, col.1 Bryan ... In the county court a party was convicted for failing to work on the streets, in violation of an ordinance of the city of Bryan. The case was appealed from the Mayor's court. Galveston Daily News, 8 May 1878. Bryan has revoked her quarantine ordinance and Columbus has passed one. Brenham Weekly Banner, 2 Aug. 1878, p. 2. Bryan ... The schools of this this community will open on Monday, the 2d of September ... Galveston Daily News, Aug. 27, 1878, p. 2. The State of Texas, County of Harris. Know all men by these presents that W.J. HUTCHINS, W.R. BAKER, and A. GROESBECK ... in consideration of two hundred dollars paid by the common council of the City of Bryan ... have ... sold ... all right and title in that certain land ... for the purpose of a graded free school ... (Brazos County Deed Records, Book M, pp. 253 257. 29 Aug. 1878. Bryan ... The contract for building the public school house was let out to day to Boglie & Co., for $7500, that being the lowest bid. Galveston Daily News, 4 Sept. 1878, p. 1. Bryan ... The city council made a mistake in letting the contract for building the three 51 story brick school house to Bailey & Co., and, after reconsidering the contract for brick work, plastering and penciling was let to W.B. MORSE and J.D. WILSON for $3400, and the wood work, painting, etc., to M.D. GEE for $3998. The house is to be finished in six months. Galveston Daily News, 5 Sept. 1878, p. 4. City of Bryan v. PAGE & SIMS (51 Tex. 532; 1879): The charter of the city (section 4) provides that "the common council, by ordinances, shall have power as follows" : "Thirty-fifth. In relation to the employment of legal counsel for the assistance of the common council, and to prosecute in behalf of the corporation in criminal cases, and to institute and defend civil suits in their behalf." The claim of plaintiffs does not rest upon any ordinance of the common council, but upon the action of the mayor in employing them to prepare the opinion, and the subsequent action of the council in availing themselves of the opinion. The evidence not only negatives the passage of any ordinance authorizing or ratifying the employment, but it also negatives any action of the council whatever to that effect, unless such action be inferred from the fact that the opinion was read at a meeting of the council, in connection with an opinion from other attorneys, and that the council acted in accordance with these opinions, holding the election invalid. We are of opinion that neither the mayor nor the common council were authorized to bind the city by contract for legal counsel for their assistance, no ordinance having been passed in relation to such employment. The charter gave the power to employ legal counsel, but prescribed that the power be exercised by, or at all events in accordance with, an ordinance of the common council. The charter -the source of all the power of the mayor or council over the subject -having limited the mode of its exercise, they could not in a different mode make a valid contract; nor could they by any subsequent approval or conduct impart validity to such contract. As without an ordinance they were without power to bind the city by an express contract to pay for legal services, the law would not imply any such contract against the city. "The law never implies an obligation to do that which it forbids the party to agree to do."Bryan ... Mr. T.T. McCASLAND, City Sexton, makes the following report of deaths within the corporate limits of the city for the years given. For 1876, 29; for 1877, 18; for 1878, 27. Total 74. This report only covers the deaths of whites. The sexton says the death rate of the colored population has been about one sixth greater, or about 86 deaths for three years. Galveston Daily News, 12 Jan. 1879, p. 3. Bryan ... The new board of aldermen held their first session this evening and seem to have caught the spirit of retrenchment. They have reduced their own salaries $24 each per year, marshal's $60 per year, policemen $180 per year, and city clerks $100 per year. Many tax paying citizens think that while they are about their work of retrenchment they should abolish the city clerk's office and require the mayor to discharge its duties, as do justices of the peace, thereby saving an expense of $300 per annum. A.H. HARBERS was elected city clerk, C.S. KAUFFER sexton, and J.C. SMITH city attorney. The Sunday law was modified so as to permit business houses to keep open till 9 o'clock on Sunday morning. It is strange that no action whatever was taken on the street ordinance, as a majority of the aldermen are pledged to repeal it. Galveston Daily News, 18 Jan.1879, p.1. 52 Bryan ... The new city market is about finished. Galveston Daily News, 7 October 1879, page 1 Bryan ... Today the city marshal and policemen traced to the possession of Adam GUILFORD, colored, a trunk full of dry goods stolen at the fire Friday night. He is in jail. Wm. CURRY and Geo. KING, both colored, also fell under a like temptation and are in bonds. Galveston Daily News, 14 Oct. 1879 Know all men by these presents that whereas the corporation of the city of Bryan by ordinance of the common council thereof has negotiated a loan from Frank CLARK of twenty six hundred dollars and J.M. ROBINSON mayor of said city is by virtue of said ordinance is authorized to execute this deed of trust on the property herein named ... with interest from the 1st of April next (1879) at the rate of twelve per cent per annum ... (Brazos County Deeds of Trust, Book D, pp. 289 290, 31 Mar. 1879). Bryan...This morning, about 2 o'clock, the city calaboose, with the mayor's office above, was found to be in flames, and, despite the efforts of the firemen, the building, with the saloon of Joe HEARNE adjoining, were entirely destroyed. The fire is supposed to have resulted from an attempt to burn his way out, made by a colored man confined in the jail. It was discovered too late to rescue him, and he was burned to ashes. He was held under a telegram describing him as a horse thief. He told the officers he was from Grimes County, and claimed different names. The city lost everything. Hearne's stock was almost all saved. Galveston Daily News, 15 Oct. 1879, p.1, col.4. At 2 o'clock on the morning of the 14th inst. the calaboose with mayor's office above, at Bryan, was burned. A Negro prisoner, supposed to be a horse thief, was burned to ashes. It is thought he tried to burn his way out; the fire was discovered too late to rescue him. Joe HEARN's saloon adjoining the calaboose was entirely destroyed. Brenham Daily Banner, 16 Oct. 1879, p.1, col.1 Bryan ... The graded school building has been again rented to Prof. COLMAN, who will teach teach a private school there until a sufficient fund is collected by the directors to run the same on the graded free school system. Galveston Daily News, 2 January 1880, p. 1. The city authorities are tearing down the old engine house and will rebuild with accommodations for the firemen below and the mayor's office, etc., above. Galveston Daily News, 14 April 1880, p. 1. The Bryan Pilot wants the fire cracker ordinance strictly enforced. No fire crackers are allowed to be exploded within a given distance of the cotton platform. Brenham Banner, 22 Dec. 1880, p. 1. Mayor of Bryan, J.N. ROBERTSON; councilmen, J.N. COLE, T.J. McQUEEN, J.L. GARTH, W.W. HANWAY, F.E. HOOPER; marshal, A.B. CARR; attorney, R.J. SMITH; 53 clerk and treasurer, A.H. HARBERS. Weekly Brazos Pilot, 7 Oct. 1881, as quoted in Bryan Weekly Eagle, 6 Feb. 1930, p. 3. The time given by the small pox ordinance passed some time since by the City Council expired to day. Every citizen subject to the contagion who has not been vacinated, is liable to be fined $ 25. Galveston Daily News, 18 Jan. 1882, p. 1. Bryan...The city election took place on New Year day, and owing to the extremely bad weather, only an average vote was polled. Major J.W. Tabor was elected mayor by a large majority. The following aldermen were elected: T.J. McQUINN [McQUEEN], W.F. HOOPER, W.W. HANWAY, J.L. GARTH and M. GOLDSTEIN. A.B. COHN [CARR] was again elected city marshal without any opposition. . Galveston Daily News, 3 January 1883, p.1 Suit has been brought by the City of Bryan against the Houston and Texas Central Railroad and KAUFFER and HOFFMAN for a small piece of land in the north of Bryan, and now occupied by KAUFFER and HOFFMAN as a lumber yard. Galveston Daily News, 13 13 Jan. 1884, p. 1. Bryan is constantly improving. There is now a great demand for labor of all kinds. Ten new brick stores are being built and contracted for. Work has also commenced on the new brick hotel. Besides the ice factory the city authorities have under consideration the building of a female high school, and several fine residences are now going up, giving an impetus to the town. Galveston Daily News, 6 April 1884, p. 1. Bryan … The ice factory has failed to make ice up to this time on account of an insufficient water supply. The board of aldermen have determined to utilize the water in the abandoned would be artesian well by means of a windmill. There is about 400 feet of water standing in the pipes, and the supply is ample sufficient for the city. Galveston Daily News, 30 July 1884, p. 3. Bryan … The ice factory consumes 1200 gallons of water an hour, which, after being utilized, passes off as waste. The City Council is now considering the matter, and it is thought some arrangement will be made with the ice company to use the water by means of hydrants on Main Street. This would be of great benefit in case of fire. Galveston Daily News, 16 August 1884, p.3 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 Mar.1885, p. 3. Bryan … The ice company are deepening their wells to a depth of 150 feet, and will endeavor to make arrangements with the aldermen to furnish the city with water. The plan, no doubt, will meet with the approbation of all the citizens of Bryan, and will be acted on by our city council. Galveston Daily News, 7 April 1885, p.2 54 Bryan, July 16 -The ladies of the Temperance union have been, during the past week, circulating a petition addressed to the mayor, urging him to have the Sunday law strictly enforced; that the saloons be compelled to close their back doors as well as front, and also that other places be closed. A petition is being circulated here for the abolishment of the city government. The petition has a large number of signatures, and no doubt the matter will be warmly advocated. The cause of such a movement is owing to high taxation and the uselessness of a small town putting on city airs. Galveston Daily News, 17 July 1885, p. 2. Bryan, Feb.5 ... The case of the City of Bryan vs. Gus k, on appeal to the county, for the alleged violation of a city ordinance, was today dismissed on a motion of the city. The holding that there was no appeal to the county from the Mayor's Court has created considerable comment. Notice of appeal was promptly given. Dallas Morning News, 6 February 1886, page 3. Ex parte Canto (17 South Western Reporter 155; 20 March 1886): Gus CANTO was arrested upon the charge, regularly made, of selling fresh beef to one James GILLIARD, within market hours, at a place in the city of Bryan other than the market-house of said city. There was an ordinance of said city prohibiting such sales. CANTO, believing this ordinance and prosecutions thereunder to be void, sued out the writ of habeas corpus ... When this supposed offense was committed, the city was in control of the market-house by lease from the owner, Mr. LASKER, and by ordinance each person occupying a stall must pay for the use to the city the sum of $30 per quarter, and each person occupying a stand $5 per quarter ... The third ground for holding that the ordinance was void, urged by the appellant, is "that there was no competent evidence of the passage of the same." It appears that the mayor's office, after the passage of the ordinance in question, had been destroyed by fire, and that said ordinance was then destroyed, but that the city had a printed compilation of the ordinance, which was made in 1877; and that Judge SMITH, the city attorney, had carefully compared this with the originals in the minutes, and he swears that the compilation of 1877 was correct. [No copy of the 1877 printed Bryan city ordinances can now be found.] Bryan, July 27 -Windom McGILL, freedman, was shot and instantly killed last night about 10 o'clock near the Roman Catholic Church. His heart was torn to pieces. The gun used was a shotgun. The police are working up the case but have no clew yet as to who did the killing. Dallas Morning News, 28 July 1886, p.1 Work on Bryan's city hall, which is to cost $7,200, was begun to day, and the structure will be built at an early date. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 18 April 1888, p. 7. *Bryan ... City Marshall killed; Galveston Daily News, 4 Dec. 1888, p. 3 *Bryan ... Earl KNOX surrenders; Galveston Daily News, 5 Dec. 1888, p. 2. 55 *Party who killed M.M. WILCOX, Bryan's city marshall, captured; Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 5 Dec. 1888, p. 5. Bryan -At a meeting of the City Council the Hon. J.A. BUCKHOLTS was elected to the office of city recorder. A number of liverymen from different parts of the state arrived for the opening of their annual convention. The local committee showed them over the city and then gave them a tour of nearby Texas A. & M. College. From Dallas Morning News, 16 Apr.1891, reprinted 15 Apr.1891. Bryan's Mayor, C.A. ADAMS, has announced Monday, December 26, as Christmas in Bryan, and the merchants will observe it as such, the holiday falling on Sunday being the reason. Galveston Daily News, 9 Dec. 1892, p. 4, col.4 Bryan -Mayor Clifford ADAMS gave official notice that an election will be held on the first Tuesday in April to choose a city marshal, three aldermen and a city secretary. From Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb.1893, reprinted 18 Feb.1943. 1894?: Brazos County Commissioners, Book E, pp. 533-534: Petition to abolish the city of Bryan. McQueen Mineral Well For sale. Manganic Acid Water – Nature’s Remedy – Drink and Live. Particulars given and water shipped as ordered. McQUEEN & MYERS, Bryan, Texas. Galveston Daily News, 18 March 1882, page 1 It has been the pleasure of many to visit the McQueen Mineral Well, near Bryan. Many remarkable cures have been effected. All who have tasted it admit that it cures dropsy, all diseases of the kidney, nervousness, female complaints, general debility, malarial fevers, neuralgia, rheumatic and kindred diseases. The analysis, as given by Professor CHANDLER, demonstrates the fact that there is no more reliable remedial agent to be found in the United States. The water is being shipped daily to all points. Ample improvements are being made to accommodate the public. Address McQueen & Meyers, Bryan, Texas, if you are a sufferer with any of the above ailments. Galveston Daily News, 15 April 1882, page 4 McQueen & Myers Wells. These wells are three miles north of Bryan, near the H.& T.T.C. R.R. They contain mineral properties rendering them of the highest value medicinally. They are particularly valuable in all scrofulous affections. In the hands of the enterprising gentlemen who now own them they are destined to become a place of resort for hundreds seeking either recreation or remedy for disease. Brazos Pilot, 1 Sept. 1882, page 3 56 Navasota River Bridge Accident, 1871 By Bill PAGE Navasota, July 29, 1871. The construction train, with wrecking car attached, in passing over the Navasota river bridge this evening, about 4 o'clock, the derrick struck the lateral braces and rods causing the bridge to give way. The engine, with nine cars, went down forty feet. There were eighteen laborers on board, five of whom were killed. Their names are unknown. One white man and one Negro, names unknown, are mortally wounded. Patrick LANIGAN and R.A. MURPHY, Engineer; Tom LYNCH, Conductor, and fireman, are dangerously injured; Daniel SULLIVAN, of New York, had his leg broken. Thomas JEMISON is seriously injured; Wm. D. HERRICK, Jim BROWN, and one other, name not known, are slightly injured. The deed and wounded have been brought here, and are receiving all necessary attention. Galveston Tri-Weekly News, 31 July 1871, p.2 Navasota, July 29 -A construction train bound north this evening, consisting of nine cars and having eighteen laborers on board, was precipitated into Navasota river to-day, a derrick on a working car striking the lateral braces and rode of the bridge and causing the accident. The superstructure of the span was carried, and the second, third, and fourth spans went to the bottom with the cars and engine. Five men were instantly killed, two fatally injured, and twelve more or less hurt. One man was thrown twenty feet in the air, and falling was instantly killed. The Philadelphia Inquirer, 31 July 1871, p.1 Navasota, August 4. The Navasota bridge will be completed to-night, and trains will make their regular trips to-morrow. Much credit is due to Assistant Superintendent VAUGHAN for the dispatch with which this important bridge has been rebuilt. Pat LANAGAN and Alex MILLEN have died from wounds received at the disaster, making, in all, seven deaths up to this time. The wounded are now at Houston, and will all recover. J.M.O. The Galveston Tri-Weekly News, 7 Aug. 1871, p.1 Navasota, July 31, 1871. As has already been announced, a construction train on the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, went through a bridge two miles beyond Navasota, on Saturday evening. Three of the four killed were unknown. On the body of one named RAINEY a sum of money, over one hundred dollars, was found, which is in proper hands, awaiting a claimant. The bodies were properly interred by the company. The eleven wounded were attended to at a warehouse, immediately on the occurrence of the accident, by Doctors BARNEY, WRIGHT and PAYNE, of Navasota. The following are the particulars of their injuries: The engineer, MURPHY, the brakesman, J.P. LAWRENCE, from Marlin, and Thomas LYNCH, the conductor, were taken to SMITH's Hotel, not badly injured. Aleck MILLEN, of Sebastopol, New Jersey, laborer, shoulder dislocated, skull fractured and right leg broken. Jim BROWN, of Houston, a boarder at Mrs. LAWLER's, laborer, badly injured internally. 57 Pat LANGEN, Bedford, Mass., laborer, right arm broken, left leg badly hurt and left hand crushed. Thos. JEMISON, Malyneaux, Texas, laborer, badly hurt internally. James HOLLINGSWORTH, Philadelphia, or Kensington, a suburban town, hurt in back and left knee, not dangerous. Dan SULLIVAN, Bedford, Mass, laborer, terribly hurt in left thigh and internally. Ed. McGUINN, Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas, laborer, head badly cut and left shoulder crippled. Jim KENNEDY, Houston, laborer, shoulder dislocated. Tom MARROWBONE (so nicknamed by comrades, real name unknown), laborer, most fearfully hurt about head and face. Doubtful if he lives. Besides these, there were two others whose names we could not learn. They are so badly hurt as to be beyond the power of speech. Both cases are doubtful. One of them was crushed and mangled in a horrible manner. There was also a colored man hurt. In company with the Superintendent we visited the scene of the accident -the Navasota River, which crosses the Central line two miles from the town. Clambering down the steep embankment, which forms the approach to the bridge on the south to the river side, we had a full view of the awful condition of what was a few hours before the splendid, substantial Navasota bridge. The moon gave us light enough to distinguish the huge freight and flat cars, torn and broken into a mass of wreck and ruin, and a shapeless pile of wood and iron lying in and across the bed of the river, which was all that remained of the costly, beautiful structure of 157 feet span. The cool waters of the Navasota washed over the wreck, or gurgled beside it, telling no story of the terrible calamity, or of the suffering endured here a few short hours before. Beyond the stream stood the middle pier, like a huge, unsightly monument, amid surrounding ruin. Beyond that another fifty yards of wrecked and broken cars, and at the front the old No.1 Engine, still hissing steam from the valves, and clinging to the rail, which at this place had settled squarely down the thirty feet from the track line above to the earth below. We shall have to diverge here a little, or go back rather, to get at the cause of the accident. The wrecking car, which is built with a very heavy derrick or boom, and is some fifteen feet higher than the car-level on which it stands, was at Houston, and the Assistant Superintendent ordered the regular freight train conductor to take it as far as Navasota, 58 and then leave it. He had it stopped at this point, because he was afraid that this conductor might forget tot let the derrick, or boom down when about to pass over the Navasota bridge, and thus cause an accident. He then ordered Tom LYNCH, a man long employed by the company, and who had always had charge of the "wrecker car," to take charge of it and convey it to the scene of the freight train accident. Tom LYNCH went to Navasota, got together nine cars, this wrecker about the middle of the train, nineteen men, engineer, brakesmen, fireman, conductor and laborers, all told, and after the regular passenger train left Navasota for the north, at 3:45 p.m., LYNCH started to perform his duty -how well, this death, these wounds, this wreck can tell. The statements of different parties in Navasota make it appear that LYNCH had been drinking quite freely during the afternoon, before he left with his train, and they surmise that the boom was forgotten, and struck the lateral braces of the bridge, which would cause a general yielding of the whole structure, and the ruin that followed. Galveston Tri-Weekly News, 2 Aug. 1871, p.2 Baseball History of Brazos County by Bill PAGE Research has not disclosed when baseball was first played in Brazos County. It is possible that Union troops stationed in Brazos County after the Civil War played baseball, but no documentation of that has been found. At any rate, games were certainly being played here by 1879. "GUYLER also stated that in 1879, TAMC had a baseball club with contests between teams of Company A and B." DEBELLA, Joseph Anthony Christopher, The History of Physical Education at Texas A&M University: 1876-1988, doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University, 1989, p.10, citing "Original 'Fish' GUYLER Relates Old Experience," Texas Aggie, 4(15): 4 (May 20, 1926). 1879?: "Pastor, 82, Oldest Graduate of A.& M., Goes to Ball Game," Dallas Morning News, Oct.3, 1936, sect.1, p.7. About Malcolm BLACK, class of 1879; "… he did a bit of pitching in his college days…." Navasota...The Navasota Invincibles met the Red Jackets at Millican Sunday in a game of base ball, and won by a score of 2 to 1. Harmony prevailed, and the game is to be tried over some time soon at this place. Galveston Daily News, 14 June 1881, p.1 Bryan ... The Navasota Blues and a home nine played a match game of base ball, which resulted in a victory for the Navasota club by a score of 11 to 13. Galveston Daily 59 News, 20 May 1884, page 2. Navasota ... The Bryan baseball club and the Navasota Blues played again this evening. The score stood twelve nothing in favor of the Navasotas. Galveston Daily News, 7 June 1884, page 2 *Calvert, Tex., June ... Calvert boys entertained the Bryan base-ball club on yesterday evening. after a suitable reception they had them transported to the ... Galveston Daily News, 10 June 1884, page ? *Bryan baseball team ... Galveston Daily News, 12 June 1884, page 5, col.8 Calvert, Tex., June 25 ... The Calvert colored base-ball nine played the Bryan nine this afternoon. Galveston Daily News, 26 June 1887, page 7 Bryan, Tex., August 3 -The Calvert base ball team defeated the Bryan boys to-day. Sore 18 to 21. Galveston Daily News, 4 August 1887, page 2. Calvert, Tex., August 3 ... The Calvert base-ball club went to Bryan to play the Bryan nine. They were accompanied by several friends and admirers. Galveston Daily News, 4 August 1887, page 3 Calvert, Tex., July 17 -The game of base-ball played here yesterday between Bryan's crack team and Calvert's nine resulted in an overwhelming defeat for the Bryan boys, the score standing at the end of the game 8 to 30 in favor of Calvert. The battery for the Bryan team was NEWLAND and HANWAY, for Calvert LESTARJETTE and BUSH. Umpire Mr. John TABOR. The Calvert team is open to challenges from any amateur clubs in the state. Bryan was represented by quite a number of ladies and gentlemen coming up to witness the vanquishment of their fine team. Among the ladies from Bryan were Misses Hettie PAGE and Mattie TABOR. The Bryan folks were given a dance at the residence of Mr. J.S. McLENDON. Galveston Daily News, 18 July 1888 p.2 Calvert, Tex., July 28 -The Calvert base-ball team played the Bryan club at Bryan yesterday. The game was broken up at the end of the fifth inning as Bob BUSH, catcher for Calvert, in the fourth inning got sick and had to give way to Sam McLENDON, who, by a foul tip, got his thumb broken, the score then standing a tie, 8 to 8. The Calvert club consider themselves treated pretty trashy, inasmuch as the Bryan club invited them down ... (article continues) ... Galveston Daily News, 29 July 1888, page 2 *... a game of ball played at this place between Bryan and Calvert on the ... Galveston Daily News, 2 August 1888, page 1 Bryan, Tex., Apr. 21 -San Jacinto day passed off very quietly at this place. A select base ball club of the agricultural and mechanical college entertained a good audience in a contest with the local club of Bryan, the game resulting -College 23, Bryan 8. Base hits 60 -College 19, Bryan 2. Dallas Morning News, 22 April 1890, page 4. Bryan, Tex., May 20 ... Again the Bryan base ball team crossed bats with the agricultural and mechanical college nine at the latter's grounds. The game was called at 4:30 o'clock in the afternoon by Umpires BOYLE of Bryan and HAMILTON of Navasota. A large crowd witnessed the game which was far above the average for non-professionals. Score: Bryan 7, college 2. Bryan battery -FRANCES and FLAHERTY; college battery -DOUGLASS and MITCHELL. The Bryan team contained two substitutes from Houston FRANCE and FLAHERTY, as per agreement between the teams. Dallas Morning News, 21 May 1890, page 3. Lee MORRIS, son of Col. John MORRIS of Brazos County, now living at Bryan, shot and killed a Negro in a quarrel over a game of baseball. San Antonio Daily Light, 5 June 1890, p.2 College Station, Tex. ... The News: We read in your issue of May 24 where the ball team from your city was to come to College on Saturday next ... Galveston Daily News, 31 May 1891, 1891, page ? "Professors at the Bat," Galveston Daily News, 18 April 1892, p.2. A&M professors beat students in baseball, 14 to 11; "... BANKS at third, ... WATTS behind ... right field, ... center field, CARSON left field and ... short stop, they played like ... At the last half of the ninth inning the runs stood 11 to 14 in favor of the professors, with the professors at bat, ... the ... without further ... The following is a synopsis of the play ... A largo crowd was present from Bryan ...." "The College Boys Won," Galveston Daily News, 22 April 1892, p.6, col.2. A&M beat Navasota in baseball Bryan, Tex. ... A ball game between Navasota and Bryan took place at 4 o'clock ... The game of ball between the second nines of Bryan and Navasota was the best of the season. Up to the seventh inning the score stood 3 to 2 in favor of Navasota. The home team made a tally in the eighth, which evening the score, but Bryan fell down in the ninth, letting the visitors score several tallies. The game ended 10 to 4 in favor of Navasota. Dallas Morning News, 11 August 1894, page 3 "The A. & M. College," Galveston Daily News, 9 June 1895, p.6. 13 piece campus band let by Cadet Arthur JENKINS; red-headed club (includes their yell); baseball game "Navasota 11, College 9," Galveston Daily News, 11 June 1895, p.2. Baseball game. College Station, Tex., April 11 ... To-day the college baseball team played the third game in a series of games with the Bryan team. The first two games resulted in disastrous defeats for the Bryan team. Bryan has been reinforced by a professional battery. The college team is playing great ball this season. They recently received a challenge from the 61 Galveston league team and it is to be regretted that they could not accept. Dallas Morning News, 15 April 1896, page 8 "The A. & M. Commencement," Galveston Daily News, 8 June 1897, p.2. Mentions base ball game with Bryan team. The colored ball team of Mexia will play the colored team of Bryan two championship games here the first at 3:30 this afternoon and the next tomorrow. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 8 June 1899, p.7, col.1 The game of ball between the colored teams of Bryan and Calvert yesterday resulted in a score of 27 to 4 in favor of Bryan. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 22 June 1899, p.6, col.3 *Bryan, Tex., July ... colored base-ball team of Bryan to-day defeated a crack team from Hearne. Score, 7 to ... The Bryan colored team has not been defeated ... Galveston Daily News, 31 July 1899, page ? Bryan, Tex., Sept. 6 -The third and last game of baseball between Bryan and Palestine was played here this afternoon resulting in a score of 7 to 2 in favor of the visitors. Palestine won the entire series. Dallas Morning News, 7 September 1900, page 2. Calvert vs. Bryan, colored teams, played ball at Kernole's park yesterday. Score 5 to 4 favor Bryan. Bryan Daily Eagle, 26 March 1901, p.3, col.4 Baseball at Kernole's Park today, Corsicana vs. Bryan colored. Bryan Daily Eagle, 25 April 1901, p.3, col.2 Longview, Tex., May 31 -Longview won a very interesting and close game of baseball played here today with the Bryan team. The score was 13 to 12 in favor of Longview. Dallas Morning News, 1 June 1901, page 3. 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.10Bryan, Tex., July 15 -In a baseball game here this afternoon Bryan defeated Hearne. Score 12 to 5. Dallas Morning News, 16 July 1903, page 10. Bryan, Tex., Aug. 29 -The Bryan and Hearne baseball teams played a lively game here yesterday afternoon, resulting in a victory for the home team, score 6 to 4. Hudson MYERS, a youth of this city, was struck in the eye by a foul ball while watching the game and considerably bunged up. Dallas Morning News, 30 August 1903, page 31 "Baseball Benefit," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 24 May 1906, p.5, col. 2. 62 Bryan, Tex., July 16 -Bryan took the second baseball game from Kosse this afternoon by a score of 7 to 2. Dallas Morning News, 17 July 1907, page 10 "Giants to Play College," Galveston Daily News, 7 March 1909, p.6. New York Giants playing baseball "Farmer Team is Good, But Not Good Enough," Galveston Daily News, 13 March 1909, p.4. Campus team outscored by New York Giants on Kyle Field; "wonder of the game is that big man Deware"; also describes a very short Aggie player named WICKES -supposedly not much taller than the length of a bat Baseball -Bryan vs. Brenham (colored teams). Friday 3 p.m. Sunday 4 p.m. West Side Park. A good game assured. Admission is 15 and 25 cents. Bryan Daily Eagle, 3 June 1909, p.4, col.2 Base ball tomorrow at West Side park, Bryan vs. Taylor (col.). A good game assured. Game called at 4:30 p.m. Admission 15 and 25 cents. Bryan Daily Eagle, 12 June 1909, p.3, col.4 Baseball Tomorrow at West-Side Park, Bryan vs. Temple. Bryan Daily Eagle, 24 July 1909, p.3, col.2 Bryan, Tex., June 19 -The colored people of Brazos County will celebrate Emancipation Day in this city tomorrow with a barbecue and picnic at the West Side Park. There will be speaking by prominent colored men, baseball games, Gun Club Shoot and other sports. The celebration is scheduled to continue for two days. Galveston Daily News, 20 June 1910, p.10. "Baseball," Bryan Daily Eagle, 6 August 1910, p.3, col.4. "A.& M. vs. Chinese Team," Bryan Daily Eagle, 18 March 1914, p.4. Aggies played a touring Chinese baseball team. "Chinamen Beat Farmers," Bryan Daily Eagle, 26 March 1914, p.5. The colored people of Bryan are again hard at work on plans for the annual celebration of June 19, Emancipation Day. A big barbecue dinner for all who care to attend, white or black, will be served Friday at 2:30 p.m., and the general public is cordially invited. Other entertainments, such as baseball, dancing and trap shooting are planned and the committee in charge is making every effort to make the celebration the best ever held in Bryan. Bryan. A parade was planned but the committee has been unable to secure a band, and it is probable the plans for this feature will be abandoned. The committee in charge is as follows: Jerry SIMPSON, Mose LIGHTS, Buddy BOOKMAN, Walter KING, Ed OLIVER, Louis JOHNSON, John RHODES and Albert EMPFLING. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 17 June 1915, p.7, col.6 63 "Nineteenth Celebration," Bryan Daily Eagle, 19 June 1915, p.3. Celebrated with barbecue, baseball, dancing and speeches. "Three Games Won by Mexican Team Playing Sunday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 3 July 1933, p.5, col.5. The Aztecs, a Hispanic baseball team "Aztec Ball Team Wins Two Playing Sunday," Bryan Weekly Eagle,19 July 1933, p. 2 "Grand Prize Negro Team Downs Houston Club 6-0," Bryan Daily Eagle, 22 July 1941, p.2, col.5. African American baseball team. "Tigers, Local Negro Nine, Play Sunday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 20 May 1942, p.5, col.3. Grand Prize Tigers, a baseball team. "Tigers Defeat Houston Nine in Sunday Clash," Bryan Daily Eagle, 25 May 1942, p.5, col.6. Grand Prize Tigers. "Tigers Win in Slugfest with Houston Ball Club," Bryan Daily Eagle, 15 June 1942, p.6, col.6"Baseball Curry Field, 3 p.m., June 19th," [advertisement], Bryan Daily Eagle, 18 June 1943, p.3, col.7. African American teams. "Blue Moons Play Austin Tonight," Bryan Daily Eagle, 24 June 1947, p.4, col.3. African American baseball team. "Blue Moons Will Play Greyhounds," Bryan Daily Eagle, 10 July 1947, p.5, col.4. "Blue Moon Plays Houstonians Here," Bryan Daily Eagle, 24 July 1947, p.5, col.4. Tickets are available at MURPHY's Barber Shop, SCANLIN's Grocery, Four Way Inn, Star Light Theater, and CHAPMAN's. "Austin Defeats Blue Moon Nine," Bryan Daily Eagle, 6 August 1947, p.4, col.7 "Blue Moon Plays Hearne Tonight," Bryan Daily Eagle, 15 August 1947, p.2, col.4. "Blue Moon Stars to Play Thursday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 3 September 1947, p.2, col.3 "Blue Moons Will Play Marlin Here," Bryan Daily Eagle, 11 September 1947, p.5, col.2 "Blue Moon Team to Play Tuesday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 20 September 1947, p.3, col.6. Will play a game to raise money to support a football team at John M. Moore High School "Blue Moon Nine Plays Tonight," Bryan Daily Eagle, 23 September 1947, p.4, col.2 64 Bryan, Texas, Aug. 11 -Harry L. LOGAN, president of the Bryan Baseball Association, resigned Wednesday. Dallas Morning News, 12 August 1948, section 2, page 4 "Red Eagles in Bryan Sunday," Houston Informer, 30 April 1949, p.13, col.4. African American baseball. Bryan, Texas, July 1 -Whether the Bryan Bombers will finish their schedule in the East Texas Class C League will depend on emergency local financial support, according to a decision reached at a meeting of the Bryan Baseball Association. The organization is heavily in debt and without the resources to operate throughout the remainder of the season without local help. If help is given, the possibility of continuing another year will be studied, L.P. COFFEY, president, said. Local attendance has fallen off in a dangerous degree because of recent game losses. Dallas Morning News, 2 July 1949, page 14 "Blue Moon All Stars Play Brenham Friday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 6 April 1950, p.7, col.3 Bryan, Texas -Roland JONES, who pitched for the University of Texas' national collegiate baseball tournament runner-ups last season, has signed with the Bryan Indians of the Class B Big State League. JONES is a native of College Station. Dallas Morning News, 26 March 1954, page 17 Nacogdoches, Tex., Aug. 26 -A bus loaded with Bryan (Tex.) Air Force Base baseball players crashed into a dry creek 15 miles north of here today, killing two and injuring 13 others. The team was en route to Barksdale Air Force Base at Shreveport, La., for a baseball game. State Highway Patrolmen E.M. HALE said the right front tire on the bus blew out, throwing the vehicle off the road at an embankment over a dry creek. Trapped and fatally injured were James C. KIRKPATRICK, the driver of the bus, and Lloyd D. BURESH, 22. Both died in a Nacogdoches hospital. In a critical condition were William C. LITTLEJOHN and George E. SMITH. Los Angeles Times, 27 August 1955, page 5 "Five Lulacs in All-Star Game Today," Bryan Daily Eagle, 12 August 1956, p.9, col.3. Baseball "Bryan, Houston Play Here Sunday for Lulac Title," Bryan Daily Eagle, 13 September 1956, p.8, col.5. Baseball. "Bryan Indians to Meet Sports here Thursday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 18 June 1958, p.5, col.7. African American baseball game. "Bat Girls Coming to A&M Baseball," Battalion, 10 February 1972, p.1. 1st such group in Southwest Conference. "25 Batgirl Finalists Make Debut Tonight," Battalion, 29 February 1972, p.1. "Diamond Darlings Chosen Here," Battalion, 3 March 1972, p.1. 65 "Cadet Slouch," [cartoon] Battalion, 7 March 1972, p.2. Cadets worry that "the games may distract from the ... bat girls." "Diamond Darlings Called 'Sex Objects'," (letter), Battalion, 15 March 1972, p.2. "Diamond Darlings Will Work During All Aggie Home Games," Battalion, 15 March 1972, p.6. "Team Likes 'Diamond Darlings'," (letter), Battalion, 17 March 1972, p.2 Blacksmiths of Brazos County by Bill Page The 1870 Brazos Co. Census, p.31, lists: VAN HOOK, Willis b m 50 blacksmith NC , Elmira b f 36 k house Tenn. , Lewis b m 16 at home Tex. , Bettie b f 14 at home Tex. , Willie b m 12 at home Tex. [Willis VAN HOOK was an African American minister who served as a Bryan alderman in the early 1870s.] Millican ... Burglars entered the post office and drug store of STEELE Bros. last night and blew open the safe and took $160 belonging to the firm, $30 deposited by other parties, and about $50 in stamps and stamped envelopes. A fuse about a foot long was found on the floor. They procured tools at a blacksmith shop near by to get into the house. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 23 Nov. 1887, p.3. Bryan, Tex. -Anthony WILLIAMS, a Negro blacksmith of this place fell dead here this evening about 5 o'clock while attempting to shoe a horse. The cause of the trouble, as announced by the attending physician, was palpitation of the heart. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 1 February 1888, p.6, col.2 Ella ... Mr. A.G. STEELE has completed a blacksmith shop here ... Galveston Daily News, 14 Feb. 1893, p.7, col.5 [Ella was another name for ALLEN Farm] Bryan, Tex., Sept. 24 -The Negro blacksmith, AVERYHEART, died yesterday from the effects of poison administered by some person or persons one night last week. He was never able to make a statement. His funeral occurred to-day. Physicians held a postmortem examination this morning and removed the stomach. They are satisfied it is 66 a case of poisoning, but have not determined what the poison was. Dallas Morning News, 26 Sept.1893, p.6 Bryan, Brazos Co., Tex., Jan. 2 -Fire was discovered about 3 o'clock this morning in the second story of John Q. TABOR's carriage house. The fire was well under way when water was turned on. The flames spread both ways and burned half a block of buildings, as follows: HORTNARTS & McCORQUODALES, blacksmith shop, $2000, insurance, $700; saved $150 in tools. M. BONNEVILLES residence, loss $10,000, insurance on houses and furniture $3000; some of the furniture and silverware was saved. John Q. TABOR, loss about $600, with insurance on stock of $1500, most of his vehicles were saved. W.A. REEDS residence, damaged $500, covered by insurance. The carriage house, blacksmith shop and other buildings on the block belonged to Ira GOOCH, who estimates his loss at $3000, with $1275 insurance. Galveston Daily News, 3 January 1894, page 2 Yesterday one of the most novel weddings on record occurred in Bryan, and was a source of much amusement to the few who caught on in time to see the fun. The ceremony was performed in ROBERTSON & ZIMMERMAN's blacksmith shop by Squire J.M. ZIMMERMAN and the high contracting parties were Lee Spurlock, a very black young Negro, and Josephene FREEMAN, a comely "yaller gal," both of whom came all the way from Madisonville for the expressed purpose of getting married. The bride was dressed in a dark calico and wore a bonnet. The groom looked cool, happy and very original in an undershirt and trousers, surmounted by a black wool hat. He was absolutely guiltless of a top shirt, and seemed very much pleased when the crowd made up the money after the ceremony, and escorting the happy couple to SAUNDERS & JOHNSON's, bought and presented a shirt to him. At this juncture somebody suggested that the groom should kiss the bride before the crowd to pay for the gift. He tried to beg off but it wouldn't go, and finally made a dive under her bonnet and planted a rousing smack squarely on her lips and the crowd fairly roared. Then Mr. J.W. JOHNSON, who likes to push a good thing along, filled the hearts of the dusky pair to overflowing with happiness by giving them a big watermelon for a bridal present, and the smile on the groom's face spread around until its edges med and lapped over on the back of his neck. The happy couple returned to Madisonville yesterday afternoon. Bryan Daily Eagle, 1 July 1896, p.4, col.2. Mr. Charlie SIMPSON is building a nice two story blacksmith and wood shop three miles north of town at the intersection of the Macy and Wheelock roads, near McDuff SIMPSON's truck farm. Mr. SIMPSON has named his location Sipewater (?), on account of the spring near the shop which never goes dry. Bryan Morning Eagle, 8 January 1902, p.3"A. and M. Blacksmith Shop," Dallas Morning News, 21 December 1903, p.9. Will be built. College Station, Tex., May 7 -Step by step during the year the Agricultural and Mechanical College has been adding to its material equipment ... One of the most recent 67 additions to the equipment of the institution is the new blacksmith shop. A large room, 30x60, has been provided, with concrete floor and twenty-eight anvils and forges have been installed. Electric fans supply the draft for the fires and for drawing off the smoke from the forges. Twenty-eight men are now accommodated at the same time. It is not the purpose of the school to turn our expert blacksmiths, but it is considered essential for the farmer as well as the mechanical engineer to know the general principles of forging and welding, so that he will know a good piece of work when he sees it and be able to turn his hand to it if occasion should require ... Dallas Morning News, 9 May 1904, page 3 College Station, Tex., April 24 -The machine shops of the A. and M. College of Texas, under the supervision of A.R. NOTTINGHAM, instructor in mechanical engineering and superintendent of the shops, are being brought to higher plane of efficiency. There is a new building needed badly in this department, and the Legislature has been requested to allow the money for it. The chief object of interest just now is the installation of a steam hammer in the blacksmith shop. The hammer is a 250 pound size, with a steam pressure of 120 pounds ... Dallas Morning News, 25 April 1909, page 31 "Rebuilding Blacksmith Shop," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 22 July 1909, p.8, col.3. L.A. PLASEK "MUNDAY & MOEHLMAN, Blacksmiths and Wheelwrights," Bryan Daily Eagle, 22 Apr. 1913, sect.3, p.8, col.5 Mr. C.H. MOEHLMAN, one of the well known blacksmiths of Bryan, is ... in business for himself, and is opening a new shop for blacksmithing of all kinds, and horse shoeing, on North Main Street, next door to the ROBERTSON livery stable. Mr. MOEHLMAN has resided in Bryan for a number of years, and has been engaged in the blacksmith shop of L.A. BLAZEK, where he established for himself the reputation of a careful, conscientious skilled workman. He has fixed up a nice place, well equipped, and will be open for business tomorrow, and asks that his friends remember him for any work in his line. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 23 Oct. 1913, p.6 Bryan, Texas, Nov. 8 -The large blacksmith and woodworking shop of GRIFFIN Bros. of this city was partially destroyed by fire at 10 o'clock Saturday night. The tin roof prevented the flames from breaking through. The damage to building and contents was several hundred dollars, covered by insurance. Dallas Morning News, 9 November 1920, page 9 "Two Respected Pioneer Negroes Died Saturday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 20 July 1925, p.3, col.2. C.C. CALHOUN, b. ca. 1871, buried Oakwood, was a blacksmith; R.C. CALHOUN, b. ca. 1855, was a drayman "350 Pound Anvil Stolen," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 15 November 1933, p.3, col.3. From Henry SCOTT, blacksmith. 68 Cotton Gins were a Vital Part of the Economy by Bill PAGE Cotton gins were a vital part of the economy in agricultural areas. They were, however, very dangerous places -many workers lost fingers, hands, or arms ... and often their lives. In addition, they frequently caught fire -sometimes because of the type of equipment used, in other cases, as a result of arson. Based on the stories my grandmother told about the night the Midlothian cotton gin burned, I gather such fires could be quite spectacular, lighting up the sky for miles, so it is hardly surprising that they would be attractive targets for pyromaniacs. In addition, I suspect some fires were set by persons with grudges against the gin owners. Typically, when a cotton gin burned, the owner had insurance on the equipment, but any farmers whose cotton was burned just had to eat the loss -how awful must it have been to get through a whole cotton growing season, only to see your labors go up in smoke. One other observation -we could probably do a pretty interesting subject marker for the R.K. CHATHAM cotton gin manufacturing factory .... ****For Sale. Two Plantations; one in Washington County, containing 500 acres -200 in cultivation, with gin, running gear, mill and cotton press. The other place, in Brazos County, contains 1000 (?) acres -160 acres in cultivation in Brazos bottom, with comfortable buildings, gin house, &c. The above named places are both desirable, and will be sold at fair prices for Confederate money. For particulars address me at Boonville, Brazos County, K. Wamble. Sept.26. TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH (Houston), 6 Oct. 1862, p.2The 1870 census includes separate "products of industry" schedules which provide details on manufacturers. This article extracts some data from the 1870 Brazos Co. census. The schedules also list types of power used (hand, steam, etc.), number & type of machines used; wages paid during the year, and amount & types of materials used and products produced during the year. 69 name: R. CHATHAM business: cotton gins & mills capital: $20,000 # of workers: 15 business capital # workers The Gin House of Mr. PEARSON, near Bryan, together with twenty bales of cotton and 200 bushels of corn were destroyed by fire on Saturday last. It is supposed that the fire was caused by sparks flying from the chimney into the lint room, igniting the cotton therein. There was a strong northwest wind blowing at the time, and the whole was soon consumed. [Bryan Brazos Eagle] Flake's Bulletin, 21 December 1870, p.8 Brazos County -Harvey MITCHELL's gin and mill burned; loss about $3000. Galveston Daily News, 10 Dec. 1873, p.1 1875: Jan. 15 -W.D. HERRICK sold his wife Margery HERRICK "one steam engine, ten horse power ... one 60 saw needle Gin ... one 50 saw and one mill ... together with a cotton press ... and the building in which all the aforesaid property is situated near the town of Millican ... one Iron axle Bois D'arc wagon, one bay horse mule, named Dick ... one mouse colored mare mule named Jenny ... one mouse colored mare mule named Hannah ... and one black mare mule named Julia ... Brazos Co. Deed Records, Book P, p.460 Bryan ... Mr. J.H. LOUGHRIDGE has an excellent gin, and is charging only $1.10 per hundred pounds for ginning. Galveston Daily News, 28 Aug. 1875, p. 2. Millican ... Cotton is coming in quite lively. The competition between the steam gins of Millican has reduced the ginning rates to sixty cents per hundred pounds. Galveston Daily News, 5 Sept. 1875, p. 1. Millican ... W.D. HEVICK's [HERRICK?] gin and mill establishment was burned last night about 1 o'clock. It has not been determined yet how it caught fire ... Cotton is coming in lively, and our merchants are paying outside figures for it. The weather is getting cool. Galveston Daily News, 23 Sept. 1876, p. 1. [ad] ...W.R. KING's premium gin and feeder..., Brazos Pilot, 26 Apr. 1877, p.1 Cottonwood ... Pete KEEFER's gin house and several bales of cotton were burned. One Labo [Sabo or Zabo?] was arrested and confessed the crime. Starting to jail with a guard, a mob seized him and he has not been heard from since. Galveston Daily News, 26 Sept. 1877, p. 1. Bryan ... A gin-house and press, about ten miles from here, the properly of J.P. AYRES. Esq., were burned yesterday. Insurance ... Galveston Daily News, 16 Dec. 1877, p.1, col.6 Mr. Wm. CUNNINGHAM's gin, near Millican, in Brazos County, was burned late Wednesday night, by an incendiary. The building had been fired the Sunday night 70 previously, but discovered in time to be extinguished. Navasota Tablet, 3 Jan. 1879, supplement, p. 3. Millican ... The steam mill and gin of J.L. MAYO, was burned this evening; fire supposed to have originated from a sulphur match or friction from the machinery while running. About five or six bales of cotton, two or three carloads cotton seed, and a lot of toll corn was consumed. Loss, about $ 3000; insurance, $ 1000. Galveston Daily News, 25 Nov. 1879, p. 1. Millican ... Mr. Thomas McMICHAEL had his arm badly mangled while feeding the gin at Mr. MAYO's farm, Saturday morning. His fingers were torn off and his arm terribly lacerated for its entire length. It is hoped amputation will not be necessary. Galveston Daily News, 7 Sept. 1880, p. 1. Millican ... Thos. McMICHAEL, the young man who was mangled at MAYO's gin last Saturday, died last night from the effect of his wounds, and was buried this evening. He leaves a wife and numerous warm friends to mourn his untimely taking off. Galveston Daily News, 11 Sept. 1880, p. 1. Bryan ... Clem BEE, a son of Gen. P.H. BEE, had his arm mangled in a cotton gin today. Drs. PUGH, ADAMS and PLATTNER amputated the limb near the shoulder, and think that he may recover. Galveston Daily News, Oct. 19, 1880, p. 1. 1881: Jan. 5 -J.L. MAYO sold Frank FALCONER ½ interest in lot 5 in block 8 in Millican, plus 2-story box gin house, 1.35 horse power engine & boiler in grist mill, 1-80 saw, Chatham gin feeder & condenser, 1 Crenshaw & Caruthers cotton press, 1 saw mill & fixtures, 1 line of shafting pulleys belts tools & store rooms. [See Brazos Co. Deed Records, book V, pp.24-25] 1881: Sept. 20 -William FALCONER sold William FALCONER, Jr. ½ interest in lot 5 block 8 in Millican, on which lot was situated one steam cotton gin & mill, one engine & boiler, one 80 saw Chatham gin, condenser & feeder, one Crenshaw & Carothers cotton press, one grist mill, one two-story gin house, one cotton seed and two small out houses ... [See Brazos Co. Deed Records, book V, pp.427-428] Bryan ... Mr. R.K. CHATHAM is in Atlanta, exhibiting at the Cotton Exhibition one of his improved gins. Galveston Daily News, 12 Oct. 1881, p. 1. *Bryan ... R.K. CHATHAM's cotton gin on exhibit in Atlanta. Galveston Daily News, 2 Nov.1881, p.1, col.6 The Bryan Pilot reports another freedman's hand mutilated by a cotton gin. As well fool with a caged tiger as a cotton gin. Galveston Daily News, 19 September 1882, page 2 Navasota ... Two miles north of town a colored man got his arm so badly injured in 71 George HARRINGTON's gin, yesterday, in Brazos County, that it had to be amputated. Galveston Daily News, 31 Dec. 1882, p. 1, col. 6. The gin house and eighty bales of cotton belonging to George CUNNINGHAM, near Millican, Brazos County, was destroyed by fire on the 28th of November. Partly insured. Cause of the fire not known. Galveston Daily News, 5 Dec. 1882, p. 1. The gin house of Bob TURK, a Negro, living near Cartwheel Prairie, Brazos County, was destroyed by fire last week. Two Negro boys, aged respectively 11 and 13, were arrested for setting it on fire; they plead guilty and say that a gentleman living on the prairie hired them to burn it. Brenham Daily Banner, 2 September 1883 Bryan ... The case of E.B. HOLMES vs. R.K. CHATHAM & Co. is now being tried. The case is attracting considerable attention on account of its nature, it being for damages and for royalty on the anti friction attachment to cotton gins. Galveston Daily News, 12 Sept. 1883, p. 4. Bryan ... The jury in the case of E.G. HOLMES vs. R.K. CHATHAM & Co., returned a verdict in favor of Chatham & Co., for $2800 and a half interest in the royalty of all the cotton gins manufactured with the anti friction attachment. Galveston Daily News, 13 Sept. 1883, p. 4. Bryan ... GARTH & GRIFFITH's gin caught fire yesterday, and was extinguished before any serious damage occurred. Galveston Daily News, 27 Sept. 1883, p. 4. Bryan ... The young man by the name of KERR, who had his arm terribly mangled in the gin of GARTH & GRIFFITH's, lies in a critical condition, and is not expected to live. Galveston Daily News, 3 Oct. 1883, p. 1. Navasota … Intelligence was received here this evening that James NORMAN shot and mortally wounded a Negro at ROGER's gin house, near Allen Farm, a little station on the Santa Fe road, eight miles west of here. The Negro's name is not known, but he had threatened to kill Norman, and he got in his work first. DALLAS WEEKLY HERALD, 13 March 1884, p.2, col.5. ALLEN Farm … Crops in this vicinity are very good, considering the long drouth. This station has shipped 149 bales of cotton this season, and is counting on 1000 during the season. Four cotton gins in sight are kept busy to their capacity. Cotton pickers are greatly in demand. D.C. JARRELL is the principal cotton buyer of this section. A great deal of sickness prevails, owing to the hot weather and scarcity of good water. Colonel John D. ROGERS, of Galveston, arrived here last evening from the East. He left this evening for his home. Galveston Daily News, 22 September 1884, p. 1. ALLEN Farm … Two hundred and fifty bales of cotton were sold here to-day. Axford HICKS, of Navasota, purchased same. There is a great deal of seed cotton coming in, and 72 the gins are kept busy. This station has shipped 264 bales this season. Two town lots were purchased a few days ago by Navasota merchants, on which they intend erecting store buildings soon. Times are very flourishing at present. Farmers all seem to be satisfied with their labor. GALVESTON DAILY NEWS, 7 October 1884, p. 7. The Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Bryan, dated July 1885, identifies a few businesses by name and shows their locations: J.W. TABOR's livery; GARTH, GRIFFITH & Co.'s lumber yard; SCHWARTZ Ice Cream Garden; T.P. WOOTEN's carriage factory; J.B. REED's cotton yard; CARR's cotton yard; Wm. KOPPE's cotton yard; R.R. CHATHAM [R.K. Chatham] and Co.'s cotton gin manufactury; and FULKERSON and LAWRENCE lumber yard. *Bryan ... The gin house and outfit of M. Bonneville was totally destroyed by fire today. The loss is about $4000; insured for $1000. Galveston Daily News, 14 Oct. 1885, p.1 Bryan ... The steam gin of M. Bonneville was consumed by fire this evening. About thirty bales of cotton were burned. The loss is estimated at $ 8000. It was insured in the Cresant Insurance Company for $ 1000. The cause of the fire is supposed to be from matches in the cotton. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 14 Oct. 1885, p. 4. Bryan ... R. K. CHATHAM & Co. have constructed a telephone from the city up to their office at the gin factory, and it is working well. Galveston Daily News, Apr. 20, 1886, p. 6. Millican ... A cutting scrape occurred at PLAYER's gin, this place, today. About noon a Negro boy named Henry SCOTT, eighteen years of age, and some small white boys were quarreling about some trivial matter. One of the white boys threw a stick at Scott, and he cracked his whip at the boys, but never struck them, when Mr. CAUTHON, father of the boys, ran up behind the Negro and stabbed him in the back, making a dangerous, if not fatal, wound. CAUTHON was placed under $500 bond for his appearance for examining trial Monday. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 22 Aug. 1886, p. 4. Bryan ... A fire broke out in GARTH, GRIFFITH & Company's cotton gin house today, which was quickly extinguished. Galveston Daily News, 14 Sept. 1886, p. 2. Wellborn ... Late yesterday evening BATTE's gin caught fire, and for a while it seemed as if a big fire was more than a possibility, but by the assistance of a large crowd that had gathered it was put out. The damage was nominal. Houston Daily Post, 30 Oct. 1886, p.5. Bryan ... A.M. RHODES, who travels for the Chatham gin manufacturory, was slugged and robbed by two Negroes between Lockhart and Luling a few days ago. Brenham Daily Banner, 17 May 1887, p. 2. Brazos County ...One of the most important industries of Bryan is the cotton gin and mill factory of R.H. CHATHAM & Co. This enterprise was established at Huntsville, Tex., in 1853, moved to Bryan and reorganized in 1869, being the pioneer gin factory west of the 73 Mississippi River, and is now the largest plant in the world, except two. Their principle field of distribution of their productions is the great Empire state of Texas, and the growing popularity of their goods taxes them to their utmost capacity to supply the demand. The machinery used is all of the latest improved, specially made and adapted for this establishment and particular work. The large force of skilled workmen employed, who have made a life time study and practice of the construction of such work under the able management of its proprietors, is a guarantee to their patrons that the quality of the goods purchased will be the best manufactured and that their dealings with this firm will be eminently satisfactory as to honesty and pleasantness in every particular. The financial and office department is under the management of the senior partner, Mr. R.K. CHATHAM, whose superior business qualities have made the establishment such a success. The shops are under the control of Mr. W.R. RHODES, the other member of the firm, who has devoted his entire life to this business, and has not an equal as a practical workman in this branch of the business. This factory works fifty hands throughout the entire year, have six traveling salesmen on the road in the State, do an immense business of about $200,000. In connection with the goods of their own manufacture, they are extensive dealers in other machinery necessary for the equipment of a complete ginning outfit, such as steam engines, cotton presses, scales, etc., etc., and, on account of their favorable arrangements, can offer extraordinary inducements. In fact, this is the place where the Celebrated "Chatham Gin" in manufactured. Dalllas Morning News, 21 March 1888, page 6 "Complete Returns," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 31 July 1890, p.4. BATTE's Gin was a polling place. Bryan's first bale of cotton has been received and the first bale "chestnut" is passed to the next point. It was raised by a colored man, Hilliard JONES, on his own farm near Bryan, was ginned by G.S. PARKER, weighed and handled at the Bryan Brick warehouse by J.M. GATES, sold to James O. CHANCE for 10 cents a pound, weighed 525 pounds and classed strict middling. Messrs. James O. CHANCE and James GATES gave HILLIARD a purse of $11.40. Houston Daily Post, 31 July 1892, pt.2, p.15, col.2 Bryan ... The fine new gin and contents of Major H.K. WHITE, in the Brazos bottom, was destroyed by fire last night together with fifteen bales of cotton. The loss was entire, with $2600 insurance. The plant was valued at $6500. No insurance on cotton. The origin of the fire is not known. Galveston Daily News, 14 Oct. 1892, p.2, col.3 Bryan ... The cotton gin, planing mill and grist mill of Mr. G.S. PARKER, situated in northwest Bryan, were consumed by fire this evening about 5 o'clock. Matches in the gin stand are supposed to have been the cause of the fire. Loss between $5000 and $6000, insured for $2000. Galveston Daily News, 18 Nov. 1892, p.1, col.5 Millican, Tex., Feb. 12 -There are nine gins in this locality, and they have all closed down for the season. Millican ships 200 bales less this year than last year. Cotton acreage may be increased a little, but very little. The farmers are in better condition to 74 make a crop than they have been in several years. Dallas Morning News, 14 February 1893, page 6 Joe HICKS, aged 22, had his hand injured in KELLY & PRESTON's gin at Wesson... (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 5 Sept. 1895, p.6, col.3 [pp. 4&5 were filmed twice] "Kelly & Preston's gin at Wixon ...," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 22 Sept. 1898, p.3, col.6 John D. ROGER's gin at Allen farm ginned up to Friday 400 bales … STEELE & Steele's gin at Allen farm ginned up to Friday 500 bales. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 20 October 1898, p.5, col.3 Bryan, Tex., Nov. 2 -D.D. McCORQUODALE's gin, near Wellborn, was burned yesterday evening, with forty or fifty bales of cotton and about fifty tons of cotton seeds. Amount of insurance not known. Dallas Morning News, 3 November 1898, page 2 "An alarm of fire at 9 o'clock this morning called the department to G.S. PARKER's gin ...," Brazos Pilot, 19 Oct. 1905, p.9, col.2 Brazos County Commissioners Minutes, Book F, p.520: 22 Aug. 1906: T.E. WADE and others (not named) asked for a new road from Washington Church House to PUTZ Gin; the jury of view included Frank STASNEY, Jno. STASNEY, A.J. TABOR, Jr., A.J. TABOR, Sr., and ---KOPCHINSKI "Another Gin for Bryan," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 13 Sept. 1906, p.2, col.4. Jacob LUZA "Dunlap & Co. Ready to Gin," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 15 Aug. 1907, p.1, col.5. For sale on or before April 1, 1908, the Collier MANNING gin, grist mill and saw mill, located twenty-three miles north of Bryan at crossing of the Bryan and Franklin road and old San Antonio road. Apply to J.F. B. MANNING, Temporary Administrator, Wheelock or Edge, Texas. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 5 March 1908, p.6, col.1 "Shooting at KOPECKY's Gin," Bryan Daily Eagle, 31 Aug. 1912, p.1, col.6. 75 Area Housing in the 1940's by Bill PAGE "A-M Directors Adopt Budget for New Year," Bryan Daily Eagle, 30 July 1945, p.1. Okayed conversion of Walton Hall and project houses to married student housing; "this work was placed ahead of all else on the general college construction program" "A-M Boys' School But Wives of GIs Going to Class," Bryan Daily Eagle, 25 October 1945, pp.1, 3. "These precedent breaking young women are members of the A. & M. ex-servicemen's Wives Club ... so called 'text-book widows' ... The girls classes are in the form of club sponsored lectures, demonstrations, and projects ..." The classes started out informally in the fall of 1945, and then became recognized by the College in the spring of 1946. This article also notes the wives "... are now working on a plan for cooperative buying of supplies and the management of a nursery school for their small children ..." "Three New Dorms Assigned to Vets at A&M College," Battalion, 21 December 1945, p.2. Three additional dorms which will house 240 couples will be opened; campus has already authorized conversion of 15 two-story project houses at the south end of campus to married student apartments; and, "a cafeteria will be operated in Sbisa dining hall for the convenience of veterans and their wives, starting February 1 ..." "Three Dorms Assigned to Couples; Married Veterans Get Temporary Housing," Battalion, 10 January 1946, p.1 "Scanties, Diapers Invade Aggieland, GI Back in School with his Family," Dallas Morning News, January 25, 1946, sect.1, p.12. About married student living conditions. "Bryan Field May Ease A&M House Crisis," Bryan Daily Eagle, 2 February 1946, p.1. "BAAF 'Bryan Village' Releases 32 Apartments for Veterans Families," Battalion, 6 February 1946, p.1. Bryan Army Air Field. "32 Apartments at Bryan Field Are Available to GIs," Bryan Daily Eagle, 7 February 1946, p.1. "Work Begins on 128 Low-Cost Apartments Here," Battalion, 3 April 1946, p.1. Pre-fab barracks type buildings are being shipped from federal government storage at Baton Rouge; will be erected east of Kyle Field. "Trailerville is Proud Not Apologetic," [letter] Battalion, 5 April 1946, p.2. Letter from Dorothy ABBEY who says "Though even the largest trailer is small, it is efficient, compact and homey." 76 INDEX ABBEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 ADAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 55, 70 ALLEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 ANDERSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 ARCHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 AVERYHEART . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 AYRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 BAKER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 BANKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 BARCLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 BARKLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 BARNEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 BATHERWICK . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 BATTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 BAXTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 BEALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 BEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 BITTLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 BLAZEK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 BONNEVILLES . . . . . . . . . . . 66 BOOKMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 BOWMAN . . . . . . . . . . 45, 48, 49 BOYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 BRAGG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 BROWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 BUCHANAN . . . . . . . . . . . 45, 46 BUCKHOLTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 BUNGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 BURESH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 BUSH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 CALHOUN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 CANTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 CARR . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52, 53, 72 CARSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 CAUTHON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 CHAMBERLAIN . . . . . . . . . . . 49 CHANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 CHANDLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 CHATHAM . . . . . . . . . 69, 72, 73 CHESTERFIELD . . . . . . . . . . 48 CLARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 CODY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 COFFEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 COLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 COLMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 CONGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 CUNNINGHAM . . . . . . . . . 69, 71 CURRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 DAVIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 DEARING . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 47 DEBELLA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 DOUGLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 DOWNARD . . . . . . . . . 46, 47, 48 EAVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43, 44 EDGAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 EMPFLING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 ERWIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 EVANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 FALCONER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 FARROW . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45, 46 FLAHERTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 FORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 FOREMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 FOSTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 47 FOWLKES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 FRANCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 FREEDMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 FREEMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 GARTH . . . . . . . . . 52, 53, 71, 72 GATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 77 GENDER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 GILLIARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 GNATY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 GOLDSTEIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 GOOCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 GRIFFIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44, 67 GRIFFITH . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71, 72 GROESBECK . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 GUILFORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 GUYLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 HALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 HALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 HAMILTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 HANWAY . . . . . . . . . . 52, 53, 59 HARBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . 51, 53 HARMON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 HARRINGTON . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 HASWELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 HAVEMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 HAVERMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 HEARNE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 52 HERRICK . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56, 69 HEVICK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 HICKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 HOFFMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 HOLLINGSWORTH . . . . . . . . 57 HOLMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 HOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 HOOPER . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52, 53 HORNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 HORTNARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 HUNTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 HUTCHINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 JACKSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 JARRELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 JEMISON . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56, 57 JENKINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 JOHNSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 JONES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64, 73 KAUFFER . . . . . . . . . . . . 51, 53 KEEFER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 KELLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 KENNEDY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 KERR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 KING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52, 62, 69 KIRKPATRICK . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 KNOX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 KOPCHINSKI . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 KOPPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 LANAGAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 LANGEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 LASKER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 LAWLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 LAWRENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 LeGRAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 LEMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 LESTARJETTE . . . . . . . . . . . 59 LIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 LITTLEJOHN . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 LOGAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 LOUGHRIDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 LUZA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 LYNCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56, 58 MANNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 MARROWBONE . . . . . . . . . . 57 MAYO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 McCARTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 47 McCASLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 McCORMACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 McCORMICK . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 McCORQUODALE . . . . . . 66, 74 McGILL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 McGUINN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 McINTOSH . . . . . . . . . . . . 43, 49 McLELLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 McLENDON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 McMICHAEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 McQUEEN . . . . . . . . . . . . 52, 53 78 McQUEEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 MILLEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 MITCHELL . . . . . . . . . . . . 60, 69 MOEHLMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 MOORE . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 47, 48 MORRIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 MORSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 MUNDAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 MURPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 MYERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 NEWLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 NORMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 NOTTINGHAM . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 OLIVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 PADGETT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43, 59 PARKER . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 73, 74 PAYNE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 PEARCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 PEARSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 PEASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44, 45 PHILIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 PLASEK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 PLATTNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 PLAYER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 PRESTON . . . . . . . . . . . . 45, 74 PRIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 PUGH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 PUTZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 RAINEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 REED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 REEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 REYNOLDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 RHODES . . . . . . . . . . 62, 72, 73 ROBERTSON . . . . . . . . . . 52, 67 ROBINSON . . . . . . . . . . . . 48, 52 ROGERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 RUSSELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 SANGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 SCHWARTZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 SCOTT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67, 72 SIMPSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 66 SMITH . . . . . . . . . . 51, 52, 56, 64 STASNEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 STEARNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 STEELE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65, 74 STERNE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 STOCKTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 SULLIVAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56, 57 TABOR . . . . . . 48, 59, 66, 72, 74 TABOR, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 THOMAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 THURMOND . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 TURK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 TURNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 VAN HOOK . . . . . . . . . 47, 48, 65 VAUGHAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 WADE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 WALDROP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 WATTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 WEDDINGTON . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 WHITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 WICKES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 WILCOX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 WILLIAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 WILLIAMSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 WILSON . . . . . . . . . . . 44, 46, 51 WOLSTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 WOOTEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 YATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 YELVERTON . . . . . . . . . . 43, 44 ZIMMERMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 PUBLICATIONS BY BRAZOS GENEALOGICAL ASSOCIATION AND MEMBERS Persons interested in the publications of the BGA may order them at the address listed below. For information on publications by members, contact the author at the listed address. Any charge for the publication of members will be between the person interested in the publication and the author. When inquiring please enclose a SASE. ******** Title: "Recorded Births in Brazos County, Texas 1850-1910." Content: Recorded births in Brazos County plus some births in Madison and Grimes Counties. Alphabetical by surname plus maiden name index. 328 pages. Author: Nadine Billingsley, 706 Pershing, College Station, TX 77840. Title: "Descendants of Joshua JONES of Alabama and Solomon KING of North Carolina, 1771-1994" Content: Story of Joshua JONES of Alabama and Solomon KING of North Carolina and their descendants, 1771-1994. Over 8000 names, indexed. Author: Nadine Billingsley. Title: “Brand and Mark Registrations for Brazos County Texas 1849-1900" Content: The registration of a mark or brand may be useful to Genealogists as a finding aid when developing a time line, and may confirm the existence of a person or family in Brazos County. Registrations were compiled from Brand Book "A" and "B", and may contain such information as surname, first name or initials, date of registration, book, page, and any comments made at the time. It has 121 pages, soft bound, over 2900 registrations and is indexed. The cost is $17.97. Author: Nadine Billingsley. Title: Index to Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1876-1909, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bryan, Brazos County, Texas. Content: Indexed, intended to assist the researcher in locating records at this church. 96 pages. Compiler: Joanne Dominik Glowski, 4131 Bethel, Houston, TX 77092. Title: Marriage and Death Records, 1877-1909, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bryan, Brazos County, Texas. Content: A complete transcript of these records. Deaths start in 1894, with a few recorded before that date. Includes a list of places of birth. 83 pages. Compiler: Joanne Dominik Glowski. Title: "Italians of Steele's Store, Texas." Content: Historical account of the Italian settlement at Steele's Store, Brazos County, Texas. Author: Rosemary DePasquale Boykin, 8407 Shadow Oaks, College Station, Texas 77845-4603. Title: "Birds of Passage" Content: An annotated listing of Italian immigrants who departed Palermo, Sicily and arrived at Port of New Orleans, LA, 1859-1901. CD-ROM (MAC/PC compatible). Listing of 23,975 names. C & R Publications. College Station, TX. 2001. $35 plus $2 for shipping/handling. Texas residents add $2.90 for sales tax. Checks or money orders made payable to C&R Publications, 8407 Shadow Oaks, College Station, TX 77845. Brochure and order form at: http://members.tripod.com/~LWink2/Birds">BIRDS OF PASSAGE. Author: Rosemary DePasquale Boykin Title: "Italians of Steele's Store, Texas." Content: Brazos Valley Italians. A Series of Interviews." 279 pgs. C& R Publications. College Station, TX. 1996. $25 plus tax. The Brazos County cemetery book has recently been published and is now available. Included are 278 pages of names listed alphabetically from 85 cemeteries. Information listed includes (where available) name, date of birth, date of death, inscription and cemetery. Send your order to: Ericson Books 1614 Redbud St. Nacogdoches, TX 75961-2936 The price is $40. Add 8.25% Texas sales tax and $3.50 shipping/handling. BRAZOS GENEALOGICAL ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 5493 Bryan, TX 77805-5493 Vol. XXVIII No. 2, SPRING 2007