USA > Texas > Johnson County > A memorial and biographical history of Johnson and Hill counties, Texas : containing the early history of this important section of the great state of Texas together with glimpses of its future prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens of the present time, and full-page portraits of some of the most eminent men of this section > Part 12
USA > Texas > Hill County > A memorial and biographical history of Johnson and Hill counties, Texas : containing the early history of this important section of the great state of Texas together with glimpses of its future prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens of the present time, and full-page portraits of some of the most eminent men of this section > Part 12
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
Popularly the great Democratic party has been by far the strongest, and have carried the day overwhelmingly, and will probably continue to do so for a long time to come. The name, the organization and the elements composing that party have all a wonderful vitality, as the leaders from time to time pro- pose to adhere to the old principles while they adopt such new measures from time to time as the varying circumstances of progress in their judgment may require. Of course, as everywhere else, local and transient issues will sometimes divide the Democratic vote so as to result in the election of an independent or opposition candidate.
We now proceed to give the vote by years on the President of the United States, mein- bers of Congress, State Governor, and all the county officers, along with votes on Constitu- tional amendments, etc. But it is well un- derstood that the figures do not by any means show the popularity of the respective candid- ates; for very often a man who is not a ean-
97
AND HILL COUNTIES.
didate at all will receive some votes, and nominations often depend on some little cir- cumstance beyond human ken.
ELECTION RETURNS.
August 7, 1854: State Comptroller-James B. Shaw, 97.
State Treasurer-J. II. Raymond, 97.
Attorney 9th Judicial District-J. E. Cravens, 67; J. W. Berry, 33; E. II. Har- rell, 7.
District Clerk Johnson county - Ray, 40; J. II. Waddell, 43.
Distriet Surveyor of the " Roberson land " -- G. II. Cunningham, 102; - McClel- land, 11; T. T. Bayly, 1.
Chief Justice Johnson county --- David Mitchell, 97. (No opposition.)
County Clerk-E. M. Heath, 20; J. Easter- wood, 53; L. L. Blythe, 35.
Sheriff-D. D. Myers, 8; A. II. Onstott, 66; W. T. Harris, 16; J. D. Robinson, 23.
County Treasurer -- J. Roberson, 91. (No opposition.)
Coroner-W. Balch, 49; S. C. Myers, 5; R. B. Smock, 3.
County Commissioners 0. Billingsley, 74; A. D. Kennard, 95; C. Wise, 91; W. ('Neal, 92; J. N. Evans, 26.
Assessor and Collector -- F. L. Kirtley, 57; Graham, 57.
Justices of the Peace -- E. M. Heath, 30; W. J. Wright, 36; W. L. Combs, 33; W. O. Menefce, 9; - Hudson, 9; J. Morrow, 16; F. L. Kirtley, 17; J. J. Rease, 29; N. Ilunter, 25.
In the above election there were four pre- cincts, giving the following vote: No. 1. 48; No. 2, 20; No. 3, 12; No. 4, 29.
The next election was held September 11, 1854, for school trustees of the respective distriets, from some of which there were no returns.
February 19, 1855: For County Seat: Robinson's donation received 98; Stephens' 13; Patton & Tarrant's 22.
August 6, 1855, Governor: D. C. Diekson, 117; E. M. Pease, 113.
Congressman-P. II. Bell, 182; J. Han- cock, 64.
Representative to Legislature - W. R. Shannon, 159; E. II. Tarrant, 35.
Angust 18, 1855: For County Seat- Wardville, 161; Henderson & Chambers, 59. February 1, 1856: District Judge-N. M. Burford, 77; B. W. Stone, 21; - Turney, 39. District Attorney-S. J. Goodloe, 76; J. W. Berry, 33; J. C. MeCoy, 7; --- Sigler, 17.
March 8, 1856: S. S. Edney was elected sheriff to till an unexpired term.
August 4, 1856: Chief Justice-David Mitchell, 46; Henry Trimble, 167; William O. Menelce, 112.
Clerk of County Court --- J. W. Torbett, 141; J. Easterwood, 71; William Garrett, 120. Clerk of District Court-C. C. Alexander, 182; Jesse King, 141.
Sheriff - Charles Cleston, 150; J. Me- Millan, 97; M. Barnes, 82.
County Commissioners ---- C. Billingsley, 251; William O'Neal, 55; Plimmons, 217; MeKinsey, 274; Kennard, 246; Roberts, 60.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON
Treasurer-John Robinson, 223; Samuel Johnson, 97.
Assessor and Collector -- E. M. Heath, 197; Ira Bishop, 21; William Shannon, 19, - -- Mills, 43.
September 8, 1856: County Seat -- Ward- ville, 26; Bayly's (Bailey's) Donation, 65; Manley's, 63.
October 4, 1856: County Seat-Bailey's, 151; Manley's, 47.
November 4, 1856: Presidential Electors at large -- F. W. Bowden, 196; W. R. Scurry, 186; W. E. Jones, 78; Robert E. Taylor, 78.
The larger vote given above was for the Democratic candidate; but we failed to learn for whom the other vote was given. The electors by districts were as follows:
A. J. Ilowe, Dist. No. 1, 181; A. J. Ilar- rington, Dist. No. 2, 184; J. W. Flanagan, Dist. No. 1, 79; Thomas W. Blake, Dist. No. 2, 79.
December 13, 1856: JI. JI. Walker was elected county treasurer to fill a vacancy by a vote of 38, at which election 19 votes were polled for J. G. Ilix and 17 for B. J. Stacks.
February 2, 1857: County Surveyor -- W. Douglas, 98; G. M. Pierce, 176; E. D. Maxey, 13.
At the above election Stephens' donation received 68 votes for county seat, and Bailey's 184.
March 28, 1857: Chief Justice -- George R. Shannon, 102; Isaac R. Vannoy, 98.
August 3, 1857: Governor -- II. R. Run. nels, 149; Sam Ilouston, 203.
Congressman-Guy M. Bryan, 228; E. W. Ilowth, 54.
State Senator - Jeff. Weatherford, 111; Nich Darnell, 142; A. G. Walker, 64.
Representative to Legislature -- W. R. Shannon, 278; John II. Prince, 38.
County Commissioners - J. G. Ilix, 68; William Balch, 70; W. J. Mathis, 17; A. C. Iloyle, 25.
October 1, 1857, Sheriff-Joseph Shaw, 60; James P. Wray, 57.
August 2, 1858: Chief Justice-J. G. Ilix, 155; J. J. Ligon, 162.
County Clerk -- A. J. Pierce, 17; James 11. Torbett, 302.
August 2, 1858: District Attorney -- J. C. McCoy, 58; A. Bradshaw, 103; J. S. Robin- son, 127; J. C. Easton, 15; W. L. Suggs, 15. Sheriff -- Joseph Shaw, 170; Lem Cham- bers, 150.
County Surveyor-George M. Pierec, 77; Warren Douglas, 212.
County Treasurer-Il. II. Walker, 201; G. II. Maxey, 94.
Assessor and Collector -- E. M. IIcath, 254; W. W. Slack, 62.
County Commissioners -- T. J. Dilliard, 218; W. O. Menefee, 158; A. McAneir, 49; M. Barnes, 205; W. C. Manley, 164; C. Gilis- son, 48; D. Hull, 65.
August 1, 1859: Governor-Sam Houston, 303; 11. R. Runnell, 118.
August 6, 1860, District Attorney: J. K. P. Record, 278; B. C. Dade, 257.
Chief Justice-J. J. Ligon, 298; James G. Ilix, 2.16.
County Clerk - James II: Torbett, 235; W C. Manley, 169; S. B. Killough, 140.
District Clerk --- James Hiner, 257; G.
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AND HILL COUNTIES.
11. Maxey, 163; W. O. Menefee, 117.
Sheriff-Joseph Shaw, 247; J. J. Rogers, 191; Benjamin Barnes, 110.
County Treasurer - Henry H. Walker, 206; G. R. Edgar, 178; Joseph Easterwood, 153.
Assessor and Colleet or-E. M. Heath, 508; G. S. Hall, 431.
Surveyor-G. M. Pierce, 79.
County Commissioners - Matthew Gra- ham, 450; Moses Barnes, 423; S. K. Davis, 350; Il. G. Bruce, 353; W. II. S. Verstille, 375; John P. Bailey, 47.
October 1, 1860: A. J. Frizzell was elected Commissioner to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Verstille.
November 6, 1860: President-John C. Breckenridge, 446; (opposition), 1.
During the war the vote of Johnson county stood 500 for secession to 50 against, and furnished not less than a thousand men to the Confederate army.
May 3, 1861: District Attorney -Amzi Bradshaw, 203; R. J. MeKinzie, 51; E. Hlouencamp, 22.
August 5, 1861: Governor-Edward Clark, 335; F. R. Lubbock, 135; L. J. Chambers, 32.
District Judge-J. W. Ferris, 341; J. J. Good, 122; E. T. Withers, 13.
State Senator- A. T. Obenchain, 343; A. G. Walker, 111.
Representative-T. C. Neil, 441; Joseph Ward, 262; A. J. Ball, 175.
November 6, 1861: at this election 18 elee. tors, unclassified, were chosen by the State of of Texas, Johnson county giving from 5 to
178 votes, for the purpose of choosing a President of the Confederate States; and for member of the Confederate Congress, A. P. Wiley received 45 votes and P. W. Gray, 231.
February 3, 1862: Attorney General-N. G. Shelly, 92; A. N. Jordan, 6.
County Treasurer-J. Easterwood, 83; G. R. Edgar, 52; Elijah Graham, 13; J. F. Stroop, 3.
August 4, 1862: State Senator-J. W. Oliver, 125; - Quaid, 149; J. F. Seurloek, 36.
Chief Justice-J. G. Woodson, 215; J. G. Hix, 124; - Montgomery, 61.
County Clerk-G. II. Maxey, 202; W. C. Manley, 187.
Sheriff-John W. Moody, 161; J. R. Nichols, 136; M. T. Bailey, 91.
County Treasurer- J. Easterwood, 230; G. R. Edgar, 136.
County Commissioners-W. J. Maxey, 114; I. Killough, 87; C. C. Alexander, 218; Edehnan, 76; W. L. Rippeton, 66; A. Landers, 105; M. Pendleton, 174; A. J. Iliggins, 225; F. L. Kirtley, 76; ---- Kel- ly, 78.
Surveyor-G. M. Pierce, 183; W. S. Quinn, 54.
Collector -- J. R. Mckinsey, 293; J. M. Herndon, 95.
January 24, 1863: Representative to Leg- islature-John II. Prince, 192; (seatter- ing), 11.
August 3, 1863: Governor-P. Murrah, 90; T. J. Chambers, 54.
Congressman-P. W. Gray, 67; A. M. Branch, 37.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON
Representative to Legislature- John II. Prince, 101; E. Pendleton, 88; J. Em Ilaw- kins, 15.
Pendleton and Prince were both elected, in conjunction with Parker and Ellis counties.
County Commissioners -- Abel Landers, 82.
March 5, 1864: Chief Justice-C. C. Alex- ander (to fill vacaney), 73; G. R. Shannon, 76; Jonathan Burke, 102.
May 4, 1864: William R. Shannon re- ceived 72 votes for the office of Representa- tive at the Legislature, with no opposition.
Angust 1, 1864: Chief Justice -- J. Burke, 247; G. R. Shannon, 142.
County Clerk -- G. II. Maxey, 353; A. Monroe, 24.
District Clerk -- J. ITiner, 223; C. C. Alex- ander, 154.
Sheriff-J. S. Walton, 182; J. W. Moody, 187; G. A. Mills, 20; A. II. Onstott, 4.
Assessor and Collector-J. R. MeKinsey, 343; II. W. Stephens, 9.
Treasurer -- J. Easterwood, 276; W. L. Rippeton, 94.
Surveyor-J. W. Turpin, 116; II. Il. Douglas, 133.
County Commissioners-C. Gilmore, 13; Isaac Killough, 235; George Smart, 268; E. F. Box, 60; J. L. Baker, 207; G. R. Edgar, 144; S. P. Taylor, 139; Thomas Richard- son, 124.
June 25, 1866: Governor -- J. W. Throck- morton, Democrat, 555; E. M. Pease, Inde- pendent Democrat, 25.
Representative -- C. L. Jordan, 188; B. P. Hendley, 21; W. O. Menefee, 330 ;~ Abel Landers, 347.
County Judge-James 11. Torbett, 205; J. R. MeKinsey, 250; Il. P. Teagne, 73; 1. Q. Sewell, 36.
County Clerk -- G. II. Maxey, 352; S. B. Killongh, 230.
District Clerk-James Iliner, 487. (No opposition.)
Sheriff-J. S. Walton, 188; E. M. Ileath, 279; J. M. Shaw, 110.
Assessor and Collector-J. W. S. Morri- son, 150; W. C. Magee, 199; William Jack, 159; S. K. Davis, 78.
County Treasurer-J. Easterwood, 403; D. C. Payne, 166.
Surveyor-W. N. MeCamey, 205; W. S. Quinn, 205.
County Commissioners-M. Graham, 242; John Stephens, 40; A. M. Killough, 94; G. R. Edgar, 90; Joel Iliggins, 201; Jacob Job, 80; John Gentry, 89; W. D. Grady, 46; V. S. Anglin, 124; R. G. Peters, 53.
September 10, 1866, Surveyor-W. S. Quinn, 18; W. Douglas, 13.
County Commissioners-S. G. Graham, 22; C. C. Alexander, 11.
October 15, 1866: United States Congress- man-B. II. Epperson, 104; Amzi Brad- shaw, 47.
The smallness of the vote at these elections is due to the fact that most of the citizens had been disfranchised by the reconstruction measures of the Federal Government, on ae- count of their participation in the " Rebel- lion;" and, indeed, there is not on record the report of any election for several years sub- sequent to this, except one on the location of the county seat.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON
O. T. Plummer, 647; S. Pope, 150; M. M. Crane, 1.535.
County Cork G. H1. Maxey. 1.573; W. L. Williams, 1,73>.
District Clerk-Jolm B. Hudson, 3,271. (No opposition.)
County Treasurer-N. II. Cook, 3,298. (No opposition.)
Assessor -- D. R. Carmichael, 1,243; Phil. T. Allin, 453; J. N. Briscoe, 761; W. F. Sparks, 806.
Surveyor -- Warren Douglas, 1,058; Jolin R. Ransone, 2,166.
Commissioners elected - Precinet No. 1, A. J. Reeves; No. 2, S. Hughes; No. 3, J. A. Baugh; No. 4, Il. H. Freeman.
March 21, 1879: For prohibition, 643; against prohibition, 684.
. November 2, 1880: President-W. S Han- cock, Democrat, 2,982; J. B. Weaver, Green- back, 535; J. A. Garfield, Republican, 3.
Congressman -- Olin Welborn, Democrat, 2,366; J. C. Kirby, Greenback, 594.
Governor-O. M. Roberts, Democrat, 2,- 983; W. II. Hamman, Greenback, 518; E. J. Davis, Republican, 2.
State Senator L. S. Ross, Democrat, 2,- 732; C. L. Wasson, Greenback, 614.
Representative to Legislature - II. G. Bruce, 1,794; II. W. Barclay, 901; Moses Barnes, 761.
District Judge-Jo Abbott, 1,569; J. M. HIall, 1,930.
County Judge-W. J. Ewing, 3,395. (No opposition.)
County Attorney -- O. T. Phuinmer, 1,550; M. M. Crane, 1.955.
Sheriff-John C. Brown, 1.465; T. II. Griffin, 535; George Shannon, 213; W. R. Bounds, 1,313.
Assessor-W. L. Scott, 497; D. R. Car- michael, 815; E. P. Harris, 864; W. F. Sparks, 988; J. N. Briscoe, 264.
Collector-J. W. Dalton, 1,633; Sam Caruthers, 170; W. J. Brown, 624; Owen Brown, 864; J. S. Wilshire, 222.
Treasurer-N. II. Cook, 1,242; O. High- tower, 1,359; V. Gray, 922.
District Clerk-J. B. Hudson, 2,448; C. L. Heath, 914.
County Clerk -F. E. Adams, 1,818; G. II. Maxey, 798; W. L. Williams, 901.
Surveyor-J. R. Ransone, 2,480; W. S. Rector, 956.
At this election Johnson county gave 2,- 453 votes for annexing the community at Kimball's Bend, in Hill county, and one against it.
March 7, 1882: Representative to Legisla- ture-Owen Brown, 510; W. II. Graves, 277; William Jaek, 236; J. E. Hollings- worth, 118.
November 7, 1882, Governor-John Ire- land, Democrat, 2,475; G. W. Jones, Green- back, 641.
Congressman-Olin Welborn, 2,450; J. C. Kirby, 622.
State Senator -- W. II. Getzendaner, 1,080; A. M. Douglass, 1,686; S. G. Caly, 193.
Representative to Legislature-J. L. Mor- gan, 857; Owen Brown, 2,088.
County Attorney-O. T. Plummer, 2,978; I. Stone, 4.
Sheriff -J. D. Mitchell, 411; J. II. Boyd,
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AND HILL COUNTIES.
1,096; J. R. Haley, 925; J. C. Freeman, 696.
Collector -- J. W. Dalton, 2,516; J. E. Odom, 582.
Assessor-Z. Mabley, 1,444; D. R. Car- michael, 744; J. B. Prestridge, 330; W. F. Sparks, 547.
County Clerk-F. E. Adams, 2,898; J. E. Garrison, 233.
District Clerk-Phil. T. Allin, 1,909; J. D. Irvin, 153; R. A. Williamson, 1,008; T. HI. Grace, 34.
County Treasurer- O. Hightower, 1,176; V. Gray, 1,924.
Surveyor-R. II. Adair, 948; F. T. Vick- ers, 1,285; R. II. Barrows, 801.
Commissioners elected-Precinet No. 1, A. J. Reeves; No. 2, S. IInghes; No. 3, J. 1. Baugh; No. 4, J. M. Watts.
November 4, 1884: President -- Grover Cleveland, Democrat. 3,137; B. F. Butler, National Greenback, 189; James G. Blaine, Republican, 86.
Congressman -- Olin Welborn, 3,160; J. C. Booker, 7.
Governor-John Ireland, Democrat, 3,204; G. W. Jones, Greenback, 302; 1. B. Norton, Republican, 76.
District Judge-J. M. Hatl, 3,164; S. C. Upshaw, 484; S. II. Lumpkin, 73.
Representative to Legislature -- B. D. Tarl- ton, " Floater," 3,450; M. M. Crane, 2,273; D. C. McCain, 517; S. J. Chapman, 951.
Collector-J. W. Dalton, 1,397; J. E. Odom, 125; J. J. Stringer, 1,696; R. A. Poole, 594.
Sheriff John 11. Boyd, 3,599.
Distriet Clerk-Phil. T. Allin, 3,697.
County Clerk --- F. E. Adams, 2,265; W. L. Williams, 1.507.
Surveyor -- Fred T. Vickers, 3,687.
Treasurer -- V. Gray, 2,907; Jolin R. Ran- sone, 833.
Assessor -- Zeb Mobley, 2,378; L. M. Ilead, 1,388.
County Judge -- W. J. Ewing, 992; II. W. Barclay, 953; B. D. Simpson, 1,258; J. M. Donaldson, 549.
Connty Attorney-O. T. Plummer, 1,342; J. N. English, 2,403.
Commissioners elected-Precinct No. 1, C. L. Cleveland; No. 2, Isaae Vickers; No. 3, R. D. Richardson; No. 4, II. II. Free- man.
November 2, 1886: Congressman -Jo. Ab- bott, 1,856; J. C. Kearby, 1,604.
Governor-L. S. Ross, 3,079; E. L. Dolio- ney, 498.
State Senator -- A. Reed, 2,138; S. C. Up- shaw, 1,414.
Representative to Legislature-G. C. Groce, " Floater," 2,470; J. M. Watts, 714; S. J. Chapman, 2,801.
County Judge -B. D. Simpson, 1,234; F. E. Adams, 2,594.
Sheriff-J. V. Leatherwood, 1,673; Jolin HI. Boyd, 2,172.
County Clerk-J. II. MeCutehen, 1,340; W. B. Bishop, 2,172.
District Clerk-F. M. Williams, 1,380; Phil. T. Allin, 2,424.
County Attorney-O. T. Plummer, 1,914; George D. Green, 1,658; W. II. Skelton, 163.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON
County Treasurer -R. M. Hooker, 376; V. Gray, 1,663; M. S. Kahle, 407; C. L. Cleveland, 922; J. M. Hague, 265; E. B. Gray, 114.
Collector --- W. M. St. John, 661; Zeb Mob- ley, 1,395; Owen Brown, 784; J. W. Dal- ton, 717; R. II. Box, 249.
Assessor -- 1. M. Head, 2,152; Robert Montgomery, 404; C. M. Hudson, 817; W. E. Rogers, 308.
Surveyor-J. S. MeKinsey, 3,227.
Commissioners elected -- Precinct No. 1, N. I .. Clardy; No. 2. S. IInghes; No. 3, B. F. Davis; No. 4, J. W. Currier.
Angust 4, 1887: A number of amend- ments to the State Constitution were voted upon at this election. The vote on State prohibition of the liquor traffic stood, in Johnson county, 2,127 for it; against it, 2,161.
November 6, 1888: President -- Grover Cleveland, Democrat, 2,966; A. J. Streeter, United Labor, 1,050; C. B. Fiske, Prohibi- tion, 116; Benjamin Harrison, Republican, 115.
Governor-L. S. Ross, 2,919; Marion Martin, 1,295.
Congressman- Jo Abbott, 2,901; Sam. Evans, 1,302.
Representative to Legislature -- A. J. Brown, 2,460; II. W. Barclay, 138; John II. Veatch, 1,482; Sam R. Frost, " Floater," 1,408; George W. Beleher, 1,259.
District Judge-J. M. Hall, 2,820; B. D. Tarlton, 1,145; C. W. Jordan, 224.
District Attorney-P. B. Ward, 3,159; W. C. Wear, 947.
County Judge -- F. E. Adams, 1,278; B. D. Simpson, 1,477.
County Attorney-O. T. Plummer, 3,631.
Sheriff -JJ. V. Leatherwood, 1,810; John Il. Boyd, 2,437.
Assessor-L. M. Head, 339; J. B. Chorn, 765; W. M. Russell, 1,156.
Collector-Zeb Mobley, 1,440; A. F. John- son, 315; S. B. Killough, 732; T. II. Griffin, 1,721.
Treasurer-V. Gray, 2,200; C. L. Cleve- land, 1,517; John E. Odom, 123; M. S. Kahle, 364.
District Clerk-Phil. T. Allin, 1,883; A. J. Garrison, 602; P. P. Stringer, 1,754.
County Clerk-W. B. Bishop, 3,424; W. N. Elledge, 793.
Commissioners elected -- Precinct No. 1, N. L. Clardy; No. 2, S. P. Henderson; No. 3, William Jack; No. 4, J. W. Currier.
November 4, 1890: Governor -- James S. Ilogg, 3,616; Webster Flanagan, 81; E. C. Ileath, 62; Gustave Cook, 4.
State Senator -- M. M. Crane, 2,632; HI. W. Barelay, 1,014.
Congressman-Jo Abbott, 2,825; Isaac M. Darter, 67.
Representative to Legislature, 39th Dis- triet -- David Derden, 2,722; D. C. MeCain, 929; I. A. Patton, 18.
Representative to Legislature, 36th Dis- triet -- E. D. Renfro, 2,424; John II. Veateli, 1,324.
Distriet Clerk -John D. Kennard, 286; P. P. Stringer, 1,932; Phil. T. Allin, 1,586. County Judge-F. E. Adams, 2,323; G. W. Humphreys, 1,487.
105
AND HILL COUNTIES.
Sheriff -- W. M. Battle, 793; B. F. Davis, 730; 11. F. Long, 527; W. A. Stewart, 677; .1 | Rogers, 1,117.
County Attorney-11. C. Gardner, 821; C. V. Myers, 3,001.
County Clerk-W. B. Bishop, 3,703; J. S. Vaughn, 96.
Collector-Zeb Mobley, 1,039; T. II. Grif- tin, 1.185; J. W. Dalton, 887; T. G. Miller, 333.
Treasurer -V. Gray, 1,593; C. L. Cleve- lind, 2,052; J. E. Odom, 173.
Assessor -- W. M. Russell, 495; R. E. Cro- zier, 1,068; II. J. White, 18; L. M. Head, 515; I1. II. Estes, 780; W. E. Watts, 593; R. 11. Adair, 887; "Lon" (A. C.) Seurlock, 7.
Commissioners elected-Precinct No. 1, N. 1 .. Clardy; No. 2, S. P. Henderson; No. 3, William Jack; No. 4, N. F. Watts.
August 11, 1891, a vote was taken on four proposed amendments to the State Constitu- tion, and on a Legislative resolution, affirm- ing some and giving a majority against others.
By a glimpse at the foregoing table, under any given date, one can readily see who were the men in office at the time.
A REFLECTION.
Possibly this is as appropriate a place as any to insert a humorous burlesque of the manner in which some office-seekers push themselves forward into political prominence, in the form of an announcement of candidacy published a few years ago by a citizen of Johnson county, as follows: 7
" A Card to the Voters .- Feller Citizens: Shoved out by my numerous connections and a few friends, I am forced to announce myself a candidate for the Legislater. In doing this I want it understood that I don't want the oflis; nur I don't want the munny that's in it; nur I don't want the honor that is attached to it; but yew see I am out, an' I don't want to be left out,-that is, I don't want the oflis, but I don't to be wallupt either.
" Now, for my politicks: I am opposed to the new Constitution, and therefore accept the colonel's support. I am also in favor of dividin' up the counties an' increasin' offises until every man in the State can git at least one oflis; an' therefore I'll git the support of all the candidates and all the aspirants; an' this would elect anybody. Therefore yew see the hope what is in me; an' considerin' fur- ther that as I am actually pusht out not by my own consent but by my connections an' friends, I think I am the man for the ofliis. " Yewrs in the one hope,
LONG HUNGRY. "Crooked Creek, Texas."
THE BAR.
The courts of Texas, when Johnson county was created, consisted of the supreme court, the district court, the county court, and inferior or justices' courts. The several or- ganized counties of the Stato were subdivided into judicial districts, provision being made for the election of a district judge and dis- triet attorney by the voters of each district. The judge, attended by the district attorney, was required to hold a district court in each
106
HISTORY OF JOHNSON
county semi-annually, at a time and with jurisdiction defined by the law. The county court consisted of a chief justice, with juris- diction over all matters of probate, and four county commissioners, who with the chief justice had jurisdiction over all county mat- ters. They, together with a sheriff, district clerk and county elerk, were county officers elected by the people. Each county was subdivided also into justices' precincts, each precinct having authority to elect a justice of the peace and constable, with limited juris- diction.
It is impossible for us to give an exact chronologieal list of the lawyers practicing in Johnson county, but have succeeded in com- piling a list almost complete, with a few reminiscences concerning most of them.
Before the war Silas Carpenter, one of the earliest practitioners of law in Johnson county and a very generous man, made a good record here, when he finally entered the army, was Second Lieutenant in Parsons' Regiment, Twelfth Texas Cavalry, and contracted con- sumption and died before the war closed.
Sammel Goodloe was also a lawyer in this county during its earliest period.
Captain William J. Neal, an early lawyer of- this county, who had the respect of the pro- fession, also entered the army, becoming cap- tain of the first company (Company C, Twelfth Texas Cavalry) ever organized in Johnson county, and was killed in the first engagement, which was at Cotton Plant, Arkansas.
George M. Pierce, the first county sur- veyor, afterward practiced law, and finally lost his life, also in that " cruel war."
John W. Berry, a partner of Amzi Brad- shaw, practiced at Buchanan when that place was the county seat. He died on the Brazos, and was buried at Buchanan, leaving a wife and five children. He was a good lawyer, having fully half the cases in court there, although he had an impediment in his speech, and was excitable in temper.
Lewis E. Trezevant was a good practitioner of law before the war, and even brilliant; he is now practicing at Galveston.
M. M. Clark, who was here in 1874 and other years about that period, is now engage ! in farming and stock-raising near Abilene, Texas. Ile had been a Confederate soldier when a boy, was wounded, and is still a erip- ple. Ilis practice here was never extensive: indeed, he was too much devoted to commer, cial affairs. " Mack," as he was familiarly called, was a marked character: was bright, sensible and well educated, fervently devoted to his friends, and as bitter against his enemies. Was once mayor of Cleburne and clerk of the House of Representatives.
Captain W. Shropshire, a lawyer here in 1874, etc., was a captain during the war be- tween the States, serving in the First Texas Regiment, under General Lee in Virginia; was brave and daring. At the battle of Sharpsburg he received a dangerous wound in his left shoulder, which crippled him for life. "Wink " practiced law here in Cle- burne several years, between 1870 and 1880, iving east of town. Ile was a Methodist in his religious views and died October 1, 1885, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, leaving a wife and six children.
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A. V. Shropshire practiced here for some time, moved West, and is now deceased.
George F. Wooten, a young Georgian, came to the county in 1873, but in a few months returned to Cottersville, in his native State, where he married, and is doing well.
Jack Davis, a character, was in practice here a number of years during the '70s, in partnership with M. A. Oatis for a while, and i- How in San Jacinto county, Texas, probably retired. lle was of Irish descent, a son of James Davis, of early Texas fame, was well educated, impulsive, generous, but not studi- ons of the law, although he was a successful advocate and had every element of an orator. Within the last few years he has joined the church, and is said to be a devoted Christian. lle was very fond of politics, a fervent Deme- erat, but nt one time astonished all his friends by joining a third party and running for Congress against Charles Stewart.
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