A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 91

Author:
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 954

USA > Texas > Henderson County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 91
USA > Texas > Freestone County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 91
USA > Texas > Leon County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 91
USA > Texas > Anderson County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 91
USA > Texas > Limestone County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 91
USA > Texas > Navarro County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 91

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).

He was married January 12, 1859, to Eudora F. Sharp, a daughter of Spencer Sharp, and sister of Z. T. Sharp, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Our subject and wife have a family of eight children: Helen, wife of Samuel Foster, of Groesbeck, Texas; Eliza, wife of Jesse Wiley of Dallas; Charles T., John E., David, Walter, Lulu and Samuel. Mr. Bates has been a Mason abont fifteen years. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, although his parents were Cumberland Presbyterians.

ONES F. PIPKIN .- The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, is one of the leading farmers of his vicinity, and his family is entirely American, as far

as any trace can be discovered. He is the son of Kinion Pipkin, who was born in North Carolina. He was a farmer by oc- cupation, and died in Tennessee, where he had made his home for many years. His wife was Kreasay Cogdell, native of North Carolina, from which State she removed to Tennessee, and died there in 1866. She was the daughter of Daniel and Branch Cog- dell, natives of North Carolina, who also removed to Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Pipkin were married in 1831, and had eleven chil- dren, all of whom arestill living, except one, namely: Annie, wife of Ben Sherod, de- ceased, mason and brick layer; Jane mar- ried William Muns,a farmer in Mississippi; Penny married Ross Williams, deceased, by whom she had five children : second mar- riage was to Mr. Suggs, farmer; subject; Nancy married Rob. Price, farmer of Ar- kansas; Andrew J. in Arkansas, farmer; Matilda married James Blasengim; Ma- randa married Christopher Myers, a farmer; and Sarah married John Laden, a farmer, of Arkansas.

Our subject was born in 1836, in Mis- sissippi, coming thence to Tennessee, with his parents, while yet young. Here he remained until the out-breaking of the Civil war, when he enlisted in the Con- federate army, in Company A, Twenty- second Tennessee Cavalry, under Captain Wisdom. After the close of the war he returned home and engaged in farming, in Tennessee and Mississippi for some time. He then came to Texas and rented land several years, and then bought seventy- eight acres of land, paying for it in six months' time. This farm was about two and one-half miles south of his present

728

HISTORY OF NAVARRO, HENDERSON, ANDERSON,

home, on which he located in 1887. Mr. Pipkin and Matilda Calfee were married in Tennessee in 1860. Mrs. Pipkin died in 1864, leaving one child, and Mr. Pipkin was married for the second time to Miss Lizzie Polk, in 1871. She was a native of Mississippi, who removed to Tennessee, danghter of E. D. and Clorinda (Lawson) Polk, distant relatives of James K. Polk. By this marriage he has no children. His daughter, by first marriage, Martha Ann, is now the wife of C. A. Hamilton. Our subject began life for himself without any as- sistance from any one: he has accumulated his entire property, himself. He has some town property and unlimited credit. He is a Democrat in politics. He and his wife are respected throughout the entire com- munity. He bids fair to live many years yet as a useful citizen in the county in which he now resides.

HEOPHILUS S. DANIEL, a suc- cessful business man of Navarro county, is a son of Josiah Daniel, who was born in Georgia in 1818. In 1825 he moved with his parents to Ala- bama, and in 1855 he came to Texas, locat- ing within three miles of Kerens. In 1870 he bought and improved a farm near Wadeville, and was also interested in a store in that city. His death occurred there in 1879. He was a farmer by occu- pation, and while in Alabama also served as County Surveyor; was a Democrat in his political views; and was a man well informed on the general questions of the day. Our subject's mother, formerly

Martha Smith, was born in Alabama, and died in 1862. Her father, Robert Smith, was a soldier in the war of 1812. The Smith family were of Irish descent. Three brothers of the Daniel family came to America in colonial times, and two located in Virginia and the other remained in New England. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel were married in Alabama, in 1842, and were the parents of six children, namely: Wile- by, deceased, was a soldier in the Confed- erate army, in Bradley's Company; The. ophilns, our subject; Cuba, deceased; Ella, wife of C. K. Melear, a cotton-buyer of Dublin, Texas; R. H., in company with his brother, T. S .; and Ola, wife of H. W. Kims, of Navarro county. Mr. Dan- iel was married a second time in 1865, to Mrs. Lucy (Sample) Smith, and they had one child, Lnla, wife of R. H. Malear, of Navarro county. Mrs. Daniel died in 1868.

Theophilus S., our subject, was born in Alabama, in 1851, and in 1855 came witlı his parents to Texas. He remained at home until 1868, then attended a military school ten months, in 1870 was employed as clerk in a store at Wadeville, two years later became a partner with his father, and after the latter's death had entire charge of the store until 1881. In that year lie sold the stock and came to Kerens, where he has since followed the same occupation, in connection with his agricultural interests. Mr. Daniel began life for himself at the age of nineteen years with no assistance, but has since inherited $1,000, owns 600 acres of land, with 400 acres cultivated, lias a large drove of Jersey cattle and mules, and carries a $7,000 stock of goods.

729

LIMESTONE, FREESTONE AND LEON COUNTIES.

He has a beautiful residence, worth $3,000, two business buildings, and other city property.

Mr. Daniel was married in 1868, to Miss Lelia Wesner, who was born in Ten- nessee, a danghter of Marlin and Orlena (Sawyer) Wesner, natives also of Tennes- see. Mrs. Daniel came to Texas in com- pany with her mother and stepfather, J. H. Southworth, of Corsicana. Four chil- dren have been born to this union: Josiah, Orlena, Clyde and Theophilus. Our sub- ject is a Democrat in his political views; is a Royal Arch Mason, a member of Cor- sicana Chapter, and his wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

R. RICHARD J. MAYS, a promi. nent practitioner of Navarro county, is a son of Zeno Mays, who was born in Kentucky in 1812. He remained in that State until 1870, and in that year moved to Missouri, where he died in 1872. Up to 1850 he had been engaged in agri- cultural pursuits, but during the latter part of his active life he followed mercan- tile business. In all his undertakings he was quite successful. Our subject's mother, nee Nannie Marshall, was a daughter of John and Rebecca (Brent) Marshall, na- tives of Virginia and South Carolina. She was born and reared in Kentucky and died in her native State in 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Mays were the parents of seven children, viz .: James T., a farmer of Boone county, Missouri; John W., deceased was a farmer of Navarro connty; Joseph, who died at Nashville in the Confederate service; Em-

ily and Elizabeth, deceased; Richard J., our subject; and Samnel M., who resides near St. Joseph, Missouri.

Richard J. Mays was under home rule nineteen years, and during that time took a course at St. Mary's, Kentucky, where he graduated in 1865. He then tanght school at Beach Grove one year, began the study of medicine under Drs. Jett & Marshall. in 1869 began a course of lectures at the Louisville Medical College, at Louisville, gradnated in 1871, practiced one year at Corsicana, then at Wadeville, next at Kerens, where he is still engaged in a snc- cessful practice. Mr. Mays was compelled to depend upon himself after completing his literary education. After meeting the expenses of his medical course, and de- fraying his journey to Texas, he was mon- eyless, but readily found a friend who re- lieved his embarassment by lending him $5. The Doctor is now the owner of a nice home, a good farm, and has a prac- tice which pays him about $2,000 annually.

In 1876 our subject was united in mar- riage with Miss Addie Lee Root, a native of Texas, and a daughter of Colonel E. H. (deceased) and Caroline Root. Mr. and Mrs. Mays have three children: Eula, Ar- thur and Roland. Mr. Mays votes with the Democratic party, is a Master Mason, and both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.

ANDY K. . STROUD, a representa- tive farmer of Groesbeck, Lime- stone county, Texas, is the subject of this notice. He was the son of Napo-

730

HISTORY OF NAVARRO, HENDERSON, ANDERSON,

leon Strond, deceased, who was born in Alabama, and who came from there to Texas in 1838. He first located in Rob- ertson county, and then made his way to Falls, but later moved to Limestone, think- ing the advantages better. Here he lived until his death in 1857. He had been a man well-known, and was a Master Mason in the Masonic fraternity.

The mother of our subject was Lizzie (Key) Stroud, a native of Alabama, who died in 1852. The parents of Mr. Stroud were married in 1847, and had a family of three children, as follows: two little ones who died in infancy and our subject. The latter was born in Limestone county, and was but two years of age when his mother died, and seven years old when his father died. He then made his home with his aunt, Mary Owen, of Freestone county, where he remained until he was thirteen years of age. At this time his uncle, Lo- gan A., took him to his home and there he remained until 1874, when he married and located on the old farm which he inherited from his parents, and here he engaged in farming and stock-raising. In this he has been extensively engaged ever since.

Ogr subject was thrown upon his own resources when he was twenty-one years of age, and now possesses 3,000 acres of land, 180 under cultivation, 400 head of cattle and fifty horses, and also has town prop- erty. Also he is a stockholder in the Groesbeck National Bank, in which he is also one of the directors.

In 1874 Mr. Stroud was married to Miss Amanda Sanders, daughter of J. M. San- ders, and onr subject and wife are parents of six children, namely: Napoleon B.,

James K., Samuel, Lizzie, Tandy B. and Cull. Napoleon B. and Samuel are de- ceased.

Mr. Stroud is a Democrat of the Jeffer- sonian type and is also a Master Mason and a Knight of Honor. He and his ex- cellent wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Sonth, much esteemed. He is a substantial, progressive citizen of this thriving place, and one whose influence has always been directed to the good of the community. Socially he stands high.

L. ANDERS, a prominent early set- tler, came to Texas in the spring of 1858 and settled on Trinity river, in Leon county, near the old town of Na- varro, which place is now all abandoned.

Our subject was born in North Caro- lina July 2, 1826, and was the son of Jolin and Ann (Cromatia) Anders, natives of North Carolina. He served as Lieutenant and commanded a company as Captain in the war of 1812, and also served on the committee of the poor-houses in North Carolina. His occupation through life was farming, and he carried his agricult- ural affairs along with the help of his many negroes. He died at the old home- stead in April, 1850, at the age of seventy- two years.

The mother of our subject was Ann Cromatia, a daughter of John Cromatia, a farmer of Scotch descent, but she died March 31, 1849, leaving a family of eight children, but only two of these are yet liv- ing, our subject and one sister now living

731

LIMESTONE, FREESTONE AND LEON COUNTIES.

in North Carolina. The paternal grand- father of our subject, John Anders, was of English extraction and served in the Rev- olutionary war, and had settled in North Carolina before the Revolution, in which he served as a Major.

Our subject was reared on the farm and lived under the parental roof until he came to Texas. In 1855 he made a visit to Texas and made some selections of land, and by correspondence he bought a tract of raw land, and in 1858 moved to it, and it was mostly timbered. He opened up a farm by hard labor and lived on the same farm until 1889, and then, on account of superior school facilities, he moved into Oakwood, where he is now nicely located. His first purchase was of 1,800 acres, and after this he bought another tract, making over 2,200 acres. He has also bought land for his children since, and has 350 acres under cultivation, with good build- ings, and has one of the best improved farms in the county. He rents his land and holds 722 acres in the old homestead. Before the war he was a slave-owner. He did not enter the service of the Confed- eracy, as his weak eyes exempted him from field service, but he was one of the Commissioners of the county and pro- vided for the poor. After the war he hired freedmen, and finally decided to rent his land, as he could not cultivate under the old conditions. He has always raised corn, oats, cotton and all the vegetables known to the locality, and has made his own supplies of lard and pork in quanti- ties which people from the other parts of the country wonder at when they enter a Southerner's kitchen.

Our subject has been twice married, the first one being to Miss Sarah E. Wooten, a daughter of Richard Wooten, of Colum- bus county, North Carolina, who was a Senator of his district and served in the Legislature. He was of a very enterpris- ing and spirited nature, was always fore- most in all the public affairs of the county, followed farming as his occupation, and was a leading member of the Baptist Church, and died in North Carolina. The children of this marriage numbered six, but two of these died in infancy, four grew up and three are yet living. Ann married three times; first, Dr. Poindexter ; second, Spain Dixon ; and third, P. Richard- son; and in 1884 her own death occurred; John W., a farmer of Leon county; Jenny married J. R. McBride, now a real-estate dealer in Velasco; and Carrie married, first, E. C. Shotwell, who afterward died, and she married T. N. Colbert, and now resides in Palestine, where he is a railroad engineer. Mrs. Anders died December 3, 1871. July 2, 1872, our subject married Miss Annie B. Richardson, a daughter of John Richardson, a native of North Caro- lina, who had come to Texas in 1867, set- tling in this county near Leona, where he died January 3, 1874. There he success- fully practiced medicine and left a family of seven children, all yet living.

Mr. and Mrs. Anders have reared a family of six children, two of whom are dead. Willie died at the age of fifteen montlis; Lillie B. died October 19, 1879, at the age of near fourteen years; Jessie L., Cora L., Walter L. and Nellie. The birth of Mrs. Anders was March 23, 1848. He served two terms as Justice of the

732

HISTORY OF NAVARRO, HENDERSON, ANDERSON,

Peace, four terms as County Commissioner and for many years he has been a Master Mason. Mr. and Mrs. Anders and three of the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and one son is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Originally our subject was a Whig, but since the war he has been a Democrat.

ILLIAM S. ROBERTS, one of the most honorable and highly respect- ed citizens of Limestone county, Texas, is a son of Charles Roberts, who was born in 1813, in Georgia; went thence to Texas with his uncle Charles in 1826; first settled in Sabine county, where he lived with his uncle for four years. In about 1830 he emigrated to Washington county, and there engaged in the stock business with Mr. Winters, which he con- tinued for six years. He then enlisted in the Mexican war under Houston, with Thomas J. Rusk Commander-in-Chief, and reached San Jacinto on the evening of the battle. Soon afterward he settled in Walker county, where he remained about six years, and while there he was engaged in farming and stock-dealing. He then removed to Leon county, where he continued in the same business; thence to Robertson county, where he remained about fifteen years, and thence to Limestone county, where he re- sides with his youngest son, Edward. He affiliates with the Democratic party, in which he has held the office of Justice of the Peace for a number of years. In 1867 he engaged in the ministry of the Meth-

odist Protestant Church, and was actively engaged in that work until 1888, when, from old age, lie was compelled to retire, but even yet, at the age of seventy-nine, he still preaches. He is the son of Will- iam and Frances (Clayton) Roberts, natives of Georgia. The family is of Irish descent. " The mother of our subject is Emily(Stanley) Roberts, a native of Missouri, who came thence to Little Rock, Arkansas, and from there to Washington county, Texas. She is the daughter of Willis and Betsy (Moore) Stanley, natives of Illinois. Our subject's parents were married in 1841, and twelve children were born to them, as follows: John, a farmer of Limestone county; our subject; Felix, of the Chickasaw Nation; Lemuel, deceased; Frances E., wife of James Bullard, a Baptist minister of Mon- tague county ; Louisa, wife of Ben. Thomp- soul, a farmer of Limestone connty ; Martha J. died in infancy ; and Charles and Calvin, both living in Limestone county; Ham- ilton, of the Chickasaw Nation; Edward, of Limestone county; Mary Ann, wife of J. Jones (deceased).

Our subject was born in 1845, in Walker county, where he resided until about five years old; thence to Leon county three years, and thence to Robertson county, where he remained nntil 1862, when he enlisted in Company D, commanded by Captain Wilson, in Ilubbard's regiment. He was soon discharged on account of sickness, but he returned and joined Ay- cock's company, which was soon afterward commanded by Captain J. T. Davis.

Mr. Roberts was on Galveston Island at the time of the surrender, and then re- turned to McLennan county, where he

733

LIMESTONE, FREESTONE AND LEON COUNTIES.

was employed in driving stock for three years, the first two years as an employe and the last as an interested party. In 186- he was married to Miss Mary Ann Alston, a native of Mississippi, and a daughter of Calvin and Martha (Winn) Alston, natives of Alabama. After mar- riage, Mr. Roberts settled in Leon county, where he rented two years, then bought a farm of 146 acres and resided there until 1880, when he removed to Thornton, Lime- stone county, where lie remained only a short time, and while there he was engaged in farming, and was interested in a mer- cantile business, which he continued about two years. In 1881 he bought and settled on the farm where he now lives.

In 1861 he started out for himself, with assistance from no one, and has received none since, but now has 460 acres, 200 under cultivation, enough stock to run a farm, and also has vendor lien notes.

To Mr. and Mrs. Roberts three children have been born: Thomas J., a student at Austin; William D. and Madison E., at home. Our subject affiliates with the Democratic party, and is holding the office of Justice of the Peace; is a Royal Arch Mason, and both he and his wife are inem- bers of the Methodist Protestant Church, in which he is a Deacon.

OHN C. BALDWIN, the subject of this sketch, was born in Ouachita county, Arkansas, April 18, 1855, a son of George W. and Eliza (Davis) Bald- win, he a native of Missouri and she of Tennessee. Early in life Mr. Baldwin en-

gaged in the mercantile business, later carried on farmning, and before the war was a large slave-owner. In 1863 he lost the sight of his eyes from neuralgia, and to save his slaves he removed to Texas. For about six years he was entirely blind, but finally received his sight back again. He bought and conducted farms, finally dying in Limestone county, on December 19, 1878. The mother of our subject was Eliza Davis, daughter of H. M. Davis.

Our subject is the youngest in a family of nine children, three of whom are yet living, viz .: John; M. E., who married B. Davis, a native Texan and a farmer of this county; and Aun, who married J. F. Buck, now at Abilene, Taylor county. The mother of Mr. Baldwin died November 23, 1876. Mr. Baldwin came to Texas with his parents when he was about eight years old, in 1863, and settled first in Leon county, remaining three years, then moved to Limestone county, and in 1869 returned to Leon and in 1871 came back again to Limestone, where he lived until he reached inan's estate, or until nineteen years of age.

Soon after beginning life for himself our subject bought a small farm, after mar- riage, in 1874, and remained upon that until in 1880, when he removed to Mexia, where he clerked for a year and a half, tlien engaged in the general mercantile business on his own account. This he conducted for about three years, but as it did not succeed well he again went back to clerking, and so continued until 1888, when he came to where he now lives. He has control of 200 acres of land, fine prai- rie, of which he has 155 acres under culti- vation; a good, commodious house and

734

HISTORY OF NAVARRO, HENDERSON, ANDERSON,

barn, which improvements he has made since coming to the place. He rents mostly, hires some help and does some cul- tivating himself. He raises cotton, corn, millet, etc., makes his home supplies, and always handles stock, buying and selling.

The marriage of Mr. Baldwin took place in 1874, with Miss Delila A. Wayland, daughter of James C. and Almarena (Pel- ton) Wayland, both from Arkansas, where they were married in 1848, moving to Texas the same year, settling in Walker county. After living there nine months, Mr. Way- land bought a tract of 100 acres of raw land, and with great difficulty improved a farm. He remained there until 1853, when he removed to Limestone county, first settling near Louisville. Later he re- moved to Lost Prairie, being the first set- tler on that prairie. He had managed to get a good start in cattle, horses and hogs, but he had contracted rheumatism badly and could get about only on a pony.

In this way Mr. Wayland made his way through the timber to cut logs for a cabin, and it was a long time before the cabin was built. They were obliged to about live out of doors, but his health improved, he bought land, made a farm and raised cattle. Being a natural mechanic, Mr. Wayland built a shop and there did any kind of carpenter work needed by his neighbors, and in this way obtained a start. All these years his wife, did more than a woman's part. She did all manner of work on the farm and off it, excepting the driv- ing of oxen. She spun and wove cloth, making all of the clothing for the family, and made possible the success which finally crowned their lives.

Later in life Mr. Wayland engaged in merchandising, handled cattle on a large scale, and was a thorough and enterprising man, and after twenty-nine years of life on Lost Prairie, was called from labor to re- freshment, dying January, 1875, at the age of forty-five years, leaving his wife and heirs a comfortable estate, to which she has now added until it is among the largest plantations in the country. Mrs. Wayland was a daughter of Isom and Saralı Pelton, both of whom came from Kentucky, mov- ing to Arkansas while it was yet a Terri- tory, in 1802. She was the sixth child born in a family of eight children, and was the only one who lived in Texas and the ouly one now living. Mr. and Mrs. Way- land had ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity, and six of these are yet living and are well settled. The fourth child and daughter married the subject of this sketch, John Baldwin, one of the most enterprising young business men of the county. One child, a son, George, was born August 23, 1875, and the birth of Mrs. Baldwin took place March 28, 1858.

Mr. Baldwin has served as Deputy Sheriff for many years, and when this was written he was the Democratic nominee for County Commissioner. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and belongs to the Knights of Honor. All of the family are members of the Methodist Church, and they enjoy the esteem af the whole community.

AJOR WILLIAM G. BLAIN, an extensive farmer of Freestone county, Texas, is a son of James H. Blain, who was born in 1808, in Albe-

735

AND LEON COUNTIES.

LIMESTONE, FREESTONE

marle county, Virginia. From this place he removed to near Nashville, Tennessee, when very young. After remaining here a short time he went to Sparta, where he was reared and educated, removing to Decatur, Alabama, when grown. Here he engaged in mercantile pursuits until his removal to Texas in 1852, when he located on the place now occupied by his son. Here he resided until his death in 1874. He was a Democrat in politics, and a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, being in every sense a good man. He was the son of John and Adelia (Rice) Blain, natives of Virginia. This family are descendants of two brothers who came from Ireland, one of whom settled in Albemarle county, Vir- ginia. Our subject's mother was Jane Harriet (Galespie) Blain, a native of east Tennessee, daughter of George and Anna (Nelson) Galespie. Mr. and Mrs. Blain were married in 1828, and were the par- ents of three children: subject of this sketch; Anna Delia, deceased, was the wife of T. J. Blackman; George A. was killed at the battle of Franklin, was Adjutant General of the Texas regiments.

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.

Author: Publication date: 1893 Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 954

Author:
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 954