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

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

1891 :: Buying Fire Apparatus

Dallas Morning News, December 12, 1891. Rockdale, Tex., Dec. 10. -- The city government of Rockdale has concluded to buy 1000 feet of fire hose and two hose reels, also hook and ladder apparatus. A proposition to furnish the outfit has been made by reliable parties and accepted by the city. The goods will be delivered at an early date.