USA > Texas > Washington County > Brenham > The history of Brenham and Washington County > Part 6
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Before this reaches you the fate of Texas will be known. I will endeavor to acquaint you as soon as possible. I am well and in good spirits, and as unconcerned as if going to a raising. The same Being who has hitherto protected my life can with equal ease ward off the balls of the enemy. My company is waiting, and I must draw to a close, and bid you farewell, perhaps forever. More than a year has elapsed since I saw you, yet the thoughts of friends and home are fresh in my memory, and their remembrance yet lives in my affections and will light a secret joy to my heart till it shall cease to beat. Long has it been since I have heard from you. How often do I think of home and wish to be there. The thought of that sacred spot haunts my night-watches. How often, when sleep has taken pos- session of my faculties, am I transported there, and for a short time enjoy all the pleasures of home; but the delu- sion is soon over, and the morning returns and I find my situation the same. Dear friends, if I see you no more,
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remember Giles still loves you. Give my love to my sis- ters, brothers, friends and neighbors. I would write more if time would permit, but its fleeting steps wait for none. You need not write to me, as I do not know where I shall be. With sentiments of sincere respect I bid you farewell.
Your affectionate son,
G. A. GIDDINGS.
J. D. Giddings' first vocation in Washington County was that of teaching. He was considered a very fine educator. He taught school near Independence, in a log house with a puncheon floor, and numbered among his pupils grown men and women. Before opening school he directed the building of the school house, and was assisted by a few of the students, who helped him operate the whip-saw with which the cedar logs were prepared.
The love of adventure and hunting caused this pioneer to make many excursions into the wilds of the forests. During 1839, while on an expedition of this kind, between Cummings Creek and Rutersville, he and his companion were chased by Indians and narrowly escaped with their lives.
When volunteers were called for in 1843 to avenge the raids of Vasquez and Woll, and to rescue prisoners held in Mexico, he promptly enlisted in Alexander Somervell's army, and remained until the disbanding of the majority of the soldiers, thus escaping the horrors of the Mier Expe- dition.
When Congress ordered an election in 1844, for the estab- lishment of a permanent seat of justice for Washington County, J. D. Giddings was vitally interested in the suc- cess of Brenham. He traveled night and day, and made speeches in every town and settlement, with the gratifying result that Brenham was elected. The people of the time ascribed Brenham's success to the untiring labors of J. D. Giddings. He cast his lot, heart and soul, with the infant town, and formulated plans for its upbuilding. Realizing that religion was the foundation of good citizenship, his first thought was the establishment of a church; and he interested the good men and women in this laudable under- taking, to the end that Rev. Robert Alexander responded to an appeal, and the Methodist Church was organized in 1844 in the Hickory Grove school house. A Sunday School was started, and J. D. Giddings was the first superintend- ent, serving in this capacity until he died. Methodism in Brenham for the first 37 years is closely interwoven with the life of this devout Christian.
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When Graham Lodge, A. F. & A. M., was organized, this good man became a charter member. His religion enabled him to fully appreciate the sublime beauties of the Masonic ritual, and at different times he held the highest offices in the three grand divisions of Masonry. In 1848, when the Masons took charge of the Hickory Grove School, he was a potent factor in the building of the Masonic Academy and in the introduction of new methods of teach- ing.
Being sensible of the beneficial effects of railroads. and assisted by his brother, D. C. Giddings, he organized the "Washington County Railroad Company," for the purpose of building a railroad. As promoters of the second rail- road to be built in Texas, these patriotic brothers displayed ability, energy and courage in surmounting the difficulties with which they were confronted. To prevent the failure of the enterprise they virtually built the road themselves. It ran from Brenham to Hempstead, a distance of 21 miles. This line was but a short one, yet its construction during these pioneer days elevated the builders to the high- est plane of business capacity, and laid the foundation for Brenham's commercial importance.
Following his policy of advocating every measure con- ducive to the improvement of his home town, J. D. Giddings suggested that Brenham be incorporated, and an election for this purpose was held May 29, 1858, duly incorporating the city.
In 1866, when problems of vital interest to the peace and happiness of the people of Texas came up for solu- tion in the first legislature to assemble during the recon- struction period, this statesman, as representative. from Washington County, served on many important commit- tees, and was chairman of the judiciary committee. At the close of his term of service he was offered other polit- ical honors, which he declined.
Commercial conditions in 1866 made the establishment of a bank a necessity, and J. D. & D. C. Giddings founded the first financial institution of Washington County, under the firm name of Giddings & Giddings. J. D. Giddings was the senior member of the firm.
The encampment of the Federal soldiers at Camptown having become a trouble and annoyance to the citizens, J. D. Giddings, with his brother, D. C. Giddings, was instru- mental in having these objectionable soldiers removed in 1869.
In 1844 J. D. Giddings was united in marriage to Miss Ann M. Tarver, daughter of Edmund T. Tarver, a prom-
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inent farmer who had moved to the Republic of Texas, in 1841, from Tennessee. Of this union there are only two chil- dren living, Mrs. Heber Stone and Charles Giddings. Mrs. Stone's children are Giddings, Heber, Albert, Mary, the wife of R. E. Nicholson, and Louise. At J. D. Giddings' home, a two-story residence constructed of cedar, in North Brenham, the latch string was ever on the outside; and the poor, way-worn traveler, and the famous men and women of Texas, were welcomed alike, with true Southern hospitality. A few years prior to his death, he built the palatial country residence one mile south of the city. The fall of 1844 marked the building of his law office, which was constructed of logs on the spot where now stands the brick building owned by Charles Giddings. Though numbering among his competitors some of the brightest minds in Texas, he achieved signal success as a lawyer. He was a great student, a lifelong hard worker, and an ex- haustive speaker, being always prepared. With strict in- tegrity and fidelity to the cause of his clients, he soon had a greater law practice than he could manage, so in 1852 he became associated with his brother, D. C. Gid- dings ; and for many years they were among the most prom- inent and influential practitioners in the State.
Giddings, the county seat of Lee County, was so named in honor of J. D. Giddings. The Giddings Memorial Meth- odist Church is a monument to his memory, and tells silently and eloquently of the work he did to advance the cause of Christ.
While he was a teacher of rare attainments, a Texas Veteran of unquestioned bravery, a lawyer of great bril- liance, and a business man of sound judgment, it was as a devout Christian that the character of J. D. Giddings shines with great splendor. Into his daily life he carried religion, and in dealing with his fellow men justice was tempered with mercy, for always he followed the lead of the Man of Galilee, who said, "Love ye one another." At the time of his death, which occurred June 25, 1878, following in- juries sustained by a fall from his buggy, few citizens in this section of Texas were more beloved and certainly none had truer friends than this noble character. The highest tribute that can be paid a good man when he enters into everlasting rest is to say that he lived and died a Christian.
COL. D. C. GIDDINGS.
Even in a family like the Giddings, where every son is distinguished, it usually follows that one achieves more renown than all the others. D. C. Giddings lived and breathed in an Alpine atmosphere, where his lofty ideals,
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brilliant intellect and rugged personality towered above the majority of his contemporaries. He never ceased to call to the weary travelers in the dark valleys below, and encourage them likewise to climb the bright mountain heights where bloomed the edelweiss flowers of faith, and hope, and love.
In the same country farm house in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, where his brothers first saw the light of day, D. C. Giddings, the youngest son of James and Lucy Dem- ming Giddings, was born, July 18, 1827. As one by one his older brothers received their educations and attained their majorities they left the parental roof to make their homes in Texas, the new country whose wonderful resources had been so much exploited. Letters received from them fired the ambitious soul of the younger brother, and the lure of the great, throbbing, pulsating world urged him on, and impelled him to seek a more liberal education. He taught rural schools to earn the money with which to defray ex- penses, and at the early age of twenty years became a civil engineer for a railroad, and three years later he was found reading law in the office of Earl Wheeler, one of the most prominent Pennsylvania lawyers, whose home was in Hones- dale.
Fully equipped, both mentally and physically, for the battle of life, D. C. Giddings arrived in Brenham in 1852, and went at once into the law office of his brother, J. D. Giddings. So well informed was he upon the vital ques- tions of the times, and upon the salient points of law, that he soon ranked as a leading citizen and influential lawyer.
When the war clouds gathered in '61, D. C. Giddings, being a conservative, opposed the secession of Texas, be- lieving that Southern rights could best be served through the Union; but when the Lone Star State joined the Con- federacy, he went, heart and soul, with his adopted State, and immediately entered the 21st Texas Cavalry as a pri- vate. He was soon elected captain, and shortly afterwards lieutenant colonel. Owing to the absence of Carter, the superior officer, he was virtually colonel, and commanded the regiment in all of its engagements in the trans-Missis- sippi department. While on a scouting expedition near Helena, Arkansas, he was taken prisoner and sent to St. Louis, after a fight in which he, with 60 of his men, had killed, wounded or captured 98 of the enemy. At the expi- ration of six weeks he was exchanged and rejoined his command in time to be with Marmaduke when he made his famous raid into Missouri. He also participated in most of the battles in the Louisiana campaign. Through the four years' strife, and as long as he lived, his men
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honored and loved him, and those above him in military circles admired and respected him. The following official order from General Wharton pays tribute to the talented officer and heroic soldier, who was as brave as a lion :
"Headquarters Wharton's Cavalry Corps, "In the Field, May 24, 1864. "General Order No. 8.
"The Major General Commanding takes pleasure in call- ing the attention of the troops under his command to the gallant conduct of Lt. Col. D. C. Giddings, and four com- panies of the Twenty-first Texas Cavalry, under his com- mand, on the 21st April, 1864, two miles this side of Clou- tierville, La.
"On this occasion Lt. Col. Giddings, with these four com- panies, made a most gallant charge against the enemy, greatly superior to him in number and strongly posted behind fences and houses, driving them from their posi- tions and holding it until reinforcements were sent him. Not only on this, but on several other occasions, has the chivalry and daring of Lt. Col. Giddings been personally marked with pleasure by the Major General Commanding. "By order of
(Signed) "Maj. Gen'l Jno. A. Wharton. "B. H. Davis, A. A. A. Gen'l. "Official. Cowles A. A. A. G."
There is a massive bronze tablet in the museum of the United Daughters of the Confederacy at Austin, which pays tribute to this daring Confederate soldier, and the inscription reads as follows: "Erected by Brenham Tom Green Chapter, U. D. C., in loving memory of D. C. Gid- dings, Lieutenant Colonel, 21st Texas Cavalry. A brave soldier, loyal citizen and faithful public officer."
At the close of the terrible war, D. C. Giddings, with the energy and fortitude of a dauntless young man, began life anew in Brenham, resuming the practice of law, and bending his best efforts to the improvement of demoralized conditions, and to the upbuilding of his home town. · He was elected in 1866 and served as a member of the State Constitutional Convention, and was known as one of the most aggressive and influential men of Texas during the reconstruction period. The democratic nomination for Con- gress was tendered him at the Houston convention in 1870, and in view of the power of the republican party and its black cohorts, and the popularity of Gen. William T. Clark, the carpet-bag nominee, his election was deemed well nigh impossible. It was necessary for some patriot to break the
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republican rule ; and, as D. C. Giddings was made of stern material and feared no living thing, not even assassins, he very promptly, in a buggy, canvassed the entire district, comprising then nearly one-quarter of the State, and in forty days delivered sixty rousing speeches. This was truly a remarkable record in oratory and traveling. as railroads were few, and the swift locomotion afforded by automobiles was unknown. A negro company of the "Da- vis police" often preceded the speaker, and daily threat- ened to arrest and place him in irons. His scathing ar- raignment of the administration of Governor E. J. Davis, however, rallied the good people to his cause, and he was victorious by a good majority, notwithstanding which the certificate of election was given to Clark. Col. Giddings contested for the seat before the national House of Repre- sentatives, and so eloquently and earnestly did he plead the cause of his constituents that he was seated by a unanimous vote-an unusual occurrence, as it was a republican body of men. This first fight against republican misrule virtually terminated their authority in Texas. Of his services in Con- gress it has been said: "Col. Giddings was one of a con- spicuous group of Southern men whose sturdy bravery and tactful resistance against the overwhelming reconstruction forces defended the South from yet greater evils than those which did befall. The seat of government at Washington at that time was the source of the greatest evils which the defeated South would yet experience, and in staying the ruthless and arrogant power of a Northern Congress, Col. Giddings and his associates earned a meed of lasting renown."
During the war, in order to secure a supply of arms and ammunition, Texas sent $300,000.00 worth of United States bonds to Europe to be sold. Part of these securities were disposed of, and the proceeds invested in war supplies; but when the fall of the Confederacy came, some bonds and money not expended were on deposit with the bank- ers. The United States refused payment of the interest on the bonds that had been sold, and the holder of the bonds attached the unsold bonds and enjoined the bankers against paying the money on deposit to the State of Texas. Gov- ernor Coke appointed the firm of J. D. & D. C. Giddings as agents for Texas, and after great labor, and a trip to Europe, Col. D. C. Giddings brought back and turned into the treasury $339,000.00.
When the Brenham Volunteer Fire Department was or- ganized in 1867, ostensibly for protection against fire, but in reality as a military company to suppress the lawless- ness of the Federal soldiers then camped at Camptown,
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Col. Giddings was elected chief ; and on May 28, 1867, upon the establishment of the Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 he was chosen foreman; and until the day of his death the department had in him a staunch and true friend.
As an appreciation of the great value of education, he was the first man to advocate the founding of the Brenham Public Schools, in 1875; and no enthusiast gave the measure more hearty co-operation than he. His wisdom and sagacity as a member of the board of trustees at different times helped to place the schools on a firm foundation.
Duties at the bank of Giddings & Giddings, where busi- ness was constantly on the increase, made its absolutely necessary in 1875 for Col. Giddings to give up the active practice of law-the profession to which he was devoted, and which he so well adorned; and this decision removed from the South Texas bar one of its ablest practitioners and brightest legal minds. J. D. Giddings died in 1878, thus placing the entire responsibility upon D. C. Giddings ; and in 1884 he bought the interest of his brother's heirs and became sole proprietor. A few months later he ad- mitted his son, DeWitt Clinton Giddings, to copartnership. For 37 years, beginning with 1866, the date of the estab- lishment of this banking house, Col. Giddings labored early and late, and was rewarded long before his death with the gratifying knowledge that the bank of Giddings & Giddings was one of the safest and strongest financial institutions in all Texas. When Col. Giddings died, his will provided for the continuance of the bank under the management of his son, D. C. Giddings.
In spite of the quarantine ordinance which D. C. Gid- dings submitted to the city council, and which was passed August 13, 1867, the yellow fever invaded Brenham. No nobler example of heroism may be found among the annals of men than that given by this good citizen, when he faced danger and death, and gently, and unselfishly ministered to the sufferers. By day and night for three months he nursed the ill and dying, allowing himself scant rest, and so sad were the conditions and so great the death rate, that Col. Giddings often superintended the interments in the graves at the old Masonic Cemetery, which he had helped the colored laborers to excavate; and sometimes he was the sole mourner, for yellow fever was in every home, and few people were able to attend funerals.
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Miss Malinda C. Lusk and D. C. Giddings were united in marriage in Brenham in 1860, and they began house- keeping on the spot where now stands the Giddings home. Mrs. Giddings was the daughter of Samuel C. Lusk, a Rev- olutionary soldier, and was born near Independence in
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1836, just after the battle of San Jacinto had been fought. She was a singularly beautiful character in every respect, and was very prominent in the social, educational, and re- ligious life of Brenham. Being gifted with a lyric soprano voice of wonderful range and volume, she was naturally the leader in musical circles, and in the Baptist Church choir, for every entertainment of note, and for the pleasure of her friends, she sang divinely. The poor and needy found in her a true friend, and when she died there was universal grief.
The death of his beloved wife was the greatest sorrow that came to Col. Giddings; but with his usual courage and fortitude he faced this irreparable loss. He devoted the remainder of his life to rearing his three motherless chil- dren, D. C. Giddings, Jr., Mary Belle and Lillian. Even after his niece, Mrs. Foote, and her daughter, Miss Frankie A. Foote, upon his invitation, had taken charge of his household, he never ceased to discharge the duties of both father and mother; and at no time during his career was he too busy to listen to the appeals, or to fulfill the wishes of the little ones that were so near and dear to his great heart. The Giddings home became a social center for small children, with Col. Giddings as chief entertainer and char- acter-builder, and they always found the beautiful side of his rugged nature-for he loved them and they loved him. Often in the evenings he told stories to his children and their little playmates ; and many a moral lesson did he teach with some interesting account of his travels, or some finely pointed talk on the principles of right-living.
In 1903 Col. Giddings' health failed, and the fine gray head sank lower as the weeks went by, and the kindly eyes · began to look upon the world with lessening interest from day to day ; and at the last, when death touched the eyelids down, the classic face took on the philosopher's welcoming smile. Under his own roof and surrounded by those who knew him best and loved him most, he met his fate like the brave soldier that he was. From every viewpoint, as a good citizen, renowned lawyer, gallant Confederate sol- dier, peerless statesman and able congressman, and as a banker of strict integrity and an honest man, Col. Gid- dings was decidedly one of the most eminent men of Texas.
RESOLUTIONS OF BAR ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON COUNTY ON THE DEATH OF COL. D. C. GIDDINGS.
Judge C. C. Garrett presented and read the following report of the committee :
Mr. President: The committee appointed at a meeting of the Bar Association of Washington County to prepare
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resolutions concerning the death of the Honorable D. C. Giddings submit the following :
DeWitt Clinton Giddings died at his home in Brenham on August 19, 1903, at 10 o'clock p. m.
He was born July 18, 1827, in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, and moved to Texas in 1852 and settled in Brenham, Washington County, where he resided until his death. DeWitt Clinton Giddings was descended from a sturdy stock of pioneers in America, and belonged to a family well known in the history of this country since Colonial days for patriotism and moral and material strength. Before coming to Texas he had studied law, and on his arrival was admitted to the bar and entered upon the practice of his profession in partnership with his brother, J. D. Giddings, who had preceded him to Texas a number of years. When he came to the bar of Wash- ington County he found lawyers practicing here whose names then and afterwards were famous in the history of the State.
It is only necessary to name them in order to show the school of learning and ability which young Giddings en- tered. Of the older set there were Asa M. Lewis, W. Y. McFarland, J. D. Giddings, Chauncey B. and James E. Shepard, Judge Horton, James Willie, B. E. Tarver and John Sayles. Among the young men were B. H. Davis, Ben H. and Jefferson Bassett, Josiah Crosby and Asa H. Willie. The law firm of Giddings & Giddings soon acquired an extensive practice and became well known throughout the State for ability and high character. Afterwards changes were made in the firm by the introduction of other members, and "Giddings & Onins," and "Giddings & Mor- ris," appeared on dockets of the courts and in the Supreme Court reports in many important cases.
Col. Giddings was a State's rights democrat. He be- lieved in the preservation of the Union, but when Texas seceded he went with his State. From the ranks he was advanced to the grade of lieutenant colonel, and distin- guished himself in the battles of the Confederacy. His standard having gone down in defeat, he devoted himself to the patriotic duty of the restoration of his people. He served in the Constitutional Convention of 1866, and in 1872, when others held back, he entered the contest against the carpet-bagger Clark, in the old Third congressional dis- trict, during the darkest days of reconstruction, and made the breach in the ranks of the republican party which opened the way to its destruction in Texas. After some years of service in Congress, Col. Giddings returned to private life, and on the death of his brother gave up the
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practice of law and devoted himself to banking. The bank- ing firm of Giddings & Giddings was established soon after the war, and for many years has been well known for its financial strength and conservative methods of business.
Endowed with a sound judgment and a public spirit. he was ever ready to aid and foster the business enterprises of his city, and generously contributed to its material ad- vancement. In 1860 he married Miss Malinda Lusk, the daughter of Sam Lusk, one of the framers of the Con- stitution of the Republic of Texas. Of the marriage there were five children. Mrs. Giddings died in 1869. D. C. Giddings, Jr., is the only survivor of the children. Two daughters, Mary Belle and Lillian, were married and died, leaving children, Hallie B. Cooke, the daughter of Mary Belle; and Mabel, Marion and Lillian Wilkin, daughters of Lillian.
Col. Giddings was a man of firm conviction and tenacity of purpose. He was just and fearless in the discharge of his duty, his conclusions were reached after mature con- sideration and he was seldom wrong. Sternly honest and sincere and plain of speech, he gave utterance to his con- vietions in no uncertain words, and there was never any doubt as to how he stood upon any question that came up for solution, or his views as to the character or policy of any action. He was a safe counselor and a generous friend. Such is the man whose memory this Association would honor.
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