1933 :: Old-Time Negro Resident is Buried here Tuesday

Will Gray, one of the old-time negro residents of Rockdale, was buried here Tuesday. At the time of his death and for the past ten or fifteen years, Gray had been porter on the passenger trains of the Missouri-Pacific, running from Palestine to San Antonio. In the early days of this city he worked for the firm of Ben Loewenstein & Bros. He had the esteem of many friends in this city. The Rockdale Reporter and Messenger (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 61, No. 8, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 6, 1933 Page: 2 of 6

1925 :: Woman Burns to Death

ROCKDALE, Dec. 29. -- Tom Engram of Rockdale was called to Palestine Friday to the bedside of his mother, Mrs. J.E. Engram, who had been fatally burned. Her clothing caught fire from an overheated stove near which she was sewing. She died Saturday. Mrs. Engram was 72 years old. The Taylor Daily Press, Taylor, Texas, Tuesday, December 29, 1925 - Page 3 

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]

1906 :: Rothrock Family

W.H. Rothrock and family left today for Rockdale. Mrs. Rothrock and the children will visit that place, while Mr. Rothrock goes to Colorado Springs for a rest, and recreation. Palestine Daily Herald, August 4, 1906

1916 :: Old Reliable Photographer

John Scott, the "old reliable photographer," he of early days in Regal Rockdale, but who left here three years ago, was mixing with his friends about town this week. He has been up in Oklahoma, and more recently at Palestine. He is now visiting his daughter, Mrs. A.V. Lewis, south of town. Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, April 20, 1916

1901 :: Death of B.F. Ackerman

Mr. B.F. Ackerman died suddenly Tuesday morning of heart failure, superinduced by chills. He had eaten a hearty breakfast and apparently was all right. A little later he complained of having a chill and was assisted to his room. Shortly after a friend entered his room to see how he was getting along and found him sitting in a chair dying. The friend immediately went for a physician and summoned Dr. Monroe, but Mr. Ackerman was passed all human aid when they arrived. 

The body was removed to the residence of his step-son, T.G. Sampson, from where on Wednesday morning the funeral procession formed and followed the hearse to the Goodhue Wilson grave yard, where the mortal body of Mr. Ackerman was returned to earth. "For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." 

The deceased was 72 years of age and was an old citizen of Cameron, and was at one time worth considerable money. He was liberal hearted and well liked by all his friends. 

Three children survive him, B.F. Ackerman, who is married and lives in Palestine, Will Ackerman, who lives in Cameron, and Mrs. G.B. Tracy, who lives with her husband about five miles in the country. Our sympathy goes out to all in their affliction. Cameron Herald, March 21, 1901