1925 :: Death of Frank Heider

Marlin, Texas, Dec. 11. -- Frank Heider Jr., 31 years old, was fatally wounded late Wednesday afternoon, and Jesse Ashley, 19 years old, is in custody of Sheriff Barton. The tragedy occurred on a farm close to the Brazos River, east of Rosebud. Heider is survived by his wife and a son, 3 years old. The funeral was held Thursday afternoon, with burial at Rockdale, to which point the body was taken by automobile. Dallas Morning News, December 12, 1925

1927 :: Death of Frank Dreher

Rockdale, Texas, Dec. 9. -- The body of Frank Dreher, who died in an army hospital in Arkansas, was brought to Rockdale and burial was made in the Sharp Cemetery, ten miles from here. Carlysle Post No. 358, American Legion, had charge of the services. Dreher was a World War veteran. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. W.J. Dreher; his wife, Mrs. Myrtle Cannon Dreher, and three small children. Dallas Morning News, December 10, 1927

1901 :: Death of Mrs. Katie Wise

Rockdale, Texas, November 15. -- Mrs. Katie Wise, wife of Arthur A. Wise, the latter a popular salesman in the employ of Scarbrough & Hicks here, died this morning at 5 o'clock of pneumonia. Deceased was a native of Georgia. She was a most excellent lady, and besides her husband, leaves four small children to mourn her loss. Houston Daily Post, November 17, 1901

1896 :: Death of F.W. Queensberry

Rockdale, Tex., Nov. 14. -- The gravel train on the International and Great Northern was wrecked three miles north of Rockdale. F.W. Queensberry was killed, Conductor John Brown and five others were injured. The caboose was mashed into kindling wood. The Eagle (Bryan, Texas), November 15, 1896

1920 :: Death of Retta Daniel

Houston, Tex., Nov. 13. -- Mrs. Retta Daniel, wife of G.W. Daniel, civilian employee at Ellington Field, died early this morning at the post hospital from burns received Thursday when, mistaking gasoline for coal oil, she attempted to start a fire and an explosion resulted. Her body will be sent to Rockdale for burial. Hutchinson News, Kansas, November 13, 1920

1894 :: Friendship Album

Rockdale Texas.
Nov 12th 1894.-
Berta.-
Ever remember Your Afectionate-
Brother.-
S.H. Sharp    _,.-:*:-.,_,.-:*:*:-.,_,.-:*:-.,_,.-:*:*:-.,_,.-:*:-.,_
    Rockdale Texas
Nov 12th/94
Dear Berta.
This above all. To thy self
be true, and it must follow
as the night the day
Though canst not then be false
to any man.
Your cousin.
L.O. Stewart.
  _,.-:*:-.,_,.-:*:*:-.,_,.-:*:-.,_,.-:*:*:-.,_,.-:*:-.,_  

• Berta is Berta Mary Sharp (1872-1955) who married Edgar Henry.
• S.H. Sharp is Sam Houston Sharp, Jr. (1867-1921), who married Edgar's twin sister, Emma.
• Berta and Sam are two of the six children of Sam & Nellie (LeMaire) Sharp who are spoken of throughout The Journal.
• L.O. Stewart is the son of Margaret (Sharp) Hall (aka the little woman in The Journal) and her second husband, Frank Stewart.
• Sam, Sr. and Margaret are the only children of John and Mahala (Roberts) Sharp.
• Following John Sharp's death, Mahala married J.J. Hall, who is the father of James Madison Hall.
• J.M. Hall, the step-brother of Sam and Margaret, is also Margaret's first husband.

1874 :: Pleasure Ground of the Black Bear

Rockdale, Nov. 6, 1874. Rockdale is one of the important wonders of Texas -- a sort of infant Hercules. The town is eight months and a half old, yet it is doing more business than a half dozen old-fashioned, gray-haired cities. Everything is as neat as the last fashion in bonnets.

It is a big day for Rockdale. An immigration meeting and a circus are a congregation of great events that have never before happened in the history of this thriving city, and consequently the town is as proud as a little boy with his first pair of red top boots.

Seriously speaking, the town is delightfully located, in a thriving section of the county, which is contributing to its wealth. There are two or three banks, fifty or sixty merchants, and plenty of saloons, and has generally all the appearances of a railroad town. . . . 

While all is new and in some degree crude, there are some five stone and brick buildings. Subscriptions have already been made for Baptist and Methodist Churches, which will soon be erected. A public hall is at present used for the purposes of worship, and such is the good order of the city that not more than two police cases are heard by the Mayor in a week.

Where a population of eighteen hundred now thrive, was ten months ago the home of the deer, and the pleasure ground of the black bear. Where the wild beasts roamed on Christmas last, there are now stores, with merchants busy selling hoopskirts, paper collars, sewing machines, cotton, and the other appliances of civilization.

Where the hunter then toasted his game on the point of his ramrod there are now French restaurants, with napkins and silver forks for table accessories. Civilization, enterprise, refinement and luxury are making a lively race in and about the beautiful town of Rockdale. Such is the rapid growth of this section. . . . The Galveston Daily News, November 7, 1874

1899 :: WOW Monument Dedication

Rockdale, Texas, November 6. -- A very beautiful ceremony took place in the local cemetery Sunday afternoon, the occasion of the unveiling and dedication of a monument to the memory of Dr. S.C. Cawthon by Pin Oak camp No. 222, Woodmen of the World. A large crowd was in attendance. Houston Daily Post, Tuesday Morning, November 7, 1899

1903 :: Burial of Inez Heslep

Dallas Morning News. Rockdale, Texas, Oct. 24. -- On Wednesday of this week the little 5-year-old daughter of Mr. George Haslip, living in the north suburb of town, while playing with another child with matches, in some manner ignited her clothing and was so badly burned that she died Thursday afternoon. Her mother, in endeavoring to extinguish the flames, had her hands badly burned. Mr. Haslip is the salesman in the grocery store of S.J. Taylor, and formerly lived in Lee county. Shiner Gazette, October 28, 1903

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Little Inez Heslep, who was burned to death last week at Rockdale, was brought to Caldwell last Friday morning for interment, the funeral occurring from the residence of W.I. Heslep, at 9:30 o'clock, interment at the Masonic cemetery. Many friends tendered sympathy to the bereaved family in their sad affliction. Caldwell News-Chronicle, October 30, 1903

1921 :: Burial of Hicks Carlile

Hicks Carlile who was buried at Hamiltons Chapel Friday afternoon under auspices of the American Legion, was one of two sons of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Carlile of Rockdale, who paid the supreme sacrifice in the world war. He and his brother volunteered and were of the first to go over seas and both were killed in the same battle and almost at the same time. The remains of the other brother were not identified. A large concourse of friends of deceased and family attended the funeral services which were held on the public square around the flag pole in Rockdale. The flag hung at half mast. Cameron Herald, October 27, 1921

1939 :: Rest Rooms Locked

The Commissioners' Court has made improvements in the rest rooms in the basement of the court house. They have been freshly painted and signs have been erected calling attention of the public to the fact that a five dollar fine is assessible against anyone guilty of abusing or defacing this property. The court gives notice that there has been considerable abuse by persons writing on the walls, striking matches on the walls, together with other abuses and the rest rooms have been ordered locked at 8 p.m. Cameron Herald, October 26, 1939

1939 :: Calvin Alford, negro slave

Calvin Alford of Rockdale, one of the few remaining negro slaves, was in Cameron Monday to attend the funeral of his only sister, Lizzie Crayton. Alford is 93 years old and served in the civil war under Captain Chas. Laseuer who took a company from Milam county from the San Gabriel community to the aid of the Confederacy. Uncle Calvin as he is familiarly called by those here who have known him for many years, is not too bent for one his age but uses a cane to assist him in getting around. He has good eyesight and hears well and remembers many colorful incidents of slavery times. Cameron Herald, October 26, 1939

1880 :: Deaths in Milam County

Rockdale Messenger: There has been considerable sickness in the country lately, and we have several deaths to record: 

Mr. W.A. Radicil, an old and valuable citizen, living north of Milano, died suddenly on Saturday evening. 

Another old citizen, Mr. J.P. Archer, living about ten miles south of Rockdale, died on Tuesday. 

Mr. J.P. Daniel died at the residence of his father, Joe Daniel, near Ad Hall, on Monday morning. He was a gentleman universally liked, and a good citizen. 

Also the day before and in the same vicinity, Mr. Remus Smith, a nephew of Mr. A.S. Ruby, died of typhoid fever. 

Galveston Daily News, October 21, 1880

1921 :: Collapse of Water Works Standpipe

The Rockdale water works standpipe collapsed under pressure of a full head of water about 9:00 o'clock Tuesday night. The standpipe was 110 feet high, and consisted of 22 sections of 5 feet each. The break occurred on the 9th section, and the thirteen top sections fell with a crash that was heard all over town. 

In falling the tower pointed north and partially wrecked the W.E. Gaither warehouse, formerly occupied by the old Rockdale Commission Company. While the tower proper did not reach the warehouse the volume of water carried by the falling portion dealt the building a blow that wrecked the rear portion and scattered its contents promiscuously. Mr. Gaither's damage amounts to several hundred dollars to building and contents.


Some damage also resulted to the old City Cemetery, a number of monuments and gravestones being displaced and broken, shrubbery uprooted, etc.


In falling the connection water main was broken, thus draining the section of the standpipe left standing, and causing a shortage of water over the city which was not relieved until nearly noon next day.


The loss to the city is really not very great, as the standpipe was known to be almost worthless and its collapse was not unexpected. It was erected in 1890, and was therefore 31 years old and had served its allotted time and many years over. The city council only recently authorized the purchase of a new water tower to take its place, and Mayor Meyer has since been busy getting bids and prices on same, and was about ready to place the order when the collapse occurred. The order was placed Wednesday morning by wire.


Until the new tower can be erected the waterworks will be conducted by direct pump pressure from the plant into the mains. The nine sections of the old standpipe still standing will be kept full and ready for emergency use in case of fire.

Mayor Meyer asks The Reporter to state that no time will be lost in replacing this tower, and that under the system of direct pumping there will be an abundance of water in the mains at all times for all purposes.


The new water tower will cost $10,000, and will be paid for out of the water works plant fund accumulated from the earnings of the water works plant. This fund on October 1st contained $8,454, almost enough to pay for the new water tower.


In this connection the citizens should not confuse the water works plant fund with the water works bond fund. The bond fund is the sinking fund provided for the retirement of the water works bonds and is accumulated from the tax payments. This bond fund now consists of $654 cash in bank and the ownership of $7000 worth of other city bonds, bought as an investment for the water works sinking fund, and drawing interest therefore.


No city bonds of any kind have been bought with the water works, plant fund, which, as above stated, is an accumulation of profits from the operation of the water plant. These profits amount of approximately $300 per month, in addition to which the town receives free water for schools, drinking fountain, street sprinkling and fire protection -- a service which formerly cost the city $100 per month. Cameron Herald, October 20, 1921

1874 :: Rockdale Postmaster

When the railroad reached Rockdale, McGregor and Muir moved their newspaper plant from Cameron to Rockdale and changed the name to the Rockdale Messenger. Muir was the first postmaster for the newly established Rockdale Post Office, beginning on October 20, 1874.

1888 :: Death of James Wicks

Rockdale, Tex., Oct. 17. -- Mr. James Wicks, formerly a merchant here, but for the past few years farming near town committed suicide this morning by stabbing himself in numerous places about the body while in a temporary state of insanity. The deceased had many friends here and elsewhere. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, October 18, 1888

1925 :: Death of Miss Lottie Banzhaf

Rockdale, Texas, Oct. 15. -- Miss Lottie Banzhaf died at the Van Ormi Sanitarium [Bexar County]. Her father is George Banzhaf, Milam County farm agent. Miss Banzhaf's body was brought to Rockdale and the funeral services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hood Caldwell, four miles north of Rockdale. Burial was made in the neighborhood cemetery. Miss Banzhaf has for several years been one of the Rockdale High School teachers. Dallas Morning News, October 16, 1925 

1915 :: Death of Margaret Antony

News of the death of Mrs. Margaret Antony, mother of Ed. L. Antony, one of the beloved pioneer citizens of Cameron reached her friends in this city Tuesday. Her death occurred in Dallas at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Alice Antony Brown and her remains were brought to Rockdale for interment accompanied by Mrs. Brown and Miss Beryl Antony. Funeral services were arranged by her nephew James Hamilton, in whose home she loved to visit. Miss Antony was a noble Christian character and her many virtues made her beloved in every community in which she had lived. She was a native of Georgia and was of the prominent Henry family [sic, i.e., Davis family] of that State. She has many relatives and friends here who will mourn her passing. Mrs. Lula Cass and Miss Estelle Westmoreland, Mrs. Mary Arnold and Miss Bennie Arnold went to Rockdale to attend the funeral. The Cameron Herald, October 14, 1915

1896 :: Death of Jim Trueblood

Rockdale, Tex., Oct. 10. -- While Olive and Jim Trueblood were hauling a load of cotton out of their field this morning Jim was run over by the wagon and killed. After hitching their teams to the wagon both men put their shoulders to the wheels to help the team start, expecting to mount themselves while the wagon was in motion. Oliver succeeded, but Jim, while attempting to mount, lost his footing and fell under the wheel, which passed over his breast, causing almost instant death. Both men were farmers and lived on the San Gabriel river six miles north of Rockdale. The Galveston Daily News, October 12, 1896

1897 :: A Fatal Explosion

Rockdale, Tex., Oct. 10. -- One of the seventy-five horse-power boilers of the water and electric light plant blew up last night, completely wrecking the entire plant, house and machinery. An eight-foot section of the front end of the boiler was blown three blocks away, passing over several houses, and fell on Mr. Rexford Wells' seed shute, completely demolishing it and otherwise damaging his gin house. The other portion of the boiler was blown about a block in the opposite direction, landing in Mr. Davis' cow lot. Two large pieces of timber crashed through the roof and ceiling of Mrs. Charles Brieger's house, over a block away, and completely demolished two bedsteads on which he and three other members of his family were sleeping. Fortunately none of the family were hurt. The fireman, Mr. Antone Strelsky, was killed, and M. Wooldridge and J.L. Wooldridge, father and son, injured, the young man seriously. The town is left without light or water, and it is thought it will be thirty days before either can be supplied. The situation grows more serious every hour, as the people realize they are entirely without water and the difficulty of procuring it. The loss is estimated at $8000. Dallas Morning News, October 11, 1897

1892 :: Death of Henrietta Black

Rockdale -- Miss Henrietta Black, aged 22 years, died from the effects of an overdose of chloroform. Dallas Morning News, October 11, 1892 

1918 :: Death of Carlyle Brothers

Hicks Carlyle and James W. Carlyle lived in the Hamilton Chapel community just southeast of Rockdale. They died in action in France on Oct. 8, 1918, just 30 days before Germany's surrender ended the war. Carlyle Post first met upstairs at the Coulter building, corner of Main and Cameron. Later the post met at City Hall. In 1935, Post 358 purchased the former Wolf Hotel, one of Rockdale's most historic turn-of-the-century structures. The hotel, at the corner of Main and Milam, was renovated and served as Carlyle Post's home for more than 60 years. Carlyle Post has been through periods of inactivity but still retains some membership and has plans for a new building. The old Legion building (Wolf Hotel) has been razed. That project was completed earlier this year. The Rockdale Reporter, November 15, 2001

1931 :: Death of Little Mary Ann McCarty

Little Mary Ann McCarty, born to Mr. and Mrs. Barney McCarty, Saturday morning at the home of Mrs. McCarty's mother at Rockdale, Texas, died that afternoon and was buried at sunrise Sunday morning by a group of friends. Rev. L.E. Strickland, pastor of the Rockdale Baptist Church, officiating. Friends of Mr. and Mrs. McCarty in Lockhart sympathize with them in their sad bereavement. Lockhart Post-Register, October 8, 1931

1930 :: Death of Mrs. Mary Neely Thompson

Rockdale, Texas, Oct. 3. -- Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Neely Thompson were held from the family home, the Rev. G.B. Carter, pastor of the Rockdale Methodist Episcopal Church, officiating. Burial was made in the new City Cemetery. She is survived by a son, Jess Thompson of Rockdale; a daughter, Mrs. Blanche Russell of San Antonio, and her mother, three brothers and five sisters. Dallas Morning News, October 4, 1930 

1901 :: Fearful Boiler Explosion

Fearful Boiler Explosion. One Man Killed and Several Injured at Rockdale - Waterworks Entire Wrecked. Special to The News. 

Rockdale, Tex., Sept. 19. -- At 10:40 o'clock this morning one of the immense twin boilers of the Rockdale water and electric light plant exploded with a terrific crash. The concussion was so great that the jar was felt for a mile away. The entire plant is a total wreck. Nothing remains but a tangled mass of torn and twisted machinery, lumber and other building material.


There were six men in and around the building. All of them escaped with their lives except Snort Wilson, the fireman, who was in the front of the boiler, firing. He was blown across an eighty-foot street and hurled against a strong board fence with such force that a section of the fence was carried away. He was so badly scalded and bruised that he was almost unrecognizable and died in a few minutes.


R.H. Ames, superintendent and general manager; George De Board, William Jones and Charles Fithur, employes, and Will Pleasants, a bystander, were all more or less injured, as was also a child of Otto Lingert, playing in a yard near by.


Sections of the boiler and other portions of the machinery were blown into the air and landed with terrible force for 200 yards around. This explosion, coming in the midst of a long-continued drouth, makes the water problem a serious questions in this city. The water in the standpipe is shut off for fire purposes, so that the citizens are left without water.


A similar explosion occurred in the same plant on the same ground Oct. 9, 1897, in which Anton Strelsky lost his life. The loss to the company is estimated at 6,000 to $10,000. Dallas Morning News, September 20, 1901

1906 :: Death of Grandpa Hargrove

Grandpa Hargrove died suddenly at Rockdale Monday at the home of his daughter Mrs. Simms. He was 81 years old and an Alabamian. Cameron Herald, September 20, 1906

1909 :: Death of Dr. William A Brooks

Mortuary. Dr. William A. Brooks, aged 84 years, a retired physician, died yesterday afternoon at a local hospital after a lingering illness. He leaves two sons, John T. Brooks, traveling freight agent of the Chicago, Rock Island & pacific, Frisco lines, and James B. Brooks, assistant general freight agent of the Aransas Pass. Dr. Brooks was a member of Masons and Odd Fellows. The body was taken to Rockdale last night and the funeral will take place under the auspices of the Odd Fellows at Rockdale this afternoon. San Antonio Light and Gazette, September 19, 1909

1874 :: Milam County Marriage

Milam County. -- The Messenger says: . . . "Married : Mr. James Rodgers and Miss Keziah Ann Search." Galveston Daily News, September 18, 1874

1900 :: Death of A D Cooper

Death - Rosebud - Capt. A.D. Cooper, age 84, died last Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. in Rosebud at the home of his son-in-law Chas. W. Meyers. Until recently, he was a citizen of Milam county, his old home being near Minerva. Soon after the war, Capt. Cooper was elected sheriff of this county, which position he filled with much credit. He was a public spirited citizen, and a high-toned gentleman, commanding the highest esteem and respect of all who knew him. A son and three daughters survive him. His body was shipped to Minerva and buried in the family burying grand at the old homestead. Rockdale Messenger, September 13, 1900

1892 :: Electric Lights in Rockdale

Rockdale, Tex., Sept. 10. -- The streets of Rockdale will now be lighted by electricity. At the regular September monthly meeting of the city council a contract was made with the Rockdale electric light company for street lights. . . . The Rockdale Exchange, a people's party paper, edited by J.W. Wenbrener, made its first appearance to-day. The paper speaks well of Rockdale and promises to work for the good of Rockdale and surrounding country. . . . Rockdale cotton receipts average 175 bales a day. Shipper buyers are paying 6 5/8c for average receipts. Dallas Morning News, September 12, 1892

1878 :: Death of Percy Horton Wynne

Died: Wynne -- At Lampasas Springs, on Sunday, 8th Inst., Percy Horton, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Wynne, of Rockdale, Texas, aged seven months. Galveston Daily News, September 11, 1878 

 

1874 :: Vogle Family Poisoned

Rockdale, Sept. 3, 1874. A family here by the name of Vogle were all poisoned last night -- father, mother and two children. The mother died this morning from the effects. The balance of the family are getting well. Galveston Daily News, September 4, 1874

1895 :: Run over by IGN Passenger Train

Rockdale, Milam Co., Tex., Sept. 2. -- Early yesterday morning the International and Great Northern passenger train ran over a Mexican between this city and the mines. As there are two night trains it is not known which one struck him. He was found dead beside the track yesterday. Reports reached this city late last night to the effect that in a row at the mines a Mexican was killed by a negro. Particulars can not yet be verified. Justice of the Peace W.D. Wells has gone out to the mine to hold an inquest on the Mexican killed by the train and investigate the reported murder. The names of the parties implicated are not known. Galveston Daily News, September 3, 1895

1890 :: Death of N W Hatcher

Rockdale, Tex., Aug. 29. -- N.S. Hatcher [sic], a highly respected citizen, died to-day of consumption. Deceased was a member of the Knights of honor. Dallas Morning News, August 30, 1890

1902 :: Death of Little Nellie Gray

Nellie Gray, the 12-year-old daughter of Dr. Gray, was fatally burned at Rogers by the explosion of a lamp. She lingered six hours. Shiner Gazette, August 27, 1902

---

 
Hosts of people in Caldwell will deeply sympathize with Dr. E.H. Gray, of Rogers, in the tragic loss by fire of his little daughter, Nellie, on Tuesday of last week. The particulars are given as follows by the Rogers News:


On Tuesday afternoon at about 8 o'clock, little Nellie Gray, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. E.H. Gray, was fatally burned by the explosion of a lamp. Nellie and her mother were preparing to go to the country to visit the family of Mr. A.W. Howard. Being through with the curling irons, Mrs. Gray attempted to blow out the light, when the lamp exploded with a loud report.


Little Nellie seeing her mother's clothing on fire, came to the rescue but, in an instant, she herself was wrapped in flames and fled from the house out through the front yard into the street. Mrs. Gray caught her daughter as she fled, and tried to extinguish the flames, but could not restrain her. 

Mr. M.P. Wynne arrived on the scene as Nellie reached the street and came to the rescue. He threw the child down and tried with all his power to save her, but to no avail, while he himself sustained severe burns on the hand and arm. 

In a few minutes the fire had consumed all but a handful of the poor child's garments and she was carried back to the house blackened and burned all over except the upper part of her face, and her feet which were protected by her shoes. 

No more horrible tragedy could be conceived of. Mrs. Gray had in the mean time suffered serious injury, but owing to her woolen clothing and the prompt assistance of Miss Nettie Ratliff, she escaped death.


Strange to say, after the terrible torture, Little Nellie seemed to lose all sense of pain and passed quietly and peacefully away at about midnight.


The funeral services conducted by Elder Lincoln were held at the Christian church on Wednesday afternoon. On Sunday -- just three days previously -- Bro. Lincoln had baptised Little Nellie on a profession of faith in Christ. Now, he comes to conduct the last sad rites over the remains of her who but a few hours before had been such a sweet little maiden, the idol of her father's and mother's heart, loved and admired by all.


Several very pathetic incidents occurred in connection with this remarkable tragic death. Just a few moments before the explosion occurred, little Nellie expressed a desire to play and sing, "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus," but her mother told her they wouldn't have time, as she thought she heard Mr. Howard's folks coming to take them to the country.


When Nellie discovered her mother on fire, she rushed to her assistance, exclaiming, "O mamma, honey, you're burning up!"


A large number of people, including friends and relatives from Milano, Rockdale, Caldwell and other points, made up the procession that following the remains to their last resting place. Many floral tributes came from friends and relatives of other towns, and the grave was literally buried in the most beautiful flowers.


No sadder event ever occurred in the history of Rogers, and a gloom has hung like a pall over our little city. The hearts of our entire people are touched with sympathy for the broken-hearted parents and relatives. We wish it were in our power to speak words that would console and comfort these stricken friends. 

But, alas! No human words can take away such depths of sorrow, and, in our sense of weakness, we would commend the bereaved to God whom they serve, and who has in all ages been the refuge and comforter of his people. Caldwell News-Chronicle, August 22, 1902

1949 :: Death of Mrs. Emma York Hudson

Funeral services for Mrs. Emma York Hudson, 88, an early resident of Highland Park, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Sparkman-Brand Chapel, 2115 Ross. Dr. Marshall Steel will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. A native of Alabama, Mrs. Hudson was brought to Texas by her family when she was still in her teens. They settled in Rockdale, Milam County. She was married there and later lived in San Angelo. She moved to Dallas thirty-five years ago. Her husband, the late J. Sid Hudson, was manager for the George P. Ide Company, shirt manufacturers who were on Commerce Street for many years. Mrs. Hudson and her husband were among the first to move to Highland Park when the development was opened. Her home was at 3715 Gillon. Later, she moved to 322 East Tenth, where she died Friday. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Burt C. Blanton; a sister, Miss Jennie Lynne York; a granddaughter, Mrs. Jeanne Freeman, and a great-grandson, all of Dallas. Dallas Morning News, August 21, 1949

1901 :: Death of E.W. Graham

Cameron, Tex., Aug. 19 -- E.W. Graham died at his home near Davilla, Milam County, late yesterday, aged 82. He was born in Harvey District, South Carolina, on Aug. 27, 1819, and came to Texas in 1853. He worked on the old statehouse at Austin and remained in Austin about three years. He then returned to South Carolina, but came to Texas and located on Elm Creek north of Rogers. In 1861 he removed to the spot where he died and where he has continually resided. Dallas Morning News, August 21, 1901 

1883 :: Disappearance of Henry D. Kirk

J.A. Kirk, of Rockdale, Texas, desires information of his son, Henry D. Kirk, who mysteriously disappered from home about the 1st of May last. San Antonio Light, August 21, 1883

1897 :: Death of Peter J. Moe

Rockdale, Tex., Aug. 19. -- Peter J. Moe, a Norwegian, accidentally fell from a bridge on the International and Great Northern road last night and broke his neck. He was manager of the commissary at the Olsen mines and was popular with all. He was 45 years old and leaves a wife and one child. Dallas Morning News, August 20, 1897 

1901 :: Tragedy at Rockdale

Rockdale, Tex., Aug. 16. -- J.C. Watson, assistant postmaster here, was shot and killed here. The tragedy occurred in the postoffice. Watson received two wounds. The weapon used was a Colt's revolver. Lee Batte of Cameron surrendered to the officers here, had his examining trial before Justice Kennon and was admitted to bail in the sum of $5000, which was made in a few min(utes). Family trouble was the cause of the shooting. Batte and Watson were brothers-in-law. The Eagle, August 17, 1901

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Rockdale, Tex., Aug. 15. -- J.C. Watson, assistant postmaster here, was shot and killed at 10:25 this morning. The tragedy occurred in the postoffice. Watson received two wounds. The weapon used was a 45 Colt's revolver. Lee Batte of Cameron surrendered to the officers here, had his examining trial before Justice Kennon and was admitted to bail in the sum of $5,000, which was made in a few moments. Family trouble was the cause of the shooting. Batte and Watson were brothers-in-law. . . . Cameron, Tex., Aug. 15. -- R.L. Batte was for years City Marshal of this town and now owns a large ranch in Western Texas and is a prominent citizen. Batte and Watson were connected by marriage. Dallas Morning News, August 16, 1901

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About 10:25 a.m., Tuesday, 2-shots were heard in the direction of the post office and a few seconds later, R.L. Batte walked from the building with a smoking six-shooter in his hand and asked for an officer so as to surrender. J.C. Watson, deputy post master, the husband of Mr. Batte's sister-in-law, but the particulars have not yet been made public. Mr. Batte came in on the 9:45 S.A.&A.P. train from Cameron on business and in about 45 minutes, after his arrival, he went to the post office and called at the door and as Mr. Watson opened it, Batte opened fire without a word being spoken by either party. After firing, Batte walked out and went up to Hamilton & Raspberry's hardware store and surrendered to Mr. Hamilton. Watson's body was taken to Branch's undertaking establishment where the inquest is being held and the body will be prepared for burial. Rockdale Messenger, August 15, 1901

1908 :: Miss Lilly Riddle

Miss Lilly Riddle of Rock Dale, Texas, arrived [in Oklahoma] this week on a visit to her cousin Miss Ida Harris. Checotah Times, August 14, 1908

1874 :: Wounding of Mayor Burck

Little Misunderstanding. Rockdale, August 10, 1874. We had a little excitement in our city this evening. It appears the Marshal had arrested a stock man by the name of Olive, and some little misunderstanding having occurred between the Marshal and prisoner, so the Marshal, with all the dignity of his official capacity, struck the prisoner over the head with a loaded six-shooter, which went off, the ball striking the City Mayor, A.A. Burck in the neck, inflicting a slight flesh wound. With the exception of this, our city has been quite and very dry. Galveston Daily News, August 11, 1874

1903 :: Death of Rev. Fred L. Allen

Rockdale, Tex., Aug. 2. -- Rev. Fred L. Allen died at his home in Rockdale on yesterday afternoon in his 68th year. He had been in feeble health for some time, but the immediate cause of his death was from a carbuncle on his face, which almost wholly destroyed one side of his face. He was a member of the Texas conference of the M.E. Church for over thirty years, where he served as pastor and presiding elder. He had resided and labored in Rockdale for a number of years, where he was held in high regard. His remains were taken in charge by the members of Camp Sam Davis, of which he was a member, at his late residence, at 10 o'clock and escorted to the M.E. Church, where the funeral services were conducted according to the ritual of that church. His remains were then taken in charge by the Masonic fraternity and interred under the ceremonies of that lodge. Dallas Morning News, August 3, 1903 

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Frederick Lowery Allen was born of Christian parents in the state of Georgia, February 5, 1835, and died at his home in Rockdale, Tex., August 1, 1903. He came of a sturdy old stock, and is much indebted to his ancestors for the strong characteristics that made him a strong, manly man. His grandfather, William Allen, was in the Revolutionary War, and was badly wounded in the battle of Yorktown, and was left on the field for dead: but the God who watches over us even in battle and time of need brought him out of his peril, and partial recovery followed; but he never entirely recovered from his desperate wounds, and died in the prime of life. His parents were not converted until after they had resting on them the cares of a family, but from the time of their conversion they were devoutly pious.


In a brief sketch of his life written by himself, in speaking of his early life he said: "My first recollection of my parents as religious people was in a love feast at Shiloh Church In Fayette county, Georgia. I was then about four years old. The strange feature of that scene left its impress on me, as I could not understand how religion made them cry and rejoice at the same time. Thank God, I understand it now." It is not strange that with parents who prayed in the home and rejoiced in the love feast, and who made so much of their religion, their children felt its power, that he should have been led in early life to give his heart to God. At nine years of age he joined the Methodist Church, but even earlier than this he said he enjoyed religion. When twenty years of age he felt called to the ministry, but like many others fought against duty and tried hard to escape its behest. He left his home three times and started out into the great West hoping to leave duty behind, but just as often God's Spirit followed him and led him back.


In 1861 he entered the Confederate Army, and for four years he endured the hardships and privations of a soldier's life and came out of the war without a wound, and with the honors and confidence of his comrades, having been promoted to the captaincy of Company F, Third Georgia Cavalry.


Of his fight against his call to preach, through all these years of trial, exposure, and danger, he says: "No one knows, except the called to this work, how much intense anxiety and mental anguish I suffered." But at last grace conquered, and he made a full and complete surrender to the work in which he lived so long and wrought so well. He was licensed to preach November 11, 1865, and was at once recommended to the Georgia Conference for admission on trial. When admitted he transferred to the Texas Conference, but reached the seat of the Conference after it had adjourned, and was employed by Rev. I.G. John, presiding elder of the Austin District, as supply on the Winchester Circuit.
 
From that year, 1866, to the time of his superannuation, in 1901, he was one of the most faithful, active, and consecrated members of the Texas Conference. No charge was considered too unimportant to enlist his most earnest efforts; on the circuit, in the station, on the district, he was the same earnest, faithful, painstaking "minister of the word."


He served the following charges: 1866, supply on Winchester Circuit, and reappointed to the same charge for 1867-8; 1869-70, Webberville Circuit; 1871-3, Cedar Creek Circuit; 1874-6, Bastrop Station; 1877, Austin Circuit; 1878, Bastrop Station; 1879-80, La Grange; 1881-2, Huntsville Station; 1883-6, Calvert District; 1887, Bremond and Reagan; 1888, Davilla Circuit; 1889-90, Cameron District; 1891-4, Calvert District; 1895-6, Franklin Station; 1897-9, Rockdale Station: 1900-1, Willis Station.


At the Conference of that year after thirty-five years of loyal and uncomplaining service to the Church, he was forced by declining health to ask for a superannuated relation, and allow his younger and stronger brethren to push the battle. He retired gracefully and with a Christian spirit, and waited in good hope till the Master called him up higher.


Brother Allen married in 1868 to Miss Celinda Whipple, of whom he wrote in his private diary: "A better helpmeet no itinerant preacher ever had." She shared with him the lights and shades of the itinerancy for nearly thirty-five years, and how much she helped him we will never know till we see "face to face." Three children blessed this union, all of whom survive him, his oldest son, Beverly, being an honored member of the Conference.


Brother Allen's preaching was earnest and effective; he spoke with authority, and seemed never to doubt his call or the sacredness of the message that he was commissioned to preach. His ministry was not barren and fruitless, but strong, earnest, and successful. The years he was presiding elder were years of widespread revival influence. He led in many a meeting that was crowned with wonderful success, and the districts were wrapped in revival flames from one end to the other. At the Conference held at Huntsville in 1901 he had to retire from the active work, and returned home to wait for his transfer to the Great Conference above. 

Soon after getting home he sent to the Texas Christian Advocate a very touching little piece, headed "I'd Do It Again." In it he spoke of the years he had spent in the ministry; the toils and privations, the hard places and the easy ones, the lack of sympathy, the times of discouragement and misjudgment; what he had given up and what he had suffered for his Lord and Master, and closed by saying, "If I had my life to live over, I'd do it again."


Blessed heroic spirit, known only to those who serve their Lord and love their fellow-men. His work is done. He rests from his labors, and has gained the crown. May we also be ready. 

Minutes of the Annual Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for the Year 1902 (Google eBook) Methodist Episcopal Church, Southern Methodist Publishing House, 1902

1896 :: Death of James E. Mosely, Sr.

Rockdale, Tex., July 29. -- James Edward Moseley, Sr., [sic, i.e., Edward B Moseley] died yesterday morning at 2 o'clock at the residence of his son, J.E. Mosely, Jr., [sic] nine miles southwest from Rockdale, in the 83d year of his age. Mr. Mosely was an ex-confederate soldier. He was living in Mississippi when the war broke out, and served in the army of Tennessee. After the war was over he removed with his family to Texas and settled in the community where he died. About a month ago Mr. Mosely fell from the front gallery of a neighbor's house and hurt himself, from the effects of which he never recovered. He was under the care of a physician but twice in his life. Galveston Daily News, July 31, 1896 

1929 :: Dallas-Owned Car Burns

Rockdale, Texas, July 30. -- A large auto belonging to George Hardison of Dallas and driven by his son, Joe Hardison, was destroyed by fire when it turned over Sunday evening on the highway between Rockdale and Cameron. Mr. Hardison was returning to Dallas after spending the day with his sister, Mrs C.W. Matson of Rockdale. Dallas Morning News, July 31, 1929

1951 :: Death of Dr. I.P. Sessions

Dr. I.P. Sessions, 83, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Tommy Beesley in Romayor early Saturday morning, July 14. Dr. Sessions had been visiting with his daughter for several days. He suffered a heart attack and died shortly afterwards. He had been in ill health for a number of years but had been making some progress in recent months.


He was a native of Navarro County, born at Rice, Texas, October 25, 1868 and was a member of a prominent Central Texas family. He had practiced medicine in Rockdale for the past sixty years and was a faithful servant to his profession. He was a graduate of Columbia University in New York and also attended college at Southwestern University at Georgetown. He practiced medicine in New York upon completion of his education and prior to his moving to Rockdale, practiced several years in Austin. For many years he was known as one of the outstanding surgeons in Central Texas and was active until recent years.


He was a great influence in the civic life of Rockdale and had an important part in the progress and history of that city. He devoted much of the time and effort to the welfare of that community.


Funeral services were held from the Chapel of the Philip & Luckey Funeral Home at 4 P.M. Sunday, July 15 with Rev. T. Miller Smith officiating. Burial was made in the Rockdale Cemetery with Philip & Luckey Funeral Home directing the arrangements.


Surviving are one son, C.B. Sessions of Rockdale, two daughters Mrs. Tommy Beesley of Romayor and Mrs. John Mohair of New York, New Jersey, one nephew, Dr. T.S. Barkley of Rockdale. Six grandchildren also survive and several nieces. Cameron Herald, July 19, 1951

1888 :: Death of Mrs. J.P. Heywood

Rockdale, Tex., July 17. -- Mrs. J.P. Heywood died suddenly this morning at 9 o'clock of heart disease. Deceased with her husband was engaged in the millinery business here and was most highly esteemed by all. Galveston Daily News, July 18, 1888 

1906 :: Death of Fred Graves

Milam county lost one of her best and most honored citizens in the death of Mr. Fred Graves. He died of congestion and heart failure on Sunday night and was buried in Rockdale Monday, late in the afternoon. Rev. Thomas officiating at the funeral. There was large attendance at his funeral, many going over from Cameron. Cameron Herald, July 12, 1906

1874 :: News from Rockdale

Milam County. -- The Messenger says : "The claim of Jesse Stancel, as attorney in fact for Media Thompson, to the William Allen survey, upon which the greater portion of Rockdale is situated, is spurious and illegal. 

We have fully investigated the matter and find that the International Railroad Company has a perfect chain of title to the land in question, and deem it our duty to warn the public against this unjust, unwarranted and shameless resort of these unprincipled land sharks, to deprive them of their legally acquired rights and property. There is not the slightest cause for alarm, and no one, unless sadly demented, would either make or accept an offer of compromise." 

The writer is not half so emphatic about the "Jesse" as was J.B. Simpson when he wrote of him. . . . A snake, nicely coiled in one of the cases of the Messenger office, and which had been out of use for several days, was discovered by one of the compositors, who was looking for a certain style of letter. The reptile immediately died a violent death. Galveston Daily News, July 7, 1874

1898 :: Jasper N. Ferguson Enlists

Jasper N. Ferguson of the Rockdale Messenger, has enlisted in company B, 1st Texas volunteers, with Captain R.C. Roberdeu, who left Sunday night for Miami, Florida, where they will await transport to Porto Rico. Southern Mercury (Dallas, Tex.), Vol. 17, No. 27, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 7, 1898

1877 :: Rockdale Items

Rockdale Items. [From our Special Reporter.] All quiet in town. Brick buildings are going up rapidly, and more are to be begun soon. :: New and commodious cattle pens have been erected by the International Railroad Company at Rockdale. :: A scaffold fell in Rockdale the other day, seriously injuring Stewart and Scarborough, who were working upon a brick building. :: Mr. Antony, the postmaster at Rockdale, is not charged with depredating upon the mails, but with detaining mail matter. The question arose between Antony and Breeding, of the Messenger, about the payment of postage. Weekly Democratic Statesman (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 6, No. 39, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 5, 1877

1928 :: Death of Winifred Luckey

Rockdale, Milam Co., Texas, July 3. -- Winifred Luckey, 8, son of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Luckey, was killed late Tuesday afternoon when he was caught in a cave-in of a gravel pit near San Gabriel, several miles west of Rockdale. The child had gone with his father, who was doing some graveling, and while the truck was being loaded he was standing near the pit and became caught as the gravel suddenly gave way. He was taken to a Cameron hospital, but died before aid could be given. The body has been brought to Rockdale. Dallas Morning News, July 4, 1928

1898 :: Death of Ludwick Menn

Rockdale, Milam Co., Tex., July 2. -- Mr. Ludwick Menn, a prosperous German farmer, about 64 years old, living three miles west of Rockdale, committed suicide last night by shooting himself in the forehead. He leaves a wife and a large family of children. No cause is assigned for the rash act except that his mind was unbalanced. Dallas Morning News, July 3, 1898

1874 :: Rockdale ought to be happy

. . . Rockdale ought to be happy -- she has five notaries public, and in a few days more her city government will be in full operation. -- How often the press is called on to record such criminal carelessness as the following, which we find in the Messenger : "An accident, much to be deplored, occurred in Rockdale on the 16th inst. Mr. Brophy and another young man were playfully struggling with each other; after amusing themselves in this way for some time, they suddenly separated, and each picked up a gun, there being two in the house. The other young man pointed his gun at Mr. Brophy, and through some unaccountable cause it was discharged, the entire contents, being bird shot, entering the face of Mr. Brophy. It is thought that he will lose his right eye. The parties were warm friends and no blame is attached to them, only in their careless use of fire-arms. Galveston Daily News, June 21, 1874

1934 :: Lignite Deposits at Rockdale Sold

Rockdale, Texas, June 8. -- Increased interest in Texas lignite coal, which is found over a large area but has not been mined very extensively, is indicated by the sale of 800 acres three miles southeast of here to H.H. Coffield this week. Much of the land formerly was owned by the Henne & Meyer lignite interests and deposits are untouched. Prices were not announced but cash was paid and purchase made outright, with the price understood to have been large. Purchase was made with the idea of ultimately developing the project and establishing production, Mr. Coffield said, in the belief that the lignite industry is coming back within a few years. Deposits are about seventy feet underground and will be mined by the shaft and hoist method when operations are started. Dallas Morning News, June 9, 1934

1929 :: Rockdale Has White Way

Rockdale, Milam Co., Texas, June 3. -- The latest step for Rockdale during the administration of the new Mayor, W.E. Gaither, is the lighted White Way in the business section and other installations of modern lights in the residential sections. Twenty-four ornamental granite posts with 150 candlepower soft white lights attached in the business district and sixty street lamps in the residential sections have been erected. Dallas Morning News, June 4, 1929

1902 :: Death of George Wallis

Death - Geo. W. Wallis of Rockdale was taken with a severe hemorrhage last Friday evening and died in a very short while. He had been in ill health for a year or two. Burial was at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery. The Thorndale Thorn, May 23, 1902

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On the 16th of this month Geo. W. Wallis died at his home in Rockdale after months of declining health, the spark of life gradually becoming extinct. Deceased was 41 years of age and was born at Mountain Home, Arkansas. He came from that state to Texas and settled at Rockdale in 1884. For a number of years he held a position as salesman with the large mercantile house of Scarbrough & Hicks, and in this capacity he formed an extended acquaintance and was held in the highest esteem by all. Fourteen years ago he married Miss Mattie Hale, who survives him. He severed his connection with Scarbrough & Hicks to engage in business for himself, embarking in the drug business. He was the senior member of the firm of Wallis & Giesecke and afterwards of the firm of Wallis & Hale. For a time he was sole proprietor of the business, but ill health forced him to abandon it entirely. He then engaged in the fire insurance business with his brother-in-law, G.M. Ryan, and was thus associated at the time of his death. He was for years a consistent member of the Baptist church, being zealous and active. He carried a number of life insurance policies and left his little family well provided for. We knew George Wallis almost during the entire life of his residence in this county, and admired his true nobility of character. He was always genial and happy and it was ever a pleasure to grasp his hand in friendship's greeting. We join a host of friends in extending condolence to his bereaved family. Cameron Herald, May 29, 1902

1880 :: Public School Building

An enthusiastic meeting of substantial citizens was held here this evening, having for its objects the erection of a public school building and the furtherance of the educational interests of the city. The meeting was conducted by men who do not confine themselves to idle talk, but execute any enterprise undertaken. The result will be that Rockdale will ere long boast of a public school which will do credit to any city. The matter was placed in the hands of the following committee: -- Judge J.S. Perry, Thos. F. Hudson, B. Loewenstein, G.W. Baines, Jr. Galveston Daily News, May 25, 1880

1934 :: Death of Dr. Riddle

Rockdale, Tex., May 24. -- Dr. T.E. Riddle, 95, died Wednesday night. Funeral services were held Thursday. Dr. Riddle a native of Tennessee, came to Texas with his parents when 10 years old. He was a Confederate Veteran, and served in McCoy's Frontier Regiment, Company F. In January, 1868, Dr. Riddle came from Lavaca to Milam County and settled where he has since lived and died. Dr. Riddle had practiced his profession in Rockdale and community for more than 60 years. He was a familiar figure on horseback as he answered calls until the past eight years. Sept. 2, 1933, Dr. Riddle celebrated his 95 birthday with a dinner. Oct. 19, Dr. and Mrs. Riddle celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Surviving him are his widow, and the following children: Ed and Jack Riddle of Rockdale, Dr. Howe Riddle of Coweta, Okla., Scudder Riddle and Mrs. Billy Senne of California, Mrs. Lilly Tumey of New York and Mrs. John Moses of Ralls, Tex. San Antonio Express, Friday, May 25, 1934

1888 :: Rockdale Reporter vs Rockdale Messenger

The Rockdale Reporter complains that The Galveston News clips from the Rockdale Reporter and credits to the Rockdale Messenger. Don't mind it. Probably the Messenger is mad also. Galveston Daily News, May 21, 1888

1914 :: Graduation at the Opera House

Rockdale, Tex., May 15. -- The Rockdale public schools will close May 29, the graduating exercises being held on that night at the opera house. There are fourteen graduates, as follows: Misses Catherine Sanford, Ester Jenness, Florence Dunnington, Louise Brodnax, Lucille Poole, Lorena Harris, Minnie Hamilton, Mollie Stein, Pearl Woody and Olive Branch; Messrs. Jamie Wallis, Will Norris Hale, Homer Turner and Edgar Lingert. The annual class address will be delivered on that occasion by Dr. Frank Seay of Southwestern University. The baccalaureate sermon will be preached at the Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 24, at 11 a.m. by Rev. E.G. Cook. . . .

The Rockdale School Board has selected seven members of the next year's faculty of the Rockdale public schools, as follows: C.G. Green, superintendent; R.L. Grogan, principal; Miss Lena Rogan, High School history; Miss Florence Hubert, primary; Miss Helen Kone, second grade; Miss Irma Porter, third grade; Miss Minnie Foster, intermediate, arithmetic. All are re-elected, having served one or more years each. Five other teachers are yet to be elected. Dallas Morning News, May 16, 1914 

1901 :: Death of Pat Sudbury

Death - Sandy Creek - Mr. Pat Sudbury was killed at the Olsen mines on Thursday evening at 5:45 p.m. by falling into the shaft. He was pushing a car up the slope to the shaft to put it on the cage and send it to the top. When he got to the shaft, thinking the cage was in position for him to load his coal, he pushed it on into the open shaft and this jerked him over the car and he fell to the bottom, a distance of 58-feet. His neck and jaw were broken, besides being bruised otherwise. He leaves a wife and four small children. Rockdale Messenger, May 16, 1901

1923 :: Death of B. Loewenstein

Rockdale, Texas. May 11. -- B. Loewenstein Sr., 78 years old, died Friday morning in the Cameron Hospital after nearly three months' illness. Mr. Loewenstein was a native of Germany, coming to America as a lad, and was a pioneer citizen of Rockdale. He was in business here for about fifty years. Funeral services and burial will be held Sunday. Dallas Morning News, May 12, 1923 

1896 :: Keeping Batch

To Correspondents -- When writing a letter to this department, first give your full name, postoffice and state. Use pen and ink, on smooth paper, not larger than note size. Write only on one side of the paper and do not sew, paste or pin the sheets together. These rules must be observed to insure publication.


RUSH WITCHER, Rockdale, Tex. -- Mr. Big Hat and cousins: I have been reading the Cozy Corner and think it very interesting. I live eight miles from Rockdale, in the black land. I have not been in Texas long. My home is in Mississippi. My brother, myself and a friend are "keeping batch." We do our own cooking. We hunt and fish some and live very happy. But we are not old batchelors. We do not aim to keep batch always. My friend is a subscriber to your paper. I like it very much. My age is 17 years. Galveston Daily News, May 10, 1896

1914 :: Mail Carrier Drowned

Death - L.C. Meyer Drowned - Luis C. Meyer, mail carrier on Rt. 1 was accidentally drowned Monday afternoon while making his return trip. The accident happened on the Rockdale and Burton road at Cottonwood Hollow between Hogg and Chriesman Chapel. Ordinarily this so-called branch is dry but the rains Monday had converted it into a raging torrent. No one saw the accident but some one heard him yell and Wright Watson, Steve Bubnik and Lee Wolz went to see what was the matter and found Meyer's horse standing on the bank, the harness having been cut to free the horse from the hack and the hack itself had been washed some distance downstream. Meyer was nowhere to be seen. A further search disclosed his body hanging in a barb-wire fence of the Krall pasture and when taken down, the body was shone to have a number of cuts. Burial in the Masonic cemetery under the Hermann Sons lodge. He leaves a wife and two children, Fred Meyer of Rockdale and Mrs. Arthur Tomlinson of Rosebud. Cameron Herald, May 7, 1914

1926 :: Stephen Mayfield of Buckholts

Mrs. Sarah Barker of Newtonia sends her check for $1.50 for subscription to The Times to be sent to her brother, Stephen Mayfield, Buckholts, Texas. Mrs. Barker and her brother once lived in Neosho but he left for Texas in 1872. He is now 79 years old and blind. Mrs. Barker is past 80 and is perhaps the oldest resident of the county. The Neosho Times (Neosho, Missouri), April 29, 1926 

1881 :: Shooting of B F Ackerman

Shooting – Rockdale, Apr. 25 – B.F. Ackerman, living 10-miles north of here, while at the house of one of his tenants, was fired upon by four men armed with Winchester rifles and severely wounded in the face, breast and leg. The parties who did the shooting are known and every effort will be made to secure their arrest. Mr. Ackerman is here receiving medical attention and his wounds, though painful, are not thought to be dangerous. Galveston Daily News, April 26, 1881