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

1936 :: Death of Walton Douthit, Jr.

Walton Emory Douthit, Jr., six-year-old son of Dr. and Mrs. W.E. Douthit of Cuero, and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. B.L. Douthit of Rockdale, died at Cuero Saturday, December 26, after an illness of about ten days. Burial was made in Rockdale Sunday morning.

Walton Emory had been sick about ten days, although his illness was not thought at first to be serious. Meningitis developed, however, and death came about three days later. He was six years and eight months old.

The body was brought to Rockdale and services held from the Phillips & Luckey funeral home at 9:30 o'clock Sunday morning, conducted by the Rev. DE. Sneller, pastor of the First Methodist church of Rockdale. Interment was in the Old City Cemetery.

Surviving are his father and mother, Dr. and Mrs. W.E. Douthit, of Cuero; and one sister, Lillian. He is also survived by his grandparents in Rockdale, Mr. and Mrs. B.L. Douthit, and a grandfather in Houston, Mr. Frank Janoch. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, December 31, 1936

1945 :: Death of Marietta Cravy

Miss Marietta Cravy, 84, died Wednesday night, Dec. 19 at the home of Cleve Tucker, and funeral services were held at Salty Thursday at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Frank Luker, pastor of the Methodist church of Rockdale, officiating. Miss Cravy was born on the San Gabriel river near the Kolb settlement about 1861, the daughter of John and Sallie Cravy, and spent her entire life in Milam county. Three brothers and one sister preceeded her in death. She joined the Methodist church in early life and was a consistent christian. Her brother, George Cravy, was a pastor of the Methodist church. About three years ago she became bed-ridden and has endured extreme pain and suffering. The only remaining near relatives are her niece, Mrs. Cleve Tucker and Grofney Cravy's two daughters, these being the only known surviving relatives. For the past 25 years she has resided at the home of Cleve Tucker and family who have devoted their time and efforts in caring for and comforting her in her declining and infirm years, that being the only home she has known for the past quarter of a century. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, December 27, 1945

1929 :: Death of Steve N. Wilson

Rockdale Reporter. -- Steve N. Wilson, a resident in and near Rockdale since the late seventies died Wednesday noon at the hospital at Cameron, where he was taken following a stroke of apoplexy about ten days ago. Funeral services, in charge of the local Masonic Lodge, were held Thursday evening at 6:00 o'clock from the home of his sister-in-law, Mrs. R.S. Wilson in Rockdale, burial being made in the family burial ground at the Old City Cemetery.

At the grave the Rev. Chas. F. Smith, of the Methodist Church of Rockdale gave a scriptural reading and offered a soulful prayer. The Masons then took charge, using the impressive ritual of that order. The casket and grave were covered with beautiful floral tributes, sent by friends, relatives and fraternal organizations, which speak in language that only flowers can speak of the esteem in which deceased was held by those who knew him best.

Mr. Wilson was one of the younger representatives of pioneer families in East and Central Texas. He was born in Marshall, Texas, and was the fifth son of a family of nine children. He came to Rockdale in the late seventies, when the town was but a village, where he was actively engaged in various business enterprises, until he retired to his ranch-home south of Rockdale, where he led the life of a refined southern gentleman, keeping in touch with public policies, and sharing his comradeship and time with his son, his books, his flowers, and made frequent excursions here for visits with relatives and friends. He was a good man, devoted father and brother, a loyal friend who was ready to lend a word of cheer and helpful hand to all who passed his way.

At an early date he married Miss Bertie Boone, daughter of Major and Mrs. Hannibal Boon, of Navasota. To this union three children were born one dying in infancy. The wife died leaving the young son, Jason Boone Wilson and daughter, Nell Wilson, who were reared by their father and his devoted sister, Mrs. C.A. Duffy, who claimed them as her very own.

Mr. Wilson was a highly patriotic citizen, who in his younger days served in Company B of the Old Texas Ranger force, under the now famed Col. Baylor. He was a member in standing of the Woodmen of the World, and a long time member of the Masonic Lodge and it was his request that the Masons conduct the service at his funeral.

Surviving are his son, Jason Boone Wilson of Rockdale; a daughter, Mrs. L.H. Ham of Hope, New Mexico; a brother, John Wilson, and sister, Mrs. C.A. Duffy, of Vivian, La. He is also survived by several grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Cameron Herald (Cameron, Texas), June 20, 1929

1881 :: Death of the President

Yesterday at 4 o'clock p.m. all business houses in this place [Rockdale] were closed in respect to the death of the president. Memorial services were held at the Methodist church, which were attended by nearly the entire population of the town. An address, reviewing the life and character of the deceased president, was delivered by Rev. W.E. Copeland, of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Several beautiful selections, well suited for the occasion, were sung by Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Jones, Mrs. W.R. Kennard and Mrs. L.H. Porter. The occasion was one of imposing solemnity, and one which will never be forgotten by those present. Weekly Democratic Statesman, Austin, Texas, September 29, 1881

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Dallas Morning News. Rockdale, Texas, September 23. -- Robt. J. Boykin, Jr., who escaped from the Cameron jail on Saturday night last, was captured on Wednesday, within half a mile from Cameron, where he had been quietly hiding. Something like three hundred men were in pursuit of the escaped prisoners. When discovered, Boykin drew a revolver, and asked, "Is this a mob?" On being informed that it was not, he quietly surrendered, and was conducted back to jail. The remaining four who escaped are still at large. Weekly Democratic Statesman, Austin, Texas, September 29, 1881

1928 :: Death of Ben Arthur

Rockdale, Milam Co., Texas, April 3. -- Funeral services for Ben F. Arthur, 86, was held at his home in this city, the Rev. Charles F. Smith of the Methodist Church officiating. Burial was made in the old City Cemetery. He was a Confederate soldier, a member of Tom Green Cavalry and a pioneer resident of Rockdale. Dallas Morning News, April 2, 1928

1928 :: Death of Dora B. Douthit

Mrs. Dora B. Douthit Dies Following Fall. 

Mrs. Dora B. Douthit, 82, who received a fracture of the right hip in a fall, died Wednesday afternoon at a Dallas hospital. She is survived by four sons, J.E. Douthit of Dallas, Leland Douthit of Palestine, Benton Douthit of Rockdale and Clifford Douthit of Reseda, Cal.


The body was sent to Rockdale Wednesday night by the George A. Brewer Undertaking Company. Funeral services will be held at the Rockdale Methodist Church on Thursday afternoon. Burial will be in Rockdale Cemetery. Dallas Morning News, January 26, 1928.

1946 :: Rockdale Undertaker Dies

Dallas Morning News. August 14, 1946. Rockdale Undertaker, P.E. Luckey, Dies. Rockdale, Texas, Aug. 13 (AP). -- P.E. Luckey, 67, senior partner of the Phillips & Luckey funeral establishment here, died at his home Tuesday. Burial will be here Wednesday afternoon. Survivors include his wife, four sons and a daughter.

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Perry Emmett Luckey, the son of John Millard and Rachel Garner Luckey was born February 28, 1879 in the Millerton Community of Milam County. The old Luckey homestead was located on much of the land where the Sandow Strip mine is now located. On June 1, 1902, he was married to Mary Draper Carter. Her parents were Sinclair Blake and Tennie Love Carter who immigrated to Texas from Mississippi in 1877 and settled in the Tracy Community of Milam County. Mr. Carter was a Confederate veteran and he and his wife had experienced much hardship during the Civil War.


The Luckeys were parents of four sons: Darrell Emmett, Harold Milton, Donald Carter, Edward Earle; and one daughter, Bertha Lucille. The Luckeys were members of the Methodist Church. For a number of years, Mr. Luckey was associated with Henne and Meyer Hardware and Undertaking Company in Rockdale. These two men were pioneers in the burial insurance business and worked toward the enforcement of having burial insurance legalized in Texas. Later they founded the Phillips and Luckey Burial Association.


Mr. Luckey was a quiet and unassuming man and he had a steadfast devotion to principal. His heart was supercharged with love for his fellowman. He was a greatly beloved citizen of Rockdale.


From Matchless Milam, History of Milam County Texas, compiled and edited by Milam County Heritage Preservation Society, A Texas Sesquicentennial Edition.