A twentieth century history and biographical record of north and west Texas, Volume II, Part 133

Author: Paddock, B. B. (Buckley B.), 1844-1922; Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago, New York, The Lewis publishing co.
Number of Pages: 972

USA > Texas > A twentieth century history and biographical record of north and west Texas, Volume II > Part 133

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Mr. Johnson, like his father, is a Democrat and was elected county commissioner in 1898: and was re-elected in 1900. These years the board had its hands financially tied and de- voted itself to the paying off of county war- rants issued for two iron bridges that lie in the Brazos river and the two now spanning the river.

ISAAC MABRY, a veteran of the Confeder- ate army and an agriculturist of Montague county, was born in Pantatoe parish, Missis- sippi, November 26, 1843, his parents being Al- ford and Elizabeth (Fern) Mabry. They were natives of South Carolina, while the paternal grandfather, Daniel Mabry, was a native of Vir- ginia and of English descent. He followed farming as a life work and died in South Caro- lina. He had but two children, of whom Isaac, the elder, died in South Carolina.

Alford Mabry, who was born and reared in that state, removed to Mississippi soon after his marriage and was successfully engaged in farming there until 1858, when he sold his prop- erty and became a resident of Titus county, Texas, where he bought land and improved a farm, making his home thereon until 1866, when he again sold out and became a resident of Den- ton county, Texas. There he developed another farm upon which he lived until 1876, when his wife died and he sold the property. Soon after- ward he came to Montague county and made his home with his sons. While on a visit to a son in the Indian Territory he passed away in 1891, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. He was a democrat politically, and religiously was connected with the Cumberland Presby- terian church. His wife, who was also a native of South Carolina and represented an honored family of that state, died at the home of her son Isaac, in Montague county in 1875, in the faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, of which she, too, was a devoted member. Their children were: William M., who died at Tyler, Texas, while serving in the Confederate army; Thomas, whose death occurred at Tyler under similar circumstances; Mrs. Frances Franklin, whose husband died in the Confeder- ate army, after which she became Mrs. Hare Daniel, who was a soldier and is now in Cali- fornia; Isaac; Sim, who served in the army and. is now in the Indian Territory; Mrs. Nancy Burns; and Robert Lee.

Isaac Mabry was born in Mississippi and came with his parents to Texas in 1858. He remained under the parental roof until 1861,

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HISTORY OF NORTH AND WEST TEXAS.

when his patriotic spirit was aroused in behalf of the Confederacy and he joined Company A of Hubbard's regiment, the Twenty-second Texas Infantry. This command was attached to the Trans-Mississippi Department and he was on active service in the Indian Territory, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. Among the more important engagements in which he par- ticipated were those of Mansfield, Pleasant Hill and Jenkins Ferry. He was never woundcd nor made prisoner, but he saw hard service and underwent the deprivations and exposures that are meted out to a soldier. The command was at Hempstead, Texas, at the time of Lee's sur- render and the troops were given a regular parole and disbanded, returning home.

Mr. Mabry then resumed farming in connec- tion with his brother. They rented land and for a time kept bachelor's hall, but later the brother married and Isaac Mabry made his home with him until 1871, when he, too, mar- ried and began farming on the father's home- stcad, where he lived for three years. In 1874 he removed to Montague county and pre- empted one hundred and sixty acres of land, where he yet resides. He has continued the work of improvements and cultivation here and has added to the original purchase until he now has two hundred and thirty acres. He found a sparsely settled country when he located here, in which game was plentiful and in which there were many wild beasts. He would work hard all weck and on Saturday would hunt in order to kill game upon which to live on the following week. Most of the settlers were in limited financial circumstances and each had to depend upon his own resources. There were hardships and privations to be borne, but after a few ycars Mr. Mabry had his farm under cultivation and now has one hundred and thirty acres which annually yields to him good crops.

Mr. Mabry was married to Miss Martha Jones, who was born in Mississippi in 1852, a daughter of Lorenzo Jones, of that state, who was a carpenter and farmer. At an early day he removed to Texas, settling in Cooke county and subsequently in Denton county, where he improved a homestead, spending his remaining days thereon. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity. In his family were six children: Martha, now Mrs. Mabry; Seburn; Ira; Mrs Melissa Patterson; Betty; and Thomas F.

Mr. and Mrs. Mabry have one daughter, Maudie E., who was born in 1891. They also rcared an orphan girl, Ora Jones, whom they

took into their home at the age of eight months and who is now the wife of M. E. Rogers, a farmer and stock man of the Indian Territory. She has two sons who regard Mr. and Mrs. Mabry as their grandparents and there has al- ways been much mutual love and affection be- tween Mrs. Rogers and her foster parents. In politics Mr. Mabry is a stanch democrat, but without aspiration for office. In his business affairs he has prospered because he lias been persevering, determined and honorable, and as the architect of his own fortunes has builded wisely and well.

C. W. STOUT, who saw active military ser- vice with the Confederate army and who in his farming and stock raising interests in Mon- tague county has demonstrated his superior business ability and energy, was born in Hardin county, Tennessee, June 18, 1845, and of that state his parents, Andy and Elizabeth (Hitch- cock) Stout, were also natives. In the paternal line, however, he comes of Irish lineage, for his grandfather, Robert Stout, was born on the Em- erald Isle. In early life, however, he became a resident of Tennessee and was there married and reared his family. He became widely and favorably known in his home locality as a suc- cessful agriculturist and one who contributed materially and helpfully to the pioneer develop- inent of the state. He was a devoted member of the Methodist church and in that faith reared his children. He had five sons and five daugh- ters: Andy; Robert; Isaiah; Alexander; John, who was a Confederate soldier; Nancy, Millie ; Jane; Ebba; and Polly.

Andy Stout spent his entire life in Tennessee and was a prominent and prosperous farmer up to the time of the Civil war. He believed in the policy of states rights and opposed secession, but after the state had determined upon that course he remained loyal to the south and used his influence for the upbuilding of the Confed- eracy. His life was many times threatened be- cause of his views and he had to spend much time away from home because of this. His farm was in the path of the contending armies and both foraged off his place, so that when the war was ended he had nothing left but the land and the buildings. When hostilities had ceased he returned to his home and soon placed the farnı in good condition again, continuing its further development and improvement up to the time of his death in 1882. He held membership in the Methodist church and was a devoted

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HISTORY OF NORTH AND WEST TEXAS.

Christian gentleman, taking a helpful interest in the various church activities, assisting the poor and needy and exercising charitable opin- ions of all with whom he came in contact. He voted with the democracy and served as justice of the peace. His wife, who died in 1869, was a daughter of Isaac Hitchcock, of Virginia, who became one of the pioneer settlers of Tennessee and assisted materially in its development along material, intellectual, political and moral lines. He belonged to the Methodist church and died in that faith at an advanced age. His children were Mrs. Elizabeth Stout, Polly, Emily,'John, Daniel, Jane and Jorsey.

Mr. and Mrs. Andy Stout had a family of eight children: Robert K., who served in the war; Isaac, who was killed in battle; Jane, the wife of

On coming to Texas, Mr. Stout began farm- ing and remained upon his original place for nine years, after which he sold that property and came to Montague county, locating near R. Shaw ; John, also a Confederate soldier ; Mrs. . Illinois Bend, where he rented a farm for six Sarah Condrum; Isaiah, who was killed in the army; Mrs. Nancy McDonald; and Charles W. Five of the brothers were defenders of the south in the Civil war.

Charles W. Stout spent his youth in Tennes- see, remaining with his parents until 1862, when the cause of the Confederacy enlisted his sym- pathy and aid and he joined Company A of the Twenty-first Tennessee Cavalry under com- mand of Colonel Bell. The regiment was assigned to General Buford's division of Gen- eral Forrest's command, in which he remained until after the battle of Franklin, where he sus- tained a bullet wound in the left leg. He was thus unfit for active service and soon afterward was granted a leave of absence. He was at Tuscumbia, Alabama, at the time of General Lee's surrender and afterward went to East- port, where he was granted a parole and re- turned home. Before wounded he was always on duty, being often in the thickest of the fight, and he took part in various skirmishes and a number of important battles. He was very brave and loyal and faltered in performing no duty that was assigned him. When he returned home he found the country infested with bush- whackers - a criminal class of southern men who did little but robbing and stealing under the guise of military service. In 1866 Mr. Stout removed from Tennessee to Texas, set- tling in Rusk county.

In the same year Mr. Stout was married in Tennessee to Mrs. Lavina Higginbotham, the widow of John Higginbotham, who at his death left three children, whom Mr. Stout brought to Texas and here reared. They were : Alton ; Dora, the deceased wife of J. J. Berry, of Nocona; and

B. W., a prominent stock farmer. Mrs. Stout was a daughter of Washington Smith, a native of Tennessee and a Texas pioneer of 1847, who located in Rusk county, where he followed farm- ing until his death. He enlisted for service in the war of 1812, but before reaching the front hostilities had ceased. His children were: John, Marion and Lyab, who were Confederate sol- diers; Lavinia, now Mrs. Stout; Mrs. Cinderella Heath; Mrs. Adeline Williams; Monroe, a sol- dier of the southern army; and Houston, who died in early manhood. The parents were mem- bers of the Christian church.

years. He then purchased the farm whereon he now resides. He found poor improvements here, but he has continued in the work of fur- ther development until the place bears little re- semblance to the tract of which he took posses- sion. He has erected a pleasant residence in modern style of architecture, has built outbuild- ings for the shelter of grain and stock and has planted an orchard which yields its fruits in season. To this original one hundred and sixty acres he added eighty acres, and in addition to the cultivation of the soil he has given consid- erable attention to handling stock. He has placed ninety-five acres under the plow, while the remainder is devoted to pasturage. His efforts have been attended with a gratifying measure of success and though he has not been without the difficulties that one always encount- ers in a business career he has overcome his obstacles by persistent and energetic effort and is now meeting with the prosperity that always rewards indefatigable and honorable labor.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Stout has been blessed with two children: Raymond, now liv- ing in the Indian Territory; and Lee, of Fort Worth. The parents are members of the Meth- odist church and take an active part in its work. They have witnessed the greater part of the de- velopment and progress of this county, but had no difficulty with the Indians, who had recently left the locality at the time of their arrival. At that date Sherman was the principal market, for none of the nearer towns and villages had at that time sprung up. Great changes have occurred as the years have passed by and Mr. Stout has ever been the champion of public progress and development.

664

HISTORY OF NORTH AND WEST TEXAS.

JUDGE JACOB J. LORY is now a retired cattleman of Wichita Falls, and during the years of his active career was extensively iden- tified with the live-stock industry in North Texas, beginning at a time when the country was in the rough and participating in the pion- eer development and upbuilding of an immense and fertile territory. In fact, Judge Lory has nearly always lived and carried on his chief work in comparatively new centers of civiliza- tion and has thus been among those who pre- pare wild countries for the age of enlighten- ment and progress which follows the path- finders.

Mr. Lory was born in Cornwall, England, in January, 1839, being a son of Richard and Nan- cy (Jose) Lory. Both his parents were natives of Cornwall, and in 1859 came to the United States and located with their family on a farm in Grant county, Wisconsin. His father farmed there during the remainder of his active career, and finally retired and lived in ease until his death, in 1900, aged eighty-six years. His wife also passed away at the old home in Wis- consin, aged sixty-five years.

Mr. Jacob J. Lory was a boy of ten years when he crossed the Atlantic to the scene of his future activity, and the greater part of his education was obtained in the schools at Platte- ville, Wisconsin. His earliest years were passed on a farm, and he learned agricultural pursuits as a part of his business training. He remained on his father's farm until he was twenty-six years old, and for three years of that time was engaged in farming for himself. He then moved over into northwestern Iowa and located at the town of Pomeroy in Calhoun county. This was then a new town, and he was one of its first citizens. He built the first store building there and established a mercan- tile business. When he settled there the rail- road had not reached the place, but during his eight years' connection with the village quite a center grew grew up and he was prominently identified with its activity and progress. It was due to ill health that he left this Iowa home, and he and his wife came to northern Texas, living for the first year in Gainesville, Cooke county. Cooke county is now one of the thickly populated parts of the state, but when he came some twenty-seven years ago, the in- habitants were few and the land was largely un- fenced range, fit especially for the grazing of cattle and sheep. Mr. Lory started a sheep ranch two miles from St. Jo, in the northwest- ern part of the county. In 1879 he moved into Archer county and bought a larger ranch, on

which he continued the sheep industry. Sheep- raising continued as his chief work until 1891, at which time he turned his attention to the raising of cattle, and from that time until his re- tirement he was one of the successful cattle- men of Archer county. He engaged in the industry on an extensive scale, and he was well fixed financially when he gave up active work. In November, 1898, he left his ranch and moved to Wichita Falls, where he has made his resi- dence ever since. He has an attractive and comfortable home in this city, and spends con- siderable of his time in cultivating a pretty garden of fine fruit trees, flowers and vegeta- bles. He is now living alone, for his home was deprived of his wife and companion on June 20, 1902, at the age of fifty-three years. Her maiden name was Miss Susan Troon, and she was also a native of England.

Judge Lory is a Republican, but while living in the Democratic county of Archer, in spite of his private political views, he was elected to the office of county commissioner and served as such for two terms. In Wichita Falls, where he is looked upon as a most valuable citizen, he is a member of the city council. He is the own- er of valuable business property in this city, and his concentration of energy during his ear- ly years and his excellent business control have left his later years in the high tide of prosperity. He is honored and respected for his personal opinions, and his integrity and sterling citizen- ship are in constant evidence.

JAMES M. ABLE, who came to the north- western part of Cooke county during the period of its pioneer development and who has wit- nessed the wonderful changes and progress in the Red River valley, is now a most extensive farmer and land owner in this part of the state and is equally well known as a stockman. The strong characteristics of his business career are such as might be profitably followed by anyone, for he has placed his dependence upon close application, untiring diligence and careful man- agement.

A native of Tennessee, Mr. Able was born in Monroe county, March 2, 1830, his parents be- ing James and Jane (Morrison) Able, who were likewise natives of that state and were married there. Subsequently they removed to Calhoun county, Alabama, and settled upon.a farm which continued to be their place of residence until they were called to their final rest.

The paternal grandparents, Moses and Nancy Able, were natives of Ireland and were married

MR. AND MRS. JACOB J. LORY

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HISTORY OF NORTH AND WEST TEXAS.

in that country, but soon afterward crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling in Ten- nessee, which was then a territory. The grand- father acquired land there and opened up a farm, remaining thereon for a number of years, after which he sold the property and went to Randolph county, Alabama, where he developed another farm, making it his home throughout his remaining days. His wife also died upon that place. He became a loyal American citi- zen and served his country as a soldier in the Mexican war, and he was well known as a pio- neer farmer of both Tennessee and Alabama, his labors contributing to the general progress of the localities in which he lived. His children were Moses, Joseph, John, Thomas and James. All of the sons served in the Mexican war, Thomas with the rank of lieutenant colonel, while James was captain of his company.

James Able, father of our subject, was largely reared in Tennessee and after his marriage be- gan farming in that state, but subsequently dis- posed of his property there and took up his abode in Calhoun county, Alabama, where he purchased land and carried on general farming until his labors were ended in death. As before indi- cated, he was a soldier of the Mexican war and as captain of a company led his men in gallant charges and inspired them by his own bravery on the field of battle. His political allegiance was given to the democracy. He had been pro- vided with excellent educational privileges and was a gentleman of strong purpose, splendid ability and of high principles. He died on the old homestead at the age of sixty years and his widow afterward kept their children together until they were grown and able to care for them- selves. She was married a second time, becom- ing the wife of Mr. Leather, by whom she had one child, Caledonia. Mrs. Leather was a daughter of the Rev. William Morrison, a min- ister of the Primitive Baptist church and a prominent farmer, who served through the war of the Revolution and became a loyal citizen of the new republic. He settled in the southeast- ern part of the country after the war was ended and subsequently removed to Tennessee, where most of his children were born and reared. Later he sold his property there and went to Randolph county, Alabama, where he spent his remaining days. Both he and his wife died at an advanced age. Their children were: Major and William, who were soldiers of the Mexican war; John; Squire; Mrs. Catherine Morrison; Mrs. Jane Able; and one whose name is forgot- ten. All were members of the Baptist church.

In the family of James and Jane Able there were fifteen children, as follows: Mrs. Nancy Burson; William, of Alabama; Joe, who died in Arkansas as the result of a wound sustained in the army; John, who died in Hunt county, Tex- as; James M., of this review; Frank, who died in Alabama; Moses, who was killed; Thomas, who laid down his life for the south while serv- ing in the Confederate Army; Doc, of the Indi- an Territory; Mrs. Mary Helms; Mrs. Jane Reeves; Mrs. Sarah Williamson; Mrs. Caroline Kinsey; Mrs. Melvina Cristofer; and Mrs. Susan Branneman. All of the eight sons served in the Confederate Army and five uncles of the family served through the Mexican war, so that the family record is a splendid one for military bravery.

James M. Able was a little lad of four years when his parents removed from Tennessee to Alabama, in which state he was reared. After his father's death he assisted his widowed moth- er in the improvement of the home farm until sixteen years of age, when his mother married again. He then left home and started out in life on his own account, since which time he has been dependent entirely upon his own resources. He made his way to Mississippi, where he en- tered the employ of a planter as a farm hand, but soon his ability and worth gained recogni- tion and he was made manager and was offered the position of overseer. He then took charge of the farm and hands and successfully con- trolled the farm work, making it a source of good profit to his employer. Later a neighbor- ing planter noticed his progress and capability and offered him a better salary, but he refused to accept this and when the planter in whose service he was engaged heard of the neighbor's offer he asked Mr. Able if he was going to leave. On being answered in the negative he therefore raised Mr. Able's salary above what the neigh- bor had offered, so that he was receiving very remunerative wages. He continued in that em- ploy for four years when impaired health caused him to return home. He surprised his mother and friends, as they had not heard from him dur- ing those years and thought him dead. After recovering his health he remained at home for a time and later engaged in freighting to some extent. He afterward married and then served as overseer on a plantation for a year, subse- quent to which time he purchased a farm, con- tinuing its cultivation up to the time of the inauguration of the Civil war.

It was in 1856 that Mr. Able was joined in wedlock to Miss Elmina Hodges, who was born

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HISTORY OF NORTH AND WEST TEXAS.

in South Carolina, January 9, 1837, and who . foraging of the two armies, there being little has proved to him a devoted helpmate and left but the land, two cows and two colts. He had no capital and no farm implements to work with, but he began with determined purpose to bring his farm to a high state of cultivation. He did some trading and in this way made a little money. He continued to reside at the old homestead until 1870, when he sold his prop- erty there and came to Texas. companion on life's journey. Her parents were Thompson and Mahala (Hill) Hodges, both of whom were natives of South Carolina, where they were married, removing thence to Ala- bama. In early manhood Mr. Hodges engaged in teaching school, but later became a success- ful farmer and slave owner, conducting his busi- ness interests in profitable manner. He also owned and operated a cotton gin and thresher. Following the death of his first wife he marricd again and he and his second wife also died in Alabama. He was a consistent member of the Baptist church. The children of his first mar- riage were: Mary, who became Mrs. Madison and after losing her first husband became Mrs. Ward; Mrs. Nancy Poser; Harrison, a Baptist minister; Mrs. Emeline Hodges; Amanda, the wifc of M. Thomas; Margaret, the wife of A. Thomas; Mrs. Hazelton Wood; Mrs. Frances Dickey; and Elmina, now Mrs. Able. Of this number Emeline, Mary and Elmina arc all who came to Texas.

Following his marriage Mr. Able continued farming until 1861, when he enlisted in the First Alabama Cavalry under Colonel Blakey, the regiment being attached to the Army of the Tennessee, with which he did much scouting, skirmishing and fighting and was also on picket duty. He took part in the battle of Missionary Ridge and in most of the important engage- ments of central Tennessee under General Jos- eph Wheeler and General Forrest. He was a faithful soldier, always found at his post of duty and the usual experiences of military life were his, but though he was always on active duty he was never wounded. He was taken prisoner, however, at Sevierville, Tennessee, and sent to Rockford, Ohio, where he eagerly watched for an opportunity to make his escape. At length he embraced the chance to pass the guards, found somc Confederate friends who obtained for him a blue uniform and thus attired he made his way, without suspicion, on the railroad train to the south, arriving at length at London, Ten- nessee. From that point he traveled to his home on foot through the woods and after vis- iting for a short time with his wife, he rejoined his command. He has never been exchanged. He continued with the regiment until the close of the war, being at Dalton, Georgia, at the time of General Lee's surrender, when the command disbanded and he returned home, so that he has never yct surrendered nor been paroled. He found his farm in bad condition owing to the

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A twentieth century history and biographical record of north and west Texas, Volume II, Part 133

Author: Paddock, B. B. (Buckley B.), 1844-1922; Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Chicago, New York, The Lewis publishing co. Number of Pages: 972

Author: Paddock, B. B. (Buckley B.), 1844-1922; Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago, New York, The Lewis publishing co.
Number of Pages: 972