USA > Texas > Indian wars and pioneers of Texas, Vol. I > Part 49
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The great Southwest, owing to the equable aud salubrious climate that prevails throughout the region, the fertility of its soil, and the extent and
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variety of its undeveloped resources, is attracting the eyes of capitalists and home-seekers, resident not only in other parts of this country, but in all lands and countries. Especially is this true of that portion embraced within the territorial limits of Texas. To these natural advantages in Texas, are added the attraction of wise constitutional . and statutory provisions that guarantee immunities and privileges, provision for the enjoyment of which has been made by a broad and enlight- ened statesmanship that had in view alone the happiness and prosperity of all the people who might thereafter make their homes in the State. The ten or fifteen years that are at hand, will con- stitnte an era of wonderful settlement and develop- ment of the State and also of the section of which it is a part. All this vast region is naturally tributary to Galveston, and that city with deep
water (now assured ) will in these years become one of the principal commercial depots of the world.
From its harbor fleets will bear away the varied productions and manufactures of its tributary ter- ritory and other ships from Mexico, Central and South America, Enrope and Asia, will bring count- less cargoes in return. It requires neither a prophet nor a son of a prophet, to foretell so much ; for the future depicted is not remote, but near at hand -a logical sequence of natural conditions and the inevitable increase of population and wealth.
Mr. Trueheart in time past has been a tireless and effective worker for Galveston, and during the period of development upon the threshold of which we are now pausing, his experience, insight and wisdom will be of invaluable service to the city and State.
JOHN STAFFORD,
COLUMBUS.
The late lamented John Stafford, for many years a prominent citizen of Colorado County, Texas, was of Welsh-English descent and born in Wayne County, Ga., April 2d, 1849.
His parents were Robert and Martha A. Stafford. His father was a prosperous stock raiser and farmer.
The subject of this brief memoir was left an orphan when fourteen, his mother dying when be was two years of age and his father in 1868. He moved to Colorado County, Texas, in 1867, accom- panied by two sisters and four brothers. Of an ambitious and enterprising spirit and persistent energy he, when sufficiently matured in years, en- gaged in the cattle business with his brother, Robert E. Stafford, at which they greatly prospered and amassed handsome fortuues.
At various times, as organizer and promoter, he was connected with important enterprises and few men in his time did more for the development of the commercial resources of Texas. Every move- ment giving reasonable promise of inuring to the public good received his active support both in the exercise of his influence and the liberal expenditure of his time and private means.
His success in life, achieved despite many obsta- cles and from a small beginning, was due solely to the employment of his natural capacity for business
and unswerving rectitude. Those associated with him in financial transactions reposed in him the most unbounded confidence and deferred in important matters to his judgment, the soundness of which they recognized from long experience.
Kind, genial, generous and brave, he wasrespected and beloved by the people of the community in which he spent the best years of his life. Strange, indeed, that such a man should fall by violence -- be cut down without warning in the flower of his days and usefulness. But such was his sad and tragic fate.
July 7th, 1890, about 7 o'clock in the evening, he and his brother, Robert E. Stafford, became in- volved in a personal difficulty and, although unarmed and unable to defend themselves, were shot and killed upon the streets of Columbus.
In the death of Mr. John Stafford, Colorado County was not ouly deprived of a good and valuable citizen, but his family of an affectionate husband and father, and many of a friend true and tried. Of a loving and retiring disposition, to know him was to like him. While he had encountered many vicissitudes and had had to fight bis way up from poverty to independence there was nothing cold, callous or selfish in his disposition. These trials seemed to have broadened, deepened and inteusified his sympathy for his kind.
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He lent an attentive ear to the recital of the woes of the distressed, and was quiek to offer succor. No matter of wonder then that the news of his death was received with a thrill of horror through- out the State, and many devoted friends sent letters of condolence and commiseration to his stricken wife and children, affording all the solace that they could in this hour of grief and agony.
His spirit winged its flight to that land where all is peace and joy, and deeds of virtue find that recognition and reward too often denied them in this weary world. The sod of the valley grows green above his grave. The mound is sacred. It has been watered by the tears of his widow and orphan children. It has been watered by the tears of the poor and needy whom he so often gen- eronsly befriended. He came in contact with many men and moved amid many and changing scenes always, under all circumstances and amid all temptations and perils, as an upright and manly man, and the influence of his character will long be felt and bear worthy fruit. It can be truly said that the world has been made none the worse but far better by his having lived, and his memory is affectionately enshrined in the hearts of thousands where it will be kept ever fresh and green.
December 23, 1874, Mr. Stafford was united in marriage to Miss Grace A. Walker, the beautiful daughter of Mr. Seaborn B. and Mrs. Susanna Walker, who came from Georgia to Texas about 1850 and located in Colorado County, where they spent the remainder of their days. Mr. Walker was a gallant soldier in the Confederate army during the war between the States. A large family of children, eleven in number, survive Mr. and Mrs. Walker.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Stafford was blessed with three children, two of whom, Joseph and
Carrie, are now living, the latter being the wife of Mr. J. Alvey Harbert, an accomplished gentleman and one of the leading stock raisers and farmers in Southeast Texas.
Mrs. Stafford resides at her home, an elegant mansion, four miles from Columbus. It occupies a lovely site commanding an extended and pleas- antly diversified view of woodland and prairie full of the witchery of light and shadow, worthy of an artist's brush.
The grounds surrounding this delightful and im- posing house are tastefully laid off and ornamented with trees, shrubbery, a profusion of flowers and twining vines. It is a typical and ideal Southern home. The evidences of a delicate and refined taste are everywhere met with. Mrs. Stafford also pos . sesses a well furnished library and there spends many of her leisure hours.
She is a lady of fine literary discernment and varied accomplishments. She is a member of the Christian church, and in her daily life exemplifies the teachings of the Master. Kindness and gentle- ness and charity and truth, sanctify her saddened home. She has bravely and with Christian forti- tude borne her cross. Her benefactions are innum- erable and many poor and unfortunate, whose tears she has dried and whose necessities she has relieved, have reason to eall her blessed.
She is one of the noblest of our noble Texian matrons who are the ornaments and pride and boast of a civilization that if equaled is not surpassed by that of any other State or land. She was born in Colorado County, Texas, received an excellent edu- cation, and in her childhood and girlhood days gave evidence of those traits that won for her the affec- tionate devotion of her late husband and endear her to all who know her.
RICHARD MOORE WYNNE,
FORT WORTH,
Is universally recognized as one of the leading men of the Lone Star State, having won a promi- uence in the legal profession which can only result from ability and the highest merit. As an advocate he has no superiors and few equals in his profession. From his boyhood he has been a leader, whether among his schoolmates, his army comrades, in business or in social life; and his
commanding talents, and devotion to principles, will win him still higher honors, for he is now in the prime of life.
Col. Wynne is a native of Tennessee. He was born in Haywood County, on the 2d day of June, 1844. His parents were W. B. and Sarah A. ( Moore) Wynne. Soon after his birth his family moved to Rusk County, Texas, in which place his
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boyhood was spent on the farm of his father. In the village of Bellevuc, he began his education, which, though limited, has been largely supple- mented by extensive and liberal reading and ex- perience in active life.
When the war between the States became inevi- table, young Wynne, then just seventeen years of age, filled with patriotic devotion for what he believed to be right, went to the front in defense of his country and section, and on many long and weary marches and many bloody fields of battle, proved himself the peer of the bravest of his chival- rous comrades. For meritorious conduct on the field of battle his comrades promoted him to a Lieutenancy while he was yet a boy, and by unanimous petition he was assigned to the com- mand of Company B. in the Tenth Texas Regiment, during the Georgia campaign. At the battle of Murfreesboro he was severely wounded, becoming disabled for some months from active service, and again at the last battle of Nashville, when Hood made his famous raid into Tennessee, he was again severely wounded. The effect of this wound was to permanently deprive him of the use of his right arm and the partial use of his right leg. At this battle he was left on the field wounded, and fell into the hands of the Federals. He was confined in Northern prisons, thus disabled and helpless, until the close of the war, persistently refusing to take the oath of allegiance to the Federal Govern- ment as long as there was a Confederate flag float- ing. On both sides of the line in that dark and bloody conflict there were men who stood by their colors amid shot and shell, where the hot breath of war was spreading carnage and death, with a heroism unsurpassed in any age or by any people. Among the most devoted of these was young Wynne, who never missed a scout, march, or battle until he was struck down and permanently disabled.
In the winter of 1865 he returned to his desolated home, impaired in health by reason of his exposure and long confinement in Northern prisons, and almost a physical wreck by reason of his wounds ; but, he accepted this as the fate of war, and with the same undaunted courage which he bad for years displayed as a soldier, he adjusted himself to the new conditions, and at once seized the broken threads of his young manhood. The South was in a chaotic condition. Desolation brooded like the pall of death over once proud and happy homes, ravaged by war.
Young Wynne sat not down to mourn or lament. With the energy and fortitude of a dauntless man- hood he began the battle of life. Ile made the race for sheriff of his county when just eligible for the
position, his opponents being the Major of his regi- ment and a private soldier of his company. Win- ning his election he served three years, or until he was removed by the Reconstruction Act of Con- gress. Still with the courage worthy of emulation, he emharked in agricultural pursnits, although still suffering from his wounds, his right arm being withered and useless. Through the day be labored on his farm and at night read law, studying systematically and earnestly until he was deeply grounded in the principles of law. He was admitted to the bar in 1870, and at once entered into an active practice in the town of Henderson, where he was soon recognized as one of the most success- ful lawyers at the bar, at which some of the most eminent men of this State practiced. His powers of oratory, together with close and systematic in- vestigation and strong common sense, have been the leading factors in this man's marked success. Hc challenges the respect of the court by his can- dor and fairness, and sways juries by his fervid eloquence and convincing logic.
Turning from the public career to the private life of Col. Wynne, we note that on the 23d day of January, 1867, he was married to Miss Laura B. Kelly, daughter of Hon. Wm. C. Kelly, one of the most distinguislied and influential men of his scc- tion ; he was a member of the Sccession Convention of Texas and took a conspicuous part in that body. Mrs. Wynne is a native Texian and a woman of strong individuality and highly cultured, and of marked intellectuality and refinement. With the characteristic chivalry of the true Southern man, Col. Wynne ever acknowledges his indebtedness to his wife for much of his success.
Ilis natural fitness for leadership and his famili- arity with public affairs, challenged the attention of the people among wliom he lived, and in 1880, unsought by him, he was elected to the State Senate of Texas, where he quickly went to the front as a legislator, and no man in that body liad more in- fluence. His uniform courtesy and liberality won him friends fast, who have bided with him. He was one of the five men who drafted and formulated a bill creating the University of Texas, and so well and wisely did they work that that bill has never been amended except in some minor details. He also became conspicuous in his efforts to regulate railway corporations. Hc advocated the Three- cents-a-mile Bill which became a law, and the pass- age of a law creating a Railroad Commission, which las in later years become so prominent in Texas politics. In 1882 be made the race for Attorney General and was defeated by only a small majority. In his speech of withdrawal from the convention
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R. M. WYNNE
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Col. Wynne was most happy and captured the convention and, though defeated in fact, it was eon- ceded by all that he snatched victory out of defeat, and from that day his leadership has been unques- tioned. It was in 1886 that he was made perma- nent president of the State Convention, and added to his already growing influence by his ability and tact in controlling men under excitement incident to a hot politieal contest.
Hle has for some years been often spoken of in connection with the office of Governor of this State; many of the best citizens and most influential men of the State would give him an enthusiastic support. It is conceded by all that should he be elected to that high position Texas would prosper and progress under his broad and liberal administration, for no man is more loyal to his State and people and takes a deeper interest in their general welfare.
It was in 1883 that Fort Worth gained Col. Wynne as one of its most valued citizens. He sought a wider field of usefulness and found it in his present home, where, at the bar he stands among the fore- most, while from the public he is accorded a large elientage. His life record is certainly one of in- terest, demonstrating what can be accomplished by resolution, perseverance and striet adherence to sound business principles. Reared as a farmer, trained on the field of battle, he entered upon a struggle to overcome difficulties and obstaeles which would have overwhelmed many a less reso- lute man. He then became a leader at the bar and in the politieal world of Texas, but through.all this career his bearing has ever been such as to win and retain the respeet of the best citizens of his adopted State.
J. D. GUINN,
NEW BRAUNFELS,
A successful lawyer of New Braunfels, Texas, is a native of Franklin County, Tenn., born in the town of Winchester, January 23d, 1853. His father, N. W. Guinn, was a farmer by occupation. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth H. Barnes. Both parents were natives of Tennessee. They came to Texas in 1857 and located in Gonzales County, where the subject of this sketch was reared and educated under the tutorship of James A. Me- Neal. Of the ten children born to N. W. and Eliza- beth Guinn, all but one survive. He, Harvey H. Guinn, died at the age of twenty-two years, shortly after qualifying for the practice of the profession of medicine. N. W. Gninn was a man of broad intelligence, believed mueh in education, and af- forded his children the best schooling facilities at his command. The subject of this sketch was lib- erally educated and at the age of nineteen started out to fight life's hattle for himself and without a cent of money at his eommand.
Hle taught school for one and ahalf years, and by this means and also by money earned surveying
lands, of which he acquired much knowledge, he accumulated sufficient money to defray his ex- penses while studying law. He read law for three years in the office of Gov. John Ireland, of Seguin.
About the year 1878 he removed to New Braun- fels and opened an office for the practice of his pro- fession. Here he has sinee remained, built up a lucrative practice and won the confidenee and esteem of the entire community. He is public-spirited and, outside of the profession of law, is interested in several local enterprises, among the number the First National Bank of New Braunfels, one of the solid financial institutions of Southwest Texas, of which he is a director and vice-president. He is a warm supporter of education and an active promoter of all enterprises tending to build up his eity and county. Mr. Guin married Miss Bettie Howard Jefferson, a daughter of Gen. John R. Jefferson, of Seguin, in the year 1882, and has four charming daughters.
He is a representative of the best thought and purpose of his seetion of the State.
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HORATIO R. HEARNE,
HEARNE,
Familiarly known as " Raish " Hearne, an old settler and successful planter residing near the town of Hearne, Robertson County, Texas, is a native of Montgomery County, Ala., where he was born in 1818, being a son of William and Nancy Hearne, who moved from Georgia to Ala- bama in 1814. The elder Mr. Hearne was a planter, and spent the greater part of his life in Alabama, moving thence 'in later life to Arkansas, where he died, his wife, mother of the subject of this sketch, dying in Louisiana.
Horatio R. Hearne was reared in Alabama, leav- ing there in the fall of 1838, when he went to Caddo Parish, Louisiana, before the line between Louisiana and Texas was established. He settled near the line, not knowing till after the boundary was fixed, whether be was in Louisiana or Texas. When the line was run it threw his place a mile and a half on the Louisiana side. He resided there until Novem- ber, 1851, when he came to Texas, and bought land and settled in the Brazos bottom, in Robert- son County, where he has since lived. He has added other purchases and continued to improve his holdings until at this writing he has one of the largest plantations in Robertson County, cultivat- ing between 3,600 and 3,800 acres, principally devoted to raising the fleecy staple. Between seven hundred and eight hundred people live on
the plantation, and it is conducted much after the manner of the good old ante-bellum days. He employs no overseer, preferring to keep the active management of this large property in his own hands. Over twenty years ago Mr. Hearne sunk the first artesian well ever bored in that section of the State, since which time he has experimented largely with these wells. Recently he has put in an apparatus to utilize the gas coming from the wells, and has so far succeeded that he now has gas to light his house with, and for cooking and heating purposes, and to run a four-horse power engine in a blacksmithing and wood-working estab- lishment on his-place, where he makes everything in the way of machinery needed on the planta- tion.
January 27th, 1842, Mr. Hearne married Miss Priscilla Ilearne (his cousin), then residing in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. She helped him fight his battles of life for fifty-odd years, dying Octo- ber 21, 1893. They had two daughters, Mrs. George N. Aldredge, of Dallas, and Mrs. Adams, who now resides with Mr. Hcarne.
Mr. Hearne is a fine type of the broad-minded, cultured and progressive Southern gentleman, and admired and loved not only by his numerous dependents, but by a wide circle of friends through- out the country.
JOSEPH A. TIVY,
KERRVILLE,
Was born February 25th, 1818, in Toronto, Upper Canada, and spent his youth there and in Niagara County, New York, where he attended country schools and for a few months an academy. He came to Texas in 1837, landing at Houston and passing on to Washington County and thence to that portion of Milam now embraced in Burleson County, where he remained for several years. This part of the Republic was then considered the extreme western frontier of the settlements. In the winter of 1837-38, at the opening of the gen-
eral land office, he took up the occupation of surveyor, first as chain-carrier, and in a few years as a regular surveyor. During those years he spent most of his time on the frontier, and gen- erally with that famous frontiersman, Capt. Geo. B. Evart, sometimes surveying and locating land and at others fighting Indians, part of the time under the government and part of the time on his own responsibility, killing game and buying ammu- nition, salt and coffee with the proceeds of the sale of his pelts. .
J. A. TIVEY.
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In 1844 he went to San Antonio and joined Col. Jack Hays' Rangers, and remained with that com- pany about a year. In 1815 he was appointed deputy surveyor of Bexar District, and in that year surveyed and made the locations in Gillespie County. In 1846 he surveyed the lands on the upper portion of the Guadalupe river. From 1846 to 1849 he was often interrupted in the work of surveying by hostile Indians. During 1847 he completed the surveys on the San Saba. One day during this time while in camp with about twenty men, he was visited by Ketemsey, a celebrated chief of the Comanches, and ordered not to mark any more trees up there, the chief pointing at the same time to a range of hills and saying: "That is the white man's line." But thesc orders were not obeyed, the whites being armed with rifles and revolvers and the Indians having only bows and arrows and spears.
In the spring of 1849, Capt. Tivy took the Cali- fornia fever and, in company with several others, set out in June for the Pacific Coast. They reached San Gabriel Valley in Southern California, in October following, after many trials and much suffering and went into camp for the winter at Mission San Gabriel. In the spring of 1850, the party resumed its journey and finally reached the mines by way of Tejon Pass. Here Capt. Tivy went into the hotel business, renting the " United States Hotel " at $200 per month. The building was made of stakes and poles and roofed with can- vas. There was only one long, narrow room which was used as a dining room. On the sides and ends of this the lodgers were bedded in bunks arranged one above the other. The cooking was all done in the open air, excepting the baking, at which two men were kept busy almost day and night, so great was the demand for pies, cakes and bread. The rate charged for board and lodging was $3.00 per day in gold dust, there being no coin.
After following this occupation for a few months Mr. Tivy sold out and went to mining, which he followed a little over two years. He then went into the mercantile business, which he followed for about a year. In July, 1858, Tulare County was organized and he was elected county surveyor. In connection with his official duties he went to farm- ing and employed successfully a band of Indians, whom he trained to agricultural pursuits. These he would have liked to retain, but Gen. Fremont, having secured a contract from the general govern- ment to feed all the Indians of that locality at so much per head, they were taken away from him and transported to a point near the base of sup- ples. The same year he was appointed United
States Deputy Surveyor of California and elected to the Legislature and served in the Legislature during the winter of 1853-4. In the spring of 1855 he was ordered by the surveyor-general to run a line through the Sierra Nevada mountains, accomplished the task and ran the first correct standard line run through those mountains. The expedition was full of perilous adventures and hair-breadth escapes from Indians and grizzly bears. In 1857 he went from California to New Mexico and in the fall of 1858 returned to Texas and settled in Karnes County, where he engaged in raising horses and mules. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate army, becoming a Lieutenant in Capt. John H. Dunkard's Company. In the fall of the same year he was promoted to the position of First-Lieutenant, and later pat in command of the company and held this position until the fall of 1864. In the mean- timc his health had become impaired and he was finally forced to quit the service.
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