USA > Texas > Wise County > Pioneer history of Wise County; from red men to railroads-twenty years of intrepid history > Part 27
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DR. W. B. PALMER.
Dr. W. B. Palmer, of Audubon, Wise County, was born in Rutherford County, Tennessee, March 12, 1849. Was the oldest son of G. P. and Martha Palmer; the family consisted of four girls and an equal number of boys, all of whom are dead ex- cept J. F. Palmer, of Graham, Oklahoma, and Dr. Palmer. When a boy the latter attended school at Milton, Tennessee, later attended Hanna Highland College at Virvilla, Tennessee, under Professor William Looney. In 1868 he moved to Benton County, Ark., and attended school at the Baptist College at Springdale, Arkansas, under Professor L. R. Barnes. Here he was a classmate of Rev. Edward Newton, late of Chico, Wise County, Texas. Dr. Palmer was married in 1875 to Miss Bettie McCoy, of Elm Springs, Arkansas. In 1877 he moved to John- son County, Texas, and taught school three years at Greenbrier. In 1881 he came to Wise County and taught the public school at Foster three years, after which he attended the medical depart- ment at Vanderbilt University, and graduated as a physician in 1886, after which he practiced his pro- fession at Audubon, his present place of residence. In 1892 he lost the wife of his youth, leaving two daughters, Maggie and Laura. In 1894 hejwas married to Mrs. Lenora Van Zant, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Shipman of Pella, Wise County.
DR. W. B. PALMER.
By industry and economy he has made a success of his chosen profes_ sion, is one of the highly respecte
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MODERN WISE COUNTY.
citizens of his section, a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and a leading Mason of that order in Wise County. He is spending his busy but contented days with his family, his wife and three daughters, Maggie, Laura and Cora Van Zant; at a beautiful home called Gynndome, near Audubon.
W. P. ROBERTS.
W. P. Roberts of Bridgeport, better known to Wise County people as Perry Roberts, is another of those sterling, indus- trious citizens who came to Wise County at an early time with practically nothing to start with, but who, by hard work and frugality has surrounded himself with comforts and plenty, reared a respectable family and forced his way into the good esteem of all who know him. He was born in Randolph County, Ala- bama, July 21, 1851. At twenty years of age he came with his father to Johnson County, Texas, locating_near Alvarado. Then in 1879 Mr. Roberts moved to Cooke County and staid two years, after which he came to Wise on November 26, 1881, settl- ing on Osteen Branch, north of Paradise, where he lived until 1884. After this date Mr. MR. AND MRS. W. P. ROBERTS. Roberts' home was in Plea- sant Valley Community, about five miles southwest of Bridge- port, where he accumulated considerable property and came to be a substantial citizen. In later years, off and on, Mr. Rob- erts had been a successful merchant at Bridgeport, and resides there now, conducting a popular grocery store.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF WISE COUNTY.
Mr. Roberts has been twice married, first to Miss Ann McDonald in Johnson County in 1873, then in 1893, following her death, to Jeanette Fullingim, daughter of Archer Fullingim, a pioneer citizen of Wise County. Mr. Roberts came into Decatur the day after the old courthouse in the center of the square burned, which was November 26, 1881, a fact that has been instrumental in establishing the exact date of the burning of this building for the purposes of this record.
G. F. MCCRACKEN.
G. F. MeCracken, commonly known as Dee, belongs to that class of sterling men who left the old States and came into Texas with nothing to call their own but a willingness to work and to save, and a strong phys- ical body to put their yearn- ings into action. Dee McCracken settled on Wal- nut Creek, Wise County, in 1883, with 25 cents in his pocket. His necessities forced him to till other people's land, and he became a renter on E. Curtner's place in the Anneville community. To- day he is a foremost farmer and live-stock breeder, not alone of Wise County, but of Texas. His pre-eminence as a breeder of thorough-bred Poland-China hogs being de- monstrated at the Dallas fair, where on more than one occa- sion he won some of the G. F. MCCRACKEN. most valuable prizes offered. His fame as a raiser of game chickens is co-extensive with the nation, having shipped, as he has, fighting cocks into every state of the Union. Mr. McCracken's
,
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MODERN WISE COUNTY.
accomplishments along these lines speak favorably for his pos- session of force and intellectuality, qualities which are essential to the breeding of high class animals which he produces. His sales also indicate that he is a man of business shrewdness and sagacity. He lives at present in a large new home a few miles north of Decatur, where he has every convenience for the rais- ing of thoroughbred stock. Mr. MeCracken is 42 years old, having been born in Newburn, Dyer County, Tennessee, December 15, 1865. He celebrated the ending of the famous 1886-87 drouth in Wise County by marrying Miss Brittie Faith, daughter of B. W. Faith, a foremost citizen. To this union have been born seven children, the eldest child being 18, the youngest about two.
CARL FAITH.
Studiously attentive to the business of his office and cour- teously considerate of all re- quests for favors and infor- mation of which his branch is custodian, is the record of Carl Faith in the office of district clerk of Wise County. He has been there now since 1900, four consecutive terms, and so capably has he per- formed his duties that there is no apparent disposition to displace him. Mr. Faith was born in Davis County, Ken- tucky, June 2, 1876, but has been raised in Wise County, having been brought here by his parents when two lyears of age. He is the son of B. W. Faith, who has been long
CARL FAITH.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF WISE COUNTY.
known as a prominent Wise County farmer and citizen. One of the characteristics of Mr. Faith's office work is neatness; some others are legibility and cleanliness, conditions which are revealed upon an examination of the books and documents of this office. These facts are indicative of the use of carefulness and system in the routine work which goes on there and are conditions deplorably absent in very many of the county offices of the State. Doubtless Mr. Faith at any time can place his hand on any document or book that is desired, which is a great source of pleasure and convenience to all who have business with the department. Mr. Faith is married and resides at Decatur. His wife was Miss Ora Turney, daughter of Dr. J. W. Turney, of Robt. Lea, Texas, whom he married July 30, 1905.
C. B. GUNN.
C. B. Gunn is a native of Georgia. He was born in Warren County, that state, December, 1864. He early moved to Mississ- ippi where he lived until he was 20 years of age. In his 20th year Mr. Gunn assumed the responsibilities of life for himself, and came to Texas, where he was soon afterwards married to Miss Sarah E. Vance. He lived at Cottondale ten years, during which time he farmed four years and sold drugs six years. In 1894 Mr. Gunn was elected tax collector of Wise County. He then moved to Decatur and served his second term as collector. When his second term expired, he went into the drug business with J. P. Hayter, and for several years this firm transacted a retail drug business. Later Mr. Gunn entered business by him- self. He has been as successful in business and has made as many friends as a business man as he did in public life. The people of Decatur and Wise County have learned to trust him as a man of perfect integrity and exceptional business ability. Mr. Gunn is an example of what an honest, upright and perse- vering boy can make of himself when he is determined to face the world for himself and meet every issue fair and square. There is not a better citizen in Wise County than C. B. Gunn. He stands for civic righteousness as well as purity of morals and
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faithfulness in Christian duty. For 20 years he has been an active member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he has al- ways been engaged in every enterprise to advance the interest of his denomination and the cause of Christianity in general. He is at present superintendent of the Baptist Sunday School of the Decatur Baptist Church, and a member of the board of trustees of Decatur College. He is also an Odd Fellow and a Mason.
His drug store is a popular resort for all who need drug sun- dries, paints, oils, etc. In addition he conducts a soda fountain ; also he does the bulk of trade in school books and supplies, and in magazines, newspapers and periodicals.
JNO. M. BRANCH.
When a man is a good man personally, he cannot be otherwise than a good official. The man who al- ways does his duty as a citizen will always do right as an official.
There is not a man oc- cupying an official position in Wise County that has more friends or any better official record than has John M. Branch, our efficient sheriff. Mr. Branch has re- sided in Wise County for thirty years, and is well- known as a man of sterling qualities. He is intensely loyal to his friends, and no man is more ready to accommodate his friends SHERIFF JOHN M. BRANCH. than Mr. Branch. But he does not allow personal feelings to influence him in any way when it comes to the performance of his duty.
As a citizen, Mr. Branch has always stood as high as the
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.
highest and no one has a thing to say against him, either as an officer or citizen. The voters of Wise County did not make a mistake when they selected Mr. Branch as their choice. The people's interests are always first in his mind, self being a secondary consideration. He is a native of Texas, being born in Bellview, Rusk County, Texas, September 13, 1867. He was married to Miss Lenora Kelley, of Wise County, March 14, 1903.
SAM FAITH.
The grand old state of Kentucky has done much in the way of contributing her citizens to the commonwealth of Texas. This state has sent thousands of her choicest citizens into our fair domain who have be- come the warp and woof of our civilization. The "Cane and Turkey" state has certainly done its part by Wise County. Among the scores of capable citizens of Wise County who hail from this proud state, are Sam and Carl Faith, the sons of B. W. Faith, who now lives two and one-half miles north of Decatur.
Sam Faith was only five years of age when he 'left the blue grass regions and came to Texas with his father. Since the 12th day SAM FAITH. of February, 1878, he has lived in Texas, and the many friends which he has are a testimony of what his life has been. Mr. Faith knows Wise County like a book, and there are few people who have been in the county any length of time that he does not know and number among his friends.
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MODERN WISE COUNTY.
For a number of years he has served as deputy sheriff of this county, and has established a reputation for enforcing law that has made him respected by law-breakers everywhere. He has been deputy sheriff under Tom McClure, John Cearley, and is now serving as deputy for our efficient sheriff, John Branch. We are proud that Wise County has such peace officers as Sam Faith, John Branch and Buck Riley to enforce its laws.
HUGH D. SPENCER.
Hugh D. Spencer is a son of our honored fellow-towns- man, Judge R. F. Spencer, who was county judge of Wise County from 1894 to 1896. Mr. Spencer is a native of Burksville, Kentucky. He came to Decatur some seven- teen years ago and entered the public school of the city. He received his education in the public school and at the Baptist College. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in June, 1897.
Though Mr. Spencer has only been practicing law ten years he has held a number of positions of trust in this county. He has served one HUGH D. SPENCER. term as city attorney, two terms as justice of the peace of Precinct No. 1, and is now serving his second term as county attorney. The continuous trust that the people have placed in him is evidence of his true worth. Mr. Spencer is an upright citizen in the private walks of life, and as a public official he has a record that is absolutely above reproach. He
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PIONEER HISTORY OF WISE COUNTY.
is a Democrat of the true Jeffersonian timber and he believes in the enforcement of law in the strictest sense. The people of Wise County have had few officers that have been as attentive to the interests of the people and that have enforced the laws of the state without fear or favor as has Mr. Spencer. The writer believes that without paying Mr. Spencer an unduc compliment, he has made one of the best attorneys Wise County ever had.
JOHN H. MORRIS.
During Civil War days artisans like blacksmiths and wood- workmen were exempted from service in the armies because of a recognition of their vital usefulness to the communities in which they lived and worked. No higher compliment was ever paid to this worthy class of men who in every age and clime have contributed their valued labors to the cause of material civiliza- tion. We have in our community a man who, since 1884, has worked steadily, honestly and efficiently at his trade of black- smithing, and he has not only succeeded financially but has built himself a reputation for good citizenship among his fellow townsmen of Decatur. We refer to John H. Morris. Mr. Morris' shop has long been located on West Main street, where he can be found when any character of woodworking or black- smithing is needed.
D. W. COOPER.
David W. Cooper, present tax assessor of Wise County, is a native of Tennessee, born in Gibson County of that state, July 23, 1851. Like the majority of self-made men, he was raised on a farm and had a hard struggle to procure a meagre amount of education. Until he was thirty years of age he spent his time in working on the farm, teaching school and studying for the career before him. January 7, 1875, he was married to Miss Maggie Flowers, whose death occurred in Wise County after Mr. Cooper moved to this state. He came here
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MODERN WISE COUNTY.
because his health failed, in 1883, and settled at Chico, where he again resumed farming and teaching. He taught the Prairie Point School ten successive years and the Glasgow School eight years. January 9, 1904, Mr. Cooper was married to Mrs. Ida Adair, of Chico, the present place of their residence. He is now serving his second term as tax assessor, and no man has made a more deter- mined, honest and sincere official effort in behalf of his constituency. The enormous increase in the total values of taxation during his two tenures is due both to the natural in- crease of property values and to Mr. Cooper's energy and enterprise in securing comprehensive assessments. Mr. Cooper is personally a lovable man, possessed of good and noble qualities. Besides, he is a staid and substantial citizen and a Christian gentleman; takes part in the higher affairs of D. W. COOPER. the community and contrib- utes the strength of his honest might to the progress and upbuilding of the county in general. To a great degree he possesses those qualifications of intrinsic merit which makes it fortunate for any county to have such a man in her places of trust and responsibility.
DAVE MARTIN.
The career of Dave S. Martin is illustrative of the beneficence and success in life which follows on industry, frugality and honesty. It is said that many men have high aims in life, but 25
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PIONEER HISTORY OF WISE COUNTY.
few are good shots, which is as if to say that many men intend to do well in a given line, but fly away at a tangent before the goal is reached. Mr. Martin set out early in life imbued with the purpose of making himself comfortable and independent. He has reached that goal now when he is in his prime and his road henceforth will be no rougher than he cares to make it. All along the route he has been cheered by the joy that comes from honest labor and enthusiasm that looks forward to rosy results. Mr. Martin is a native Texan, born in Collin County, November 27, 1858. His youth was spent there, and there he married, the date being August 25, 1884, the lady of his choice, Miss Lovie Willis, of the community. Mrs. Martin is a native of Itiwamba County, Mississippi. She has steered close to the side of her husband through all his successful struggle, and now rejoices with him in the happy accomplishment.
After some years of leasing and renting, Mr. Martin started the town of Sedalia, in Collin County, by establishing a store from which the village grew. After five years of mercantile life he came to Denton County in 1893, and two years later moved over into Wise County. For several years Mr. Martin has owned a large pasture six miles northeast of Slidell, which is well stocked with cattle and horses. He presently resides in Decatur, where he moved this year to place his children in school. He is a member of the firm of Martin & Williams, who own a large barn and deal in mules and other stock.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin are substantial additions to the social and business life of Decatur. The names of their children are Elbert, Lake, Ennard, Willie, Irvin, Charlie, Tillie, Ned and Opal.
SECTION SIX.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
MAN AND SIMMONS, DRUGGISTS.
Some philosopher has said in effect that every institution is the lengthened shadow of some man. It follows that any given institution of success must reflect the qualities of a man whose genius and force has made it what it is. We have in Decatur the drug business of Man and Simmons, a successful institution that reflects the shadow of the men behind it, who are Mr. Walter Man and Dr. Charles B. Simmons. The latter devotes his time to his profession, leaving Mr. Man to be the presiding genius of the business, though he is ably supported by Mr. Floyd Kenney, a trusted and efficient employee of years' standing. The accommodating nature, the precision and the high expertness of Mr. Man in the complexities of the drug business are proverbial in Decatur and community, and have attracted and built up a trade for Man and Simmons that is a source of constant gratification to the proprietors, and the sub- ject of admiring comment by the long list of new and old patrons of the firm. Mr. Man has doubtless applied himself closer for a longer time to the mastery of the drug business than any man in this section, and the preseriptions, and the materials and goods he turns out bear the stamp of genuineness to such a degree that the act of questioning them has long since fallen into disuse. It is because of this serupulousness, attention to the minutest details of the business, that the firm has obtained a place of individual distinction among the buying publie of Decatur and community. It is a distinction that seeks to be kind, helpful and considerate and which never fails to attract the casual customer and bring him again and again to this store for his purchases in the drug line. Besides, every article that belongs to the list of fresh, pure drug sundries, this firm specializes in jewelry, toilet articles, soaps and perfumery, paints, (the famous S. W. P. line), oil, varnishes, window glass, cigars and tobacco, proprietary and patent medicines. South side square.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF WISE COUNTY.
D. E. WALCOTT.
D. E. Walcott, who recently opened a general store on the southwest corner of the square, is well known to the residents of Decatur and surrounding country. Mr. Walcott resided in Decatur several years ago, but went to Boyd in the latter part of the 90's and engaged in the mercantile business at that place.
Wales WE SELLE
tids. RYTHING.
D.E.WALCOTT. BUYSESELL'S | EVERYTHING GENERAL MEI CHANDISE.
D. E. WALCOTT SUPPLY STORE.
He has by persistent effort and close buying, made a success, and no one is more worthy than is he. Mr. Walcott is a good business man and looks out for his own interests, but he is not so blinded by selfishness as a great many men are, that he does not have the time to help further any cause that is to the interests of the town and county in which he resides. You will always find D. E. Walcott ready when it comes to advancing the interests of the farmers especially. Mr. Walcott is pro-
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ADVERTISEMENTS.
prietor of the only store in Decatur that sells everything. He not only sells everything, but buys everything, and the farmer can always find a market for his products at Walcott's Supply Store, and he will always receive the highest market price for same. The Supply Store makes a specialty of up-to-date cloth- ing, dry goods and gents' furnishings. The grocery stock is one of the newest and cleanest in the city. The celebrated John Deere Buggies and new Moline wagons are handled exclusively by Mr. Walcott, and the prices on these vehicles are always right. "The price is the thing," is the motto of the Supply Stora, and they live up to their motto.
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M. L. ROBERTSON'S MARKET.
M. L. ROBERTSON'S MARKET.
"Where do you buy your meat?" asked a newcomer to Do- catur of his next door neighbor. "At M. L. Robertson's" was the answer, "and I'll tell you why. He always keeps a clean, tidy market, and his meats are always the best that can be ob- tained in the Decatur market." This statement expresses the
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PIONEER HISTORY OF WISE COUNTY,
sentiment of the discriminating housewives of Decatur. Mr. Robertson does keep as tidy a shop as one will see anywhere, and he takes pains to provide his customers nothing but the choieest meats. Mr. Robertson does his own slaughtering, and his buyers have instructions to buy no animal that will not dress out good tender meat. He pays the highest price for butchers' stuff the year round, and the farmers for miles around have felt the effeet of his liberal purchasing policy. Very few of them will part with an animal that is ready for the butcher's block without first seeing Mr. Robertson or one of his representatives. Mr. Robertson is a pleasant gentleman personally and employs only courteous assistants. You can send your child to this market with the assurance that it will be treated just as nicely and receive just as good meat as you would yourself. Always buy your meat from Robertson, and when you have a fat animal to sell, phone him and get his price before you sell.
FORD & THOMASON, DRUGGISTS.
. The building lot in the center of the west side of the public square whereon stands the drug store of Ford & Thomason has been known immemorially as a place where Decatur druggists have conducted a business. Deeatur's first drug store, the old "Apothecary Shop" of Dr. Stewart referred to in the foregoing record, was established where Ford & Thomason now stands. The oldest born Decatur citizen cannot recall a time when a drug store was not being conducted at this stand; as a conse- quence the place has gained a reputation and the citizens of this community instinctively turn to this location when the need of medieines and other artieles earried by modern drug- gists is uppermost in the mind. For many years the Ford & Thomason store was conducted by the popular John W. Sparrow, who popularized the institution immensely. Mr. Sparrow's successor was the genial John P. Hayter, whose long reign of successful business was marked by a constant increase in the number and quality of the store's customers. The stand then
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ADVERTISEMENTS.
Decatur Land Loan and Abstract Co.
(INCORPORATED)
DECATUR, TEXAS
MR. J. P. HAYTER is President and Manager of the Company. R. L. THOMPSON, Secretary. F. J. FORD, Attorney
Mr. Hayter organized the company after retiring from the conduct of a drug business for several successful years. As a business man he is enterprising and able. . His company does a general land business, lists and sells land, makes abstracts and negotiates loans. Country and city property for sale and exchange, deeds written and acknowledgments taken. Prospective land buyers shown about the country. Let the company know your wants .
Office : MILLER BUILDING
JUST OFF SOUTHWEST CORNER SQUARE
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PIONEER HISTORY OF WISE COUNTY.
came into the hands of Dr. John Ford and Gordon Thomason. The latter was associated with Mr. Hayter and helped in the success of the business before he became its joint proprietor. Dr. John Ford is the son of Dr. J. F. Ford, the lamented and beloved citizen and physician who died in recent years. Ford & Thomason are destined to augment the success of the busi- ness which the firm now controls. Each member possesses the inherent business qualifications necessary to the growth of a large enterprise. Their prescription numbers exceed those of any other drug store in this section. This is a testimonial to the purity of the drugs used and the carefulness exercised in compounding physicians' prescriptions. A chief branch of their business is the handling of wall paper, paints, oils and glass, and besides their large stock of drug sundries, they conduct the largest and best patronized cold drink fountain in the town. Ford & Thomason are numbered among the stable, up-to-date institutions of Decatur.
W. D. PASCHALL'S REMINISENCE READ AT OLD SETTLERS' RE-UNION, JULY, 1906.
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