USA > Texas > A Twentieth century history of southwest Texas, Volume II > Part 38
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71
281
HISTORY OF SOUTHWEST TEXAS
N. B. PULLIAM. Since the days when the first white settlers made their way into Texas cattle ranching and farming have been the chief sources of income to the state, and though all lines of business activity have been introduced, including the various industrial and commercial interests, the raising of cattle yet continues to be one of the chief lines of business in this part of the country, the broad prairies furnishing splendid opportunity to the stockman. Mr. Pulliam, representing one of the old pioneer families of the state, is well known in Uvalde county as a wide- awake, energetic and prosperous stock-raiser. His birth occurred in this county, May 20, 1857-the year following the county's organization. His early school privileges were limited, but in the school of experience he has learned many valuable lessons. His parents were William H. and Matilda (White) Pulliam and the ancestry in the paternal line can be traced back to seven brothers, who came from Wales and settled in dif- ferent parts of the country. The grandfather was among this number and took up his abode in Missouri, where he reared his family. There his son, William H. Pulliam, was born and having arrived at years of maturity he came with two of his brothers, Simpson and Marshall, to Texas. All remained residents of this state until called to their final rest.
William H. Pulliam was reared upon a farm and on removing to the southwest located first in Red River county, where he afterward mar- ried Miss Matilda White, a native of Tennessee. She came to Texas with her parents, Benjamin and Anna (Needham) White, at a very early day, the family home being established in Red River county and subsequently in Fannin county and afterward in Collin county, where both her father and mother died. At that time Red River, Fannin and Collin counties were border counties, the settlements being confined to a few of the counties in the eastern part of the state. Mr. White had been reared in Tennessee and while living there enlisted for service in the war of 1812. He was under command of General Jackson and took part in various military movements and engagements. His father had been a soldier of the Revolution and the family was always noted for patriotism. Benjamin White became a prominent farmer and slave owner of Texas, conducting his business interests on an extensive scale. He possessed many good qualities and was highly respected by a large circle of friends. His children were: John L., who died in Collin county, Texas; Mrs. Malinda Hines; Samuel B., who died in Mississippi ; Elizabeth, who died in childhood ; James, who died in Collin county, Texas ; Matilda, who be- came Mrs. Pulliam ; Archie C., who died in Collin county ; and Martha, who died in early life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin White held member- ship in the Methodist church.
Following his marriage William H. Pulliam began farming and later removed to Fannin county, Texas, and subsequently to Collin county. Early in the '4os he took up his abode in Bexar county and a few years later removed to Uvalde county, casting in his lot with the early pioneers who lived in the vicinity of the present site of Sabinal. There he engaged in the stock business and was one of the pioneers of that locality when but few white settlers lived in the entire county. In the arduous task of reclaiming this region for the uses of civilization he bore a helpful part. The country was infested with wild beasts and hostile Indians who re-
282
HISTORY OF SOUTHWEST TEXAS
sented the encroachment of the white race on their hunting grounds and made frequent raids upon the stock pens. Mr. Pulliam did everything in his power to aid in the development of the county and make it a place safe for settlement. He remained at his first location for several years, at which time the range was free and the grass good. He obtained an excellent start in this way. It was not necessary to own land at that early day, for the settlers were so few that the herds and flocks could be pas- tured upon the open plains. On one occasion in running some cattle his horse fell, and his pistol being accidentally discharged he was wounded in the leg so seriously that the member had to be amputated. This made it very difficult for him to handle cattle thereafter and led to his changing his occupation. He purchased a tract of land adjoining the town of Uvalde and put up ranch buildings, giving his stock over to the care of his sons, in which business they afterward continued. When he had estab- lished his home in Uvalde Mr. Pulliam turned his attention to merchan- dising and for a long period engaged in trade. He ran a wagon freighting train from San Antonio to Eagle Pass, hauling loads of goods with ox
Del Rio.
teams. Later he aided in establishing Del Rio and bought the land on which the town was platted. There he engaged successfully in merchan- dising for several years and he helped organize a company to build the first irrigating ditch that was made there. He owned a third interest in the great plant. He had moved a part of his family to Del Rio, leaving his sons in charge of the ranch and stock. After several years spent at that place he closed out his business there and returned to Uvalde, where he became connected with the lumber trade, conducting a yard for a few years, when he disposed of that business, He was a man watchful of opportunities and his ready recognition and utilization of possibilities enabled him to contribute not only to his own success but also to the de- velopment and progress of the locality. In the early days he had much stock run off by the Indians and with other settlers he took part in many raids after the red men and participated in many fights with them. He was reared to the occupation of farming and always engaged to some extent in farm work, raising corn, oats and other feed for his stock. He nearly always had a fair crop because his methods were practical, He was well acquainted with all of the white settlers in the county at an early day and was one of the honored early residents, whose life history was closely interwoven with the development of this section of the state. He was a strong Democrat and a popular man in the early history of the county, being called by his fellow townsmen to various positions of honor and trust. He served as high sheriff for a number of years, was also county judge and creditably filled other minor offices. For many years he was a consistent and worthy member of the Methodist church. All who knew him respected him for his genuine worth, for he lived a life above reproach. For several years prior to his demise he engaged in no active business, spending his days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He died January 18, 1899, at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years, His wife still survives him and finds a good home with her son, N. B. Pulliam. They had a large family. Their eldest son, Benjamin, was
283
HISTORY OF SOUTHWEST TEXAS
killed in Zavala county at an early day by the Indians. Three brothers were out hunting horses when the red men came upon them. One Indian shot Benjamin in the back, killed him and got away with the horses. N. B. Pulliam and his brother had to lash the body upon a saddle horse and thus returned home with him a distance of thirty-five miles. He had been in many battles with the Indians and had been wounded prior to this time. Elmira, the second member of the family, is now the wife of William Lewis. John was murdered by the Mexicans in Mexico. Fannie M. is the widow of William Reynolds. William is a rancher of western Texas. Monroe is a stockman and wealthy banker at San Angelo. Xury operates a cattle ranch in Mexico and makes his home in El Paso, Texas. Tennessee is now the widow of F. C. Bates. James is living in El Paso and is also owner of a ranch in Mexico. Sterling was murdered in Mexico, leaving a wife and one son. Edward Lee is a prominent mer- chant of the Indian Territory. Of the twelve children three were mur- dered, one by Indians and two by Mexicans, and the nine yet living are all prominent and prosperous and have done much to develop South- western Texas.
N. B. Pulliam, the other member of the family, was born and reared in this county and spent much of his early life in the saddle, assisting his father on the ranch. He grew up in the cattle business, in which he has continued to the present time, watching its development from the period of the free range to the present era of modern stock farming. Early in his operations he felt the necessity of owning land and as fast as able he bought it, commencing with a block on the Nueces river, to which he added different surveys. He has in his block fourteen thousand acres, which he fenced. He has a long frontage on the river and deep wells on the back of his ranch and his place is now well watered. He can secure an inexhaustible supply of water at a depth of from one hundred to two hundred feet. He has a very desirable ranch, well located and has been a very successful stockman. He raised sheep for about twelve years with good success, beginning with eight hundred and at one time owning twenty thousand. He both bought and raised sheep, but in later years he has run steer cattle and has met with success in this undertaking. Like his father, he has always enjoyed having something grow upon his farm and has continued his farming operations, raising feed for his stock. At his residence adjoining Uvalde he owns three hundred acres, where he has opened up to farming about seventy-five acres. He carries on the general
Uvalde County Farming.
tilling of the soil, in which he has engaged for ten years, and he has usually had good crops, never but once having a complete failure. He has raised as high as fifty bushels of corn to the acre and in 1905 har- vested forty bushels to the acre. His cotton crop has produced a bale of cotton to the acre. It is all dry farming, there being no irrigation. In later years he has been selling some land in acre blocks to suit his pur- chasers who want to make good city homes, but he retains one hundred. acres for farming purposes and pasture lots. On his ranch he runs steer cattle, having from ten to fifteen hundred head. He is doing well in this business, most of his cattle being fat and good beef cattle.
284
HISTORY OF SOUTHWEST TEXAS
Mr. Pulliam is familiar with all of the experiences of pioneer life and later development in Uvalde county and believes that there is no bet- ter stock-raising section in all the state of Texas. He has a commodious frame residence with all modern conveniences, together with large and substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, his place being situated in the midst of pleasant surroundings. He has taken an active interest in the development and upbuilding of this section of the state and city and county have benefited by his active aid and co-operation. In 1903 he assisted in organizing the Commercial National Bank, of which he is a stockholder and director.
In November, 1885, Mr. Pulliam was married to Miss Mamie Chance, who was born in Louisiana, February 4, 1865. Her parents were L. C. and Harriet (Dunn) Chance, both of whom were natives of Louisiana, where they spent their entire lives. Mr. Chance belonged to one of the old and distinguished families of that state and became an extensive and leading planter and slave holder, numbered among the substantial resi- dents of his parish. He resided in East Philapana parish, the wealthiest district of the state, and was ranked among the most prominent and in- fluential residents there, having large property holdings. He was loyal to the Confederacy and the south during the period of the Civil war and as first lieutenant of his company served throughout the period of strife, taking part in many important military movements and hotly contested battles, his experiences being not unusual to those of the soldier. He stood high in the regard of his fellow men and his death, which occurred in 1880, was the occasion of widespread and deep regret. His wife long survived him, passing away in 1902. The Chance family was as follows : Samuel ; L. C., the father of Mrs. Pulliam ; Milton ; Benajah ; and Reuben, who was killed in the Mexican war. With the exception of the last named all were soldiers of the Confederacy. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. L. C. Chance-members of the Dunn family-were : Matthew, who was killed in the Civil war ; George and Thadeus, both of whom died from the effects of their military service; and Mrs. Harriet Chance. All were members of the Baptist church.
Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Chance had a family of ten children : Reuben, who is living in Mississippi; Henry, who resides on the old homestead in Louisiana ; Levi D., who came to Uvalde county, where he died; Harriet G., the wife of S. P. Cain; Mrs. Mamie C. Pulliam; Ellen, the wife of C. T. Platt; Matthew D., of the Indian Territory; Margaret, at home ; Georgia, the wife of John G. Powers, and Milton, of the Indian Territory. Mrs. Pulliam came to Uvalde to visit her brother and also for the benefit of her health." "She found the climatic change very beneficial and follow- ing the restoration of her health she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Pulliam.This happy union has been blessed with five interesting child- ren : Lenora, born May 2, 1887, and Gladys, born July 11, 1888, are now students in Baylor Academy at Waco, Texas, where they are making rapid progress. Needham, born February II, 1890, and Constance, born September 27, 1892, are at home. Eusthe K., born January 31, 1896. died March 17, 1897.
Mr. and Mrs. Pulliam are both consistent Christian people, holding membership in the Missionary Baptist church, and he is a charter member
285
HISTORY OF SOUTHWEST TEXAS
of the Masonic fraternity at Uvalde. He votes with the Democracy but has never been an active politician in the sense of office seeking, although he has served as city alderman for several years. He has likewise been a member of the school board for a number of years and he owns much valuable property in Uvalde, where his interests center, while with the progress and development of the city he is closely associated, doing all in his power to promote its welfare and success. Both he and his wife enjoy the warm regard of a large circle of friends, the hospitality of the best homes of this locality, being freely accorded them.
WILLIAM D. LOVE, who has retained a personal association with the affairs of Southwestern Texas for a number of years, whose life has been one of honest and earnest endeavor, rewarded by due success, and has won prominence at the bar, and is now serving for the fourth term as mayor of Uvalde, was born in Washington county, Texas, June 20, 1859. His parents were William M. and Mary (Atkisson) Love, the former a native of Nashville, Tennessee, and the latter of Washington county, Texas, their marriage being celebrated at the place of her nativity. The Love family was founded in America in early colonial days and repre- sentatives of the name participated in the war for American independence. After that conflict they settled in the southern states. They were a broad- minded and loyal people.
William M. Love, born in Tennessee, acquired a liberal education in the schools of that locality and became a prominent and distinguished minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He was also a farmer by occupation. In 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold in California. he made his way to the Pacific coast, where he remained until 1851, when he returned and located in Texas. He was married in 1854, and on the expiration of about a year his wife died, leaving an infant daughter. He then returned to Tennessee, where he remained until 1857, when he located in Texas. He went to Washington county, where he again married in 1858. He settled in that locality and subsequently removed to Burleson county, Texas, where his death occurred in 1869. During the period of the Civil war he was loyal to the Confederacy, but being both a physician and a minister of the gospel he felt that he could do more for his fellow men at home and did not go to the front. He always maintained his residence upon a farm and was an enterprising and successful agriculturist, also a capable physician and an able minister. He did not covet wealth and was a most generous man, giving freely of his means, especially to the poor and needy. At his demise he left to his wife and family a good farm and home, and she is yet living in the old family residence. Rev. Love enjoyed the confidence of all who knew him and was a popular preacher and an able writer, contributing many valuable articles to the press. He was also a fluent and forcible speaker, presenting his thoughts in clear, logical and entertaining form, and he is kindly remembered by those who often sat under his teachings, listening to his eloquent sermons or words of kindly counsel and wisdom. His wife, living at the old home in Burleson county, Texas, at the age of sixty-seven years, was a daughter of Jesse B. Atkisson, of Tennessee. Her father was a mechanic and wagon manufacturer and became one of the pioneer settlers in the Mexican territory of
286
HISTORY OF SOUTHWEST TEXAS
Texas in the year 1832. He was a member of General Houston's army that won independence for the Lone Star state, but did not partici- pate in the last battle at San Jacinto, as he had been detailed to look after and care for some American families at that time. On coming to Texas he located in Washington county and after the independence of the state had been achieved he settled at his home, where he had taken up his abode in 1834. He became a prominent farmer and slave owner of that locality, was very successful in his business and enjoved in high measure the respect and confidence of all who knew him. He remained upon the old homestead until called to his final rest and his influence was a beneficial factor in the development and progress of his com- munity. The members of his family were: Alonzo; Mary, who became Mrs. Love : Moscoe B .; Jessie B. ; Brown ; and Mrs. Amanda Dorward. To William M. and Mary Love were born five children: William D .; Jesse M., a blacksmith and farmer of Burleson county, Texas : Alonzo L .; Joseph A .. and Finis E., who are all engaged in farming. By his first marriage the father had one daughter, Mrs. Lizzie L. Wood. William D. Love was reared upon his father's farm and acquired his education in the public schools. although his opportunities in that direction were somewhat limited. He added largely to his knowledge through reading and observation and when twenty years of age began teaching. He was a practical and successful educator, following the profession for sixteen years, during which time his service was eminently satisfactory to the various communities wherein he taught. During that period he also filled the important position of superintendent of public instruction of Navarro county for two years and was likewise superintendent of Cisco and of Plano, and of Uvalde public schools. He regarded this professional labor, however, merely as an initial 'step to other business interests, for his leisure hours were devoted to the study of law, and in 1897 he was admitted to the bar at Uvalde. He at that time formed a partnership with Hon. J. N. Garner, now congress- man from this district, and the connection was maintained in that form until 1903, when Judge Ellis was admitted to the firm. Judge Garner remained a partner until elected to Congress and then withdrew, and in Mav, 1905. Judge Ellis died. In July of the same year Judge Garner again became a partner of Mr. Love under the old firm style of Garner & Love. The firm has always enjoyed a liberal patronage and is one of the strong law firms of Southwestern Texas. In his practice Judge Love has won an enviable reputation. He practices in all the courts of the state from that of the justice courts to that of the supreme court and his powers as an advocate have been demonstrated by his success on many occasions. He has been connected with many notable cases and is an able lawver of large and varied experience. Thoroughness characterizes his efforts and he conducts all his business with a strict regard to a high standard of professional ethics.
While his profession has made heavy demands upon his time and energies Judge Love has also found opportunity to devote to public service and is one of the strong and influential members of the Demo- cracy in this part of the state. He was elected on the party ticket to
287
HISTORY OF SOUTHWEST TEXAS
the office of mayor, in which he is now serving for his fourth term, having given to the city a very public-spirited, practical and progressive
Public Improvement in Uvalde.
administration. His efforts have been a tangible factor in the work of public improvement and during his administration the city has been kept in good sanitary condition and nothing is left undone to promote the public health. The city hall was comparatively abandoned but under his direction has been re-modeled and now produces a good revenue for the city, while the plazas in the center of the town have been fenced and ornamental trees have been planted. Grass was also planted and there is now a pleasing growth of all vegetation there, greatly beautifying the square. A park of four acres has been pur- chased and improved. It has many fine, large live-oak trees and is a very desirable and handsome addition to the city property. The streets have been graded and graveled and financial interests of the city have been well managed. There is now a well equipped and well organized volunteer fire company capable of active and immediate service and drawing its supply of water from a good cistern. Such is the efficiency of the fire department that property holders feel to a large extent im- mune from disasters of that character and the insurance rate is propor- tionately low. Each year the city enjoys a good, conservative adminis- tration and during the eight years in which Mr. Love has filled the office tax values have been more than doubled and the city has made substantial advance along all lines which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. He is always looking forward to the betterment and progress of the city and his labors have been of direct and immediate serviceableness.
When twenty years of age Mr. Love was united in marriage, in 1879, to Miss Ophelia Wallace, who was born in Mississippi in 1861. She is a daughter of R. C. Wallace, a native of Alabama and a son of chief justice, Bruce C. Wallace, of that state. The family is one of prominence in the south and various representatives of the name have gained distinction. R. C. Wallace was a highly educated man, devoted his life to the profession of teaching and at the same time overseeing farming interests, although he employed others to do the active work of the farm. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war he raised a company for service and as its captain led the troops in many a hotly contested engagement. Following the close of hostilities he removed to Texas, settling in Burleson county, where he engaged in farming and teaching school. Subsequently he sold his interests there and took up his abode in Comanche county, where he remained up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1902. He had no aspiration for public office or public nortoriety of any kind, but in the line of his chosen pursuits he was recognized as a man of ability and enterprise, always loyal to truth, honor and right in his business as well as social relations. In his later years he was a worthy member of the Methodist church. Following the death of his first wife he married a Miss Scott of Burle- son county, Texas, who yet survives. There were four or five children
288
HISTORY OF SOUTHWEST TEXAS
of that marriage, but Mrs. Love was the only child of her father's first marriage.
To Mr. Love and wife have been born five daughters, two of whom have passed away. The eldest, Mrs. Lela Barker, died leaving two children. Lenora is the wife of W. J. Appling, of Eagle Pass. Willie and Ophelia are yet at home. Mr. and Mrs. Love hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and take an active and helpful part in its work, while fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. His life work has been of benefit to his fellow men. His public service has indeed been commendable and his city has benefited thereby, while in his profession he has gained more than local distinction. In the trial of cases which are important he has won many successes. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and skill, investigating every point of law that may bear upon them, and in his arguments he is logical, displaying clear reasoning and accurate deductions. His devo- tion to his clients' interests is proverbial and yet he never forgets that he owes a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. His untiring industry has also been one of the potent elements in his success. In the argument of a case he exhibits a remarkable clearness of expression and adequate and precise diction which enables him to make others understand not only the salient points of his argument but also to clearly understand the very fine analytical distinctions which differentiate one legal principle from another.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.