USA > Texas > Eastland County > History of Eastland County, Texas > Part 7
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
of nearly seventeen hundred feet. It is lighted with electricity, has a good system of waterworks, a local and long distance telephone system, two newspapers, two wholesale grocery houses, two railroads, an oil mill, a compress, three drug stores, two gins, two mills, an ice plant, bottling works, steam laundry, a fire department, silver cornet band, one tailoring establishment, two banks, one exclusive shoe store, one jewelry store, three hotels, seven dry goods houses, two exclusive millinery establishments, ten groceries, four hardware, three res- taurants, three blacksmith shops, three wagon yards, two meat markets, a second-hand store, confectionery and chili shops.
The history of the business interests that follow, to- gether with the accompanying illustrations, fairly rep- resent the town as it is to-day, although one or two large concerns are not included. The following is al- most a complete list of the business firms :
The Cisco Oil Mill.
Burton-Lingo Lumber Company.
Aycock & Shipman, Marble Works.
Hotel Hartman, N. R. Wilson, Proprietor.
J. W. Hartman & Son, Grocers.
Merchants' and Farmers' Bank, W. C. Bedford, Cashier.
Seldomridge Bros., Tailors.
St. John & Moore, Drugs.
C. H. Fee & Company, Hardware and Implements.
Davis-Garner Company, Dry Goods.
Garner-Switzer, Groceries.
Mrs. J. D. Alexander, Millinery.
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
Citizens'. National Bank, A. H. Johnson, Cashier.
Hall & Taylor, General Merchandise.
G. B. Kelley & Co., Dry Goods.
J. J. Martin & Co., Drugs.
E. M. Brown, Exclusive Shoe Dealer.
George D. Fee & Company, Dry Goods and Gro- ceries.
Lizenbee & Littlepage, New and Second-Hand Goods.
S. O. Love, Blacksmith and General Repair Work.
T. J. Clark, Chili Stand.
C. H. Kinsey, Staple and Fancy Groceries.
J. H. Erwin, Hardware, Implements and Machinery. W. L. Williams, Confectioner.
T. J. Worthington, Furniture.
Ammerman & Harris, Meat Market.
Willie Walker's Barber Shop.
Slater's Chop House and Bakery.
J. W. Smith, Hardware.
J. J. Winston, Groceries.
Webster, Hill & Baker, Wholesale Grocers.
M. T. Jones Lumber Company.
Cooper's Livery Stable.
J. M. Radford, Wholesale Grocer.
Arlington Heights Hotel, C. M. Pilcher, Proprietor. Eppler & Russell, Blacksmiths.
Mayhew & Company, Hardware, Implements and Grain.
Ward & Company, General Merchandise.
E. E. Kean, Dry Goods.
Dingle & DeSpain, Druggists.
MR. AND MRS. FRANK VERNON
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
The Texas Immigration Land Company. Mancill Brothers Hardware Company. A. Owen, Dentist. Mrs. F. Vernon, Insurance. Collie Brothers, Printers.
MR. FRANK VERNON.
The subject of this sketch, now deceased, was a most prominent factor in the development of the town from the time he came in 1891, as editor of the Round-Up, until his departure for a climate that would help him to hold the life fast ebbing away.
Having made journalism a life study, he published a crisp, newsy Democratic weekly paper, and became fa- vorably known throughout the State in editorial circles.
He was a prominent member of the Texas Press As- sociation, serving twice as its Secretary, and he was also affiliated with the National Editorial Association.
There are several enterprises in Cisco as evidences of his energy and capabilities, the most distinguished of which is the Public Library, the most practical the telephone exchange and first long distance system in the County.
Since he went to his reward, his wife, who has lived here with their three children, and his mother, has done an insurance business, which is steadily growing. Mrs. Vernon is one of four women in the State who handles insurance.
BURTON-LINGO O UMBER
BURTON-LINGO LUMBER YARD
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
THE BURTON-LINGO COMPANY,
Being a branch yard of the well-known Burton- Lingo Lumber Company of Fort Worth, has been located in Cisco for the past five years.
They carry a large supply of everything in the build- ing line, and having their own mills are enabled to meet all competition. This company also carries the most complete and best grade of lumber in West Texas.
Mr. J. T. Berry is local manager.
J. W. HARTMAN & SON.
Wholesale and retail grocers. Established 1883.
When Cisco was a very new town Mr. Hartman first became a citizen and has always identified himself with every forward move. During the twenty years he has resided in the town, he has been engaged in the grocery business.
In the handsome Hartman-Owen block is situated the Hotel Hartman, and the building where the above firm retails groceries.
Mr. Hartman's home life is complete with a wife and three children-two daughters, and a son who is in- terested in the business with his father. One daughter is married and lives in Cisco. The other, the pet of the household, is still in school.
C. H. FEE'S RESIDENCE
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
C. H. FEE & Co.
The hardware, furniture and implement house of C. H. Fee & Co. stands without a peer in the County.
In August, 1883, Mr. Fee located in Cisco and es- tablished the business which has grown to such magni- tude as to require the use of three large buildings.
Mr. Fee was born in Oxford, Mississippi, and edu- cated at the State University located there. He is of Scotch-Irish descent and comes of a high-toned and godly ancestry. He has been an important factor in the development of Cisco, and has been identified with every enterprise for the advancement of its interests.
Mr. H. C. Rominger, who has been a resident of the town for many years, is a member of this popular firi 1.
THE TEXAS IMMIGRATION BUREAU
Has been organized to help build up Texas, and espe- cially the counties of Eastland, Shackelford, Stephens aud Young. The object of the Bureau is to induce peo- ple living in the Northern States to move to Texas-an empire within itself.
A man is kept continually on the road looking up people who wish to locate in this great State. The fol- lowing agents represent the company :
H. B. Faris, Breckenridge, Stephens County.
Webb & Hill and Matthews & Blanton, Albany, Shackelford County.
Judge R. F. Arnold, Graham, Young County.
H. L. Winchell, who is Vice President and General Manager of the organization, maintains headquarters at
CISCO OIL MILL
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
Cisco, and is agent for this County. He also makes loans and writes insurance.
The officers of the Bureau are:
H. F. Faris, Clinton, Mo., President.
H. L. Winchell, Cisco, Vice President and General Manager.
F. J. Faris, Cisco, Secretary and Treasurer.
W. M. Godwin, Clinton, Mo., Traveling Commis- sioner.
This organization will not only help build up East- land and these other counties, but the town of Cisco, being headquarters, will be greatly benefitted.
COTTON SEED OIL MILL.
This plant was established in 1896 by Reynolds Brothers with a capital stock of $100,000.00. William D. Reynolds, President; George T. Reynolds, Vice President; D. C. Campbell, Secretary and Treasurer ; P. W. Reynolds, Resident Manager.
All the product of the mill, except the oil, is utilized in the feeding of three to five thousand cattle each sea- son.
The men representing this business were pioneer settlers of Stephens County and have had hair-breadth escapes in many an Indian raid. Mr. George Reynolds, who now lives in Fort Worth, has a silver bridle that once belonged to an Indian Chief whom he killed in battle, and who gave him an arrow-head in memory of the occasion, which he wore embedded in the muscles of his back for more than seventeen years.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS HOTEL
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY
THE ARLINGTON HEIGHTS HOTEL
This hotel is situated on the hill, and hence justifies Mr. Pilcher's claim that it is "Sixty feet nearer heaven than any other in the city."
From the accompanying cut one observes that there is a home-like look about the place. ,
Some of the prerogatives of this hotel are the "family style of serving meals, the home-made butter and milk, the biscuits like mother used to make, and the large, shady yard."
Mr. Pilcher is a member of the Sovereign W. O. W. Cisco Camp, No. 500, and has served the town several times as Marshai.
CITIZENS' NATIONAL BANK.
President, Dr. J. P. Webster; Vice President, J. J. Butts; Cashier, A. H. Johnson ; Assistant Cashier, M. S. Stamps. Directors : J. P. Webster, J. J. Butts, J. J. Winston, A. L. Mayhew, A. H. Johnson and W. I). Davis.
This institution, organized in February, 1902, the only National bank in the county, is strictly a home en- terprise, those who are interested being identified with Cisco and Eastland County.
The business, which is constantly growing, has been from the first both satisfactory and profitable to the shareholders.
The management of the Citizens' National Bank is always conservative.
THE MERCHANTS' AND FARMERS' BANK
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
THE MERCHANTS' AND FARMERS' BANK
Was established in 1898 by W. H. Eddleman and opened ready for business on March 16th, with W. C. Bedford as Cashier, and W. J. Eddleman as Assistant Cashier.
Through the careful management of Mr. Bedford and his able assistant the bank has been a paying insti- tution from the beginning, growing steadily from year to year, and is to-day the largest banking interest in the County.
Mr. W. C. Bedford, who was born in Georgia, and reared in Alabama, came to Texas in 1876. With the exception of five years spent in successful mining opera- tions in Arizona, he has been continuously in Eastland County, having twice served the County as Clerk, 1890- 1894.
W. J. Eddleman was born, reared and educated in Weatherford, Texas, and has had exceptional advantages in learning the banking business. He is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Eddleman.
Mr. Wesley Tebbs is the efficient Collector of this bank.
President, W. H. Eddleman; Vice President, George P. Levy; Cashier, W. C. Bedford; Assistant Cashier, W. J. Eddleman.
DAVIS-GARNER COMPANY.
Nineteen years ago the senior partner of the above firm camè to Cisco. An indomitable energy and a de- termination to succeed were his only capital. He em- barked in the dry goods business with Col. J. H. Hol-
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
comb, buying an entire half interest on a credit. In 1893 he bought out his partner and was sole owner of the business until March, 1903, when he sold a half in- terest to J. H. Garner.
Mr. Davis is "All the way from Pike," (having been born in Pike County, Missouri, 48 years ago). He was reared on a farm and received his education in subscrip- tion schools and in William Jewell College. In 1875 he came to Texas, crossing Red River the day he was twenty-one.
Mr. Davis is a Missionary Baptist, believes in and supports church work and charitable institutions. His family consists of one good wife and four children.
Mr. Garner, the junior partner, is a young man and has been remarkably successful in business. He was just out of Howard College, Tennessee, when he came to Texas eight years ago. It is no less his own personality than his push and energy that has greatly increased the business of the firm since he became a member. He is a working member of the Methodist church. His wife is a daughter of Rev. S. W. Turner.
This firm is a success in every sense of the word, due largely to the fact that it pays cash for every bill of goods received.
HOTEL HARTMAN.
This first-class hostelry is kept by Mr. N. R. Wilson and his estimable wife, and is the only "$2.00-a-day" hotel in the town. Being experienced in the hotel busi- ness they are able to cater successfully to the public.
Mr. N. R. Wilson, "Uncle Nat," as he is familiarly known, was born in Baltimore, Maryland. in 1824.
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
Having emigrated to Houston, Texas, when only fifteen years old, he was a citizen of the Republic of Texas, an horor not to be lightly esteemed.
In 1858, while merchandising in Weatherford,
N. R. WILSON
Parker County, Texas, he married Miss Katherine Smith, daughter and twelfth child of Saul Smith, who was one of the early Commissioners of that county. Having returned to Houston, he lost his wife there of vellow fever. She left three children, Warner, Charles and Helen.
Mr. Wilson is an Episcopalian. His present wife a Virginian by birth, is a member of the Presbyterian church.
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
WEBSTER, HILL & BAKER.
This wholesale house was established by Cameron, Hill & Baker in 1897, and was successfully run under that management until January 1, 1902, when Cameron and others were succeeded by Dr. J. P. Webster.
This house carries a complete, up-to-date wholesale stock of groceries, and no firm is more favorably known in this section of the country.
The President, Dr. Webster, lives in Weatherford, but superintends the business in person. In his ab- sence his place is filled by his son, J. G. Webster, a resi- dent of Cisco.
EPPLER & RUSSELL.
Nineteen years ago, when there were only two farms between Cisco and Rising Star, and all the cow-boys for twenty to thirty miles around came here to get their horses shod, Mr. Sol Eppler came to Cisco, bought an interest in the blacksmith shop owned by Mr. T. W. Plummer, and has since been working at the same stand and at the same prices. Business has rarely been so dull that he did not have a partner-usually enough to give both more than they could do.
The firm has three forges well equipped, owns a 60x24-foot building, and is capable of meeting all calls.
Mr. Eppler, who has been in Texas fifty years, has a wife and three children.
Mr. M. B. Russell was born in Georgia, and came to Texas in 1894, locating here two years ago. He is an
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
energetic young man, a member of the Presbyterian 4 church and has a wife and two children, and possesses a pleanantly situated home.
MAYHEW & COMPANY, HARDWARE
This rapidly growing business was established in 1900, and carries a full line of implements and grain, both for the retail and wholesale trade.
They handle the famous Blue Ribbon line of bug- gies, the old reliable Fish Bros. and Peter Schuttler wagons, and the Moline and Bradley lines of imple- ments.
Having their own corn mill, they are enabled to offer for sale only the very best grain products the market affords. They carry a full stock of all kinds of field seeds, and are extensive pecan dealers, having shipped eleven carloads from Cisco the fall of 1902.
In addition to their grain and implement business, they deal extensively in live stock, and always have mules and horses to sell, either for cash, trade or on time.
The senior member of the firm, Aaron L. Mayhew, has charge of the implement and livestock department, Avner L. Mayhew of the grain department. Both are Mississippians, the junior member unmarried. These gentlemen are courteous and willing to extend any favors in keeping with conservative business.
The firm enjoys the patronage of Eastland and ad- joining Counties.
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
INTERIOR VIEW OF GEORGE
GEORGE D. FEE & COMPANY.
This firm was established in 1898 in its own new double-brick building, and carries dry goods and gro- ceries. Be it said to the credit of this firm that the old stock is disposed of at the end of the season at an enor- mous discount and new and up-to-date goods are always on the counters. The clerks are experiencel and cour- teous.
Mr. George Dawson Fee, the head of the firm, though quite a young man, is thoroughly conversant with his business in all departments. He was educated at Ox-
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY
D. FEE & CO.'S STORE
ford University, Mississippi, and later took a business course at Atlanta, Georgia, coming to Cisco in 1889.
Mr. Fee is a member of the Methodist church and has a wife and three children.
MRS. J. D. ALEXANDER.
Mrs. Julia D. Knowlton-Alexander, born in Farm- ington, Maine, June 21, 1858, came from the original family of Knowltons, whose ancestry can be traced back to those of Cheswick, Kent County, England. She is a lineal descendant of Col. Thomas Knowlton, a hero of the Revolutionary War, whose bronze statue was erected on the grounds of the State Capitol, Hartford, Conn.,
MRS. J. D. ALEXANDER
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
on the 15th day of November, 1895, at which time the Knowlton Association of America, of which Mrs. Alex- ander is a member, was formed. It holds its annual meetings in connection with the Bunker Hill Associa- ion. The family is a distinguished one, and has held prominent positions for many years.
Mrs. Alexander, who came to the South twenty-five years ago, has been an active business woman in Cisco for twenty-three years, and brought the first stock of millinery and fancy goods to the town. She is ever ready to extend a helping hand to the needy, and no woman in the county holds so many prominent positions in fraternal and other organizations. She is serving her seventh year as Secretary of the State Rebekah As- sembly, I. O. O. F. She was the first lady in the State to receive the Decoration of Chivalry, the highest com- pliment that can be paid to woman by the Patriarch Mili- tant of the State, for meritorious work done in promot- ing the interests of the order. She was the first woman ever appointed State Organizer of the Lodge of Adop- tion of the Scottish Rite Masons of the thirty-second degree. She is State Treasurer of the Texas Woman's Press Association, although a member of only three years' standing, and a member of the League of Ameri- can Pen Women of Washington, D. C.
In 1893 Mrs. Alexander was appointed a Commis- sioner from this County to the World's Fair held in Chi- cago, and is Lady Chairman of Eastland to the St. Louis Exposition. She organized the first Civic Improvement League in Cisco and devised the plan of work.
In the home Lodges Mrs. Alexander is Admirable
7
MR. J. ALEXANDER'S RESIDENCE
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
Mistress of the Lodge of Adoption, Past Matron of the Eastern Star Chapter, A. F. & A. M., and Past Pro- tector of the Knights and Ladies of Honor. She served two years as Noble Grand in the Rebekah Lodge and four as Chaplain. She has recently been oppointed by the National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution, Regent for Cisco.
Mr. Alexander, who came to this county in 1881. was for a long while in the dry goods business. He is now an extensive cotton buyer and insurance agent. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are earnest supporters of any move that will advance the interests of the town.
MRS. WILL KLEINER
Has 240 acres of land under fence one mile north of Cisco. Twenty-five acres of this plot has been put in an orchard and vineyard. There are 1200 trees-apple pear, peach, plum and apricot, all of which grow and bear well.
Seven thousand blackberry and dewberry vines fur- nish Mrs. Kleiner with more berries than the town of Cisco can consume, and the surplus is put into jam and cordial, which she dispenses to those who want it.
In this vineyard three thousand grape vines thrive and yield enormous quantities. The owner expects to put up 100 gallons of grape juice next season for sacra- mental purposes.
This property is valued at more than $6000.00.
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
THE RED FRONT DRUG STORE.
This popular drug store was established by Mr. Yar- brough soon after the sale of lots in 1881, and has only changed hands twice, Mr. St. John having bought it from the Hon. O. T. Maxwell.
The present proprietor came to Texas in 1877 and
MAYOR R. A. ST. JOHN
followed the profession of teaching until fourteen years a.go, since which time he has been in the drug business.
In 1902 he was elected Mayor of Cisco and has proven himself a most efficient officer. To his inde- fatigable efforts is due the formation of the Country Club and other important measures. At present his
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
energies are directed towards securing from the railway companies a more commodious Union Depot, with flat- tering prospects of ultimate success.
Mr. St. John is a prominent member of the Baptist Church, has a most excellent wife and seven children.
DR. A. OWEN.
Born in Tennessee, Dr. Owen received his literary ed- ducation at Athens College in that State. He came to Eastland County, Texas, twenty years ago, and engaged in teaching. The next year he went back to his native State for an helpmate, and together they began to lay by the large property they enjoy to-day. The plan pur- sued was to put the salary received for teaching into land and cattle, and at that time the price of both were low as compared to the present.
Dr. Owen has diplomas from the Dental Department of the State University of Iowa, and from the celebrated Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Baltimore, Md., and enjoys a large practice.
His conversion fifteen years ago at Bedford Chapel, he considers the most important event of his life. His religion is his business-he lives it. . While engaged in the drug business in the town of Eastland he was re- ceived into the Methodist Church and baptized by the Rev. Jno. Lane.
Thirteen years ago he moved to Cisco and has since been prominently identified with the forward move of the town.
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
M. T. JONES LUMBER CO.
This Company, which does a wholesale business ex- tending over many States and Territories, maintains headquarters at Houston, Texas. Its large mills are located at Orange, Texas, from which place an exten- sive trade has been carried on with Europe and Mexico.
The M. T. Jones Lumber Co. is one of the large concerns that has kept pace with the moving frontier line of Texas, having always had in operation a num- ber of retail yards in the State.
The Cisco yard, which has done a continuous bus- iness since its establishment in 1881, carries a large stock of all material usually found in a lumber yard.
A number of men have had charge at different times. but the present manager, H. L. Broadwell, has been stationed here for nearly thirteen years. All those who have business with this firm will be welcome call- ers at the Cisco office.
Since the above was written this yard has been bought by Rockwell Bros. & Co., and is now The Cisco Lumber Company, with Mr. Broadwell as local man- ager.
J. M. RADFORD GROCERY COMPANY.
Wholesale grocers. Established 1883. Capital stock. $200.000.00. Surplus, $300,000.00.
The Radford Grocery Company is one of the largest distributors of staple and fancy groceries in Texas and has houses at Cisco, Abilene, Stamford and Sweetwater. The house began business in a very modest way in Abi-
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
lene in 1883, and has grown until it is one of the largest jobbing houses in the Slate.
The members of this firm know personally all their customers and the majority of people living in their trade territory. They are broad in ther views, are hus- tlers for business and stand ready to give good service and extend all favors that are in line with conservative demands and good judgment. If you desire to start in business, consult them.
The officers of this company are J. M. Radford, President; J. F. Handy, Treasurer; E. A. Batjer, Secre- tary.
JOHN J. WINSTON.
Mr. Winston, son of Col. Samuel and Isabella Win- ston, was born in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Com- ing to Cisco in 1883, he has greatly aided in the devel- opment of the town and County. He was for several years a direcetor of the First National Bank of Cisco, and was one of the organizers of the water company.
He is a large owner of bank stock, farm lands, busi- ness and residence property, and by his fair and cour- teous treatment and close attention, he has built up an extensive mercantile business. He is a director in the Citizens' National Bank, has much faith in Eastland, and all of his investments are here.
Mr. Winston, who married Miss Ella Barlow, of Bourbon County, Kentucky, has one child, Barlow, a boy of eight summers. Mr. and Mrs. Winston give many elegant receptions in their spacious home, which is al- ways open to their friends.
The Christian Church, in which Mr. Winston has
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
served as Elder for seventeen years, finds in him a lib- eral supporter, a zealous worker and a true friend to the needy.
Mr. Winston's successful business career has been founded on a true Christian character.
W. L. WILSON
THE CISCO APERT.
In 1892 Mr. Warner L. Wilson established a new paper in the town of Cisco and gave it the unique name above.
The Apert, which has always been Democratic, is
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
the oldest printing establishment in the County under one management.
The editor, Mr. Wilson, is a native Texan and Houston is his birthplace. While he is a staunch Demo- crat, he entertains liberal views and is generous toward those who differ with him.
WOOD McSPADDEN
THE CISCO ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY.
Cisco was born in darkness and remained so until Wood McSpadden and Mayhew & Company decreed there was to be light.
The mandate went forth in the Summer time of 1903
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HISTORY OF EASTLAND COUNTY.
and down at the power house of the Cisco Electric Light Company is generated the spark that glows over pulpit and office desk ; that flashes across and gleams afar down the dark streets; that makes the beautiful homes more beautiful and accentuates the spoken word in church and hall.
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