1904 :: Street Carnival

Rockdale, Tex., Nov. 19 -- A street carnival is being arranged for Rockdale, to come off Nov. 28 to Dec. 3. Dallas Morning News, November 20, 1904

1874 :: Death of Mrs. Dorcas Groce

The Rockdale Messenger announces the death of Mrs. Dorcas Groce, on the eighth instant, aged seventy-four years, five months and two days. Austin Weekly Statesman, November 19, 1874 

1881 :: News from Rockdale

Weekly Democratic Statesman
Austin, Texas
November 3, 1881

Rockdale, October 31. -- We were all summoned to pay three dollars, a few days ago, in lieu of manual labor on the streets. This highly delightful privilege is afforded us quite frequently, but the only effort toward cleaning the streets which has come under the observation of your correspondent, has been made by poor old Bender, whose only compensation is generally a few drinks.


A very large number of ladies and gentleman assembled at the Mundine House on Thursday evening of last week, the occasion being a reception party to Mr. H.A. Gladdish and bride [i.e., Annie Joynes]. All present seemed to enjoy themselves highly.


Mr. George B. Randle is putting up a hall in the second story of the brick building on the corner of Commerce and Burleson streets. This will supply a long felt want in Rockdale, and Mr. Randle merits the grateful esteem of the community for his public spirit. 

1942 :: Death of Harry Whipp

Harry Whipp of Houston, son of Mrs. C.M. Whipp, 812-A Avenue K, died at his home Friday night. A sister, Marguerite, and brother, Cecil, of Lubbock left Saturday night to attend the funeral services. Mr. Whipp's mother is visiting a daughter, Mrs. D.D. Stewart, in Louisville, Ky., and will go to Houston from there and another sister, Mrs. Ronald Shands of Oklahoma City, former Lubbock resident, will attend the funeral. Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Lubbock, Texas), November 1, 1942, Page 7

P.S. . . . FYI . . . in 1952, Harry's daughter, Mary Sue (who was born in Rockdale), marries L Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Church of Scientology . . .

1874 :: Death of J E Featherston

The Milam Messenger has an account of the sudden death of Mr. J.E. Featherson, an agent of Glenny & Wagoner, live stock dealers, New Orleans. "He retired to his room Monday night, complaining of a slight indisposition from the effects of a disease of the heart, to which he was at times subjected. Early the next morning he was discovered in an unconscious and dying state, and died about 2 o'clock Monday evening. Austin Weekly Statesman, October 29, 1874

1911 :: Death of Henry Irby

Cameron, Tex., Oct. 25. -- Milam County Grand Jury adjourned today. It found forty-six indictments, thirteen felony and thirty misdemeanors. . . . Tom Johnson, against whom complaint had been made charging him with the killing of Henry Irby Monday near Thorndale, was not indicted. Dallas Morning News, October 26, 1911

1895 :: New City Hall

Twenty-Eight Years Ago [in 1895] . . . We visited Rockdale last week and noticed many improvements being made. The city hall is nearing completion. Judge Perry, C.H. Coffield and others are putting up handsome residences. The Cameron Herald, October 25, 1923