1908 :: Meets Death on a "Sap" Train

Herman Henniger

1913 :: Confederate Pensions

County Judge John Watson was over from Cameron Tuesday for the purpose of fixing up the papers for a number of old Confederate soldiers who were applying for pensions under the new law. Final proofs were taken for the following:

• Isaac Long, Milano, Route 3.
• Dr. E.W. Allen, Rockdale.
• Lee Wallace, Minerva.
• N.C. Jones, Rockdale, route 2.
• Mrs. E. Denham, Rockdale, route 2.
• Mrs. Mary Joyner, Rockdale.
• Mrs. E.J. Ashby, Rockdale.
• Benj. F. Arthur, Rockdale, route 6.
• G.H. Davenport, Rockdale, route 3.

Applications and part proofs were taken also for B.V. Arnold and A.L. Pleasant.

There is a deal of seemingly unnecessary red tape to be unwound before these old heroes can avail themselves of the pittance awarded, but Judge Watson is using all due dilligence in the matter, and is entitled to the thanks of the veterans for the interest manifested. According to the red tape each of the applicants is supposed to make a trip to Cameron, taking along their proofs and witnesses, and Mr. Watson's trip over here was quite an accomodation and appreciated by all concerned.

Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, August 28, 1913

1920 :: Family Reunion

Galveston Daily News
Galveston, Texas
22 August 1920

Two Families Hold Reunion:
187 Descendants are Present.

Special to the News. Thorndale, Tex., Aug. 21.-- A most delightful occasion was the reunion of the descendants of Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Jackson and Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Caffey, two of the pioneer couples of Milam County. These two families came to Texas from Alabama in 1874 and located in Bastrop County. Mr. Caffey and family moved to Milam County in 1875, and Mr. Jackson and family in 1876, and located in the community which has since been their homes. Mr. Caffey is 83 years old and Mr. Jackson 76. Their wives are sisters and are a few years their junion. Both Mr. Jackson and Mr. Caffey are confederate veterans.

There are 187 descendants of these two families. In the Jackson family there are twelve children, seventy-one grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, and in the Caffey family there are seven children, forty-four grandchildren, and thirty-eight great-grandchildren. Four generations were in attendance at the gathering that day. About 200 relatives and friends were in attendance. A bounteaus dinner was spread.

1914 :: Death of John Gambill

Deaths. Special to The News. Gambill -- Cameron. Milam., Tex., Aug. 3. -- John T. Gambill Sr. died at Rockdale Saturday and was buried yesterday morning. The deceased was in the Confederate army and was well-known and highly esteemed in this county. He is survived by a large family. Dallas Morning News, August 4, 1914

---

The news of the death of Mr. John Gambill was received here with deep regret. Deceased had many relatives as well as friends in this community who will miss this genial and benevolent old gentleman. Quite a number of our people attended his funeral, which occurred in Rockdale, Sunday August 2. Cameron Herald, August 6, 1914

1901 :: Death of Long John Williams

Long John Williams, an old Confederate veteran died at his home near Rockdale on the 13th. inst. Williams was a noted character in that section. When the civil war broke out he swore he would never cut his hair till the Confederacy was established. Since 1861 he has never allowed his hair trimmed. He was a native Texan, 6 ft. 6 inches high, spare built, and as tough and wiry as a broncho. He was a good citizen, a brave soldier and a fearless fighter. Southern Mercury. (Dallas, Tex.), Vol. 21, No. 26, Ed. 1 Thursday, June 27, 1901

1922 :: Carlyle Post #358

CARLYLE POST NO. 358 (Researched by Louis Rinn) 

Carlyle Post 358 was organized May 2, 1922. The name Carlyle was selected to honor two local fallen comrades, Hicks Carlyle and James W. Carlyle. The two brothers were killed the same day, October 8, 1918, only thirty days before Germany raised the White Flag of surrender. The Carlyle brothers resided in the Hamilton Chapel Community which is four miles southwest of Rockdale. 

The first meeting of Carlyle Post 358 was held in an upstairs room of the Dr. H.T. Coulter Building at the corner of North Main and West Cameron streets. Later a meeting place was furnished by the city at the City Hall. 

At the first meeting of Carlyle Post the following men were elected as officers of the Post: Dr. C.E. Wisecup, Post Commander; Percy Diehl, Vice Commander; H.H. Turner, Post Adjutant; John T. Hale, Finance Officer; Fred Eads, Post Historian; Dr. I.P. Sessions, Post Chaplain; and C.U. Cates, Sergeant at Arms. 

The following men were also charter members of the Post: H.E. Blenden, Robert H. Floyd, Dr. H.T. Coulter, Max Ferrari, William F. Vogel, Clyde Franklin, Dr. T.E. Crump, J.P. Horton, Alvin M. Johnson, and Ralph Larrieu. 

In 1935 Carlisle Post purchased the Wolf Hotel at the corner of North Main and East Milam Streets. Plans for a new home were soon drawn by Clyde Franklin. This home was completed in the early forties. 

1952 was the peak year for membership. The total membership for that year was 326. W.P. (Red) Hogan was commander of the Post at that time. 

Carlisle Post has sent at least one boy to Boys' State in Austin each year since it was organized. The Post has sponsored the American Legion baseball team and has participated in civic affairs that have taken place in the city of Rockdale. A History of Rockdale, Texas 1874-1974

---

According to a Rockdale Reporter article dated Nov. 15, 2001 . . . In 1935, Post 358 purchased the former Wolf Hotel, one of Rockdale's most historic turn-of-the-century structures. The hotel, at the corner of Main and Milam, was renovated and served as Carlyle Post's home for more than 60 years. Carlyle Post has been through periods of inactivity but still retains some membership and has plans for a new building. The old Legion building (Wolf Hotel) has been razed. That project was completed earlier this year.

1927 :: Death of Frank Dreher

Rockdale, Texas, Dec. 9. -- The body of Frank Dreher, who died in an army hospital in Arkansas, was brought to Rockdale and burial was made in the Sharp Cemetery, ten miles from here. Carlysle Post No. 358, American Legion, had charge of the services. Dreher was a World War veteran. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. W.J. Dreher; his wife, Mrs. Myrtle Cannon Dreher, and three small children. Dallas Morning News, December 10, 1927

1921 :: Burial of Hicks Carlile

Hicks Carlile who was buried at Hamiltons Chapel Friday afternoon under auspices of the American Legion, was one of two sons of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Carlile of Rockdale, who paid the supreme sacrifice in the world war. He and his brother volunteered and were of the first to go over seas and both were killed in the same battle and almost at the same time. The remains of the other brother were not identified. A large concourse of friends of deceased and family attended the funeral services which were held on the public square around the flag pole in Rockdale. The flag hung at half mast. Cameron Herald, October 27, 1921

1939 :: Calvin Alford, negro slave

Calvin Alford of Rockdale, one of the few remaining negro slaves, was in Cameron Monday to attend the funeral of his only sister, Lizzie Crayton. Alford is 93 years old and served in the civil war under Captain Chas. Laseuer who took a company from Milam county from the San Gabriel community to the aid of the Confederacy. Uncle Calvin as he is familiarly called by those here who have known him for many years, is not too bent for one his age but uses a cane to assist him in getting around. He has good eyesight and hears well and remembers many colorful incidents of slavery times. Cameron Herald, October 26, 1939

1918 :: Death of Carlyle Brothers

Hicks Carlyle and James W. Carlyle lived in the Hamilton Chapel community just southeast of Rockdale. They died in action in France on Oct. 8, 1918, just 30 days before Germany's surrender ended the war. Carlyle Post first met upstairs at the Coulter building, corner of Main and Cameron. Later the post met at City Hall. In 1935, Post 358 purchased the former Wolf Hotel, one of Rockdale's most historic turn-of-the-century structures. The hotel, at the corner of Main and Milam, was renovated and served as Carlyle Post's home for more than 60 years. Carlyle Post has been through periods of inactivity but still retains some membership and has plans for a new building. The old Legion building (Wolf Hotel) has been razed. That project was completed earlier this year. The Rockdale Reporter, November 15, 2001

1896 :: Death of James E. Mosely, Sr.

Rockdale, Tex., July 29. -- James Edward Moseley, Sr., [sic, i.e., Edward B Moseley] died yesterday morning at 2 o'clock at the residence of his son, J.E. Mosely, Jr., [sic] nine miles southwest from Rockdale, in the 83d year of his age. Mr. Mosely was an ex-confederate soldier. He was living in Mississippi when the war broke out, and served in the army of Tennessee. After the war was over he removed with his family to Texas and settled in the community where he died. About a month ago Mr. Mosely fell from the front gallery of a neighbor's house and hurt himself, from the effects of which he never recovered. He was under the care of a physician but twice in his life. Galveston Daily News, July 31, 1896 

1934 :: Death of Dr. Riddle

Rockdale, Tex., May 24. -- Dr. T.E. Riddle, 95, died Wednesday night. Funeral services were held Thursday. Dr. Riddle a native of Tennessee, came to Texas with his parents when 10 years old. He was a Confederate Veteran, and served in McCoy's Frontier Regiment, Company F. In January, 1868, Dr. Riddle came from Lavaca to Milam County and settled where he has since lived and died. Dr. Riddle had practiced his profession in Rockdale and community for more than 60 years. He was a familiar figure on horseback as he answered calls until the past eight years. Sept. 2, 1933, Dr. Riddle celebrated his 95 birthday with a dinner. Oct. 19, Dr. and Mrs. Riddle celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Surviving him are his widow, and the following children: Ed and Jack Riddle of Rockdale, Dr. Howe Riddle of Coweta, Okla., Scudder Riddle and Mrs. Billy Senne of California, Mrs. Lilly Tumey of New York and Mrs. John Moses of Ralls, Tex. San Antonio Express, Friday, May 25, 1934

1937 :: Death of John Selman Jr.

John Marion Selman, a former special agent for the Union Pacific Railroad company here, and a veteran of the Spanish-American war, died in Rockdale, Texas, Wednesday of a heart ailment, it was learned here Friday. Mr. Selman, who left here a year ago for the Texas city, served with troup D, Eleventh U.S. volunteer cavalry in the war, and was a member of Wasatch camp No. 7, United Spanish War Veterans, of this city. He had been a member of the Texas rangers. Surviving are his widow and a daughter. Funeral services and burial will be conducted on Sunday in Rockdale. Salt Lake Tribune, April 3, 1937

1909 :: Death of David Brodnax

David Walker Brodnax, an old and highly esteemed citizen of Rockdale, Tex., died there on the 11th of February, 1909, aged sixty-seven years. He was a Virginian by birth, but had lived in Texas since the fifties. He served through the entire war as a member of Company D, 15th Texas Cavalry, Green's Texas Brigade, and his loyalty to the cause for which he fought never wavered. He was interested in the Confederate Reunions, and at the time of his death was Commander of Sam Davis Camp, U.C.V., of Rockdale. Comrade Brodnax was never married, but leaves several brothers and sisters. Confederate Veteran. June 1909. Created by Margie Daniels. Published Monthly in the Interest of Confederate Veterans and Kindred Topics.

1903 :: Old Dr. Wallis is Dead

Rockdale, Tex., Jan. 9. -- Dr. R.S. Wallis, a prominent physician, is dead here. He served as a surgeon in the confederate army, and while acting as such was summoned to attend a duel in which Gen. Marmaduke, of Missouri, killed his antagonist. The Burlingame Enterprise, (Burlingame, Kansas), January 15, 1903

1904 :: Death of Col. N.H. Tracy

Cameron, Tex., Nov. 23. -- News was received here last night from Rockdale of the death there at 9:30 of Col. N.H. Tracy, who has resided in that city for several years and who has been a member of the Milam County bar a long time. He was a member of the Legislature from this county and Mayor of Rockdale for some time. A number of Cameron people left this morning for Rockdale to pay their last respects to the deceased. He was also a soldier in the Confederate Army. Dallas Morning News, November 24, 1904

1903 :: Death of J T Thweatt

Cameron, Tex., Oct. 14. -- J.T. Thweatt, an aged and respected citizen of Milam County, died yesterday afternoon at his residence in Maysfield at the age of 70 years. He had resided in that community for the past forty years. He was a Confederate soldier, and a member of the Masonic Lodge, and also a member of the Knights of Honor. The funeral services were conducted this afternoon at Port Sullivan. The deceased was Justice of the Peace of precinct No. 2 of this county for a number of years, and was for several years postmaster at Maysfield. Dallas Morning News, October 16, 1903

1898 :: Death of Elder W T H Beezley

Rockdale, Tex., Oct. 14. -- Elder W.T.H. Begely [sic, i.e., Beezley] died in this city on Wednesday, Oct. 13, in his 76th year. He had been a minister of the Baptist denomination for forty-two years, and for all that time had preached the gospel in Milam, Burleson and adjoining counties. He was one of the pioneer preachers of this county, having settled here in 1848, when the buffalo were plentiful here as jack rabbits are now. He was widely known throughout central Texas for his sterling qualities and his uncompromising religious faith.


There never was a time in his ministry that he would not have gone to the stake rather than compromise one tenet of his faith. He was an ex-confederate soldier, having served through that war in Greene's brigade. After the war ended he with a colony of others went to Brazil to escape the reconstruction regime of the federal government. He was not pleased with that country and returned to his old home in Milam county at the end of four years. He leaves a widow and one son and an adopted daughter. His son lives in Temple, Tex., and his adopted daughter, Mrs. J.M. Alexander, lives in Rockdale. Dallas Morning News, October 15, 1898

1900 :: Death of George W Thach

Special to The News. Cameron, Tex., Sept. 5. -- George W. Thach, who had resided in this county since 1856, died at his home yesterday after a brief illness. He was born in Marion County, Tennessee, in 1825, and belonged to a pioneer family who in the latter part of the eighteenth century pushed westward from Tennessee and formed the new State of Franklin, the short-lived precursor of the State of Tennessee. His father was a soldier both of the Revolutionary War and that of 1812, having been with John Sevier at Kings Mountain and with Jackson at New Orleans. George W. Thach was a veteran of the Mexican War, having served in a Tennessee regiment under Gen. Taylor, and participating in the battle of Buena Vista and the capture of Monterey. The regiment being mustered out at New Orleans, Mr. Thach re-enlisted in a Louisiana regiment, was present at the siege of Vera Cruz and went with Gen. Scott to the City of Mexico. Mr. Thach upon the discovery of gold in California went to that country, where he remained for several years. Dallas Morning News, September 7, 1900 

1903 :: Death of S L Glassfort

Cameron, Tex., Sept. 4. -- S.L. Glassfort died at the Buford Hotel here early this morning. He was above 70 years of age and had resided in Cameron for the last twenty years. He leaves no family. The deceased was a native of Alabama and was a Confederate soldier from that State during the Civil War. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. C.M. Tomkies, pastor of the Baptist Church, and the funeral was observed at Oak Hill Cemetery under the auspices of the Confederate soldiers. Dallas Morning News, September 6, 1903


Death - Sam Glassford, age about 77, an ex-Confederate soldier, died at the Buford hotel last Friday morning and was buried in the allotted ground in Oak Hill cemetery. He had been in ill health for several years. Cameron had been his home for some 20-years. Cameron Herald, September 10, 1903