Book II page 109
Rev. WHITEHURST Called by Death-Pastor of First Methodist Church of Belton Dies at Family Home -Belton, Sept. 19-Rev. James a. WHITEHURST, for the past two years pastor of the First Methodist Church in this city, died at his home here last night following an illness which lasted approximately two and one half months. Sorrow over the death of this man prevails throughout the city and state for he was recognized by all who knew him as a great man. He was a great citizen and was one of the strongest men of the Methodist denomination. James A. WHITEHURST was born in Mississippi, April 9, 1861. In 1884 he was married to Miss Martha Cordelia SUITER. Seven children were born unto them six of who are living. They are John WHITEHURST of Fort Worth, Miss Flora WHITEHURST of Mineral Wells, Mrs. Mary GEAN of Beaumont, Mrs. Ruth BYUS of San Antonio, Mrs. Martha MUEHLHAUSE of Corsicana and Miss Paulie WHITEHURST of this city. The widow and other relatives also survive. In early manhood Reverend WHITEHURST accepted the call to the ministry and served in that capacity ten years before he came to Texas in 1894. While a resident of this state he was presiding elder of the Methodist Church for ten years, the time being divided between the Brownwood, Waxahachie and Waco districts. He also held pastorates at Colorado City, Fort Worth, corsicana, Waxahachie, Mineral Wells and Belton. He came from the Mineral Wells Church to the Belton Church two years ago and as long as his health would permit exponsed the teachings of Christ. No pastor in Belton was ever more highly regarded and respected. The funeral services were held this afternoon at 4:30 o'clock at the First Methodist Church. The services were conducted by Dr. Josephus LEE of Marble Falls, Rev. E.B. HAWK of Temple, Rev. M.S. HOTCHKISS of Granger and Rev. J.C. BYARS of this city. For one hour during the services all the stores of the town closed in honor to the deceased. The body will be sent to Corsicana tonight where the body will be laid to rest in the morning at 9:30 o'clock in the Corsicana cemetery. O. LUSK, A.T. VANNESS and others from this city will accompany the family and remains to its last earthly resting place. Belton, Aug 7-The remains of Col. W. T. J. HARTRICK who died in this city last Saturday night were tenderly laid to rest with Masonic honors in the North Belton cemetery this afternoon in the presence of hundreds of sorrowing friends and admirers who assembled to pay honor to this departed good man. W.T.J. HARTRICK was one of the stalwart, and venerable men of Bell County and was a man in whom every one had the greatest confidence. In his death the fast fading ranks of the South's greatest heroes diminished again. Though born in Germany, Colonel HARTRICK, was true southern gentleman. Coming to Texas when a young man just 21 years of age, he assumed the true Texas spirit and when the war between the states broke out he was on e of the first to offer his services and enlisted with Company F, Sixth regiment Hood'' brigade and served throughout the war. Returning to this county, he was married to Miss Frances C. DUNCAN, a member of the pioneer families of Texas and to this union seven children were born. He and his loving wife settled near Little River which place they called "home" until death claimed him. Mr. HARTRICK was born in Brunswick, Germany, Sept., 22, 1835 and at the age of 15 came to America with his parents and settled in Adams County, Ill. He was a devoted Christian and was an able member of the Baptist church. He established and was instrumental in having built the Baptist Church at Little River which was formerly known as the Mt. Vernon Church. Prior to the building of this church he held services regularly in his home. For many years he was a deacon in the Baptist Church. For 25 years he was a member of the board of trustees of Baylor College and was an honorary member of the board at the time of his death. In the funeral oration of Dr. E.G. TOWNSEND at the services this afternoon, it was said of him: "colonel HARTRICK saved Baylor College." He was back of that institution both in a financial way and in a spiritual way and was ever ready to render the school aid. There survive him his loving wife and seven children. They are Tom HARTRICK and Will HARTRICK of Little River; Mrs. Nell WELLS of Odham; Mrs. Joe ELLIOTT of Odham; Mrs. L.B. MAPLES of Temple; Mrs. H.C. GARRISON and and Mrs. Wm GARRISON both of this city. In addition to these children there are 23 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church here this afternoon and were conducted by Dr. E.G. TOWNSEND and Rev. A.L. AULICK. At the grave the Masonic lodge of Temple had charge of the services. An Abundance of flowers which silently spoke of the love and honor for this man bedecked the mound under which the remains of this Christian character peacefully lays to await the resurrection morn. Book II page 111 D.W. Hogwood is Victim of Rabies-Belton man dies as result of being bitten by dog on December 15.-Belton Bureau-Temple Telegram - Belton, March 22.-Dennis W. HOGWOOD, aged 52 years, died at his home here tonight at 7:30 o'clock from what doctors declared was the belated effect of his having been bitten by a mad dog here on Dec. 15. He had taken the Pasteur treatment at Austin and was believed to have thoroughly recovered. He became ill yesterday morning about 11 o'clock and his condition became steadily worse. Mr. HOGWOOD was a painter by trade and was well-known here. He is survived by his wife two sons, Ed. E. and George HOGWOOD and an adopted daughter, Mrs. Curtis DURHAM and also by a brother, Oscar HOGWOOD of Temple. Funeral services will be held at the family residence on East Central Avenue, Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock conducted by Rev. J. Frank HOLMES and Rev. Layton MADDOX. The pallbearers will be: active, D.SAFLEY, Jr., Ray SAVAGE, P>W. CLAMPITT, Walter JONES, J.W. SURGHNOR, Earl LLOYD, Wallace SAFLEY; honorary, V.NIGRO, G.A. GRAY, Jack WHITE, Walter AIKEN, M.B. OWENS, George DURHAM, E.W. FOREMAN, Albert BONDS, T.M. DURHAM, W.W. JAMES, Robert DURHAM, Hood GARNER, Marvin AIKEN, Frank HAMNER, Pink DENMAN, Ed KIRCHNER and Leland PHILLIPS. Mr. HOGWOOD was bitten by a pet dog belonging to Curtis DURHAM, his son-in-law and began the Pasteur treatment at Austin the day he was bitten. The treatment was thought to have been successful and he had been about his usual duties since he was discharged in January. However yesterday he complained of having rheumatism in the arm which the dog bit and late last night he went into convulsions. Book II page 115 & 116 A History of Bell County - In 1891 a gold medal was offered by the Baylor Historical Society, through the kindness of Mr. W. Goodrich JONES of Temple, for the best historical essay dealing with the history of Bell County. The prize was won by Miss Mable PENDLETON. The essay, with a few omissions to make it conform to the present date, follows. So far as the Democrat can learn the essay is out of print with the exception of the one copy from which this is reprinted. The sketch not only abounds in local historical facts, but is also written in a charming style, and we predict that to many readers, especially to the old timers, it will prove one of the most interresting articles that has appeared in any Bell County paper in many a day. The article written by Miss PENDLETON follows: Bell County, the central county of Texas, covers about one thousand and twenty-five square miled of territory and is seven hundred feet above the sea level. The county was created by an act of the Texas Legislature, January 22, 1850, being taken from Milam County. As first created, all of that part of the county in which the thriving towns of Troy and Oenaville are now located, belonged to Falls County; but by an act of the Legislature, August 30, 1856, a strip six miles wide was taken form Falls County and given to Bell County. The County was named for Hon. P. Hansborough BELL. Mr. BELL was a brave soldier, who fought as a private in KARNES' company at the Battle of San Jacinto. He was a Lieutenant Colonel in the war between the United States and Mexico, being both before and after that time in the ranger service on the frontiers of Texas. He was the Governor of Texas from 1849 to 1853; then being elected to Congress, after serving one term, he moved to North Carolina, where he now lives at an advanced age. The early history of this county is deeply interesting to those who will stop to hear some veterans recite the hardships and perils of a life in Bell County forty years age. Then the savage almost unhindered, roamed over its broad prairies and chased deer and buffalo in its noble forests. Cooper could find a theme for many a novel in the border warfare between the colonists in Bell County and the Indians on every side. We, in the midst of peace and prosperity, can not realize that our fathers gave their very lives to gain it for their descendants. However, the least we can do, is to constantly remember them and their dangers, not forgetting the lesson taught by their steadfast courage in times of peril. Mexico for several years offered inducements to colonists to settle in this country and made contracts with men called Empressarios to found colonies. They promised large tracts of land for this service Bell County was included withing the limits of Sterling C. Robertson's Colony. The first settlement. During that period Michael REED and his sons, John, Jefferson and William, Moses GRIFFIN, Goolsby CHILDERS and his sons Robert, Frank and Thomas. Col. SPARKS, Mr. DAVIDSON, Judge O.T. TYLER, Wiley CARTER, Mr. TAYLOR and wife located here. The TAYLOR family, which consisted of Mr. TAYLOR wife and four children, settled about three miles east of Belton, in what is now known as TAYLOR'S Valley. One night in November 1835, they were attacked by a band of Waco Indians, who accused them of harboring the Tonkaways. A Desperate fight ensuing, two or three Indians were killed. While the Indians had drawn off for consultation during a lull in the fight, Mr. TAYLOR and his family slipped out at the opposite door and into the river bottom. They followed the Leon River and then the Brazos until they reached Nashville, Texas. When the war between Texas and Mexico broke out, all of the settlers had to move east of the Brazos. After the Battle of San Jacinto had assured the independence of the State, they moved back but the Indians were so hostile they had to return across the Brazos again. No further attempts were made at settlement until after Gen. HOUSTON made a treaty with the Indians in 1843. Michael REED is said to have been the first settler in this second attempt to colonize Bell County. Robert CHILDERS and Wm. REED are the only known survivors who were grown men when the first settlement was made, although quite a number of the descendants of those hardy pioneers are in the country now. Among these may be mentioned the ROBERTSONS, TYLERS, REEDS, DAVIDSONS, CHILDERS, CARTERS, SPARKS, etc. During the retreat of the whites DAVIDSON, the father of Mr. W.T. DAVIDSON, and a man named CROUCH were killed by the Indians. They were killed on WALKER'S Creek a few miles east of the present town of Cameron. In January 1837, Cap. Geo. B. ERATH with a small company of rangers had an unsuccessful fight Milam County, just a few miles below the Bell County line. A Mr. CLARK and Frank CHILDERS, an Uncle of Mr. Geo. W. TYLER, were killed with the Indians on Elm Creek. BIRD'S Creek was named for Capt. John BIRD. He with a party of thirty men having camped for at short time, Sunday, May 26th, 1839 at an old log stockade called Ft. Griffin on Little River, several miles below Three Forks, discovered In the afternoon they pursued a small party in a northern direction. After following them for ten or twelve miles the number of Indians were so much increased by small parties joining them from time to time that Capt. BIRD considered it unsafe to go farther. As they turned to go back to their camps, they found another party of Indians in their front which attempted to cut off retreat. But these Indians they boldly attacked and driving them from their stonghold in the creek bed, took possession of it themselves. Here they were attacked by the entire Indian force, about 300 as it was supposed to be, which made repeated charges and showed great bravery. The Indians had shields made of thick buffalo hide, which could not be penetrated by an ordinary bullet, therefore the only way to hurt them was to shoot them in the legs or in the back as they retreated. Capt. BIRD and four others were killed, but just when the entire party seemed doomed to destruction, James ROBINET was fortunate enough to kill the Indian Chief. His body was at once carried off and when at a safe distance from the rifles of the Texans, the entire party of Indians, gathering around their chief, indulged in moaning, howling, and other manifestations of grief at his death. The number of Indians killed has been variouly estimated at from thirty to one hundred. Night soon came on and the Rangers retreated under cover of the darkness, taking with them their wounded, but leaving their dead upon the ground. A few days after a large party from below, led by a man named CHANDLER, came upon the scene of the battle and buried the dead. The bodies had been much mutilated by the Indians. They continued their march in search of the Indians but camping on the bank of a creek that night their horses stampeded. The incident gave the name to the creek which has ever since been called Stampede. Mrs. Nancy FERGUSON located her pre-emption survey at the head of the ground on which the battle was fought. In 1840, under orders from the Texas Republic, Co., Wm G. COOK with a party of soldiers, laid out a road from Austin to Red River. This road passed through Bell County and is supposed to have crossed Little River at Three Forks, though the charter for a ferry, granted to Mr. HILL referred to the military road as crossing the Leon near the present road from Belton to Temple In 1859, the Indians were hostile still and in that year attacked the RIGGS family, living on Cow Creek. Mr. and Mrs. RIGGS, two children, and a young man comprised the family. They sent the young man with their only weapon to their nearest neighbor's for help, then becoming frightened, Mr. RIGGS with his wife and children left the house and tried to steal away. But Mr. and Mrs. RIGGS were killed in the attempt and the two children were captured. However the children were recaptured and brought back to friends. The first meeting of the County Commissioners' Court of which any record has been kept was in Belton (then called Nolanville), October 8, 1850. The following officers were present: Jno. DANLEY, Chief Justice; Jno. TAYLOR, Jas. M. CROSS, Peter BANTA and James BLAIR< Commissioners; Wm. REED, Sheriff; Jno. C. REED County Clerk. At that term of the Court a license was issued to D.R. HILL to keep a ferry on the Leon about where the Bell County Poor House now stands. The first District Court was begun april 7, 1851. Hon R.E. B. BAYLOR was judge; J.F. CLARK, District Clerk; first grand jury, David HAVENS, M.W. DAMERON, J.M. CATHEY, John ANDERSON, Allen BRYANT, James M. GLEN, B.L. STUART, Thomas I. HAVENS, Horatio SHELTON, Matthew WILKINS, John BAWLESS, Warren PUETT, J.T. SHERROD, Wm. CALDWELL and Walter BIRCH. Mr. J.M. CATHEY, known as Uncle John is the only member of the grand jury now alive who resides in Bell County, although Mr. Thomas HAVENS is said to be alive in one of the western counties. The town agent at the first Commissioners' Court was ordered to receive bids for a fram courthouse to be 18 x 30 feet weather boarded on the outside with shaved boards posts and studding of cedar, sills and plates of oak. On July 30th, 1850, Mrs. Matilda F. ALLEN, nee CONNELL, conveyed to Bell County out of the Connell League, one hundred and twenty acres of land on which was to be located the permanent county seat of Bell County. It is in this land that Belton is now built. Mrs. ALLEN was the mother of Mr. John CONNELL. At the court held November 17, 1851, the county seat was called Nolanville. The name was changed by an act of the Legislature December 16, 1851, and at the term of court held May 1, 1852, was called Belton. Nolanville and Nolan creek are supposed to have gotten their names form Phillip NOLAN. He was an Irish-American adventurer, who was killed by the Mexicans on Tehuacana Hills in 1801. Part of his party was killed and the rest captured. Among those captured and taken to Mexico was Ellis P. BEAN, the father of Mr. Isaac BEAN, who resides on the Stampede in this county. BEAN'S career in Mexico reads more like a sensational story than sober reality. All lovers of the wonderful should read the account in Yoakum's History of Texas. Judge X.B. SAUNDERS was the first mayor of Belton and Capt. H.E. BRADFORD was the second mayor. Belton was incorporated in 1860 and had then a populaton of about five hundred. Mr. MARSCHALK started the first newspaper in Belton in 1857 which was called "The Independent". The next venture in the newspaper line was "The Belton Democrat" and was edited by Hon. John Henry BROWN, who was for many years one of our most prominent citizens. The Democrat represented the States Rights, Secession side of Democracy. The Independent advocated Unionism and took Houston for its political leader. In 1860 the population of Bell County was 4799, and at that time there were no railroads, telegraph wires, nor were there any churches or schools of any size except the Salado College. The first railroad in Bell County was built in 1882. Before that time traveling was done principally on stages as the nearest railway was forty miles away from Belton at Waco. The people in Bell County numbered 9774 in 1870 showing an increase of about 50 per cent in ten years. In the next ten years it increased at the rate of about 300 per cent and in 1880 Bell County had a population of 20, 518. At the last census in 1890, there was found a population of 33,297. Belton, the oldest town in Bell County, had been mentioned several times so we will pass on without entering into a lengthy explanation or description of it. It is the county seat as being in the center of the county and more suited therefore for it than any other place. Salado was founded next all though it is not so large as either Temple or Belton. Col. E. ROBERTSON located at the place where Salado now is in 1853. About 1858 aided by others he started the town and College. Salado College with Gideon BUCK as the first President soon became one of the foremost colleges of Central Texas. The town has long been noted for its bold, running springs, picturesque scenery, good health and cultured society. Temple was founded in 1881 by the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway. It is situated eight miles northeast of Belton. The land on which the town was laid off was a portion of Mr. J.E. MOORE'S farm. It is the junction of the Lampasas branch of the Santa Fe railway with the main line. In 1883 the M., K. and T. railway crossed the Santa Fe at this point. The town took its name from M.B. Temple Chief Engineer of the Santa Fe Railway. Killeen, a thriving town of 1500 inhabitants; sixteen miles west of Belton was named for F.P. KILLEEN secretary of the G.C & S.F. R.R. Bartlett , on the M.K. & T. R.R. in the Southern part of the county, the town next in size, is named for Capt. John T. BARTLETT. The principal streams in Bell County are the Leon, Lampasas, Salado and Elm Creek. El Creek rises in the extreme northern part of the county and runs about parallel with the county line until it passes into Milam County. The soil of the County is mostly black waxy prairie, very productive and durable though the valleys of the larger streams are somewhat mixed with sand. The brakes skirting the streams furnish an abundance of cedar, oak and other kinds of timber for fuel and fencing purposes. A very fine kind of building stone is found in the western part of the county. The wealth of Bell County has increased rapidly as in shown by the following staatistic: --In 1871 the total property value was $2, 590, 214; in 1880 it was $3,78,555; in 1889 it was $10, 802,770. The number of horses and mules is 16,988; of cattle 42,228; of sheep 38,038; of hogs 11,028. The County produces about 50,000 bales of cotton per year and enough corn for its own consumption. Wheat and oats are not produced so much now as formerly. No County in the State has a better system of Public Schools. They are well taught and well patronized and the teachers occupy an enviable position among their professional brethren in the State. There are also a number of good private schools such as the Thomas Arnold High School at Salado and the Belton Male Academy. But pre-aminent among the institutions of learning in the State, we find Baylor College, which was moved to Belton, Bell County, in 1885. It is the oldest educational institution in the State, being chartered in 1845. It was originally located at Independence, Washington County, but was removed to Belton 23 years ago. Baylor college has all the modern convenience such as electric lights, steam heating, etc. It was named for Judge R.E. B. BAYLOR the Judge of the first District Court held in Belton. The people both in town and country are reasonably prosperous. So centrally situated, exempt from extremes of heat and cold, connected with all parts of the country, with good soil and honest industrious people, we may justly be proud of our county and look forward to times of increasing and enduring prosperity for it. Book II page 117 May Secure Hero Medal For Youth-Search for Body of Belton Lad Continues Loyally Along the Leon. - Belton, April 20-The Belton Rotary Club through its president, Supt. L.H. HUBBARD is making an effort to secure a Carnegie Hero medal and endowment for the Chester COX, high school student and football star who lost his life late last Sunday evening after rescuing little Edith GOEPPINGER from the waters of the treacherous Leon. Young COX rescued the girl but as he did his feet were swept from under him and was taken off in the current. He went to his death with a smile on his face, those who saw the accident state. Following the appeal issued this morning in the Telegram for help, hundreds of people have volunteered and were organized into squads to make systematic searches all along the stream for several miles down the river. Squads of men were assigned to boats who worked every nook and corner of the stream for hundreds of yards while others were stationed along the banks to keep watch. The work was in charge of Oscar HALLMARK today and last night. Deputy Sheriff J.F. VANNOY took charge of the men tonight. They are keeping a systematic watch over the stream. Mr. HALLMARK state this afternoon that fifteen men would be sent to the city from Temple tomorrow to aid in the work. These men were promised by W.A. SPENCER, secretary of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. A number from Killeen have also been promised by Moffard DUNDAN of that city. Mr. HALLMARK issued another appeal today for workers tomorrow. He stated that men with their wives might come and take their stations along the bank to watch for the body. It is requested that these people bring their lunches with them and the women, if they desire may bring their knitting or embroidery work. Every thing possible is being done to aid in the search. The Texas Telephone Company today installed a telephone at the headquarters and Ross A. MARCUS continues at his post of supervising the feeding of the workers. The marriage of Mr. Frank ARTHUR and Ms. Eloise PUDDY was solemnized Sunday afternoon at 5 o'clock at the Christian parsonage, Rev. J. Frank HOLMES officiating. The young couple was accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Richard LONG. John M. ROBERTS, Aged Pioneer, Dies-87 year old Temple Man came to Bell County in Early Days of 1848(Article hand dated October 12, 1922) SAW COUNTY ORGANIZED-Autobiography Printed in 1918 Tells of Indian Raids on Elm Creek and Along Nolan and Fights Between Soldiers from Fort Gates with redskins-Bears Roamed This Section - John M. ROBERTS, age 87 years, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. E. KNOWIES, 1315 W. Ave I yesterday morning at 10:50 o'clock. Mr. ROBERTS was one of the Bell County pioneers who settled Bell County in the days when raiding Indeians and wild animals roamed this section and several interesting articles have been published about his early life here. The decedent leaves four sons and one daughter, D.H.ROBERTS of Uvalde, W.R. ROBERTS of Sterling City, C.M. ROBERTS of San Angelo, W.O> ROBERTS of Killeen and Mrs. J.E. KNOWLES of Temple. One sister, Mrs. Emily BLAIR of Killeen, also survives him. Funeral services will be held today at 2 p.m. from the residence, conducted by Rev. B.B. BLAYLOCK, assisted by Rev. P.T. STANFORD. Pallbearers will be Tom C. QUESENBERRY, O.D. WITHERS, W.S. SKINNER, Dave COX. W.C. LACKEY, and C.L.FULLER. After the service, the funeral party will leave for Killeen, arriving at the Killeen cemetery about 4 p.m. for interment service. According to his autobiography published in the Killeen Hearld in 1918, John M. ROBERTS was born in Choctaw County, Miss., March 21, 1835 and came to Texas with his father in 1845. The came to Bell County in 1848 stopping at the well known old Brookshire spring. "While we were there he wrote, "a heavy snow fell and while the snow was on the ground." (Note by submitter: the article was torn and does not continue) Book II page 118 The first death to be entered in the Log of the U.S.s. California came as a terrible shock to all her personnel yesterday, when the ship was getting underway at Santa Cruz. - Albert Louis FANK, B.M. lc., was superintending the rigging in of the port gangway on the quarterdeck and as he stood on the platform, one of the straps carried away and he was thrown overboard. The ship stopped, life byoys dropped and boats lowered but he disappeared before the boats could reach him or before he could reach one of the buoys. He was born at New Orleans, September 25, 1897. On June 22, 1917, he enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman and was honorably discharged as a B.M. 2c in December 1919. He re-enlisted in March, 1920, and came to us as B.M. 1c from the U.S..S. Mississippi. Fank was always ready to do his bit cheerfully, always on the alert to contribute to the happiness of his shipmates; we cannot refrain from saying that whether at work or whether at play no sailor has ever displayed a better spirit. He will be missed not only in his division; as in his death we have all suffered a loss, for we have lost a shipmate who was loved and respected by every officer and man on the California. He leaves a mother and a sister who reside at 2824 Second Street, New Orleans, La., to whom we all join in extending our deepest sympathy. Monument of J.P. BLACKBURN Ready-Descendants of one of Texas five Heroes of War of 1812 Unveil Memorial - Mark Grave at Killeen - 87th Birthday of Merriweather Whitney BLACKBURN, only living son of war hero, is celebrated by unveiling of monument on June 4-Also 57th Birthday of R.T. BLACKBURN - Killeen, Tex., June5-One of five events of its kind possible to be held in Texas was celebrated yesterday when the monument of Capt. John Porter BLACKBURN, hero of the war of 1812, was unveiled by his descendants at BLACKBURN cemetery, four miles east of here. Mr. BLACKBURN is one of five soldiers of the war of 1812 buried in Texas. The other graves are those of Lieut. Gen. John WOOD of Austin, Channecy JOHNSON near Bastrop and Mr. NEBLETT at Navasota. A marker has been issued to Mrs. J.A. WALKER of Brownswood for one of her ancestors. June 4 was chosen for the occasion of erecting the bronze marker, issued by the Daughters of the War of 1812 because it is the birthday of the only living son of Mr. BLACKBURN. He is Merriweather Whitley BLACKBURN of this place who was 87 years old yesterday. This day, is also the fifty sixth birthday of Richard T. BLACKBURN, grandson of the American patriot. Mrs. Harry HYMAN, 617 Hammond Avenue, San Antonio, great grand daughter, was in charge of the ceremony. She displayed a cane made of palmetto which Mr. BALCKBURN had fashioned while in Florida serving during the war. She also showed a helmet which the hero wore. The helmet was fastened to the cap and bore a tall plume. On the face of the helmet at the top is the inscription "Jackson's Guard." Beneath is a cluster of stars representing the states. Under the star is a spread eagle carrying in its beak a banner on which is written: "Liberty, Union and Independence." The Rev. W. J. MAYHEW, Killeen gave a brief history of the war of 1812 and Miss Guton GRIFFIS of Baylor College, Belton represented the Agnes WOODSON chapter of the D.A.R. After these talks Mrs. HYMAN gave a history of the captain's life. John Porter BLACKBURN was born in 1786 in North Carolina but later moved to Tennessee. It was while in Tennessee that he was made captain in Jackson's Guard. In 1851 he moved to Texas, coming through in wagons, bringing all his negroes and settling in Bell County. He was a farmer and bought the land which is in the possession of his descendants. The site of his home, a double log cabin, is a quarter of a mile from the cemetery where he is buried, and the trees and roses which he planted are still living. About ten feet from the foot of Captain BLACKBURN'S grave is the grave of his negro body servant who followed him throughout the war. One child, six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and nine great great grandchildren were present. The grandchildren are: R.T. POLK, R.T. BLACKBURN, Miss Alice BLACKBURN, Mrs. Fannie McCORCLE, Mrs. Ida FRY and Mrs. M.D.GILLILAND of Killeen. The great grandchildren are: Miss Annie FRY and Gid McCORCLE of Killeen, and Mrs. Lila BIRD, Mrs. Ada SMITH, Jim ROBERTSON, Will ROBERTSON, Miss Charlie ROBERTSON< Miss Eva Lee ROBERTSON, Miss Alice ROBERTSON of Granger, and Mrs. Harry HYMAN of San Antonio.The great great grandchildren range in age from six year to seven months. Book II page 120 Passed Over The River-Death of Jas. W.E. GILLILAND yesterday from the effects of a Calamitous accident. - It was with profound and universal sorrow that the news was received here yesterday afternoon about 4:30 o'clock that Jim GILLILAND was dead. In this paper yesterday was given an account of the deplorable accident which caused Mr. GILLAND'S death. About noon, Wednesday, Mr. GILLILAND was out on W.T. SCOTT'S ranch, of which he was manager, and was endeavoring to rope a yearling steer. He was accompanied by Jeff McLEAN of Fort Worth, and they were about nine miles from the ranch house. It seems that the steer stumbled and fell and before Mr. GILLILAND could check his horse, the latter fell over the steer, and threw his rider violently to the ground, the horse falling upon him. Mr. McLEAN hastened to his assistance but found him unconscious. When taken home surgical aid was obtained as soon as possible, but it was apparent that fatal injuries had resulted. It was found that Mr. GILLILAND'S NECK HAD BEEN BROKEN AND THE BASE OF HIS SKULL HAD BEEN FRACTURED, he remained entirely unconscious and nearly motionless, paralysis having resulted, until the hour mentioned when his spirit took its flight. The remains were brought here this morning and the funeral services were held from the Methodist Church at 10 o'clock. The services were conducted by Rev. A.O. EVANS, assisted by Dr. G.M. HARRELL. At the conclusion of these solemn and impressive services, the congregation passed to the front to view the remains. As the mournful procession passed slowly by the coffin there were many hearts who felt that their sorrow was too deep for expression in words, as they looked upon the calm countenance of the beloved friend upon whom the seal of death had been suddenly fixed. Beautiful flowers lay upon the coffin lid, above the pulseless heart, the contributions of loving friends. Then the remains were conveyed to the Odd Fellows cemetery, where the interment took place. There were few better men in any community then Jim GILLILAND, and his death has taken away one who was held in universal esteem for his many excellent traits of character. He was whole souled and kind, a genial companion and true friend, and was beloved by large circle. The heartfelt sympathies of all are tendered to the excellent lady who has been his true and tender companion for many years. Mr. GILLILAND was about 42 years of age and had been a resident of this county for a number of years most of the time he was manager of the extensive ranch interests of W.T. SCOTT. Book II page 122 He Fought Indians in the Early Days-Late M.W. BLACKBURN of Killeen one of Hardy Pioneers of Texas. Was Ranger Under ROSS-Biographical sketch of beloved citizen of Bell County, Who died recently, Is Given-Was Present at Rescue of Cynthia Ann Parker-Indian Fights in this Section Recalled. "You know, those men weren't afraid of Indians in those days-they weren't afraid of anything" - This was the expression of Richard T. BLACKBURN of Killeen in recalling events in the life of his father, the late Merriweather Whitley BLACKBURN, a member of Captain ROSS' rangers, who were so famous in this part of Texas 70 years ago, and an ex-Confederate veteran. M.W. BLACKBURN died at his old home near Killeen on July 9, and now lies buried in the BLACKBURN cemetery near his father, Capt. John Porter BLACKBURN, one of the five veterans of the War of 1812 buried in Texas. A beautiful monument was erected to mark the resting place of Captain BLACKBURN on June 4 by the Daughters of the War of 1812. The story of the life of M.W. BLACKBURN is like a personal history of central Texas events since 1851. He was born in Murrah County, Tennessee, June 4, 1836, and moved to Texas with his father, Capt. John Porter BLACKBURN, in 1851. They settled in Bell County four miles north of Killeen. He was present at the unveiling of the monument for his father on June 4, but died hardly a month later at the age of 87 years. He joined the Texas rangers in the early 50's under Capt. L.S. ROSS, and he and a few others in this part of Texas who survive him brought down to their children the stories of Indian fights along all of the rugged and rough country which is now interlaced with highways and has become a common picnic ground. Mr. BLACKBURN was with Captain ROSS when Cynthia Ann PARKER was taken from the Indians. After a terrible battle, the rangers found a young woman among the Indian captives and she was crying, fearing that the wolves would get her child. Captain ROSS talked to her a few moments and noticed that she had blue eyes and knew at once that she was not an Indian girl, for Indians never have blue eyes She knew nothing of her early history, as she had been stolen from her parents by the Indians as a babe and had been reared by them. But her parents were located in east Texas later and she was taken home to them. She had one son, Quannah PARKER. BLACKBURN was in Col. Rip FORD'S company of ranges when the wold Indian chief "Iron Jacket," was shot. He joined Colonel FORD at San Antonio and in an engagement with the Indians at Fort Belknap a tame Indian by the name of Placide shot Chief ? Jacket through the heard. The Chieftain had a shield which was bullet-proof and was exhibited as a curiousity for many years. It was finally taken to Austin and is believe to have been destroyed in the burning of the capitol. After the redmen killed the RIGGS near Brookhaven, Colonel FORD received word from a courier that the RIGSS had been murdered and their children stolen and he took 30 of his best men, including BLACKBURN, to trail the Indians. They rode all night and stopped the next morning at Beehouse Creek to make a fire and fix some coffee. Here they missed the Indians, but slipped up on a few of them as they were watering their horses. One Indian was shot, but the most of them escaped. The RIGGS children were recovered later new Lampasas. After the RIGGS case the Indians came down off of the Cowhouse mountain and found a boy hauling cedar with a yoke of oxen. They captured the boy and badly whipped him, but he escaped later. After that he was known among the pioneer citizens as "Indian Dave." Scores these stories are brought down about Bell County's early history by the children who heard Mr. BLACKBURN talk and by few survivors who know of those wild days as well as he knew of them. Dick PARKS, an old-time resident of the Killeen section, said at the funeral of Mr. BLACKBURN, as he looked up form the casket with tears in his eyes; "I wrapped his brother in a blanket at Atlanta, Ga., after he was killed in the war." One of the Sturdy Pioneers of Texas The late M.W. BLACKBURN who died at his old home near Killeen on July 9, served with the ROSS Texas Rangers over this part of Texas in the early 50's and was a veteran of the Civil War under Co., Walsh JONES. He was the son of John P. BLACKBURN, one of the five veterans of the War of 1812 buried in Texas, whose grave at Killeen is marked by a new monument erected by the Daughters of the War of 1812. A Belton Boy Makes Good - Hugh H. FOREMAN apprentice seaman, U.S.N. whose home address is Belton, Texas has been named in the honor roll of the week ending 26th of March 1921 Of the United States Navy Training Station, San Francisco, California. As being one of the 14 men who have made the most progress in instruction personal appearance and attention to duties. The honor roll states that FOREMAN is considered one of the most efficient men now at the training station. He is attached to Co. A. He enlisted at the Navy recruiting station, Houston, Texas December 17, 1920. Belton, Feb. 22-Miss Binnie BOYD, daughter of Mrs. F.Y. BOYD of 516 North Penelope street, died here at 7:35 o'clock. Miss BOYD was born and reared in Belton and had long been a beloved resident. She had taught music here for many years and her mother is known to practically everyone because of her long connection with the city schools. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock at the First Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. R.E. HOOKER. The pallbearers will be: H.M. COOK, Jim HARRIS, Victor MEANS, Robert TULLOCH, Will NAYSMITH, Roger TULLOCH, honorary, Dan E. WHEELER, Pat DOUGHERTY, J.C. McELROY, Sam McELROY, W.H. REED, T.L. MEANS, J.M. SOCTT, T.C. BARKES, W.A. MEANS, A.G. VICK, Fred MUEHLHOUSE, Fred WHITMIRE, H.R. KELSO, E.E. UPSHUR. Beside her mother, Miss BOYD'S only close relative in this section is Mrs. Mary SPENCER of Temple, her aunt. Book II pages 126-137
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