USA > Texas > Wise County > Pioneer history of Wise County; from red men to railroads-twenty years of intrepid history > Part 21
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Mrs. Cogdell was born in Lawrence County, Alabama, in about 1824. She was proficiently educated, and began and pursued the education of her first children herself. Mr. Cogdell was almost uneducated, but a man of fine common sense and native ability. Mrs. Cogdell came from an old Scotch Covenanter family which bore an extreme hatred for Wesleyanism. Mr. Cogdell, being a devout and zealous Methodist and remaining so all his life, found it necessary to remove his wife from the influence of her father before he could proceed with matrimonial intentions. Both were strong, independent characters and
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neither ever forgot their old religious proclivities. Their re- spective families were also opposed in politics, one being old line Whigs, the other Jacksonian Democratic. Those were honest days, when people fought for their principles. In Wise County this family was in the thick of the most severe of frontier hard- ships, but are remembered to have withstood them bravely and with fortitude. In 1865 the family moved to Dallas County,
THOS. S. COGDELL.
MRS. THOS. S. COGDELL.
where Mrs. Cogdell died in March, 1865. Mr. Cogdell died in 1871. Six children came with them to Wise County, namely : Alf B., now an aged and respected citizen of Itasca, Hill County. As a young man Alf B. went from Wise county in the Civil War and his record in successive battles and campaigns reflect upon him profound credit. Mrs. Armenia Ballew, Bosqueville: Mrs. Emily F. Rogers, Waco: Daniel C., Granbury. Mr. Dan Cogdell has lived in Hood County twenty years, and is a wealthy and influential citizen ; he is president of the First National Bank of
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PIONEER HISTORY OF WISE COUNTY.
Granbury and largely interested in land and cattle. He also has a large family: Mrs. Laura Dawson, Houston; Mrs. Russell, died at Llano, Texas. The following were born in Wise County : John W., died early; Thos. S., Jr., who now lives in Hood County, being a substantial farmer and cattle owner, and highly regarded for his upright character. He has only himself and wife in his family ; James O., now in Waco; Charles died during the Civil War.
LEMUEL AND NANCY CARTWRIGHT .- DR. J. W. CART- WRIGHT AND C. A. CARTWRIGHT.
Uncle Lem. Cartwright can almost be truthfully described as the pioneer of Methodism in Wise County, for he it was, before
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UNCLE LEM CARTWRIGHT.
MRS. NANCY CARTWRIGHT.
any churches could be built, surrendered his home to the first church congregation organized in Wise County. " Old Sway-
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back," described in previous chapters, was the Cartwright home before it became the first church. Many hallowed associations eling around " Old Swayback," and in identification with them will ever remain the name of Cartwright.
Lemuel Cartwright was born in Bradley County, Tennessee, November 28, 1818. His father and mother died in his in- fancy, and he was raised an orphan boy. In 1838 he married Nancy Mounts, who was a native of Bradley County. They came to Texas as early as 1847, and lived in Rusk County, from whence they came to Wise County among the earliest of pioneers. The names of their children are in succession as follows: George, Tom, John W. James, Charlie, Allen, Dock, Lee, and Mary. The fourth son, Charlie, now lives in Wise County, and is a prominent and respected farmer. He is a man of the highest integrity, is continuously found identified with all good movements, and a worthy descendant of the worthy parents who bore him. Mr. Cartwright is another of the valued members of the Old Settlers' Association and a useful committeeman. He was born October 27, 1850, in Rusk County. Came to Wise County in 1854, married, in 1877, Miss Susan B. Gentry. In 1876 he was a member of Capt. Ira Long's Ranger company. Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright have raised nine children. Mrs. Cartwright died in 1903, and is buried at Sand Hill.
Dr. John W. Cartwright, the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Lemuel Cartwright, was one of the best known and most influential Wise County citizens up to the time of his removal to the Pan Handle. The early incidents of his life condensed are as follows: Born in Carroll County, Georgia, in 1845, came to Smith County, Texas, in 1846, and to Wise County in 1854. Enlisted in 1864 under Major Quaile, Captain Pickett's company for defense of Wise County against Indians. Entered school in Jacksonville, Texas, at close of war. Returned to Wise County in 1867 and taught a session of school at Sand Hill. Returned to school at Alvarado in 1868, and at Mansfield later. Began reading medicine in 1869 under Dr. A. K. Middleton, Johnson's Station, Tarrant County. Taught second school in Wise County in 1870. Entered Medical College, Louisville, Ky., in 1870. Commenced
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the practice of medicine in State of Illinois, because, as Dr. Cartwright says, his tuition and board had consumed his money. Returned to Louisville College in 1873 and graduated. In 1875 he returned to Texas and married Miss Allie Stephens, of Ft. Worth. Dr. and Mrs. Cartwright located in Illinois where the practice of medicine was resumed for several years, or until 1877, when they returned to Decatur to live. Ten years later Dr. Cartwright moved to within a few miles of. Ama- rillo in the Pan Handle. His territory of practice extend- ed in every direction a hun- dred or more miles. Dr. Cartwright says that he re- turned to Decatur from Illi- nois " to be with the same good people of my boyhood days who had been so ready and willing to aid me in my struggles for an education. Such people as these, like Moses, will continue to live on and on, and when Gabriel shall blow his horn, will come forward with willing hands to continue their good work."
DR. J. W. CARTWRIGHT.
Dr. Cartwright retired from the practice of medicine and located in Amarillo. His ranch lands on which he first located increased in value and augmented his means quite considerably. Seven of the nine children born to Dr. and Mrs. Cartwright are living, named as follows: Chas. L., with wife and three children, live at Dalhart, for three years Methodist minister at that place; Myrtle, married David A. Park, of Canyon City, Texas: Ernest A. Cartwright, True and Johnnie, and two little boys, Hubert and Rolla, are at home.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
CAPT. CHARLIE C. THOMPSON.
A typical pioneer is personified in the subject of this sketch. Ever he has been brave, hardy and chivalrous and gallant, a compound of the qualities which go to make an ideal citizen of the frontier. Mr. Thompson is also rugged and independent in his views, and accepts political doctrine only as it accords with his standards of equity. Born in Ray County, Tennessee, May 12, 1834, he abandon -. odl a good home with his father, who was a leading physician, and in 1858, came to Wise County where he has shared in its hard- ships and difficulties, and aided it towards its present place of eminence. On May 5, 1870, Capt. Thompson married Miss Alice Beason, who has stood side by side with him through his joys and cares. To them has been born three children, two of whom are married. They are Myra, married B. B. Sellars, now at Ft. Worth, - and son of Capt. M. D. Sel- lars, of Decatur ; Charlie C. C. THOMPSON. Alice, married Clyde McMur- ray, son of Hon. T. J. McMurray, of Decatur; Miss Jessie Thompson remains at home. Capt. Thompson comes from an influential family in Tennessee, and Mrs. Thompson is directly related to one of the best known of Texas educators, who bears her maiden name. Capt. Thompson's record in the Confederate service has been elsewhere described. They live comfortably five miles south of Decatur.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF WISE COUNTY.
W. A. KING.
When the forty-niners were going to California, William A. King, with a company of travelers came to Texas. He was born in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, August 22, 1827, about 16 miles from Tuscaloosa. In the year of 1840 he was living in the State of Mississippi, from which State he came to Texas in 1849. His first rendezvous was in Hopkins and Lamar Counties, and it was 1860 before he reached Wise County as a permanent settler. On April 27, 1848, in Tishomingo County, Mis- sissippi, Mr. King had mar- ried Arena J. Burton, who accompanied him to Texas in the above year. Tisho- mingo County is now known as Prentiss County. In Wise County Mr. King settled near the old Sand Hill camp ground, andlived there many years, becoming identified as one of the moving spirits in the community. It is as one of the old group of Sand Hill citizens that he is best re- membered. Mr. King served W. A. KING. for many months in the fron- tier ranger service, traveling during the time over a greater part of the wild and unorganized territory to the west of Wise County. He accomplished his part in all the duties of the hour and remains a hale and hearty old pioneer, beloved and respected by all who know him. His children are: Savilla, wife of J. W. Young: Mollie, widowed wife of Tom J. Jarrell: George, of Bowie, Texas; Belle, married C. A. Saunders, of Decatur, and Gus, who married Hattie B. Gentry, and is a prominent stockman of Clay County, Texas.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
J. D. WHITE.
The subject of this sketch was born in Greenville, Ford County, Illinois, June 5, 1831, and was educated in the common schools of that county and the Greenville Academy. Among his school- mates was Robert G. Ingersoll, whom Mr. White recalls as a very studious and eloquent young scholar. Mr. White also recalls having heard Abraham Lincoln speak on numerous occasions, both Ingersoll and Lincoln making lasting impressions on his
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J. D. WHITE.
MRS. J. D. WHITE.
youthful mind. Mr. White came to Texas at the age of 19, settled in Dallas County and taught school until fall of 1852. He then went to Southwest Texas and joined Capt. H. Clay Davis' company of Texas Rangers which had been commissioned by Governor P. H. Bell and stationed at Rio Grande City, in Starr County, on the lower Rio Grande River. The Com-
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pany ranged from Brownsville to Laredo and participated in a number of hard fought battles both with Indians and roving bands of outlaw Mexicans. After being mustered out of service, Mr. White came back to Dallas County and taught another school, and in 1856 came to Wise County, where he has since resided. One of the best known schools and one of the most successful in ultimate results was that which Mr. White taught for two or three sessions at Sand Hill. In 1858 Mr. White was elected assessor and collector of taxes for Wise County, which office he retained two terms. When the war came up he joined the frontier forces and participated in many of the defensive operations against the Indians. After the war he held the office of County School Superintendent for a year, and was then elected County Commissioner and re-elected, serving in all six years. He saw the beginning of Indian troubles of Wise County as well as the ending, having fought in the memorable last fight which the savages waged against the county. This was the Huff family massacre, the particulars of which have been described. Mr. White has always been a Democrat and active in politics. He is a man of strong intellect, quick to detect falseness and deceit, and instantaneous to accord praise and commendation wherever such is due. He is representative of a high type of intelligence, dutiful and active in his relations to the progress and upbuilding of the county and a courageous defender of the truth and up- holder of the right. He is one of the revered, strong, shrewd, old gentlemen of the pioneer days, and may be fitly described as one of Wise County's grand okl men.
Mr. White was married to Mary Perrin, daughter of Samuel and Caroline Perrin, carly citizens of the county. She was born in Kentucky, came to Collin County in 1852, and to Wise County in 1854. She was a pupil in the first county school and a member of the first organized Baptist church. Mr. and Mrs. White's children are as follows: Dr. Frank S. White, of Terrell, one of the foremost physicians of Texas and ex-superintendent of the North Texas Insane Asylum: James P. White, Oklahoma; John T. White, at home: Win. D. White, Wise County; Goff White, in Texas Ranger service, Austin; Miss May White, at home; Mrs. Roo Shoemaker, Bridgeport.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
MR. AND MRS. JAMES A. PROCTOR.
The illustration of the family group accompanying this sketch represents in the foreground Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Proctor, the first two persons who were married in Wise County, and in the back- ground their children. Mr. Proetor and his wife, who was Mary Hunt, were bound in wedlock January 3, 1856, a few months prior to the organization of the county. Both Mr. and Mrs.
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PROCTOR GROUP.
MR. AND MRS. JAMES A. PROCTOR SEATED IN THE FOREGROUND.
Proctor came originally from Rock Castle County, Kentucky, where both were born July 3, 1829, and June 28, 1838, respec- tively. Both came to Texas and to Dallas County in the fall of 1853 with the family of Wm. Perrin, Mrs. Proctor or Mary Hunt being the daughter of Mrs. Perrin by a former husband. The entire party then moved to Wise County, arriving here a day before Christmas, 1854. Pre-emptions were taken up just
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PIONEER HISTORY OF WISE COUNTY.
on the outskirts of Decatur, southeast of town. At the instiga- tion of Colonel Bishop Mr. Proctor then changed his location to the 160 acres on which the most of the town of Decatur is built, said land being afterwards donated by Mr. Proctor to the county for the purpose of having the county-seat established thereon. This was in the fall of 1855, preceding the organization of the county in the summer of 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Proctor lived on this pre-emption three years, the log cabin residence standing just southeast of the F. W. & D. C. Railway station and across the track. Mr. Proctor afterwards lived on Sweetwater Creek, then on the Greathouse farm; he then moved back to Decatur for a while, and in 1875 moved to old Bridgeport, where he pres- ently resides.
From the foregoing notes it is obvious that Cupid began the preparations for this original wedding far back in Rock Castle County, Kentucky, continued them on the long journey to Texas, strengthened them in Dallas County, and brought them to culmination in Wise. The marriage took place at the home of Ben Haney at Old Aurora, a distance of fifteen miles from the home of the principals, to reach which place they traveled on horseback. Ben Haney was an authorized official acting under Cooke County, who at that time had charge of Wise County territory affairs. The day of the wedding was pretty and bright, but followed upon a long spell of cold, bleak weather. When the principals arrived they found Mr. Haney absent and remained at his home throughout the day. At dusk he returned, and by candle-light the nuptials were solemnized. They then returned to their crude cabin at Decatur and began the battle of life. Mr. Proctor remains in fairly good health for one of his age, but, sad to say, Mrs. Proctor does not enjoy such good health. Their children are as represented in the photograph: Mrs. Lucy Gale, Medill, Indian Territory; Mrs. Laura Wood, Chico, Texas; Mrs. Mollie Gray, W. D. Proctor, Bridgeport ; J. C. Proc- tor, Corneta, Texas; J. R. Proctor, Crowell, Texas; Mrs. James Stanfield, Ada, Indian Territory; Mrs. Ella Sellinger, Bridge- port, Texas; Mrs. Maud Hutchinson.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
WILLIAM A. MILLER.
In later years the truly original and picturesque subject of this sketch became generally known as Uncle Billy Miller, one of the jolliest, most generous and optimistic old men that stepped down from the pioneer days to the rustling, bustling present-
WILLIAM A. MILLER.
MRS. WILLIAM A. MILLER.
a present that was strange to him, yet one which he enjoyed with all the heartiness of his ebullient nature.
Win. Alfred Miller was born in Hopkins County, Kentucky, in 1817, and before he left that state for Texas, married Mildred B. Hughes, who was a faithful helpmeet to him through all his days. Mr. Miller came to Burleson County, Texas, in the fall of 1853. After three years he returned to Williamson County, Illinois, thence back to Burleson County in 1857. Mr. Miller then came on a mule to prospect in Wise County, which resulted
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PIONEER HISTORY OF WISE COUNTY.
in his location here in 1859. Mr. Miller first settled the Lockard place south of Decatur; finally he moved to his Sweetwater place, where he lived at the time of his death in August, 1900. Mrs. Miller died two months later, October, 1900. Born to the union was a large family of children, as follows: Sallie, married James Allen, of Wise County, both being now dead; Frank; Kittie, who married Chas. More, a prominent business man, miller and respected citizen of Wise County for many years, both being now dead: C. H. Miller, born January 13, 1849, Hopkins County. Kentucky, married Sarah E. Stacks, of Ellis County, July 7, 1870. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Miller, as follows: Teola, married W. T. Tull, now deceased; Charlie M., married, lives in Ft. Worth, Texas; Jake, Dallas, Texas: Albert, Ft. Worth, Texas; Robert H. and Lizzie May, children, at home. Mr. Miller has served faithfully and efficiently as a barber in Decatur for many years; is also a successful inventor and an upright and respected citizen.
Jim F. Miller lives in Clay County; Eliza, born in Burleson County, Texas, married S. W. Telghman, a prominent builder and contractor, and substantial citizen of Decatur; to the latter union have been born Minnie, married and living in Omaha, Nebraska: Bob, married and living at Decatur: Dan and Will.
The next daughter of Wm. A. Miller, Viola, is now Mrs. J. H. Smith, living in California.
RICHARD W. BOYD.
The family of this name has been one of the solid, representa- tive and substantial families of Wise County since the early days of settlement. Unele Dick, as he was familiarly known, was one of the best citizens Wise County ever produced, and his sons and daughters are numbered among the quiet, dignified, thoroughly honorable and upright citizens of the county, the sons being progressive business men in their respective callings, and the daughters esteemed and faithful wives and mothers. R. W. Boyd was born in Coweta County, Georgia, May 26, 1825:
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
. Mary A. Marshall, his wife, was born in the same county May 9, 1833. They were married April 12, 1848; moved to Upshur County, Texas, near Gilmer, in 1851, and in April, 1860, came to Wise County and settled near Aurora. Mr. Boyd partici- pated actively in guarding the county against Indians during the time of their depredations, upon which account he was pro- vented from entering the war. The names of their children,
R. W. BOYD.
MRS. R. W. BOYD.
dates of their birth and to whom they were married are here given : also their present place of residence:
James F. Boyd, born September 1, 1850: married Betty Woody ("Uncle Sam's" daughter), in 1869, Seminole, Texas.
Martha E. Boyd, born June 17, 1852; married T. D. Woody in 1869, Fredrick, Oklahoma.
H. T. Boyd, born August 31. 1855: married Ada Elliott in 1877, Boyd. Texas.
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Jessie A. Boyd, born January 29, 1858; married Woody Rowlett in 1878, near Boyd, Texas.
Emma J. Boyd, born January 21, 1860; married Amos Finch in 1875, dead.
J. E. Boyd, born January 14, 1862; married Denie J. Rogers in 1886, Decatur.
R. P. Boyd, born April 24, 1866; married Hattie Stephens in 1897, Boyd.
Orrey C. Boyd, born March 7, 1869; married G. A. Arrington in 1892, Boyd.
Laura L. Boyd, born September 26, 1871; married R. H. Fralin in 1895, Boyd.
S. M. Boyd, born July 20, 1874 (unmarried), Boyd.
J. M. HOLMES.
Major John M. Holmes had a varied career as a young man, which on coming to Wise County enabled him to identify him- self with the class of progressive citizens who stood for every- thing high in the social, commercial and political activities of the times. He is remembered as a man of gentle manners, pos- sessed of exalted ideals and pronounced strength of character. He was born in West Tennessee January 26, 1818, the son of Phineas and Rachel Holmes. When old enough, he engaged in selling dry goods, went to Bentonville, Arkansas, in 1830, and in 1849 was married to Miss S. E. Hardwick, daughter of John W. and Jane Hardwick, who was originally of Jackson County, Georgia, where, in 1823, Mrs. Holmes was born. Mr. Holmes lived two years in Palestine, Texas, then in Arkansas until the death of his mother in 1860. He and his brother, William, then engaged in business at Muskogee, Indian Territory. Mr. Holmes came to Wise County, bought and settled on the Cogdell place in 1863, engaging in farming and stock raising until his death. Like many others, Major Holmes served in defense of the frontier instead of in the Confederate ranks. He died October 27, 1884. Seven children were born to Major and Mrs. Holmes as follows: Mary S., born February 22, 1853,
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married W. P. Russell, of Wise County; Will H., born January 31, 1855, married Lena Harrison, 1878; Emma J., born October, 1856, married J. S. Brooks; Ella, born May 5, 1858, married
J. M. HOLMES.
E. Riley; Annie K., born October 18, 1860, died May 7, 1892; John M., Jr., born March 6, 1862, married Eva Knight; James M., born January 17, 1866, died January 7, 1874.
W. P. RUSSELL.
W. P. Russell has been a Texan since he was six weeks of age. He was born in Illinois, March 22, 1842, and was brought to Lamar County, Texas, by his parents a few weeks afterwards.
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In the latter county and in Hopkins he lived until the year of 1856, when with his uncle, High Russell, he came as one of the earliest pioneer citizens to Wise County. His uncle was the first lawyer who ever settled in Wise County, but when he came here there was no legal business to attend to, so he settled a short distance north of Decatur. W. P. Russell did not long remain with his uncle. He went to the west part of Wise County and employed him- self to Daniel Waggoner as a cattle-driver, remaining with him twenty long and tempes- tuous years. During this time he camped and seout- ed, and hunted cattle over most of this section of Texas and during the days of In- dian warfare participated in many chases after the ln- dians and in some fights. Ho was among the band of cow- boys whom the Indians charged after killing Alvin . Clark near the south line of the county. George Bu- chanan was shot but not W. P. RUSSELL. seriously wounded in the subsequent charge. Mr. Rus- sell went on numerous long drives to Kansas and Colorado markets after those states became noted as cattle markets. At the approach of the war, he and others made a trip to Colorado. intending to return by the Overland Stage Route. While he was away this service was stopped by the exigencies of war, and Mr. Russell and companions were compelled to make a detour to St. Louis, thence to New Orleans down the Mississippi River, back up to Shreveport by Red River, thence overland to reach home.
Mr. Russell saw many phases of the open, rugged pioneer life
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while a cattleman, but after Mr. Waggoner moved the bulk of his cattle to the Wichitas he decided to quit such an active life. He married and bought the old Browder place, living there for three years. For seventeen years Mr. Russell has been the successful superintendent of the county farm, and will doubtless remain there for some time to come. In November, 1872, he was married to Mary S. Holmes, daughter of Major and Mrs. Holmes, and to them have been born three children, the oldest of whom, Catherine, is the wife of W. L. Davis, who is associated with Mr. Russell in a grocery business. Miss Lena and Glenn are the two other children.
DR. THOS. R. ALLEN.
Dr. Thos. R. Allen honored Wise County with many long years of high and useful citizenship. He is the son of an carly immigrant to Texas, Richard F. Allen, who came from Missouri in 1847 and settled in Den- ton County. Dr. Allen himself was born in Missouri October 23, 1846, and was hardly a year old when his father brought him to Den- ton County. His father died in 1850, and in 1855 his mother married Jess Eads, who moved with his family to the north part of Wise County in 1859. Dr. Allen, though a young man, reached Wise County in time to volunteer as one of her soldiers in the Confederacy. Ho served for a while and was let out by virtue of the conscription act. Dr. Allen returned home, but re- enlisted, joining Shoemaker's
DR. THOS. R. ALLEN.
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company, state troops, being transferred in 1864 to the Confederate army, Colonel Beard's regiment, which was later on captured and its members made prisoners of war. Dr. Allen was a prisoner of war when Kirby Smith surrendered. Besides his Confederate service, Dr. Allen had raised a company of home militia, which rendered much assistance in keeping the Indians at bay in Wise County. After returning from the war, Dr. Allen filled the following county offices: Justice of the peace, precinct No. 2; tax assessor; county commissioner and county sheriff for two terms. From 18SS to 1891, when he graduated, Dr. Allen attended the St. Louis College of Physicians and Sur- geons and became a leading physician at Greenwood, Wise County, subsequently becoming a leading physician at Justin, Denton County, his present place of residence. At the present time he is president of the Greenwood College Co., also of the Penington College Co. at Justin.
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