USA > Texas > Van Zandt County > The southland : this number devoted to the history and resources of Vanzandt [sic] Co. Texas > Part 7
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DR. CHARLES PINKNEY SMITH, CANTON, TEXAS.
. The Smiths are Georgiana, Stephen G. Smith was the doctor's grandfather and John Thomae Smith was his father. They were both farmers and lived and died in Georgia. They were large planters and siave holders in the ante- bellum days. John Thomas married Miss Elizebeth Richardson also of 'Georgia. They were the parents of 13 children, 9 of whom reached their majority. Charles was born in the Georgia home May 3rd, 1856. He re- meined in Georgia until his 18th year. Ha then went to Florida and from there he drifted to Texes, arriving in Smith county Jannary 13, 1877. He was edn- cated in the common schools of Georgia and later attended Charm Wood Insti- tate, Tyler, Texas. Jannary 12, 1880, Dr. .Smith began the study of medicine nn- der Dr. E. Jones of Tyler. He then took a full course in medicine and Sur- gery in the American Medical college of St Louis, Mo. immediately upon his gradnation, he came to Van Zandt coun- ty and hegan ' the active practice at Owlet Green. He has been in the active discharge of his professional duties since he hegan. Oct. 12, 1884 he led Miss Lnia D. Peelto the marriage altar. They are both living and are the happy
parents of seven children. Dr. Smith has practiced medicine here for thirteen years and has secured a good practice. He is an eclectic physician and is snc. ceeding most admirably in his work. He is a church member and prides bim- self in the fact that he does not helong to any other organiz ition and that it is enfficient for all purposee. Dr. Smith is a member of the Slate Medical as- sociation (eclectic.) He has acqu red a
good home in Canton, with 50 acrei of land practically in the city-limits. He also bas 154 acres of form lands. Dr. Smith is an activebusiness man and says the county has itself great pros- pects and possibilities. He hse several acres in a Bermuda pasture and would nol take any thing for it. 11 keeps many head of stock from early spring to late in fail. Dr. Smith is affable wholesonled and generons and bes many friends in the county.
Lumber, Lumber, Lumber, J. E. PERSONS, DEALER
GRAND SALINE, TEXAS.
All kinds of lumber and builder's Hardware at the lowest prices compatible with sound business. We believe in Grand Saline and the 'Grand Saline country, and we are keeping the material to supply the demand for better homes and better improvements. We can supply you at lowest figures.
Come to see us.
Wagons, Wagons, Wagons.
Buggies, Buggies, Buggies.
The best Brands. If you live in Van Zandt county or within 40 miles of Grand Saline it might pay you to come to see us if you want anything in the vehicle line, Hardware, Heavy and shelf Hardware, Queensware, and don't forget.that we keep in stock and for sale the famous Garland Stoves.
Don't forget us.' Lumber, Hardware builder's material, Wagons, Buggies, Stoves and con- comitant lines.
J. E. PERSONS, GRAND SALINE, TEXAS.
The Difference.
In buying Hockwald's Photo work and others. 1st. My work does not fade.
2nd It is water proof.
3rd. None but good material used.
4th. You are pleased or no charge made.
5th. My customers are walking advertisements.
6th, Studied my profession two years before practicing it.
Since establishing myself in Grand Saline, Sept. 8th, 1902, it is with pleasure I can say that I have enjoyed a good patronage and see my trade grow- ing every day. And for same extend thanks to my many customers in and around Grand Saline. Soliciting your further patronage, which will be profitable and pleasant on both sides, I remain Respectfully Your Photographer,
I. Hockwald,
Grand Saline, Texas.
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THE SOUTHLAND.
JNO. WESLEY DAVIDSON, County Ju'ge Van Zandt County. CANTON, TEXAS.
Five generations ago the anceslor of this family came from England and set- tied ,in North Carolina. He was the father of three sona. These all dicd in North Carolina. Willlam was a son of one of these three and moved to Florida shout the close of the revolutionary war. Hein torn was the father of Jno. W. Davidson. Juo. W. was father tu Leaston, who le the father of our anh- ject and who was born in Florida on Jannary Ist, 1847. In 1854, Willlam, Jno. W. and Leaston (then quite a hoy) came from Florida to Texa, and seitled in the eastern portion of the county of Van % andt. All of them were farmers and hence. Leastou was reared as a former Soy under the prevalent conditions of those days. When he had reached maturity he led to hymen'a altar Miss Annie Germany, whose mother lived until last year mud dled in Van Zandt conuty at the good old + ge of 85 Mrs .... Davidson however died in 1872. Two children had been born - nuto them of whom John was the eldest and was born Angust 3rd, 1869 lu the old home in Van Zandt near the present village of Elom. He is strictly and truly a Van Zandt product and loves the conuty with the accumulated devotion of an entire life. He was reared on the, farm and grew up to about 12 when his father moved to the village of Elom and he- came a merchant. The boy went to school and clerked in his father's store until he approached manhood. He the a attended school for a perlod lu the Southwestern University. During his childhood John was a lover of books and read everything he could get as libraries were not so plentiful then as now. He had an inclination to the law from his youth hnt was somewhat de- layed by difficultlea incident to young manhood. Miss Katie Longmire was reared principally In that section of the county and young Davidson and she had enjoyed a long acquaintance. This rip. ened into love and they were married April 28, 1889. She is a daughter of Dr. R. R. Longmire, who was a, typical sonthern gentleman in antebellum days. He has of late moved to Canton and la now a merchant. Young Davidson taught for seven years but hls predilec- tions for the law prevailed and while he had given the subject of law much at- tention prior to this date he began Its study in good earnest 1895. In 1896 In April he was duly admitted to the Van Zandt county har. He at once moved to the county capital and entered a partnership with R. M. Lively which subsisted until after 'Mr. Davidson was nominated for his present office of Conn- ty Judge. He was elected in 1900 and again November 1903. In the last elec- tion the was nominated and elected without opposition. He owns his own home in Canton and to all appearances do happy in his home life in his social relations and in his official capacity. He is nuivereally popular as a citizen and an officer and yet la devoted to duty as an official and as a citizen. He is a member of the Methodist church, au odd Fellow (is Noble Grand in his lodge
Home of W. R. Collier, Grand Saline, Texas. . Situated on one of the most desirable sites in the county. A very desirable home.
The store of G. W. Tull, Canton, Texas. This is the oldest business in Vanzandt County. It has enjoyed even success all the years. Mr. Tull now carries & full line of gen- eral merchandise, dry goods, groceries and farmers supplies. Fair dealing and honest goods.
Residence of Prof. F. L. Eiland, Myrtle Springs, Texas.
R. E. HIGH
J. C. FARREI.I.
HIGH & FARRELL, Dealers in
General Merchandise and Drugs. HONEST AND COURTEOUS TREATMENT 19 OUR MOTTO.
Our Drugs are Fresh and Pure. Prescriptions Carefully Compounded at all hours. Come to see us. No trouble to show goods or answer questions.
Myrtle Springs,
Texan.
at this writing) and also a W. O. W. He le Sunday school superintendent and is on the side of right and high life. He is in connection with his office, in the regu'ar law practice in the courts that do not conflict with his own.
PROF. JOHN WESLEY MILLER, Martin's Mill, Texas.
The Millers were from South Caro" lina. George Miller wos a slave holder and large planter in that State. He ws" recognized as one of the progressive farmers of his dey. He was the fether of four children, the eldest of whom was William Tresvan. He was born in the South Carolina home Oct. 9, 1832. He grew to manhood there, but soon moved to Winston county, Miss., where he tet Mias Jane Luiwic, whose father and mother came from North Carolina and whose grandfather and grandm ith. er come from Germany. Mr. Miller wooed and won her and they were married on June 9. 1861. Their first child was born March 16, 1862, and they named him John Wesley. He was born in the Mississippi home in Winston county. When he was 4. bis fither moved to Henderson co., Tex., where the fotily hw resided since. In 1885 the father died, leaving the mother, A widow with 9 children and the responsl. bilities of a family was la gely thrown on Join. He attended school only s little during his rearinz and at majority his education was limited indeed. He was ambitious, however, and a dauntless purpose is nothing discoursged with stupendous difficulties. Dec. tt, 1884, he married Miss Melvins Morton. She lived 4 years and became the mother of one child. Nov. 19, 1889 he married Miss Belle Morton, a neice of the de. ceased wife. She still survives ond is the mother of 3 children. They are living happily in the vicinity of Mor. tin's Mill while the Prof. is engaged in lile insurance and other business. At the time of Prof. Milier's first marriage, he was unlettered and yet determined. He started to school again when his oldest hoy wss large enough to go with him He puraned his studies until he wes able to teach and Is going on ap the ladder. He enjoys a good usme an a heritage, and his mother yet living is held in the highest esteem by oli the people. The Prof. is as gentle as a woman and honorable snd ambi- tions. He is doing a noble part in the eincational development of his com. manity and the best interests of his county. He hold, a first grade certi- ficate ond isnsing every opportunity to improve for future and higher useful. ness. The Prof. is s great lover of music and taught vocal music to assist him in his efforts. He teaches now as opportunity offords. He is s member of the Martin's Milli Band and loves music in all its branches.
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ELD.
ELIJAH ROBISON KUYKENDALL, Grand Saline, Texas.'
Ie ona of the early cottiars of the conaty. There are probably set more than three or loar now living. who ware here when be came in 1848. Thefamlly is of German extraction. On coming to America they arst settled in North Caro- tine. Jesen wew the grandfather and lived fu North Carollas and came to Tonnessco. Peter was the father's name and ba was a Christian presoher end preached is an early day in Ten- nessee. 'Ha moved with his family to Van Zendt county in February. 1848. Ha settled aboat & alles southwest from the present town af Grand Galias. Elijah was bor in Tenne see Dec. 1836.
The country Oparcely . settled at that time. Peter. 8. Benton, & tanger; J. D Wright, a.doctort John Chrestman, a former: jos Cox and Tom Cox, farmers & d Allen Blair, enstituted the settle- mant here. There was's bottlem. st oun MoBee'e Creek and Mr. MoBee owned s mill the first in the consty It was what is known ao # +road mill, but it ground all the meel for many miles around: The Barevebort and Dallas Road ran." through the county from east to west and the Porter's Bluff road ran through the southern end of the county. These roads were traveled great deal by immigrants stock drovers, advent- urera, eto There was a settlement then ot the head of wallme Creek ab ut 5 miles east from Caston, Yoes, Rawson, Kiug and others lived there. . Then in what is now the xdom . com- mually lived Usola John Rlies, John Cothern. . Clube Cothera, loba Marri and Henry Marrs, Tack Horsely and his father. The Bretone and Harrisona lived on . tolle Prairie .. The country . was more sickty than sow and' the seasons mort irreguler'The range was excellent. Tha mant in the bottoms and tàn grise on the up lands were finn. The eroets were all bordered with case is great varioty. Fot ostile, fat hoge, fet hore a were ovaliehla winter end out- mer. Deer and turkey end prairie obichons were here in great abundance. Also there were bear, panther, wolves, estamonats ond Mexican Hlons. The Indiana had gous and the buffalo had retreated further west. " There were some mustang pontes and a few wlld cattle in the comstry. It was nader conditions like thess that youar Kiljah grew_np. Sobool advantages were limited, J. J. Kuykended an oldsr brother of our subject was thi frat teacher In the county, sino the first deputy sheriff Ell- jeb'o school advantages ibereloro were limited ont he grew up a robust youth. . Oct. 18. 1858, he married Nancy Ans Bratehar. She lived until July 20. 1881 Jon. 21. 1882, he married Mrs. M. J. Smith who still porvives In 1862, hs volunteered ! to the confederate service and served anili the corrender, In Terte, Loul-lane
and Arkentes, He lost his health during the war und traveled several years after wars Ha goined bis health howerer ged hes bean i re- markably strong men! r his yearosinen. He beceran a ch istien at the age of 12 end of the Bro LI 80 maised the christian min stry. He la a mechanic. Ha owns bla hama 'la Grand Salina and hos acquired ermesihan property in. the city. He lobors with. Bis hande Lod lives biomale ss before the people. . He beg a goot recont la a typical old Texen and furnish. sn worthy szemsie of Taxes life.
JOHN NEWLAND REYNOLDS, MYRTLE SPRINGS, TEXAS.
The Reynolds famlly are of Irish ex- traction. This family however baited early with one of English blood (The Nortons ) For two generations they have lived in the State of New York. Nehemiah Reynolds and Truman Nor- ton paternal and maternal grandfathers lived there. Both were plauters. Robert Reynolds was father to our subject and was born and reared in New York. At the age of 24 he married Miss Permella Norton, a girl born and reared in the same country with himself. They were the ' parents of 9 children. Of these John was the fifth. He was born in the . New York home in Columbia county April 19, 1832. The home was on the plantation and hence the boy grew np, strong and vigorons. He was drilled in the rigid economy of that age and conn- try. He went to school in the common
number of people and a deal of capital. He has an elegant home, a grist mill, saw milll. a cotton, gin, a nursery and other futrrests. He has a small form near by and 160 lots iu the city limits. He is an elder. and recognized strong support In the Christian church. He is onperintendent of his Sunday-school. aud is always found on the right alde of things. He ls a Royal Arch Moson and prides in the order He thinks there in a great picture for East Texas for Van Zandt county and especially for Myrtle Spinge. He has n wide. acquaintance and by affibliity and tenderness has won the sobriquet of "Uncle John."
DAVID LOVE RILEY, CANTON, TEXAS.
Is one of the old aettlera of Van Zandt county. His father moved here from Talediga county, Ala and arrived Nov. 26, 1850. The father was a brighbor to tho family in Alabama, so that D. L. and J. L. M. Curry were born near together the latter of course, being much
older but the families were intimate and munch regard is yet entertalued for the Currys by Mr. Rifey end ell his brothers. Mr. Riley wes born in the Alabama home July .7, 1846 end for fatherin- formatton concerning his family see sketch of A. J. Rliey tu this lesne. It will be seen from above that he was four years of age when the family came to Van Zandt county. . He js therefore .practically a native es his life has been Upeut in the county. When they came, Edom orumtry and the northeastern portion of the county were settled early and a few Acattering settlements were found elsewhere Mr. Hambrick was pro- bably the first hlave holder la the conn- ty and settled is the Edom country in en early days : The country was filled With geme end wild cattle end was now' And hed ell the elements of a frontiet. The war came at a time to luterfere with the education of young Davld but he made the very best use of the opportuni- :tjes he had and has, conlinued to be student all the years since. Hele edn- cated In the highest and best sense, has a good knowledge of things and ls a thinker. He grew to manhood in the county and In 1866 Ang. 26, married Miss. Mary. Hobbe who was related to the Hobbs family who also came to Tex- as early. Six.children were born tothis anlon ell of whom are living and are devoted, in a'special degree to theinter- ests and happiness of the father, Sept. 13. 1879 his wife died." Oct. 31, 1880, he married miis Nannie Thompson, who still survives. They have five chil .. dren llving, two desd. She wes also an
Alabamalan aud came to Trzas in early life. Mr. Riley has been a uniformly successful business man, and attributes his success to special application and rigid economy. Mr. Riley says no man can succeed a. a merchant without special study of his line and continued thought. He embarked lo business in Canton in 1873, in drugs. In 1878 hsv. ing sold ble former business reisblis! od himself egalu in druge, but in 1880 sold It again and emborked lu the ger erol merchandise businrer und has uninter- roptedly gone forward in it ever since. He is probably the 2nd marchant la uge now doing buslares in the county who has had no serions breaks or re- verses. He made merchandising the business of his life and gove it his at. tention and the best powers of his mind and body and thus became one of the repated amall per cent of merchants wbo nitimately anceced. He is the head of the D. L. Riley Co. now having bis cona interrated with him, and they carry a full line of general merchandise and Is growing in volume and results all the while. He has heen a writer for the press all along and some of his con- trihntions have attracted wide attention and contain much merlt and display more than ordinary talent in this line. Mr. Cland Riley, who is active in the management of the business assisting his father han & family and is also giv- Ing his best energien to the business. Mr. Riley is gentle, dreided, command. Ing, yet conservative and sympathetic. Heis a baptist and has given much time to his church work. Is useful in his town and county.
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DRUGS, DRUGS, DRVGS.
Tundra is in the center of a large community and located 7 miles south of Canton. . We have good land and prosperous farmers. We have two daily mails and in many ways enjoy advantages. I am in the Drug business. I parry a full line of
Drug Sundries, Medicines, and Toilet Articles. we also carry Crockery and Queensware. Our prices are as low as is consistent with sound business. I give the business my personal at- tention. I keep Fresh Goods and do my own Compounding. My services may be had at all hours -- day or night.
J. W. MARTIN,
Tundra Texas.
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Home of B. F. Starnes. Edgewood Texas. Mr. Starnes is ono of the old Settlers in the County. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN STARNES, EDGEWOOD, TEXAS. The Starnes famlly 1s of Irish-Ger-
man extraction but are South Carolina. ians for two generations. John Melton Starnes was born iu Benton District, S. C. in 1815. He was reared in South
J
THE SOUTHLAND.
schools six months in the year, the oth- er slx he laborad on the farm. He after- wards went to school in Albany. At the age of 17 ho entored an apprenticeship as carpenter and bridge builder and later bacame quito an expert in that liue. He built 25 railroad bridges of Importance in Alabama and Texes. İn 1859 he moved from New York to Mon- roe, I.a. Here ha condineted the sheriff's office for a kinsman and in 1863 entered Into the confederate service. I# 1868 he come to Harrison county, Texas .: the country was uparcely settled. The - and in 1879 came to Van Zandt county where he has lived all the times since. Sept. 12, 1869 he married Mles Mollie Young, danghter of G. W. Young, assessor and collretor for Harrison Co., 18 years and was widely known. Ang .. 25 1873 whe di:d und Ang. 1874 he married Miss Jennie Young, a younger. sister of his deceased wife. She sulf .: onrvives and they are the parents of three childron Geo. Robert, Mollie and Jaule. The- home ls now in Myrtle Springs, where it has been for 23 years. Mr. Reynolds was quite active in the' establishment of the little city, going north in behalf of the Myrtle Springs Investment Co. and enlisting quite a
THE SOUTHLAND.
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Carolina, but moved to Alsbama in carly life. Here hemet N' ss Mary Ann l'reeze, who had also iuimigrated from South Carolina. He wooed and won her and soon afterward, being in the . 40's, they came to Tex49 and settled in Upihur county. Later they moved near Quitman In Wood. county. They were tarmers. Mr. Slarnes died in 1878 st Cedar Grove in Van Zandt county. Mrs. Starnes Is yet living at the ripe old age of 86. B. F. Starnes was the 7th of 9 children "and was boru in the Wood county home Sept. 29, 1855. He Was brought up on the farm and educated at the country schools. The elder Starnes moved to Van Zandt county in 1865, when Ben was to and bence al- most his entire life has been spent here. They settled near Cedar Grove, where B F. remained until 1888 He was principally reared there and Febr. 22, 1878, married Miss Margie A Kelley. They remained in the old vicinity for 10 years and then moved near the pres- ent town of Edgewood, (before the town wss built. ) Mr. Starnes was & fsrmer and ginner for 15 years after moving to this section. They have three children,
'wo girls and one boy. Two years ago Mr. Starnes sold his country home and embarked in the inmber . business In Edgewood. He has however purchased another farm on Gliden Creek and la operating it now in concection with his other business. He is with The N. A. Matthew. Lumber Co. and is doing an extensive and growing business. Mr. Starnes is a Methodist, an Odd Fellow and W. O. W. When Mt. Starnes mov- ed to the country. It was open, very little underbinsh few settlements and the country filled with cattie and game. Mr. Starnes says he has chased a many a deer on his horse in the prairie and open woods. He says a good horse can out run a deer with ease and that many of his comrades have lassoed them on the prairie. He has seen all the march of progress and development In the conntry and bss the greatest confidence in the county's future in the applic. - tion of modern methods and the growth of crops adapted to the soil. Mr. Starnes onjoys the confidence of all the people and is one of the recognized pillars of the town and community.
THE HOME OF L. G. PHILLIPS, NEAR MARTIN'S MILL. TEXAS.
Mr. Phillips came from Calhoun Co., Ala. seven. years ago. He had np to that time not accumulated any property. He landed in Van Zandt with $25,00. He rented land for four years. At the end of that time, he had a wigon and team and farming implement, paid for and three years ago he purchased his present home of 129 acres entirely on time. He made enongh the first year to pay the entire price and has during this short ilme built two residences and spent hundreds of dollars in other improven ents. He made $1800.00 worth of cotton in 1932 In making this cotton, he spent $26 50 for hired help. He has plenty of meat and except for the very bad season would have had enough corn. He hasa wife ani four children only one hoy is large enough to be of any assistance whatever. What Mr. Phillips has done In Van Zandt county others can. He is a good example of success aud nses industry and economy in accompl shing these splendid results, hat is in nowise overworkedl or abused. He is puhlic-spirited and helps in all pub- lic enterprises.
Home of Joseph Henry, Lumber Merchant, Edgewood, Tex.
JOSEPH AUGUSTUS HENRY, Was born in Sumpter county, Ala., Jannary 4, 1839. While sn infant his
parents moved with him to Nesbol a county, Miss. The population was sparce and a large per cent of the inha-
bitants were Choctaw Indians. These were friendly and as far as they conld were good neighbors and good citizens. The father was a farmer and mechanic and the boy grew np under these condi- tions, fished in the stream, hunted In the forests, attended the old field schools and was strong and vigorons, church houses were scarce, but despite the poor facilities, good meetings were conducteil and the people enjoyed rell- gion. Iu 1860 being 21 years of age Mr. Henry met Miss Elizebeth T. Phillips whom he wooed and won and they were married Faby. 28, 1861. The ceremony was performed by Rev. P. F. Morehead who has long since gone to his reward. In Angnat, 1861 Mr. Henry enlisted In the confederate service, at first for 12 months, but later for three years or during the war. Most of bis service was in the 33 Mississippi regiment. Feathersto 1 Brigade Loring's division, Johnson's army. He saw service in hl4 own state and in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. The conditions were snch as tried men's souls, men feil on the right and on the left ent Mr. Heury did not get a scratch but lived to see the clonda break and was in the final master and joined in the happy song, “I will go home to the girl I left behind me " He returned to find in reality a broken fortune and began life a new. He had however made some small in-
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