USA > Texas > A Twentieth century history of southwest Texas, Volume II > Part 32
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John Fenley was reared in South Carolina and was married in Georgia. Soon afterward he settled in Alabama, where he reared his own family and spent his remaining days. He was well known as a leading farmer and slave owner and was regarded as a man of influence and prominence in his locality. His children were Charles, John and Isom Fenley.
Of this family, Charles Fenley, the paternal grandfather of Toel C. Fenley, was born and reared in Alabama, where he married Elizabeth McCamy. He began farming on his own account and received his propor- tion of slaves and other property from his father's estate, but he largely used his patrimony and left little to his children. He was not a money making man, nor did he accumulate much property. After a time he re- moved to Louisiana, where he died. Although he did not possess the qualities of a money maker he displayed many characteristics which were worthy of emulation and won him the esteem of his fellowmen. . His children were John M .: James M., who served through the rebellion and in 1866 came to Uvalde county, where he died at the ripe old age of ninety-two years ; Joel D., who arrived in Uvalde county in 1852 and ex- perienced the usual difficulties with the hostile red men, continuing his residence here up to the time of his death ; Mrs. Theodosia Gilliland, of eastern Texas : and Mary, who died in Alabama. where all were born.
John M. Fenley was married in Georgia and later spent one year in
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Alabama. He afterward removed to Louisiana, where he remained for a number of years, the younger members of his family being born in that state. In the fall of 1853 he removed to Uvalde county, Texas, where he remained until called to his final rest on the 23d of May, 1897, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-six years. On coming to Texas he first located in the Ware settlement, where the village of Utopia now stands. At that time there were only two settlements in the county and these were about twenty miles apart, namely, the Ware and the Patterson settlements. The latter was on the Sabinal river and the first residents of that locality took up their abode there in the early fifties. These were George W. Patterson, John Lakey and Butch Dillard. Others soon after- ward came and within a few years there were several families. The first members of the Ware settlement arrived in 1851 and were William Ware, John McCormick, Gid Thompson, Aaron Angland, Henry Robinson, Abe Kelly and James Davenport. In 1853 John M. Fenley arrived and also Jasper Wish. All had families and all built cabins and staked out claims. On account of hostile Indians they were compelled to rely on each other for mutual protection. It was usually in the light of the moon that the savages made their raids upon the stock pens and when any Indian sign was seen all of the white families would assemble together for protection. From year to year others came and settled and these were the first pioneers to penetrate into the wilderness and reclaim the region for the purposes of civilization. They laid the foundation for the present development and progress of the county and performed the arduous task of driving out the wild beasts and reclaiming the region from the domain of the red men. They underwent all the deprivations, hardships and dangers of pioneer life and well do they deserve the gratitude and honor of their descendants and the settlers of the present day, who are enjoying the results of their labors. Those early settlers came to stay and in 1856 they organized the county. At the first election held in the fall of that year for locating the county seat there were less than fifty votes cast. As a rule the early settler bought no land but established a home and engaged in the stock business upon the open range. Nearly all opened up small farms whereon to raise family supplies. Owing to conditions which existed they became mutually de- pendent upon each other and warm ties of friendship and brotherly kind- ness were thus built up and practically they lived as one family. No such hospitality is known at the present time as then existed. Those original settlers all came from prominent families and all became honored citizens of the new county. Their labors have borne good fruit in the development and improvement of this part of the state and through their efforts Uvalde county is rapidly winning its way to a foremost place among the leading counties of this great commonwealth.
John M. Fenley, father of Joel C. Fenley, first located in the Ware settlement. He began farming on a small scale, always raising some corn. He, however, turned his attention to the stock business and got a start in hogs. The hogs fattened on the range and he always had pork and lard, while his farming brought him other table supplies. He was making a good start in the stock business, but had considerable difficulty with the Indians, who would drive off the horses and cattle. However, he re- mained in the Ware settlement for fifteen years and owing to the vigilance
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and bravery of the early residents the Indians were driven back. Mr. Fenley removed to the Nueces river country, where he resided for a short period and in 1867 he took up his abode in the Mula river country, twenty miles west of Uvalde. There he had a free range and became owner of considerable stock. At length he removed to New Ranch, where he took a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres, building there a com- fortable rock house. In that locality he began farming and he remained there for many years, successfully engaged in business. Later, however, he left the ranch and developed a homestead property near the town, whereon he spent his declining years and the place is now occupied by his son, Dempsy Fenley. There the father died May 23, 1897, at the ripe old age of eighty-six years. After he had got well established at the Mula river ranch he purchased two sections of land at Utopia, which he held through life. From the time that he arrived in the county the Indians were troublesome and frequently made raids upon the stock of Mr. Fen- ley, but he was cool-headed and not excitable, was fearless and brave and was sound in his judgment, so that he utilized to the best advantage the opportunities which he had of regaining his stock and getting even with the red men. He took part in many raids after the Indians and in a large number of battles. Three times he faced a party of savages at his own door when he was without help, but his fearlessness and thoughtful conduct saved his life and his home. He saw the Indians approaching and would stand in the doorway without a gun or other weapon, although he had his gun near at hand. He made no demonstration nor said a word but the Indians noted his stern demeanor and his fearlessness. As they rode toward the house they formed in single file and each group rode around the house. From his attitude they decided he had a force of men in the cabin and, believing this, they rode away, leaving him unmolested. Had they begun to fire at him he would have sold his life dearly, for he had his own gun near by and he was at all times brave and valorous. In the conflict with the Indians he was never wounded and he resolved that he would not be driven from his home nor the country, so he took a bold stand for his rights. He was enterprising and public spirited, was social in disposition and charitable in nature and enjoyed having his friends about him. The latchstring of his door always hung on the outside and those who knew him regarded him as a good neighbor and friend. He was highly esteemed for his unassailable integrity and his honor was an unquestioned fact in his career. In speech and manner he was plain and unpretentious but all recognized in him a man of genuine personal worth, whose life was actuated by high ideals and guided by principles of manly conduct. For many years he was a devoted member of the Christian church.
Mrs. John M. Fenley survived her husband three years and died in 1899. She was a daughter of John Holland, a prominent farmer of Vir- ginia, in which state his death occurred. He was a member of the Chris- tian church. His children were: John, who came to this country with his father and died here; and Almeda, who became Mrs. Fenley. The mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. John Fenley was blessed with five children: Joel C., John M., of Sabinal ; Charles D., living at the old homestead at Uvalde ;
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James T., a stockman, carrying on an extensive business at El Paso. Texas ; and Elizabeth, the wife of John Ware, of Utopia.
Joel C. Fenley came to Uvalde county with his parents when a youth of thirteen years and grew to manhood in the saddle. He has thorough familiarity with all of the experiences of pioneer life with its dangers and privations and can relate many interesting incidents of the early days. He remained at home, assisting his father with the stock and on the farm until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he enlisted for service in the Confederacy, becoming a member of Company B, Thirty-third Texas Cavalry. This was Colonel Duff's regiment and with the command he was assigned to the Trans-Mississippi army, doing duty in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. The regiment was largely engaged in skirmish- ing and in guarding the coast. Mr. Fenley was in many hotly contested engagements and saw difficult service and at the time of General Lee's surrender he was stationed near Shreveport, Louisiana.
Not long afterward he returned home and in a short time was mar- ried. He wedded Miss Margaret. A. Miller, who was born in Missouri in 1846, a daughter of Rolla and Dorcas (Davenport) Miller, of Ten- nessee, who came to Uvalde county in 1853. Her father was well known here as a stockman and remained in this county until his death. He was among the pioneers who aided in the organization of the county and in planting the seeds of civilization. He, too, aided in the struggle with the red men for the supremacy of the district and had many unpleasant and oftentimes thrilling experiences. He took part in many raids and fights with the Indians and lost much stock because of their thieving propensities. His son, George W. Miller, was killed by the Indians and he revenged the death of his son by killing an Indian the following day. He was a practical and successful cattleman and created a good estate. He possessed a social nature, so that he enjoyed having his friends around him, and his door was always hospitably open for the reception of friends or strangers of the white race who visited this locality. He displayed many sterling traits of character. He passed away upon his ranch in 1877. His wife died soon afterward. She was a daughter of John Davenport, a worthy and honored pioneer settler, who also assisted in organizing Uvalde county and in planting the seeds which have resulted in its material and moral development. The last act of his life was in his own defense. He had gone from home to Blanco Creek after a yoke of oxen and on his return was overtaken by a band of Indians, who attacked him, but he sold his life dearly, fighting manfully to the end. Some Mexicans saw the fight but, fearing to go to his assistance, lay in hiding until the Indians had left. They then went to him and he tried to talk but was unable to do so, as he was so badly wounded and had been scalped. He died a few minutes later. The Mexicans said that he had killed two Indians with his six shooter. The same band of In- dians killed John Bowles the same day and were pursued by a large force of settlers and soldiers with Lieutenant W. B. Hazen in com- mand. He was from Fort Inge and with his troops followed the band and a desperate battle ensued, in which all of the Indians were killed but one. One of the Indians killed had been badly wounded by Mr. Daven- port in his fight with them and his six shooter was recovered from the
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dead Indian. John Davenport was a prominent stockman and a repre- sentative and worthy early settler of this portion of the state. His chil- dren were: William; James; Mrs. Dorcas Miller; John, who was mur- dered by the Indians ; and one daughter whose name is not remembered. To Mr. and Mrs. Rolla Miller were born six children : John; Sarah, now Mrs. Crane; George W., who was killed by the Indians; Mrs. Margaret A. Fenley ; Martha ; and James. With the exception of the last named all . were born in Missouri.
After his marriage Joel C. Fenley engaged in the cattle business, in which he yet continues. At that time the range was free and he was successful and as his financial resources increased he invested in lands and bought different surveys. When the country had to be fenced and the free range abandoned he fenced his ranch and yet holds it, his land lying in Uvalde, Zavala and Maverick counties, comprising more than eleven thousand acres. He also has six thousand acres of leased land. When he first engaged in business he raised and run all kinds of cattle but in later years handles only steer cattle on the home ranch. He also has another ranch in Terrell county, where he raises stock of all kinds, including horses and cattle. He is well pleased with his success and thinks Uvalde county is the best in the state for stock raising purposes. He continued upon the home ranch for many years and his children were all born there. In 1893, wishing to provide better school facilities, he purchased a forty acre tract of land adjoining the corporation limits of Uvalde and built thereon a commodious two-story frame residence in modern style of architecture and supplied with all modern conveniences and equipments. He has a deep well with a windmill and tank and there is an abundance of good water for all purposes. He has improved the entire tract and now has a very desirable farm and fine home.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fenley have been born five children : George W., a stockman, who is now high sheriff of Terrell county, Texas; Green B., a prominent attorney at law of Uvalde; Constant J., who is assisting on his father's ranch; Guy and Lela, both at home.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Fenley are faithful members of the Christian church. He votes with the Democracy and uses his influence for the party and its success but has no desire for office. He serves as an elder in his church and does everything in his power to advance the intellec- tual, material and moral progress of his community. He was once ap- pointed to fill out an unexpired term and was once elected to the position of county commissioner but otherwise has never consented to hold office. When he first came to the county and while yet a boy he was familiar with the conditions that here existed when the white men and the red race were contesting for the dominion of the land. He was soon in the saddle with the men on the trails and raids and was also in some of the interesting trials of marksmanship. Like his father, he has always car- ried on farming to some extent, raising corn and feed for the stock and also supplies for the family. He is well known as an enterprising and practical rancher and stockman, who has created a large estate. He owes his success entirely to his own efforts and his diligence and per- severance have been strong and essential elements in gaining for him the prosperity which he now enjoys.
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G. B. FENLEY, a prominent attorney at law and ex-county judge of Uvalde county, was born in this county March 3, 1872, and his life record stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for here he has so directed his labors and developed his native talents as to win distinction at the bar and gain a place of prominence in his practice before the courts. He is a son of Joel C. and Margaret A. (Miller) Fenley, the former born in Jasper county, Georgia, November 2, 1839, and the latter in Missouri in 1846. The history of the family in detail is contained in the preced- ing sketch of Joel C. Fenley and need not be repeated here.
Mr. and Mrs. Joel Fenley had five children: George W., a stock- man and now high sheriff of Terrell county, Texas; Green B., of this review; Constant J., who is assisting his father on the ranch; Guy and Lela, also at home.
Judge Fenley was reared to ranch life and to the stock business. His early education acquired in the common schools was supplemented by study in Add Ran College at Thorp Springs and in the law department of the state university at Austin, Texas. He also studied law with the firm of Clark & Old of Uvalde prior to entering the state university and was admitted to the bar in this city in 1892. He then began the prac- tice of his chosen profession here and has since continued practicing in all of the courts. A liberal and distinctively representative clientage has been accorded him and his knowledge of the law, his correct adapta- tion of its principles and his devotion to his clients' interests have gained him a high and most gratifying reputation. He is rated among the suc- cessful attorneys of Southwestern Texas and has a well equipped office with a large library. He is likewise connected with his father, Joel C. Fenley, and his brother in the ranch and cattle business, in which they are extensively and successfully engaged.
Judge Fenley was married in 1892 to Miss Callie Brashear, who was born in Missouri in 1874 and is an esteemed and cultured lady. Her parents were L. D. and Sally (Simpson) Brashear, who were married in Missouri and removed to Uvalde county in 1886, settling on a ranch near the city of Uvalde. Mr. Brashear is now a well known and pros- perous stock farmer and in politics is a strong Democrat. His wife is a sister of the late well known John F. Simpson of Uvalde, who was closely identified with the progress and improvement of the city and who died in December, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Brashear had four children: Callie, now Mrs. Fenley; Belle, a teacher in the graded schools of Uvalde; Kittie, who is also teaching; and George, at home. The mar- riage of Judge and Mrs. Fenley has been blessed with four interesting children : Byron L., born March 14, 1894; Harold D., November 27, 1895; Russell, June 23, 1897; and Green B., August 18, 1899. Mrs. Fenley is a member of the Christian church and Judge Fenley is an ex- emplary representative of the Masonic fraternity. He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Honor and the Woodmen of the World. In politics he is a stalwart Democrat but without aspira- tion for office, the only political positions he has ever filled being in the direct line of his profession, those of county attorney and county judge. He prefers to concentrate his energies upon the practice of law, prepar-
G. S. Tenley.
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ing his cases with provident care, and his wide research and investiga- tion render him a strong and able lawyer at the bar.
D. W. BARNHILL, conducting a drug store in Uvalde, where he is also serving as postmaster, is a native of Leavenworth, Kansas, born on the IIth of December, 1861. His parents, Thomas and Matilda (Welsh) Barnhill, were both natives of the Emerald Isle, but became acquainted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where their marriage was celebrated. The father was a boot and shoe maker, following that trade for a number of years, doing custom work. He removed from Phila- delphia to Minnesota and in 1860 became a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas, where he afterward joined the Federal army for service in the Civil war as a member of Company H, First Kansas Regiment, for ninety days. He went to the front and took part in the Missouri cam- paign, engaging in the battle of Wilson's Creek, which was most hotly contested. After the expiration of his first term of service he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment for three years or during the war and was assigned to the army of the Trans-Mississippi department, doing duty in Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. He was afterward transferred to the engineering corps and at Lake Providence, Louisiana, when engaged in the construction of a defense, he was in charge of a party felling trees when a falling tree injured him. Later he was trans- ferred to a steamer, which was to take him to Memphis, Tennessee, but he died while en route and was buried in the national cemetery at Memphis in August, 1863. He was a devoted and loyal son of his adopted country and at the president's first call to aid in defense of the Union he offered his services and died a martyr to the cause, passing away at the age of thirty-seven years. His wife remained a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas, and in 1866 married Patrick O'Connor, a baker by trade. The same year they removed to Fort Benton, Montana, and soon afterward Mr. O'Connor joined the United States army. He and his family remained residents of Fort Benton until 1868, when he received an honorable discharge from the regular army. They then re- moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he followed railroading, but sub- sequently he went to Dakota, where he again joined the army, continuing at that place until 1874, when he was transferred to Detroit, Michigan, where he continued in military service until 1885. He then retired upon a pension and the same year removed his family to San Antonio, Texas, where both he and his wife died, Mr. O'Connor passing away in 1904, while his wife departed this life in 1903. By her first marriage she had five children, of whom D. W. Barnhill is the youngest. The others were Wesley N., who died in childhood; Mary, who is a sister of charity and resides in Montana; Margaret, who died at the age of seven years ; and Edwin, who at the age of two years was lost while the family were living in Minnesota and when found was dead.
D. W. Barnhill, the only surviving son of the family, accompanied his mother on her various removals and received good educational train- ing at home, but had no opportunity to attend school until the family located in Detroit, here for five years he pursued his studies in the graded and high schools. Thus he completed a course of study which well qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. In April, Vol. II. 16
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1879, he went to San Antonio, Texas, and after ten days proceeded to Menard county and to Brackett, where he engaged in teaching school for a year. His next venture was in newspaper work at Brackett and later he bought out the Press, although but nineteen years of age at the time. He continued successfully in its publication until 1886, when he sold that paper and taught school. During the winter he was appointed to fill a vacancy as justice of the peace. He had been elected and served for one term prior to this time and he continued to occupy the position until 1887, when he married and resigned in order that he might change his place of abode. The same year he removed to Uvalde, where he has since resided.
He had been married in this city in April, 1887, to Miss Mary L. Crisp, who was born in Colorado county, Texas, in 1863. Her parents were Dr. D. H. and Betty A. (Mitchell) Crisp, both of whom were natives of North Carolina, where they were married. Early in the '50S they came to Texas, settling in Colorado county, where Dr. Crisp re- mained practicing his profession successfully until 1883, when he came to Uvalde, where he died in June, 1906, at the advanced age of eighty- three years. Throughout his entire business career he has engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery, giving his attention and energies to his duties in this direction, and he was well known as a successful physi- cian, whose labors have been of direct benefit to his fellow men. He belongs to the Presbyterian church. In his family were these children : John C., a prominent attorney at law of Beeville, Texas; William M., a farmer of Bexar county, Texas; Anna, the wife of A. J. Harris; Mary L., now Mrs. Barnhill ; Albert S., who is editor of a paper at Cuero and is a member of the Texas legislature; Anderson M., cashier of the F. A. Piper Mercantile Company at Uvalde; Alice Patti, who is now Mrs. Speir of South America; David H., who is with Piper & Company ; and Lillian, at home.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Barnhill removed to Uvalde and purchased the Uvalde News, which he conducted until 1900. During that time he had bought a half interest in a drug store and from 1807 until 1900 conducted this enterprise with a partner, but in the latter year became sole proprietor and has since carried on business alone. In 1899 he received the appointment to the position of postmaster and has since acted in that capacity. The business of the office has greatly increased during this period and he has given a businesslike and capable admin- istration. In 1902 he sold a third interest in his drug business and has since sold a second third. The firm has erected a commodious building and has a complete stock of everything kept in a first-class drug store. He is a stockholder and director in the Uvalde National Bank; also secretary and treasurer of the Uvalde Wholesale Company and holds the same positions in the Uvalde Gin and Milling Company. His inter- ests are varied and extensive, making him a leading and influential resi- dent of the city in which he resides.
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