USA > Texas > Wise County > Pioneer history of Wise County; from red men to railroads-twenty years of intrepid history > Part 24
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children have been born to Judge and Mrs. Gose, five of whom are living: they are Birdie, wife of Roy Gililland, of Fort Worth; Emory, a student of electrical science in Wash- ington, D. C .; Harry, Orlena and Frances. Judge and Mrs. Gose reside at Consuelo, a beautiful country home near Decatur.
The sixth and seventh children of Major and Mrs. Gose are Mary, wife of T. J. Waggoner, of Wichita Falls, and Maggie, wife of J. A. Harvey, of Alvord.
Dr. Joe M. Gose, of Alvord, a successful practicing physician, was eighth in line of birth. He was born on the Catlett Creek farm, January 26, 1867, and remained there until manhood. On February 17, 1889, he was married to Lela Fox, whose untimely death occurred at Alvord, February 27th of this year. Dr. Gose graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at St. Louis, in 1893, and located in Alvord the same year. He followed up his medical studies by taking a post-graduate course at Chicago, in 1905. Like his brothers he has won his present success in the battle with life in the face of adverse cir- cumstances. He is quiet and gentlemanly in manner, faithful in his profession, and generally popular with the people of his town and community.
The two youngest of the Gose family of children are Stephen M. and Cora, the latter the wife of J. L. Sellars, a capable farmer and blooded stock raiser of this vicinity. Stephen M. was married to Allie Jarrell, January 27, 1896, she of a pioneer family. No young married couple is more popular in sub- stantial circles than Mr. and Mrs. Steve Gose. They live in a modern home on the outskirts of Decatur, and have two children.
J. A. WATSON.
Born in Tennessee, and settling in Wise County in 1854, Mr. Watson has been known for his quiet and inoffensive citizen- ship since the county life was started. He was one of the first to emigrate here, and has remained throughout, faithful to his duties to his county, his people and his kindly Father
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PIONEER CITIZENS AND DESCENDANTS.
Seated First Row, Reading from Left to Right: Edward Blyth, Mrs. George Glass, Mrs. E. C. Terrell, J. H. Cates, J. G. Gose. Second Row, Standing Left to Right: Will E. Terrell, R. G. Cates, Lute Renshaw, Cliff Cates, Will Renshaw, Alonzo Dill (behind him Charlie Hardwick), J. T. Ratliff. Third Row, Left to Right: John Wasson, Wiley McDaniel, Mont Foster, J. H. Wallace (behind him Dick Collins), Joe C. Cates, Walter Harding. Next Row: Beginning with Capt. Ira Long in shirt sleeves, Mark Oates, George Myers, D. Clabe Cates, Dr. M. Caddell, J. M. Holmes (behind him Rob't Kincannon. Next Row, Left to Right: J. J. Rieger, J. W. Hogg, Doc Kincannon, W. A. King, Elija Roberts, John Hopton, John McDaniel. J. D. White, T. L. Ball, Frank Helm, Allen Roberts and child. Two Rear Rows, Left to Right: H. E. Brady, Arthur Brady, Barnie Shoemaker, Geo. Howell, Dick Cates, Green O'Neal, J. M. Branch, C. B. Beard. Ran Veasy, Colored, at foot of picture.
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above. He has reared and instructed a large family of chil- dren, who now are married and living away from home. During the youthful days of the county Mr. Watson was married to one of the pioneer daughters, who was unfortunately overtaken by death. He was again mar- ried and at present lives on one of the best farms in Wise County, a few miles east of Decatur. His children are: Nancy Ellen, married to William A. Ful- lingim; Mary Emma mar- ried to L. P. Terrell; Mar- garet Elizabeth, married to John F. McMurtry ; John T., married Dorothy Fowler; James Loving, married Eli- zabeth A. Bailey; Edwin B., married Mae Cook.
J. A. WATSON.
MR. AND MRS. JOE HENRY MARTIN.
Some men achieve popularity over and above their fellows because of the possession, or exhibition of certain unusual traits of character. Such an unusual character is Mr. Joe Henry Martin. He has grown now to considerable age, but the merry gleam in his eye, perennially present, has not departed. Uncle Joe measured up to the true requirements in the acquittal of the pioneer responsibilities of citizenship, but always took time to investigate every prospect and situation for the fun there was in it. He faced the somber storms of pioneer days with the spirit of the ancient, who fiddled while Rome was burning-by all odds a merry and jovial one. There never 21
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were any limits to his generosity, nor his willingness to assist a friend, and from the unstinted employment of these traits he is known and affectionately admired by all. He was born in Kentucky. January 1, 1828; served in the Mexican War in 1846; went to California in 1850, and settled in Wise County
MR. JOE HENRY MARTIN.
MRS. JOE HENRY MARTIN.
in 1855. On February 6, 1861, in Jack County, Texas, he was married to Eliza Earhart, daughter of Capt. J. B. Earhart. They now reside at Chico, Wise County. Mrs. Martin is one of the splendid and beloved women remaining to us from pioneer times.
BRIEF ALLUSIONS TO PROMINENT CITIZENS, BOTH OF THE PIONEER PERIOD AND THAT IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING.
It was planned to devote comprehensive sketches to the indi- viduals alluded to in the following brief paragraphs, but the foregoing material has so unexpectedly encroached on the lin- itations of space as to necessitate abridgement of the following · matter. The subjects treated, however, are importantly inden- tified with the social and political history of the county, and are deserving of equal representation with all others.
RICHARD T. RIEGER
was a native of Missouri, born January 16, 1829. Married Jane Manilia Cagle (first wife) October 20, 1852. Mrs. Rieger died November 11, 1864. On November 29, 1865, Mr. Rieger married Annie P. Ball, who survived her hus- band many years, the date of her death being Septem- ber 12, 1906. Mr. Rieger died at the age of 5S. He was prominent as the leader of one of the home militia companies, otherwise per- forming well his part in all the affairs of the times. Two children resulted from the first union, named Jim and Artemisa Rieger. Seven children were born to the second union, as follows: Manilia, married Hiram W. Smith; Sarah L., married R. T. RIEGER. Tom H. Greer; Emily Ter-
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rell, married J. D. Robison; Richard A., married Laura Jarrell ; Joseph died young; Jackson J., married Clayton Bennett; Ollie M. married Austin Golden.
RUFUS LINDLY
has been a citizen of Wise County since 1861, coming here that year with his step-father, B. W. Millholland. The latter settled the Carlo Ball place 1} miles north of Decatur. From 1868 to 1872 Mr. Lindly lived in the San Antonio section of the State, but was forced to return to Wise County on account of Indian troubles. He was married January 24, 1886, to Virginia Cate, daughter of David Cate, born and raised at Grapevine, Tarrant County. One child, a daughter, Miss Grace, has been born to them. Mr. Lindly is a kindly, genial gentleman, and the pop- ular keeper of the City Hotel, Decatur.
JOHN W. PRUNTY
was born March 6, 1833, in Henry County, Virginia; came to Wise County in 1859, and bought the original Tom MeCarrol pre-emption, near Aurora, on Blue creek. Mr. Prunty was married the first time to Mary Anthony, by whom he had seven children, viz .: Thomas W.,.married D'Etta Fullerton; Sudie, married W. L. Neel; Mattie, died in youth; Modena, married D. C. Greer; John V., married Minnie Dixon; the latter is Dr. John V. Prunty, a prominent practicing dentist at De- catur; Ben, married Fannie Gill; R. H., married Annie Pybas. Mr. Prunty was married the second time to Mrs. Louisa A. Oldham, originally of Virginia, but subsequently of El Reno, Oklahoma.
JAMES C. RUCKER
has seen Texas territory in its pioneer state throughout the ex- tent of the frontier, from Red river to San Antonio. He is, besides, a Mexican War veteran, having volunteered from Ten- nessee, in 1847. For six months of the Civil strife he was a
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Confederate soldier, then was transferred to the frontier pro- tection guard. He was born in McMinn County, Tennessee, August 30, 1830, the son of Mordica Rucker; came to Texas in 1850, and to Wise County in 1855. September 8, 1849, he first married Virginia McDonald, in McMinn County, Tennessee, to which union the following children were born: Joseph L. Rucker, born in Smith County, Texas, November 11, 1850, de- ceased; Mary Alice, married James Fullerton; William Hamil- ton and Sophie. Mr. Rucker permanently located in the Sand Hill community in 1862; his first wife having died he re-mar- ried Christian Slater, of Wise County. To them have been born Laura Bell, married Jack Bavouset, Dallas, Texas; Ada, married Mack Dickson, Dawson, Texas; Fannie, married Montville Newcomer, Bandero County; May, married Capt. H. E. Brady, Wise County.
MRS. D. D. SHIREY. "Aunt Polly".
MRS. M. A. SHIREY,
(Aunt Polly) was born in South Carolina, in 1819. Settled in Wise County with her husband in 1854. She was and is noted for her old- fashioned Southern hospitality, and loves to tell of feeding at her "re- volving table" such guests as Sena- tor Robert Tombs, of Georgia; Governor Throckmorton, General John R. Baylor and Judge Everts. She still lives at. her comfortable home at Audabon, loved and hon- ored by all who know her.
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GROUP PIONEER WOMEN AND DESCENDANTS. (Taken at residence of S. A. LILLARD, Decatur, October, 1907.)
Front Row, Sitting, Left to Right: Miss Maud Hogg, Mrs. C. B. Simmons, Mrs. S. M. Gose, Jr., Mrs. Charles Myers, Miss Electra ·
Pickett, Mrs. J. F. Lillard, Mrs J. Sellars, Miss May White, Mrs. E. P. Gibson, Miss Lena Russell, Mrs. D. W. Frazer. Second Row, Sitting: Mrs. Reuben Pounds, Mrs. S. M. Gose, Mrs. E. C. Terrell, Mrs. J. W. Hale, Mrs. J. M. Holmes, Mrs. J. T. Waggoner, Mrs. C. B. Beard, Mrs. J. W. Patterson, Mrs. J. R. Davenport, Mrs. C. A. Saunders, Mrs. Ira Long, Mrs. J. F. Ford, Mrs. T. J. Kenny. Next Row, Standing: Miss Mattie Perrin, Mrs. J. H. Beall, Mrs. George Neilson, Mrs. Lute Renshaw, Mrs. P. L. Wade, Mrs. S. A. Lillard, Mrs. D. H. Payne, Col. G. B. Pickett. Fourth Row, Leaning against Bannister, Left to Right: Mrs. T. Perrin, Mrs. Allison, Mrs. Charles D. Cates, Mrs. J. A. Renshaw, Mrs. M. A. Harding, Mrs. Mollie Jarrell, Mrs. S. W. Tilghman, Mrs. W. L. Dallas, Mrs. W. P. Russell, Mrs. George McQuinn. Standing on Porch, Left to Right: Mrs. H. Greathouse. Mrs. John S. Gililland, Mrs. R. M. Collins, Mrs. J. P. Fullingim, Mrs. A. Devereux, Mrs. H. D. Donald, Mrs. C. C. Thompson, Mrs. Buna Walker, Mrs. Peyton L. Wade, Miss Call, Mrs. T. C. McMurray, Mrs. J. D. White, Miss Dada Harding, Mrs. John Ford, Miss Ernestine Patterson, Miss Ada Cates.
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JOHN T. WAGGONER
was born in Cole County, Missouri, February 7, 1831. Came with his parents to Red River. County, in fall of 1838, living there and in Hopkins County eighteen years. Came to Wise County in 1854, settling two miles northwest of Decatur. After occupying other locations, Mr. Waggoner emigrated to Denton County, staying nine years, but returned to Wise County in October, 1876. He did good service for the lost cause in Hopp's Regiment, bore his part well in all pioneer difficul- ties and obstacles, and raised a large family to perpetuate his name. His death occurred in recent years.
CHARLES AND MRS. PERRIN.
The writer is pleased to present a photograph of those worthy, old-time citizens, Uncle Charles and Mrs. Perrin, who became
MR. CHAS. PERRIN.
1
MRS. CHAS. PERRIN.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF WISE COUNTY.
residents of Wise County in 1858. Uncle Charles died Decem- ber 8, 1906, but is survived by his wife, now 77 years of age. Ten children were born to them; have grown to adult age and now reside in Oklahoma and Texas, the two most familiarly known in Wise County being Ab. and Miss Mattie Perrin.
WILLIAM C. WEATHERBY.
Considerable mention of Mr. Weatherby has been made in previous chapters. It now remains to cite the essential, brief facts of history. He was born November 6, 1834, in Putnam County, Georgia; came with his parents to Rush County at ten years of age, and to Wise County in 1856. In 1857 or 1858 he was married to Margaret Jane Holden, and has raised the following children: Clarinda Jane, Sarah Eliza- beth, James Thomas, Georgia Ann, William Minor, Maud Cordelia, Charles Elmore. Mrs. Weatherby died De- ceber 2, 1896. Mr. Weath- erby, in his old age, is com- fortably surrounded on his many acres on Denton creek, in the Greenwood commun- WM. C. WEATHERBY. ity. Uncle Bill, as he was familliarly known, was one of the most gallant rangers and frontiersmen of this section; he also aided in the surveying of the boundary line of Wise County, killing upwards of fifty deer on the route around.
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ELIJAH T. McDANIEL
came originally from Franklin County, Tennessee, to Wise County, early in March, 1855. In Dallas County, Arkansas, he married Asmoth Trammel, and to them five children were born, viz .: John, Wiley, Granville, Mary Ann and Cordelia, the births of the three remaining ones occurring in Wise County. The names of the latter are Alfred, Isabel and Eliza Jane. Mrs. McDaniel survives her husband, being aged now eighty years. She lives with her son, Wiley MeDaniel, near Greenwood, this county. No two remaining pioneer citizens are better known than John and Wiley McDaniel. Both are comfortably located on rich farms in North Wise County, and both have raised large families. They are two foremost citizens of their com- munities.
CAMPBELL BURNS BEARD
came to Decatur in the early days of the town's rush and growth, an inspiring youth in his last years of minority. From youth to manhood, and on past the meridian, his life has been bound up with that of his town, one of the inter- esting characters of the place.
In January, 1873, Mr. Beard accepted the advice of Horace Greeley and left Charlotte, N. C., for the West. He was then 19 years of age, and for two years had been a shipping clerk in a large wholesale house at Charlotte. He
C. B. BEARD.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF WISE COUNTY.
landed at Galveston with no definite destination in view, and there met Charles D. Cates, of Decatur, who was in Galves- ton to buy goods. Mr. Beard came overland home with Mr. Cates and entered the latter's store, remaining three years as elerk. He then entered the grocery business for himself. The profits for five years, and finally the capital, was consumed by an enemy which victimized him by its dazzling smile and refreshing draught, and he sought relief in the H. Great- house & Co. bank. Until 1883 he remained here and with the bank's successor, the First National Bank, as book-keeper, when he again entered the grocery business. His old enemy was still his friend and his business was finally strangled. Mr. Beard was next engaged in the real estate business, fol- lowing which he acted as book-keeper for the Mississippi store, and then became a book-keeper again in the First National Bank. About this time it dawned on him that he was about to be bound and gagged by his old enemy and he cut the tie, took a new lease on life and new hope for the future and returned to fresh, vigorous and temperate life. He remained with the bank until 1904, when he resigned to enter the grocery business. Mr. Beard is peculiarly adapted to the latter business and is successful. He has a fine sense of dis- crimination, which enables him to select only the best quality of goods which can be obtained and sold at reasonable prices, and his store has become one of the popular institutions of the town.
Mr. Beard is the son of James B. Beard, a life-long merchant of North Carolina, a Democratic office-holder under Cleveland's and Arthur's administrations, and an Episcopalian in faith. His mother was, before her marriage, Mary Campbell Bryce, daughter of Peter Bryce, a Scotsman, and cotton factor of Columbia, S. C. His marriage occurred September 27, 1876, when he took as his bride Ella Greathouse, the only daughter of the late Col. Henry Greathouse, of Decatur. Mrs. Beard was born at Yreka, Calf., February 21, 1859, and came to Decatur with her father at the age of 12. The union resulted in six children, as follows: Nellie, wife of Mayor Will A. Miller, Jr., Amarillo,
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Texas; James Burns, of Federick, Ok .; William H., with father in the firm; Harry L., Horace B. and Campbell B.
DR. J. A. EMBRY AND EARLY SCHOOL.
In connection with this sketch is the reproduction of a photo- graph representing a group of students of an early school taught
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FORMER PUPILS OF DR. J. A. EMBRY'S SCHOOL.
First Row, Right to Left: Mrs. George Neilson, Mrs. R. H. Beall, Dr. John A. Embry, Mrs. L. Renshaw.
Second Row: Mrs. S. A. Lillard, Mrs. C. B. Beard, Mrs. J. W. Patterson, Mrs. C. A. Saunders, Mrs. J. R. Davenport, Miss Mattie Perrin.
in Decatur by Dr. John A. Embry, who, himself, is a subject in the picture. Drs. John and Jim Embry came to Wise County from Calhoun County, Miss., the place of their birth, in 1871. Dr. John Embry taught numerous early schools in Decatur, and from 1879 until 1882 conducted the large school in the building
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which stood on the lot where the present Methodist Church is located. The accompanying picture group, representing some of the foremost citizens of Decatur, was made from students of the late school, who hold in affectionate esteem their kind, patient and efficient former instructor. Dr. Embry graduated from the Medical University of St. Louis in 1881, and for a quarter of a century has been a foremost physician of this sec- tion. In addition thereto he has been a friend to humanity and a high-minded, philanthropic citizen-charitable to all and loved by all.
C. C. LEONARD.
C. C. Leonard, an old time citizen of the county, and at present living in the vicinity of Rhome, was born in old Tisho- mingo County, Mississippi, June 24, 1837, but spent the early years of his life in Marshall County, Tennessee, to which section his parents removed. When Mr. Leon- Mặc- ard was fifteen years of age his parents again moved to Jackson County, Arkansas, where, December 18, 1856, the subject of our sketch was married to Mary A. Ragsdale, of Jackson County. Mr. Leonard came to Wise County in the spring of 1860 and located where the town of Boyd now stands. His beloved wife died July 7, 1861, and the next spring Mr. Leonard C. C. LEONARD. entered the Confederate army, joining B. P. Earps
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Co. E., with which he was assigned to the 23rd Texas Cavalry, Gould's Regiment. He was made Orderly Sergeant of the com- pany, remaining in service three yearsand one month, and engaged in campaigns in Louisiana and Texas. After the close of the war, August 12, 1866, Mr. Leonard was married to Mary J. Lewis, of Wise County, and in 1868 settled the place on which he now lives. He is one of the county's loyal and conservative citizens, and has taken part in all forward move- ments. For fifteen consecutive years he acted as Justice of the Peace of his precinct and as tax assessor; he also served ably as a county commissioner in 1891 and 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard's children are as follows; Mary J. Pinkard, by the first wife, lives with her parents; W. J. Leonard, Rhome; S. L., lives at Bowie; Laura, married to Harry Moore, Lampasas; Susie, married to Homer Watkins, Rhome; Allie, married to J. G. Robison, near Rhome; Emma, married to A. N. Rives, Rhome: Kate, Ella, Ora and Bob at home.
M. W. SHOEMAKER.
In the early days of Decatur's history, there was much activity upon the part of her leading citizens in the promotion of enter- prises which contemplated the town's future growth and pros- perity, and no movement of this kind was ever carried to success- ful culmination without Milton W. Shoemaker's personal force being identified with it. Mr. Shoemaker was one of the several sons of Capt. A. H. Shoemaker, who came with his family from Missouri to Oliver Creek, Wise County, in 1859, and to Decatur in 1867. M. W. Shoemaker was born in Missouri, July 1, 1845, and had just passed his majority when his father located in the Wise County capital. He came to Decatur just at the time when the village was recovering from the prostrations of civil war, and when enterprising, original men were needed to restore the country to normal conditions. From thence to the date of his death he was a leading spirit in every undertaking that involved the town and country's best interest. On December 21, 1871, Mr. Shoemaker was married to Miss Mollie Pickett,
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PIONEER HISTORY OF WISE COUNTY.
GROUP OF PIONEER WOMEN AND DESCENDANTS.
Front Row, Left to Right: Mrs. George McQuinn, Mrs. Jim Burton, Mrs. Clifford Glanton, Mrs. Blewett, Mrs. J. T. Waggoner,
Mrs, J. D. White, Mrs. R. H. Beall, Mrs. G. A. Hicks, Mrs. Jim Young. Back Row, Left to Right: Mrs. A. S. Badger, Mrs. Gum Rhoades, Col. G. B. Pickett, Miss Electra Pickett.'Miss_May_White, Miss Mattie Perrin, Mrs. T. G. Clegg.
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daughter of Col. and Mrs. G. B. Pickett, whose birth occurred in Red River County, Texas, January 10, 1854, and who, coming to Wise County at a very early date, has spent the most of her life here as one of the community's admired and respected citizens. Four children were born to the union, the eldest being Hardie, the second Barnie, and Warren and Dollie. The death of the last occurred at the age of three, while the sad demise of Warren is a truly deplorable event of recent date. Mr. and Mrs. Shoe- maker belong to that small minority of our present citizenship who have seen Decatur and Wise County at their worst and best.
LOUIS PAVILLARD,
our old and esteemed French pioneer, was born in Canton Deverd, Switzerland, Europe, in January, 1832. This village is located near the town of Louisanne, the place where Gibbon, the famous historian, spent his studious years before writing the immortal history of the "Decline and Fall of Rome." Louis Pavillard spent six years in the city of Paris before coming to America, his occupation being that of a servitor of a printer's club. He adventured into Wise County in 1859, after having toured the Western States. He was twice married; first, to Jane Harris, upon whose death to Elizabeth Broadstreet. Uncle Louis is well supplied with material means, lives in the Anne- ville community, where he has raised nine children.
DR. MARTIN CADDELL
is the son of Wm. Caddell, who married Diana Pittman, in Kentucky. He was born in Scotland County, Mo., January 9, 1834. Came with his family to Lamar County, Texas, first, and at the age of 23 to Wise County, in the year 1856. Dr. Caddell settled on Black Creek, and later moved to Greenwood, where after a course of study he began the practice of medicine. Harmon Caddell, a well-known Wise County citizen, recently deceased, came to Dr. Caddell in 1858, remaining until married. In 1855 Dr. Caddell married Martha Strickland in Canton, Texas, whom he now survives. Nine children were born to the union as follows: Elias, Dora, Ellen, Jim, Florence, Ida, Della, Mart, Lillie .-
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CAPT. TOM L. STANFIELD-A PIONEER CITIZEN OF WISE COUNTY-NOW OF TERRELL, TEXAS.
JOHN S. GILILLAND
came into Wise County in what may be defined as the last year of the pioneer period, which was 1874, the year of the Huff family massacre by the Indians. He came to Decatur from Ar- kansas, but lived formerly in Collin County, Texas, to which county he came from Missouri, the state of his birth. He was born at Old Bailey's landing, on the Mississippi river, the place then being called Lincoln, the date being January 31, 1845. His father, A. J. Gililland, was a blacksmith, and was twice married, having four children by each union. John S. was the second son of the first group. His father came to Collin County in 1853, locating on David's Ridge, west of McKinney, near the
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Dallas and Preston roads. In 1867, at the age of 16, John S. en- listed in Co. D., 6th Texas cavalry, afterwards Ross' regiment, the first volunteer organization to leave Collin County. Later on he was exempted from service on account of his youth, but returned to Collin County and rejoined Throckmorton's company. He then participated in campaigns in Arkansas and Louisiana. In June, 1863, he was taken prisoner at Butler, La., and confined at New Orleans for eight months, when he escaped under the most thrilling and dramatic circumstances. He rejoined his company the day following the Pleasant Hill fight in Louisiana. He then obtained a furlough and came home. His father had in the meantime moved to Grayson County. Mr. Gililland then spent eight years in Arkansas, in Washington County, in which State he married Jane Kinnebrough in February, 1866. In 1874 he came to Decatur, locating on the eastern edge of town, and two years later opened a blacksmith and woodworking shop, which occupation he has followed continuously and successfully since. At an early period he served Decatur a term or two as city marshall. He is a quiet, unpretentious gentleman, a conscien- tious and persistent workman, and a first-class citizen, being admired and respected by all. Mr. and Mrs. Gililland have reared a bright, healthy family of children, now all married and prosperous, named as follows: Jim, the oldest son, of Com- manche County, Ok .; Almer, of Roan's Prairie, Texas; Porter, La Grange, Texas; Minnie, wife of Conductor White, C. R. I. & P. Ry .; Walter, associated with his father at Decatur; Roy, of Fort Worth.
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