USA > Texas > Montague County > History of Montague County > Part 9
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On the contrary, the people went expecting to stay several hours, and were rarely disappointed.
In summer the brush arbor was built and the people would come together in good old camp meet- ing fashion, where they could worship together and sing those religious songs so dear to our mothers : "How Firm a Foundation," "On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand," and "There Is a Fountain Filled With Blood."
The following story is told by an early preacher in "Flowers and Fruits of Texas," which abundant- ly illustrates the truth of the hardships they en- dured, not only during the days of that period, but all through the pioneer days which followed :
"On a certain trip in the month of March, while passing from one settlement to another, I found a creek swimming, about midway between these two points. About two hours were lost in my efforts to head the swimming water. It was very cold, and I dreaded it. Finally my horse was plunged into the swollen stream. He swam with me to the opposite bank without any difficulty, but as he struggled amid obstructions on the opposite side I was com- pelled to dismount in the water and give the animal assistance. My boots were full of water, and my clothing thoroughly saturated. A blue Texas norther whistled around my ears and appeared almost to penetrate my quivering limbs, as I mounted the horse at 4 o'clock in the evening, with twenty-five miles lying stretched between me and my destination,
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and not a single house on the way that I knew of. To my great surprise and gratification, after travel- ing about eight miles, my clothing now freezing, I came suddenly upon a camp by the roadside, made since my February trip.
"Here was a good fire, a little log cabin, covered, no floor, cracks not lined, and no chimney. A fa- miliar voice was recognized, and a brother whom I had known long ago, invited me to share with him for the night the comforts of his camp. He had been there only a short time, had no corn for my horse, and his wagon, sent below for supplies, could not return because of the high waters. It was eighteen miles now to the end of my journey, with two dangerous streams to swim. Although the horse must shiver all night as he nipped the short spring grass, and although the missionary was told the family had neither meat nor bread, he decided to tarry for the night.
"It was by this time almost sunset, and as I drew off my boots and exposed my wet and almost frozen feet to the fire, the good sister gave me a cup of coffee.
"The wind, 'tis true, whistled through the open cracks in the new log cabin, but this was far bet- ter than shivering all night alone on the bank of some swollen stream. While drinking my coffee I inquired if her husband had guns and ammunition. This was answered in the affirmative.
"I asked if the dogs would tree turkeys. To this
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a like answer was returned. Still drinking my coffee I ordered the guns put in good order, assuring the family that my "Master" had a storehouse down in the adjacent creek bottom, and that we would soon have plenty of meat.
"I soon passed out of the cabin with the little boy and the dogs at my heels. The dogs, under- standing what was wanted, preceded us into the creek bottom, some half mile distant, and soon the fluttering turkeys were seeking protection in the trees. I was on the ground in double quick, and saw a fine gobbler perched upon a limb almost right over my head. Here I was much perplexed. The turkey stretched his long neck and turned his eye sidewise on me, uttering, 'Put! put!' But the old rifle in my hand had a flint and steel lock, and, hold- ing the gun up in a perpendicular position, I feared when the pan flew open that the powder, instead of taking fire, would empty itself in my eyes. But lit- tle time was given to hesitation, and taking aim I shut both eyes and pulled the trigger. Fortunately down came the trigger and no powder entered my eyes. By the time it was dark we went back to camp with several turkeys. One was immediately dressed and hung before the fire in regular back- woods style. This was truly an earnest time for the preacher and the family.
"The clothing I wore was getting a little more comfortable. But on opening my saddle bags I
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found everything saturated with water from the creek I swam in the afternoon.
"My heart was very sad when I found my old Je- rusalem Blade and the old Concordance I had carried twenty-five years perfectly wet. Everything was spread before the fire and the turkey and coffee tasted with a sharp relish. Texans are famous for good, strong coffee, and the flavor of that turkey was beyond description.
"The night's rest was quite refreshing, and as the clear golden sunbeams of the morning appeared, we thanked God together for spiritual and temporal blessings. I bade them good-bye and went on my way without further mishap."
It was nothing unusual for a minister to preach with two six-shooters in his belt, while some stood guard, that the worshipers might not be taken una- wares by the Indians.
TEXAS RANGERS.
The Texas rangers were organized in 1859 by the State, and a company was stationed at Brushy Mound, in this county. The commander of this com- pany was Captain John Scanlon. They received pay from the State for their services at this time.
Previous to this they had soldiers stationed at Bel- knap and other places.
A crisis arose in Montague County when Texas
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seceded from the Union. Not only were they called upon to raise companies for the Confederate service, but after the secession the Federal troops were with- drawn and the frontier was left practically unpro- tected from the Indians. Indian attacks were be- coming so frequent that it became necessary for the men to organize what was called "minute men" or "home militia" for the protection of their lives and property.
This organization was a branch of the Confederate service and subject to their regulation. After the war these companies disbanded, and the government put in Northern soldiers. These companies, how- ever, were not large enough to afford a sufficient pro- tection to the people.
After the election of Governor Pease he ordered a regiment of rangers down the frontier to protect the settlers from the Indian attacks. Bud Morris, who was a State ranger on the frontier during the war, was made captain of the first company, and Levi Perryman was appointed captain of the sec- ond company. They were given one hundred men each.
Scarcely were they organized, and before they had seen any service, they received orders from General Canby of San Antonio to disband. Immediately fol- lowing this Bud Morris went to New Orleans to in- terview General Hancock, commander of the Fifth Military District. He laid before him, in strong terms, a plea for the protection of the helpless fron-
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tier against the merciless Indians. But all to no pur- pose. The general replied to his request very cour- teously, but told him it was against the policy of the government to allow Southern men to be in arms, that he would furnish ample protection. This he failed to do. Mr. Morris returned and assisted in organizing the home guards and the settlers de- fended their homes as best they could. After the new Constitution was adopted, when every citizen was allowed to vote, the first officers elected were (so far as could be learned) :
W. T. Wayborne, Sheriff and Collector.
Bud Morris, District and County Clerk.
J. A. Gordon, Chief Justice.
According to the Constitution adopted in 1869 each justice of the peace assessed taxes in his own precinct. There was at this time only four precincts in the county. They held what was termed police court, now called "commissioners' court." The Chief Justice (instead of a County Judge, as we now have) presided over this court when the precincts were called together. The Chief Justice performed the regular duties of the justice of the peace, mar- rying people, issuing writs, etc. All cases that are now tried in our county courts were then tried in the district court. The authority of the Chief Jus- tice extended to about the same authority our jus. tice of the peace now exercises.
Cattle raising was the principal pursuit for many years. As has been stated, the Indians were a great
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drawback to farming. They would steal the horses, leaving nothing but oxen to plough with, and many times would kill them. Men ploughed wearing two six-shooters in their belts and a Spencer rifle on the plow as protection from the Indians. After the last Indian killing, which is recounted in another chap- ter, immigration from other States commenced and rapidly increased under the new impulse and en- couragement given by the knowledge that the dread- ed Indian foe was subdued at last.
In the following chapters we will study something of the progress our county has made from 1858 to 1912, a period of fifty-four years-a little more than half a century.
THE SOUTHLAND.
There the slow river glides down to the sea ; There the wind quivers the vine and the tree; There the bird voices give life to the air; All earth rejoices and nature is fair ; There the shy springtime first stops on her way, Careless what King Time or Winter may say ; There every flower gives home to a bee; There every hour is happy and free.
Hearts there are truthful, and friendship is dear, Growing more youthful with love every year. Honor a boast is, o'er all and before
Kindness stands hostess at each Southern door;
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Breezes are blowing o'er valley and hill; Blossoms are snowing in memory still.
Northland is home, though, and there must I be; Where'er I roam, though, the Southland for me. -By S. J. Burnett.
THE UNITED DAUGHTERS OF THE CON- FEDERACY.
The boys and girls of our county should become familiar with what the United Daughters of the Confederacy stand for, and why the Southern women engage in the work the organization requires. Such an organization exists in Montague County and has its place in the history of the county, and the records would not be complete without reference to the work of this society.
The United Daughters of the Confederacy had its inception in Nashville, Tenn., where it was the outcome of the women of that city to create a greater interest in preserv- ing the spirit and historic achievements of the South. Its objects have often been stated as being memorial, historical, benevolent, educational and so- cial-to give honor to the memory of those who served and those who fell in the service of the Con- federate States.
To record the part taken by the Confederate wom- en in patient endurance and patriotic devotion dur-
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ing the struggle, as well as untiring effort during the reconstruction which followed; to collect and pre- serve the material for a true history of the war be- tween the States; to preserve historic places of the Confederacy ; to fulfill the sacred duties of charity to the survivors of that war and their dependants; to help educate the needy descendants of the worthy Confederates and to cherish the bonds of friendship among the members of the society. With these noble purposes in view they have accomplished much im- portant work. The first organization of this kind in Texas was in 1894. It was not long after this until other Texas cities founded similar organiza- tions, and a State division was formed. Mrs. Kate Cabell Currie of Dallas was chosen as the first pres- ident of the division. Under her leadership the chapters received much encouragement.
Their efforts soon broadened, and with the desire to perpetuate the memory of the Southern soldiers, they caused monuments to be erected in their honor in different cities in the State of Texas. The men- tion of one occasion in particular will serve to show the loyalty of the United Daughters of the Confed- eracy on many similar occasions.
In the city of Dallas, on May 18, 1896, the ground was broken for the foundation of a great monu- ment to the Confederacy. This monument was to be erected in the City Park. Many of the veterans of this county will remember the invitation sent out to come and pay honor to the Confederate heroes.
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The invitation read, "Come on April 28 and 29, 1897, for the monument is completed, and it is a thing of beauty and glory, for not only is the private on his column of gray, but our chieftains are there, too, ready as of old, to stand watch and guard in sun- shine and in rain. Yes, come to the love feast we have prepared for you, and to the unveiling ceremo- nies, for the private is on his pinnacle of glory, and on pedestals at the base are life-size statues of Jef- ferson Davis, Generals Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson and Albert Sidney Johnston."
From the Capital City of Austin came Governor Culberson to show honor to the Southern soldier. The Legislature closed its doors, and the lawmakers came to show their appreciation of the noble efforts of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (for it was through their untiring effort that the monument was builded), and to do honor to the defenders of their homes. A great multitude had assembled from all parts of the State and from other States. Flags were floating, banners waving, the bands were play- ing, the bugles calling-the very atmosphere was charged with patriotism. The band took up the strains of "Dixie." This brought forth the old rebel yell, and the people went wild with enthusi- asm. It was on this occasion that Mrs. Kate Cabell Currie was presented with a magnificent jeweled badge as a token of appreciation of her faithfulness to the cause.
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The United Daughters of the Confederacy of this State have wrought nobly.
The following, according to statistics, are some of the things they have accomplished :
They have carefully examined the histories taught in the schools, correcting errors where possible, calling attention to the bravery of the Confederate soldier, explaining to the young the causes of the war between the States; have secured burial plots for those whose families were unable to provide them and marked the graves with simple marble head- stones bearing their names and the company with which they served."
The United Daughters of the Confederacy was organized in Bowie, Montague County, Texas, 'on the 28th of February, 1900, and has a membership of twenty-seven. The present officers are: Mrs. William A. Ayres, president; first vice president, Mrs. C. C. Hutchison; second vice president, Miss Lydia Benton; secretary, Mrs. Sam Heard; treas- urer, Miss Bert Duncan; historian, Mrs. Edgar Ed- miston.
This chapter has contributed in many ways to the pleasure and comfort of the Confederate vet- erans of this county. They have served elegant din- ners in their honor, and in 1912 they lighted the Bowie old soldiers' reunion grounds with electricity. . They have had a line of wire run from the light plant and placed lights in the pavilion at the bar-
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becue pit and along the amusement trail. The chap- ter had this work done at their own expense. There may be other chapters in the county, but the above account will serve to show that Montague County is not behind other counties of the State in paying tribute to her soldiers.
November 12, 1912, marked an epoch-making pe- riod in the history of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. For the first time in its history the organization met in other than a Southern city. They met in our United States Capital City of Washing- ton for the laying of the corner stone of the new monument to the Confederate soldiers. By act of Congress several years ago a certain section of the Arlington National Cemetery was set apart for the Confederate dead. The monument will stand in the center of this section. When President Taft was Sec- retary of War he granted to the District of Colum- bia branch of the United Daughters of the Confed- eracy permission to erect this Confederate monu- ment. Later the chapters throughout the entire South enlisted in the work. In a metal box placed in the corner stone will rest a copy of the act of Con- gress authorizing the burial of the Confederate dead in Arlington, a copy of Secretary of War Taft's let- ter authorizing the raising of the monument, and small silk replicas of the State flags of the various Southern States, and one bearing the Stars and Stripes for the District of Columbia. The War De-
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partment co-operated with the U. D. C. in making arrangements.
This brief history of the United Daughters of the Confederacy would not be complete without telling you something of the life of Winnie Davis. Perhaps no woman of the South has been more universally beloved than Winnie Davis, daughter of Jefferson Davis, the first and only President of the Confed- eracy. She holds a unique place in Southern his- tory. She was the adopted daughter of the South, and was known throughout the length and breadth of the land as "The Daughter of the Confederacy."
One trait of character possessed by this noble woman we would do well to emulate. This trait was loyalty and obedience to her father. Enemies sought to traduce her father's fame, to destroy his life and discredit his patriotism, but she was ever the faithful, sympathetic daughter. To the last she was true to his name, true to the principles for which he struggled and true to the people who loved him.
She was much beloved in Montague County, and her death cast a gloom over the entire South.
A beautiful monument was erected to her mem- ory in Richmond, Va., by contributions from chap- ters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy all over the South. It contains these inscriptions : On the front, "The beloved child of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, and Varina Howell Davis." On the right side, "Born in
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the Executive Mansion, Richmond, Virginia, died September 18, 1898, at Narragansett Pier, Rhode Island." On the back, "In the flower of her beauty, rarely gifted in intellect, this noble woman trustfully rendered up her stainless soul to God who gave it. Brave and steadfast, her loyal spirit was worthy of her people's glorious history." On the left side these words appear, "The whole country, touched by her blameless and heroic career, mingled its tears with those who knew and loved her. 'He giveth His beloved sleep.' " At the base of the statue are these words, "In memory of Varina Anne Davis, Daugh- ter of the Confederacy."
In a memorial service held in her honor Colonel Bennett Young of Louisville, Ky., said: "As fu- ture generations walk among the reminders of a glo- rious past there will be no grave amid these re- nowned and sacred sepulchres which will evoke pro- founder or gentler emotions, or call forth tenderer memories than that of the adopted child of the Con- federacy.
"On the banks of the James River, close to where nearly three hundred years ago came the cavalier, imparting to Southern manhood the uplifting power of his genius, his courage and his chivalry; they have given her lasting sepulchre. The breezes from every hillside, valley and mountain of the Southland shall bear tenderest benedictions to her tomb, and the rippling waters of the stream beside which she
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rests-fresh from the mountain tops which pierce the blue skies overhanging the mighty Alleghenies- shall murmur softest requiem by her grave, and as these flow into the mighty ocean they will be taken up by the chainless winds which sweep with un- broken power the face of the great deep, and in har- monious melody tell the story to all the world of the marvelous and wondrous love of the people who fought for the lost but glorified cause of the South, for Winnie Davis, the Daughter of the Confederacy."
"THE OLD COAT OF GRAY."
It lies there alone ; it is rusted and faded,
With a patch on the elbow, a hole in the side ;
But we think of the brave boy who wore it, and ever Look on it with pleasure and touch it with pride. A history clings to it; over and over
We see a proud youth hurried on to the fray,
With his frame like the oaks and his eyes like the eagle's,
How gallant he rode in the ranks of "The Gray."
It is rough, it is worn, it is tattered in places, But I love it the more for the story it bears, A story of courage in struggle with sorrows,
And a breast that bore bravely its burden of cares. It is ragged and rusty, but once it was shining
In the silkiest sheen when he wore it away;
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And his face was as bright as the smile of the morn- ing,
When he sprang to his place in the "Ranks of the Gray."
There's a rip in the sleeve, and the collar is tar- nished.
The buttons all gone with their glitter and gold; 'Tis a thing of the past, and we reverently lay it Away with the treasures and relics of old, As the gifts of love, solemn, sweet and unspoken,
And cherished as leaves from a long vanished day, We will keep the old coat for the sake of the loved one
Who rode in the van in the ranks of "The Gray."
Shot through with a bullet, right here in the shoul- der,
And down there the pocket is splintered and soiled ;
Ah! more-see the lining is stained and discolored ! Yes, blood drops the texture have stiffened and spoiled.
It came when he rode at the head of the column, Charging down in the battle one deadliest day, When squadrons of foemen were broken asunder,
And victory rode with the ranks of "The Gray."
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Its memory is sweetest and sorrow commingled ;
To me it is precious-more precious than gold; In the rent and the shot hole a volume is written, In the stains of the lining is agony told. That was long years ago, when life's sunny morning,
He rode with his comrades down into the fray ; And the old coat he wore and the good sword he wielded,
Were all that came back from the ranks of "The Gray."
And it lies here alone, I will reverence it ever-
The patch in the elbow, the hole in the side-
For a gallanter heart never breathed than the loved one
Who wore it with honor and soldierly pride. Let me brush off the dust from its tatter and tarnish, Let me fold it up closely and lay it away, It is all that remains of the loved and the lost one, Who fought for the right in the ranks of "The Gray."
-"The Veteran."
UNITED CONFEDERATE VETERANS.
The United Confederate Veterans stand for proper loyalty to the Lost Cause and the perpetuation of Southern history. Many a touching story could be told of how the more fortunate veterans have helped
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their comrades in distress and need. The first United Confederate Veteran camp organized in Montague County was called the "Bob Stone Camp." It was organized about 1880. Bob Bean was chosen cap- tain. The home of this camp is at Nocona. The camp has beautiful grounds here, and each year they have the pleasure of a reunion with their old friends and comrades.
The Bowie Pelham Camp, No. 572, United Confed- erate Veterans, was organized in 1895. The mem- bership increased, reaching a total enrollment of one hundred and two. In 1901 the camp bought twenty- seven and one-half acres of land east of town for a park. In 1905 a pavilion was built in the park, and since that time improvements have been added from time to time. Three wells of splendid water have been drilled and the water supply is abundant- ly sufficient for all purposes. A large barbecue pit built of stone, a mess house and a long dining shed with tables for one hundred plates are a part of the conveniences. The park is all fenced and ample hitching and camping grounds are provided for those coming from a distance. The camp has the park and all improvements entirely paid out, and derives an annual revenue of $50 from a small por- tion of the ground, leased for agricultural purposes. The veterans take great pride in their park, and well they may, for it is one of the finest in North- west Texas. Beautiful groves are dotted here and
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there. Roads leading from town to the park have made it easily accessible.
Bowie Pelham Camp has an annual reunion. Once in its history it has had the honor of entertaining the State reunion, and once they entertained the vet- erans of the Quantrell and Shelby commands. The present officers of the camp for 1912 are : J. A. Cummins, captain; J. M. Stallings, first lieutenant ; J. F. Donald, second lieutenant; S. H. Lancaster, chaplain; G. W. Herron, adjutant; J. W. Slaughter, historian ; F. G. Hankins, color sergeant.
It is most interesting to listen to the veterans as, in reminiscent mood, they exchange stories of "be- fore the war," "during the war" and "after the war;" and to see how their eyes sparkle and their steps quicken to the sound of Dixie.
Perhaps you do not know who wrote the song called Dixie-for Dixie's land and the South are synonymous terms the world over. "Dixie" was composed by Daniel Decatur Emmett of Mount Ver- non, Ohio. In his early days he was an actor, and when he became old and infirm the "Actor's Fund" of New York contributed five dollars a week toward his support. The contributions came regularly for a long time, when, for some unexplained cause, they were discontinued. He made an appeal for help to the South and a generous amount was sent him. The Southern people were touched to learn of the poverty of this man, whose parents were Southern
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