1938 :: Lock o' Hair

Probably the most prized possession of Mrs. J.C. Thomasson, of Milano, is a gold, glass covered locket pin containing a lock of hair from the head of Jefferson Davis, one-time president of the Confederacy.

Mrs. Thomasson's grandfather, Mel Elson, left her the locket. Elson was Aide de Campe to Jeff Davis during the war, and the two were in an enemy prison together. (continued) . . . The Rockdale Reporter and Messenger (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 66, No. 33, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 22, 1938 Page: 1 of 10

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