Atascosa County Chronicles

Atascosa County's Regiment in the Civil War - Part 8

2012-02-16T16:48:00.005-06:00

The 36th Texas’ Colonel Woods and His Men

In Part 7 of this series, we heard from Private Joseph P. Blessington, of the 16th Volunteer Texas Infantry, about camp life at his encamp- ment in Austin County. Meantime back on the San Marcos, the 36th Texas’ frontiersmen-soldiers were perhaps a little less refined than Private Blessington’s comrades,. They were in general a cussing, gambling, horse-racing, fist-fighting, hell-raising (within strict military limits) bunch. Private Foster of the 36th, a young man whose sheltered life in the house of his Methodist minister father had not prepared him for the rough men he encountered in the military, wrote of his comrades:

They were the gamblingest, most profane group of men I had ever met. They would bet on the way a bird would fly. When we halted, they would [grab] off the saddles, stake the horses, spread out a sweaty saddle blanket and deal out hands from a pack of greasy, dog-earred cards.

But for all that, Carl Duaine writes, they were a deeply religious crowd. When Company K arrived at Camp Clark, Andrew Jackson Potter, a private and one of the company’s many parsons, noted that “it had an arbor, and had regular preaching.”1 And the soldiers were:

also, curiously, a gentlemanly group of men in that they were careful of their manners according to their own code. No man abused another, or called a man a liar, or reflected on his ancestry. Such behavior called for sixshooters and no man really wanted anything like that, especially the officers. All the men realized that they had their work cut out for them and, rough and ready as they were, a kind of courtesy by general agreement was observed and became part of each man’s behavior.

Furthermore,

They would protest loudly anything that seemed unfair but went mater-of-factly about the distasteful job. . . . They were . . . always playing practical jokes, and in this each man was supposed to be a good sport and endure, thinking up something to spring on his own.2

Duaine says that at Camp Clark “Colonel Woods was separated from the other commands.” I don’t know what that means unless that back at Camp Salado (near San Antonio) there were additional regiments formed out of other volunteer companies that repaired to that mustering place. In any case, here by the San Marcos it was just him and his regiment and he would make of it what he could. He was a good man for the job. He would support the Cause, but he meant never to sacrifice any of the men in his command needlessly. As he was a doctor, he was perhaps more interested in saving lives than some other commanders.

The colonel was a singular man. He was a wealthy land owner – but his horse was worth only $150. His arms were a brace of pistols – but he didn’t bother to list them in case they were lost. He had a proper colonel’s sword – but left it in the wagons. He was a slave owner – but brought no servant to camp with him. He was close to his home – but he never left his command to go there.

He was, however, visited often by his wife, who brought him butter and coffee and news from home. On one visit she brought him her prized possession, a great stallion named Isaiah.3

The colonel put the regiment through a two-month program of training and preparation for whatever rigors might lie ahead. Since he was a doctor in private life, he would have relied on whatever professional military men he had on his staff to carry out the necessary training.

The troopers, organized and supervised by the senior staff, and put through their paces by the junior officers, would have received instruction and drills in military tactics, demonstrations in the care and handling of weapons, and practical exercises in understanding and responding to bugle calls. And they would have received training in horse maneuvers. These men of the frontier did not need to be taught how to ride a horse; largely the object of the training was the process itself – it was meant to inculcate discipline and unit cohesion, to teach them to obey orders when given. Still, some would have been sternly challenged by their training in equestrian military drill: how to present arms, how to form in company front, march in column of twos, column of fours, and column of squads. These maneuvers might have limited utility in the kind of warfare in which they might be engaged, but they learned to follow commands, vocal or bugle, and to ride in formation. It was all designed to turn a crowd of ranchers and stockmen and animal wranglers into soldiers.

In the end it was it was probably effective. But it was a kind of loose discipline the troop labored under. Colonel Woods allowed the men to go AWOL in quiet times, but he expected them back when their family business was taken care of. The troopers called their officers by their first names in the old Ranger style, but they trusted and followed them, and they developed a fierce loyalty to the Colonel-Doctor.4

Next time: Texas Forces West of the Mississippi . . .

Sources:
Purgason, Howard. Calvin Turner, Texas Ranger
1. Graves, Hiram Atwell. Andrew Jackson Potter, the noted parson of the Texan frontier, 132
2. Duaine, Carl L.. The Dead Men Wore Boots, 28-29
3. Windle, Janice Woods. True Women, 262
4. Duaine, 28

ACHC on Facebook

2012-01-27T10:48:00.003-06:00

The Atascosa County Historical Commission now has a facebook page. We are posting old photos almost daily. Keep up with our events. Check us out!

Atascosa County and The Civil War - Part 7

2012-01-14T06:49:00.008-06:00

The 36th Texas’ Camp Life on the San Marcos

Joseph P. Blessington, a private in the 16th Volunteer Texas Infantry, Walker’s Division wrote a memoir of his days in service and here gives us a vivid description of camp life at his encampment in Austin County, which would have been about the same as the Pleasanton men were experiencing at the time in their camp on the San Marcos.

Military discipline soon inducted us into the mysteries of camp-life, and in time we became accustomed to its daily routine, which was by no means light. At early dawn the reveille roused us from slumber. Roll-call being over, the companies were dismissed to put their quarters in order. Breakfast at 6 o’clock, A.M. In the mean time two men from each company were detailed to serve in the main-guard, to enforce discipline and guard the camp. A police guard was also appointed, who cleaned up all dirt and filth about the tents, brought water for the company, wood for the cooks, and, in fact, kept everything in order and cleanliness during the drilling of the troops.

There was a daily drill, three times a day, at the following hours, viz.:
Company Drill, at 7 o’clock, A.M.,
Company Drill, at 2 o’clock, P.M.,
Battalion Drill, at 3½ o’clock, P.M.,
and “Dress Parade” every evening at 5 o’clock; at sundown, Company Muster, for roll-call and supper. Tattoo, at 9 P.M., when the men retired to their respective quarters; fifteen minutes later, three taps of the drum was the signal for all lights to be extinguish-ed, and the camp was in darkness and quietude. These duties were conducted with regularity and precision, and performed with a promptitude and cheerfulness surprising in men who had never know restraint, and were fresh from the business and luxuries of home. Everything necessary for the comfort and convenience of the troops was furnished, and laugh, jest, and song attested the general satisfaction and good feeling of the men.1

At the 36th Texas’ Dress Parade every evening, the flag-bearer carried a Confederate flag made for them by the ladies of Hays County.2

Blessington’s last sentence expressing the “general satisfaction” of the men in his outfit was a bit at variance with Tom Smith’s observation of his cohort: “Some of the boys are dissatisfied with the camp but the most of us like its appearance better than Camp Salado.”3 So, appearance, yes; other aspects, no. But then, griping has been the sovereign right and practice of all troops since the days of Homer.

Since we know that virtually the same military routine and discipline (as the above) was observed at Camp Clark, we can infer from this daily round how busy the junior officers and non-coms were, riding herd on the hundred-odd men under their responsibility. Get them up in the morning, make sure they are fed (three times a day), see that they attend to their horses and camp tasks, get them to their training exercises and multiple drills per day, and get them to bed at night.

Private Blessington, the infantryman, apparently decided to go have a look at how the horse soldiers in his camp managed. His view of the officers’ quarters:

Look into the cavalry officers’ tents, and you will find that they don’t fare so badly in camp. Neat beds are contrived; some are cots, others saplings or frames covered with cotton, and plenty of coverings. On one side is a table, with books and novels, a box of cigars, and, most likely, a bottle of “commissary.” These, with a looking-glass, and the officer’s equipments are complete.

This is his look at the field officers’ suite:

Four flies form a mess-tent; and as the colonel and staff are going to dine, we will just see what kind of fare they have. It consists of stewed beef, boiled ham, mashed potatoes, and a couple of chickens, which some of the Austin County housekeepers were kind enough to raise for them . . .

Blessington’s camp in Austin County, over near Houston in a more populated, settled part of Texas, surely provided the officers of Walker’s Division with a grander lifestyle than was likely to have existed in Camp Clark, roughly 120 miles to the west.

Officers and orderlies are always lounging or riding about head-quarters, which gave it a very gay and stirring appearance. At some distance from the colonel’s headquarters are the less pretentious headquarters of some of his subordinate officers, while, a little further on, are the modest tents of the rank and file, arraigned in streets.

He then gives us a look up and down the same kind of enlisted men’s “streets” that the officers Company E would have seen on their rounds.

The men around these are collected in groups, wearing their bell-spurs, while around each waist is dangling a huge knife, made by some village blacksmith, giving them the appearance of warriors, apparently ready for any emergency. Some are playing cards, pitch and toss, or a thousand other games known only in the army; others are dining, and grumbling at their rations, while dining, perhaps, on turkey. [Wild, of course.] The cooks are busy around a huge camp-kettle, placed on the fire, in which a joint of bacon and some peas are bubbling and bubbling around . . . A smaller vessel simmers near it; but, as the lid is on it, I cannot see its contents – most likely a brace of chickens under the wing of a fat turkey.

He wrote that if you asked the troopers where they got the chickens they would tell you “that their commissary furnished them,” but he knew it was more likely that they had had been appropriated from poultry yards of the farms they passed on their way.4

Next time: Colonel Woods and His Men . . .

Sources:
Purgason, Howard. Calvin Turner, Texas Ranger
1. Blessington, Joseph Palmer. The Campaigns of Walker’s Texas Division, 21
2. Windle, Janice Woods. True Women, 264
3. Smith, Thomas. C.. Here's Yer Mule, 16-17
4. Blessington, 22-23

Atascosa County and The Civil War - Part 6

2011-12-12T16:01:00.012-06:00

The 36th Texas Cavalry Moves to Camp Clark

In mid-1862, after about three months of organizing and training, and rounding up victuals and supplies, the 36th Texas, including the men of Company E, abandoned Camp Woods on the Salado and marched off along the Austin road to a new encampment about 62 miles to the northeast on the San Marcos river. There may have been two reasons for the move: military and sanitary.

On May 30th, Union armies had forced the evacuation of Corinth, the junction of the Confederacy’s main north-south and east-west railroads in the Mississippi Valley. And the Federal navy was making great headway in the eventual dominance of the vital waterway. On June 4th, the Confederates abandoned Fort Pillow above Memphis and two days later, after a mighty naval battle on the river, the grand anti-bellum city itself, the fifth largest in the Confederacy, fell to Union forces. This move eastward of the 36th Texas would have brought them closer to any potential field of battle.

And then there might have been the practical considerations of fresh water and grass. Carl Duaine notes that Salado Creek wasn’t always a running stream, even in those days, and the San Marcos River is fed by strong springs. Also, perhaps less important, there may have been fresh grass for the horses thereabouts, though this would not have been a primary condition because the troop was still buying or being issued fodder for their mounts. And although they would not be close to the great quartermaster depot of San Antonio, for minor supply needs they would be 18 miles from New Braunfels and about six miles from San Marcos.

The last week of June 1862, the companies got on the road. With the pretty solid body of military experience in Company E, they would have known how to break camp and get to their place in the line of march with a minimum of confusion. The junior officers of the company would have been responsible for seeing that the wagons were loaded properly (with the tents, cooking utensils, etc.) and that their men were moving out on time and in order.

It probably felt good to the men to get out of that well-worn camp and on the road – at least to those men, like the ex-Rangers in the company, to whom it felt more natural to be out in the open. The companies would have camped however they might along the Cibolo that night. After taking care of their horses, the usual suppers would have been followed by songs and stories around the campfire afterwards.

The next day’s leg passed them through the largely German town of New Braunfels – right down the main street. This would have been exciting for the families of Company E’s 69 soldiers from the town, plus the 20 from out and around Comal County.1 It was probably not as exciting for the town’s merchants and those who lived along the street – we can imagine what some 800 men on horseback and 20 wagons pulled by mules would do to the dirt main street of the little town. It stirred up a huge roiling pall of dust that hung over every- thing. Before long most all of the adults had gone inside and maybe even covered their mouths against the grit. But the children, naturally, were too excited to miss anything. Tom Smith of Company G wrote:

This town is mostly inhabited by Germans and the principle productions are dust and children. . . . Went through this town and crossed the river; here we camped for dinner. . . . The river here is clear and swift, the bottom being smooth hard rock. Had a fine bathe in it. We are to Camp here tonight. After dinner went to town but found it worse than camp for dullness.2

Yes, those stolid German burghers and farmers and hausfraus lived in a world apart from the bright señoritas and melodious saloons of San Antonio.

The next morning Colonel Woods may have led his columns up the San Marcos road – or did he veer off to the right a bit when he cleared the camp and lead his cavalrymen cross-country while sending the wagons on up the road? His destination was a training camp in Guadalupe County (near the little town of Martindale, seven miles from San Marcos), one of a number established by Texas governor Edward Clark in 1861.3

Duaine quotes an article printed in the Confederate Gazette of Sequin in 1861: “The camp is located in a grove of thickly foliated elms, whose overhanging boughs afford an ample shade.” And a few miles upriver the San Marcos is joined by the Blanco, so there was water aplenty for the men and horses of the 36th Texas Cavalry.4

The Pleasanton boys rode in to Camp Clark several days after Company G did (probably in the first week of July), found their camping site, and settled in. It is likely that they took welcome baths in the cold, clear San Marcos.

A two-month muster roll for Company E was recorded at the end of June. It was dated “Mch 29th to June 30” and shows the station of the company as “Camp Clark Texas.”

Friday, the 4th July 1862; Tom Smith:

Today dawns the glorious 4th! Yes Glorious to us as much as the North. This is the day on which the independence of our Forefathers was declared and thus I trust we will also soon celebrate the day on which our independence is declared. The Confederate States of America will ere soon show to the nations of the world that they are an independent nation.5

It would not surprise me if some of the older, wiser heads in camp didn’t see the irony, not to say absurdity, in celebrating the birth of a nation they were in rebellion against.

Next time: Camp Life on the San Marcos . . .

Sources:
Purgason, Howard. Calvin Turner, Texas Ranger
1. Duaine, Carl L.. The Dead Men Wore Boots, 27, 96-109
2. Smith, Thomas. C.. Here's Yer Mule, 15
3. Handbook of Texas Online, s.v.,
http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/CC/qcc7.html
4. Duaine, 27
5. Smith, 16

Atascosa County and the Civil War - Part 5

2011-11-14T16:05:00.009-06:00

The 36th Texas at Camp Woods on the Salado

Rain, sometimes quite heavy, fell intermittently over these late-March-through-April 1862 days and nights in camp. By April 11th, Tom Smith, that diary-keeping trooper of Company G, claimed there were seven companies at Camp Woods, a total of 560 men. The actual strength of the regiment may have been greater than that, but some of the men had made trips home for more or better equipment, and some had gotten leave to check on their families and farms, etc..1 The assembled men from many counties were going through a general shakedown, being whipped into a regiment. There were the usual incidents and messups that would occur with a bunch of men not yet accustomed to camp life, officers not yet used to command. Horses were lost, tents were blown down, bedding (and troopers) soaked in the rain (not all companies had tents yet).

A Trip to San Antonio

Some of the men were dispatched to San Antonio to requisition ammunition, and made both training patrols and did some actual guard duty in the town, which was nearly an anti-secessionist bastion before the war and still had many Union sympathizers.2

Tom Smith and some of his buddies in Company G made rode down to the Alamo town a pleasure trip. Maybe some of the Pleasanton boys of Company E did likewise.

Woke up soon by hearing the bugles of one of the Companies . . . Arose very early got breakfast, and then got ready to go to San Antonio. . . . Some 20 of [his company] started in; it is about 6 miles from camp. . . . Got within a mile of town, on a large hill and we had a fine view of the whole town. When we got to town we rode around and through seeing and being seen. . . . [After having their noon “dinner” they bought some needed items.] I got a “moral” which is a kind of bag or sack made of bagging used to feed horses in by fastening it over their heads; the corn being shelled, the horse does not lose any. We then got our horses and started back to camp. Pleasant weather.

The Regiment on Parade

On Sunday morning April 6th – as the first great bloodbath of the war was beginning near a small log church named Shiloh at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee – Maverick’s Company E participated in a time-honored military tradition. Tom Smith:

Got up and had breakfast by sunup. I washed and put on clean clothes yesterday so I am all ready this morning. Went down to the dress parade of all the companies except ours [Company G was still not organized]. They all formed in a row or line and the Ensign Bearers then marched [on horseback, of course] in front; then the Captains and Lieutenants then all the non commissioned officers and then all marched back. General review being over the bugle sounded for preaching and all that wanted to go went down by Captain Woods Co tents and seated themselves on their blankets on the ground. . . . The minister selected his text from the 37th Paslm [sic] and preached a very touching sermon he has two sons in this Reg’mt.3

San Antonio On Edge

As the regiment formed up, details of ten men (two each from five companies) were sent to guard the “Powder Magazine” near San Antonio, about a thousand yards southeast of the Alamo. The town, perhaps second only to Fredericksburg, had a significant number of citizens of Unionist sentiment.4 The Confederate military authorities were taking no chances. While some denizens were pacifists or Union-loyalists, some were merely indulging in unpatriotic price-gouging. And it seems the town had become a hiding place for draft dodgers and possibly even a magnet for brigands of one sort or another.

After these guarding patrols had gone on for a couple of weeks Tom Smith was surprised one night:

Late in the evening, the quietude of the camp was stirred up and awakened by an order for the whole company to clean their guns, and prepare to start to San Antonio on tomorrow morning 6 o’clock.

The next morning the regiment formed up in a column of twos and rode toward town. They halted “in the suberbs” for half an hour and then made a dramatically martial entrance:

Got into town & went by fours on a gallop through the City. Men women and children rushed to the sidewalk and windows looking on in wonder. . . . We finally brought up in the main Plaza and formed a hollow square. . . . Brigdr. Genl H.P. Bee [commander of the Sub-district of the Rio Grande] then came in and declared Martial Law through the City and County. . . . San Antonio is a town noted for extravagant prices and extortion on articles for necessary purpose. . . . Also for depreciating Confederate money when a soldier has got nothing else. . . . Will not change a Confederate note unless the soldier takes one half in goods at 3 times their price. . . . Our Regiment had to guard the blamed town for 2 weeks to keep the traitors from avoiding the authorities. Our Co. [as surely did Company E] had to stand about once every 6 or 7 days a day & night. Don’t think there are many good honest Southern people in the Town.5

Busy Days for the Troopers

The next two months were spent in organizing and training, and victualing and supplying the regiment. There was also guard duty and patrols to be carried out, more trips to San Antonio for food and munitions, deaths from accidents (one in Company E) and disease, and a number of necessary discharges. And more rain.6

Next time: The Regiment Moves to Camp Clark . . .

Sources:
Purgason, Howard. Calvin Turner, Texas Ranger
1. Smith, Thomas. C.. Here's Yer Mule, 11
2. Duaine, Carl L.. The Dead Men Wore Boots, 25-26
3. Smith, 6, 7
4. Ford, John Salmon. Rip Ford’s Texas, 338
5. Smith, 11, 12
6. Duaine, 25-26

Earthquake?

2011-11-06T08:49:00.003-06:00

Moderate extremely shallow earthquake in Atascosa County, Texas, United States
Last update: October 21, 2011 at 4:41 pm by By Armand Vervaeck and James Daniell
Earthquake overview : A moderate 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck below Fashing, Texas. The earthquake was felt as far as Austin to the north and Corpus Christi to the south-west.
Just curious... did any of you felt the earthquake in Atascosa County?

Book Signing! "The Dead Men Wore Boots"

2011-10-19T10:33:00.002-05:00

Alan Duaine, son of author Carl Duaine, will be on hand to sign copies of the 2nd edition of "The Dead Men Wore Boots" on Saturday, November 5, 2011, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This will take place at the Pleasanton City Hall,which is the actual site where the 32nd Texas Volunteer Cavalry, Company E, mustered on March 29, 1862.

A limited number of the 1st edition were printed in 1966 and now sells for as much as $450. This 2nd edition will sell for $37.50 and will make a great gift for lovers of Texas history.

The book signing is sponsored by the Atascosa County Historical Commission.

Atascosa County and the Civil War - Part 4

2011-10-06T12:02:00.005-05:00

Regimental Elections are Held

As the men of Company E of the 36th Texas Cavalry and the others who were gathered on the Salado in March 1862 were volunteers (conscription would first go into force on April 16th), they continued the old practice of electing their own officers. Carl Duaine declares that “The Confederates elected even the sergeants and corporals.”1

The elections were probably conducted in the manner that Ranger and militia companies had always been – the proposed leaders standing at some distance from each other and at the cry “march,” the men would choose their leader by congregating to his side.2

After all the companies had chosen their own leaders, the regimental election was held. These were probably voted on by the officers of the gathered companies – or maybe only by the ranking officers.

The men of the 36th Texas would elect as their officers only men who could command their loyalty and respect. One of the Atascosa County privates of Company E said later, “I never wanted no man over me, but if I had to have one, I wanted the hair on his chest as thick as pencil lead.” That the men had good judgment and chose well is shown in the fact that, excepting resignation, promotion, death, or absolute incapacity, the officers they elected were with them all the way to the end.

Even though there were in camp veterans of the Mexican and Indian wars, Dr. Peter Woods was chosen to be Colonel Woods, commander of the 36th Texas Cavalry Regiment (his old company becoming Company A). The site on the Salado officially became Camp Woods. The new commander was a much-respected and in time even beloved leader of men - it is reported that he was called the Colonel-Doctor.3

Five days after Captain Woods submitted a muster roll for his Company A, Lewis Maverick swore into service his Company E. On that date, March 29th, 1862, the Captain would have formalized the enlistment by administering the oath of allegiance that was almost certainly standard across the southern armies. Thomas Smith of Company G described the process. The men were assembled and the roll was called.

We . . . answered to our names and the following oath was administered to us: viz: “You and each of you do swear that you will bear true allegiance to the Confederate States and serve them faithfully against all their enemies whatsoever and do swear to obey the order of the President of the Confederate States and other officers appointed over you according to the articles of war for the term of 3 years or during the war so help you God.

Horses and Equipment

After being administered the oath of office, Tom Smith wrote of his company that:

All then saddled up and mounted our horses taking guns, arms, etc. . . . Each man then rode up and had his horse gun and saddle rigging appraised so if we lose either in battle or forced march we are entitled to receive the appraised value thereof from the Confederate Government.

Perhaps typical of an enlisted man, Tom’s horse was valued at $85.00, his shotgun at $25.00, and his saddle and rigging at $25.00, for a total of $135.00. 4

Duaine points out that the reimbursement for loss on march really meant forced march; if the men lost something in normal march or camp life they had to replace it themselves. And on a private’s pay of $11 per month (the colonel’s was $300) this might take awhile. And you really did not want to lose anything especially your horse, because you might be reimbursed in “Old Confed,” commonly referred to as “shinplasters” (C.S.A. currency worth less and less as time wore on). Of course, one’s own family could help out if they were willing and able. But if you lost your horse and failed to obtain a new one within 40 days you’d be transferred to one of the infantry units in your state! 5

These Texas cavalrymen were obliged to provide their own horses, tack, and arms, but Duaine notes that everything else: tents, clothing, cooking equipment, blankets, and so on, were also the men’s own responsibility and in the Trans-Mississippi remained so throughout the war.

Camp Woods, because of its proximity to San Antonio, probably had a good commissary system. The men of Company E would have eaten well enough while there. Acquisition of food in the long run, though, became somewhat dicey, and clothing was even harder to come by. There was little or no garment or textile manufacturing west of the Mississippi. During the first two years of the war, families, private citizens, and the troopers them-selves furnished their own clothing. The Ladies’ Southern Aid Society (these were organized in a number of areas) in San Antonio made uniforms and collected what other supplies they could for the soldiers who needed help.

In the Trans-Mississippi, unlike the other parts of the Confederacy, the regiments had all the horses they needed. Texas had more horses per fighting man than did Arkansas, Missouri, or Louisiana. Besides the compensation for loss mentioned above, the volunteers were to receive forty cents a day for the use of their horses. The mounts were branded with the initials “C.S.” even though they were still considered the soldier’s own property. The Quartermaster was to supply grain and “long forage,” that is, hay and fodder.

According to the Confederate Ordnance Manual, the full set of “accoutrements” for a cavalryman’s horse was usually:

two bridles – the regular riding bridle, equipped with a bit, and a watering bridle; a halter; a saddle, usually the Spanish horn type if furnished by the men, or [two other types] if supplied by the quartermaster bureau; one or more pairs of spurs; surcingle; saddle blanket; currycomb; horse brush; picket pin; and lariat.” 6

Next time: Life in Camp Woods – and San Antonio . . .

Sources:
Purgason, Howard. Calvin Turner, Texas Ranger
1. Gallaway, B.P., ed. Texas: The Dark Corner of the Confederacy, 248;
Duaine, Carl L.. The Dead Men Wore Boots, 26
2. Ford, John Salmon. Rip Ford’s Texas, 35
3. Windle, Janice Woods. True Women, 261-262
4. Smith, Thomas. C.. Here's Yer Mule, 1-6
5. Duaine, 25-26; General Order No. 29 cited in Oates, Stephen B.. Confederate Cavalry West of the River, 44
6. Oates, 66, 58, 74-75, 77-78

Dead Men Wore Boots Is Reprinted

2011-10-03T19:15:00.003-05:00

Las Animas Press of San Antonio has just finished a Limited 2nd Edition of Carl L. Duaine's classic on the 32nd Texas Volunteer Cavalry of the Civil War. Originally issued in 1966 at only 500 copies, this uniquely regional account has in the interim gained national notice, praise, and stature. A rare and animated examination of the Trans-Mississippi sector of that great conflict, this work is now often referred to in scholarly works. Isolated copies to be found on the internet have run up to $450.

What distinguishes this work, besides the personal reports of men at war with their own people, are the meticulous collations of individual service records for an entire regiment, now in expanded format for easy reference. Included are even more annotated photos of men who were there, both those of special note and some now near forgotten.

With modern printing and greatly magnified charts, this is a much more accessible work. In this gently edited narrative of informed understanding and deep respect, this native son honors small town citizen-soldiers of mid-19th century Texas with the priceless insight and storytelling vigor for which he is known.

$37.50 the copy + $7.00 shipping (Texas residents, include sales tax: $3.00) Contact: laduaine@satx.rr.com

Atascosa County and the Civil War - Part 3

2011-09-05T17:09:00.006-05:00

Company E of the 36th Texas Marches to San Antonio

The regiment’s mustering place was a site on Salado Creek a few miles north of San Antonio. The company would not be officially formed until it reached the encampment. Was Captain Maverick there to lead them north or was that left to the local senior officer, Lieutenant Edward Walker?

On about the 21st of March 1862, the boys from Pleasanton would have gotten under way fairly early one morning (delayed by last minute requirements and prolonged goodbyes). Given the leadership of their older soldiers, the future Company E wouldn’t have had any problems with provisions or forage for the horses on the march north. They didn’t need to live off the land – they were from the land.

The hundred plus men, and pack mules, and wagons, and so on may have camped the first night about ten miles up the road and the second night at the customary Medina crossing. On the final day they probably rode through San Antonio (or did they swing a bit east of town?) on their way to camp. Surely they stopped for an hour or so. Some of the older men may have been surprised by the change in the town, the boisterous military and commercial activity. This was the biggest thing that had happened to the old place since the Mexican War.

Riding on northeast of town, the lead horsemen may have crested a rise in the low rolling terrain common to the area and seen in the distance orderly rows of tents set out in a number of squares. Around the 24th of March they pulled up at their allotted encampment at the burgeoning military installation on the Salado – the future 36th Texas Cavalry.

A man from Company G described his troop’s arrival on the Salado a little over two weeks later:

Got to the camp about 10 A M. Found 5 companies encamped here all cavalry and 2 or 3 infantry companies. Has quite a city like appearance.

Picked our place to camp and unsaddled our horses got our dinner and fixed our traps etc away. . . . We were all formed in line on foot and each man was called for, his name and age carefully noted. 1

One of the five companies encamped there on the Salado that day, four miles from San Antonio, was Captain Maverick’s Company E.

Peter Cavanaugh Woods

When the Civil War broke out, Dr. Peter C. Woods, a prominent San Marcos man, raised a company of cavalry primarily from Hays County. Dr. Woods was born in Shelbyville, Tennessee, and in 1851 he and his wife emigrated to Texas. They moved to San Marcos in 1853 where in addition to his medical practice he established himself as a planter.

About the same time as Company E was starting to come together in Pleasanton, early in March 1862, the 42-year-old Captain Woods and his company of cavalrymen headed south for the rendezvous point on Salado Creek near San Antonio, probably arriving in the middle of the month. There they were mustered into Confederate service on March 22nd. And two days later, just about the time the Pleasanton men were riding into camp, Captain Woods submitted a muster roll of his company who “furnished their own horses and arms” to his superior:

Camp Woods on the Salado
24th March, A D 1862

To Adjt. Gen. of the State of Texas

I would respectfully report that I have a Company of Mounted Volunteers now in camp near San Antonio who were mustered into service of the Confederate States for the War on the 22nd day of March, A D 1862. Called into service by Col. H.E. McCulloch Command Western Department of the State of Texas. Names as follows, to wit: [Then followed a company muster roll of 80 men.] 2

As this regiment was made up of state volunteers, they were called into service by Governor Lubbock; as the military leader of the area, Henry McCulloch, in the midst of enrolling and organizing his Frontier Regiment, was the designated military authority in the area.3

The Regiment is Formed

Carl Duaine’s book, The Dead Men Wore Boots, is a treasure of information about the regiment: its personnel, its movements, and its admirable commander. Especially rewarding is the full muster roll the author (I’m guessing) compiled showing seven to eight items of information about each trooper. The regiment’s ten companies (A through K, with no J), were recruited from the counties within a fifty mile radius of San Antonio. The muster roll lists 1,147 men, and Duaine says another 40 should probably be added. A different compilation finds that Colonel Woods had 823 troops by mid-September 1862.4

The regiment’s first formal military organizations were:
- August to December 1862: the Sub-district of the Rio Grande, District of Texas, Trans-Mississippi Department; and
- December 1862 to January 1863: the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, Trans-Mississippi Department.5

In Duaine’s compilation the regiment was “Mobilized April, 1862” and one official document listing “Field and Staff” of “Woods’ 36 Tex, Cav.” it says “Orgd June 1/62.”6 And an interesting note is that some of the documents, probably when they reached the National Archives after the war, were stamped: “Record Division – Rebel Archives – War Department.” Probably all of the Confederate states’ extant official documents had become property of the U.S. Government.

Next time: The 36th Texas Regimental Elections . . .

Sources:
Purgason, Howard. Calvin Turner, Texas Ranger
1. Smith, Thomas. C.. Here's Yer Mule, 2-4
2. Duaine, Carl L.. The Dead Men Wore Boots, 21, 96-109;
National Archives, Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who
Served in Organizations From the State of Texas. Roll M323, hereafter cited
as National Archives; Handbook of Texas Online, s.v.,
http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/WW/fwo16.html
3. National Archives; Smith, David Paul. Frontier Defense in the Civil Wars, 44-45
4. Oates, Stephen B.. Confederate Cavalry West of the River, 44
5. Sifakis, Stewart. Compendium of the Confederate Armies, 93
6. National Archives; Duaine, Carl L.. The Dead Men Wore Boots, 115

Thank you Howard.....

2011-09-05T14:38:00.003-05:00

I am new to your blog and wanted a chance to thank Howard for his Part 1 and Part 2 aritcles in the Atascosa County Chronicles! I very much enjoyed these articles.

I accidentally stumbled onto this blog while searching for information of the Men of the 36th Texas Calvary. I believe that my Great Grandfather was a member of Company E? I believe that he lived in Karnes County in 1861? I found his name on a rooster of the 36th, but I'm not positive as of yet. I understand that there is a company rooster in "The Dead Men Wore Boots"? His name was Eugene Archer and I believe that he was a private, in his twenties, when the War broke out? He was my Paternal Grandmother's Father. His Father, John Archer, also served as a captain during the War. John was a West Point graduate who moved his family from Maryland to Texas when Eugene was a young boy. I've heard that John was in his fifties in 1861, and he was stationed in Richmond during most of the war. I have been to the Virginia State Library and found brief paperwork that placed him there.

I live in Virginia, about forty five miles outside of Washington D.C. Only about fifteen miles from the Manassas Battlefield. My husband and I visited in and around San Antonio last March. While we were there, we located Eugene Archer's head stone in the Uvalde Cemetery. After serving in the War, he later became a Judge, just as his father had been. My Grandmother was born in Uvalde.

A Good Man is Gone-Tribute to James Collins

2011-08-14T17:59:00.005-05:00

I met James in the Benton City Cemetery and if you knew him you wouldn't think that was particularly odd. I was looking for my great, great grandfather's grave and got James's name and number from the cemetery gate. As it turned out, I had the wrong cemetery, but James jumped in and found the cemetery where my ancestor is buried. You see, that is what James DID. Later I found out why James knew so much about the old Benton City Cemetery. He had completely restored it. It's where his family is buried and he did not like seeing the cemetery overgrown. He didn't just talk about it or organize a committee to do it; he did it, pretty much by himself, because he felt like it was his responsibility. Then he maintained it for years after.

James knew something about every family who ever lived in Atascosa and surrounding counties. He collected information like a stamp collector collects stamps. People brought James pictures, sometimes not knowing who they were of. James didn't care. He would try to solve the mystery. Folks trusted James with their family stories and pictures. He always gave credit to the person who originally gave him the information or picture. James had no problem sharing. It always worked both ways with James. That's how I found out about one of my family lines, someone had given James a book, and he shared it with me. I was only one of many. He was a great genealogist who seemed to look at a project like a huge jigsaw puzzle, and he would not give up until he found that last piece of the puzzle. I learned so much from James Collins.

Evidence of his dedication and tenacity was obvious in the long fight over the Benton City Institute. James spent so much of his time researching the old school and knew the names of each teacher and many of the former students. He started the Benton City Historical Society, and served as president. He had barely gotten started with the restoration of the old building when the eight-year legal battle began. Thank God, he had the support of his good wife, Debbie, behind him during those years. The battle was won, but the years took their toll on the old rock structure. Too bad James couldn't have lived to see the old school restored.

James was part of the Atascosa County Historical Commission for many years and is certainly missed. I know he is missed, not only in the Lytle area, where he lived, but all over the country, by all of the folks he helped over the many years of genealogical work.

He probably would not want this published because he was a modest man, but I'm doing it anyway.

REST NOW, MY DEAR FRIEND, YOUR WORK IS COMPLETE!

Atascosa County and the Civil War - Part 2

2011-08-04T16:22:00.005-05:00

The Men of Company E of the 36th Texas Cavalry

In addition to the indispensible authority of the National Archives, we have another of those strokes of good fortune that inform these pages. In Carl Duaine’s book there is muster roll for Company E. It was prepared in 1890 and provides information not found in the official documents.

And Duaine himself probably compiled, but certainly published in his book a muster roll for the entire regiment. His roster shows each soldier’s home town (when available), his date of enlistment, rank, age, and company. This muster roll of 109 volunteers shows that about half the Company E men (51) were from Pleasanton and a few more (58) were from elsewhere: two from somewhere in the county, eight from San Antonio, a lot from Wilson and Karnes Counties, a number from Blanco County, and a few from farther afield, such as Lavaca, Kerrville, Houston, and way eastern Hardin County.1

The Officers are Elected

Though the initial mustering place was Pleasanton, the official “enlistment” would not take place until the company reached San Antonio. But it is likely that the election of its officers happened in Pleasanton. We see that after the captain there were initially two first lieutenants and two second lieutenants.

Benjamin F. Dye, a San Antonio man, was elected First Lieutenant. He was probably Lewis Maverick’s man from the beginning, and was promoted Captain after Maverick’s promotion to a general’s staff later in the war.

The other First Lieutenant was Edward Walker, a resident of Pleasanton. Walker appears to have been one of those volunteers who arrived too late at San Antonio de Béxar in 1842 to take part in any of the real fighting, but in time to participate in the ill-advised and ill-fated Somervell expedition.2

John Eckford of San Antonio was one of the Second Lieutenants, but on June 14th he was promoted by Colonel Woods to captain and Adjutant Quartermaster of the regiment. His name is on seemingly all of the early pay vouchers and other documents.

And the other Second Lieutenant was 36-year-old Calvin S. Turner of Pleasanton, a former Ranger who had fought at the Battle of Salado Creek, had ridden with Jack Hays and Ad Gillespie, had gone to Mexico with Ben McCulloch, and served on extended frontier duty with Henry McCulloch’s Texas Mounted Volunteers.

Of the non-commissioned officers, there were five sergeants (four of them from Pleasanton) and six corporals (one from Pleasanton). There were two buglers (one from Pleasanton), a blacksmith, a farrier, and there were 92 privates: 43 from Pleasanton and 49 from the other counties.3

The Company Prepares to Campaign

For the last week or so before the departure of the volunteers, the town would have been raucous with blacksmiths banging away, saddle makers busy with repairs and custom fittings for carrying extra gear, merchants selling and packaging supplies and foodstuffs the soldiers wanted to take along, and a dozen other enterprises that had to be seen to. As usual for Texas volunteers, the men were required to provide their own equipment: horse, tack, and weapons. In addition to these, a soldier needed to bring a variety of clothing and accessories to make his life in camp and on campaign tolerable. A sergeant in another company listed his kit. As he packed up his “clothes trinkets etc etc ad infinitum” he “took memoranda of them,” to wit:

Writing paper, envelopes, etc. lead pencils, pens & ink, shoe strings, wrapping twine, Bible, coarse comb, needles, scissors, buttons, etc. fine combs, soap, matches, tooth brush, 4 Pr. socks-yarn, 4 Pr. socks-cotton, 2 towels, 5 under shirts, 5 Pr. drawers, 5 check shirts, 4 Pr. pants, 2 neck ties, fish line & hook, shoes and hat & spurs, saddle, bridle and blanket.4

For most of the Pleasanton men, uniforms were a departure from the days when the Rangers hit the trail in the most wildly individual and sometimes rakishly colorful costumes imagin-able. The town’s wives and mothers would have been busy these past weeks working up sets of clothing for their men. A visiting British officer reported that “Woods’ Regiment wore practically the same clothes throughout the unit, so that they were a uniformly dressed body of troops.” Their pants and shirts were homespun. Besides cattle, Atascosa County would have had sheep; no doubt their wool was the basis for the grey homespun these Confederate soldiers wore. The Britisher said that they wore cowhide boots and high black felt hats ornamented with the “lone star of Texas.” (Probably this was a high-crowned cowboy-type hat.) He noted that other Texas cavalry regiments he met were all dressed in this manner. Regulation C.S.A. buttons and buff-striped cavalry pants were not to be found in these Texas units.5

Farewell to Pleasanton for Awhile

Finally the day of departure came, probably in mid-March 1862. All the Pleasanton men (and boys, a few were later sent home because they were too young) said their goodbyes to wives and children, parents and loved ones. The families and friends probably lined Main Street, some waving and shouting farewells, some mothers and sisters smiling through their tears. The troop, riding tall, trying to look as brave and military as they could for the proud townsfolk, rode off to the Alamo town, the designated gathering place for the regiment. Maybe some of the younger men were the new Hotspurs, ready to ride to glory – and maybe some of the older, ex-Rangers and Indian fighters, those who had been in combat or seen death up close, were more sober in their expectations and properly apprehensive in their hearts. How many of these brave lads would not come back?

When the last of them splashed across Atascosa Creek and disappeared up the San Antonio road, the little hamlet of Pleasanton must have seemed pretty quiet – and empty.

Next time: March to San Antonio; the 36th Texas Gets a Colonel . . .

Sources:
Purgason, Howard. Calvin Turner, Texas Ranger
1. Duaine, Carl L.. The Dead Men Wore Boots, 96-111
2. U.S. Census, 1860, Atascosa County, Texas; Texas State Library and Archives Commission
3. National Archives, Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations From the State of Texas. Roll M323; Duaine, Carl L.. The Dead Men Wore Boots, 96-111
4. Smith, Thomas. C.. Here's Yer Mule, 1, 32
5. Duaine, Carl. The Dead Men Wore Boots, 96-111; Oates, Stephen B.. Confederate Cavalry West of the River, 61

2011-07-27T14:18:00.004-05:00

On another part of my ranch, about a mile away from the main ranch house, stands another stone building which we were told was a one-room school house. I suspect it originally was just a house an early settler used, then later it became a schoolhouse. This building has all 4 walls, dirt floor, and is in poor condition with no water, indoor plumbing, or electricity. It is unchanged from when we bought it. I am interested in learning more about these stone buildings on my property, and when they may have been built. The construction technique is the same as in the main ranch house, and I suspect it was build more or less around the same time.

These are photos of the 1-room school house.

2011-07-27T14:08:00.003-05:00

Here are some photos showing the result of the remodeling. We found some stones in the ground in front of the building which made us believe it originally had a front porch, so we added the front porch to the main house. This caused the roof to look a little different from the earlier photos, but otherwise we maintained as much original size, shape, and content. I suspect this building was built in the 1845-1850 period, but this is just a guess. At that time, stone buildings were generally covered in stucco, to give it smooth, uniformly white appearance. When we bought the place, the stucco was falling off the walls in many places, but attached in others, and was very non uniform. We removed all the stucco, revealing handsome stonework which was previously covered up. These walls are about 18-24 inches thick, and are double-sided, with different stones facing different directions. The hollow space in the middle of the wall is filled with dirt, small rocks, sand, etc.

2011-07-27T13:59:00.004-05:00

I am new to the blog. My name is Mike Callahan, and I own a ranch in eastern Atascosa County
very near to where Karnes and Wilson County lines meet. The exact point of those 3 counties is just to my north across CR413 off my property. All my land lies exclusively in atascosa county.

We bought the ranch in 1999, and the two photos to the right show what the 2 main buildings looked like when we bought it. There was one building mostly standing, and a 2nd, smaller building that had 2 walls collapsed. The main house is what we were told was the stage stop. both were in bad disrepair, with decades of neglect & junk, and coons and snakes living there. We refurbished the place in 2000, maintaining as much of the original as possible, but joining the 2 buildings together to gain more space. It is now has running water, electricity, air conditioning, and is our weekend getaway, as we live in Austin.

I am having a little trouble controlling where the photos land, so I create a different post to show what it looks like after we refurbished it.

The Civil War Comes to Atascosa County - Part 1

2011-07-02T11:48:00.011-05:00

Imagine a day in mid-April 1861. You’re walking down Pleasanton’s Main Street on the way to the General Store, or you’ve ridden your horse to San Antonio on business, and you see a newspaper emblazoned with the headline “WAR! FORT SUMTER FIRED ON!” So, it really is going to happen. Now the larger world will invade the lives of ranchers and shopkeepers and mothers of children out on the edge of the Texas frontier and pull them into its turmoil.

Of course, the County’s citizens would have known war was coming. All of the news of the previous year was rife with the politics of slavery, abolition, states’ rights, the seeming threat of Lincoln’s election, the fracturing of political parties. Then when the Republican won the presidency in November, it was only a matter of time until the secessionist tide reached Texas.

On February 23rd a popular referendum was held in Texas; some citizens were strongly opposed, others adamantly in favor. A contested election indicated that about two thirds had voted yes. On March 5th Texas joined the Confederate States of America, and when the Fort Sumter bombardment began on April 12th, there was no longer any avoiding civil war. It was real now.1

Surely, there were young single men eager to go to war, but many men with families were also swept up. There would have been somber talk between husbands and wives at the kitchen table that night after the children had gone to bed; possibly the husband stressing duty, the wife arguing for family. Should he go? How could he not go? How was she to manage? Households would have had livestock and probably a sizeable patch of vegetables growing and hired hands and all the rest. How could a family man with that kind of responsibility go off to war!?

A Home Front Concern

As if domestic and familial constraints weren’t enough, the Indian threat to the region was ongoing.

In the 1850s due to the increased presence of some U.S. Army units along the frontier, but more to the continual punitive expeditions and patrolling of the frontier line by Ranger outfits such as Rip Ford’s and Henry McCulloch’s, the Indians were somewhat held in check. But neither the Army and Ranger operations nor the removal of many tribes to reservations put a stop to Comanche-Kiowa depredations by the eve of the Civil War. To the contrary, the military operations against the Comanches brought sporadic retaliatory “murder raids” by those native warriors whose code required vengeance for fathers or sons or family members killed.2

During the decade of the ‘50s the area around San Antonio was still being raided periodically. “An entire German settlement was destroyed northwest of San Antonio.”3 And it was reported that in 1861 “the Indians made [a] big raid, penetrating the settlements as far as Pleasanton” and that under the command of Big Foot Wallace “men gathered from all over the country to fight them.”4

Company E of the 36th Texas Cavalry is Formed

By very early in 1862, likely everybody in the county knew that the military call-up was coming soon. Lewis Maverick of San Antonio returned from the war in Virginia probably with the intention of raising a company. When he did, about half of it was from the little town on the Atascosa.

Did Maverick ride down to Pleasanton to meet with the men of the town, maybe make a patriotic recruitment speech? Did he explain the possible mission of the company and set out the place and time of muster and the equipment requirements?

Or did the initiative came from Pleasanton? There must have been one or more meetings in town to discuss formation of a cavalry company of the C.S.A., and what it might mean to them. Brave and resolute as most of the would-be volunteers probably were, it would have been good to have old hands, Rangers and Mexican War veterans, around to ask questions of and maybe privately seek a little reassurance from.

Perhaps the Pleasanton men had heard that young Maverick wanted to form a company and so sent a spokesperson to San Antonio to tell him that half a company of men were ready to join up and they would accept his leadership.

To our very great benefit, a South Texas historian, Carl L. Duaine, wrote the only history to be found of the regiment. Here he describes the general nature of the men who made up Maverick’s company. He says they were

men who came from the edges of the brush country, that section lying south of San Antonio, the southern boundary of which was marked by the Nueces River. Beyond lay the real brush country, La Brasada, reaching to the Rio Grande.

These were men who made their living working cattle in La Brasada. They did a little farming at times, growing corn for themselves and their horses, or producing little patches of hay for the saddle horses during drought and winter time, but their main occupation was dragging cattle out of the ramaderos of the brush country.

Probably in late February 1862, the word was circulated around the west (now central) Texas area that volunteers for this company were to muster at Pleasanton in mid-March. When it was formed it would become Company E (in modern military usage it would be called Echo Company) of Woods’ Cavalry. Duaine says it “was called together under the giant live oak trees that grew [in] Pleasanton . . . [the men] came from Atascosa, Wilson, Live Oak, McMullen Counties.” (Duaine wrote that the muster was at "the old red rock courthouse," but it wasn't completed until 1886. See comments below.)

Under the big live oaks, Lewis Maverick made out a muster roll, starting with himself as Number One, Captain of the Company, and listing 103 men. He recorded each man in the Company in a neat, highly legible hand that is easily read today.5

Next time: the Officers and Men of The 36th Texas . . .

Sources:
1. Purgason, Howard. Calvin Turner, Texas Ranger
Handbook of Texas Online, s.v.,
http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/SS/mjs1.html
2. Fehrenbach, T.R.. Lone Star, 438
3. Fehrenbach, T.R.. Comanches, 421
4. F.G. Tinsley in A.J. Sowell, Early Settlers and Indian Fighters of Southwest Texas, 306
5. Duaine, Carl L.. The Dead Men Wore Boots, 22-23

Joseph Perry Pratt

2011-06-08T09:58:00.002-05:00

My great-great grandfather, Joseph Perry Pratt married Matilda Sutton 19 Oct 1877 and had 14 children. My great-grandmother Josephine Pratt, (1878 -1942) was their first child. She married Robert Green Newman in 1897. If anyone has stories or more pictures of this family, hope you will share with me! ~Elaine Adams

Pratt Reunion

2011-06-08T09:48:00.003-05:00

The Pratt Reunion was held at the Rossville Community Center on June 4. I got a wonderful picture of our ancestor Joseph Perry Pratt from one of my cousins there. Joseph Pratt and his wife Matilda Sutton Pratt are buried in the Anchorage Cemetery. If anyone has any stories about these Pratts or any other pictures, I would LOVE to know about them.

Poteet Area Ghost and Treasure Stories

2011-06-04T14:55:00.003-05:00

Do you remember a great story from your childhood, maybe that your grandparents told you, about buried silver or gold out on the Atascosa River, buried by the Spaniards or Santa Anna's men, while marching to San Antonio?

Maybe there's a ghost story someone told you, or have you experienced something strange while living in the Poteet area?

There are many of these stories, and someone wants to put them into a book so that they won't be forgotten as time goes by. If you would like to participate in this project, and have a story to tell, call Analon Gilbert @ 806 368-6244.

The 36th Texas Cavalry - or Was it The 32nd?

2011-05-30T17:54:00.037-05:00

Even before the big guns opened up on Fort Sumter on April 12th, 1861, the Texas Secession Convention set up a Committee of Public Safety, which authorized two regiments of volunteer cavalry for the Army of Texas. During the rest of the year, the War Department commissioned over twenty colonels to raise cavalry regiments to add to that basic force. Most were intended for service west of the Mississippi, but some were slated for combat in the eastern theatres.

A local “captain” or “colonel” would issue a call for volunteers, and when enough would-be horse soldiers rallied, the troop would report to one of the mustering areas. Unit names were surely assigned by the Adjutant General, either in advance or after the fact. Requests for assignment and designation were probably being processed through the War Department with more haste than order. (Ultimately there were 45 regiments of Texas cavalry in the C.S.A.) And it must be remembered that in those days communication between Austin and outlying commands was the same as in Caesar’s time – by horse. The hectic work load would have resulted in some mistakes, and slow communications would have made turn-around of corrections frustrating and tardy.

What’s more, by mid-May of the following year, all the state organizations had been dissolved and transferred to Confederate service – more name adjustments probably took place. Given all that, it should not be surprising that in those early, hectic days, there was some confusion and overlapping of names for military units.

Clearly, in the ongoing rush to form up units for the war, something of the kind happened to our local regiment. It was obviously intended at first to be named the 32nd, but very soon was re-designated the 36th. That happened, in fact, even before Captain Peter C. Woods, who would become Colonel of the regiment, created the first muster roll for his company at the rallying place on Salado Creek near San Antonio. The regiment was officially organized and mustered into Confederate service on June 1st, 1862 at Camp Clark near San Marcos.

Though reference to its previous designation was made on many, if not all, of the regiment’s documents (some carried this notation: “Tex Cav 36/32”), there is no doubt that Wood’s Regiment, from mustering-in to disbandment, was named the 36th Texas Cavalry.

What explains the confusion of its sometimes being referred to as the 32nd?

One of the earliest and most lasting consequences of the original lack of organizational clarity is to be found in the Memoirs of Mary Maverick of the prominent San Antonio family of the time. (Samuel Maverick was a lawyer, land speculator, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and member of Congress.) One of their sons, Samuel Jr. (age 25), served in Terry’s Texas Rangers, fighting throughout the south and distinguishing himself in the battle for Fort Donelson in Tennessee.

Probably sometime in the middle of 1862, Mrs. Maverick wrote this of her younger son, the 23-year-old Lewis (who was the first Anglo-American child to be born and reared in San Antonio):

When the war commenced, Lewis was attending Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina—he immediately enlisted for six months in the 1st North Alabama Regiment, and was at Big Bethel, the first battle of the war. . . . Lewis returned to us at the end of his first enlistment, and raised a company [that would become] Company “E”, for the 32nd Texas Cavalry commanded by Colonel Woods.

In 1921, members of Mrs. Maverick’s family published a collection of her writings: notes and memoranda she had jotted down during her eventful early years; a legacy invaluable to Texas historians. But when they compiled the book, they either didn’t know the accurate designation of her son Lewis’ regiment – or they did, but decided not to tamper with their matriarch’s work. In either case, that error has gone into the literature.

Another major reference using the wrong designation for the regiment is a book familiar to some students of Texas history, by Carl L. Duaine: The Dead Men Wore Boots: An Account of the 32nd Texas Volunteer Cavalry, CSA.

There is no readily available knowledge as to when this book was written (nor does it contain any source citations which might provide a clue). When the private publisher, San Felipe Press at Austin, printed Duaine’s book in 1966, they violated one of publishing’s canons: they didn’t note when and where the book was originally published. (There is the possibility that this was its first printing.) We know it was written after 1890 because Duaine included the reunion of that year of the Regiment’s Company E (made up of Pleasanton and other men) in the book.

Granted, there were no Internet searches in those days, no ready access to the National Archives, the Texas State Archives, and so on. In the absence of any good research capability, you pretty much had to go with whatever came into your hands, or accept what you had been told by someone who may or may not have known the absolute truth.

Carl Duaine’s book is notable for two things at once: it is a treasure of information about Woods’ Regiment: its personnel, its movements, and its admirable commander – and, because of his incorrect designation of the regiment, the agency of a graphic error that has persisted(widespread by the Internet) down through the decades.

Besides these two, other books and web sites have picked up the error and passed it along. But the good news is that the most reliable sources have got it right and the hope is that future researchers and genealogists will find and accept those. Premier among them is the irrefutable touchstone, the National Archives, viz., Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations From the State of Texas. Roll M323.

For those interested, the 32nd Texas Cavalry Regiment (Andrews’), also incorrectly called the Fifteenth Texas Cavalry Regiment (and there was another unit by that number), was organized in May 1862 at Corinth, Mississippi. For an excellent description of the formation and history of the 32nd, see the webpage Military History of John Henry Brigance. http://gen.1starnet.com/civilwar/brigancj.htm

Sources:
---Duaine, Carl Laurence. The Dead Men Wore Boots: An Account of the 32nd Texas Volunteer Cavalry, CSA. Austin: The San Felipe Press, 1966.
---Maverick, Mary. Memoirs of Mary Maverick. c1921. (Arranged and edited by her family.) Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1989.
---Oates, Stephen B.. Confederate Cavalry West of the River. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1961. Pages 5-11.
---Purgason, Howard. Calvin Turner, Texas Ranger: The Apple That Didn’t Fall Far from the Tree. Privately published book, 2011.

Pratt Reunion

2011-05-25T17:10:00.002-05:00

A Pratt reunion (potluck) will be held in Rossville, Texas on June 4, 2011, at 11:00a.m. If you are a Pratt descendant, hope you can attend with old pictures and a story or two!

Distinquished Service Award

2011-04-28T18:30:00.004-05:00

Atascosa County Historical Commission was honored during the County Commissioner's Court meeting on April 25 for their award of the distinguished service award by the Texas Historical Commission for the fourth year in a row. This year Atascosa CHC was one of 71 out of 254 Texas counties selected for the award.

The award recognizes CHC's that have demonstrated substantial preservation efforts, cultivated partnerships and engaged in educational opportunities that lead to a greater understanding of state and local history. Some of the exemplary efforts considered for the award include advancing youth programs, pursuing historical markers for diverse subjects, maintaining historic cemeteries, recording oral histories, assisting local museums, and surveying cultural and historical resources.

"The commitment of Atascosa County's preservation efforts demonstrates an enthusiasm for saving the real places of Texas,"said THC Executive Directive Mark Wolfe. "Your service has helped to enrich the lives of others through history, ensuring the preservation of our state's past into the future."

CHC's are a vital link in Texas' preservation network and few other states have a built-in mechanism that establishes a preservation organization in every county.

These unpaid county appointees donated an estimated $16.3 million in volunteer hours towards the preservation of Texas' historic assets in 2010. CHC's work in a dynamic and positive partnership with the THC to preserve Texas' heritage for the use, education, enjoyment and economic benefit of present and future generations.

Other CHC responsibilities include the preservation of countless historic buildings, artifacts, documents and other pieces of Texas history.

For more information about the Distinguished Service Award, visit www.thc.state.tx.us or contact the History Program's Division at 512 463-5853

Members of the Atascosa CHC pictured, Left to Right are, County Clerk Diane Gonzales, Historical Marker Chair Barbara Westbrook, Chairman Norman Porter,Sr., County Judge Diana Bautista.

Onion Field Near Poteet

2011-04-16T17:50:00.002-05:00

Old Jail in Jourdanton

2011-04-16T17:37:00.002-05:00

I love this picture of the old red brick jail in Jourdanton. It was built by H. Phelps, who also built the county courthouse, and is still standing. It was completed in 1915. The cells on the third floor are intact and the gallows for hangin is in the south west corner of the building.

Hunt Continues For Civil War Veterans and Stories

2011-04-16T16:39:00.002-05:00

The 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War is here. Texans played an important role in the war effort in terms of manpower and leadership. It produced a general, it was the adopted home of a lieutenant general, three major generals, thirty-two brigadier generals and almost on hundred colonels. As for troups, the Lone Star State supplied the cause with forty-five regiments of cavalry, twenty-three regiments of infantry, twelve battalions of cavalry, four battalions of infantry, one regiment of heavy artillery, and three light artillery batteries. There were twenty-eight infantry regiments and two legions that remained under state control. There was even a company of the 32nd Texas Volunteer Cavalry that mustered in Pleasanton in March of 1862.

The Atascosa County Historical Commission and a group of interested citizens has formed a committee to locate and mark as many veteran graves, Confederate and Union, as they can find. In addition, they would like to collect stories of the men who served, and the home front stories. What went on at home while the men were off fighting? We want to know who signed up to protect the women and children from the Indians. We also want to know about the Tejanos who fought in the war.

If you have a story to share, give us a call. We'll help you with the research and we'll help you write it, if you need it. If you know where a veteran of the Civil War is buried within the county call us. Barbara Westbrook 830 769-4333 or Norman Porter 830 569-2680.

Source: Ashcraft,Allan C., Texas in the Civil War: A Resume History,Texas Civil War Centennial Commission, January 1962, Austin, Texas

Distinquished Service Award

2011-04-12T18:26:00.003-05:00

The Atascosa County Historical Commission has been chosen to receive the DSA for the fourth year in a row by the Texas Historical Commission. The group will be recognized in County Commissioners Court on April 25, a certificate has been sent by THC and will be presented to Chairman Norman Porter, Sr. by County Judge Diana Bautista.

Seventy-one of the 254 Texas counties received the award for 2011. This year the Atascosa CHC partnered with TxDOT and THC to complete a cemetery survey, identifying 108 cemeteries in the area so that they could be put on an updated map. This tool will be used by libraries, funeral homes, county offices and historians. New historical marker subjects were researched and approved, as well.

Seven New Historical Markers for County

2011-04-12T17:51:00.003-05:00

The newest historical markers for Atascosa County will soon be put in place. The Church of Christ of Pleasanton was the first for the 2010 marker season to dedicate their marker in October. The First Baptist Church of Jourdanton has received their marker and are making plans for a big celebration to unveil it. Second Baptist in Pleasanton will begin planning a dedication when their marker comes late this summer. Last, but not least is a marker to commemorate the integration of the Pleasanton schools. The subject was submitted as an "untold story", or an underrepresented subject, to the THC, and the marker has been totally funded by the THC. It was one of 20 subjects accepted from across the state in 2009.

Approved by the Texas Historical Commission for the 2011 round are St.Matthew's Catholic Parish Church of Jourdanton, Jourdanton ISD, which will celebrate it's centennial in 2011, and Jourdan Campbell, Jourdanton's founder.

The current Official Texas Historical Marker program, which began in 1962, is a popular way to interpret local history across the state. There are approximately 15,000 such markers throughout the 254 Texas counties.

Civil War Committee Has Formed

2011-02-11T11:08:00.004-06:00

A committee made up of members of the Atascosa County Historical Commission and local citizens has come together to plan several events to commemorate the sesquecentennial of the war between the states. An effort is under way to locate and mark the graves of every veteran of the conflict within Atascosa County.

According to Carl L. Duaine's, "The Dead Men Wore Boots", the 32nd Cavalry Regiment was comprised of men from counties surrounding San Antonio, Companies A through K, ten excluding company J. Company E mustered under huge live oak trees that grew around the court house at Pleasanton, in Atascosa County. Local men came, and men rode in from the surrounding counties to sign under the name of the Company Captain, Lewis Maverick. In the shade of those oak trees, 103 men signed up to join company E of the 32nd Texas Volunteer Cavalry.

The committee plans to re-enact the muster of the 32nd in March of 2012, hopefully, with the help of local volunteers playing the roles of Lewis Maverick and those signing up for service. A search for the perfect oak trees is vital as plans are underway to build a replica of the old picket court house next to them.

Additionally, in 2012, Jourdanton plans to host a two day event featuring re-enactors and educational exhibits relating to this important time in our history. We hope to include activities for school children and to have something of interest for everyone.

We are also collecting stories about veterans of the Confederacy, Union and home front. We would love to put these in a book that can be shared by all. Family photographs to correspond with the stories would be most welcome.

The committee planning these events meets on the fourth Monday of each month, at 6:30 P.M, at the Jourdanton Community Center (next to the Library). The public is invited to attend. If you have an interest in history, or have an ancestor who served in the Union or Confederacy, please come to a meeting, or call one of us.
We will help you research him if you need help with that. Call Dorothy Manning at 830 769-3087 or Barbara Westbrook at 830 769-4333

Brite Family in 1907

2011-01-11T13:06:00.004-06:00

This is only one of the great photos featured in J.Taylor Brite's new book,"Albertus Brite and Descendants," that has just been published. It must have been difficult to round up all 15 of the W.T. Brite children for a photo, so I'll bet this was a rare occasion!
Looks like that fire place is made of good old Atascosa County red sandstone.

Click on photo to enlarge

Brite Book is Published

2011-01-07T21:05:00.003-06:00

J.Taylor Brite has published an interesting book called, "Albertus Brite and Descendants of Kentucky, Missouri, Texas and California", which gives the history of the Brite and associated families, along with many interesting documents, photos and great stories.

Mr.Brite was born in Atascosa County, attended Pleasanton High School, after three years in the U.S. Air Force, entered St.Mary's Law School, earning his law degree in 1950. During this time he met and married a beautiful young nursing student from Santa Rosa Hospital School of Nursing, named Francis Calcote. After passing the State Bar the Brites came to Pleasanton where Mr. Brite practiced law for 60 years, serving 9 years as County Attorney, 17 years as District Attorney (81st Judicial District) and 8 1/2 years as District Judge, 12 years as visiting District Judge until his retirement in 1997.

The Book is a culmination of 50 years of collecting information on the Brite families, is very well organized and fascinating even if you aren't related!

Historic Preservation Conference

2011-01-07T20:41:00.002-06:00

This year the annual Historic Preservation Conference, sponsored by the Texas Historical Commission, will be held March 31-April 2. It will be held at the Sheraton Austin Hotel on East 11th St. The conference is a great opportunity to attend workshops on all sorts of subjects from preserving historic cemeteries to grant writing to fund raising opportunities. For more specifics, visit the THC website at www.thcstate.tx.us or call them at 512 463-6255.

George Strait

2010-12-26T22:19:00.001-06:00

Hey, did you know that George Strait was born in Atascosa County in 1952? Just a little trivia about a great singer!

Chisholm Trail and the Great Western Trail

2010-07-23T10:12:00.002-05:00

One of the first cattleman associations in Texas had it's beginning in the old town of Pleasanton, Atascosa County, Texas. This was the Stock Raiser's Association of Western Texas, organized in 1867. This information was found in the Western Stock Journal, June, 1873. Cowmen from several counties would meet at a designated place to discuss problems and to settle up after the drives to Kansas. Those counties were Bee, Refugio, Live Oak, Guadalupe, McMullen, Karnes, Uvalde, Wilson, Goliad and others that now make up South Texas.

The Western Stock Journal kept journals in trail brand books containing records of all cattle drives from Atascosa and surrounding counties. J.Frank Dobie, in his "A VAQUERO OF THE BRUSH COUNTRY" book, has an example of this information. These old books are in the Witte Museum in San Antonio. Atascosa County records from 1868-1876 are in these journals. On page 118 of my book, ATASCOSA COUNTY HISTORY THROUGH 1912, published in 2007, there is a copy of a page from the Western Stock Journal showing the number of cattle (43,000) trailed north from Atascosa County in a three month period in the year 1873.

During the 1936 Texas Centennial, Chisholm Trail Markers (metal) were placed along this old trail. One was placed in front of the old Atascosa County Courthouse. It remained there until the building was torn down in 1953. It was then placed in front of Pleasanton's Longhorn Museum. It was stolen the first night after being placed there.

It is the feeling of many, including the Atascosa Historical Commission, that both the Chisholm Trail and the Great Western Stock Trail had its beginning in South Texas, south of San Antonio, near Pleasanton, Atascosa County, Texas, and should be part of a national trail designation. Both trails, The Great Western Trail, west of San Antonio, and the Chisholm Trail, east of San Antonio, went through Atascosa County and possibly started here. Thousands of Longhorns left Atascosa County were trailed up these two trails beginning in late 1860's through the early 1880's.

Written by: Norman F. Porter, Sr., Chairman
Atascosa County Historical Commission

Downtown San Antonio

2010-05-22T17:53:00.004-05:00

I'll bet everybody has a picture like this one. The photographer set up on a street, this looks like Houston Street, and took the picture, then offered it for sale. This is my dapper dad, Pete Morris. I wonder where he was going so dressed up...

Get Your Kicks On Route 66

2010-05-12T19:23:00.003-05:00

This is a picture of my mother, Opal Holmes. It was taken in 1934 while traveling, by car, to Chicago from Atascosa County to the Chicago World's Fair. She taught school in Somerset and Leal, also Boerne and Mineral Wells. She married my dad, William Don "Pete" Morris, in 1939 in the Methodist Church in Pleasanton. It was a double wedding, the other couple was Charity Winters and Sandy Crane.

Charlotte History

2010-05-12T18:56:00.003-05:00

Anybody know how the city of Charlotte got it's name? The common belief is that Charlotte, as well as Christine and Imogene, were named for Dr.Charles Simmons daughters. He was the great land developer in the area. The trouble is, Dr.Simmons didn't have daughters by those names.

The city is celebrating it's centennial anniversary on June 12. Mr.Norman Porter is presenting the history of the town on that day and has heard various stories about the naming of Charlotte. If you know the real story PLEASE post it or email me at bwestbrook@2fastmail.com.

Old Deed

2010-05-02T17:45:00.004-05:00

I found this old Pleasanton deed in some family papers. The deed is dated 1858, the year the town was established. The name on the front is Edward Fields and the county clerk who recorded it was Ed Walker. Ed Walker enlisted in 1862, but was discharged because of his age. He was 45. After his return to Atascosa County, Ed Walker received a commission to enlist a company of Rangers for protection against Indian raids.

Picnic in Pleasanton

2010-04-30T21:42:00.002-05:00

Left to right are W.D."Pete" Morris, my dad, Maude Thomason Morris, my grandmother, Uncle John Morris and I'm not sure who the others are.

Benton City Historical Society Seeks Members

2010-04-30T19:09:00.005-05:00

The Benton City Institute was built in 1875. The two-story rock schoolhouse was originally built by J.R.Sweeten and then sold to Col. John D. Morrison, who was a teacher and educator. The building was later sold to Professor B.C. (Bernard Calvin) Hendrick and his wife, Mary (Coleman), both of whom were early-day teachers. They taught in Pleasanton, Jourdanton and Old Frio Town (Pearsall), as well as Benton City.

The upper-floor of this building was the original birthplace of the Benton City Masonic Lodge #379 and Eastern Star #335. In 1909, when the "Masonic Lodge" moved to Lytle, the upper-floor's ownership was transferred to the Benton City School District #9. Both the lower and upper-floors were then used as a schoolhouse until 1934. Mrs. Mozelle (Hughes) Hindes taught the last class there.

Through our research, we have discovered early-day receipts showing students were from as far away as Oklahoma and had paid a tuition fee of $2.00 for a one-month educational session at this school.

At one time, there was an official Historical Marker there, but it has since been stolen.

The old school house is in pretty bad shape, but plans are to completely restore this building to it's original 1875 condition.

The Benton City Historical Society is now offering memberships to anyone that may wish to join us in this worthwhile restoration project: Membership applications may be picked up at the Pleasanton Public Libary by contacting Diana Gutherie at 830 569-3622, or the Jourdanton Community Library via Dorothy Manning 830 769-3087 or by contacting James Collins in Lytle at 830 709-3939.

We are offering several different levels of memberships that range from $5.00 annually for students and seniors to a $25.00 membership for businesses.

If anyone has any information or pictures of the old Benton City schoolhouse, please contact James Collins at 830 709-3939. Once the building is completely restored our plans are to place a memorial tribute and plaque honoring all the names of the boys and girls that once attended school there.

We also need help in gathering names of any of the early-day teachers who may have taught school at the Benton City Institute.

Written by James Collins, President, Benton City Historical Society.

Edward Morris

2010-04-29T14:44:00.004-05:00

Ed Morris was born in 1851 in Guadalupe County. Orphaned before 1860, he was raised by Ranger Captain John F. Tom and his wife Mary Ann Moffet Tom who migrated to Atascosa County in about 1862. Edward married Mahalia Elizabeth Duck Morris. He worked as a sheriff's deputy, and was a member of the Pleasanton Masonic Lodge. Ed died in 1919 and is buried in the Pleasanton City Cemetery.

The girl in the picture was his granddaughter, Maurine Morris Shone.

Atascosa County Historical Commission Recognized

2010-04-29T13:35:00.002-05:00

The Atascosa County Historical Commission was honored in Commissioner's Court on April 26 during their regular meeting. County Judge Diana Bautista presented the Distinguished Service Award to Chairman Norman Porter, Sr. The award was created by the Texas Historical Commission to recognize County Historical Commissions for outstanding achievement in historical preservation and is given yearly. Eighty-three of the 254 Texas counties received the award this year.

The ACHC dedicated six new historical markers in 2009 as well as holding a ceremony to rededicate the newly restored Russell Cemetery. The new markers are for the city of Jourdanton, Ralph Roy "Railroad" Smith, Jourdanton United Methodist Church, Jourdanton City Cemetery, St.John Evangelical Lutheran Church and Martin Abstract, Company. The dedication for Jourdanton's City Cemetery included Middle School Students from the Science and History Club, in period clothing, portraying pioneer's buried there. The students wrote their dialogs based on the history of the citizen they represented. They were brilliant. The activities were in celebration of Jourdanton's Centennial Anniversary.

Another event recognized by the THC was a Photo and Oral History clinic held in January. This was a cooperative effort between the Jourdanton and Pleasanton Public Libraries, the ACHC and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Citizens from all over the county brought old photos of people, buildings and scenes to be scanned by the Institute of Texan Cultures to use in displays. Five hundred forty vintage photos were scanned and negatives were made. In addition, eleven oral histories were recorded.

Another important event for the ACHC was it's hosting of a great symposium on the Battle of Medina, put on by the Alamo Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Speakers were Al McGraw, Archaeologist for TxDot, Historian Richard Santos, Author Robert Thonhoff and others, who presented the latest research on the bloodiest battle in Texas history and the first Republic of Texas.

This was the third year in a row the ACHC has received the honor.

Hearn College Items in Texas State Archives

2010-03-09T21:18:00.004-06:00

D'Jelma Hearn Zirkle, who was born in 1918 in Atascosa County, attended Texas State University in San Marcos when it was called Southwest Texas State Teachers College and graduated in May 1942. A few of her college items that I donated to the University Archives are currently on display in an exhibit in the Alkek Library. If you'd like to see pictures of these items and others, go to the following site: http://twitpic.com/photos/UnivArchives. My mother lost her hearing at age ten, but was determined to go to college and to be a school teacher. She did both of these and I have always been so proud of her.

Charles Franklin in Atascosa County, Texas

2010-02-14T17:55:00.002-06:00

SIMMONS, CHARLES FRANKLIN (1853–1910). Charles Franklin Simmons, rancher and land promoter, was born Calvin Franklin Simmons in Iuka, Mississippi, on September 27, 1853, one of three sons of Dr. M. A. Simmons, inventor of Dr. M. A. Simmons's Vegetable Liver Medicine. Simmons received his early schooling in Mississippi. He reportedly studied law at the University of Virginia and Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tennessee, and attended Jefferson Medical College and the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. He apparently practiced law in Lebanon prior to 1879, when he purchased his father's St. Louis patent-medicine business. At nineteen, Simmons married Harriet (Hattie) P. Cantrell, of Lebanon, Tennessee; he was the father of three sons and six daughters, but only one son, Harry, and five daughters lived past childhood. Simmons sold his interest in the St. Louis medicine business in 1900 and moved to Live Oak County, Texas, to reside on the 60,000-acre ranch he purchased that year. After subdividing the ranch and establishing the town of Simmons City in 1907, he moved to San Antonio in 1908. That same year he purchased a 95,000-acre ranch in Atascosa County from Daniel and Anton Oppenheimer. He founded a town, first called New Artesia and then Christine, which was incorporated 1910, and platted the townsite of Imogene. He chartered the Artesian Belt Railroad Company in 1908 and laid 38.7 miles of track from Kirk, a siding on the International-Great Northern Railroad southwest of San Antonio, through Poteet, Jourdanton, and his ranch, to Christine. To attract settlers to Christine and Imogene, Simmons wrote and published a pamphlet advertising package deals for lots in town and farm acreage. He was divorced from Harriet C. Simmons in San Antonio in March 1910 and married her younger sister, Martha (Mattie) Cantrell in the same year. Simmons suffered from kidney disease for many years and died from Bright's disease in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on November 4, 1910. Simmons was a member of the Methodist Church, Knights Templar, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Redmen, and Knights of Honor. He was buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Lebanon. His widow, Mattie Simmons, died in Excelsior Springs on November 11, 1913.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Atascosa County History (Pleasanton, Texas: Atascosa History Committee, 1984). F. A. Schmidt, Rails to the Artesian Belt (MS, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin, 1977). Ervin L. Sparkman, The People's History of Live Oak County (Mesquite, Texas, 1981).

Michael R. M

2009-11-10T13:57:00.000-06:00

I was poking around on the Internet and found this item of interest. You cannot see the actual papers/clippings online. Since I live in Austin, I plan to head over to the History Center and check it out!
A Guide to the Atascosa County Scrapbook and Obituary, 1930-1938
Descriptive Summary
Creator: Atascosa County
Title: Atascosa County Scrapbook and Obituary
Dates: 1930-1938
Abstract:
The bulk of the material consists of obituaries, arranged alphabetically by the surname of the deceased, and other newspaper clippings, which were clipped from various Atascosca County newspapers.
Extent: 4 inches
Language: Materials are written in English.
Repository: Center for American History,The University of Texas at Austin
This will take you right to the first page:
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/utcah/00800/cah-00800.html

2009-11-02T20:53:00.000-06:00

Some interesting facts about Atascosa County today. I found them at this website:
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/48013.html
The site compares Atascosa with Texas, but I didn't include those facts.

People QuickFacts -- Atascosa County
Population, 2008 estimate
43,877
Population, percent change, April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008
13.6%
Population estimates base (April 1) 2000
38,623
Persons under 5 years old, percent, 2008
7.6%
Persons under 18 years old, percent, 2008
28.0%
Persons 65 years old and over, percent, 2008
11.7%
Female persons, percent, 2008
50.6%
White persons, percent, 2008 (a)
96.5%
Black persons, percent, 2008 (a)
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native persons, percent, 2008
0.9%
Asian persons, percent, 2008
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, percent, 2008
0.1%
Persons reporting two or more races, percent, 2008
0.7%
Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin, percent, 2008
60.5%
White persons not Hispanic, percent, 2008
37.2%
Living in same house in 1995 and 2000, pct 5 yrs old & over
60.9%
Foreign born persons, percent, 2000
5.1%
Language other than English spoken at home, pct age 5+, 2000
45.3%
High school graduates, percent of persons age 25+, 2000
65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher, pct of persons age 25+, 2000
10.5%
Persons with a disability, age 5+, 2000
8,221
Housing units, 2007
15,797
Homeownership rate, 2000
78.4%
Housing units in multi-unit structures, percent, 2000
4.0%
Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2000
$52,900
Households, 2000
12,816
Persons per household, 2000
2.99
Median household income, 2007
$40,186
Persons below poverty, percent, 2007
18.1%

Business QuickFacts - Atascosa County, Texas
Private nonfarm establishments with paid employees, 2006
639
Private nonfarm employment, 2006
6,598
Private nonfarm employment, percent change 2000-2006
11.5%
Nonemployer establishments, 2006
2,730
Total number of firms, 2002
2,755
Black-owned firms, percent, 2002
fewer than 100
American Indian and Alaska Native owned firms, percent, 2002
fewer than 100
Asian-owned firms, percent, 2002
fewer than 100
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander owned firms, percent, 2002
fewer than 100
Hispanic-owned firms, percent, 2002
29.7%
Retail sales per capita, 2002
$6,265

Geography QuickFacts - Atascosa County, Texas
Land area, 2000 (square miles)
1,232.12
Persons per square mile, 2000
31.4

Russell Cemetery Dedicated

2009-08-09T09:29:00.000-05:00

On August 1 the Atascosa County Historical Commission held a ceremony to honor the Russell family. They are buried in a tiny cemetery in the middle of a pasture on the Jacob Ranch. Dr.Norman Jacob and his son Dr.Mark Jacob restored the cemetery, with the help of ranch manager Darrell Hickey and ranch worker Ray Ybarra.

The event was held at 9:00 a.m., to beat the heat, and under the many huge Live Oaks. It was a pleasant morning, with a constant cool breeze. At least 25 people from the area came, including Diana Bautista, our county judge, Diane Gonzales, our county clerk and Lonnie Gillespie, county commissioner for that precinct. Junior historians in attendance were, Elias Krueger from San Antonio and Juaquin Zuniga from Pleasanton. The invocation and benediction were said by Reverend Joe Berkley from the Poteet United Methodist Church, who commented that, being from the city, he never thought he'd be praying in the middle of a Texas ranch with cows wandering all around. Norman Porter, Sr., Chairman of the historical commission simply replied, "just watch where you step".

Dr. Norman Jacob seemed pleased with the event, saying, "I'm surprised that so many people have taken such an interest in the project".

photo taken by Elias Krueger

Gates Valley Residents

2009-07-23T23:12:00.000-05:00

[6] William Norwood Gates b: February 20, 1818 in Jackson, Tennessee d: September 09, 1903 in Gates Valley, Atascosa Co. ,Tx
+Mary Jane "Mollie" Petty
*2nd Wife of [6] William Norwood Gates:
+Elizabeth Jane Stacy b: September 20, 1824 in Tennessee d: November 26, 1881 in Gates Valley, Atascosa County, Texas
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/e/a/r/Julie-A-Earl/ODT2-0001.html
I happened to see this on the Internet within a Family Tree Maker homepage for descendants of John Gates. I don't know if it will be helpful in any way, but thought I would send it just in case.

Josie's Friend

2009-07-22T21:22:00.001-05:00

I was given a old picture of Josephine (Josie) Pratt Newman by a cousin. This woman was in the same pictures. Does anyone have any idea who she is or could be? I do not know the date, but given the age of a child in the picture, it was probably taken in about 1914 in Rossville.

Poteet Area Cemetery Restored

2009-07-22T13:43:00.000-05:00

At one time there was a cemetery, in the middle of a pasture, on land now owned by Dr. Norman Jacob. Folks from the area remember it but, in the years before Dr. Jacob bought it , tractors knocked down the headstones, scattering the pieces. Ranch manager Darrell Hickey has been picking them up and storing them away for years. Recently, Dr. Jacob decided it was time to try to identify those buried there and restore the cemetery.

A neighbor, who remembered the location of the graveyard, was called in to help. He knew the site because of the huge oaks nearby. Darrell constructed a sturdy pipe fence, adding in a large cross and gate. The top piece of one headstone was intact and revealed three names. Darrell found three large pieces of sandstone, took them to Hurley Monument Company who donated their services to shape the stones and engrave the names.

The Atascosa County Historical Commission went to work researching the names on the headstones. Buried there are John T. Russell ( 1822-1879 ), his brother Charles S. Russell ( 1820-1886 ) and G. Raney, a two year old child of farm laborer John B. Raney. John T. was married to Wilhelmena who was born in Germany. Charles S. was married to Martha Jane Lee. It is not known if the wives were buried there.

Because of the caring generosity of Dr.Jacob and the hard work of Darrell Hickey the little cemetery may recieve the designation as a Texas Historic Cemetery, recording it with the state and the county clerk's office. This will protect the little graveyard for years to come.

ACHC will rededicate the cemetery and honor those buried there on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. Everyone is invited, bring a folding chair if you like. There's lots of shade and cold water will be provided.

Gates Valley

2009-07-22T13:24:00.000-05:00

We are looking for any information about a community in Atascosa County called Gates Valley. The community once had a store and a school. It apparently got it's name from William (Uncle Billy) Gates who admired a valley in the area just north of present day Poteet. William Gates, who had been an Indian fighter, was the fourth county sheriff ( 1862-1864).

Any old photos taken at Gates Valley would be appreciated, especially school pictures. It would also be nice to identify those who lived there.

2009-07-22T03:53:00.000-05:00

I think this picture of my mother and her brother was taken about 1925 in Atascosa County, possibly Rossville. (no date on picture) I was wondering if anyone else has a picture similar to this around that time. I have seen other pictures like this and the goat and wagon belonged to a roving photographer. Does anyone happen to know anything about this particular one?

Shearrer-Williams married 11 Dec 1924

2009-06-10T19:26:00.000-05:00

This was my grandparent's marriage announcement that was placed in The Banner newspaper.

Mr. Edgar Shearrer and Miss Ima Williams, two popular young people of this city were united in holy wedlock on Thursday night of this week, Rev. J.W. Yow performing the ceremony at his home in the presence of only members of the family of the contracting parties.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Williams, living near Poteet and is a young lady of most charming graces and beloved by all who know her. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. D.E. Shearrer of this city and is a most worthy young man and highly esteemed.

After the ceremony the happy young couple left for Austin where they spent a few days, and will shortly be at home to their friends in the Munson Cottage on Prospect Hill, which Mr. Shearrer recently purchased.

The Banner joins with their many friends in extending congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy journey on the matrimonial sea.

Pratt Reunion

2009-05-22T14:42:00.000-05:00

Pratt Family Reunion & Potluck Lunch

June 13, 2009, 11:00 a.m.

Rossville Community Center.
(Picture is Joseph Pratt and wife, Matilda Sutton.)

Jourdanton City Cemetery Marker is Dedicated

2009-04-21T17:39:00.000-05:00

April 18, 2009 was a day of celebration. The Jourdanton City Cemetery, which was layed out with the town in 1909, unveiled a new Official Texas Historical Marker. The ceremony, originally planed to be held within the cemetery, had to move to the community center and library because of a much needed rain. The turnout was large. J.W.Holmes, president of the cemetery association was MC, speakers were County Judge Dianah Bautista, Norman Porter, Sr., Chairman of the county historical commission, Mayor Larry Pryor and the marker inscription was read by Barbara Westbrook, chair of the historical marker committee. The colors were presented by V.F.W. Post #4853, and taps was played by Pat Dornak. An opening prayer was read by Rev. Lyn Means from the First Baptist Church of Jourdanton, and a benediction was given by Rev.James Schendel from the United Methodist Church of Jourdanton.

A Civil War re-enactment was planned for the cemetery, but, also had to be moved inside. Rick Brockman and his wife, each in costume, presented an interesting array of flags, and other Civil War era items.

The highlight of the event was when the Jourdanton Jr. High advanced 7th and 8th grade, Science/History club students portrayed 17 people who are buried in the cemetery. The kids worked for months researching, creating costumes, and writing their scripts. They each got into their characters and it was a huge hit. They plan to present their acts at future events.

ACHC Wins Award

2009-04-21T17:22:00.000-05:00

For the second year in a row, the Atascosa County Historical Commission was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Texas Historical Commission. The distinction was given to 82 of Texas's 254 counties. The awards are presented to acknowledge the dedication of county historical commissions that have cultivated a strong relationship with their county commissioners court and the THC. The Atascosa CHC is involved in many community projects, and reported over 5,000 volunteer hours in 2008. The award was presented at a special reception during the annual preservation conference in Lakeway, near Austin.

Centennial Marker Finds New Home

2009-03-11T10:55:00.000-05:00

In 1936 the state created a way for each county to mark the 100th year of Texas Independence by designing a monument made of granite. The state medallion was put on front and they were placed in strategic places in each county. Later the county histories , written in bronze, were added to the top. In Atascosa County the marker was placed in the roadside park on SH 97, between Jourdanton and Pleasanton. It is marker number 223 on the state list.

As the years passed, the interstate highways were built and the distance between the two cities became shorter, the picnic areas were becoming obsolete and abused by people who chose to dump their trash in them. This roadside park, along with two others in the county, had to go. The few folks who still used the roadside parks for the purpose in which they were intended have had to find another place to stop.

The pink granite marker, which is owned by the Texas Historical Commission, needed a new spot. TxDOT considered moving it closer to the highway, creating a short road up to it, but that seemed unsafe and expensive. Between County Judge Dianah Bautista and the Atascosa County Historical Commission the idea of moving the centennial marker to the grounds of the County Court House was born.

Clint Rodriquez, TxDOT's local supervisor made the generous offer to move the marker, which was later estimated to weigh 6,500 pounds. He cleared this with his district office, his supervisor came down to examine the granite and concrete slab which held it. Judge Bautista took the issue to Commissioner's Court, the move was cleared with THC, and a location was chosen.

On tuesday, February 24, Clint Rodriquez and his men carefully put marker number 223 into place next to the brick kiosk, on the south side of the court house. The location was chosen because it is wheel chair accessible, and close to the parking lot. The county wasted no time in removing rocks and soil, leveling the area then landscaping it with decorative stone. It looks like it's always been there. All of this took place in the span of less than two weeks. It was a real team effort.

The text on the marker reads as follows:

As early as 1722 El Camino Real (The King's Highway) from the Rio Grande to San Antonio was well established in this area. The Spanish word "Atascosa," denoting boggy ground that hindered travel, gave region its name. The county was created in 1856 from land formerly in Bexar County. Jose Antonio Navarro, whose 1831 claim was the first grant recorded in area, gave land in 1857 for first county seat, Navatasco. County seat moved to Pleasanton in 1858, to Jourdanton in 1911. Livestock, oil, gas and strawberries are well-known products of the county.

The Benton City Masonic Lodge #379

2009-01-17T20:18:00.000-06:00

Click on image to enlarge

The original two story rock building of the Benton City Institute was originally built by Mr. J.R. Sweeten (circa 1875 ). The upper story of this building was the first home of the Benton city Masonic Lodge #379. The lower floor was built to be used as a school and was always referred to The Benton City Institute. This picture displays several of the founding members of the original lodge. Noted on the back is, "this photo was taken in 1881".

The photo was acquired by the Benton City Historical Society in recent years and through a concentrated research effort, the names of most of these men are identified now and can be found on the list included with the picture. Any information or additions or corrections may be posted on this blog as a comment or contact James Collins at 830 709-3939 or email prestine1548@sbcglobal.net.

2009-01-17T15:17:00.000-06:00

This is Mary Elizabeth Newman
born in 1883 and died in 1961.

She married Robert D. Mangum in 1904
and was the mother of Robert D. Mangum, Jr.
& Elmo Oliver Mangum, who was born in 1905
in Poteet and died in 1978.

Lytle-Benton City Woodman Circle Drill Team

2009-01-17T14:29:00.000-06:00

This is another great old picture provided by James Collins, President of the Benton City Historical Society. It was taken in 1922. Those in the photo are as follows:

Front Row ( L to R )
Julia Pilgrim, Ruby Wells Gray, Clara Mae Barlow Gray, Onah Johnson

Middle Row ( L to R )
Alma Pugh, Lola Miller, E.V. Touchstone, Jessie Kay, Ms. Shannon, Virgie Fuller Langley

Back Row-Standing ( L to R )
Clara Taylor, Meda Duderstadt, Edith Nelson, Maggie Hester, Clarkie Riley Hughes, Mabel Nelson, Ola Gray, Annie Collins

If you'd like more information leave a comment or contact James Collins at 830 709-3939 or email prestine1548@sbcglobal.net

Anderson/Miller 50th Wedding Anniversary Picture Update

2009-01-16T20:53:00.000-06:00

To see who's been identified so far, check the list below and compare to the corresponding number on the picture-click on the image to enlarge

On June 9, 2008 we posted this picture depicting the crowd of family and friends who attended the 50th anniversary celebration of Georgia Miller Anderson and Charlie Anderson. It was held in the Poteet/Amphion area, in Atascosa County, in about 1950.

Georgia was the daughter of Simon Peter Miller and Martha Calk Miller. Since the earlier post many more of the individuals have been identified. I am posting the picture again, looking for any information. If you can identify someone, or if you think someone is identified in error, please let James Collins know. He can be reached, either by phone or email at 830 709-3939 or prestine1548@sbcglobal.net James works tirelessly on these projects. He won't stop until he has a name attached to each face.

Benton City Institute

2009-01-16T14:10:00.000-06:00

This photo was taken at the Benton City Institute sometime between the 1890's and early 1900's. It was donated to the Benton City Historical Society by Mrs. Carol Thompson Rackley in honor of her mother Mrs. Lula Belle Gray Thompson (#11 in the picture) Others in the photo are #6, John Garland Flowers, younger brother to A.J. Flowers. A.J. ( Arthur Judson) Flowers was the music teacher at the Institute. He's #7 in the picture. John Garland Flowers went on to become President of the Southwest Texas State Teacher's College in San Marcos.

If anyone can identify the people in the photo, please contact James Collins at 830 709-3939 or email James at prestine1548@sbcglobal.net

Click on photo to enlarge

Six New Historical Markers for Jourdanton

2009-01-11T15:11:00.000-06:00

The Atascosa County Historical Commission has processed four applications for markers since the application period began in October. Concise historical narratives must accompany the application and the inscription is taken from that history and written by the Texas Historical Commission. The new markers will be for the city of Jourdanton, Jourdanton United Methodist Church, St.John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and Ralph Roy "Railroad" Smith. Last year we received the marker for the Jourdanton City Cemetery which will be put into place and dedicated in April to commemorate the city's centennial anniversary. One last application will be completed and turned in by the deadline on January 16. That is for Martin Abstract Company which also celebrates 100 years in 2009. The abstract company has operated under the same name and for the same purpose since it's inception. It will be Atascosa County's first marker for an individual and for a business.

Historic Photo and Oral History Clinic

2009-01-10T13:08:00.000-06:00

The Jourdanton Community Library and the Atascosa County Historical Commission are teaming up with the Institute for Texan Cultures on January 27, 28 and 29 to review old photos brought in by citizens from the area. Any Texas photos will be appreciated. The Institute will sort through them and make copies, returning the originals. The copies will be on file at the Institute in San Antonio for use by historians and possibly used for displays. The Atascosa County Public Libraries will also retain copies and may use them for special events, like the upcoming Jourdanton centennial celebrations. Several other Atascosa County towns are approaching the 100 year mark and will be celebrating as well. It's a great way to preserve your family photos. The event will take place at the Jourdanton Community Center, from 9:00-4:00.

There will also be a workshop to learn how to interview and record oral histories. That will take place on January 27, about 8:00 am, and interviews will be recorded throughout the day, and will continue on January 28. There will be bilingual interviewers on hand. There are many stories that need to be preserved before the history is lost. The Atascosa County Historical Commission will also go to private homes or nursing homes to record histories at any time.
The commission will retain the original recording and will make copies for the family of the interviewee.

So, bring your old photos and while you are waiting for them to be copied, participate in the oral history project. It will be a great thing to leave for your family and community for generations.

For information concerning the events call Dorothy at 830 769-3087 or if you have an elderly family member who can't get to the event call Barbara at 830 769-4333 and we'll go to their home.

Martha B.Duck

2008-11-16T16:46:00.000-06:00

Martha B.Duck was the daughter of G.W.M.Duck and Evaline White Duck. She never married and died at age 26. Martha is buried in the Duck plot in the Pleasanton City Cemetery. This beautiful remembrance from her funeral in 1890 was found by Norman Porter, Sr. and is in pristine condition. As a Duck descendant, I am amazed that this funeral card has found it's way to me.

Bob Newman & Josephine Pratt

2008-11-07T20:29:00.000-06:00

I just received this photo of my great-grandparents from a new-found cousin. It is a photo of Robert Newman and Josephine Pratt on their wedding day. Since my great-grandparents lived in Atascosa County almost their whole lives, I wanted to share it here. ~Elaine

William Jasper Miller

2008-09-29T15:49:00.000-05:00

William Jasper Miller and wife, Catherine Wright Miller with son, Earl George Miller (age 4). Photo was taken in San Antonio about 1891. The photo was given by Judge George Miller, grandson, to J.Taylor Brite, of Pleasanton, who provided it for the blog. The Miller's were from Amite County, Mississippi and settled in the Benton City area of Atascosa County, Texas before the Civil War. William Jasper and his brothers, Martin and Arnold served the C.S.A.

The story is that Little Earl George Miller wasn't wearing shoes, so the photographer set a pair of boots in front of his feet to look like he was wearing them. Also, there was a hole in the brim of the hat he is holding and he has his finger through it.

L.F.Holley "The Village Blacksmith"

2008-09-25T23:53:00.000-05:00

I ran across the obit of my great-grandfather, L.F. Holley the other day; learning an interesting fact about him. He was a blacksmith in Pleasanton from his arrival there, around 1920, until his death in 1940. He is buried in the Pleasanton City Cemetery.
An excerpt from his obit reads as followed:
"He was the father of two sons, E.P.Holley of Pleasanton and R.P. Holley of Palestine. On November 15, 1929 he was married to Mrs. J.B.Andrews, who was his faithful companion until his death.
Mr. Holley was well liked by everyone, and was a true type of "The Village Blacksmith," always found in his little shop."
In tribute to his service in the community, the Pleasanton Express printed an excerpt from "The Village Blacksmith" poem:
"Under the spreading chestnut tree
The village smithy stands;
The smith, a mighty man is he,
With large and sinewy hands;
And the muscles in his brauny arms,
Are strong as iron bands.
His hair is crisp and black and long,
His face is like the tan;
His brow is wet with honest sweat,
He earns what e'er he can;
And looks the whole world in the face,
For he owes not any man.
Week in, week out, from morn 'till night,
You can hear his bellows bow;
You can hear him swing his heavy sledge,
With measured heat, and slow,
Like a sexton ringing the village bell,
When the evening sun is low."

I never had the pleasure of knowing L.F. for he passed away ten years before I was born...but through this sixty-eight year old tribute to him, I have gained a glimpse into his life.

Long Trip From Somerset to Pleasanton

2008-09-24T16:46:00.000-05:00

The following appeared in the "Benton City Era". It was copied by J.Taylor Brite, who graciously provided it for all of us to enjoy.

"SOMERSET, OCTOBER 3, 1876

Our jaunt to Pleasanton--on Thursday, the 28th of September, in company with one of our accomodating friends, we started to be present at the marriage of Mr.H.Nordhouse to Miss Jennie Morris, both of that city. We arrived there at 4 o'clock, after a long tiresome trip, as we expected to get a ducking all the way, for everything looked favorable for a deluge. Kind providence smiled on us, however, and we arrived at the promised land just in time to rest a few minutes, and feel refreshed for the happy occasion.

At 8 o'clock, all the invited guests assembled at the residence of the brides's father, when before the happy smiling faces of friends and relatives, they were united in the holy bonds of matrimony by Rev. Wools. The bride and groom were handsomely attired and looked as lovely as pictures; we must not forget to mention their charming attendants as they were the beauty and chilvary of *****.

After congratulations and a sumptious repast, which was splendidly gotten up, and a perfect success, we adjourned to the City Hall, decorated for the special use of the gay and merrymakers.

Dancing began early and we tripped the light-fantastic to the soft strains of the string-band, which was ably conducted by Profs. Smith and Ryman, until 10 o'clock. Never shall we forget the pleasures of that night, and we will always remember it as one of the happiest events of our lives; everything seemed conducted by fairy-hands, as all appeared happy and wore bright smiling faces.

Friday, the 29th, we had a long drive all over the town, to view by daylight, and were pleasantly surprised with the place and it's surroundings, returned in time to attend a social at residence of Mr.Musgrave given by the gallant beau of the city (long may they love and prosper).

Saturday, we turned our thoughts homeward, but just before our departure, we were honored by three handsome young gentlemen, who came to say goodby, as the nearest and dearest had to depart, so did we, and we left filled with pleasant memories and thoughts of that delightful little town and it's inhabitants. Last, but not least, we will return thanks to our clever host, Mr.Harrison, and his entertaining lady, for their hospitable attention during our short but sweet visit, which we trust will not be the last.

Visitors"

Poteet Day Photo

2008-07-23T18:25:00.000-05:00

Poteet Day Celebration and Cowboy Roundup

2008-07-23T18:23:00.000-05:00

Does anybody have more information or photos from a Poteet Day Celebration?

Addie Newman Hearn

2008-07-13T23:23:00.000-05:00

Addie Newman, my maternal grandmother, was born and raised in Atascosa County near Rossville. She married Julious Owen Hearn in December 1916. This picture of her was taken in 1920. She was around 22 years old. I assume it was taken at her home or somewhere in Atascosa County because her son Dwyatt was born in January 1920 in/near Rossville. I don't know how old he was when the family moved. Don't you love her outfit!

Mustang Grapes

2008-07-09T15:05:00.000-05:00

The following story that I wrote in May 2008 is about a childhood visit I made with my grandmother, Addie Newman Hearn, to her father’s home in Rossville, Texas, before he,(Bob Newman) died in 1962. ~Elaine Adams~

Mustang Grapes and An Outhouse

Nanny, the only grandmother I ever knew, lived on a ranch about four miles west of Encinal, Texas. She loved to tell her grandchildren about her mother’s delicious wild mustang grape jelly and decided one summer that she needed to make some instead of just trying to describe it to us. Nanny’s father and our great-grandfather, born in 1878, was still alive and lived on a ranch in Atascosa County. Everyone in our family called him Papa. So one hot summer day, Nanny and I and probably a cousin or two drove to Papa’s house near Rossville, which was even smaller than Encinal. Papa lived with his youngest son, his wife and their three boys in a small house that had no indoor plumbing at that time. The family bathed in a round galvanized tub about three feet in diameter and a foot and a half deep. For their other bathroom necessities, they had an outhouse with two holes!

Once we got to Papa’s house and hugged everyone, we got down to business. Nanny put on her homemade bonnet and led us out to a field where there was an abundance of mustang grapes growing on vines that covered bushes and parts of the fence. They were small, about the size of blueberries, and very dark, almost black. Before we started picking the grapes, Nanny warned us to be very careful and watch for rattlesnakes. That added an element of danger to our undertaking! It took us quite a while under the hot sun to pick enough grapes to make at least several jars of jelly. At last, Nanny was satisfied that we had enough, so our hot, sweaty little group headed back to Papa’s house.

Since it was a long drive from Rossville to Encinal, we had planned to spend the night at Papa’s. When it was time to go to bed, we made a couple of pallets with blankets and sheets on the living room floor. I lay down beside Nanny, and in no time flat, all of the tired grape pickers were fast asleep.

In the middle of the night, I woke up and had to go to the bathroom. I was terrified at the thought of having to walk out to the outhouse alone at night. Snakes or coyotes or javelinas could be anywhere out there in the dark, moonless night. Even in broad daylight, I wasn’t thrilled about going to the outhouse because it smelled bad and there was always at least one wasp nest up in the corner of the ceiling. I just knew that a wasp would try to sting me while I was sitting there. There were also a few spider webs and flies buzzing around. This seemed ever scarier lying there in the dark.

I waited a while longer, but finally I knew there was no way I could wait until morning. I had to wake Nanny up and ask her to go with me. She laughed but knew how scared I was. We walked hand in hand on the path to the outhouse in the back. I wouldn’t dare close the door; it would be too dark! I kept talking to Nanny to be sure she was still there. Once we got back inside the house, I sighed with relief. We had made the trip to the outhouse and back safely.

The next day, we piled in the car with our basket of grapes and drove back to Nanny’s house. She went to work making the wild mustang grape jelly we had heard so much about. Unfortunately, it turned out so sour that none of us could eat it! Sad to say, the result of our hard work eventually had to be thrown out. After that, Nanny didn’t say much about mustang grape jelly, but she had given me an Atascosa County experience that I will never forget!

Josephine Pratt Newman

2008-07-07T08:10:00.000-05:00

Would love more information about the siblings and parents of Josephine Pratt, who married Robert (Bob) Green Newman. She is my maternal great-great grandmother.

Abraham Geiger Martin

2008-06-28T13:51:00.000-05:00

A.G.Martin was an influential man in Atascosa County in the 1800's. He served as county judge, county clerk and district clerk. He married Angela de Jesus Maria Blase Navarro, daughter of Luciano Navarro, granddaughter of Jose Antonio Navarro. They had one son who became county judge in Uvalde Co. That marriage ended in divorce in about 1857. A.G.Martin came to Atascosa County and married Mary Rutledge. A.G.Martin is buried in the Pleasanton City Cemetery.

First Atascosa County Clerk

2008-06-19T09:17:00.000-05:00

Daniel Tobin was the first county clerk. He was elected in 1856 when the county was formed from expansive Bexar County. Daniel Tobin was born in South Carolina in about 1832 and came to Texas with his brother William. He married Josefa Elena Navarro at San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio on July 30, 1855. Josefa was the youngest child of Texas patriot, Jose Antonio Baldermo Navarro. Daniel was murdered in Atascosa County on June 5, 1871.

Lester Anderson

2008-06-15T23:47:00.000-05:00

Just wondering if Lester Anderson is related to the Andersons in the reunion picture. He married Ruby Mae Newman, my grandmother's sister.

Elaine

Georgia Miller Anderson and Charlie Anderson

2008-06-09T17:41:00.000-05:00

This old photo was taken in 1950 during a family reunion and 50th wedding anniversary of Georgia Miller Anderson and Charlie Anderson. They are #26 and #27. If you can identify any of the others please let us know. (click on image to enlarge)

Atascosa County Historical Commission Honored

2008-05-05T12:12:00.000-05:00

The Atascosa County Historical Commission is one of 59 out of 254 counties selected to receive a Distinguished Service Award for their efforts in cemetery preservation, historical markers and youth programs. The award was presented at a luncheon during the annual Preservation Conference held at the Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi on May 2, 2008. The award was received by Norman Porter, Sr., chairman of the county commission. Also in attendance were members Dorothy Manning, Morris Porter and Barbara Westbrook.

County Historical Commissions follow the guidelines set by the Texas Historical Commission. They operate under the wing of the County Judge, who appoints a chairman. Members are also appointed by the County Judge and must be approved by the County Commissioner's Court. The goals of a CHC are to preserve the historic resources and to promote an understanding of the heritage of a county. Committees chairs are selected by the members.

The Atascosa County Historical Commission meets at 10:00am on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Jourdanton Community Center. The public is always welcome to attend.

County Courthouse Under Construction in 1913

2008-04-21T16:09:00.000-05:00

The Atascosa County seat was moved from Pleasanton to Jourdanton after an election held October 1, 1910. A lengthy court battle ensued, and Jourdanton finally built the court house that is still in use today. The architect who drew up the plans was H.T.Phelps who chose the Gordon-Jones Construction Company to do the building. Their bid for the construction was $65,000.

Rossville Reunion

2008-04-21T09:47:00.000-05:00

Texas Ranger Cross at gravesite of Alex Ross
Texas Ranger Cross at gravesite of Capt.Tom Mather Ross
Clyde Ross Westbrook reading narrative for his grandfather, Alex Ross

Rossville Rangers

2008-04-21T08:59:00.000-05:00

Center, with badge, kneeling: Capt.Tom Mather Ross

Rossville Brothers Served as Texas Rangers

2008-04-19T16:08:00.000-05:00

(photo is part of the Nellie & Irene Lozano Collection)

Tom Mather Ross
Maria Navarro married John Clark Ross on August 20, 1870 at San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio. They made a home for themselves on land given to them as a wedding gift from Maria's father, Jose Antonio George Navarro. The land was part of the expansive ranch granted to her grandfather Jose Antonio Navarro. On August 1, 1871, Tom Mather Ross was born to the couple. Six more children would follow.

The earliest known enlistment into the Texas Rangers for Tom Mather Ross was in 1894 in Nueces County. He would have been 23. He is pictured with two Ranger companies at Temple, Texas during the railroad strike in July of 1894. The Ranger captains were J.A.Brooks, Company F and John R.Hughes, Company D. Tom re-enlisted in 1895 in Karnes County. In 1896, he is mentioned in a ledger, as being sent to El Paso, then on to Langtry for undercover duty in Governor Culberson's effort to prevent the Bob Fitzsimmons-Peter Maher world's heavyweight championship fight from taking place on Texas soil. The governor of Chihuahua ruled that the fight would not take place in Mexico. Judge Roy Bean invited them all to come to Langtry, and the fight was held on a tiny island in the middle of the Rio Grande.

Tom Ross served as a Ranger for approximately twelve years, serving as Sergeant under Captain John R. Hughes on the border. He was promoted to Captain of Company B in about 1906. He was stationed at Ysleta, in El Paso County for a number of years. He was shot in the leg which led to amputation. His "wooden leg"did not hamper his performance as a Ranger Captain.

Between 1907 and 1909 Captain Ross was assigned to Amarillo to go after bootleggers and saloon keepers. The local law enforcement ignored the laws and the problem had gotten out of hand. The Ranger's presence was greatly resented by many. This led to the murder of Ranger "Doc" Thomas and the assault of another Ranger by the chief of police. It soon became a public relations nightmare for the Rangers. Some officials in Austin felt the Rangers should withdraw from prohibition issues. This friction is said to be the cause of Captain Ross's resignation in 1910.

After leaving the Rangers, Tom Ross moved to San Antonio and tried his hand in real estate. This didn't last long and he made his way to Cameron County and worked as a sheriff's deputy for several years. From 1916-1917 he had an appointment as Special Agent of the United States Bureau of Investigation. On June 10, 1916 he led a posse that prevented the burning of the Webb Station railroad trestle by raiders. In 1925 Tom Ross returned to San Antonio and became a federal court interpreter, as position he held until his death in 1946.

On January 15, 1940 the 76th United States Congress passed a bill to pension a handful of Rangers who rendered their services in the Garza Revolution that had taken place on the border a half century before. Captain Tom Ross was on the list of Rangers.

Tom Ross never married. He is remembered by his nieces as a modest man with a good sense of humor. One recalled that, as children, they would wait until he went to sleep to sneak a peak at his "wooden leg" which he had removed and stored under the bed. Another accompanied him to the great Texas Centennial celebration in Dallas in 1936 and remembered what a wonderful time they had. He died in his sleep on January 1, 1946 at the age of 75.

Alexander Ross

On February 7, 1885, Alexander and Maggie Ross, twins, were born to Maria Navarro Ross and John Clark Ross. Maggie died shortly before her second birthday. They were the youngest of seven children born to the couple.

Alex Ross attended Texas A&M, studying civil engineering and surveying. These skills would prove useful in later in life, but, on April 1, 1905 Alex followed in the footsteps of his oldest brother, Tom, enlisting in the Rangers under Captain John R. Hughes. He was only 20. He re-enlisted on July 9, 1907 and again on September 2, 1908.

Ranger lore refers to Captain Hughes as one of the "four great captains", joining the Rangers in 1887. He was captain of his own company from 1893 to 1915. He was highly respected with a zest for rangering. His early service in Shafter and Presidio is said to have given him an understanding of the demands of the border. He earned the nickname, "border boss". He was a skilled outdoorsman, and was especially good at tracking. Hughes selected his recruits with great care and led by example. He must have been a great teacher for young Alex Ross.

Captain Hughes' Company D covered the huge Trans-Pecos with too few men. They tracked train robbers in the Devils River headlands and along the lonely Rio Grande. Border disturbances and ethnic troubles were a constant problem. Stock theft kept them very busy. Zane Grey's novel, The Long Star Ranger (1914) is dedicated to Hughes and his Rangers. Alex Ross was one of his Rangers.

After his days as a Ranger, Alex Ross helped survey the new town site of Jourdanton in 1909. Because of his engineering skills and his knowledge of Spanish he helped develop a banana plantation on the west coast of Mexico, near Puerto Vallarta. He married Elizabeth Mayers on January 3, 1910. The couple had three daughters, Mary Elizabeth, Harriett Emilie and Clara Adell. Alex was a quiet, modest man who sometimes told stories to his grandchildren about his days on the border as a Ranger. They remember how sweet he was to his family, never seeing him angry or upset. He was known for his kindness to others, lending a helping hand to all. Alex had a love of farming and ranching, working as ranch manager north of Castroville for the Roeglin family's Rio Medina Ranch for several years. He then spent the rest of his life farming and ranching on his own land in Rossville. Alex and Elizabeth attended the church at Anchorage and in 1958 Alex helped to build the chapel that is still in use today. He and Elizabeth were honored with a celebration on their 50th anniversary in 1960 by their many friends and family. Alex died on February 21, 1966 at the age of 81. He is buried in the Anchorage Cemetery next to Elizabeth.

Navarro Descendants Honor Texas Rangers

2008-04-16T11:46:00.000-05:00

Ranger Sgt.Ray Martinez(retired) left; Norman Porter,Sr. right

Descendants of Texas patriot Jose Antonio Navarro honored brothers, Capt.Tom Mather Ross and Alex Ross, Texas Rangers, on April 5, 2008. Ranger crosses were unveiled in a dedication ceremony sponsored by the Atascosa County Historical Commission and the Former Texas Rangers Association. The ceremonywas held during the Ross, Langston, Mayers reunion. Family members from as far away as Oregon were on hand for the event.

Norman F.Porter, Sr. served as MC. Sandy Westbrook provided an invocation. Retired Ranger Sgt.Ray Martinez spoke, and led the group in the Ranger Prayer. Grandson of Alex Ross, Clyde Ross Westbrook, read an historical narrative and his oldest son, Ross Westbrook read one for Capt.Tom Mather Ross. The Atascosa County Girl Scouts presented the colors and recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the Texas Flag. The Ranger crosses were unveiled by Randall Westbrook, Mary Westbrook Bell and Dee Westbrook Ditmore.

After the unveiling, a great meal was provided by McBee's Bar-B-Q. The reunion attendees brought an array of delicious desserts that were enjoyed by all. Many great stories were shared, and the group decided to meet again in 2010.

Theft of Historical Marker-Serious Matter

2008-04-06T17:27:00.000-05:00

Someone has stolen the Official Texas Historical Marker from the site of the old Mueller Bridge in Wilson County. Shirley and John Grammer, sponsors of the marker, spent eight years researching it's history, writing the narrative, raising the funding and applying for the marker.

Historical markers are owned by the State of Texas, but are funded with private money. The state does not provide money to replace them if they are stolen or vandalized. Crime Stoppers has offered a reward for information leading to the return of the lost marker. Salvage yards have been notified and asked not to accept them. Above is a news brief issued by Texas Historical Commission on April 1, 2008. (click on images to enlarge)

Jourdanton City Cemetery Receives Historic Designation

2008-01-23T17:48:00.000-06:00

The Jourdanton City Cemetery has been designated as a Texas Historic Cemetery by Texas Historical Commission. The honor is a culmination of work done by the Jourdanton City Cemetery Association and the Atascosa County Historical Commission. The effort required an application to be submitted with measurements, maps and black and white photographs. An historical narrative was also submitted with a bibliography. Upon approval by the THC an affidavit was filed with the county clerk's office.

The designation offers an extra layer of protection for historic cemeteries. It is a prerequisite for obtaining an historical marker. An application and more detailed historical narrative has been submitted to THC for a marker for the cemetery.

Cemetery Laws and Preservation:Topics of Meeting

2008-01-19T14:55:00.000-06:00

The Atascosa County Historical Commission hosted an opportunity for the community to hear Gerron Hite from the Texas Historical Commission on Jan.16, 2008. The program was held at the Jourdanton Community Center. At least twenty-one Atascosa county cemetery associations were in attendance, as well as many interested citizens. County Judge Diana Bautista was there, as well as Norman Porter, Dorothy Manning, Sandy Zuniga, Diana Guthrie, Roger and Mary Jane Cumpion, James Collins, Morris Porter and Barbara Westbrook, members of the county historical commission.

After covering the topic of Texas cemetery laws, Gerron Hite discussed the Texas Historic Cemetery Designation program. Hand-outs were provided for each subject. After a short break for cookies and coffee, there was ample time for questions and answers. It was a wonderful learning experience for all.

Atascosa County has many historic cemeteries. Some are in great shape, while others need work. Hopefully the commission can organize more "clean-up" days and recruit more volunteers to help. Anyone interested can call Dorothy Manning at 830 769-3087, Norman Porter at 830 569-2680 or Barbara Westbrook at 830 769-4333.

Benton City Family Served Community

2007-12-31T10:27:00.000-06:00

Serving the community was natural for Walter Edwin Jones. He was born in Benton City in 1876. His father, James Monroe Jones was a Confederate veteran. James was born in Blunt County, Alabama, to George J. Jones and Sarah Lauderdale, who was a Cherokee Indian. James Monroe 's family came to Texas before 1850. James Monroe had settled in Atascosa County by 1875. He donated the land for the historic Benton City Cemetery.

As a young man, Walter Jones taught at the Benton City Institute. He eventually married Sarah Elizabeth "Betty" Farris and the couple had two daughters and a son. Walter was appointed County Attorney in 1910, and the Jones family moved to Jourdanton. Walter served in that capacity until 1913 when he was elected County Judge, a post he held until 1916. As Judge he drew up the first charter for the first association of the Jourdanton City Cemetery. He also served on the first board of directors.

Walter Jones was elected to represent Atascosa County in the 39th legislature in 1925, serving one term, then he was re-elected to the 41st through 45th legislatures in 1929, serving until 1939. Betty Jones died in 1927 of tuberculosis and was buried in the Jourdanton City Cemetery.

Walter Jones stayed in Austin after retiring from politics, working as superintendent at the Confederate Home. In 1941, he died of complications following a car accident. He is buried next to Betty in Jourdanton.

Zavala Cemetery Clean-up

2007-12-14T00:50:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, December 8th, the Atascosa County Historical Commission sponsored a clean-up day at the Zavala Cemetery, south of Poteet. The cemetery was overgrown with brush, and the graves were inaccessible to visitors. Several commission members attended as well as several interested citizens. It took three hours because it all had to be done carefully, by hand. No equipment could be used, as this might damage potential hidden grave markers. Several wooden crosses were found, as well as one broken slate cross from 1913. Pieces of the cross were found, and an attempt to repair it will be made. It was hard work, but very rewarding.

The Commission plans to work on at least one rural, neglected cemetery each month, at least until summer. The Pleasanton Express will publish the time and place of the next cemetery to be cleaned. Anyone interested in helping can contact Dorothy Manning, at the Jourdanton Library at 830 769-3087.

Texas Archaelogical Month

2007-11-10T16:47:00.000-06:00

The turnout was good for the Atascosa County Historical Commission meeting on Oct.10. The guest speaker was Al Gerdes from the "Friends of Casa Navarro" group. He spoke about the artifacts found out at the Navarro ranch site. He also provided each commission member with a booklet of pictures, documents and maps from the days when Jose Antonio Navarro lived on his ranch. Al's presentation was in celebration of Texas Archeology Month

Each October the Texas Historical Commission sponsors Texas Archeology Month in association with the Texas Archeological Society and the Council of Texas Archeologists. Throughout the state supporters have planned educational and entertaining activities to promote the importance of proper archeological practices and to understand the depth and richness of our heritage.

Brite Cemetery Gets Historical Marker

2007-11-05T15:03:00.001-06:00

More than 200 people attended the dedication of Brite Cemetery near the Verdi community on Saturday, October 20. Some traveled from as far away as Mexico City.

Those present came to honor the memory of those brave early settlers who ventured into Atascosa County just a few years after the Battle of the Alamo.

The Atascosa County Historical Commission joined with the Brite Cemetery Association for the momentous occasion.

Commission chairman Norman Porter welcomed the crowd and Pastor Ray Bean, Pleasanton Church of Christ, gave the invocation. the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tabitha Lee Sang, great granddaughter of the pioneer Byrd family and the Pledge to the Texas Flag was led by Haley Booth, granddaughter of the early Fuller family. Joe Wayne Vickers, descendant of Thomas R.Brite, upon whose land the first burials occurred, sang the Texas anthem.

Honored guest Sgt. Ray Martinez, a former Texas Ranger and hero of the UT tower sniper incident, spoke about the importance and activities of the Former Texas Ranger Association. As the ceremony began two former rangers buried in the cemetery-Robert Elijah Neill (1827-1878) and Thomas Ransdele Brite (1824-1859)- were remembered by their descendants.
Marcy Williams Porter, descendant of Robert E.Neill, told the story about Robert having his arm crushed at the age of 12, served as a private in Captain Highsmith's Company of the 1st Regiment of Texas Mounted Volunteers. He came to what is now Atascosa County in 1853 and served in the Texas Rangers at least two more times following the Mexican War.

In 1855 Neill served with the Mounted Rangers for the protection of the western frontier. In 1859 he participated in defeating the Mexican bandit, Cortina, and later fought in the Battle of La Bolsa Bend. As a 1st Lt., Neill served in the Civil War as part of the Atascosa County Mounted Minute Men, Texas State Troops.

Iris Brite Porter, granddaughter of Ranger Thomas R. Brite, told about him moving to what is now Atascosa county in 1854. At the age of 18, Brite served as a mounted volunteer in the Republic of Texas Volunteer Army. Other service periods included the Woll Campaign with Texas Volunteers pursuing Mexican General Woll to the Mexican border. After Texas became a state, Brite served in a volunteer Ranger Company on the Mexican Border near Brownsville during the Mexican Border War (1846-1848). His third son, William T. Brite, was reportedly the first child of Anglo descent born (July24, 1856) in Atascosa County. When the county was formed, Thomas R.Brite was elected the first Tax Assessor-Collector. The following year, he became the County Treasurer.

President of the Brite Cemetery Association Tommy Caraway was presented with the Historic Texas Cemetery Certificate issued by the Texas Historical Commission, and the Brite Cemetery Texas Historical Marker was unveiled by cousins Mabel Lee Neill Miller of San Antonio, grandmother of Olympic gymnastic winner Shannon Miller; J.B.Moseley of Poteet; and Judge J.Taylor Brite of Pleasanton.

Members of the Brite Cemetery Association provided a huge meal for those who attended the ceremony. Pastor Bean offered the benediction and a recorded rendition of TAPS, courtesy of Bob Hurley, followed.

The history of the Brite Cemetery was researched and written by Commission Chairman Norman F.Porter. It was the basis of the application for the Historical Texas Cemetery marker.

The Atacosa County Historical Commission is eager to assist other organizations hoping to make application for a Texas Historical marker. According to Porter, "By recognizing and dedicating historical cemeteries and buildings, citizens of today are helping to insure that these revered sites will not become the parking lots and shopping malls of tomorrow".

(taken from article in Pleasanton Express on 10-24-07)

Porter Book Gets Great Review

2007-09-24T09:57:00.000-05:00

Anyone interested in the history of Atascosa County who hasn't read the book that Norman Porter Sr. wrote, Atascosa County History Through 1912, might want to get a copy after reading the review by Mike Cox. He reviews Texana for the Austin American-Statesman and he gave Norman's book a glowing review on Sunday, September 9th. Mike Cox refers to the book's account of Dead Man's Tank as, "an interesting overview of the mystery ", calling Norman's book, "an excellent history of his home turf". Read the entire article, then get your hands on a copy. If you can't find one, email me and I'll tell you how to get one.

Click on image to enlarge

Sherman Descendants Visit Old Home

2007-09-21T12:27:00.000-05:00

He never dreamed he'd have a chance to visit the home his great grandfather built in the 1860's, in fact, he didn't know the house was still standing. Charles Sherman, who is the family historian, knew that John Sherman once lived in Atascosa County and that he had built a home on the Palo Alto Creek, but by the 1880's John Sherman was operating a mill on the Guadalupe near what is now Ingram. When he received a call and discovered that John Preston (see previous post) was looking for Sherman descendants and that the old home was being renovated, he was excited. He eagerly provided the family history and old deeds to the place, including copies of the original land grant with Sam Houston's signature.

On Sunday, September 2, Charles Sherman, his son Charlie, daughter Cindy Hatfield and her son James, drove from Kerrville to Poteet to meet John Preston and to see the old home. Others who came to meet the Shermans were Norman Porter, Sr., chairman of the Atascosa County Historical Commission (ACHC), Morris Porter and Barbara Westbrook, members of the ACHC, and Clyde Westbrook, who went to school with John Preston. During the visit, Norman and Morris discovered some initials carved in an old door. They are believed to be those of Lorenzo D. Williams, father-in-law of John Sherman.

Following the visit at the property, the group went to Don Juan's in Poteet where Adrenia Weyland was waiting and lunch was served. Richard Franklin, Dolly Eichman, and Rudy Forge joined them. Rudy Forge's family once owned the property and he was born in the second story room. During that time they raised strawberries, all sorts of fruits and vegetables and operated a winery from "Palo Alto Farm". Mr.Forge shared many stories about his family on the farm, describing it as "a garden of Eden". Richard Franklin remembered stories his father told about the farm, and that the Palo Alto was a free flowing, clear water creek.

Everyone left feeling good about the day. Adrenia's writing a story for the Pleasanton Express. The ACHC plans to help John Preston get a Texas Historical Marker for the property. Hopefully, more folks will become interested in John Preston's historic home and offer stories and help with the project. For more information contact Barbara Westbrook at 830 769-4333 or drop by the Genealogical Society Library in Poteet.

Let's Protect Our Cemeteries

2007-09-20T11:46:00.000-05:00

Historic cemeteries are among our most valuable cultural resources. they are also, unfortunately, vulnerable to loss and destruction. They are increasingly threatened by development, natural deterioration, neglect, vandalism and even misguided preservation efforts. Those cemeteries that are highly endangered could potentially be lost forever, along with the history they represent.

Texas state law states that as long as there is a clear indication that a grave or graves exist, the land on which they lie is considered a cemetery. Property owners may not construct improvements on the property in a manner that would disturb the cemetery. Desecration of a cemetery is "a state jail felony if the damage or destruction is inflicted on a place of worship or human burial."

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is the state agency for historic preservation, responsible for identifying, protecting and interpreting our historic resources. The THC works with interested citizens, County Historical Commissions and heritage groups to preserve our historic resources, including cemeteries.

The Historic designation program has been around since 1998 and provides an additional layer of protection by requiring site information to be included in county deed records. Having the designation does not restrict the use of the private land surrounding the cemetery, nor does it interfere with a cemetery association's ability to make changes to the cemetery.

Your County Historical Commission (CHC) is the first step in applying for this designation. We are available to assist you with researching the history and gathering the necessary documentation to be submitted to the THC.

If you know of a cemetery in Atascosa County that is neglected or endangered please contact Norman Porter, Sr. at 830 569-2680, Roger or Mary Jane Cumpian at 830 466-5522, or Barbara Westbrook at 830 769-4333, or for more information on the Historic Designation process visit the THC website at www.thc.state.tx.us.

Snow in Pleasanton

2007-09-20T10:12:00.000-05:00

Ruth Thomason Morris (center) and Arthur Morris were proprietors of Morris Grocery, which operated in North Pleasanton until the 1940's. They were known for selling the best meat in the area. John Monroe (left) chose the animals and Frank Wright (right) butchered them. Looks like they are enjoying a rare snow fall.

Interested in Your Family Tree?

2007-09-01T14:17:00.000-05:00

The Atascosa County Genealogical Society Library is ready to help you. We have an array of publications containing census, birth, death records as well as cemetery records and more from Atascosa County and many other counties and states. Use our computers to access ancestry.com or ask us to research for you. Our services are free of charge, however, donations are accepted and appreciated.

We would also like to invite you to join. Membership for active members is only $5.00 per year and $10.00 for supporting members. A business can join for $20.00 and your company will be advertised on our website. These membership fees go a long way towards maintaining the library.

We are located in Poteet, on Ave.H at 4th Street in the Aigner-Mumme Memorial Building. We are open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 1:00-5:00pm or by appointment on other days. To make an appointment call 830 276-4684. We look forward to seeing you.

Roy Bean and the Atascosa Milk Cows

2007-08-24T17:29:00.000-05:00

Most folks have heard stories about Judge Roy Bean, the "Hangin' Judge" who referred to himself as, "The Law West of the Pecos," from his days as Justice of the Peace along the Rio Grande, but he had established quite a name for himself long before those days, right here in South Texas.

He was born Phantly Roy Bean in c.1825 in Mason County, Kentucky. At 15 Roy left home, with his two older brothers, Sam and Joshua. He and Sam traveled by wagon train to New Mexico, eventually setting up a trading post in Chihuahua, Mexico. Later, Roy fled to California after killing a local man, and stayed with his brother Joshua, who had become the first mayor of San Diego. There he worked as a bartender. In 1852 he was arrested after wounding a man in a duel. He escaped and headed to New Mexico, where Sam had become a sheriff.

When the civil war broke out Roy began running the Union blockade, bringing goods from the Mexican border into Texas. In 1866 he married Virginia Chavez, the 18 year old daughter of a fine San Antonio family. Roy would have been about 40 at the time. Roy provided a meager existence for his wife and four children, going from one scheme to the next. He peddled firewood poached from another man's land, and paid local kids $5 to bring him stray horses and cows, selling the horses and butchering the cows to sell the meat. His notorious business practices earned his San Antonio community the nickname Beanville.

At one point Roy decided to go into the dairy business. He struck a bargain with a farmer in Atascosa County who wanted to sell his herd. Roy had acquired a couple of lots and a small house, and the farmer wanted the property. They agreed to trade the property for 30 cows. Roy asked for a trial period to make sure the cows would produce. Feed was scarce that year and the cows began to show signs of being undernourished. The milk production fell off and profits went down. The cows began to die.

When the owner came to take possession of the real estate, Roy told him the deal was off. "I only took them on trial," said Roy, "and they proved to be worthless as milkers." In the beginning, when the cows were producing, business was good and Roy had difficulty meeting the demand for milk. Apparently, Roy used to dilute the milk a little.

One day a well-known San Antonio judge knocked on Roy's door. He said, "If it's all the same to you I'd like to have my milk and water in separate vessels". "What's wrong?"asked Roy. "Well, he said, "we found a minnow in the milk yesterday." "By God!" said Roy, "that's what comes of watering them cows at the river." Roy later admitted that he kept a bucket and dipper down by the bridge and sometimes stopped and replenished his supply.

In 1882, the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railroad hired crews to link San Antonio with El Paso. Roy fled his marriage and Beanville heading for Vinegaroon to become a saloonkeeper. Desperate to establish some sort of local law enforcement, he was appointed Justice of the Peace. Roy Bean's dispensation of the law wasn't complicated by legalities. The rest, as they say, is history.

Bibliography: C.L.Sonnichsen, Roy Bean, Law West Of The Pecos

1923 Teacher's Contract

2007-08-21T12:47:00.000-05:00

We've come a long way, baby!

Click on image to enlarge.

1930 Phone Book Ad

2007-08-20T18:54:00.000-05:00

Arthur and Ruth Morris ran Morris Grocery for years in North Pleasanton. Frank Wright was their butcher.

John Sherman Home

2007-08-18T11:41:00.000-05:00

John Preston(he's the son of Willie Mae Preston) has quite a project on his hands. He grew up in a home, north of Poteet, that was built in the 1860's by John Sherman. His family bought the place in the 1940's and he would like to restore the home to it's original glory. It has had additions, and the old sandstone has been plastered over, but John will tear all that away. The original fireplace is intact, as is the rock with "J Sherman"carved out of it. The property is on the Palo Alto Creek and was most likely on or near one of the Caminos Reales.

John Sherman was born in c.1825 in New York. He apparently came to Texas in about 1848. He was granted the 160 acres by Sam Houston in 1861, the result of a process he had begun in 1854. In 1862 he enlisted in the Texas Confederate Army as a Private, signing on with Co. 3, 36th Cavalry, or "Green's Brigade", organized in San Antonio. He was given the nickname "Battery,"working as a teamster in Woods'Reginent.

John Sherman married Eliza Jane Williams in 1866 in Atascosa County. She was the daughter of Lorenzo and Mahala Sweet Williams. John purchased more land in Atascosa County, but by the 1880's John had built a mill on the Guadalupe River near what is now Ingram, in Kerr County. The mill stayed busy sawing lumber, grinding corn and ginning cotton. It stayed in operation until about 1914. It washed away in 1932. Today there is an historic marker near the site of "Sherman's Mill". His descendants still live in Kerr County, Charles Sherman is the family historian and has provided the history and wonderful old deed records. He plans to come to Atascosa County to see the old home built by his ancestor.

Check back later to see the progress on John Preston's project. It's a wonderful thing he's doing, and he has the interest of the County and State Historical Commissions, as well as other local historians.