March Star

North Texas Star
March 2013
OUTDOORS
ALONG THE
BRAZOS
Tommy Thompson
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
JOHN R. BAYLOR - PART 2
CHASING OUR TALES
FRIEND, NEIGHBOR, NFL
CHAMPION AND WWII HERO
8
March 2013 NORTH TEXAS STAR STORYTELLER & RAMBLER Page 2
ADVERTISING
Mary Jo Watson
940-229-9941 or 940-798-2556
maryjo@mineralwellsindex.com
CIRCULATION
circulation@mineralwellsindex.com
PUBLISHER
Mel Rhodes
publisher@mineralwellsindex.com
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Lindsay Bryant
ads1@mineralwellsindex.com
CALL
(940) 325-4465
ONLINE
www.mineralwellsindex.com
North Texas Star 3
OUTDOORS ALONG THE BRAZOS
By Don Price
Outdoors Along the Brazos
4
THE LIFE AND TIMES
OF JOHN R. BAYLOR Part 2
By Jim Dillard
By Randall Scott
TOMMY THOMPSON
14
By Sue Seibert
CHASING OUR TALES
T
he following article appeared in the
Thursday, March 19, 1970, issue of Raymond
Martins Palo Pinto County Advance. It has
been paraphrased from a personal interview.
Do you know where fortunes lie? Theyre strewn
up and down, within a large coil of Los Brazos de
Dios, somewhere between the tall gray dam known
to all of us as Possum Kingdom and Dark Valley
Bridge.
It is remote in the Fortune Bend
landscape with its wisps of vapor.
Speaking of man and his chattels,
theres a dearth of carbon footprints
found in this lovely river bend of
cedar and post oak. The owl hoots,
the fox barks, the carp smacks the
surface, and all are unmolested.
It is serene, the kind of serenity one
yearns for, and the Palo Pinto coun-
trys starkness holds a fortune of pris-
tine surprises; this river bend builds
strong character, so strong that
todays youth might have changed
had they trekked here.
Scars of yesteryears generation are
sparse here; however, there are tenu-
ous threads to the past, but one has to
grope somewhat to find them. If this
Fortune Bend landscape is remote
today, imagine how stark it was dur-
ing the throes of Franklin Delano
Roosevelts depression.
On a hillside in Fortune Bend
squatted a little one-room schoolhouse with high
windows, smoke rising lazily from its chimney on a
hoarfrost morning.
Within its wooden walls could be heard the clamor
of children, individual bundles of energy, perhaps
each one coming from some particular environmental
hardship, for this nation was in the pits of the great
depression.
Like a hen among her offspring a 19-year-old
teacher stood at the blackboard, reaching for displine,
for hygiene, for an education of some sort to be
meted out to each pupil.
The teacher, then Miss Nola Marshall, lived on the
riparian banks of Fortune Bend, but she moved up
river to the very next bend, Garland Bend, which is
everbit as remote, blessed with quietude.
Paved roads were more than 20 miles away, even
the nearest telephone was almost inaccessible, Miss
Marshall said. Either you rode to school horseback
or walked a familiar trail. It could have been a foot-
path, a cow trail, even a game trail; it didnt matter as
long as it led you to the familiar schoolhouse.
I had 36 pupils in my class, and they ranged in
age from 6 through 15. The depression was on us and
money was hard to come by for clothes, one boy
wearing one shirt, the same shirt, for one month. As a
new teacher in my first rural school, my main con-
cern was to adjust.
This necessitated a change and mode of living.
You could buy two bars of soap for 5 cents, a dozen
bananas for a nickel, and a bushel basket of pineap-
ples for one quarter, that is if you could obtain the
money. The river folk made this money largely by
cutting cedar.
When the crash came and the bottom fell from the
market, the impact was felt in every city, on the farm,
and even in our little school in the bend of this river.
Very wealthy, influential men, apparently losing
everything they had, jumped from skyscrapers,
stepped in front of trains, hanged or shot themselves,
and were not able to think or see that something
good might come from this.
Not one mother or father of these little school chil-
dren took one life because of the depression, not in
Fortune Bend.
Because of such an impact, time seemed to stand
still. Suddenly the rich became poor and the poor
became poorer. In making this adjustment we drew
from a strength, God.
Long forgotten was honesty, love,
loyalty and integrity. We today as yes-
teryear are fast losing everything good
and decent.
Unfortunately it takes a setback, a
backlash, a buckling of ones knees for
a man to pull away from the cauldron
of corruption.
As the shock subsided and we
began to change our way of life,
switching gears, things began to hap-
pen. Life took on a glorious meaning.
One stood a little bit taller.
In our school a weekly question-
naire was supplied each child: Have
you brushed your teeth twice a day?...
and if you didnt have a toothbrush, a
good elm root chewed slowly would
do it... have you had a whole bath?
etc.
The commonplace things were
really what counted: from the first
leaves of spring, to early robins, to the
russets of fall. There were fewer bro-
ken homes, no desire to keep up with the Joneses.
A wildflower just peeping through winters blan-
ket of snow was brought to Miss Marshall in a little
grubby hand that soap scarcely ever touched; it was
cherished and kept by her for years in a Websters
dictionary.
And so this was the daily life of a schoolmarm in
the wilderness, Miss Nola Marshall [now Mrs. M.F.
Garland], who taught in a one-room school 40 years
ago [about 1935 in Fortune Bend] but who lived in
nearby Garland Bend, a sanctuary, a quiet place, in
Los Brazos de Dios.
May it never change, for where would we be with-
out musing over the steadfastness, the strength, the
natives of the past? And a 19-year-old schoolmarm,
Miss Nola Marshall.
Outdoors Along the Brazos
A T e a c h e r Wi t h a P u r p o s e
By Don Price
Fortune Bend
Photo by Julie Battle, Weatheford, TX
The Life and Times of John R. Baylor - Part 2
By Jim Dillard
G
rand schemes were at work by others in Texas
and throughout the South including the secret
military society known as the Knights of the
Golden Circle which was created in
1855 by George Bickley. His southern
version of Manifest Destiny was to
build an empire stretching from the
Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific in
California with an imperial capital in
Havana, Cuba. It would also extend
slavery throughout the empire and
strengthen that view among existing
states that seceded from the Union.
The KGC moved its headquarters to
San Antonio in 1860 where at least 32
castles in 27 counties were organized
with thousands of recruits. Mass meet-
ings and rallies were held throughout
the state to further fan the flames
of secession.
John Baylor was a member and
strong activist in the castle orga-
nized in Weatherford. He was also
elected as a delegate to the Texas
Secession Convention in Austin
where on Feb. 1, 1861 the
Ordinance of Secession was adopted.
When the people of the State of Texas voted to ratify
the Ordinance of Secession on Feb. 23, 1861, a large con-
tingent of several thousand Federal (Union) troops were
garrisoned in forts and military post throughout Texas.
Since Texas was now a member of the Confederate States
of America, it looked for direction and support to
Richmond, VA, where the seat of government for the
southern cause rested. It was unknown if Federal troops
would leave peacefully for duty back east or if direct con-
frontation and force would be necessary to force them out
of Texas.
In Texas a movement was immediately begun for their
removal. The first order of business was to confront
Union General David E. Twiggs, Commander of the
Federal Department of Texas in San Antonio, for the sur-
render of all federal property in the state. A 22-man Texas
Committee of Public Safety was organized to secure con-
trol of the state and oversee all military matters. Texas
Ranger Col. Ben McCulloch was selected to raise a caval-
ry force to back up the committees demands with a show
of force if necessary.
Gov. Sam Houston refused to take the oath of alle-
giance to the Confederacy and was replaced by Lt. Gov.
Edward Clark. He promptly ordered the creation of two
regiments of mounted riflemen for frontier duty and a
statewide recruiting effort began. Col. John S. (RIP) Ford
was appointed as commander of all military units being
formed in Texas. Recruits were to report for duty in San
Antonio with each man bringing his own horse, saddle,
harness and tack, clothing and personal weapon. Pay
would come from Austin.
John R. Baylor had not waited on the sidelines for
Texas to officially secede from the
Union. During December 1860 he
and his brother George issued a call
for 1,000 men to go on a buffalo
hunt on the plains. In reality they
were recruiting a force of men ready
to confront any Union forces that
failed to leave the state. Ranger
Colonel Ben McCulloch and his
400-man army arrived in San
Antonio on Feb. 16, 1861, along
with several armed castles of NGC
and additional volunteer companies
from surrounding counties and made
preparations to storm the Federal
arsenal. Baylor was also present
as the force demanded General
Twiggss surrender of the
Federal building complex
which included the Arsenal,
Ordinance Building, the Alamo,
San Antonio Barracks and the
Commissary Depot.
Reluctantly, he surrendered and no fight occurred. The
terms of surrender included the evacuation of all U.S.
property by the various garrisons and removal of U.S. sol-
diers to the coast, along with their arms and baggage,
where the U.S. Navy would evacuate them.
Col. Henry E. McCulloch, Bens brother, organized the
First Texas Mounted Rifles and commanded forces on the
northwestern Texas frontier. By March 19, 1861, Baylor
designated his force as the Second Regiment of Texas
Mounted Rifles which was accepted into Confederate ser-
vice on May 23. The unit was then divided into two bat-
talions of four companies each. Colonel Ford would com-
mand one battalion in South Texas in the lower Rio
Grande River region around Brownsville, to combat any
Union forces that ventured into that region. Baylor and his
battalion would occupy the abandoned Federal forts in
far-West Texas, including Camp Hudson, and Forts Clark,
Lancaster, Stockton, Davis, and Quitman, and establish
his headquarters at Fort Bliss near El Paso.
Baylor and his men of companies A, B, D, and E of the
Second Texas Mounted Rifles began their journey west-
ward from San Antonio over the El Paso road during July
1861, each company traveling a few days apart. Captain
Teel, with his KGC artillery battery company, followed
for support. Their goal was to occupy the western military
forts and secure any government property located there
and ultimately establish Confederate Arizona in New
Mexico Territory. There they would have to contend with
existing Union forces already entrenched in the region at
several forts and military installations and Apache
Indians.
By July 1, 1861, Baylor and his units arrived at
Franklin near El Paso and secured Fort Bliss without dif-
ficulty. After positioning groups of men at the abandoned
Federal military forts along the way, he now had a force
of only 350 men at his command. To supplement his
force, he began recruiting men from the El Paso area to
help fight Indians, bandits from Sonora, Mexico, and oth-
ers for the upcoming campaign. Not only would they have
to contend with Union forces in New Mexico, several
bands of Apache Indians prowled the region, including
150 Mimbrenos under Managas Coloradas along the
headwaters of the Gila River, 150 Chiricahua under
Cochise between Mesilla and Tucson, and 500 Apaches in
other bands between the Gila and Colorado rivers. In the
mountains of West Texas were some 200 Mescalero
Apache warriors of the Davis and White Mountain bands
led by Chiefs Espejo, Nicolas and Antonio. The Apaches
were adept at stealing livestock and horses and would
pose a formidable threat to the upcoming military action
throughout the region.
A garrison of U.S. troops occupied Fort Fillmore locat-
ed upstream on the east side of the Rio Grande near pres-
ent Las Cruses, NM, which was within striking distance
of Baylors small force. After determining the relative
strength of the U.S. force located there, Baylor launched
an offensive under the cover of darkness on the night of
July 23, 1861. Baylor and his men soon occupied nearby
Mesilla, NM, located on the west side of the Rio Grande
River across from Fort Fillmore. Two days later a Federal
force of 350 commanded by Major Isaac Lynde demanded
the surrender of Baylor and his men to which Baylor
replied, If you wish the town and my forces, come and
take them! A brick artillery battle soon ensued but the
Federal troops were unable to dislodge the Confederates.
Three Federal soldiers were killed and nine wounded
while the Texans had six men wounded and 20 horses
killed.
The next night Baylor sent out a party of 25 men who
captured 85 cavalry horses and 26 mules from the post
corral. Demoralized and fearing another attack the follow-
ing day, Major Lynde ordered the fort abandoned and its
supplies destroyed. As the federals tried to escape east-
ward toward Fort Stanton through St. Augustin Pass in the
Organ Mountains, Baylors men caught up with them and
forced their surrender. Most were destitute and without
water since they had filled their canteens with whiskey
before evacuating Fort Fillmore. With only 280 rag-
tagged Texas volunteers, Baylor had defeated a force of
over 500 U.S. troops during the engagement. He also cap-
tured weapons, ammunition and other valuable stores that
would be put to good use by his force. Today, several land
features in the Organ Mountains east of Las Curses
include Baylors name: Baylor Mountain, Baylor Canyon
and Baylor Pass Trail in
Continued on page 6
A 1861 painting of John R.
Baylor that hangs in the Alamo.
The Life and Times of John R. Baylor - Part 2
Continued from page 4
the Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area.
Following this engagement, Baylor took possession of
the region and declared martial law for the Confederacy
and installed himself as Governor of Arizona with his
headquarters at Mesilla. He designated all land between
the 34th parallel and the Mexican border as Arizona, but
later added the whole region south of 36 degrees 30 min-
utes latitude, which basically eliminated New Mexico
Territory. He also included the Colorado River to its
mouth as the western boundary which incorporated several
thousand square miles of Mexico. In addition, he autho-
rized the creation of four additional cavalry companies and
worked to restore mail service throughout the region and
to make the road to Tucson safe for travelers.
Col. Albert Sidney Johnston, who had resigned his com-
mand in California, came through the region and tempo-
rarily took command of Baylors force. However, he soon
continued his journey to the eastern war front, taking with
him Capt. George Wythe Baylor, John Baylors brother, as
his aide-de-camp. He would serve as a general in the
Confederate Army as Commander of the Western
Department and was killed during the Battle of Shiloh on
April 6, 1862. Baylor now faced the formidable task of
dealing with fierce bands of Apache Indians who were
raiding throughout the region and causing havoc. They had
killed more of his men than the Federals, and without
additional reinforcements to fight them, his quest for
Confederate supremacy in the southwest would be in jeop-
ardy.
Meanwhile in Richmond, VA, the decision was made to
replace Baylor, who had no formal military training, with
a senior officer more qualified to lead the campaign that
lay ahead in Confederate Arizona. Veteran Gen. Henry
Hopkins Sibley volunteered his services and was autho-
rized to organize a campaign on the western front to drive
the Union forces out of New Mexico, a region he had only
recently left. Like many other U.S. military officers,
Sibley had made the difficult decision to resign his com-
mission at the outbreak of the Civil War and pledged alle-
giance to the southern cause. He departed for San Antonio
where he began organizing two regiments of cavalry, a
battery of howitzers and other such forces as he deemed
necessary. But it would take time for such forces to be
recruited, trained and outfitted for the long journey across
the badlands of West Texas to New Mexico.
Baylor continued to look to Richmond for reinforce-
ments to help hold the region for the Confederacy against
a full-scale invasion by U. S. forces. On Oct. 23, 1861,
Baylor made preparations to move his force and supplies
from Mesilla in advance of a reported southward move-
ment by Federal forces upstream on the Rio Grande at Fort
Craig, which turned out to be a false report. He came
under great criticism for this action from Robert P. Kelly,
editor of the Mesilla Time, who insinuated he was a cow-
ard and criticized his mishandling of the affair. Baylor
demanded a retraction be printed but Kelly refused to do
so. On Dec. 12, 1861, the feuding pair met by chance at
Bulls Store in Mesilla where Baylor confronted and
accosted him. During a brawl in the street, Kelly drew a
large bowie knife and attempted to stab Baylor who then
put a gun to Kellys head and fired. He would die two
weeks later. Baylor was found innocent of murder and
acquitted on grounds of justifiable homicide.
General Sibley and his escort finally arrived at Fort
Bliss near El Paso on Dec. 11, 1861 ahead of his belea-
guered brigade of three regiments of Texas cavalry. They
had suffered greatly on the journey from San Antonio due
to lack of provisions, water and disease. He immediately
took command of all Confederate forces north of Fort
Quitman, located 80 miles below El Paso, and created the
Confederate Army of New Mexico. Baylor was stripped of
his military command and reassigned to the position of
chief executive of the territory, a duty he was not qualified
to perform. However, Baylor still controlled a few units he
had earlier recruited that remained loyal to him in his drive
to extend the southern empire into Sonora and California.
During early Feb. 1862, the confederate authorities had
reached an agreement with officials in Sonora, Mexico, to
allow hot-pursuit of Apaches who were raiding into south-
ern Arizona, an action John Baylor was eager to partici-
pate in. After being unable to successfully engage and
defeat roaming bands of Apaches in Arizona, Baylor led
his force of Arizona Guards deep into Chihuahua, Mexico,
where they eventually attacked and killed most of a band
of Mimbreno Apaches. The atrocious actions that Baylor
and his men took against the Apaches and Mexican civil-
ians during their raid into Chihuahua strained diplomatic
relations with Mexico.
As Sibley and his army moved northward up the Rio
Grande fighting Union forces at Val Verde and near Fort
Craig, Baylor languished in Mesilla with administrative
duties which further exacerbated his hatred for Sibley, who
had stripped him not only of rank but his pride.
He was encouraged when a report surfaced that Apache
Chief Mangas Coloradas had requested a peace parlay
with Captain Helm. Baylor quickly ordered Helm: You
willuse all means at the prospect of eliminating the
Apaches or any tribe to come in for the purpose of making
peace and when you get them together kill all the grown
Indians and take the children prisoners and sell them to
defray the expense. Say nothing of your orders until the
time arrives. Leave nothing undone to insure success, and
have sufficient number of men around to allow no Indian
to escape.
Baylors orders to Captain Helm was prefaced with a
statement that the Confederate States had passed a law
declaring extermination of all hostile Indians, which it had
not. These orders would eventually lead to Baylors down-
fall.
By April 1862 Sibleys demoralized and decimated
Confederate Army of Arizona retreated to Mesilla after
defeat at Glorieta Pass east of Santa Fe. With a Union col-
umn of 2,300 infantry and cavalry moving into western
Arizona from California and Union volunteer companies
coming into the territory from Colorado, Baylor sensed the
end was in sight. Knowing the 12-month enlistment period
for the men of the Second Texas Mounted Rifles he had
recruited and led to Confederate Arizona would soon
expire, Baylor abandoned his post without waiting for a
reply from Richmond and returned to Texas with a plot to
reorganize the unit and return. Two companies also aban-
doned their post at the hospital at Fort Fillmore and fol-
lowed Baylor to Texas.
On April 14, 1862, Baylor received official orders from
George W. Randolph, Confederate Secretary of War, to
raise a new Arizona Brigade. Baylor immediately began
recruiting men from his new headquarters near Eagle
Lake, and by December 1,500 men had signed up.
However, arms and equipment were sufficient to arm only
300 men. Just as Baylor began his planned march back to
Confederate Arizona, news of his previous mandate con-
cerning the extermination of the Apache Indians reached
the Confederate government in Richmond. President
Jefferson Davis was outraged and fired Baylor from com-
mand of his brigade, revoked his commission and ordered
the expedition abandoned.
Undaunted, Baylor enlisted as a private with a cavalry
unit that served in the Galveston Campaign of January
1863. He also ran for and won election to the second
Confederate Congress where he would serve until the end
of the war. In December 1864 he proposed to the
Confederate War Department raising another force to
retake Confederate Arizona through the northern region of
the territory and surprisingly his recommendation was
accepted by President Davis. On March 25, 1864, Baylor
was reinstated to the rank of colonel in the Confederate
Army and authorized to recruit men from the frontier
counties of Texas. He began his journey back to Texas to
start his new assignment, but two weeks later Gen. Robert
E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia,
thus ending his dream of a southern empire.
Sick and in poor health, Sibley retreated the Texas army
back to San Antonio where they were disbanded during
the summer of 1862. Sick and wounded men left at Santa
Fe and at other hospitals in New Mexico were eventually
paroled and found their way back to Texas on their own.
Prisoners taken at the Battle of Glorieta were taken north
to prison in Illinois and eventually released during late
1862.
After the war, Baylor returned to San Antonio and in
1878 moved to Montell in Uvalde, County, where he
acquired a sizeable ranch. He ran for the democratic nomi-
nation for governor of Texas against Richard Coke in 1873
but was unsuccessful. That same year at the age of 54 he
offered his services to the army during the Sioux War.
Baylor was involved in more than one gunfight and in
1881 stabbed and killed a man by the name of Gilchrist in
the streets of Uvalde in a dispute over livestock. He was
never charged or prosecuted.
He died on Feb. 8, 1894, and is buried in the Episcopal
Church of Ascension Cemetery in Montell. The epithet on
his tombstone was taken from the poem Bivouac of the
Dead, by Theodore OHara: On flames eternal camping-
ground, their silent tents are spread, And glory guards with
solemn round, The bivouac of the dead.
John R. Baylor lived during turbulent times in early
Texas and forged his name into the fabric of Texas culture
and military history as a man of conviction motivated by
ambition, ego and his quest to forge a new nation around
his beliefs. Controversial to say the least, he championed
the cause of southern supremacy and empire expansion
across the southwest and vented his hatred against Indians
in the process. His dynamic personality and ability to
motivate those who shared his views made him a leader of
men and a force to be reckoned with.
HHHHHH
Sources: Savage Frontier: Rangers, Riflemen, and
Indian Wars in Texas, Vol. III, 1840-1841 by Stephen
Moore; A Cry Unheard: The Story of Indian Attacks in and
Around Parker County, Texas 1858-1872 by Doyle
Marshall; Indian Depredations in Texas by J. W.
Wilbarger; Blood & Treasure: Confederate Empire in the
Southwest by Donald S. Frazier; The Handbook of Texas
Online and other internet sites.
Seminar on
Family Flock Nutrition
and Management
Receive 2

BABY CHICKS
for attending one of the seminars
(limit 2 per household)

Saturday, March 9th
10:00 a.m.
2551 South Main Street, Weatherford
817-594-0480

Saturday, March 23rd
10:00 a.m.
201 Fairview Road, Millsap
940-682-4667
WALDEN
Farm & Ranch Supply
www.waldenfarmandranch.com

STORIES & SNIPPETS
Friday October 8, 1915
WHITT WILL BUILD ROAD
[Despite a Chicken-stealin Judge]
A meeting of representatives of Poolville, Whitt and Mineral Wells was held at Whitt
yesterday to discuss a highway from Fort Worth to Mineral Wells and more especially
as it related to the stretch of country that lies between Whitt and Poolville, which is a
distance of some ten miles.
A preliminary meeting was held in the forenoon to line up the points to be discussed
in the afternoon and a recess was taken to partake of a splendid lunch furnished through
the hospitality of the people of Whitt. Those who ate at the hotel have a complaint to
register at the conduct of our hitherto respected citizen, Judge L.E. Cowling. It is charged
that when the bunch sat down to a plate of young tender chicken that he broke the Tenth
Commandment and coveted his neighbors portion. By a subterfuge he got more than his
share. Picking up another brand of victuals, he made such a to do over it that the boys
let up on the chicken to get some of it and the Judge immediately made a dead set on the
chicken,
leaving the bunch a shadow of the substance.
It is distasteful to us to have to tell this on the Judge, but our people should know
what kind of man he really is, so that when they again sit down to meat with him they
may be alert and not let him get the Benjamins portion. A word in time is as good as a
nod to a blind horse, or costs little in contrast with a railroad and can be used at little
expense by motor vehicles. The jobbers of Fort Worth are now delivering their goods to
the stores at Springtown by automobile and the same can be done to Whitt and Poolville
by Wright & Turner of Mineral Wells when the route is opened for delivery trucks from
our city. The same truck could pick up your surplus stuff and deliver it to town. By such
means there is no reason why the wealth of this community should not be doubled or
trebled. ...
On a motion by Dr. L.A. Lindsay of Whitt, the people of Whitt who were present went
on record as stating that they would meeting Poolville with the road.
H.B. Ashbrook of Whitt, a farmer, said if Whitt will help, the farmers will do the same.
If the people want the road in earnest, they can get it. He personally promised to help
along any route they might choose.
Another meeting was set for Saturday for the Whitt people to talk over plans of work.
They will then get into communication with the representatives of other places and
decide on the route, after which the work will be begun. ...
Publishers note: It appears newspapers were more playful in the early 1900s, engaging in
monkeyshine with offcials even in serious matter stories. But weve all known people who would
stop at nothing to get the plumpest piece of chicken. Right? And perhaps they do deserve to be
held up to public ridicule. But Im no judge.
This series of pieces from the past is meant to remind us of this areas
unique history. The material comes from old issues maintained
at the Index offce and is presented pretty much as it
appeared in print. These papers are quite yellowed and brittle,
deteriorating from age. By publishing these pieces perhaps
we can keep them in play in the digital world for years to
come. For clarity, some punctuation issues have been
addressed. Hopefully you will enjoy these tiny windows to
the past. Feedback is appreciated and will be shared.
E-mail publisher@mineralwellsindex.com or send your letter
to Mineral Wells Index, P.O. Box 370, Mineral Wells, Texas
76068, attention publisher. You may also drop it by our offce at
300 S.E. 1st. St. in Mineral Wells. Thanks for reading!
O
n Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, Tommy Thompson,
quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, was
posthumously inducted into the Philadelphia
Sports Hall of Fame. After 63 years and 120-plus inductees,
Tommys eight seasons as the Eagles quarterback was final-
ly recognized. As their quarterback, he lead his team to
championship games in 1947, 1948 and 1949, winning the
last two NFL championships.
Hes the only outstanding quarterback in National
Football League history never to make the National
Football Hall of Fame in Akron, OH. However, what is at
Akron is one of Tommy's championship rings that was
donated to the legendary Hall of Fame by his brother. The
subjective term outstanding could be defined this way:
Only 11 NFL quarterbacks, not counting the still-active
Tom Brady, have won consecutive championships. Among
all of them, only Tommy has yet to be enshrined into the
Pro Football Hall Of Fame.
* * * * *
Lurtis Pryor (Tommy) Thompson was born Aug. 15,
1918, in Hutchinson, KS, and grew up in Ft. Worth, TX,
attending Paschal High School. It was there that for the first
time he made a name for himself in the sports community.
A talented athlete in multiple sports, Tommy ran track and
field, and threw discus, shot-put, and javelin. When he
wasnt running track he was playing tailback on the football
team.
In college, he studied theology at Tulsa University while
body building, exercising and honing his athletic skills.
University coaches played him at the position of single
wing tailback running the football headfirst in his leather
helmet - before the days of facemasks.
By the time he graduated in 1939, Tommy was physically
fit and ready for anything or anybody that came along.
From the top down he handsomely sported a shock of wavy
black hair above rugged facial features: deep-set eyes, bro-
ken nose and a distinctively squared jaw-line. His muscular
build stretched over a large and intimidating 6-foot-1, 192-
pound frame that gave him the appearance of a rugged bar-
room brawler who personified the very image of a profes-
sional football player.
In 1940 he started his professional career in the NFL,
signing with the Pittsburg Pirates (Steelers), but was seldom
used in their single-wing offensive formation. The follow-
ing year Pittsburghs owner Art Rooney and Philadelphias
owner Bert Bell traded franchises before the 1941 season
and Tommy went to the Eagles. It was with the Philadelphia
Continued on page 10
Tommy Thompson
L -to- R Joe DiMaggio, Dodie and Tommy
Thompson on the golf course circa 1950.
Friend, Neighbor, NFL Champion and WWII Hero
By Randall Scott
NAPA Auto Parts
Two Locations
Mineral Wells
940-325-9564
800 S.E. 1st Street
Weatherford
817-594-2736
1512 Ft. Worth Hwy.
First National Bank
Albany/Breckenridge
Strawn Branch
P.O. Box 338 254-672-5211
Strawn, Texas
Mini Storage & Climate Controlled
Controlled Access & Security Lighting
940-328-6060
3101 M.H. 379 Mineral Wells
(On Corner of S.E. 25th Ave. & South Loop)
Assortment of Sizes Available
SECURITY
STORAGE
First Month
1/2 PRICE
Climate Controlled
Only
Servi ng Mi neral Wel l s & Surroundi ng Areas For Over 20 Years
Submersible Pumps Pressure Tanks Repair & Service New Pumps
940-325-7293
Lic#5009
S i Mi l W l l & S di A F O 20 Y
FREE ESTIMATES
Personal - Fri endl y - Servi ce
400 N8fk0l $lf00l Nl0f8l N0ll8, 1K 0 940JZ11Z f8K 940JZ4ZZ4
#08lll 800
8 F8ll N0fk
0l0 6l888
l8l8ll00
0l000 8
ff8M0 808lf
Fl8lfll 8
000880fl08
Weldon C. & Bill
Jordan
Excavating & Asphalt Paving
Streets, Roads,
Parking Lots, Site Preparation
1516 Ft. Worth Highway
817-594-3171 or 613-0348
213 South Oak Avenue
Mineral Wells, Texas 76067
All Types Of Land Surveying
Boundary and Topographical Surveying
(940) 325-4841
(940) 325-8090 (Fax)
MICHAEL PRICE, RPLS
MATTHEW PRICE, SIT PHILIP COLVIN, SIT
team that his leadership talents became evident as play-
caller, passer and ball handler. Under Coach Greasy Neale,
Philadelphia installed the T-Formation, and made Tommy
the quarterback. However, and to nobodys surprise, 1942
wasnt a year to brag about when they ended with a disap-
pointing 2-9 season.
World War II interrupted his football career. The
Philadelphia Eagles and the entire NFL stopped when
America declared war. Soon after joining the Army,
Tommy found himself jammed inside a Higgins Boat on
his way to the beaches of Normandy. He was wounded by
German sniper fire when his unit landed on the beach in
the second wave of attack on D-Day.
Having survived the Normandy invasion, he continued
to fight the war in France and throughout the European
theater of battle until the German surrender ended the war
in 1945.
On one occasion, his unit liberated a POW Nazi
Concentration Camp controlled by the German SS. With
no regard for the rules of Geneva Convention, Nazis exer-
cised cruel and unspeakable tortures on American and
allied prisoners. It was such an unbelievable atrocity he
kept photos of the camps prison cells and torture cham-
bers to show what words couldnt express shocking scenes
of inhumanity. But it was mostly the tortured prisoners
with their gaunt features and emasculated bodies that
haunted him throughout the remainder of his life.
For meritorious valor in the face of danger and his cour-
age in battle on the beaches of Normandy, Tommy
received the Purple Heart and WWII service medals of
bravery. After having served his two-year stint in the Army
he was honorably discharged. And, when he made it home,
Tommy made a beeline directly to Philadelphia where he
caught the end of the 1945 season. He played, but only
briefly.
That summer, the post-war Eagles team mangers built a
powerhouse by signing Van Buren, Wistert and Bucko
Kilroy, which took them to an impressive 6-5 season in
1946. But, forget that, because it was the following year
that made history. It was the 1947 season when Tommys
professional career began to reach its peak, as did the
Eagles, so much so, that even teams today look back on it
for inspiration. For the first time the Philadelphia Eagles
made it to the NFL Championship game; and in a close
squeaker they lost by only a touchdown to the Chicago
Cardinals 28-21.
It was the last time the Cardinals, whove since moved
to St. Louis and Arizona, won a playoff game. But, the
1947 season wasnt a failure for the Eagles - not by a long
shot. Running back Steve Van Buren won the second of
three consecutive rushing titles with 945 yards, 4.7 aver-
age yards per rush and 10 touchdowns, and Tommy led the
NFL, completing 141 of 246 passes for 1,965 yards and 25
touchdowns, most of which were on the right side of the
field. Rather than be discouraged by the loss, it only
inspired Tommy to work and train even harder.
The following year, they played again in a rematch at
Shibe Park that went on record as a brutal hard-fought
game during a blowing snow storm. Tommy led the Eagles
with a determined vengeance over the Chicago Cardinals
(and against the blizzard-like elements) to win the 1948
NFL championship game 7-0. Then, they won the 1949
NFL championship game, 14-0, over the Los Angeles
Rams.
Tommy was named the
outstanding player in both
the 1948 and the 1949
games.
For the first time in NFL
history, the Philadelphia
Eagles won two consecutive
NFL championships back-to-
back. In those same three
years, Tommy threw for a
total of 57 touchdowns and
5,372 yards
and led the
NFL in quar-
terback pass-
er ratings for the years 1948 and 1949.
He [Tommy] was a good player, recalled Bill
Macrides, one of Tommys backup quarterbacks. And, he
went on to say, He always did the right thing on the
field. The guys recognized that and respected him for
it.
Even in defeat, team members never shunned Tommy.
Most Eagles players would voluntarily champion their
leader and quarterback on and off the field, enjoying the
laidback comradery of the Texas backwoods country boy.
I think the real key to those titles was Tommy
Thompson. He had those indefinable qualities that
make a player a winner, teammate Al Wistert once said.
His weaknesses were few, but those that he had were
made obvious when Tommys aggressive playing skills
seldom changed from game-to-game, exhibiting habitual
tendencies that opposing strategists easily detected and
could readily defend against. When passing the football,
he was a risk-taker, throwing as many as three intercep-
tions in one game.
But his most notable flaw was to neglect the left sideline
and throw to his right where most, if not all, of his longest
career passing yards were gained. So, when Eagles tail-
back Steve Van Buren wasnt running the ball, opponents
gained an advantage over Tommys consistent air attack to
the right sideline. Opponents had an easy task to defend a
narrow one-half of the field.
Back home, Tommy met and married Dora Constance
(Dodie) Smart, a young girl from Palo Pinto County.
Dodie was a direct descendent (great granddaughter) of
notable pioneers John and Sarah Geupel. The Geupels
were early frontier pioneers whod settled the southern
area of the county known as the Live Oak Community in
the early 1870s. She was the namesake of her grandmoth-
er, Dora (Geupel) Miller, and daughter of Oscar and
Aurelia (Miller) Smart of Santo.
Tommy and Dodie moved about the country wherever
his notoriety took him. In Philadelphia they lived in tem-
porary housing during training season, and when traveling
during the off-season they lived in apartments and hotels.
The two went everywhere together, often visiting friends
and family in Texas while staying with her folks in Santo.
They were so busy traveling that and Tommy didnt know
it at the time the movie theatre newsreels were
Dodie and Tommy Thompson were
burried at Galatia Cemetery in
Norfork, Arkansas
Shop
Historic
Granbury
Campers Clubs
Welcome
Bath house, laundry room
club house available.
Full hook-ups including
50 Amp service located
directly behind
Bennetts Camping Center
Nightly, weekly &
monthly rates.
B
e
n
n
e
tts
Registration office: 2708 Hwy 377 Granbury, TX
Park entrance: 3101 Old Granbury Rd.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 9-5
817-573-3665 * 817-279-7500
RV
RANCH
Granburys Newest RV Park
www.bennettsrvranch.com
making him famous. In those days before television,
movie theatres showed a short film-clip prior to the fea-
tured movie.
They were produced and distributed by Fox
Movietone, depicting the most interesting topics and sto-
ries of the day. Usually narrated by broadcast/journalist
Lowell Thomas, sporting events were among the movie-
goers favorites, and these newsreels would sometimes
feature Tommy in a live-action game at the helm of the
Eagles offense. Americans quickly elevated pro football
players to a level of stardom equaled only by Hollywood
actors on the silver screen.
It meant that California was the place to be and
Hollywood became their home. The popular couple
rubbed elbows on the golf course with rich and famous
actors, celebrities and sports figures, including Tony
Bennett and Joe DiMaggio. In his most memorable tour-
nament, Tommy played a round of golf with Vice
President Alben Barkley of the Truman administration.
The Philadelphia Eagles 1950
season was a disappointing
6-6 when Tommys num-
bers began falling. Hed
endured muscle aches
when he played and
suffered the constant
debilitating joint
pain of arthritis, all
of which had
taken its toll on
him. He retired
from the NFL
after the 1950
season and served as the backfield coach at the
University of Arkansas under head coach Otis Douglas.
An avid hunter, Tommy and Dodie built their home at
Mallard Point on Lake Norfork, (known as the duck
hunting capital of America) a few miles south of
Norfork, AR. In 1953, the Winnipeg Blue
Bombers hired him
as a player/coach
in the Canadian
Football League
where he threw the
first touchdown pass at the new Winnipeg
Stadium.
Two weeks later he threw another touchdown
pass in a loss to Calgary. During the game, a fire
started beneath Mewata Stadiums grandstands,
sending clouds of smoke onto the field; but play
continued. It was his last game. Tommys note-
worthy, but now largely forgotten pro career,
began in Pittsburg in 1940 and ended 13 years
later on a smoke-shrouded field in Calgary.
After that, he took several coaching jobs for
the Chicago Cardinals and at the University of
Arkansas.
All the while, Tommy and Dodie main-
tained their Mallard Point home in
Arkansas as their primary residence. They
never had children and eventually moved
to a retreat in northern Arkansas near the
town of Calico Rock along the banks of
the Upper White River. It was there that
Tommy and Dodie lived out their years.
By 1970, arthritis confined Tommy to a wheel-
chair and in 1988 he was diagnosed with cancer.
With his health failing, Tommy returned to
Philadelphia for one last time to visit with his team-
mates and buddies at the Eagles 40th reunion of the
1948 championship team. At age 71 he succumbed to
brain cancer on April 21, 1989, and as he had requested,
a graveside service was held at the Galatia Cemetery
south of Norfork. Dodie, his wife of 47 years, passed
away Sept. 6, 2001, and was laid to rest beside her hus-
band.
Folks back home in Santo, remembered Tommy, not
for his fame or accolades, but for who he was. He was
loved by his family and friends, who spoke fondly of
him. If he had an enemy, no one knew of him.
Dodie and Tommy came by Grannie and
Grandad's place while we lived with them, but of
course, I didn't have a clue who Tommy Thompson
was at the time. I wish we had gotten his autograph,
was what Steve Gilland, a family member, recalled when
he was a small boy, having just met Tommy for the first
time.
An ardent duck and deer hunter, Tommy never
passed up a chance to go hunting with friends
and family members in the game-rich
environment of Palo Pinto County. He
was known for his keen eye. His aim hit the intended tar-
get with amazing accuracy. But youd never hear him
crow about it. He simply enjoyed telling a good hunting
story. Get him started and Tommy excitedly launched
into stories of shotgun shells and wild
game, details of duck blinds and deer
stands, and tales of stalking his prey
and bagging it.
Quiet, humble and always a pleasur-
able unassuming fellow, Tommy never
bragged. Hed been awarded numerous
WWII medals for bravery, the purple
heart, won two NFL championships,
received numerous awards and acco-
lades, and yet, there was no evidence of
it in his home. The walls were bare of
any photographs, awards, or medals,
nor were there any championship rings,
or shining trophies displayed on his
mantel. If asked, Tommy would polite-
ly decline to speak of them, noticeably
uncomfortable talking about medals,
trophies, or himself.
Tommy Thompson had a lot to brag
about, but that wasnt Tommy. Its dif-
ficult to understand how a quite unas-
suming man could reach such
lofty heights as an NFL champion or
even a decorated war hero. But, Dodie
knew. Among his many admirable
traits, she knew his humble attitude was
the secret to his lifes successes. It was
why folks admired him and why Tommy never declared a
golf handicap to hide his real handicap. And, she also
knew why he favored football receivers who lined up on
the right side of the formation: it was because Tommy
could only see out of his right eye.
A physical imperfection that reminded him of his hum-
ble beginnings, it was a childhood rock-throwing incident
that cost Tommy his vision. He suffered total blindness in
his left eye.
* * * * *
Consultants:
(1) JoAnn McCoy - great, great, granddaughter of John
and Sarah Geupel,
(2) Jim Murphy - son of JoAnn McCoy and nephew of
Tommy Thompson,
References:
(1) The Philadelphia Inquirer - newspaper (sports sec-
tion) Thursday, November 8th, 2012
(2) The Baxter Bulletin. (weekly publication)
November 8th, 2012 A Look Back" series Baxter
County Historical & Genealogical Society of Norfolk,
Arkansas
Randall Scott, Author of The Tinner, is a member
of Western Writers Of America, Western Literature
Association, and Texas Historical Association. You can
find Randall on the Internet at http://Randall-Scott.com
Quarterback Tommy Thompson lead the Philadelphia Eagles
to NFL championships in 1948 and 1949.
Dodie(Smart) Thompson
at her home circa 1945.
H
ere is the story from records handed down through
the generations.
The first family record of Elizabeth Pigg is in
Lincoln County, TN, in 1840, when she married William
McKenney (McKinney). She was listed as Elizabeth
Wakefield, and the marriage was recorded March 1, 1840.
They are found on the 1850 Lincoln County, TN, Census
with their children William, 9; John, 7; Nancy, 5; Mary, 3;
and Joseph, 3 months. At the time, William was 35 and
Elizabeth was 37. The children were all born in Tennessee,
and family records state they were born in Lincoln County.
Also on the census were three Wakefield children: Charles,
19, born in Tennessee; Dilly, 16, born in North Carolina; and
Sarah, 14, born in Tennessee.
John James McKinney was born on June 13, 1843, in
Lincoln County, TN. The last record the family has for him
in that location is the 1860 census. Family tradition says that
the family moved to Mississippi, but there was no record
found of that move. Johns military papers for the Civil War
show that he enlisted in western Tennessee on May 25,
1863. He belonged to Company E, Ballentines Regiment,
Armstrongs Brigade, Jacksons Division, and Forest
Cavalry the later part of 1864. On the widows application
for pension, his wife stated that he served all four years, but
family lore said that he left home as a teenager to go to the
war and that he was never wounded. His unit was organized
in Tippah County, MS, so there does seem to be a
Mississippi connection.
William McKinney died in the summer of 1867, according
to a statement made by his son-in-law, Albert H. McAlister.
Elizabeth and her family appear in Hill County, TX, by
August 1867. Elizabeth was buying land in her name, and
her son, William Henry, also purchased land in Hill County
that year. John married Eliza Jane (Jennie) Pledger in Hill
County on Dec. 5, 1871. Jennie was the daughter of Wesley
Pledger and Eliza Abagail Hamilton. They came to Hill
County in 1865 from Chattanooga County, GA. Wesley
Pledger was a Methodist preacher and died in 1866, his wife
in 1901. They are buried in Covington, TX. J. J. and Jennie
had 14 children, eight of whom lived to adulthood.
Ella Jane McKinney was born June 13, 1893, on her
fathers 50th birthday. She was born about 7 1/2 miles north-
west of Gordon, in Palo Pinto County. Her family moved
from Hill County to Palo Pinto County in 1886. She married
Lester Lafayette (L.L.) McElroy in Gordon, on Jan. 24,
1909. L.L. was the son of Jacob Silas and Sarah Elizabeth
York McElroy. He was born Feb. 20, 1888, in Bellefonte,
Boone County, AR. His family moved to Texas in 1888
when he was about 6 months old. L.L. and Ella moved to
Breckenridge, Stephens County, TX, about 1925. They were
the parents of 6 children: Lillian, Lorene, Ross, Clara, Don,
and Dortha. Dortha married Charles E. Greenlee on Dec. 10,
1949, in Breckenridge.
On July 28, 1937, this obituary appeared in Palo Pinto or
Mineral Wells:
Mrs. Eliza Jane McKinney, pioneer mother of Mingus,
Texas, died at her home in that city at 9 oclock Wednesday
morning after a serious illness of many weeks. She was the
mother of Mesdames Oscar Carter and Cecil Foreman of
Palo Pinto. Six more children survive. They are Mrs. Laura
Chasing Our Tales
Elizabeth Pigg Wakefield and H. William McKinney
Story told by Lou Hayes Warren after my story of November 2011
By
Sue Seibert
Harrison, John McKinney and Jim McKinney,
Mingus; H.F. McKinney, Gordon; Mesdames
Ella McElroy and Rose
Marsdon,Breckenridge. Twenty-seven grand-
children and 26 great-grandchildren also sur-
vive. Mr. McKinney died Jan. 15, 1912. Mrs.
McKinney was one of the oldest citizens of
Mingus and was known to her many friends
as Grandma McKinney. She was a pioneer
mother of the old school and lived through
the many hardships and vicissitudes of fron-
tier life in Texas. She was born in Chatanooga
County, Georgia, January 26, 1855. She came
to Texas with her parents when a little girl
and settled in Hill County. She married Mr.
McKinney there December 5, 1871. They
moved to this county in 1886 where she had
since resided. Funeral services were held
Thursday morning at the McKinney home in
Mingus. Reverend Rucker of Strawn conduct-
ed the services. Burial was made a Lake
Creek. E. A. Jones of Gordon directed the
funeral. Facts of the pioneer mothers life
were taken from an old Bible over 100 years
of age.
Now, Randy Warrens great-great-grand-
mother was Letha Caroline Cary, who was
born in 1825 in Alabama. They found her list-
ed as L.C. McKinney. Supposedly, she married a man with
the last name McKinney, and family lore says he was a
gambler and after they moved to Palo Pinto County, he left
her alone. She always listed herself as a widow. She had
three children. Robert was born about 1842 and died of
pneumonia after having gone on a trail drive with Charles
Goodnight, who lived across the Brazos River from them.
Sara was born about 1844 in Palo Pinto County and mar-
ried Stephen V. Warren from Michigan. They married in
Palo Pinto County on Oct. 24, 1875, and were living as of
the 1880 Census. She died in 1882 in Baird, Callahan
County, TX, and was buried there and later dug up
and brought back to Palo Pinto County to be buried
on Warren land, which L.C. McKinney bought
about 1870 or so. Sara had three children: Robert,
who died young; Dora who never married and is
buried in Oklahoma; and Mary Geneva, Randys
grandmother who was born in 1879 and died in
Palo Pinto County and is buried in the Indian Creek
Cemetery.
So, what can someone out there contribute to
either of these McKinney stories? Please let us hear
from you!
I have heard from Robert E. Hale of Round Rock,
grandson on W. J. Hale. He tells me he has stories
and photographs to share, so I am looking forward
hearing more from him.
Here are some queries regarding Palo Pinto and
McKinneys:
From Gary Tilley of Bedford, Texas: I am
searching for information about the McKinneys
that were in the 1880 Census for Palo Pinto
County, Texas. Mother's maiden name was Esther
Poole. Children were Docia (also spelled Doshey)
b. 1/10/1863; Margaret b. abt 1867; Johnnie b. abt
1871; Seymour Mack b. 5/15/1876; Twins Dovie
and Seph, b. 1/3/1877 (yes I know the dates are
suspect); Willie b. 4/23/1881. The father was not
in the 1880 census and was supposedly killed
when thrown from a horse.
Anything you can provide is much appreciated.
Also from Mr. Tilley: Searching for first name of
McKinney man that married Esther
Back row, l-r, Rosetta McKinney Marsden, James (Jim) Bird
McKinney, John William McKinney, and Laura May McKinney
Harrison. Front row, l-r, Harley Fred (Pomp) McKinney, John
James (J. J.) McKinney, Eliza Jane Pledger McKinney, and Ella
Jane McKinney McElroy.
Any Super Item Purchase - Get Any Size Free Drink
(Mineral Wells Only)
2103 E. Hubbard Mineral Wells, Texas 76067 940-327-0985
Watch for our specials!
Sponsored by:
A
Place
in Time
MARCH 12, 1857
Jack Hittson is born in Palo Pinto County the same year the county is organized,
having been established the year before from lands formerly part of Bosque and
Navarro counties. An early pioneer family of these parts, the Hittsons were suc-
cessful cattlemen and prominent citizens of Palo Pinto County.
Jack was the rst son of William Hittson, who was the second son of patriarch
Jesse Hittson. Cattleman/sheriff John Hittson was Jack's uncle.
Jesse Hittson moved his family from Mississippi to Rusk, Texas, in 1851, nally
arriving in what would become Palo Pinto County in 1855.
Jack grew up on the ranges of Palo Pinto, Stephens and Stonewall counties in
North Central Texas. After nishing his schooling in Fort Worth, he followed in
the footsteps of his father and grandfather and became a cattleman. According
to Palo Pinto County Historical Commission's "Blue Book," "It was said that he
(Jack) was the most successful of the younger generation of Hittsons..."
Again according to the "Blue Book," Hittson was a generous man whose gener-
osity in co-signing on a $100,000 note for someone ended his ranching opera-
tions in North Central Texas. When the note was called Jack had to sell his Palo
Pinto ranch to satisfy the debt.
In 1902 he moved his family to New Mexico where, in 1942, he died in Tucum-
cari.
Poole, part Indian, and whose children are listed below. The
man was killed when thrown from horse. He supposedly
came to US from Scotland.
Children:
1. Docia (Doshey) F. McKinney, b. Jan 10, 1863, Palo
Pinto, County, Tx.
2. Margaret, b. 1867?
3. Johnnie, b. 1871?
4. Seymour Mack, b. 1876?
5. Twins, Dovie and Seph, b. 1877
6. Willie, b. 1881
We believe all the children were born in Palo Pinto
County, Tx. The wife, Esther McKinney and all children
except Willie were in the 1880 Census for Palo Pinto County.
Dovie was my grandmother. Any information would be
appreciated.
Dortha McElroy Greenlee says to Tilley of the
McKinneys: Your time frame is earlier than the time my
grandfather was in Palo Pinto Co. My John (J J) McKinney
arrived in 1886 from Hill Co., TX. They lived at Lake Creek
and he donated land for the cemetery there.He served the
Confederacy in a unit from Mississippi. He was born in 1843
in Lincoln Co., Tennessee. My mother was his 12th child,
born in 1893 on his 50th birthday. It is my understanding that
he attended many Reunions of the Civil War Vets. I have a
copy of a picture that was made of the group at Mingus lake
in 1903. It is not a good copy and I wish I could find a better
copy. It may have been in a newspaper, but I don't know
where to start to find the correct paper. There was a John
Middleton that served Taylor Co., Texas many years as sher-
iff. Wonder if this is the same family?
And finally from the Vernon Clipper of Lamar County,
AL, Aug. 22, 1879, and submitted by Veneta McKinney:
The sheriff of Palo Pinto County, Texas, and a posse recent-
ly had a fight with the Jones Gang of horse thieves. Larkin
Jones was killed and John Jones wounded. Enoch and old
Jones, two other thieves, were captured. Jack Morris was left
to guard the wounded Jones and assisted the latter to escape.
Morris was arrested and subsequently 25 masked men over-
powered the four guards of Palo Pinto Jail, and shot Morris
dead in his cell.
Do you have a story to tell about Palo Pinto, Parker, or
Johnson County, or any of our North Central Texas counties?
Let me know!
Star Classifieds
14,500 copies distributed monthly in Parker, Palo Pinto, Hood, Johnson, Jack & Young counties. Get your ad seen call (940) 327-0838, (817) 645-8093, (817) 598-0857
205 Business Opportunity
Family of 5 Replaces Income
in 93 days.
You Can Too.
For Free Information visit
www.readytocashin.com
/melissa44
or Call
254-433-3084 254-433-3082
215 Drivers
JOBS AVAILABLE
LOCAL TRUCK DRIVER
TRAINING, TUITION PAID
& OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
CALL 24/7, 877-626-5873
REAL ESTATE SPECIAL
3 Months In The
Mineral Wells Index
With A Picture Of Your House
For Only *$200
(Based On 20 word Minimum)
Call Eric, Pam Today!!
940-327-0838
A Value Of $498
Non-Refundable
225 General Help Wanted
ClearGuard Products, Inc. is
seeking a full-time, in-house
Graphic Artist and Web Site
Designer.
Applicants must be proficient
in all Adobe applications and
Microsoft Publisher. Clear-
Guard Products, Inc. is a very
busy company with a lot of
challenging projects on a daily
basis. Applicants must be
able to design for print pro-
duction. We currently have
seven of our own websites to
maintain that require ongoing
alterations and we design
websites for restaurants. We
require at least 5 years of
hands-on experience in all
areas of graphics including
marketing graphics. A portfo-
lio is required and salary will
depend on experience and a
good first impression. If you
do not meet the minimum
requirements you need not
apply.
Contact Ron Armstrong at
866-653-2777 or by email at:
ronlarm@cctc.net
Medical
ABBI HOME CARE
Wel l r espect ed, Wel l
established home health
agency is looking for an
experienced RN Case Man-
ager in Mineral Wells and the
surrounding areas. . The right
candidate must possess the
ability to work independently
with clients and earn the
confidence of each client on a
daily basis. We offer highly
competitive salary and com-
pany benefits to the right mo-
tivated individual. Come join
our team!
Call Virginia 817-377-0889
or Fax 817-377-0890
SELL YOUR VEHICLE
Your Ad Will Run 1 Month
In Print & Online
For Only
$45.00
940-327-0838
If this were your ad, a potential
buyer would be looking at it
right now. Call 940-327-0838
to place your ad here.
894
LET MY 38 YRS.
EXPERIENCE
WORK FOR YOU.
WE DO INTERIOR/EXTERIOR, OLD
WORLD TEXTURES, AND FAUX
FINISHES. (817) 821-6377
www.bobbymcwilliams.com
P A I N T I N G
INTERIOR / EXTERIOR
Paper hanging, Light Carpentry
Taping, Bedding,
Cracked Sheet Rock Repair,
Blown Acoustical Ceilings,
INSURANCE CLAIMS WELCOME
25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
References, Work Guaranteed
JACK CHRISTOPHER
817-613-8159 817-219-9392
Buying or Selling a Car?
Mineral Wells Index
Classified Ads
Work!
Call 940-327-0838
Looking for a Job? Subscribe to
the Mineral Wells Index for your
employment information
901 Plumbing
Massey's Septic Tank
Service
"In My Business, A Flush
Beats A Full House"
* Septic Tank Cleaning
* Restaurant Grease Traps
* Electric Rooter Service
* Septic Systems Installed
* Port-a Potty Rentals
940-325-7737* 800-301-7737
Certified & Licensed
TCEQ # 20476
Looking for a Job? Subscribe to
the Mineral Wells Index for your
employment information
Ca
sh
In
o
n
a
Cla
ssic.
Sta
rt So
m
eth
in
g N
ew
.
> Buy and sell the easy way with the Classifieds.
To Place Your Ad Please
Call 940-327-0838
Place your auto ad for ...
$45 for 1 month
or $85 for 2 months
in print and on our
National Autoconx website.
Includes pictures.
Call for details!

March Star

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

March Star

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

North Texas Star

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen