Dallas County, Texas - The whole text, 1892 (part 21 of 32)

fOHN HUGHES COCHRAN, who has been a resident of Texas since his early childhood, is the subject of the following sketch. As he reached tlie age of maturity he became so closely identitied with the history of Dallas county that this record would not be complete without a review of his personal career. He was born in Columbia, Maury county, Tennessee, June 28, 1838 John Cochran, his grandfather, was an Irish gentleman, and he married Margaret McClanahan, whose ancestors were from Scot- land. They resided in Abbeville district, South Carolina, where the grandfather died. The father of our subject was born in Abbeville district in 1807, and removed with his widowed mother to Maury county, Tennessee. There he married Nancy J. Hughes, in 1837. She wa6 a native of Virginia, and had removed to Tennessee with her parents. When John H. was three years of age they removed to Texas, and settled at the place now known as Farmers' Branch, Dallas county. Mr. Cochran broke the first sod that was ever turned for a field in Dallas county, in 1843. When the county was organized in 1846 he was elected the first Clerk, and in August, 1847, he was sent to the Legislature of the State of Texas. He took a leading part in the deliberations of that body, and gained a wide reputation for his wisdom and excellent judgment in the formation of the laws of the new country which he was assisting to develop. He died April 24, 1853. His widow, a pious and resolute woman, took charge of the family of six children, and reared them to honorable manhood and womanhood. John H. is the oldest of the children. He was graduated with high honors from McKenzie Institute, Red River county, Texas, and in 1858-'5'J served as a member of the faculty. In 1860 he went to Young county, and took the census of that year. Also this year he commanded a company of Texas Rangers, under Governor Sam Houston.

Upon the declaration of war between the North and South he enlisted in Company C, Sixth Texas Cavalry, and served from September, 1861, to June, 1862. He did valiant service in the cause he had espoused, but on account of ill-health he was obliged to resign. He returned to his home, and in 1862 was elected Assessor and Collector of Dallas county. After his term of office had expired he went to the frontier, meeting with many adventures and narrow escapes from death. He was one time attacked by the Indians, and with two comrades made a brave defense; tliey repelled the attack, Init witnessed the horrible butchery of many of their neighbors who failed to reach the shelter. A short period of these harrowing experiences sufficed, and he returned to Dallas county.

The people of the county testified to the conlidence which they reposed in Mr. Cochran by electing him to represent them in the fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth Sessions of tlie Legislature. He was Speaker of the last named Assembly, and in 1882 he vas re-elected to the eighteenth session, and in 1890, to the twenty-second session. During the fifteenth Assembly he was Chairman of the Committee on Taxation and Revenue, and really formed the laws known as the Tax Laws, which raised the credit of the State from lifty cents to par. During his long career as a legislator no suspicion of trickery has ever been cast upon him, and he is regarded as above chicanery. He is able, conscientious and fearless in the discharge of his duty. There has been no better Representative in the House in the past twenty years. He was appointed Postmaster of Dallas by President Cleveland, and served with much credit for four years, two months and two days. It was while he was in otfice that the city made its moat rapid growth, and the mails were handled with a promptness and accuracy that challenged the admiration of all parties. For twenty-five years he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he is also a Knight of Honor. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a liberal supporter of the society.

to Miss Martha Jane Johnson, of Young county, Texas. Six children were born to this union. The two elder sons, William R. and James A., died just as they had attained manhood. They were bright, promising youths, an honor to their parents and a credit to the community in which they were reared.

fACK SCOTT has been identified with the interests of Dallas county, Texas, for more than two decades, and it is fitting that biographical mention of him should be made in this work.

He was born in Brown county, Ohio, August 28, 1837, son of Taylor and Susan (Compton) Scott, natives of Ohio. Grandfather John Scott came from England to Ohio at an early day. He, in company with Captain Massey, surveyed a part of that State for the Government, and in return for his services received a large tract of wild land. He died in Ohio at an advanced age. Taylor Scott lived to be eighty-four years old, and died near his old home in Ohio. Susan Scott is a daughter of Richard Compton, who came from Virginia to Kentucky in early times, subsequently locating on Government land in Ohio, where he passed the rest of his days. Grandfather Scott served during the war of 1812, and Grandfather Compton was a Revolutionary soldier. Mrs. Scott still resides in Ohio, having reached the advanced age of eighty- six years. Eleven of their twelve children grew to adult years, and eight are still living.

The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools. At the age of eighteen years he started out in life for himself; went to the

Territory of Nebraska, and there engaged in farminc and afterward in the stock business. In 1869 he came to Texas and located in Dallas county, near where he now resides. He lirst engrao-ed in the manufacture of shingles, wliich he continued for three years, and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He subsequently became associated in business witli the tirm of A. W. Littlehale & Bro., of Dallas, remaining thus engaged tliree years. After that he returned to farming and gardening, which he has since followed. He has sixteen and a half acres of land located a mile and a half from Dallas.

Mr. Scott was married in 1862 to Miss Mary Elizabeth Penny, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of Wesley Penny, also a native of that State. This union was blessed with one child, Rillie, now the wife of Emanuel Sontare, of Dallas county. The young wife and mother passed away the year following her marriage, 1863. In January, 1869, before leaving Nebraska, Mr. Scott wedded Emmie Baker, a native of Michigan, daughter of Dr. Calvin Baker, who removed from that State to Nebraska. By this marriage six children were born, of whom four are living, namely: Andrew, Minnie, Ida and Emmie. Mrs. Scott departed this life April 30, 1885.

During the late war Mr. Scott served as a Captain in the State Guards, under Governor Davis' administration. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance.

fAMES W. WRIGHT, M. D., deceased, was born near Nashville, Tennessee, Febrnary 4, 1825, son of Thomas and Martha A. (Tate) Wright, who were of English and Irish ancestry. He was reared on a arm and when he reached his majority enlisted as a soldier in the Mexican war; participated in some of the prominent battles, and remained in service one year, the term of his enlistment. He then returned to his home in Tennessee and began the study of medicine, under the preceptorship of Dr. Etherly, of Green Hill, Wilson county, that State. He took his first course of lectures in Louisville during the winter of 1849-'50, and graduated at the medical college of Nashville, Tennessee, in 1860.

Soon after his return from the Mexican war Dr. Wright was married, October 28, 1848, to Miss Lucy C. Brooks, a native of Davidson county, Tennessee, and a daughter of Moses T. and Nancy (Tate) Brooks. In the fall of 1850 they emigrated to Texas, making the journey with horse teams and being six weeks on the road. At that time Dallas had but two stores and a few log houses. The Doctor's father had purchased a tract of wild land and they settled on a portion of it, five miles north of Dallas, on Five Mile creek. He began improving the land and at the same time established himself himself in a medical practice. His professional duties often called him many miles away, and the life of a young practitioner, riding horseback over new country, without roads or bridges, was by no means an easy one. He practiced here until the fall of 1860, when he returned to Tennessee and completed his medical course, as before stated. In 1861 he came back to Texas and bought 100 acres of land in Dallas county, near where Oak Cliff now stands, and, in connection with his partner, engaged in farming to some extent. During the late war he served as surgeon on board the Melissa.

the wife of William P. Pollerd, died September 27, 1876, leaving three children; James B.; Mary J., wife of David E. CofEman, of Taylor county, Texas; Jesse, at home; and Kattie T., wife of Otis D. Brittan. Dr. Wright's death occurred on tlie 5th of October, 1882. He was a member of the A., F. & A. M., and was well and favorably known throughout Dallas county. Mrs. Wright continued to reside on the old homestead until March, 1891, when she moved to Dallas. She is a member of the Baptist Church.

fAMES G. GAKVm, a prominent and early pioneer of Dallas county, was born in Howard county, Missouri, in 1830, the eldest of seven children born to Stephen H. and Jeanette (Brooks) Garvin, natives of Kentucky. The father moved to Missouri when a young man, and remained in Howard county until his death, which occurred in 1875; the mother now resides in Randolph county, Missouri, at the advanced age of ninety- five years.

James G. was reared to farm life and educated in the subscription schools of Howard county. In 1861 he enlisted in Colonel Nat. M. Burford's regiment, and was in the battle of Wilson's creek, then served under Colonel David Williams, was under General Price on the Missouri raid, and next at Fayetteville, Arkansas. He served until the close of the war and was discharged at Shreveport, after which he went to Randolph county, Missouri, and in a short time came with his family to Dallas county, Te.xa8. He bought 200 acres of partly improved land, where he built a good house and has now 125 acres under a tine state of cultivation. Mr. Garvin resided in the city of Dallas six years, where he was engaged in the grocery and feed business on Ross avenue. He still owns the store and also has live residences on San Jacinto and McCoy streets, which he rents. He takes an active interest in the Democratic party, is a member of the Bryant Street Christian Church, and is always active in church work. Mr. Garvin was married in Randolph county, Missouri, January 10, 1850, to Catherine A. Tompkins, a native of Missouri and daughter of William Tompkins, a native of Kentucky. Mr. Garvin lost his wife October 13, 1875, at St. Louis, Missouri, and they had five children, viz.: William, a farmer of Rockwall county, Texas; Laura, now Mrs. W. C. Harvey, of Vernon, this State; Martha, who married J. T. Sims, of Dallas county, and died September 8, 1883; Minerva, wife of John Runkle, of Rockwall county; Robert E., of Shackelford county, Texas; and Joseph. Mr. Garvin was again married, in 1876, to MoUie Hedrick, a native of Mississippi and daughter of John Hedrick, a resident of Denton county, Texas. She died of consumption in Dallas county in 1878, and in 1879 Mr. Garvin married Lulu Smith, a native of Tennessee and daughter of Mr. Smith, who died some years ago in this county. This wife died in 1882, leaving one child, Lulu. In 1888 Mr. Garvin married Ann Eliza Haines, a native of Tennessee. Her father died in that State, and the mother is still living in Hardeman county.

ARCUS De la FAYETTE GRACEY, a pioneer farmer of Dallas county, was born in Bond county, Illinois, October 22, 1831, a son of William and Harriet Isabella (Harris) Gracey, natives of North Carolina. The parents were reared in

Tennessee, but later emigrated to Illinois, in the early settlement of that State, where the father engaged in farming. They reared a family of eight children, and the father died in Illinois in October, 1842; the mother, March 4, 1841.

Marcus, our subject, was eleven years of age when his father died, after which he lived with an uncle until he came to Texas, in September, 1846. He came with his brother-in-law, in a two-horse wagon, and was six weeks and four days making the trip, landing at Coffey's Bend. They crossed the Ked river, and lived in a tent four weeks, or until they could build a cabin. Mr. Gracey assisted in improving his brother-in-law's farm, and then worked for a family by the name of Norboe, at farm work. December 24, 1854, he located 320 acres of land onehalf mile from where Lisbon now stands, where he built a log house, 16x18 feet, and he has since added to his original purchase until he now owns 500 acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation.

Mr. Gracey was married September 7, 1854, to Miss Amanda E. Harris, a native of Warren county, Kentucky, and a daughter of Thomas H. and Martha E. (Skies) Hari-is. The parents were married in Kentucky, but in November, 1852, they located in Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Gracey have had ten children, eight of whom survive, viz.: William T., a farmer and stock-raiser of Stephens county; Mary B., wife of David A. Yokley, a slockraiser of Palo Pinto county; Robert R., a stock-raiser of Stephens county; Joseph S., a stock raiser of Clay county; Albert Sidney, also of Clay county; George Henry, a stockraiser of Stephens county; Lucy and Cora. Mr. and Mrs. Gracey are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is a Democrat, and socially, a member of the A. F. & A. M., having joined the order in 1852; was Treasurer of the Masonic lodge. No. 52, for many years; is a member of the Dallas Chapter, and also of the Royal Arch. He is a self-made man, and by his own industry and economy has accumulated property, and by his many years of upright dealings has won the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

fESSE H. PEACOCK, liveryman, Lancaster, Texas. - There are few enterprises that contribute to the convenience of the residential and transient public more than the well appointed livery stable, and foremost among those who have been successful in this business is Mr. Peacock. His father, A. W. Peacock, was born in the Keystone State, but moved from there to Pope county, Arkansas, where his death occurred in 1852. He was married in 1841, to Miss Lucy Howell, a native of Tennessee and the daughter of Jesse Howell. Socially, Mr. Peacock was a member of the Masonic order, and in his religious views he was a Presbyterian. The five children born to this union are named in the order of their births as follows: Lorenzo Q., died in 1852; Nancy, died in 1852; Thomas A., was accidentally shot and killed in 1865; Mattie, died in 1888: she was the wife of John Rawlins, a resident of Dallas county, Texas; and J esse H. The last named was born October 27, 1849, in Pope county, Arkansas, and he there remained with his mother until the time of her death, which occurred in 1857. He then made his home with his uncle, II. A. Howell, a merchant of Dardanelle, Yell county, Arkansas, with whom he remained until 1860, after which he came to Dallas county, Texas. Here he resided with another uncle, Thomas A. Howell, until sixteen years of a^je, when he started out to light life's battles for himself. He first engaged in cattle-driving, and later freighted for about three years. After this he rented a farm about four miles west of Lancaster, continued there about four years, and tlien moved to that town, where he conducted a livery barn for some time. He was elected constable, served in that capacity for about six years, and then bought a farm, on which he resided one year. Since then he has been a resident of Lancaster, and, in company with E. S. Guy, carries on a livery barn. In the year 1877 Mr. Peacock was married to Miss Mary E. Guy, who was born January 22, 1850, and who is a daughter of Eobert S. and Emily (Green) Guy. Mr. ^Peacock is a man of sterling integrity and good business ability. Mrs. Peacock's grandfather, John Guy, was a native of Ireland, came to America when sixteen years of age, located first in Virginia, but subsequently moved to Callaway county, Missouri, where his death occurred in 1855. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church for many years and was an Elder in the same. In 1819 he was married to Miss Mary C. Baskin, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Baskin, and the fruits of tiiis union were eleven children, seven daughters and four sons. Of this family Robert Smith Guy (father of Mrs. Peacock) was the eldest. He was born in Augusta county, Virginia, but moved with his parents to Callaway county, Missouri, where he remained until 1852. Although his advantages for receiving an education were not of the best, by close application and observation he became well informed, and at an early age began the study of law. In 1846 he married Miss E. Green, a native of Missouri, born in 1825 and the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Proctor) Green, natives of Kentucky. After his marriage Mr. Guy first embarked in farming, continued this one year, and then began teaching school, but at the same time continued the study of law. Soon after coming to the Lone Star State he was admitted to the bar, but for some time after his admission he continued to teach. However, his practice grew to such proportions that he was compelled to abandon teaching and give his entire attention to his profession, becoming one of the most successful jury lawyers of his district. In 1861 he organized Company F, and joined Colonel Stone's regiment, with which he served one year, when he was obliged to resign on account of ill health. He afterward re-enlisted and served in the Quartermaster Department until the close of hostilities. In politics he was a Democrat, and the esteem in which he was held by his party was evinced by his being elected Senator from his district two successive terms. He was a member of the Masonic order, and a liberal supporter of the church. To Mr. and Mrs. Guy were born three children: William W., died in Camp Washington, Arkansas, during the war; M. E., wife of our subject; and Edward S., born in 1853, and married March 8, 1876, to Miss Sallie B. Lacy, a native of Ellis county, Texas. He is a member of the firm of Peacock & Guy.

fC. KEARB Y, attorney, Dallas, Texas. - A history of the prominent men of ® Dallas county would be incomplete without mention of the subject of this sketch, J. C. Kearby, who is one ot the able attorneys of the county. He owes his nativity to Clark county, Arkansas, his birtli occur- ring in Arkaclelpliia, in 1848, and was the eldest of three children born to Dr. E. P. and Mary (Peyton) Kearby, natives respectively of Kentucky and Virginia. When a young man the father emigrated to Hot Springs county, Arkansas (1840), was married there, and there practiced medicine. In 1857 he came to Denton county, Texas, and followed his profession for some time, and later moved to Van Zandt county. Texas. He is now a resident of Rains county, Texas. The mother died in Hot Springs county, Arkansas. J. C. Kearby was reared in the Lone Star State, and educated in the subscription schools of Denton county. In 1861 he enlisted in Denton county, in Captain O. G. "Welch's Company, Cooper's Regiment, and later was in Charles De Moss' Regiment, Twenty-ninth Texas Cavalry. He enlisted for twelve months and, at the expiration of his term of service, re-enlisted for the remainder of the war. He was in the battles in Indian Territory, was afterward at Elkhorn, Cabin creek, Honey creek, Poison Springs, Mansfield, and he was also in the Red River expedition. At the close of hostilities Mr. Kearby returned to Denton and began reading law with Judge Waddle, of McKinney, continuing with him until the latter's death, which occurred in 1867. He then finished reading law with Colonel Welch, of Denton, and was admitted to the bar in 1869, after which he at once commenced practicing and has been doing an extensive court practice throughout the State. He began at Van Zandt, where he remained until 1874, and then came to Dallas.

While in Van Zandt, or in 1871, he was married to Miss Lula Robinson, a jnative of Alabama, and the daughter of J. M. and Elizabeth (0"Hara) Robinson, natives of Alabama. In 1866 Mr. Robinson and family moved to Van Zandt county, Texas, where he followed farming until his death in 1880. The mother died eight years later. Mr. and Mrs. Kearby are the parents of four children: Victor P., reading law at Van Zandt; Maud, Jay and Fay. Mr. Kearby takes quite an active interest in politics and votes independently. He endorsed the Greenback movement, and in 1888 was that party's candidate for Congress. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Kearby and children are members of the Congregational Church.

AMUEL HUN NIC UTT, of Dallas county, was born five miles east of the city of Dallas, February 26, 1848, a son of William C. Hunnicutt, one of the early pioneers of the State. He is a native of Illinois, but came to Texas in 1846, where he bought and improved land on White Rock creek, and there resided until his death in September, 1868. Samuel was reared on this farm, spending most of liis time raising stock. In the spring of 1863 he joined Colonel Burford's Nineteenth Texas Cavalry, Company B, and while in the service he was mostly engaged in detached duty. He was engaged in the raid down Red river when Colonel Banks was forced back into Louisiana, and the following spring he returtied home and resumed work on the farm. Mr. Hunnicutt lived near where his father had settled until three years ago, when, on account of the advantages of school facilities, he bought property in Cedar Hill, where he is now one of the most important stock dealers of the county feeding and shipping several thousand head yearly. He shipped this season some of the best grades of cattle ever shipped from this section of the county. He has property in the city of Dallas and Oak Cliff, beside his home in Cedar Hill, and he has by fair dealings with his fellowmen won their conlidence to that extent that his word is as good as his bond.

Mr. Hunniciitt was married March 5, 1868, to Miss Fannie M., a daughter of Milton Merrifield, a native of Kentucky, and an early settler of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hnniiicutt are the parents of live children: Nannie Lue, Jack, Julia, Fannie and Samuel.

fAMES B. BRYAN, a farmer of Dallas county, was born in Harrison county, Texas, September 28, 1844, a son of J. B. Bryan. The latter moved to Dallas county in 1846, and opened the first hotel in the then small village where the city of Dallas now stands. He lived here eight years, and then went to California, where he died. He was a native of Tennessee, and a brother of John Neely Bryan, who built the first cabin where the city of Dallas now stands.

James B., our subject has made farming his principal occupation through life, and received his education in the common schools. He entered the Confederate service in Colonel Lane's Begiment, Company A, in the spring of 1862, and was in active service until just before the close of the war, when he was discharged on account of his eyes. He was in the battle of Prairie Grove, also at Van Buren, Arkansas, and after his return home he resuineil work on the farm. He has gained by his economical living and hard work a good home of 110 acres of line land, which he has well improved, and also has property in the city of Oak Cliff. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, at Cedar Hill, and by his upright dealings has won the confidence of all who know him.

Mr. Bryan was married August 18, 1870, to Miss Susan E., a daughter of Milton Merritield, a native of Kentucky. By this union there are seven living children: John A., Effie L., Maggie L., Walter S., Arthur C, Susie £. and Samuel C.

Mr. Mitchel was born in Montgomery county, Alabama, November 16, 1833, a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Lawrence) Mitchel, the former a native of Georgia. His grandparents were of Irish ancestry, and settled in Alabama when his father was ten or twelve years old. The mother was born in South Carolina, but was reared in Alabama. B. 1*\ Mitchel grew up on a farm and received his education in the common schools. He resided with his parents imtil he reached his majority, after which he worked at the carpenter's trade, building gin houses and presses and running-gears, etc., and was thus employed until he came to Texas. At the breaking out of the late war, he enlisted, in January, 1862, in Captain Glasco's Company, or Hillard's Legion, and was in East Tennessee and Virginia, serving on signal duty one year. He participated in the battle of Petersburg, Virginia, on the evening of June 17, 1864. At the close of the war he returned to Alabama and continued work at his trade. Coming to Texas in 1873, he located on a farm about live miles south of Dallas, and remained there until 1878. He was married, September 3, 1878, to Mrs. Alzadia Jackson, widow of J. R. Jackson, and daughter of Richard Manlding. She was born in Texas and reared in this county. After his marriage, Mr. Mitche! lived in Wise county two years. He then purchased of the U. L. Lennard headright ses'enty-tive and three-fourth acres, and here he has since been engao;ed in farming. He and his wife are the parents of four children: Susan Maud, John Presley, James Jefferson and P'rank. By her former marriage, Mrs. Mitchel has two children. Lava and Ollie May. She is a member of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Mitchel affiliates with the Democratic party.

W. HOUSTON. - This gentleman, a farmer and stock-raiser, residing in f® Rrecinct No. 5, Dallas county, Texas, postoffice Ka, was born in Madison county, Tennessee, July 6, 1831, a son of Martin P. and Eliza Drucila (G-arnett) Houston. The Houston family were among the early settlers of North Carolina, and were of Irish ancestry, while the (iarnetts were also of North Carolina, and were of "Welsh descent. His parents were reared in North Carolina and there married. At an early day they removed to Tennessee where they passed the rest of their lives.

Mr. Houston grew up on tiie farm. He was the third-born in a family of nine children, and when he was twelve years old his father died. The father's death was followed soon afterward by that of the oldest son and daughter, thus leaving the care of the mother and younger children on him. February 8, 1853, he was united in rnarriage with Miss Mary A. Jordan, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of A. J. and Martha (Useny) Jordan, her people also having gone to Tennessee from North Carolina.

In 1856 Mr. Houston and his wife came to Texas and located in Rusk county, where he followed farming until 1860. Then he removed to Wise county, this State, and until the war broke out was there engaged in the live-stock business. Moving his family back to Rusk county in the fall of 1861, he left them and entered the army. He enlisted in Company C, Colonel Norris's regiment, and served on the frontier of Texas, from the Red river to the Colorado. In 1863 they were reorganized into Colonel J. S. McCoy's regiment, and served on the frontier until the close of the war.

After the war Mr. Houston engaged in freighting from Rusk county to Shrevesport, Louisiana, until 1871, when he came to Dallas county. He took up his abode here in June of that year, and for three years rented land, after which he purchased his present farm. His home place comprises 220 acres, and besides this he owns a farm of 100 acres, all improved land and in a high state of cultivation.

Mr. and Mrs. Houston are the parents of eleven children, all living, namely: Mary Laura, Salenia Jane, Amanda, Martha, James, Samuel, Henry W., Alice, Lyda, Bettie and Emma D. Mr. Houston is a member of tlie A. F. & A. M., Lancaster Lodge, No. 160, and also of the Chapter. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ILLIS W. ROBERSON, a farmer of Dallas county, was born in Bienville parish, Louisiana, September 14, 1852, a son of Lewis and Rachel (Andrews) Roberson. The father was a native of Alabama, but moved to Louisiana, where he died, September 28, 1862. The parents had six children, viz.: Willis, our subject; William, a resident of Van Zandt county; Lucinda, who died when young; Xaucy, wife of Jackson H. Creagle; and Green, also a resident of Van Zandt county. After the death of the father the mother married James Darby, in May, 1869.

Willis W. lived with his mother until twenty years of age, after which he rented land three years, and later bought a farm of 175 acres of partly improved land. He now has this place under a good state of cultivation, and also has a good liousc and barns. He was a poor boy when he commenced life for himself, but he has attended strictly to business, and now he can truly say the wolf has been driven from the door.

Mr. Kobersou was married in 1872, to Miss Georgia Florence, who was born December 17, 1855. (For history of Mrs. Roberson's family see sketch of D. Florence.) Mr. and Mrs. Roberson have had three children, viz.: David, born February 15, 1875; Julia, October 29, 1878; and Ella, August 26, 1890. Both parents are members of the Baptist Church.

iANIEL TITTERINGTON, farmer and stock-raiser, 214 Houston street, Dallas, Texas, is one of the prominent citizens of Dallas county, and has been identified with its interests since July 19, 1859.

Mr. Titterington is a native of Kentucky, born in Christian county, May 28, 1828. His father, Adam Titterington, was born in Ireland, spent his early boyhood days in the north of England, and at the age of twelve years caine to America, landing in the United States a stranger and alone. He went to the mountains of Pennsylvania and was employed in herding hogs, using his leisure moments for study and thus obtaining a fair education; finally drifted into Kentucky, where he lived for many years teaching school and farming. He was married in Cumberland county, Kentucky, to Miss Catherine Smith, daughter of a Revolutionary soldier who fought under Washington, and who lived to be over 100 years old, dying in Kentucky. Her death occurred in 1837, and Mr. Titterington subsequently wedded her sister, who died in 1868. By his first wife he had eleven children, and by his second, two, the subject of our sketch being the fifth son and the ninth child, and being nine years old when his mother died. Adam Titterington died in 1856, aged seventy-three years.

Daniel was reared on the farm and educated under the tutorship of his father. He remained at home until eighteen years of age, when he began to learn the wagon and carriage-making trade, and served one year. About this time the California gold fever broke out, and, like many another ambitious youth eager for adventure and wealth, he left his trade and crossed the plains to the new El Dorado of the West, making the journey with ox teams and landing in Sacramento September 15, 1852. He was successfully engaged in mining and lumbering there until 1858, when he returned East and the following year located in Dallas county, Texas. During the late war he enlisted in Company I, Thirtieth Texas Mounted Troops, and served in the Indian Nation and in Arkansas until the close of that sanguinary struggle, after which he returned to Dallas county and continued his stock-raising and agricultural pursuits. To his first purchase, 341i acres, he has since added other lands and is now the owner of 1,301^ acres.

Kentucky, daughter of James M. and Amanda (Carpenter) Bentley, natives of Kentucky, who came to Texas in 1852. They are the parents of three children: George A., of Paris, Texas; Dr. James II., a graduate of Bellevue Medical College, New York; and Jesse B., Dallas.

Mr. Titterington is a self-made man. His present position of prominence and affluence is due to his own industry. He is a man of good judgment and sound business principles. Politically, he affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Tannehill Lodge, and of the Dallas Chapter. Mrs. Titterington is a member of the Christian Church.

fOSEPH O. RICKETTS. - The subject of this sketch has been identified with the interests of Dallas county, Texas, since 1847. A brief biography of him is as follows:

Joseph O. Ricketts was born in Warren county, Kentucky, December 16, 1832, a son of Zedekiah and Margaret (Dews) Ricketts. His father was born and reared in Maryland, and in Virginia was married, Mrs. Ricketts being a native of the latter State. After his marriage he moved to Kentucky, where he engaged in farming, continuing there until 1847, when he came to Texas, landing in Dallas county on the 5th of April. He came to Shreveport, Louisiana, by water, thence to Dallas by wagon. He located a headright ten miles south of Dallas, improved the property and lived thei-e until June 10, 1856, when his death occurred, at the age of sixtythree years. His wife died in 1878, aged eighty-two. They reared a family of eight children, three of whom still survive. This worthy couple were members of the Christian Church, and were held in high esteem in the community where they resided.

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and received his education in the subscription schools. He was fifteen years old when the family came to Texas. Here he assisted in improving their frontier farm, and continued to reside on the old homestead until after his mother's death. He was married September 27, 1876, to Miss Mary Ann Hustead, who was born in Clark county, Illinois, a daughter of Harrison and Prudence (Bartlett) Hustead. Her parents were natives of West Virginia. They went from there to Illinois, where they lived several years, and in 1845 came to Texas and settled on Duck creek, in Dallas county, having a homestead of 640 acres. Mr. Hustead afterward moved to the vicinity of Lisbon, and here spent the rest of his days, and died in 1852. After his marriage, Mr. Ricketts took his bride to the old homestead and lived there until 1884. That year he purchased his present property, twenty acres, where he has one of the most beautiful and attractive homes in the county. He is a member and an Elder in the Christian Church, and his wife is a Baptist.

During the war Mr. Ricketts was in the Thirty-first Cavalry and served in Arkansas and Louisiana, participating in the battles of Prairie Grove, Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, and serving until hostilities ceased.

tW. WINTERS has been identified with the interests of Dallas county since * 1867. He is a native of Tennessee, born near Nashville, August 6, 1816, a son of Moses and Elizabeth (Pool) Winters. His father was a native of Tennessee and served as a soldier under General Jackson in the war of 1812. His crrandfather Winters was born in Englaud and was probably married in France, as his wife was a native of that country, and they caiue to this country previous to the Revolutionary war, settling in Tennessee. The mother of our subject was a native of Georgia. Her father, Ephraim Pool, a Baptist minister, was a pioneer of Tennessee and a Revolutionary soldier. He was wounded in that war.

When L. W. Winters was eleven years old the family moved to Illinois and located in St. Clair county. After living there four years they moved to Missouri, moving in 1832 and on the day that General Jackson was elected President. They settled in what was then Greene county, and there the father continued his farming operations. In their family were eleven children. L. W. was the fifth born and is the only surviving member. The father died in Missouri, at the age of sixty-six years, and the mother at about the age of sixty.

His father, a farmer, Mr. Winters was reared in the rural districts of Tennessee, Illinois and Missouri, and he resided with his parents until he was twenty-five years old. He was married in 1840, to Miss Emily Campbell, a native of Vermilion county, Indiana. She went to Missouri with her brotherin-law. By this union nine children were born, six lived to be grown and three still survive. Their nanies are as follows: William G. ; Elizabeth S., deceased; Emily, deceased; Steven L., who was killed in the army; Fanny, Thomas L. ; Louis, deceased; Joshua, deceased; and Stephen Campbell. In 1868 Mr. Winters came to Texas and settled near Lisbon, where he engaged in farming. His wife died in 1871. In January, 1873, he married Zebie Ann McIIenry.

Her maiden name was Jackson and she is a daughter of Jerry and Susan (Rice) Jackson. She came to Dallas county in 1861. By her former marriage she had five children, only one of whom is now living: Sidney McHenry.

Mr. Winters owns 150 acres of land in Dallas county and eighty acres in Eastland county, this State. His home is near Oak Cliff, and he is regarded as one of the successful farmers and stock-raisers of his vicinity. Politically, he is a Democrat. Mrs. Winters is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

fOHN SIMPSON, a farmer and stockraiser of Dallas county, postoffice Lisbon, is a native of Ireland. He was born in county Meath, August 6, 1822, son of William and Jane (Shackleton) Simpson. When he was sixteen years old his father died, and three years later his mother passed away. The homestead in Ireland has been for many generations, and is to-day occupied by the Simpson family. After the death of his parents, the subject of our sketch settled on one of the farms that his father had rented and remained on it until he emigrated to America in the fall of 1849.

In March, 1849, Mr. Simpson was married to Miss Margaret Ann Cox, a native of county Monaghan, Ireland, and a daughter of William and Sally (Young) Cox. Their voyage to New York comprised forty-five days, and from there they went directly West to Marquette county, Wisconsin, where Mr. Simpson entered a tract of Government land. He improved that property and resided there until 1858, the year he came to Dallas county, Texas. Here he purcha.sed a partially iin- proved farm of 340 acres, which he continued to improve and from time to time added to until he had a landed estate of 1,600 acres. His beautiful and attractive home, surrounded with shade and ornamental trees, is situated eight miles south of Dallas.

Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have had seven children, viz.: Sally Jane, wife of John Gillispey, of Johnson county, Texas; William, who died October 27, 1886, at the age of thirtyfive years; Robert Y., John, Margaret Ann, Ellen and Joseph.

M. BRADFORD, Postmaster of Mc- Nairy, Dallas county, Texas, has been ' a resident of this county since March, 1860. For many years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, but is now retired from the active duties of farm life.

Mr. Bradford dates his birth in Bedford county, Tennessee, February 26, 1815. His father, Theodrick F. Bradford, was born in Virginia, of English ancestry and a descendant of Governor Bradford who came to this country with the Pilgrims. His mother was a native of Tennessee, her ancestors having been residents of South Carolina.

Reared on the farm and educated in the subscription schools of the period, Mr. Bradford remained with his parents until he was twenty-three years of age. He was married April 3, 1838, to Miss Charlotte Jones, wlio was born in Boston, Massachusetts, January 81, 1819, daughter of Charles Jones by his marriage with a Miss Lucus, people of English descent. He soon afterward moved to Chariton county, Missouri, where he was engaged in fanning for some years, subsequently moving to St. Louis, where for ten years he acted as deputy sheriff. In the spring of 1860 he came to Texas and settled in Dallas county; first rented a farm and afterward purchased land of William Coorabes - one of the oldest places in the county. He bought forty acres, which he has divided into town lots. Six children were born to them, all of whom are deceased. His wife died August 22, 1879. For his second companion he chose Miss Nellie Luella Druse, whom he wedded January 24, 1888. She is a native of McHenry county, Dlinois, and came to Texas in February, 1886. Her parents, Druse and Antonnett (Bowen) Druse, were natives of New York and of French ancestry.

Mr. Bradford's war record is a remarkable one. He enlisted in the Quartermaster's department, under General Price, and served all through the war. For four years he neither slept a night in a house nor ate a meal in a house, and during that time did not take a dose of medicine. He has always enjoyed the best of health and is yet a strong and vigorous man. He received his appointment as Postmaster under President Cleveland's administration.

W. SCRIPTURE was born in Norfolk, Virginia, August 7, 1843, oldest son ® and child of Charles B. and Elizabeth F. (Wright) Scripture. His father was a native of New Hampshire, as also was his grandfather, they being of English descent. His mother was born in Norfolk, Virginia, daughter of William AVright, a sea captain who followed the sea all his life. Her brother, William Wright, was also a sailor, and while on a voyage in a sailing vessel the crew ran out of provisions. The sailors drew lots to see who should give up his life to sustain that of the others. Tiie lot fell to Mr. Wright. His life was sacrificed, and on the following day a ship came in sight. At the age of eighteen years, Charles B. Scripture went to Virginia and engaged in the mercantile business. He was there married, October 3, 1842, to the above named lady and in 1844 emigrated to Missouri. At Arrow Rock, Saline county, Missouri, he engaged in the wagon and carriage manufacture, supplying emigrants with wagons with which to cross the plains. He followed this business until 1855, when he moved to Howard county and turned his attention to the lumber business, continuing it until 1860. In 1862 the Federal soldiers burned his mill and lumber and surrounding buildings, consisting of a flouring mill, blacksmith shop, etc., to the amount cf $15,000. In 1864 he was forced to leave that part of the country and returned to his former home in Saline county.

In 1867 Mr. Scripture came to Texas and located in Kaufman county. His coming here at that time was for the benetit of his health. In 1872 the family came to Dallas and engaged in the hotel business, running what was then known as the City Hotel, now the St. Cliarles Hotel. The parents died in Dallas, the mother, September 18, 1880, at the age of sixty-three, and the father, September 15, 1883, aged sixty-six. Of their eleven children, six grew to adult age, four of them are in Texas and one is still in Missouri. Mrs. Scripture was a member of the Episcopal Church. A. W. Scripture was only a year old when his parents moved to Missouri, where he was reared, assisting his father in his business, and receiving his education in the subscription schools. He remained with his parents until the l)reaking out of the late war, when in June, 1861, he enlisted as a member of William Brown's Company, the first cavalry regiment organized in Missouri, subsequently known as Colonel William Brown's regiment. He participated in many important engagements and served faithfully until the close of the war, being surrendered at Shreveport, Louisiana, May 26, 1865. After the war he returned to his home in Saline county, Missouri, and engaged in work at the carpenter trade, following that until 1869, when he turned his attention to farming.

He was married, April 27, 1869, to Miss Melinda Jackson, a daughter of Thomas and Polly Ann (Marshall) Jackson. She was born in Missouri and her parents were natives of Kentucky. By this union one child was born, Clara. In 1873 Mr. Scripture came to Dallas county and purchased an unimproved farm of seventy-two acres of timber land, located four miles east of Dallas. This he cleared and on it resided until 1885, when he moved to Taylor county and purcliased 1,096 acres of w'ild land. He improved the property and was extensively engaged in tlie stock business there for three years, after which he returned to Dallas county. He, however, still owns that laud. After coming back to Dallas county he bought his present home property, which consists of twenty acres, and here he is engaged in the dairy business. He keeps forty cows and disposes of his product in Dallas.

Mrs. Scripture died March 8, 1872, and in 1873 he was united in marriage with Miss Melissa Jane Moore, a native of Saline county, Missouri, and a daughter of William and Caroline (Chappie) Moore, who were among the first settlers of Saline county and were of German ancestry. By his second marriage Mr. Scripture had one child. Orrin, who died at the age of ten years.

war he had thirty cents in silver which he spent for liimself and comrades. He borrowed $20, to defray his expenses to Texas, and when he arrived here he had $1.80 left. By hard wor kand good management he has accumulated a fine property and is now in comfortable circumstances. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party. Mrs. Scripture is a member of the Christian Church.

IHARLES E. GILBERT, editor and manager of the Times- Herald, of Dallas, Texas, is a native of the State of Alabama, and a son of Love E. Gilbert, who was for many years an editor. The mother was Elizabeth Jackson, a native of Connecti cut, who died in 1861 in Alabama. The paternal and maternal grandfathers are buried in Texas, to wliich State the former came early in the '40s. After his death Love E. with his mother returned to Alabama. The maternal grandfather came to this State in 1873, and died in Fort Worth. Charles E. Gilbert learned the printer's trade in his boyhood, entering his father's office at the close of the war, when but ten years old; and after following the fortunes of that career for some time he came to Texas, in October, 1876, as soon as he was twenty-one, and in February, 1877, became the editor of the Tablet, at Navasota, Texas. At that time there were two negroes in the Legislature, one in the Senate, two on the County Commissioners' Court, and in other positions. With tiie push and enterprise that has ever marked his career he became a warm advocate of white domination, and was largely instrumental in securing a unity of purpose in that direction, and the negro was soon relegated

After disposing of that paper in 1881, he went to Abilene, then a tented frontier town, and there established the Reporter, the first paper of the place, and in its columns he became an earnest champion of the development of the West and the protection of the farmer settler. The famous Land Lease and Enclosure laws were enacted about this time, for the protection of the settlers against the free-grass cattle-men. Mr. Gilbert saw that there was to be a "battle royal" between the small freeholders and the so-called "cattle barons," and he promptly threw his influence on the side of the farmers. It was a battle between a weak minority and the organized brains and capital of the most powerful organization Texas or the Southland ever knew; but notwithstanding these odds the battle raged fiercely and personal encounters were frequent. The Democratic State platform and Legislature were approved by 200,- 000 majority over the State, and the Reporter gained a signal triumph in its section, and today its editor is held in high esteem, even by his whilom opponents, and in grateful re membrance by the farmer whose battle he so valiantly fought. Early in 1886 he came to Dallas and formed a connection with the Evening Herald, wliicii in 1888 was consolidated with the Evening Times under the name of Times- Herald, which still continues. He directs and controls tiie policy of this paper, which is considered one of the best in the State. He is an admirable newspaper man and his progressive ideas are reflected in every corner of his paper and its management. True to his life-long convictions, he is the tried and able ciiampion of the interests of the masses, especially the farming and laboring classes, and he is fearless in his defense of any principle, whatsoever its political creed, that is for the public good.

He was married in Alabama, in 1877, to Miss Gertrude Wilson, whose father was the iirst white child born in Pickens county, and was afterward its first Representative in the Legislature. Mr. Gilbert is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and finds time, outside of the duties connected with his paper, to further the moral and educational welfare of the community in which he resides.

jEDFAREN ROUTH, the senior mem- ^ ber of the iirm of Routh & Stewart, is justly entitled to a space iu the record of the lives of the leading business men of Dallas county. He is a native of the county, born November 21, 1859, and is the youngest of a family of twelve children. His parents, George W. and Elizabeth (Rankin) Routh, were natives of Tennessee; the father was reared in that State, and emigrated to Texas, settling on Duck creek, near the present site of the village of Garland. Here he bought the headright to a section of laud of Abner Keen, and later added 300 or 400 acres of what was known as the Chris survey, to the purchase; here he lived until his death, which occurred in 1865; the mother passed away in 1860. Mr. Routh began life as a farmer boy, and, when old enough to assume the responsibilities, took charge of the affairs at home. He followed this occupation until the fall of 1887, when he came to Dallas city and opened a wholesale and retail produce house, under the firm name of Routh & Lewis. In the autumn of 1888 Mr. Lewis retired, and was succeeded by A. L. Simpson,

Mr. Routh was united in marriage, August 10, 1880, to Miss Amanda J. Ramsey, a daughter of James Ramsey, of Garland, Texas. Mr. Ramsey has been prominently identiiied with various enterprises in the State for a number of years, and now resides near Rose Hill, Texas. March 27, 1885, Mrs. Amanda J. Routh was called from this life, leaving her husband and one child, a daughter, Maggie M., born June 10, 1881. Mr. Routh was married a second time. May 2, 1888, to Miss Lucy A. Early, the fifth of a family of seven children born to John T. and America (Sousley) Early. Mr. Early was a native of Fleming county, Kentucky, and in 1878 removed to Collin county, Texas; here he lived until 1884, and then came to Dallas, where he still resides.

Mr. Routh received his education in the common schools at Duck Creek and in the Lawrence Business College. Politically he attiliates with the Democratic party. Lie and his wife are members of the First Baptist Church of this city, and have given a liberal support to the society.

fS HARP, of the firm of Haralson & Sharp, was born in Tipton county, Ten- " nessee, in S.'ptember, 1853, the second of the five children of J. R. and Mary (Sheffield) Sliaip, natives aho of Tennessee. His father, a farmer and miller, came to Texas in 1880, with his family of three children. The mother of J. S. died in 1858, in Tennessee. Mr. Sharp came from west Tennessee to Dallas in 1880 and was employed by F. G.

Moore as a teamster for about eighteen months, and also delivered goods for a wholesale store. In 1882 he engaged in general excavation work and in hauling sand and gravel for builders, etc. The firm of Haralson & Sharp was organized in 1886, and they are engaged in general excavation and teaming, running from twenty-five to sixty teams. While the Oak Cliff railway was in process of construction they ran a hundred teams, paying out as much as ^18,000 per month.

In July, 1886, Mr. Sharp married Mrs. Domy Wliites, tiie widow of Edward Whites and daughter of Mrs. W. H. H. Brawley. Her father is deceased, and her mother resides in Dallas. Mrs. Sharp's daughter, Ida May, died in 1887, at the age of nine months.

Mr. Sharp has taken an active part in politics, voting with the Democratic party. In society he is a member of Dallas Lodge, Knights of Pythias. He and his wife belong to the Floyd Street Methodist Episcopal Church. They are exemplary iriembers of society and iuterested in every good work.

tl'lilft'P ^* '^^'''^ * privilege and pleasure to ["-iflsS tlie biographer to record the genealogy and career of one who is a source of pride to his county, a credit to his State, and an honor to his parents. Unless preserved by the historian, the hardships and deprivations endured by the pioneer, while not equal in intei-est to the Arabian Nights, may come to seem equally incredible; and the names of those men and women who pushed their way to the frontier, making the way for the advance of civilization, cannot be written too high among the honored of the earth.

In 1844, on the 28th day of November, the seventh actual settler of Dallas county, Texas, arrived in the person of William Perry (Overton, a native of Chariton county, Missouri, born February 2, 1822, and a son of Aaron and Rachel (Cameron) Overton. Aaron Overton, a Virginian by birth, was a son of Jesse and Elizabeth Overton, the mother a half-breed Cherokee. The Overton family were of English ancestry, and were members of the early Virginia colonies, taking a prominent part in the Revolutionary war. The maternal grandfather of William P. Overton was John Cameron, of Scotch descent, who also did gallant service in the struggles of the American colonies for independence, before he was wounded while on courier duty. Being surrounded by Tories, he threw up his old coon-skin cap, crying, " Hurrah for King George !" and succeeded in galloping through the British lines!

Aaron Overton was reared to the occupation of a farmer in his native State, and was there married ; immediately after this event he started with his bride for the West, when tiie West was still east of the Mississippi river. For a time he resided in East Tennessee, and then removed to the western part of the State. Not having reached the place he was seeking, he determined to push on to the limits of the frontier, and this he did, going to Chariton county, Missouri. There, in company with his son-in-law, he opened the salt works, and followed the business for some time. About 1824 he disposed of his inter-, est in that place, and moved to what is now Jackson county, Missouri, where he was among the first permanent settlers. He located on a farm which he brought to a high state of cultivation before selling it. He next went to Independence, Missouri, and there l)uilt the first steam mill in Jackson

In 1844 he determitied to make another change, and in company with his sons, C. C. and W. P. Overton, he came to Texas, making the jonrnej in primitive style with an ox team, and consuming two months' time. He located in Dallas county and took up a headright where Oak Cliff now stands; there he built a horse mill, having a capacity of one hundred bushels of wheat a day; this was the first mill erected in Dallas county, and customers came a distance of 100 miles. Mr. Overton conducted this mill until 1851, when he built a water mill, and two years later he built that is now known as the Honey Springs Mill; this he owned and operated in connection with agricultural pursuits until his death. He made a trip to Missouri each fall until 1847, when lie brought his family to the Lone Star State. His death occurred in 1860, and at the age of seventy-six years; his wife survived him until 1874, when she, too, passed to the realm beyond; she had attained the age of eighty-seven years. Thus ended the lives of a useful man and woman; they were possessed of many excellent traits of character, and those virtues which win and hold the affections. There were born to them twelve children, eleven of whom lived to rear families, and seven of whom still survive.

William P. Overton, the ninth of the -family in order of l)irtli, passed his childhood surrounded by the quiet influences of nature; his education was gained in the primitive log schoolhouse, where the children of the pioneer settlers were wont to gather to con the rule uf three and trace the English script with the ancient quill pen. In 1844 he came with his father to Dallas county,

Texas, and took up a headright adjoining that of his father; he built a house, made many valuable improvements, and devoted himself to agriculture and milling until 1850. The tide of emigration was still sweeping strongly to the Paciflc coast, carrying in its flow thousands of gold-seekers. lu the spring of 1850, Mr. Overton joined the caravan crossing the plains, California being the destination of the party; he went as far as El Paso with ox teams, and there traded the oxen for mules; the journey was begun April 21, and \vas completed September 17, the following autumn, the company arriving at San Diego on tliat date. Mr. Overton at ouce engaged in the search of the yellow dust, and for eighteen months devoted his energies to mining. In 1853, however, he traded his headrigiit to his father for the Honey Springs, where he still lives. We find him again in Texas, carrying on a milling business at Honey Springs mill; this pursuit occupied him until 1866, when he returned to the vocation of his youtli, farming.

He was united in the bonds of marriage, July 22, 1847, to Miss Martha Ann Newton, a native of Saline county, Missouri, and a daughter of William Newton; her father was a blacksmith by trade, and was employed in the Indian nation on Kohu river by Richard Cunnings, the Indian agent; he settled in Dallas county, Texas, in 1845. To Mr. and Mrs. Overton were born seven children, three of whom are living; Aubrey L., William W. and Mollie A.; Alonzo died January 22 1880, at the age of twenty-six years; Caswell died January 31, 1875, aged seventeen years. The mother of these children passed from the scenes of earth November 10, 1884. Mr. Overton's second marriage occurred July 22, 1885, when he was wedded to Mrs. Jessie F. Price, a daughter of Henry C. Davis.

Mr. Davis was a native of Hampshire, England, and of a good family, was killed on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad, at the age of seventy-three years. No man was more deservedly loved tlian Grandpa Davis.

The home of this worthy pioneer was in early days the home of the weary traveler, the haven of the foot-sore and the weary. During the late war it was a hospital for sick and disabled soldiers; there a cordial welcome has always been for the needy or oppressed, and the hospitality of the host has only been bounded by the necessity of the occasion. The residence of Mr. Overton was erected in 1853-'54, and the first frame house in the county; the timber was hauled from Palestine, Anderson county, Texas, and the entire structure is in an excellent state of preservation. Mr. Overton is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and his wife of the Episcopal Church.

EMhfF. WARREN, a fruit grower and gardener of Dallas, was born in Houston '* county, Georgia, in 1837, the fifth of ten children born to Frederick and Mary Ann (McCray) Warren, natives of New Haven, Connecticut, and North Carolina. The father served his time as an apprentice in tlie North, after which he went South and took a contract for building the courthouse at Anson, North Carolina, and a few years later he emigrated to Houston county, Georgia, where he remained until his death, in November, 1867; his wife died in the same State, in 1859. Eight of their children still survive, viz.: William E., a resident of Houston county, Georgia; L. P., also a resident of Georgia; J. N., of the same State, served two years in the late war; T. D. resides on the old farm in Houston county; J. F., our subject.; Harriet J., now Mrs. H. J. Clark, of Georgia; Julia Ann, now Mrs. Schathergood, of Georgia; Alice, the wife of Mr. Chun, also of Georgia.

J. F. Warren was reared to farm life, and educated in the subscription schools of Houston county, (xeorgia. In December, 1858, he went to Mobile, Alabama, where he was connected with the Mobile & Ohio Railroad as conductor until 1872, and afterward, in 1873, he came to Dallas. Since 1874 he has been engaged in farming and fruit-raising, having purchased a farm of thirty-three acres. He has since bought and sold land, but still retains the original thirty-three acres, which is in good state of cultivation. Mr. Warren was married in Sumter county, Alabama, in 1865, to Bettie C. Patton, a native of that State and daughter of William A. and Harriet M. (Browning) Patton, the father a native of Morgan county, Georgia, and the mother of Kentucky. The parents were married in Greene county, Alabama, now Hale county, and in 1871 moved to Dallas county, whei'e the father died the same year, and the mother now resides at Oak Lawn. Grandfather Browning came to Dallas county, in 1871, where he died in March, 1891, at the age of ninety-two years and two months; his wife died in March, 1885. Mrs. Warren died July 27, 1882, and w^s the mo.ther of 11 ve children: Clara McCray, boi-n August 24, 1866, married W. T. Harper, and died in Georgia, January 1, 1889, at the age of twenty-two years, four months and seven days; William F., born August 29, 1868; Mamie S., born May 8, 1875; Katie Elizabeth, November 15, 1881; and an infant now deceased. Mr. Warren was married in Dallas, December 19, 1889, to Mrs. M. A. Camp, a native of Alabama, and widow of Aaron C. Camp. Mr. and Mrs. Camp were married in Palestine, Texas, and in 1869 came to Dallas county., where he was engaged in farming and real-estate speculations. He settled on land where the Texas Pacific now stands, was County Clerk of Anderson county several years, and died in January, 1881. They had a family of four children: Thomas L., an attorney of Dallas; Aaron, attending school; Aleck, also attending school, and Mattie, at home. Mr. Warren affiliates with the Democratic party, but is not active in politics. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic order, and religiously has been a member of the Baptist Church since 1863.

C. WOLFF, attorney, Dallas, Texas, and one of the foremost retil estate I® men of that city, is a native of Charleston, South Carolina, his birth occurring there in 1832, on the lot at the corner of Meeting and Wentworth streets, on which is the artesian well. He is the youngest of four children born to Francis Anthony and Isabelle (McKay) Wolff. The father was a native of the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, but was educated in France. He served ten years under the first Napoleon. He left that country for America when a young man, first settled in New York, but subsequently moved to South Carolina, where he was married.

Settling in Charleston, he carried on the saddler trade until his death, in August, 1837. He was a member of the Masonic order, demitted from Summit Lodge, Paris, France. The mother survived him a number of years, her death occurring in Tippah county.

Mississippi, in 1859. W. C. Wolfl" was reared on a farm after coming to Tippah county and received his education in the common schools of the same, and in the Bonham Academy of Texas. He came to Texas in April, 1854, and taught school for many years. In 1855, while teaching in Fannin county, Te.xas, he borrowed books and began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar at Paris, Lamar county, Texas, in 1859, beginning to practice the same year in that county. He read law in the office of Win. H. Johnson, in Paris, Texas, about one year. In 1860 he came to Dallas county, locating at Cedar Hill, and in connection with his practice taught school for some time.

In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, the Third Texas Cavalry, Ross' brigade, for twelve months, but served through the entire war. He was in the battle of Oak Hill, Elk Horn or Pea Ridge and after that crossed the Mississippi in the battle of luka. He was also in the battles, Corinth, Holly Springs, Hatchee bridge, those around Vickburg and in the Georgia campaign. He was in the battle of Murfreesboro and was in Forrest's corps. He received a gunshot wound at Rome, Georgia. From Tennessee Mr. Wolff went to Mississippi, near Yazoo city, where the brigade was furloughed and he oame home, beinc there at the time of the surrender. Afterward he taught school at Cedar Hill, Texas, and in 1867 moved to the city of Dallas, which at that time had a population of perhaps 1,000, and here began practicing law. He formed a partnership in the Federal Court with J. C. McCoy and they continued together until 1871. Since then Mr. Wolff has been alone and is one of the oldest practicing lawyers in the the city.

Nancy St. Clair. Mr. and Mrs. St. Clair came to Fannin county, Texas, in 1853, and the father followed his ministerial duties in the Baptist Church of this State. His death occurred in Hunt county, Texas, and his wife followed him to the grave in the same county a few years later. Mr. Wolff lost his excellent wife in December, 1876. His second marriage occurred in 1877, to Miss Dona Dealvero Bozarth, a native of Missouri and the daughter of John and Nancy H. (Roy) Bozarth, natives of Kentucky. Her parents came to Bosque county, Texas, in 1860, and subsequently moved to Dallas county, where the father followed the trade of miller. He died in Falls county, Texas; his wife died in Lancaster, Dallas county, Texas, in 1891. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolff have been born five children: Orienta, Dealvero, O. S. J^'owler, Wirt McCoy and Roscoe.

Mr. Wolff takes some interest in politics and formerly voted with the Democratic party, but now has joined the People's party. He is the prime leader of the navigation of Trinity river and is one of the foremost in aiding all laudable enterprises. He is one of the early pioneers of Dallas city and Dallas county, and is the author of the famous book entitled " Magnitude in Order ," which embraces original and reform thoughts.

IDWARD r. TURNER is the ticket agent at Dallas, Texas, for the Texas & Pacific railroad, but was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1855, a son of Samuel B. and Susan B. (Inskeep) Turner, both natives of Ohio and removed to Iowa in 1850 and in 1869 to Texas, being pioneers of two States. The father has been a merchant throughout the greater part of his life and is still living. He and his wife became the parents of seven

He grew up in Ottumwa, Iowa, and in the public schools of that place he obtained a fair English education and at the early age of thirteen years began learning the trade of a telegraph operator, and after thoroughly learning the business secured a position at Cuba, Missouri, with the old Atlantic & Pacific Railroad. Later he came to Texas and became chief operator for H. M. Hoxie and still later served in the same capacity for the International, Gulf & Northern Railroad at Houston, in which capacity he continued for some time. Since that time he has acted as a ticket agent and has been with the Texas & Pacific Railroad at Dallas since 1880, in charge of three offices, one at East Dallas depot, one at Lamar street depot, and the city office on Main street. He has four assistants. He is well qualified for the position and is a courteous and obliging official, one of the most popular employees on the road. He adopted the motto, "No trouble to answer questions," in 1876, on his return from the Centennial at Philadelphia. He is known throughout the country as the originator of this motto in the ticket business. He also sells steamship tickets to all parts of the world, having the agency for twelve European lines, and has proven himself a wide-awake business man, keenly alive to his own interests, and well qualified to successfully fight the battle of life. He has been the owner of valualjle real estate in the city since 1880, and has an elegant and comfortable home in Oak Cliff.

Miss Adella Kelsey, a native of Jefferson, Texas, became his wife in 1879 and by her he had four sons: Karl; Waldso, and lialph and E. P., Jr. He lost Karl at the age of one year.

Mr. Turner was brouglit tip in the Methodist Episcopal Church, but is not an active member. He is independant in politics and supports the man whom he considers best qualified for the position. He belongs to the order of Elks, the Dallas Club and the Fraternal Mystic Circle.

fOSEPH H. STEWART, (^lerk of the District Courts, and also of the Fourteenth and Forty-fourth Judicial Courts, was elected to his present position in 1888, and re-elected without opposition in 1890. Prior to that time he served four years as Deputy District Clerk.

Mr. Stewart was born in Orange (now Alamance) county, North Carolina, in 1846, the third of the family of John A. and Nancy (Thompson) Stewart, natives of North Carolina. His father was a farmer by occupation. He moved to Hempstead county, Arkansas, in 1851, and settled on a farm near Columbus, where he passed the remainder of hid life, and died in 1876. His wife died about 1874. Joseph H. was reared to farm life and was educated in the schools of Arkansas In 1863 he enlisted in the Confederate army, and served until the war closed, being at Alexandria, Louisiana, at the time of the surrender.

Returning to Hempstead county, Arkansas, he engaged as a clerk at Washington. From there he came to Dallas county, Texas, in 1867, and located at Cedar Hill. At the latter place he was married, December 22, 1867, to Miss Sarah A. Stewart, a native of Dallas county and a daughter of Samuel and Melinda (Jackson) Stewart, natives of North Carolina and Missouri, respectively. Her father went from North Carolina to Missouri, where he married, and in 1845 he and his wife came to Dallas county, Texas, and settled at Cedar Hill, on Ten-mile creek. Both died in Dallas county, the mother in 1866, and the father in 1868. Mr. Stewart remained on a farm one year after his marriage. He then engaged in clerking and merchandising in Cedar Hill; was Postmaster at that place for a number of years; and served as Justice of the Peace three terms. In 1884 he moved to Dallas. Socially, Mr. Stewart is a member of Cedar Hill Lodge, No. 39, A. F. & A. M. In 1888 his wife died. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and was a most estimable woman. She left five children: N. M., A. R., S. L., James A. and I. B. Two of their children died in infancy.

In 1891 Mr. Stewart was married, in Cedar Hill, to Miss Mary A. Rape, a native of Dallas county, Texas, and a daughter of John Rape. Her parents, natives of Illinois, were among the early settlers of Dallas county, Texas. Her mother died at Itasca, Hill county, this State, in 1882. Her father is still living, at Cedar Hill.

A. ORLOPP, the talented architec of the new courthouse of Dallas * county, was born in Brooklyn, New York, May, 26, 1859. His parents are M. A. and Harriet (Hail) Orlopp, both natives of Germany. The father has been a hardware merchant in New York city, Chicago, Cincinnati and Little Rock, Arkansas, at which latter place he has been living for the past twenty-three years. In Cincinnati he was connected with Tyler, Davidson & Co., the projectors of the fountain on Fifth, Vine and Walnut streets, about the time the fountain was built. The name was first spelled "Orloflf" and the father of our subject was a political exile from Russia and Grermanj at the same time that Carl Schnrz was exiled. He came to America, the land of the free and refuge of the oppressed. He is now a man fifty-nine years of age, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. His wife also is still living, having come to America with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Orlopp were married in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1856. They had four children, namely: Henry, the eldest, is in Little Eock, Arkansas, in the cotton and oil business, married to Elizabeth Wright, and they have four children, Paul T., Harriet, Harry and Alexis; Norman died at the age of two years; our subject is the third child, and Paul A., residing in Cincinnati, connected with the Adams Express Company is the youngest child and is as yet unmarried.

Our subject was educated in the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Marylaud, graduating in June, 1881. After leaving the academy his time was occupied in civil engineering until 1884, making railroad surveys most of the time, and during this time he was connected with the Pnited States Engineers. He took up the study of architecture in 1885 and has been engaered in it ever since, with headquarters at Little Rock, but lately he has changed his headquarters to Dallas, Texas. He built the Scollard building of Dallas, on Main street, seven stories in height, which is one of the largest and most ornamental buildings in the city. The work on which he is now engaged is the building of one of the city schools. He was the architect of the courthouse and it is one of the finest of its kind in the country.

This gentlemen, whose biography is here so briefly sketched is one of the best workmen in his line that America has ever produced. Posessed of an excellent education, he has perfected himself in his art and now stands pre-eminent in his profession. He has as high a standing as a gentleman as an architect, and is highly esteemed by his hosts of admiring friends.

fZ. SHUFORD, one of the pioneer settlers of Dallas county, was born in * North Carolina, in 1850, the seventh of nine children born to Joe and Cynthia (Mooney) Shuford, also natives of North Carolina. The father was SherifiF of Gaston county, that State, for a number of years, and his death occurred in that county in 1855; the mother still resides in North Carolina.

J. Z. Shuford, our subject, was reared to farm life, and educated in the public schools of Gaston county, North Carolina. He learned the carpenter trade in Lincolaton, same State, and afterward, in 1870, he came to Dallas, where he engaged in bridge building. He was in the employ of the Texas Pacific Railroad for about six years, and is now engaged in repairing and beautifying his place on Patterson avenue, where he owns six lots, 150 x 300 feet. Mr. Shuford also owns two other large buildings, with plenty of ground and good flowing springs, situated one and one-half blocks from the Texas Pacific Railroad, and four blocks from* the city hall. He has taken an active interest in politics, voting with the

Mr. Shuford was married at Dallas, in 1877, to Miss Kittie Patterson, a native of this county, and a daughter of eJudge J. M. and Sarah (Self) Patterson, natives of Kentucky. The parents came to Dallas at an early day, where they both still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Shuford have four children, namely: Earl Patterson, Carl Huett, Ardell, who died at one year of age, and Cameal.

Both parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Chruch, on Patterson avenue, the most beautiful avenue of Dallas, named for Judge Patterson, who was one of the first Judges in Dallas and whose sketch appears elsewhere.

W. SEBASTIAN, a farmer of Precinct No. 3, Dallas county, was ' ® born in Cherokee county, Georgia, May 22, 1838, a son of Edmond Sebastian, who was born in Wilkes county. North Carolina, in August. 1800. In 1825 he was mai'ried to Miss Pollie Ledbetter, and they had two children born to them in North Carolina: Nancy A. and Martha Jane. They afterward moved to Georgia, where two more children were born: Orlando and Elisha, and where two also died, Martha J. and Orlando. The mother died in 1835, after which the father returned to North Carolina, and while there was again married, in 1837, to Miss Mary A. Whiteside. He then returned to his farm in Georgia, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1879, at the age of seventy-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian were the parents of eight children, namely: W. W. Sebastian, our subject; Edmond P.; Mary E., wife of William G. Field, who died leaving five children; J. P. was the next in order of birth; Elizabeth A., wife of P. H. Fife; Lewis H.; Columbus A.; Franklin P., who died when young; Elisha, who died on his way home from the army; Edmond P., who also served in the war, was badly wounded at the battle of Athens, Tennessee, being a member of his brother's company (the subject), in 1864; William W. married Miss Melissa A. Stewart, January 6, 1859, who was related to the Stewart that captured the great bandit of Kentucky and Tennessee. Mrs. Sebastian's father, Barnabas Stewart, was born in 1793, in Tennessee, and was married to Miss Susan Layraance about 1818. He then moved to Illinois, where he remained one year, and in 1835 returned to Georgia, where he spent the remainder of his days. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart had eleven children, namely: James L. ; Mary E., wife of Jesse Jackson; Melissa A.; Margaret M., wifeof James F. Ramsey; Samuel L.; Franklin M.; Catharine, wife of John Terry.

William W. Sebastian, our subject, enlisted in 1862, in the Third Confederate Regiment, as a private, and served about one year, when he returned home and raised a company, which was attached to Edmondson's battalion, Georgia troops. He went out as Captain, but was in command of the battalion the greater portion of the time, and was also on detached service. He was discharged at Kingston, Georgia, under General Wafford, after the close of the war, and came out without being captured or wounded, but was in many hot engagements.

He returned to his home after the close of the war and was engaged in farming until his removal to Dallas county, Texas, December 7, 1872. He rented land three years, and then bouplit a farm three miles south of Richards. He next bought 200 acres of land wliei'e he now lives, to which he has since added until he now owns 640 acres, all of which is well improved. Mr. Sebastian has also been actively engaged in bujing and shipping cotton in connection with his farming and stock-raising. He first commenced the stock- business with graded Durham cattle, but has now changed to the Holstein, of which he has a? line specimens as can be found in any State. He also has some blooded horses of the Hambletonian and Endower stock, which breeds command very high prices. Mr. Sebastian is one of the useful citizens of Dallas county, always keeping up with times in all kinds of improvements, and is charitable to the unfortunate of his neighborhood.

Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian have had eleven children: Edmond B.; Mary S., wife of Calvin Taylor; Anna J., wife of Thomas M. Raney; Thomas P.; Dollie, wife of Charles Castle; Tennia; William F. ; Sidney J. and Walter E. One is now deceased, Hve are married and living in Texas and live are still with their parents. Mr. Sebastian has served several terms as Master of the Masonic order, Kichardson Lodge, No. 256, and has been Representative of his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State of Texas, and both he and his wife are of the Baptist persuasion.

(MMANUEL M. TILLMAN was born on the picturesque banks of the river Rhine, Germany, in March, 1841, and is the son of Jacob Tillman, a wine merchant who is still living in his native land, at the age of seventy-six years. The father is a man of fine mental attainments, and from a long line of ancestors inherited a strength of character and high sense of honor that are as truly admirable as they are rare. At an early age Emmanuel M. evinced a decided aptitude for the languages, mastering Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Italian, Spanish, German and English. He also made a special study of chemistry, graduating from the celebrated laboratory of Fresenius, the most noted chemist of die age. Heenteredthe Heidelberg University, and was graduated in 1865 with the degrees of M. A. and Ph. I). Through a long and active business career he has never lost his interest in the classics, and is probably without a peer in the South in linguistic attainment. To the excellent mental discipline of his youth he has added the culture that comes from extended travels both in this country and Europe. Upon emigrating to the United States he located in Natchez, Mississippi, and engaged in the drug business. It was not long until he was chosen assistant State Geologist, with a laboratory at Oxford. At the close of a successful and satisfactory term he resigned on account of ill health, and in 1871 he came to Dallas. From that year no name has been more closely connected with the moral, educational, and material growth of Dallas than has Mr. Tillman's. His time, talent, and means have been freely given, and the result has been its own reward.

He embarked in the wholesale grocery business, and with slight changes in the firm name he has continued uninterruptedly since the beginning of his residence in the place. He has met with serious reverses, losing everything by fire; but by strict economy and unremitting industry he paid 100 cents on the dollar, and re-established himself in a prosperous business.

Our worthy subject is a thirty-second degree Mason, and is well-versed in the mysteries of the order. He is one of the honored founders of the beneficent order, 1. O. F. B., which stands at the head of charitable organizations in the United States. He lias been one of the main supporters of the Synagogue, and has aideded very largely in bringing tlie congregation to its present flourishing condition. For a long time he was a member of the City Council, and was one of its most active and able servants. He has always been deeply interested in the public school system, and has earnestly labored to elevate the standard in this city. He has one of the most elegantly furnished homes in Dallas, where he dispenses a hospitality in every way worthy of the host.

S. TOPPIN, contractor and builder, is one of the progressive and energetic '* business men of Dallas. He has been a resident of Texas since June, 1883, when located at Greenville, Hunt county, here he was very prominently identified with the building interest for a period of three years, coming in June, 1886, to Dallas. The first year of his residence here he did contract work, but afterward was employed as a jonrneyman until the last part of the year 1888. He again took up contracting, his first shop being located on Main street between Pearl and Preston. His rapidly increasingr business necessitated larger quarters: so he removed to 132 North Pearl street, where his shops are now located. Among the many buildings he has erected in Dallas raav be mentioned the residences of Judse Davis, Judge Charlton, Judge Morrison and Dr. Williams, at Oak Cliff, and many others in the city of Dallas, including the Dallas Lithographing building. The great building boom of Dallas was a busy time to Mr. Toppin; during that time he employed fifty men, exhibiting a fine executive ability and extraordinary business qualifications.

The subject of this sketch was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, April 12, 1860, and is the third of a family of six children. His parents were William H. and Regina (Dilinger) Toppin; the father was a native of Virginia and of English extraction; he was a carpenter by trade, and followed this calling through life. Both the father and mother were consistent members of the Lutheran Church; the mother passed from the scenes of this life in 1870, in her fortyfirst year, and the father survived her in Denison, Texas, until the fall of 1888, when he died, at the age of fifty-nine years. In his youth our subject was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, and with the exception of three years has followed this occupation since early manhood. In 1870 he removed with his parents from Virginia to Middletown, Indiana, and at that place gained his early education. His advantages in this direction, however, were very limited, and eighteen months cover the period he was in school. In 1883, he was swept by the tide of emigration to the great and growing State of Texas. He was united in marriage November 3, 1877, to Miss Mary Wimmer, and of this union two children have been born; the elder is Leota N. and the younger, Elizabeth E. September 5, 1882, the mother died, and it was after this sad event that Mr. Toppin decided to remove to Texas. He was married a second time, December 23, 1887,

Mr. Toppin is a member of Dallas Lodge, No. 44, L O. O. F. and of Queen City Lodge, No. 941, Knights of Honor. He is a man of social and genial disposition, is well-known for his correct business methods, and firm in his convictions of right and wrong. He has won an enviable position in Dallas county, and ranks among her most honored citizens.

a son of one of the most eminent educators of the South, William Paxton Gillespie, a native of Tennessee. His father was a teacher of the classics all his life, and for more than twenty-two years he was connected with Trinity University. He has retired from active work, and is now living quietly on his plantation. He married Mickia Lester, a native of Tennessee, and they had five children born to them, three of whom are still living. The mother died in 1867. James H. is the oldest of the family, and received bis education at Trinity University, where he took a thorough course of instruction. Determining to follow the profession of his father, than which there is none higher, he was employed as a teacher in the public schools of Te.xas. In 1881 he connected himself with Hill's College, and was principal of the business department for three years. At the expiration of that time he went to Tehuacana, the seat of Trinity University, and took charge of the commercial department for three years and a half. He then came to Dallas and purchased an interest in Hill's Commercial College. This was in the year 1888, and the year 1890-'91 shows an enrollment of 216. Six teachers are employed, each of whom is a specialist in his line, and the school has both a summer and a winter session. It is supported by a patronage from Texas, Louisiana, and the Territories, having established a reputation as one of the most thorough and painstaking schools in the country. Prof. Gillespie's long years of experience have fitted him well for this responsible position, and he is maintaining the reputation as a worthy sou of his father. In politics he is a Democrat.

Prof. Gillespie was married to Miss Jennie Hefner, a native of Colorado county, Texas, and four children have been born to them. Mrs. Gillespie was educated at Trinity University. She and the Professor are worthy members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

fRANCIS FENDRICH, one of the popular and successful business men of Dallas, Texas, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1829, the son of Joseph and Wilhelmina Fendrich, the father a native of Germany. The elder Fendrich, after reaching this country, settled in Baltimore, where he engaged in business, and where he lived until he received his final summons. The mother died in Baltimore. Their family consisted of five sons, only one besides our subject is now living, namely, John Fendrich, of Columbia, Pennsylvania.

Francis Fendrich received his education in public schools of Baltimore, and when quite young embarked in the tobacco business with his brothers in that city.

Pennsylvania, to engage in a wholesale leaftobacco business. Here lie married Miss Mary E. Gable, dangliter of the Hon. John S. Gable, a wealthy and influential citizen of Lancaster. In 1871, he removed to Wisconsin, buying leaf there until 1877; then, coming to the Lone Star State, he settled in Dallas, on Main street, and there he has remained up to the present, engaged in the wholesale and retail tobacco business. He is probably the best posted tobacco man in tiie South. He has been in this business for nearly half a century, is a practical and experienced man, thoroughly conversant with every detail of his business, is highly esteemed for his many exemplary traits of character, promptness and reliability. When he first came to Dallas, Texas, he began investinp; in rea! estate and now owns valuable property.

ire|OSS BKOTHERS, Dallas, Texas. - 1 William and Andrew J. Ross, who have been residents of Dallas county since 1866, are the sons of David and Martha (Wallace) lioss. The father came to Texas in 1838, and made an extended trip across the country when it was unbroken, uninhabited prairie. He returned to Georgia, where he passed the remainder of his days. He died in 1849, and his wife survived until 1860. They were an industrious, self-sacrificing couple, and were faithful to their duties as parents of a large family of children. William and Andrew J. emigrated to Texas in 1854, and settled in Smith county, where William opened a farm and planted the first orchard in that section of country. He also planted a vineyard, and was the first man to demonstrate the possibilities of this section as a fruit-growing center. His wines became widely known for their purity and delicacy of flavor, and he soon established a reputation as the most successful horticulturist and wine merchant in the State. He has written many able articles on fruit culture, which are considered the highest authority. As before stated, he came to Dallas county in 1866, and established himself in the real-estate business.

Andrew J. was a soldier in the late war, and when it was ended joined his brother in Dallas county. For a time they were interested in some mercantile enterprises, but soon devoted their entire time to the realestate business.

William was married in Baldwin county, Georgia, to Miss Josephine Hill, a native of that State. She died in 1885, beloved by a wide circle of acquaintances. JNo children were born of this marriage.

Andrew J. was married in 1859 to Miss Lightfoot, a descendant of the famous Revolutionary family of that name. They are the parents of four children: the oldest son is engaged in business in Arkansas Pass, Texas; one daughter is now Mrs. Maynor; the other daughter married Mr. Lanther, an attorney at Dallas; the fourth child died in infancy.

The brothers have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for half a century, and have contributed liberally of their means to its support. They are kind and courteous in manner, strictly honorable in all their dealings, citizens of whom Dallas county is justly proud. Ross avenue, one of the finest thoroughfares in Dallas city, is named in honor of these gentlemen.