1902 :: Revised Ordinances of the City of Rockdale

Topics include . . . placing boxes, barrels, etc., on sidewalks, and wagons, etc., on streets . . . selling corrupted or unwholesome food, etc. . . . innkeeper, physician, etc., shall report persons sick with smallpox, etc. . . . leaving and visiting infected houses . . . unlawful burial in the City Cemetery . . . hanging in effigy . . . failing to work street . . . Rockdale Reporter. (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 09, No. 41, Ed. 1 Thursday, November 13, 1902 Page: 7 of 8 

1930 :: Burial of Mrs. John Redding

The remains of Mrs. John (Kidd) Redding, who died one year ago in Hollywood, California, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ida Penn, were brought to Rockdale from California Wednesday afternoon on the Sunshine Special, under escort of a grand-daughter, and placed in a granite mausoleum in the Old City Cemetery. . . . Mrs. Redding resided here with her interesting family for many years. Her husband, John Redding . . . died here suddenly many years ago, so bringing the body here was only a final homecoming to the family. . . . The Rockdale Reporter and Messenger (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 58, No. 37, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 30, 1930 Page: 4 of 8

1920 :: Death of Mrs. Julia Robinson

The body of Mrs. Julia Robinson, who passed away at a sanitarium in Taylor at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon, arrived in Rockdale on the 2:46 I. & G. N. train Sunday, and was borne to the Old City Cemetery where interment was made by the side of her husband in the family plot. . . . At the time of her death she was 76 years, 11 months and 1 day old. She was a native Mississippian, and in 1864 was married to Richmond Robinson. . . . They moved to Rockdale 46 years ago and established a home, and assisted in the upbuilding of the town. . . . 

Almost coincident with her passing, the old homestead erected by the late Richmond Robinson, known of late as the Cottage Hotel, situated in the heart of the city, was sold and demolished, perhaps to make way for a more pretentious business house on the sacred site, in keeping with the modern buildings on the newest of blocks that marks the city's growth within the past quarter century. It was here they spent the greater part of their lives, surrounded by their children, . . . The Rockdale Reporter and Messenger (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 48, No. 34, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 21, 1920

1904 :: Death of Dr. Sprott

Dr. A.C. Sprott, an old and respected citizen of Rockdale, died very suddenly at his home last Sunday about noon. . . . Dr. Sprott came to Rockdale in the early days of the town's history, and had been a resident continuously ever since. The remains were buried Monday morning at 10 o'clock at the old cemetery, his former comrades, the Confederate Veterans, performing the last sad rites. . . . Dr. A.C. Sprott was born in Alabama in 1818 [sic]. He moved to Texas when quite young and settled at Cold Springs, in East Texas. He came to Rockdale in 1876, 27 years ago. . . . He was a Confederate soldier during the war between the states, and joined Sam Davis Camp, Confederate Veterans, when the camp was first organized in 1890. . . . A.C. Sprott, who was of company K, 14th Texas, Randle's brigade of Walker's division of the Confederate army, in which he volunteered in February, 1862, . . . It was on October the 2nd, at noon when the summons came to him to get ready for that great reunion beyond, . . . The Rockdale Messenger. (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 32, No. 37, Ed. 1 Friday, October 7, 1904 Page: 8 of 8

1927 :: Death of Mrs. U.P. Melton

The body of Mrs. U.P. Melton, who died Sunday in Del Rio, was brought to Rockdale Monday afternoon on the Sunshine Special under escort of her husband and his friend, Mr. York, and tenderly conveyed to the home of old friends, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Isaacs. . . . interment was made in the Old City Cemetery. . . . Mr. and Mrs. Melton lived in Rockdale twenty-odd years ago, when Mr. Melton was with the old firm of Isaacs & Lockett. . . . It was while here that they lost their only child, a bright nineteen months old baby boy. The mother was laid to rest beside him . . . The Rockdale Reporter and Messenger (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 55, No. 32, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 29, 1927

1924 :: Death of A. Wolf

Mortuary. A. Wolf. 

Rockdale lost another of her oldest citizens this week when A. Wolf, at the age of 77 years, succumbed to an illness of several weeks superinduced by old age. He died at his home Tuesday evening at 5:30 o'clock. The funeral will be conducted Friday at 4:00 p.m., Rev. Simon Spinneweber of the Catholic church officiating. Interment will be in the Old City Cemetery. The Rockdale Reporter and Messenger (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 51, No. 1, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 28, 1924

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

1902 :: Death of Ouida Baxter

Dallas Morning News. Rockdale, Texas, November 8. -- Ouida, the 6-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B.B. Baxter, died yesterday afternoon and will be buried today at the city cemetery. Deceased was a very bright little girl and the family is one of the most prominent in Rockdale. Houston Post, November 10, 1902 

1917 :: Death of J.E. Longmoor

Rockdale, Texas, Aug. 26. -- The funeral of J.E. Longmoor was held here Friday. Mr. Longmoor for more than a quarter of a century had been cashier of the First National Bank of Rockdale, having been elected to that position when the bank was first organized. He was also president of the Rockdale fire department continuously for about the same number of years. He was a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias order, having filled the various chairs in the grand lodge and for the last several years, had been a member of the board of trustees for the K. of P. Widows and Orphans' Home. He was at one time president of the State Bankers' Association. He is survived by his wife, four sons, all bankers or identified with banking interests and a daughter. The funeral was the largest ever seen in Rockdale and was conducted by the Knights of Pythias, the Rockdale fire department acting as an escort. Cameron Herald, August 30, 1917

1912 :: Death of Mary M. Witcher

Mrs. M.M. Witcher, aged about eighty years, died at her home in Cameron Monday night, and was buried in the Old City Cemetery in Rockdale Tuesday morning, the funeral taking place at 10:45 o'clock from the home of Mr. and Mrs. H.D. Kone. Rev. A.S. Whitehurst was the officiating minister. Deceased was an old-time resident of Rockdale, and the mother of Mrs. John Joynes, and numbered her friends here by the score, especially among the older settlers. She had lived a long and useful christian life and has passed to her reward. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, July 04, 1912

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

1882 :: Respect for H.P. Hale

Dallas Morning News. The Rockdale Messenger turns its column rules as a mark of respect for General H.P. Hale, of Rockdale, who died on the 28th of May. Austin Weekly Statesman, June 8, 1882

1914 :: Death of Mrs. P.A. Lewis

Rockdale, Apr. 30th. -- The funeral of Mrs. P.A. Lewis, who died at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Fred H. Graves, Wednesday at 2 p.m., while sitting in an easy chair, were held Thursday afternoon at 5 o'clock from the newly dedicated Presbyterian church, Rev. W.E. Copeland, the pastor, conducting the ceremonies. 

Mrs. Lewis was born in the state of Alabama, and was at the inauguration of the President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis. At the time of her death she was 79 years, 8 months and 29 days old. She had resided with a daughter in Rockdale, Mrs. E.S. Loper, for the past 27 years, where her life had been marked by a strong devotion to duty. 

Last January she suffered a fall from which she had never regained her former activity. To break the monotony, she would spend each alternate week with a grand daughter, which fell upon Monday. Each vied with the other in showering her with attentions. 

Her cherished prayers were that she might live to witness the dedication of the new church in which her labors had played so important a part, and to be able to walk without assistance. Both were granted. On Sunday, April 19, she was tenderly borne to the place, and given an honored seat amid an environment of palms, ferns and Easter lilies, when her choice anthem was sung. And the day she died, she walked to the midday meal alone. 

The last services were held at sunset in the Old City Cemetery. Probably no greater tribute was ever paid another than that extended to this favored daughter. Mrs. Lewis is survived by two daughters, Mesdames E.S. Loper of Rockdale, and Mattie Werner of Houston, fifteen grand-children, of which is Mr. Henry T. Werner [sic] of the Associated Press, Houston, and 30 great-grand-children. Cameron Herald, May 7, 1914

1892 :: Death of F A Hill

Rockdale, Tex., Jan. 26. -- Colonel F.A. Hill, born in North Carolina, and for forty years a prominent practicing lawyer in Texas, eighteen years of which he lived* in Rockdale, died here Sunday afternoon of la grippe in the 70th year of his age, surrounded by a large circle of relatives and friends. The Galveston Daily News, January 27, 1892

*Mayor Rockdale in 1877

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

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

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

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

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

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