1943 :: No Holiday Street Lighting This Year

As was the case last year there will be no holiday street lighting in downtown Rockdale this year, in compliance with requests of the War Production Board. The WPB is again urging communities to forego extensive illumination displays in order to conserve vital energy and materials. The Rockdale Reporter and Messenger (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 71, No. 45, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 9, 1943

1906 :: No Hunting

All hunters are hereby warned not to hunt in the field north of the Odd Fellows' cemetery. This field is posted. N.J. Alford. Rockdale Reporter. (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 13, No. 38, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 6, 1906

1896 :: Death of J.E. Baumgarten

Dallas Morning News. Rockdale, Tex., Nov. 20. -- The dead body of J.E. Baumgarten, with the top of the head blown off and a shotgun beside the body, was found in his room this afternoon by the man's two motherless boys, 9 and 11 years of age. The aged father and two children had lived together and kept a small grocery store. Austin Weekly Statesman, November 26, 1896 

1960 :: Grave of Lawson Woods

. . . Some slaves are buried near their masters. Most of these graves are unmarked but one simple monument erected by a white friend marks the grave of Lawson Woods, a former slave of the Wilson - Sampson family. The Cameron Herald (Cameron, Tex.), Vol. 101, No. 35, Ed. 1 Thursday, November 24, 1960

1896 :: Killing of E.B. Shipman

The Galveston Daily News
October 14, 1896

Committed Without Bail.

Rockdale, Tex., Oct. 12. -- In the case of the killing of E.B. Shipman, an account of which was published in The News of the 10th instant, R.N. Penny, who was charged with the killing, was committed to jail without bail. It was developed in the examining trial that there had been bad blood between the parties since the father of the murdered man was accidentally killed by Tom Penny, a brother of the man charged with this murder, although E.B. Shipman was the father-in-law of his slayer, Penny having married his daughter about a year ago.

1881 :: Prison Escape

Dallas Morning News. Rockdale, September 20. -- Six prisoners escaped from the Cameron jail last Saturday night. One was captured; the remainder are still at large. Robert J. Boykin, jr., who killed Wm. Brodnax, is among the number. Weekly Democratic Statesman, Austin, Texas, September 22, 1881

1921 :: C.H. Sullivan Body Found

BODY OF ROCKDALE FARM MANAGER IS RECOVERED

Special to The News. Rockdale, Tex., Sept. 16. -- The body of Charles Hewlett Sullivan [sic, e.g., Hewlett Chiles Sullivan], drowned in the recent flood, was recovered at a late hour this afternoon by Ottie Alford, a member of the Rockdale searching party which has been at work ever since last Monday. Sullivan's home was in Anderson, S.C. Galveston Daily News, September 17, 1921

1893 :: Marriage of Marcus Rich and Mary Riley

MARRIED IN ROCKDALE.

Rockdale, Tex., Sept. 12. -- This morning at 11 o'clock at the Rockdale Roman Catholic church the priest in charge joined in marriage Mr. Marcus Rich* of Palestine and Miss Mary Riley*. The groom is well known as an International and Great Northern railway locomotive engineer. The bride is a Rockdale raised lady, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Riley and a general favorite. The bridal party received friends at the residence of Mrs. J.C. McCawley, sister of the groom. The Galveston Daily News, September 13, 1893 [*Reitch, Reilley, Reilly]

1904 :: Death of Dr. H.V. Lowenstein

On last Wednesday night Dr. H.V. Lowenstein, one of our prominent citizens, died of consumption and was buried in the hebrew cemetery at Rockdale. The doctor has been a citizen of Cameron for several years; was married to Miss Sarah Cohen, daughter of Mr. M. Cohen, one of our merchants. He was raised and educated in St. Joe, Mo., where all of his family still live with the exception of one brother, Mr. James Lowenstein, of Fort Worth. Dr. Lowenstein was an occulist well known throughout the State and his many friends will regret to hear of his death. The Cameron Herald, September 8, 1904

1884 :: Drowning of Shelton Sisters

Galveston Daily News
July 31, 1884

Distressing Occurrence.

Two Young Ladies While Bathing Venture Beyond Their Depth and are Drowned.

[Special to The News.]

Milano, July 30. -- The community was terribly shocked by the news brought this morning of the drowning of Misses Lou and Florence Shelton, daughters of J.M. Shelton, resident of this immediate vicinity, in Little river, near McCowan's ferry.

The young ladies, aged twenty-one and nineteen years, were in company with their father and had camped for the night in the locality near where the accident occurred. . . . 

The young ladies were members of the temperance council in this place, and were active and zealous in the cause.

The council in a body, with a large number of the citizens, attended the funeral this afternoon from the father's residence.

The quiet little village is enshrouded in gloom.

1894 :: Death of Miss Fannie Murff

Rockdale, Milam Co., Tex., June 25. -- Died, at the residence of her sister, Mrs. Kawkins, Miss Fannie Murff, daughter of Captin R.S. Murff of Burlington. The Galveston Daily News, June 27, 1894

1956 :: Death of Annie Talbot Gladdish

Dallas Morning News. Mart, June 25 -- Funeral services will be held here Wednesday for Mrs. Annie Talbot Gladdish, 93, a Mart resident for many years who died Sunday from injuries received in a fall last September. Mrs. Gladdish died at the home of a daughter, Mrs. J.L. Baird, in Marked Tree, Ark. Her body will arrive in Mart Tuesday morning. Services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Littlepage Chapel, Bishop F.T. Goddard of Tyler officiating, burial in Mart Cemetery. Mrs. Gladdish was born Feb. 10, 1863, in Norfolk, Va. She moved with her father to Texas after her home was burned during the Civil War. After graduation from Professor Estill's Academy in Brenham, Mrs. Gladdish moved to Rockdale and worked in the post office. She was married to Henry Allen Gladdish in Rockdale and in 1905 moved to Mart. Mr. Gladdish died in 1930. Mrs. Gladdish was a member of the Episcopal Church. She was a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy until the organization disbanded. She is survived by six daughters, Mrs. P.A. Moore of Taos, N.M., Mrs. E.L. Pierce and Mrs. J.L. Baird of Marked Tree, Ark., Miss Ethel Gladdish of San Antonio, Mrs. G.M. Knebel of Scarsdale, N.Y., Mrs. J.D. Tonahill of Mart; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. The Waco News-Tribune (Waco, Texas), June 26, 1956, Page 18 

1889 :: News from Rockdale

Rockdale Messenger
(Rockdale, Tex.)
Vol. 17, Ed. 1 
Thursday, June 20, 1889

Mr. Frank Mundine of Lexington was in town Monday. He informs the Messenger that he will begin the work of rebuilding his hotel here next week. . . . The Texan says: . . . Rockdale pursues the even tenor of her way; she has no boom but is steadily and surely improving. Several new stores are contemplated; the Mundine hotel will be rebuilt at once; a large cotton shed and platform will be ready for the coming crop. A large number of town lots have changed hands and a private citizen is now building one of the finest residences in the county.

1889 :: Odd Fellows Cemetery Established

Rockdale Messenger. (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 17, Ed. 1 Thursday, June 20, 1889

I.O.O.F. This order is now in a most prosperous condition, and in December last there was a total membership on this continent of 555,722. There are more Odd Fellows by far than there are of any other secret fraternal organization.

The lodge in Rockdale is in a flourishing and prosperous condition; it owns its own building and in addition has lately established a cemetery, which was much needed and is a credit to the town. 

1878 :: Death of John Cole

Hearne, May 30. -- The people of this city are again called upon to witness a sad accident in railroad life. The victim is a promising young man by the name of John Cole, a resident of Rockdale, Texas, and lately a brakeman on the I. and G.N. railroad. Young Cole, it seems, was attempting to board a freight train, and missing his hold was crushed beneath the wheels, severing his left arm near the shoulder and crushing his left leg below the knee. Owing to some delays that it seems could not be avoided the patient lost a good deal of blood. Drs. Morrison and Matkin, of this place, and Drs. Horton and Walker, of Rockdale, are in attendance, but up to 8 o'clock P. M. the man is too weak from loss of blood to endure the amputation of his mangled limbs, and but little hope is entertained of his recovery. Galveston Daily News, May 31, 1878

1889 :: A Mother Badly Burned.

Rockwall [sic], Tex., May 16. -- Information was received here this morning of a terrible calamity in the German settlement five miles west of town, which happened a little after dark last night. While the wife of Louis Palmer was cooking supper she dropped a lighted lamp, which broke and ignited the oil and enveloped the poor woman in flames. Mrs. Palmer ran from the kitchen through the bed room in which her two little boys aged three and four years lay asleep into the yard where her husband was, who at once set to work to extinguish the flames. In this attempt he was unsuccessful until his wife was so badly burned that she cannot recover. Suddenly looking back he saw the house was in flames and burning within it the two little boys whom it was impossible to rescue. Mr. Gustor, a neighbor who arrived on the ground too late to render much assistance found Mrs. Palmer in a terribly burned condition, and her husband's hands also badly burned in trying to save her. A remarkable instance of the fire transpired in the escape without an injury of Mrs. Palmer's infant found in the yard, but how gotten there is unknown. Drs. Wallis & Wallis, accompanied by Messrs. Breeding and H. Lockwood, visited the scene last night and rendered such aid as was possible, but the occurrence was not generally known here until the issue of a supplement to the Rockdale Messenger this morning. The Sun (Weatherford, Tex.), Vol. 7, No. 8, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 30, 1889

1913 :: Two Trainmen Killed

The Temple Daily Telegram 
Temple, Tex.
Vol. 6, No. 160, Ed. 1 
Friday, May 23, 1913

Engineer and Fireman Crushed 
When S. A. & A. P. Engine Turns Over.

YOAKUM, Tex., May 22. -- The wrecker on the S. A. & A. P. railway left herre [sic] at 1 o'clock for Lexington on the Waco branch where a freight wreck occured [sic] at 11 o'clock this morning.

The engine turned over and Engineer E. D. Waterwall and Fireman Bradley were instantly killed. Waterwall lived at this place and leaves a wife and small children.

1915 :: Death of Sam Worbington

S.H. Woreington, [sic] an inmate of the Harris county poor farm, was struck by a freight train and instantly killed Tuesday morning about 9 o'clock near Westheimer's dairy, east of Houston. According to the engineer of the train that struck him, Mr. Woreington, who was about 60 years of age, stepped from under a culvert and got on the track in front of the train. The pilot of the engine hit him, knocking him about 75 feet. He was returning to Houston afoot from Carthage, where he had been to visit relatives, and had in his pocket an express receipt for a package sent to Carthage. Monday afternoon he was noticed near the place of the accident by a negro woman who said that he was lying with his head on the track. She told him that it was dangerous and suggested that he go to the shade. He made no answer. Justice Ray held the inquest. Houston Post, May 19, 1915

1899 :: Death of Tim Dunn

Tim Dunn, of Oak Hill, died at his home Monday evening at 7 o'clock and was buried at the Hat Prairie cemetery Tuesday evening. Brother D.T. Wooton called at the Messenger office Tuesday morning and kindly gave us this item.  Rockdale Messenger, May 18, 1899

1916 :: Death of Mrs. M.J. Orr

Mrs. M.J. Orr died at the residence of her son-in-law, H.D. Brodnax, on Brushy Creek, last Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock, after an illness of several weeks. Decedent was eighty years old, and was one of the pioneers of this section, and a much-loved Mother-in-Israel who passing will be sincerely mourned by a wide circle of true friends. The funeral was held at the Odd Fellows cemetery in Rockdale at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Rev. H.B. Smith, pastor of the Methodist church, officiating. The Reporter joins in expressions of sympathy to those bereaved. The Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, Thursday, May 18, 1916

1917 :: Death of Frank Clement

On Monday morning between the hours of 1:30 and 6 o'clock the Angel of death hovered close to earth and carried away the spirit of one of the best men that the Great Ruler has seen fit to let live among us, Captain Frank Clements. At 1:30 Monday morning a coughing spell came over the deceased and his son came to his bedside to administer that loving care with which he and his brothers and sister had been giving him through his last days, after the spell was over his son saw him peacefully asleep again never to awake any more.

Frank Clements was born in McNairy County, Tenn., on October 3rd, 1831. At the age of 24 he was married to Miss Martha Bryant. In 1870 he with his family moved to Milam county and has resided here ever since.

Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clements one of whom died in infancy and five after they were grown. Those who survive are Mrs. J.H. Bonds of Rockdale, F.J. of Austin who is connected with the State Comptroller's department; Sam, cashier of the Thorndale State Bank; Jack B., a rural mail carrier out of Thorndale and Jones who is connected with the grocery department of the Thorndale Dry Goods and Grocery Co.

The funeral services were conducted at Salty church which the deceased had built many years ago, by Rev. C.E. Garrett of the Thorndale M.E. church and interment took place immediately following in the Salty cemetery. Masonic honors were bestowed upon Captain Clements at the cemetery. Thorndale Champion. Cameron Herald, May 3, 1917

1944 :: Death of W.H. Marshall

W.H. Marshall Sr., 89, Rockdale pioneer, died at his home here Wednesday at 2:45 p.m. after a long illness.

Funeral services are being held at the family residence here this afternoon at 4 o'clock, with the Rev. R. Burtis Bates, pastor of the First Methodist Church, officiating, and burial will be in the family plot at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Mr. Marshall was born October 7, 1855, at Richmond, Ft. Bend county, Texas. He came to Rockdale on Feb. 4, 1874, on the first train over the I.&G.N. railroad that came to Rockdale, and in point of years is probably Rockdale's oldest citizen. 

The Rockdale Reporter and Messenger (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 72, No. 13, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 27, 1944

1914 :: Paul Palmer Dead

Paul Palmer, an aged and respected citizen of the Gay Hill community, died at his home last Thursday evening, aged 81 years, 9 months and 24 days. He was born in Ebersweir, Baden Baden, Germany, June 22, 1832 and came to American in 1840 with his parents and settled at St. Geneveive, Mo. There in 1856 he was married to Miss Carolina Bader, who survives him. To this union eight children were born, five of whom are living -- three sons and two daughters, as follows: Mrs. Mary Menn, of Rockdale; Mrs. Carolina Braun, of Gay Hill; Louis and Joe Palmer of Rockdale, and Paul Palmer of Runnels county. Besides there there survive him 28 out of 43 grand children, and 13 great grand children. He moved to Rockdale in 1875. The funeral was at the Catholic cemetery at Gay Hill on Friday afternoon. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, April 23, 1914

1913 :: Death of Rufe Mundine

Rufe Mundine, the colored porter at the McCawley & Neeley saloon, died suddenly Tuesday morning following a hemmorrhage. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, April 17, 1913

1913 :: John Scott

Kennard Scott, of Seiling, Okla., spent the past week in Rockdale with home folks. He shipped out the John Scott photograph paraphernalie Monday, which takes from Rockdale one of the oldest businesses of which the town could boast. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, April 17, 1913

1936 :: Mrs. J.T. Harrigan Dies in Chicago

News has been received in Cameron of the death of Mrs. J.T. Harrigan of Chicago, by Mrs. Ertelle Mitchell, a cousin. Mrs. Harrigan was the former Miss Vivian Bowen and lived in Rockdale. She was a niece of the late J.T. Westmoreland, well known pioneer Cameron citizen who died in 1935. Friends here will be grieved to learn of the death of Mrs. Harrigan. Cameron Herald, April 16, 1936

1963 :: Death of Fin Yardley

Funeral services for Finley A. Yardley, former Milam County Resident, were held in Tuson, Ariz. in March. He died March 14. He was reared in the Ben Arnold Community where he attended school and later attended Southwestern University in Georgetown. He once played baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1917 - 1921. He was married to the former Miss Johnnie Patterson of Sharp and Washington D.C. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. George King of Tuson, Ariz., and a son John Yardley of Cape Canaveral. John Yardley is the designer of the Mercury Capsule. The Cameron Herald, (Cameron, Tex.), Vol. 104, No. 3, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 11, 1963

1920 :: Scarbrough & Hicks Co.

The Rockdale Reporter

Thursday, April 8, 1920

1922 :: Death of Joe Bratcher

Joe Bratcher, colored, died in the home of his aunt, Melisa Sanders, Monday night and was buried here Wednesday. Deceased was in the faithful employ of Mayor H.C. Meyer for many years, continuing in his service up to the time he was stricken with the malady that eventually caused his death. Joe belonged to a sturdy pioneer generation whose parents are fast becoming thinner and fewer. Rockdale Reporter, April 6, 1922

1923 :: Ladies of the Cemetery Association

The Reporter is again asked by the ladies of the Cemetery Association to state that donations of old cast iron pipe are solicited for the purposes of marking old unknown graves in the local cemeteries. The ladies propose to take this old pipe, paint it white, cut it into suitable lengths and mark all graves that are not otherwise marked. Anyone having any quantity of old waterpipe on hand who will contribute it to this cause will confer a favor by telephoning Mrs. C.M. Sessions. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, April 5, 1923

1912 :: Bon Voyage

Mr. and Mrs. A. Wolf leave today for Galveston where they will take passage for Europe, their native states of Germany and Austria being their destination. They will remain abroad for several months. All of Milam wishes them bon voyage. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, April 04, 1912

1936 :: Rockdale Goes Wet

Milam County voters Saturday broke the 19 year drouth with a deluge of ballots for repeal of the law enacted in 1917 against the sale of liquor. . . . Cameron Herald, April 2, 1936

With a total vote polled of 3,733 -- only about half the county's voting strength -- Milam county went definitely into the "wet" column last Saturday when by a majority of 943 votes Milam county voters declared for legalizing the sale of hard liquor. The ballot read "for legalizing the sale of all liquors," and "against legalizing the sale of all liquors." The vote was 2343 "for," and 1390 "against." . . . Rockdale joined the wet in this election by a vote of 182 to 71. . . . The Rockdale Reporter and Messenger (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 64, No. 8, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 2, 1936

1892 :: Waterworks Accepted

Rockdale, Tex., March 31. -- Tuesday at 4 o'clock the test of the Rockdale waterworks took place in presence of the city government. The fire department turned out for drill with water. Everything came up to contract and was satisfactory. The city council received and settled and Rockdale will have regular water service from now on. The water supply is abundant and first class for domestic and commercial purposes. Galveston Daily News, April 1, 1892

1914 :: Rockdale Reporter is 40 years old

Brady Standard. The Rockdale Reporter last week rounded out the fortieth year of its usefulness. The Reporter -- like some other things we have heard of -- heard of, mind you -- improves with age, and the Standard congratulates Editor John E. Cooke on the vigorous health of the two score year oldster. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, March 26, 1914

---

Cameron Herald. The Rockdale Reporter was forty years old on the 12th, and has always been a good paper and is still a good paper, and its last issue was one of its best. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, March 26, 1914

---

Gause Guide. The issue of March 12 marked the passing of the 40th mile-stone for The Rockdale Reporter. We, for one, assure Brother Cooke that the sheet has been a big auxiliary in the growth and up-building of Rockdale, and a credit and an asset to Milam county in general. The Reporter will undoubtedly make Rockdale of such prominence that the foreign folk will not have to look on the map to tell a possible ignorant one where the town is. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, March 26, 1914

1897 :: Little Boy Accidentally Shot

Rockdale, Milam Co., Tex., March 18. -- The little son of Mr. Henry McDaniel, near Gardner, was seriously wounded in the face last Saturday night by the accidental discharge of a pistol in the hands of Mr. Wayne Holmes. Physicians were called in and dressed the wound, but did not succeed in extracting the ball. Galveston Daily News, March 19, 1897

1961 :: Death of Edmund Wolf

A message received by Mrs. A.E. Ryan Wednesday from California informed her of the death of her uncle, Edmond Wolf, a former Rockdalian. Wolf was the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Wolf, who came to the United States from Vienna, Austria, when the son was a small child. Soon after they located in Rockdale. Wolf had been in business with his father when a young man, and before going to California in the early 1920's, he operated the Wolf hotel, located on the corner where the American Legion building now stands. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, March 16, 1961

1933 :: Sale of Henne & Meyer

The stock of the Henne & Meyer company was sold by the trustee at public auction here on Wednesday morning, and was bought by the McLendon Hardware Company of Waco. The sale included stock, fixtures, notes and accounts. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, March 16, 1933

1942 :: Room and Board is Given Writer

Rockdale, Texas. (UP) -- George Sessions Perry, author of "Hold Autumn in Your Hands," tried to enlist in the air corps, but was turned down.

"How about something in the writing job, then?" he asked army authorities.

He was accepted and will write a history of southwestern aviation schools.

Perry said his job is not a paying one, "not even one of those dollar-a-year things." He will, however, be stationed at Randolph field where he will be furnished with board and room. Spokane Daily Chronicle, March 11, 1942

1899 :: Use One-Cent Stamps

Rockdale Messenger (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 27, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 9, 1899

Some of our friends, especially among the school children, send their letters to Rockdale to be mailed, and put a two-cent stamp on them when a one-cent stamp would do as well. Remember, when you mail your letters at Rockdale a one-cent stamp is sufficient. 

---

Ferguson & Porter, Real Estate Agents, Rockdale, Texas. . . . 

No. 4: -- A 6-room residence on Green street in Rockdale, lot 70x126 feet, with some grape vines and fruit trees. A bargain for cash, or will exchange for a small farm.

No. 5:: A 4-room house on corner of Burleson and Davilla streets, this city, lot 45x125, will sell on installments for $600, house new. Also house on adjoining lot, Burleson street, with three rooms, $400. Will sell either, or both, on installments, or trade for land.

1913 :: Death of Jim Arthur

Mortuary. Jim Arthur died at his home here Monday night of pneumonia after having been ill only nine days. He leaves a wife and three children to mourn his untimely death. Mr. Arthur was about thirty years of age and was well liked by all who knew him. The remains were laid to rest in the new City Cemetery Tuesday afternoon under the auspices of the W.O.W. Camp of Rockdale, of which deceased was a member. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, March 06, 1913

1936 :: New Bridge over Ham Branch

A new bridge over the west section of Ham Branch on Bell street is in course of construction. The concrete paving has been torn up and the inadequate drainage tiles removed. Water and gas lines have been lowered several feet and new concrete drainage boxes are being installed. The city dads are hopeful that this new work will largely overcome the tendency of Ham Branch to overflow in that vicinity. The Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 64, No. 4, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 5, 1936

1908 :: John Scott Returns

To My Old Friends. Having returned to Rockdale, I will, on March 1, again open my Photograph gallery, where I will be pleased to serve all old and new patrons. My health is now permanently restored. John Scott. Rockdale Reporter, February 27, 1908

1943 :: Death of Nellie Clement

Funeral services for Mrs. W.K. Clement were held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Salty with burial in the Clement burial plot near Thorndale. Mrs. Clement was the daughter of the late Judge W.L. Davidson and widow of the late W.K. Clement, a pioneer lawyer in Milam county, and a member of the law firm of Clement, Garnet & Clement in Rockdale. Mrs. Clement died suddenly at her home in Austin. She was 71 years of age. Services were held in Austin on Monday. Cameron Herald, February 11, 1943

1916 :: Death of Pauline Hansen

Oakdale Community Shocked by Sudden Death of Popular Girl 

Oakdale, Tex., Jan. 25. -- Our community was shocked and grieved last Sunday evening by the unexpected death of Miss Pauline Hansen. She was visiting her brother, John Hansen, of this place, when she was taken ill with la grippe, and it was not thought that she was in a dangerous condition until Saturday. She grew worse rapidly, until Sunday evening, at 6 p.m. she breathed her last, surrounded by her loving mother, sisters and friends. . . . Uncle Silas. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, January 27, 1916 

1908 :: Meets Death on a "Sap" Train

Herman Henniger

1974 :: Vandals Topple 'The Colonel'

"The Colonel" has fallen. After almost 70 years of overlooking the country side around the Bushdale Cemetery, the tall marble statue of Col. Herman Henniger now lies broken at the base of its pedestal. The statue, a landmark as well as a conversation piece for generations was tumbled down by vandals on Christmas night, a malicious act that has prompted Sheriff Carl Black to offer a $50 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the vandals. Constable Spud Caywood of Rockdale has added a $25 reward to that offer. The Cameron Herald, January 7, 1974

1896 :: The Cozy Corner

Dallas Morning News. January 5, 1896. The Cozy Corner. ANNIE BLOCKER, Rockdale, Milam Co., Tex. -- Mr. Big Hat and cousins: Here comes a little girl 7 years old. I haven't many pets. I have a kitty and a doll and one little brother. I have never been to school but one session. Christmas is nearly here, and I want Mr. Big Hat to wake up St. Nicholas and send him around with a wagon load.

1957 :: Connecticut Joins Hunt for Writer

New York Times. January 3, 1957. Connecticut Joins Hunt for Writer. State Police Expand Search at the Request of Wife of George Sessions Perry. By Richard H. Parke. Special to The New York Times. 

Guilford, Conn., Jan. 3 -- The State Policy today entered the three-week-old search for George Sessions Perry. The 46-year-old magazine writer disappeared from his home here on Dec. 13.

Police Chief Joseph Quinlan of Guilford sought the aid of state troopers at the request of Mr. Perry's wife, Claire. The chief and 260 policemen and volunteer fireman from this town and neighboring communities so far have combed a ten-square-mile area without success. The State Police will "assist" the department here, an official said.

Mr. Perry, a sufferer from arthritis, disappeared some time between 12:30 and 3 P.M. on Dec. 13 while his wife and Mrs. Milton MacKaye, wife of another writer, were visiting a dentist. The Perrys live in a large colonial farmhouse in a wooded section three miles from here.


Wearing Tweed Jacket

Mr. Perry was in bed when the two women left, according to his wife. She believes he was wearing a tweed jacket, blue corduroy trousers and loafers when he disappeared. His name was stitched inside the jacket.

Mrs. Perry thinks her husband may have gone to look for his springer spaniel, Mr. Mutt, which had been missing for two days. The dog returned later.

The writer, who is almost six and a half feet tall, had undergone intensive treatment for his arthritic condition and walks with difficulty. Generally, he was in good spirits and had only occasional periods of despondency, friends reported. Mrs. Perry helped her husband originate a series on the cities of America for The Saturday Evening Post.

Today, Mrs. Perry praised the search efforts led by Chief Quinlan. She explained, however, that she had asked for the help of the State Police so that the hunt could be widened, particularly across town lines.

A focal point of the search to date has been a pond that lies a few hundred yards from the Perry home. Mr. Perry made the pond from swampland some years ago.

The pond has been partly dragged several times and the police have traveled over it in a glass bottom boat. They have been hampered, however, by a thick undergrowth and deep mud. They also have searched three adjacent ponds.

In addition, the police have used a helicopter and bloodhounds. They have checked with the writer's friends here and in New York and have made inquiries in Rockdale, Tex., where the Perrys also have a home. A thirteen-state alarm has been out.