Dallas County, Texas - The whole text, 1892 (part 31 of 32)

Judge Lathrop was educated at Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, graduating in the class of 1850. He studied law, and came to Texas in 1853, locating first in Brazoria county. He opened out there as the editor of the Planter, and soon began to practice his profession, which he has followed ever since.

In the spring of 1863 he enlisted in the Confederate army and served until the close of the war, in the Southwest, in Bates' regiment. His regiment was stationed most of the time on the coast, and was not engaged in any regularly pitched battle.

After the close of the war he resumed the practice of law, in partnership with Judge McCorraic, the firm name being Lathrop & McConnic; but in 1870 his partner was elected to the Bench, and Judge Lathrop continued alone as attorney.

He came to Dallas in 1879, where he has continued in his profession. In 1876 he represented in the Legislature his district, then comprising Galveston, Brazoria and Matagorda counties, and he served on several important committees. lie also served as Judge of Court on several occasions, in special cases. As an attorney the Judge stands deservedly higli. He is a Democrat, but takes little interest in politics.

He was married in 1860 to Miss "Watts, and has had five children, namely: Henry, who practiced law for some time, and died at the age of twenty- six years; William, who died at the age of tweuty-two years; A. S., Jr., who is studying law with his father; James, the next in order of birth; Amine, still at school and a member of the home circle. Mrs. Lathrop is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

jMON McCOMMAS. - Among the early tl>\A% settlers of Dallas county, Texas, few =^' there are who iiave resided here as long as the above named gentleman. Ho came to this county with his father. Anion McCommas, Sr., in Decemlier, 1844, and settled five miles northeast of where thecity of Dallas now stands. At that time Dallas contained only five or six families, settled along the banks of the river. His father was a prosperous and wealthy farmer of Missouri, and moved from that State to this, coming through with ox teams and bringing with him a number of horses, cattle and sheep. They made the journey through the Indian Xation, and on their arrival here the senior Mr. McCommas purchased a headright, and during the rest of his life made his home on it, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was prominent in the early history of this county, always exerting his influence for the good of the community in which he resided. He was chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, and was also chairman of the meeting that was held to organize Dallas county in 1845. While a resident of Missouri he served as Justice ef the Peace in Wright county. He was born in Tennessee, and had lived in several States before coming to Texas, lie was one of the first Christian ministers in this part of the State, and was lor thirtyfour years actively engaged in the ministry. His death occurred here in 1877, in the seventy-third year of his age. He was married in 1826, to Mary Brumphield, daughter of James Brumphield. They reared a family of nine children: James B., deceased; Stephen B., also deceased; John and Elisha, residents of Dallas county; Amon, the subject of this sketch; Rosana, who became the wife of Jesse Cox, is deceased; William M., deceased; Mary E., wife of Dr. W. P. Stone, is deceased; Armilda, wife of B. F. Fleeman, of this State. Mrs. McCommas died in 1877, at the age of seventy-three years.

Amon McCommas was born in Illinois, May 12, 1832, and was educated in the common schools of Missouri and Texas. At the age of twenty-one he began life for himself, and that year, 1853, went overland to California, remaining there until 1869. During his sojourn in the Golden State he was engaged in mining and teaming, and had his ups and downs like others there. He made the return trip by rail. After coming back tu Texas he farmed one year. In 1871 he engaged in the mercantile business at Scyeue, where he now lives. He was Postmaster of this place from 1871 to 1889, with the exception of twelve or sixteen months daring the early part of the '80s. He was engao;ed in merchandising for eight years, being in partnership with his father. After the death of his father he turned his attention to farming, in which he is still engaged. For several years past he has devoted considerable attention to the breeding of fine horses, having the Royal English turf blood. A tine horse owned by him and known as Lonnie B. won second money at the great Texas Derby during the fall of 1890.

Mr. McCommas was married in 1870 to Miss Nancy C. Seals, daughter of Wilson and Mahalia (Mills) Seals, natives of Tennessee. They came to this State in 18(35. Mr. and Mrs. McCommas are the parents of eight children, six of whom are living: Edwin F., Oto, Eerdie, Bonner, Viola and Anion, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. McCommas are members of the Christian Clnircli. He is a member of Scyene Lodge, No. 295, A. F. & A. M., having served as Treasurer of the lodge for thirteen consecutive years.

THOMAS C. MAESH was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, February 21, 1831. He was reared on a fai-m and has all his life been identified with farming interests. In 1844, at the age of thirteen, he emigrated with his parents to Texas and settled in Dallas county near where he now lives. Previous to his coming here he had attended school only a very little, and in the subscription schools of this county he obtained a fair education. His father took a homestead of 640 acres under the Peters colony, improved it, and lived on it the rest of his life. After the first year they had an abundance of everything. Game at all times plentiful, and Thomas was the hunter of the family, keeping the larder well supplied with deer, turkey, etc. He went on many a bear hunt, killed game of all kinds, large and small, and so skillful was he as a hunter that he gained a local notoriety. Those days the Indians were plentiful in these parts, and they frequently committed depredations. They stole four horses from the Marsh family. They frequently killed cattle and it was not uncommon to see the cows come home at night with arrows sticking in them.

Thomas C. remained at home with his father until he was twenty five years of age, and then, March 13, 185G, he was married. At the age of seventeen he was entitled to a head right under the Peters colony, and had secured 320 acres of land. After his marriage he settled on his farm and began making improvements, giving his attention chiefly to the stock business. He built a cabin and liroke twelve acres of land, and by 1860 had succeeded in getting a good start of stock, cattle and horses. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate service, and was with the forces that operated in the Indian Nation and in Arkansas. He acted the part of a brave soldier until the war was over, when be returned hoine to find his farm a waste and his stock destroyed. His wife and three children remained, however, and he began life anew. He opened up a larger farm and entered more extensively into the stock business, and in his farming operations and stockraising has met with eminent success. He now owns in the neighborhood of 700 acres of as fine land as there is in the world. He has it all under fence, 175 acres under cultivation and the rest devoted to pasture. His stock are mostly horses and sheep. He also keeps graded cattle; has a fine jack, and is giving attention to mule raising. Financially and otherwise, he has made a success of life, and is ranked with the wealthy and influential farmers of this section of the country.

His father's name was Harrison C. Marsh, and he, too, was a native of Harrison county, Kentucky, born March 29, 1805. He was a farmer and stock-raiser, and while in Kentucky owned and ran a mill. He died on the old homestead in this county. May 5, 1889. Grandfather Thomas Marsh was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and died in Kentucky about 1841. The mother of our subject and the wife of Harrison C. Marsh, was before her marriage. Miss Mary Raymond. She was the daughter of William Raymond, of Kentucky; was born February 18, 1810; married JSovember 11, 1828, and after sixty years of happy married life died April 19, 1888. This worthy couple were the parents of eight children, viz. : William B., born September 2, 1829, and died September 6, 1838; Thomas C, the subject of this article; Sarah E., March 9, 1833, became the wife of H. C. Daggett; John D., born August 25, 1835; Mary F., born August 2, 1840, married J. J. McAllister; Elizabeth J., born October 9, 1843, married E. B. Daggett; Martha A., born February 27, 1848, married Mark Ellison; Charlotte M., born March 30, 1851, married W. O'Neill. Harrison F., who was born November 16, 1837, died November 20, 1839.

Thomas C. Marsh married Hannah Husted, daughter of Elkaner and Catherine (Beardsley) Husted, who came from New York State to Texas in 1854. Her father was a farmer in later years; in early life was with the Hudson Bay Fur Company for some years. He settled in Texas with the expectation of making it his future home. He also owned property in Missouri, and in 1861 went there to dispose of it. The war broke out and he could not return. His death occurred at Olathe, Kansas, May 11, 1865, at the age of sixty-seven years. To Thomas C. Marsh and his wife three children have been born, namely: Mary E., born November 29, 1857, is now the wife of J. E. Buchanan, and resides in Dallas county; Sarah C, born May 22, 1860, married A. W. Stalnaker, and lives in the city of Dallas; and Thomas J., who was born June 29, 1862.

,NDREW J. DENNIS was born in f/i&\5 Overton county, Tennessee, February ^^^ 17, 1833. He was reared on a farm, received a liberal education, and for a time was engaged in teaching. His life occupation, however, has been farming.

James Dennis, his father, was a native of North Carolina. He died in Tennessee at the age of fifty- two years. His wife passed away in 1875, aged seventy-eight. She was before her marriage Miss Parmina Gunnells, and her mother, whose maiden name was Bennefield, came to this country from Europe. By a previous marriage James Dennis had six children, and by Perraina lie had seven. The names of the last family are as follows: Nancy C, married W. M. Roberts, a native of Tennessee, who came from Kentucky to Texas in 1878; Catherine S., who married James Conner and lives in Clay county, Tennessee; George W., who was married and lived in Tennessee, went through the war and after returning home was shot and killed in his own house; Andrew J., the subject of our sketch; Thomas J., who came to Texas in 1886; is now a lesident of Dallas county; Daniel P., wlio was married and lived in Texas, died January, 1886; and Sarah J., whose first husband, Franklin Elder of Tennessee, was killed in the war, and who suljsequently moved to Illinois and there married Silas Follis, came in 1868 with Mr. Follis to Texas, and is now living in Denton county.

Andrew J. Dennis came with one of his half-brothers to Texas, arriving in Dallas county in December, 1854. He had only a small amount of money then and was at first employed as a farm hand, working in that way five years. At the end of that time he bought 110 acres of land, the farm on which he now lives. He has since added to his original purchase and now has a fine farm, well improved with good buildings, etc. Previous to the war his crops were wheat, oats and corn, and he also raised stock. Since then he has given his attention to the liaising of cotton. He has never made a total failure of crops. He now keeps only such stock as are needed for his own use on the farm.

Mr. Dennis was married to Miss Sarah "Webb. Her father, 1. B. Weljb, a native of Tennessee, came to Texas in 18-1:1, settled in Dallas county and' took a headright of 640 acres of land. He died in 1880, at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife, the mother of Mrs. Dennis, was before her marriage Miss Mary Hughes. Her deatli occurred in 1887. Her father, William Hughes, was a native of North Carolina Mr. and Mrs. Dennis have been blessed with nine children, viz.: Margaret L., wife of W. H. Demere, lives in

During the late war Mr. Dennis was the Confederate County Assessor of this county, serving as such from 1861 to 1865. He was at one time a member of the Farmers' Alliance, but withdrew. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

EV. JOSEPH MARTIN lERE was ^ born near the city of Lyons, France, January 8, 1841. At an early age he was sent to the Ecclesiastical College of I'Argentiere, where he pursued his studies with success. Nine years of close apjjlication terminated his classical course, and a three-years course of theology in the Grand Seminary of Lj'ons fitted him for the ministry.

In 1862, at the invitation of Rt. Rev. Bishop Dubuis of Galveston, he came to America with twelve other young seminarians. He remained fourteen months in New Orleans and received holy orders at the hands of Most Rev. J. M. Odin in the Cathedral of the Crescent City, April 10, 1864. After his ordination. Rev. J. Martiniere was located in Hallettsville, Lavaca county, Texas, as assistant to Rev. F.Forest. The arduous mission of Liberty and its environs was next entrusted to his charge, and later his field of labor extended over Denison, Jefferson, St. Paul, Collin county, Weatherford and nearly all the missions of Northern Texas - now included in the diocese of Dallas.

was amidst untold difEculties and much personal suffering that they ministered to the wants of their fellow creatures. Railroads and telegraph wires had not yet been constructed over this remote portion of the State, and besides the unsettled and unsatisfactory condition of the local government rendered traveling on horseback very unsafe. Imbued with a truly apostolic spirit, Rev. J. JVIartiniere labored in this district for nine years with untiring zeal wherever duty or the demands of suffering humanity appealed to his great, generous heart. During one of his journeys the famous wagon train from Weatherford to Fort GriiJin was attacked by Indians and seven persons were killed; then the Government was induced to establish forts at stated places for the protection of travelers.

In 1873, Rev. J. Martiniere was appointed pastor of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Dallas. The Texas & Pacific Railroad had just pushed its terminus to this locality; but little else at this period marked the speedy progress of the future city of Dallas.

Little by little the scanty congregation which he found in the modest church on Bryan street increased in number. Sodalities were formed and associations organized under his able and devoted efforts. In 1874 the Ursnline Convent was established in the city, near the parish church.

In 1888 Mr. Thomas Marsalis offered a desirable location in the Oak Cliff suburb for some charitable work. With the approval of Rt. Rev. N. A. Gallagher, then Bishop of Galveston, Father Martiniere energetically set to work at the darling enterprise of his heart, - the establishment of an orphans' home. Day after day he journeyed back and forth, enlisting aid and directing the buildings. About this time measures were taken for the erection of a large brick church on Bryan street as better suited to the growing Catholic population of Dallas. The work was commenced and the foundations laid, at the cost of $5,000, under his supervision.

In 1890, Rev. J. Martiniere was appointed Chaplain of the Ursuline Convent in East Dallas. The religious had extended their work under his direction; and his judgment and ability ever proved as farseeing as it was wise.

AVhen Rt. Rev. T. F. Bi'ennan was nominated Bishop to tiie see of Dallas, he appointed Rev. J. Martiniere his Vicar General; but six months' experience induced him to resign the dignity.

A conscientious discharge of duty, a consideration for others, forgetfulness of self, and above all an unbounded charity for the poor, have won for this distinguished pastor the brotherly love of his co-laborers and the esteem and reverence of all classes and denominations. A celebrated statesman of Dallas once remarked that " Rev. Father Martiniere had done more for the growth and prosperity of this city than any other man within its limits."

Ever unostentatious, the labors of twentyeight years have been modestly withheld from the praise of the age; but the calendar of God proclaims what time may never record.

ILAS H. FOREE, one of the leading farmers of Precinct No. 3, Dallas county, Texas, was born in Kentucky in 1827, son of John H. and Fannie (Violett) Foree, natives of Virginia and Kentuckj respectively.

witli liis father to Keiitiicky, where lie was captured by tlie Indians. The Indian cliief Logan admired the boy's courage, adopted liiin and took him to Canada. A l>ritish officer in some way got possession of him there and sold him to a Scotcinnan. The celebrated Whittaker, an Indian fighter of Kentucky, was captured at the same time, but during a lieavy rain made his escape near the place whei'e Cincinnati now stands. Mr. Force spent seven years among tlie Indians and Canadians, and at the close of the war for independence was exchanged, and came back to Virginia. He was one of tlie volunteers who enlisted under Washington to quell what was called the Whisky Insurrection in Pennsylvania. At the time of the capture of Mr. Force his father and mother were both dead, but several members of the family were killed. Two of his sisters were captured. One was killed by the Indians on the journey as she was not able to endure the hardships of the trip, and the other arrived safe in Canada, and afterward married a Scotchman by the name of Smith. The Smith family subsequently came to the United States. Mr. Force was the youngest of the family and belonged to the third generation of BVench Huguenots who settled in this country. He was married in Virginia and some years later moved with his family to Kentucky, locating in Henry county. He and his wife reared a family of six sons and four daughters, John H. being the sixthborn. The sons were all fanners.

John H. Force reared a family of nine children, in Kentucky, two dying in infancy. The oldest, Jephtha C, resides on Red river, Texas; Silas H. is the subject of this sketch; Thaddeus C. resides in Flattsburg, Missouri; John, a lawyer by profession, was killed in LonisTille, Kentucky; William, deceased;

James W., a brick mason and contractor, was accidentally killed; Mary A., deceased; Theodore, a resident of Kansas; Frank M., who resides on the old homestead. Mr. Force died in 1885, at the age of eightyfour years, and his wife died in 18S8, at the same age. Both had been members of the Baptist Church for many years.

Silas H. Foree received a fair education in his native county, and for ten or twelve years after reaching man's estate was engaged in teaching the "three K's." In 1860, at the age of thirty-two, he came to Dallas county, Texas, and located in tlie vicinity of Dallas, where he rented land for two years. At the end of this time he entered the Confederate army, becoming a member of Company I, Thirtieth Texas Cavalry, and served until the war closed. He went to farming again, and in 1868 bought the property on which he resides from his father-in-law, tirst buying ninetylive acres, for which he paid $7 per acre. He subsequently bought sixty-live acres joining him on the east, at $10 an acre, and 320 acres on the north at '$1 per acre. He now has about 220 acres under cultivation, whicli'is valued at $25 an acre. Diirino- the time he was paying for his land he was also at a heavy expense in educating his children, all of whom are graduates of Waco University. His daughter also attended a female school at Bclton, Texas, one year.

Mr. Foree was married in Kentucky, in 1858, to Miss Elizabeth A. Kyle, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Pirkey) Kyle, natives of Virginia and of Irish and Cerman parentage. They removed to Kentucky a short time previous to the birth of Mrs. Foree. They had a family of eight children, two of whom died in infancy. Both parents are deceased, the mother dying in Kentucky and the father in Texas. Mr. ami Mrs. Foree liave had four children, one having died when small. Those living are Kenneth, an attorney and at present City Judge of Dallas; Earnest, also an attorney, residing at Rockwall, Texas; and Lillian E.

ROBERT E. SUMMERS, M. D., Garland, was born in Alaljania, in 1847, the seventh child of Robert and Mary G. (Legg) Summers, natives of Tennessee. The father was a farmer by occupation, and after the birth of our subject he settled in Lincoln county, Tennessee, and engaged in farming. Tlie families on both sides are of English parentage, and were among the oldest American families. Mr. and Afrs. Summers had nine eliildren, live of whom lived to maturity, viz.: William, a native of Tennessee; Daniel M., deceased, whose family now reside in Lincoln county; Ivtbert E., our subject; Sallie, widow of William Markham, a minister of the Baptist Church; Thomas 1)., a fanner of Lincoln county. The oldest son, William, has taught in Fittstield, Alabama, and also in Oak Hill and (.'ornersville Institutes, Tennessee, lie has amassed considerable property, and at present resides in Lincoln county, where he has a fine farm and devotes his attention to raising tine stock. Mr. Summers died in 1887, at the age of seventy-eight years, and Mrs. Summers died the next year, also at the age of seventy-eight years. She was a mem])er of the Baptist Church for many years.

the age of twenty-one years entered the Nashville College of Medicine, in the class of 1869, and graduated in the class of 1871. He commenced practice in Franklin county, and later returned to the county of his birth, where he practiced one season; next he went to Wittsburg, Arkansas, but after six or eight months his health failed, and he returned to Tennessee; then, in 187G, he commenced practice at Barnes' Hill, Tennessee, and in February, 188G, came to this county, locating at Garland, which was not known at that time. The Doctor was one of the first settlers of the place, and erected the first drug store in the village. He has since bought and rebuilt a handsome residence, and also owns a fine farm of sixty acres, all under improvement. In the fall of 1864, Dr. Summers entered the army under General Forrest, and was attached to Captain Walton's battery, and was with Forrest at the fall of Selma, Alabama, and in several minor skirmishes. After the war he returned home and began the study of medicine, and after three years, from the age of seventeen to twenty-one years, he attended literary schools and also taught school.

Since coming to Texas the Doctor has been very successful, having the largest practice of any physician of the surrounding country . In connection with his practice he also pays gi-eat attention to the rearing of fine stock, owning a fine turf horse and a fine trotter. These horses were bred in Tennessee, and the trotter is from a Henry Clay mare, and the pacer is sired l)y Keeina, and from a War- I'ior horse.

The Doctor has been twice married, first in 1873, to Miss Lula Walker, a daughter of J. L. and Catherine L. (Harwell) Walker, natives of Tennessee. By this marriage there were three children: Alva, Homer and

Lnla, all at home. Mrs. Summers died in 1879, at the age of twenty-seven years, and in 1880 the Doctor married Lillie Walker, a sister of his first wife. Tiiey have one child, Sabra. Both Dr. and Mrs. Summers are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South and the former is a member of tlie A. F. & A. M., Duck Creek Lodge, No. 441. In addition to his other property Dr. Summers owns a handsome drug store, which is conducted by his son, Alva.

IHALEM E. SCOTT, a member of the firm of Beaver, Scott & Williams, of Garland, was born in Shelby county, Tennessee, in 1833, a son of E. G. and Cynthia (Elkin) Scott. The father moved to Illinois ni 1838, settling at Mount Vernon, where he engaged in farmino;: in 1858 he removed to Dallas county, Missouri; in 1868 to Oregon county, same State, and remained there until his death, which occurred in 1886, at the age of sixty- eigdit years. lie was blind for thirty years, and for the last eighteen or twenty years of his life conducted a successful mercantile business at Pickneyville, Oregon county, Missouri. He was three times married, first to the mother of our subject, and by this union there were four children, viz.: W. F., deceased; Elizabeth, deceased, wife of David Taylor, of Missouri; S. E., our subject; and Angeline, deceased. The mother died in 1836, and two years later the father married Lucy, a sister of his first wife, and to this union was born one child, Harriet, now deceased. Mrs. Scott died in 1844, and about 1847 Mr. Scott married asrain and had one child, Virginia, now the wife of Mr. Crumb, of Kansas. During his life Mr. Scott was a strict Democrat, and was actively identified with that party, but would never accept an office at the hands of his friends. His son, W. F. Scott, M. D., was a soldier in the war with Mexico, and served in the division that went to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and participated in several engagements with the Mexicans. He differed from his father politically during the late war, as he was First Lieutenant in the United States ai-my, and served thi'oughout the war.

After the close of the war he returned home and commenced the study of medicine, and before his death had secured a large and lucrative practice at Elbia, Illinois, where his family now reside.

S. E. Scott received a common-school education, and at the age of twenty-one years commenced life for himself. He moved to Jonesboro, Illinois, and engaged in railroading, and was contractor and surveyor of the Illinois Central Railroad, under the firm name of Bennett & Scott. During this time he was also engaged in the mercantile business at Anna, Illinois, which he continued until 1860, when he sold his interest and moved to Dallas county, Texas. During his sojourn in Illinois Mr. Scott became acquainted with ex President Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, John A. Logan, and many other men of note. After arriving in this county he engaged in farming on rented land until 1860, when he bought a crop that was already under way, and in 1861 commenced clerking in a store at Dallas. He remained in the latter city from May, 1860, to October, 1861, when he moved to this locality, where he put in a crop the next year. In August, 1862, he joined Company I, Thirtieth Texas Cavalry, under Colonel E. G. Gerley and Captain Fayette Smith. He was always on detached service, and during the latter part of tlie war was in the Commissary Department, but was nes'er engaged in any battles. The last year of the war he received the appointment of purchasing agent for the purpose of buying and forwarding cattle. Mr. Scott was never off duty a single day from the time he entered the army until the close of the war in 1865.

At the close of the war he had no land and only one horse, and for the first eight years he farmed on rented land, and in 1873 purchased 200 acres in Hunt county, paying $3 per acre for both prairie and timber land. He remained there until 1883, when he traded it for seventy-three acres in the same county, but sold the latter place in 1886, and came to Garland, and was the pioneer lumber merchant of this place. He continued this business three years, when he sold out and clerked one year in the store of which he now owns an interest. The present firm was formed in January. 1891, and they are now doing a general mercantile business of about 125,000 annually, and carry a stock of from $5,000 to 1110,000. Mr. Scott also owns one of tiie handsomest residences in the city.

He has been three times married, first in 1854 to Miss Lucy A. Bennett, of Union county, Illinois, and daughter of T. A. and Mary (Nelson) Bennett, natives of Virginia. The father died, and the mother afterward moved to New Orleans, where she subsequently died. Mrs. Scott received a fine edncatio/i in the latter city, and after the death of her mother she came to Illinois and resided with her uncle, C. B. Waldo, in Marion county. She next lived with iier uncle, W. W. Bennett, of Jonesboro, where she was married to Mr. Scott. They were the parents of eight children, three boys and live girls, viz.: William W., who was killed by letting a gun fall from a wagon, and, hitting on the double tree, it discharged the load in his head; Richard A., who resides in Hunt county, Texas; Nellie, wife of G. W. Dodd, of Lone Oak township. Hunt county; Harry N., a resident of this county; Mary E., wife of Robert Nance, of Catoosa county, Georgia; Nannie B., wife of S. C. Hall; and Ida L., and Laura, at home. The mother died in 1879, at the age of fortyfour years. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, was prominent in church affairs, a Sunday-school teacher, a faithful wife and a kind and indulgent mother. In June, 1880, Mr. Scott was married to Mrs. Veve Ware, nee Cole, and by liis marriage there were three children: Thomas M., Salem W. and Hugh (deceased). Mrs. Scott died in 1888, and in 1889 Mr. Scott married Miss Mary E., a native of Virginia and a school-teacher by occupation, and a member of the Bresbyterian Church. Mr. Scott for twenty-five years has been a meniber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a licensed exhorter in thechurch and vice-president of the Dallas Sunday-school Association. He is also a member of the A. F. & A. M., Duck Creek Lodge, No. 441, of which he now holds the office of Chaplain.

ILAS N. LAWLER has been identified with the interests of Te.xas since 1853. That year he purchased land in Williamson county, settled there and cultivated a crop. In 1854, his wife dying, he sold out and went to Limestone county, this State, where he remained with relatives three years. He then went to Denton county, bought land and improved a farm, on which he made his home for ten years. In 1869 he came to Dallas county, and after i-enting land one year, bought the property on which he now resides. He tirst jiurcUased 160 acres at ^4 per aure, and to this, in 1877, he added another tract of 160 acres, paying for it $9 an acre. His farm now comprises 320 acres and is valued at $40 an acre. It is well improved with good buildings, fences, etc., and one-half of it is under cultivation, his principal products being wheat, oats, corn and cotton. He also has some stock, chiefly horses and mules.

Mr. Silas N. Lawler was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, November 4, 1822, and was reared to farming pursuits. His father was extensively engaged in farming operations and owned about seventy slaves. After Silas N. grew up he superintended the farm. At the time the war broke out he owned ten slaves himself. When hostilities ceased he found himself the possessor of 160 acres of land in Denton county, a few cattle and two horses. In 1863 he entered the Confederate service; was a body guard at Bonham and other places; was transferred to Baley's regiment, then back to Bonham, and from there to the coast of Louisiana, thence to Bonham again, where he received a furlough to go home. Ten days later he went back to Bonham, and remained until the close of the war. He accepted the results of the war with the best of grace, returned home and resumed his farming operations.

Samuel Lawler, father of the subject of our sketch, was boru in Kentucky. James Lawler, liis father, came to this country from Ireland, married a lady in Virginia, and Samuel was the only son born to them. The latter married Miss Mary Neely, daughter of David Neely, who died in Kentucky. Samuel and Mary Lawler were the parents of four daughters and eight sons. One son besides the subject of this sketch resides in Texas - in Kimball county. The father came to Texas

Mr. Lawler was tirst married to Miss Aletha A. Rowland, daughter of Fina Z. Rowland, of Kentucky. Her father came to Texas in 1853; died in Kentucky in 1881. Their union was blessed in the birth of three children, - Samuel E., Finis E. and Silas M., Samuel E. and Silas M. each dying at about the age of nine months. The wife and mother passed away February 24, 1854. March 27, 1857, Mr. Lawler wedded Miss Mary A. Davis, daughter of Patsey Davis, who came from Virginia to Texas in 1854. Eiffht children were l)orn to them, viz. : James H., Batsey L., John W., Virgil V., Mary B., Aletha A., and two infants who died unnamed.

While a resident of Denton county Mr. Lawler served as Justice of the Peace. He was formerly a Whig, but now affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a Mason, and he and his family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

PllAVID A. B. FLOYD was born in Kentucky, July 28, 1835. His father, John B. Floyd, was a Kentuckian l>y birth, and was a prominent man in that State. He served two terms in the Legislature. hi 1854 the Floyd family came to Texas and settled in Dallas county, where the father purchased a large tract of land, for which he paid $4.52 per acre. A pole shanty was on the place and eight acres of laud had been broken. He at once began the work of improvement, hauled lumber from eastern Texas and built the flrst two-story house in the county. Their tirst wheat crop averaged forty bushels per acre. After three years of earnest work they had developed a good farm. The father died in 1888, at the age of seventy-three years, and the mother is etill living, having reached her seventy-ninth year. They had a family of six children, David A. B., being the oldest. Four of their sons served in the army, and all returned home after the war.

David A. B. Floyd was nineteen years old when he landed in Texas. He subsequently returned to Kentucky, where, in 1861, he was married to Miss Martha E. Cooper, daughter of Liiisey Cooper, a member of a prominent Kentucky family. While in that State, Mr. Floyd was drafted by the Federal Government; but he ran off, went to Canada, worked in the ship yards, and remained there until the war closed. Mr. Floyd is now one of the model farmers of Dallas county, much taste as well as enterprise being displayed in the arrangement of his well-kept premises. He and his wife liave live children, Julia, John L., Mary B., Gip D., and Kit C. Mr. Flojd is associated with the Masonic fraternity and is a member of the Christian Church.

fOHN T. SAUNDERS came to Texas in 1852 and located in Dallas county. Soon after his arrival here he purchased 320 acres of land, on which was a temporary building and forty acres under cultivation. After living there two years he sold out and boutrht the farm on which he now resides. Here he owns 300 acres, 125 acres under cultivation and all well fenced. He has im- ])roved his farm with good buildings, etc., and is comfortably situated. His principal crojis are wheat, oats, corn and cotton, and he also raises stock.

Kentucky, March 30, 1823; was reared on a farm and received a limited education. Thomas Saunders, his father, was a native of Virginia, and at an early day moved to Kentucky, remaining there till the time of his death, about 1855. Mr. Saunders' mother, nee Mildred Minnus, was a daughter of Robert Minnus, they, too, being natives of Virginia. He isoneof a family of eleven children, whose names are lierewith given: ISancy, who married Bazil Wood; Robert S., a resident of Kentucky; Elizabeth married John Wood, a Baptist minister; Matilda married Randolph Hughs; Martha, deceased; Mary, also deceased; John Thomas, the subject of this sketch; Drury, a resident of Kentucky; Susan, who married Richard Salmons; Sally, who married Dr. Cross; and David, who died in infancy. The father and mother are both dead.

Mr. Saunders lived with his parents until the time of his marriage. In November, 1843, he wedded Miss Fanny Huffhines, a daughter of John Huffhines of Kentucky. Her father came to Texas in 1853. Mr. Saunders then rented land and engaged in farming in his native State, continuing there until 1852, when he emigrated to Texas. When he came here he had a team and wagon and but very little money. He went earnestly to work and was getting along nicely when the war came on. In 1863 he enlisted in Company H, Stone's second regiment, and continued in the service till the war closed. He was engaged chiefly in scouting, being with the forces that operated in Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas. Returning to his farm, he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1885 he took charge of the water tank on the Houston & Texas Central railroad, which position be still holds. Following are the names of the children born to him and his wife: Elizabeth, whose iirst and second husbands, John Routh and William Pendleton, arc dead, is now the wife of a Mr. McDonald; John; Nancy, who married James Nash, has since died; Virgil, who died at the age of sixteen years; Frankie, who married William Brown; Amanda, wife of Harvey Wilson; Philip, Ainos, Thomas and Eniina. His wife died February 1, 1890. January 1, 1891, he wedded Mrs. Sarah Evans, whose acquaintance he had formed in Louisiana during the war, when a comrade of his was sick at her home. Her father, John Wagner, a native of Pennsylvania, has lived in Louisiana since he was seventeen, and all her relatives live in the latter State.

HILIP W. HUFFHINES dates bis in Kentucky, in August, 1832. On a farm in that State he was reared, and there received his education. In 1853 he was married, and that same year, in company with his father's family, came to Texas and located in Dallas county. He soon bought land and improved a farm, which he sold in 1860. He then purciiased the place on which he now resides. This farm consists of 150 acres, all being fenced and 100 acres under cultivation. It is devoted to general farming and stock-raising.

John Huft'hines, father of tiie subject of our sketch, was born in Kentucky, son of Christopher Huffhines, a native North Carolina and a descendant of German ancestry. John IlufiFhines married Miss Elizabeth Wright, a native of New York, by whom he had fourteen children. Ail lived to be grown and married, and at this writing there are ninety grandchildren, and great-grandchildren too numerous to mention. Nine of the sons served in the Confederate army. One was killed in battle, one died of sickness, and seven returned and are yet living. The names of this family in the order of birth are as follows: William, Christopher, George, Fanny, Mary, Philip W., John, James, Thomas, Elizabeth, Amatida, Robert, D. F. and Cinderella. Fanny is now the wife of Thomas Saunders. Mary first married D. Doty, and afterward James Heffington. Elizabeth is the wife of W. J. Halsell. Amanda married F. B. Harris, and Cinderella wedded Henry Hatcher. The father was by occupation a farmer and stock-raiser, and was an honored and useful citizen. He and his wife both lived to see their children all married and have families. His death occurred March 15, 1875, and his wife departed this life in 1886.

Philip Huffhines was first married in 1853, to Miss Harriet Bell. Her father, Harvey Bell, passed his life and died in Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Huffhines had two children, Sarah and John, the former dying at the age of fourteen years and the latter living only six months. The wife and mother died in April, 1860. In February, 1862, Mr. Huffhines was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary C. Moss. Her father, Fred Moss, a native of Kentucky, came to Texas in 1845, took a headright and improved a farm. His death occurred about 1884, his wife having preceded him to the other world. Following are Mr. Huffhines' children liy his second wife: Etfa, AVillie, Philip and Oscar.

During the late war Mr. Huffhines was not one to shrink from what he considered to be his duty. He enlisted in 1862 and served until the war closed, being with Morgan in Kentucky one year and acting as Sergeant,

Mr. Huffhines was an active and influential member of the Grange at the time it nourished here. In 1881 that organization established a store at Richardson, which was successfully conducted three years. At the end of that time, the Grange losing power and influence on account of tiie Alliance, a few of the stockholders deemed it necessary to buy up the stock. Three of thetn accordingly purchased the stock, and the store has since been conducted under the firm name of Thompson, Hetiington & Hutfhines. They carry a 110,000 stock, and their sales average $12,000 per annum. Mr. Huffhines is a Knight of Honor; has been a nicmlier of the Baptist Church for thirty-three years; and in politics has been a Democrat since Fillmore ran for President.

A fact worthy of note in the history of his father's family is that none of the nine sons ever uses tobacco or drinks intoxicating liquor. The seven now living are all engaged in agricultural pursuits, and are occupying useful and honorable positions in life.

C*=t|^J 18(j0, in company with his father's family, he came to Texas, making the journey by teams, and settled in Collin county. In the fall of 1865 they moved to Dallas county, where he has since lived. All his education has been received in the common schools of this State. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-eight, and then, in February, 1878, he was married and moved upon a farm he had previously purchased. He now owns 212 acres of fine land, 150 of which are under cultivation, raising wheat, oats and corn. He gives most of his attention to raising corn, and feeds cattle for the market. He also rents land and cultivates cotton. At an early day before railroads were built through this section of the country, Mr. Stark was engaged in teaming in connection with his farming operations. In his various undertakings he has been successful and has made money.

Mr. Stark married Miss Isabell Stratton, a daughter of Thomas Stratton. Her father came from Kentucky to Texas in 1848 and settled in Dallas county, where he lived till the fall of 1888, when he moved to Potter county, purchasing a large track of land there. He is now a resident of Amarilla; is connected with a bank there, is County Commissioner, and is also largely interested in the stock business. Mr. and Mrs. Stark have four children: Oscar, born January 24, 1882; Charles T., July 5, 1884; Robert C, February 28, 1887; and Willie, September 29, 1889. Mr. Stark has served as School Trustee and also as a member of the Board of Overseers. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and also of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

AV. H. Stark, Sr., father of the subject of our sketch, was born in Torquay, Devonshire, England, October 26, 1823. He learned the printing trade and followed that while in England. In 1849 lie married Miss Keziah Tucker, who was born in Plymouth, England, June 1, 1822. They were married on the road in Engiand, having started from their homes for America. Arriving in New York in the month of May, 1849, Mr. Stark began work at his trade. The following December he set out for the Ducktown copper mines of Tennessee. The mines proving a failure, he bought land there, built a home and developed a farm, continuin^r to reside there, engaged in agricultural pursuits, until 1859, when he sold out. The following year, as above stated, he emigrated to Texas and settled in Collin county. While in Tennessee in 1855, he had been naturalized, and in 1862 he enlisted in Throckmorton's company. Stone's regiment, and was actively engaged with the forces that operated in Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas, remaining in the service until the close of the war and coming home in 1865. That year he bought land in Dallas county, near Scyene. Selling it soon afterward, he purchased a farm in Precinct No. 2, same county, where he resided until 1878. That year he sold out and retired from the active labors of farm life. He is now living at Richardson, Dallas county. In 1853 Mr. Stark made a trip to England, and on his return to this country brought his mother and three sisters with him. The mother died in Tennessee soon after her arrival, in 1853, and the sisters all married. Mr. Stark has lived to see his children married, settled on farms and doing well. In his family were four sons, three of whom are living, namely: William H., Jr., John L., and Robert S. Frederick died in 1877, at the age of nineteen years.

^0L. CHARLES S. MITCHELL, one ot the early settlers of Dallas county, was born in Franklin county, Virginia, February 25, 1840, the fourth of seven children born to James an"d Leticia (Burwell) Mitchell, natives of Botetourt and Bedford counties, Virginia, respectively, the father born about 1812 and the mother in 1815. They moved to Saline county, Missouri, in in 1850. By a special order of the Secretary of War, the family for political reasons were banished the State in 1865, and in consequence removed to Houston, Texas, where the father died in 1870. The mother survived him until 1886, dying at the residence of her son, Joseph, at Fort Worth. His grandfather, Samuel Mitchell, was an early pioneer of Virginia, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and later moved to Saline county, Missouri, where he subsequently died. His grandfather, John Spotswood Burwell, was also an early pioneer of Virginia, and was very prominent during the Colonial times. The Mitchells, Rectors, Severes and Burwells, were of old and prominent families, the male members being men of marked individuality and sterling worth, holding responsible positions in the Government and in society, all along the line from the Colonial days to the present period. They were potent factors in the Revolution, and in the birth of the Republic, in the formation of States, and in their growth and development, secured the highest honors from time to time within their gifts.

Colonel James Mitchell, the father of the subject of this memoir, was a man of high intellectuality, great force of character and strict integrity, being conscientious, almost to a faiilt. He was a man of fine physique, t^ll and stately, and of digniiied and courtly bearing: yet he was social and pleasing in his manners, winning all who approached him, by his genial nature and kind, benevolent lieart. He lost everything by the war, and was much broken in spirit at the defeat of the Confederacy, which cause he ardently espoused. But when he came to Texas as a refugee, he directed his energy and ability to repair his broken fortunes, and to the advancement of his adopted State. He earnestly labored to bring about reconstruction, and to sweep away the disasters which war had brought upon the people. He was the pro- jector of the Houston & Great Northern railroad, which he lived to see under process of completion; and gave his ahilitj, his valuable counsel and experience to the aid of many other public enterprises. He had the conlidence and esteem of the people, and died lamented by all who knew him.

Of the Mitchell family three children are now livinor, namely: Mrs. Nellie Stockton, of St. Louis, Missouri, now the widow ot Captain E. C. Stockton, of the United States Navy and afterward of the Confederate Navy; Joseph Burwell, a resident of AiTstin, Texas; and Charles S., the subject of this sketch.

Charles Mitchell was educated in the private school of Edwin Wyman, at St. Louis, at the Kemper schools of Booneville, Missouri, at the Arcadia College of Arcadia, Missouri, at the Central College of Fayette, same State, and then under the private tutelage of Prof. Newton, of Yale College. After completing bis education Colonel Mitchell went to St. Louis and began reading law, but on account of the breaking out of the late war he returned home, enlisting, in 18(51, in the Missouri State Guards, with wliich he remained until its re-organization. Mr. Mitchell was promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant, then to Captain, next to Major, then Lieutenant- Colonel and afterward Colonel. He also acted as Brigadier General. He commanded when only twenty-four years old a Confederate Brigade of Missouri Infantry, composed of Mitchell, Clark, Perkins and Searcy's regiments and Kuflner's Missouri battery. Colonel Mitchell was in command at Shreveport at the surrender, after which he returned to Missouri. During the war he was in the battles of Booneville, Lexington, Elk Horn, Prairie Grove, Pleasant Hill, Mansfield, Saline River, and many others.

in Dallas, Texas, and in 1872 he engaged in tlie wholesale hardware business, which he continued until 1885, and in that year he retired from active business. He is capacitated by constitutional construction for the conception and execution of extensive business affairs, and, although cautious in his undertakings, is bold to pursue a line of policy once determined on, and with a pertinacity that works uniformly through successes or embarrassments. Being a man of rare natural abilities, varied attainments and great culture. Colonel Mitchell not only feels a deep interest, but also takes active part and is a potent factor in the progressive movements of the day. Devoted to his section and his State he is every ready to contribute freely of his counsel, his experience, his time and his funds to the advancement of both, politically, commercially and industrially, yet this devotion begets neither the prejudices nor passions which often characterize those who are less traveled or read in the world's affairs. In his language and his manners he is the embodiment of courtesy and elegance, while his home has ever been noted for domestic happiness and hospitable entertainment. He was married in Arkansas, April 25, 1864, to Miss Julia Severe Rector, a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, and daughter of Governor H. M. and Jane (Field) Rector, natives of Missouri and Kentucky, respectively. Governor Rector resides in Little Rock; Mrs. Rector died in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1856. Mrs. Mitchell died in Dallas, 1880, leaving four children: Cliarles S., Jr., who is connected with the American National Bank of this city; Lillian, a graduate of the TJrsuline Convent; Willie, attending school; and Julia S., who died at the home of her grandfather in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1882. Colonel Mitchell was again married in 1882, to Mrs.

Fanani Thruston Rector, widow of E. K. Forman, and sister of his first wife, of Washiiicrton. District of Columbia. She has one daughter by her former marriage, Helen, who is now attending the Episcopal College. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have two children: Grace and Margaret. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are members of the Episcopal Church.

W. FANT, druggist, 356 Bryant street, Dallas, Texas, has been identified with '* the growth and prosperity of this city since he located here in 1883, and is now one of its most prominent business men. Briefly given, a resume of his life is as follows:

Mr. Fant was born in Virginia, December 81, 1838, son of Elias and Jane Fant, both Datives of the Old Dominion. His father was interested in the salt works of his native valley, and was a man of some prominence in his day. He was an earnest Christian and a leading member of the Methodist Church. Sometime in the early '40s he made a visit to his brother in Mississippi, traveling by coach, and on the Journey contracted a severe cold. He died about 1844, after a year's sickness, aged thirty-eight years. The subject of our sketch was an only child, and his mother died when he was about six weeks old. She, too, was a Methodist and a devoted Christian.

After the death of his father, young Fant, at the age of six years, was taken to Holly Springs, Mississippi, and reared by his uncle, James W. Fant. This uncle was a civil engineer, and to him belongs the distinction of having established all the county lines in Arkansas and Mississippi. Mr. Fant was educated in private schools and at the State University of Mississippi. He quit school

When the war came on he enlisted in the first company that was made up as home guards in Holly Springs. This company was subsequently merged into the Fourth Mississippi Cavalry and was with General Forrest for thirty-six months. Mr. Fant was in all the raids with that noted general, serving on scout duty most of the time; was at Selma, the last battle of the war. He was never wounded, but at one time had his horse's tail shot off. He was in close places many times and saw his share of hard fighting.

The war closing Mr. Fant returned to the drug business. For thirteen years he was a druggist of Little Kock, and from there in 1883 came to Dallas. Here he has since been engaged in his present business.

He was married in January, 1859, to Miss M. E. Potts, daughter of E. P. Potts, of Marshall county, Arkansas. His only child by this union is Dora, now living in Virginia, wife of John M. Hughes, a merchant. His second marriage occurred in 1878, with Miss M. A. Westmoreland, daughter of N. B. Westmoreland of Tennessee. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Fant is a Sunday-school teacher, a lady of much literary culture and social refinement. Both occupy high social positions.

A. SPAIN, one of the prosperous and representative citizens of this county, * who is worthy of mention in this volume, was born March 7, 1850, in Logan county, Kentucky, the son of Matthew R. and Emeline (Seymore) Spain, both native's of Virginia, who came to Kentucky early in

1869, when they came by wagon to Texas, arriving in December, in the vicinity of Wheatland. After rentino- land for two years, they bought a tract of 140 acres, mostly wild, which they proceeded to improve. They were the parents of live surviving children, all of whom are married and till recently lived in this county.

Mr. D. A. Spain, the third child of the five living children, was reared on the farm, and married in October, 1885, Miss Fannie Brown, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of William G. and Susan (Bentlj) Brown, natives of Kentucky. The latter are the parents of eight living children. They have been identified with Dallas county since

1870, till two years ago, when they moved to Archer county, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Spain are the parents of two children, - Walter and Ila. His father, being a cripple for a number of years previous to his death, left the responsibility of obtaining a livelihood for the family on the sons, of whom the subject of this sketch was prominent. By his skill and industry he has obtained a considerable portion of this world's goods. He now has a well-improved farni of 145 acres, in a fine state of cultivation. On his premises everything points to the thrift and enterprise that is characteristic of a prosperous farmer.

!,EV. M. M. DAVIS, the regularly installed pastor of the Dallas Central Christian Church, residence at 833 Live Oak street, was born in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, June 21, 1850. His parents were Christopher and Martha (Edwards) Davis, both native Virginians. The father was a farmer and trader, still supervising the farm; was a very extensive trader before the war. He is still living on his farm on which he was born eighty-five years ago, and on that he has lived ever since; was quite an extensive farmer. He was too old to take part in the late war. Was one of the judges of the county for many years; he was extensively known over his county. Is now a member of the Christian Church. His wife died in 18G0, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, for many years. These parents had twelve children, five of whom are still living: our subject and two brothers, C. T. and A. B., the latter two living in Missouri; the other two, John and Fred, farmers, still live in Virginia. The father had six sons in the late war: George, John, Fred, James, Christopher, and the subject of this memoir. George was killed in a cavalry engagement near the Wilderness; James was killed while in command of a line of sharpshooters in front of Petersburg; John was disabled for life, wounded by a minie ball in the neck, in front of Petersburg. The other three came through without a wound. Our subject enlisted June 21, 1864, in Company C, doorman's battalion, on his fifteenth birthday. Four days later, as Orderly Sergeant, he ^opk part in his first engagement, at Roanoke Bridge, on the Kichmond & Danville railway. He was in the army of -Northern Yirgiuia, with Lee on the lines in front of Lynchburg and Richmond; also did some service on the coast of North Carolina, repelling invasions. He weighed less than 100 pounds. He had been examined and recommended for the position of Fii'st Lieutenant at the time of the surrender. He was in Danville, and they disbanded on the 11th, at Danville, near his home. He stood the service exceedingly well.

The war closing he went upon the farm. He and two brothers (the negroes being free) took charge of their father's 1,500-acre farm, and tried their hand at making a living. They succeeded well, made money, saved the farm, and went to school in the winters to the best schools they had. Mr. Davis then entered a musical academy and spent a year in that institution, then taught for several years, succeeding well, and then came to Missouri, in his nineteenth year, and taught for two years. In the meantime he united with the Christian Church, in Callaway county, Missouri.

After determining to devote his time to the ministry he entered the University of Kentucky, at Lexington, remained there two years, and then returned to Missouri, and has been filling pulpits ever since. His first work was with country churches in Boone and Howard counties. Then he located for three years at Rocheport, and then was at Nevada, Missouri, five years, next one and a half years at Butler, Missouri, five years at Sedalia, same State, and now is in his second year, in the Central Christian Church, the largest Protestant congregation in the city, the resident membership being 650, and a nonresident membership forty, make nearly 700 members. The church has increased in membership, there being 320 additions since his advent as minister. They are building a church in which they are now worshiping, not completed, which will cost when finished about 175,000.

One peculiarity of the church work is that they have a flourishing Chinese Sundayschool, and, as an evidence of the good work being accomplished in this school, eight of the scholars have recently become Christians. The Chinese school numbers about twentyfive pupils. The other Sunday-school has

300. The church has two flourishing Christian Endeavor societies, the senior numbering seventy-five, the junior fifty-one, persons. Mr. Davis' work speaks in unmistakable terms of his efficiency in his chosen calling. Rev. Davis was married to Miss Mary E. Davis (not a relative), February 2, 1876, in Saline county, Missouri. She is a daughter of Prof. J. P. Davis. They have had one child, Emma, now in her fifteenth year, a bright and promising child, a member of the church, and teacher in the Sunday-school of the Central Church; and the wife also is a teacher and member of the same church.

Irofessor M. Thomas Edger

IROFESSOR M. THOMAS EDGER- |6 TON, an eminent educator and president of Oak Cliff College, for young ladies, is a native of Wayne county. North Carolina, where he was born December 5, 1856.

His parents are Michael and Chelly (Sullivan) Edgerton, natives of North Carolina. His father is an agriculturist, and has dealt largely in live-stock and provisions, but is now retiring from active business pursuits. He was born in 1820, and is a Quaker, and, as such was exempt, by the laws of North Carolina, from military duty. He is a prominent and active member of tlie Society of Friends. He and his worthy wife were the parents of nine sons, eight of whom are grown and married, and all but two, the suljject of this sketch and the youngest, are farmers. Their school days came at the time of the war, and in consequence their educational facilities were limited, and they were almost obliged to resort to agricultural pursuits; they are, however, men of sterling qualities of character and thoroughly versed in their

The subject of this sketch is the eighth of the children, and graduated at Oak Ridge Institute, and later attended Carson College, Tennessee, subsequently graduating, in 1885, at the University at Nasliville, in Nashville. In 1876 he commenced to teach in Fremont, North Carolina, continuing in that vocation at that point for six years. He then taught for one year in Pine Forest Academy, locating near Goldshoro, in the same State; after vchich he taught a year in Maple Hill Academy, near Lewisburg, Tennessee. Following this, he was for six years president of the Tennessee Female College at Franklin, Tennessee, which college b>:ilding occupies the site of the old college, that was used by the Federal army, at the time of the war, as a hospital. He has acted during the past year as Vice-President of Waco Female College. The changes lie has made have always been to better his condition either in salary or studies.

December 21, 1880, he was married to Miss Virginia Belle Stafford, an educated and cultivated lady, a daughter of Sheriff R. M. Stafford, of Oak Ridge, Guilford county. North Carolina. Mr. Stafford was Sheriff of that county for fifteen years, commencing in 1865, previous to which he held the ofBce of Constable of the county for the same length of time, making thirty years of official life in the county. During the last four years of his term as Sheriff, he preached every Sunday in the Methodist Episcopal South. He is a very devoted man, is highly respected in his community, and belongs to a prominent family there, fie was born in the year 1827, and married Miss Margaret Sapp, who is still living, and who is a most devout woman, possessing great ability and almost unparalleled business tact. She raised a family of six children on the farm, which place she managed alone for fifteen years, while her husband served as Sheriff. Mrs. Edgerton is the second of six children.

At Oak Cliff College, Mrs. Edgerton is manager and proprietor of tiie boarding department, for which she is amply qualitied, being a kind and motherly person, of superior education and culture, and perfectly selfreliant. Their prospects here are most flattering, and their success is a foregone conclusion.

In his social affiliations Mr. Edgerton is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. Both he and his worthy wife are earnest and useful members of tiie Methodist Episcopal Church South, to the support of which they liberally contribute.

Texas is determined to have the best of everything, and the selection of Mr. and Mrs. Edgerton to train her youth is confirmatory of her avowed princi{)les, and reflects credit on all concerned.

fH. CURTIS, a farmer ten miles west of the city of Dallas, was born in Mc- '^ Dowell county, North Carolina, December 5, 1838, a son of Robert Curtis, a native of the same county. The latter subsequently removed to Shannon county, Missouri, and shortly afterward to Beutonville, Arkansas, where he died March 6, 1891, at the age of seventy-five years. Our subject's mother, nee Emily Curtis, was a daughter of Moses Curtis, also a native of McDowell county, North Carolina. Mrs. Curtis was born and reared in that county, and died many years ago at Beutonville, Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs.

Curtis liad seven children, viz.: J. H., our suliject; William, a fanner and stock-raiser of Indian Territory; Moses, a physician of Bell county, this State; John W., a miller of Benton ville, Arkansas; Mollie, the widow of George Green, and a resident of Bentonville; Sarah, the wife of William Runnells, also of Bentonville; and George, deceased.

The subject of this sketch remained at Bentonville, Arkansas, until 1858, and at that date he decided to try his fortune in the West. He made a trip to Pike's Peak, and remained in the mountains about twelve months, after which he returned to Bentonville, and later to Texas, and was here at the opening of the Civil war. He enlisted in the Confederate service in the spring of 1861, in Company A, Twenty-fifth Texas Cavalry, and served in the Trans-Mississippi Department, from the Rio Grande to the Louisiana State line. He entered as a private, and was mustered out a Lieutenant, and also served a part of the time as Captain of couriers. After the close of the war Mr. Curtis returned to Dallas county, and in 1865 settled down to farm life, and, with the exception of a few years spent in Young and Jack counties, this State, he has resided in Dallas county for the last twenty-five years, and has been alternately engaged in farming, stock-raising and the mercantile business. He now has a farm of 160 acres, a large part of which is under a fine state of cultivation.

Mr. Curtis was married in 1865, to a daughter of Wesley and Sarah (Wilson) Curtis, natives of Fayette county, Kentucky. The latter came to this county in 1847, settling about six miles west of the city of Dallas. They located a farm of 160 acres, where the father died December 18, 1885, at the age of sixty-eight years, and the mother in March, 1875, at the age of fifty-eight years.

They both were members of the Baptist Church, having spent the greatei- part of their lives in the sei-vices of that church, and both were buried in the old family cemetery on the farm. They had a family of nine children, viz.: Paulina, the wife of D. A. Lacy, a sketch of whom appears in this work; Morgan, deceased ; Parmelia, the wife of J. n. Curtis; William, deceased; Martha, who died at the age of four years; Ellis, residing on the old homstead; Susan, deceased; Nannie, who married T. A. Gray, of this county, and now deceased ; and Lee, a resident of Dallas county. Mrs. Curtis was born in Cass County, Missouri, September 30, 1843, and was but four years of age when her parents came to this county. Mr. and Mi-s. Curtis have had seven children, as follows: Robert Wesley was born July 30, 1866; William Madison, Juiie 10, 1869; Don Carlos, June 12, 1871; Dora Lee, February 17, 1874; Birdie C, November 21, 1876; Lillie, October 24, 1881; and Leo, October 13, 1884. The eldest child, Robert Wesley, died December 23, 1874; Birdie C. died September 8, 1880; and Dora Lee was married to Thomas P. Ross, of Dallas county, December 30, 1888.

F. MILLICAN, a farmer fifteen miles northwest of the city of Dallas, was * born in Jackson county, Alabama, May 9, 1840, the youngest child of Benjamin F. and Rebecca (Howell) Millican, and a brother of Fi-ancis Marion Millican, a sketch of whom appears in this work. Benjamin F., our subject, removed to Missouri in 1860, and in tlie summer of 1861 he entered the Confederate array, enlisting in Conapauy H, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry, in the six-months troops. He served out his term of enlist- inent, but being unsafe for himself and family to remain in Missouri, he decided to come to Texas, locating his family on a farm ten miles west of Dallas. He returned as far east as Slireveport, Louisiana, where he entered the Sixteenth Missouri Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, being mustered out in June, 1865. He served as a private, and also as Sergeant, and was in tiie battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, with Price on his raid into Missouri, and was in a number of small skirmishes. After the close of the war Mr. Millican returned to his family in Texas, settling on a farm which he and his brother, Francis Marion, had bought on Cedar mountain, west of the city of Dallas. He resided there until 1873, when he traded his interest in that farm for a tract of seventyfive acres lying on Grapevine prairie, in the northwest corner of the county. He has added to this place from time to time until he now owns 135 acres, and also twenty acres of timber land.

Mr. Millican was married in Jackson county, Alabama, December 15, 1858, to Miss Sarah Eliza Ellen Russell, a daughter of Conn and Elizabeth Russell. Mrs. Millican was born and reared in Jackson county, and accompanied her husband to Missouri, sharing with him the hardships of the life which that move brought him, not the least of which were the outrages which the families of the Confederate soldiers and sympathizers were subjected to just preceding and during the early years of the war. She also managed the home affairs and took care of the little ones while her husband was away in the army. Mr. and Mrs. Millican have had five children, - Nancy Davis, Mary Ellen, James Edward, Fannie Belle and Annie May. Mr. and Mrs. Millican and the two eldest daughters are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Socially, the former is a zealous Mason, having been a member of that ancient and lionorable fraternity for nineteen years, joining Grapevine Lodge in 1871, and was an active member of that organization until his withdrawal to assist in organizing Estelle Lodge, No. 585. He was made Senior Warden of Estelle Lodge at the time of its organization, which position he held for two years, and since that time he has been Worshipful Master of the lodge, except two years, during one of which he was Treasurer.

fAMES E. JACKSON, a successful and highly respected farmer of Dallas county, has been identified with the interests of this State since 1846. He came to Texas in 1846 with his father and family when he was about twenty years of age. The father and three sons, including James E., took a headright under the Peters colony. Two of the bi'others went to the Mexican war and one returned, one of them dying soon afterward. The others improved their land, and James E. is still residing on his. Here he has lived and reared his family. Six of his children are married and he has helped them to good farms, all within three miles of the old home place. The first year of their residence in Texas, the Jackson family lived in true pioneer style. They had to go to the Red river country for bread stuff, but after the first year they had no difliculty, as they raised a good crop. Game of all kinds was plenty.

In 1851, on the 10th of January, Mr Jackson was married. He then began improving his own claim, and continued thus employed until 1863. During these years he prospered, made many substantial improvements on his farm, and had 100 acres under cultivation.

and a number of horses and other stock. The war continuing to rage, he enlisted, in 1863, in the Confederate army; was in Captain Stratton's company, Stone's regiment, and took part in numerous engagements in Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas. He received only a few slight wounds and was never captured. After the close of the war ho was mustered out at Houston, returned home and resumed his farming operations.

Mr. Jackson's father, John Jackson, was a native of East Tennessee. He grew to manliood and was married there, the lady he wedded being Miss Eliza Brown, of Tennessee. In 1837- they moved to Missouri, and nine years later came to Texas, settling as above stated. The father was a cooper by trade, at which he worked in Tennessee. After coming to Texas, however, his attention was devoted almost exclusively to farming and stock-raising.

He died in Texas in 1868, after a useful and prosperous career. Following are the names of the nine children composing his family: Andrew S., Williaui C, James E., John G., James T., Mary J., Euth A., Nancy L. and Hannah L.

The subject of our sketch chose for his life companion and married Diana J. Davis. Her parents, H. C. and Sally R. (Parrish) Davis, natives of Virginia, came to Texas in 1846 and settled in Dallas county. Mrs. Davis died about June, 1867, and Mr. Davis departed this life in October, 1877. He obtained a headright through the Peters colony, and made his home on it the rest of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have liad seven children, viz.: Andrew C, born November 30, 1851, died June 9, 1865; Ardelia E., born April 17, 1853; Henson C, March 19; 1855; John Thomas, March 15, 1857; Benjamin J., July 5, 1859; Jefferson, February 24, 1863; and

In 1867 Mr. Jackson sustained a heavy loss from a cyclone that visited his place. All his buildings and much of his stock were destroyed. His family were all at home and, what is strange to say, none of them were injured.

;()UGLASS A. J. HART, the son of one of the oldest settlers in Dallas county, Texas, was born, in 1855, within three miles of Dallas, on the farm now owned by his father, ' A. Hart. A biography of his father appears on another page of this work.

"Dug" Hart, as he is commonly called, was educated in the common schools of tliis county, and in early life was taught the practical workings of a farm. In 1876 he began life for himself, on a rented farm, and after renting land two years bought 100 acres of the place on which he now lives, for which he paid $5 an acre. He has since added to his original purchase, buying sixty acres in 1883, at $25 an acre, and 110 acres in 1890, at $36 an acre. On the first place he bought there were no improvements, but his well directed efforts have developed it into a model farm - one of the very nicest in this vicinity. His residence is surrounded with shade and ornamental trees, presenting a most attractive appearance, and the outbuildings and general surroundings all indicate the thrift and prosperity of the proprietor. He has splendid barns, three tenant houses, other buildings, etc., conveniently arranged for carrying on agricultural pursuits in the most approved manner.

1877 he wedded Miss Theodosia Moodey, a native of Mississippi and a danghter of Dr. and Rebecca Moodey, by whoiti he had two children - Arthur and Elina. Mrs. Hart died in 1886, at the age of twenty-eight years. She was a most estimable woman and a devoted member of the Baptist Church. In 1887 Mr. Hart married Miss Julia Hobbs, daughter of Abe and Susan Hobbs, natives of Virginia. By his second wife he ,also had two children - Clarence and Ollie. Mrs. Julia Hart departed this life in August, 1890, and again Mr. Hart was called upon to mourn the loss of a loving companion.

fIS'. FLOYD, a farmer of precinct No. 3, Dallas county, was born in Union ® county, Kentucky, in 1848, a son of J. D. and Sisan (Finnic) Floyd. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Nathaniel C, was born in Virginia, but came to Kentucky in an early day, where he became a prominent farmer. He came to this State with his son, J. D. Floyd, settling east of Dallas, where he lived until his death, which occurred ill 1867. The father of Nathaniel C. was John Floyd, who served his country in the war of Independence, was well-known throughout Virginia, and reared a family of sons wiio were all men of more then ordinary intelligence. Nathaniel C was his eldest son, and J. D., the father of our subject, was the first- born of the latter. J. D. Floyd came to Texas in 1850, settling seven miles north of Dallas, where he engaged in farming and stock raising. He served in the late war between the North and South two years, and afterward bought land for §5 per acre, where he lived until 1887, when he moved to Smith county, where he died in

1889, at the age of fifty-seven years. He was one of the leading farmers in this county, and for many years was a member of the A. F. & A.. M., Dallas Lodge, and also of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His first wife died in 1874, at the ao-e of forty-eight years. They were the parents of six children, namely: J. N., our subject; Thomas S., of Dallas; Mary E., wife of T. W. Maston, of California; Anna and Cora, twins; the former, now deceased, was the wife of Paul Jamison, who afterward married the sister Cora; David H., who resides on the old homestead seven miles north of Dallas. A.fter the death of his first wife, Mr. Floyd, in 1885, married Mrs. Mary Mc Dugal, of Smith county.

J. N. Floyd, our subject, was educated in the common schools of Dallas county, and was also under the instruction of Captain Robert Smith, a graduate of McKenzie College. In 1864 he joined Company C, Sixth Texas Cavalry, Ross' brigade, but did not participate in any battles. He came home at the close of the war and attended school three years in the country, as his father had lost money in both negroes and stock, and was not able to give him a collegiate course. At the age of twenty-one years he began life for himself, and first commenced the study of civil engineering, but preferring more manual labor he engaged in teaming for three years. He hauled lumber from eastern Texas in the summer, and in the winter freighted to the terminus of the Central railroad, and in this way amassed considerable money. In partnership with Captain June Reak he engaged in the stock business, buying, selling and driving to the northern markets, but in the fall of lS72-'73 there was a great fall in the price of cattle, and like most people in that business they lost lieavily. In 1872 Mr. F'loyd began farming on a place he bad purchased when yet a minor, seven miles north of Dallas. He first bought 160 acres, to which he has since added until he now owns 300 acres, which is worth $50 per acre, but cost only 111 per acre. In 1887, in addition to his farming, he engaged in the mercantile business at Farmers' Branch, but a short time afterward sold his interest to his partner, J. B. May, and in the same year opened a general store at Garland, where he is now one of the leading merchants. (). P. Thomas, present business manager for Mark Ellison, managed his business for three years, but in 1890 Mr. Floyd took charge of his own store. When he first opened his business he invested |700, and now carries a stock of from $6,000 to 110,000, and does an annual business of about $30,000.

Mr. Floyd was married in 1872, to Miss Ella Thomas, a native of Kentucky, and daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Savidge) Thomas, who came to this State about 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Floyd have two children, - Thomas B. and Annie S., both at home. Mr. Floyd is a member of the A. F. & A. M., James A. Smith Lodge, No. 395, and Mrs. Floyd is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

fOHN ISAAC McLaughlin, pastor of the Tabernacle Methodist Episcopal Church. - The parents of this gentleman were of Scotch ancestry, the father, Joseph McLaughlin being a native of the old country; his mother was born in Ohio, December 12, 1812. Joseph McLaughlin came to America in 1844. In 1846 he married Miss Deborah Frame, a daughter of James Frame of Washington county, Ohio, and they had six children: James, John I., Margaret, David C, Mary J. and Nancy R. The family moved from Ohio to Greene county, Indiana, in 1855, where they lived a quiet, industrious farm life until March 27, 1876, when the devoted Christian wife and mother rested from her labors, and where the husband still lives, at the advanced age of ninety-six. The parents were of the strictest type of old-school Scotch Presbyterians. When they came to Indiana, there was no Presbyterian Church within fifteen miles. The children went to a Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school, were converted in Methodist meetings, and united with that church, and the parents had the wisdom to unite with them.

John Isaac McLaughlin, the second child and son, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, June 8, 1849, and came with his parents to Indiana, where he lived and worked on the farm until September, 1870, when he entered the preparatory school of the Indiana State University, at Bloomington. In the fall of 1871, he entered the Freshman class of the university, but for want of funds he taught school the following year. He re entered the university in September, 1873, and graduated June 14, 1876. He taught the three following years, and in the fall of 1879 entered Drew Theological Seminary at Madison, New Jersey, where he remained one year. In the fall of 1880 he entered Garrett Biblical Institute at Evanston, Illinois, at which he graduated May 11, 1882, as B. D. He joined the Central Illinois conference in September, 1882, where he served six years, he came to Dallas, October 11, 1888, where he is now the pastor of the Tabernacle Methodist Episcopal Church, which worships in their edifice at the corner of Main and St. Paul streets.

"When Rev. McLaughlin came to Dallas as pastor of the Tabernacle Church in 1888, there were then about 130 active members; there are now about 250 members, and connting in the mission work there would be over 300. His church has three mission churches in the city; for two of them lots have been purchased and chapels have been built, viz.: Grace Methodist Episcopal, and Masonic Avenue Methodist Episcopal. The third is Hope mission, which meets in a rented building. These all have flourishing Sunday-schools and carry on the regular church work most successfully.

^^ICHAEL McQUlRK, an architect by W/Wffi' pi'ofession, is a son of William Mc- ^%^^ Quirk, a native of Dublin, Ireland, who was also an architect, and descended from an architect. The father emigrated to America in 1843, and located in Boston, Massachusetts, where he followed his profession for some years. He removed to Connecticut, and died in that State, at the age of eighty-eight years. The mother's maiden name was Anderson, and she was of English extraction. She passed away at the age of eighty-four years. Our subject was only a child when the family went to Connecticut, and there he received his early education. He was not pleased with the instruction he had, and so joined a company of architects, with whom he remained seven years. Hi^ made an exhaustive study of the art, and made himself a complete master of the finest points of the profession. When he went into business for himself he located at Norwich, Connecticut, and erected some of the finest private and public buildings that have ever been constructed in the place. His reputation spread all over New England, and he became known as one of the leading members of the profession. Li 1873 he entered the employ of the Government, and the following year was sent to Texas to take charge of all the Federal buildings to be erected in the South. The points were Little Rock, Arkansas, Galveston and Dallas, Texas, Savannah, Georgia, Charleston, South Carolina, Atlanta, Georgia, Columbia, South Carolina, and Raleigh, North Carolina. After the completion of this work he returned to Dallas, Texas, and has since superintended the construction of some of the finest buildings in the city.

Mr. McQuirk was married in 1850, in Connecticut, to Miss Anna Princely, an English lady who belongs to the Princely family of manufacturing fame. Two sons were born to them, William and Richard. The latter is a talented young architect, a member of the firm of McQuirk & Son, and William is a contractor in Norwich, Connecticut.

Mr. McQuirk is a member of the L O. O. F. He is a man of sterling traits of character, and has the respect of the community and the warmest admiration of the profession.

lEV. PHILIP REAGAN, a native of Fall River, Massachusetts, was born in 1865. His parents were Timothy and Bridget (Regan) Reagan, both natives of county Cork, Ireland. The father came to America about 1852, and settled in Fall River, Massachusetts, in which State he was married. They had a family of seven children.

received his higher education in the Holy Cross College, in Worcester, Massachusetts, and at St. Mary's Seminary, at Cleveland, Ohio. He then came to Dallas, where he was ordained, in February, 1892, and began his work at once as curate of the Pro-cathedral of the Sacred Heart, in Dallas. He has thus far succeeded well. His church is located at the northeast corner of Bryan and Ervay streets. All the family were members of the Catholic Church, in which they were born, reai'ed and departed. The parents died in 1887.

kE\r. C. I. SCOFIELD, pastor of the Dallas Congregational Church, also Acting Superintendent of Texas and Louisiana for the American Home Missionary Society, came to Dallas from St. Louis in 1882. In his boyhood he was a Confederate soldier, under Lee, in Virginia. The war closing he went to St. Louis, where he began the study of law. Subsequently he was employed to conduct an important suit affecting the title to a large body of land in Kansas, and he removed to that State, completed his law studies in the office of Senator Ingalls, and was admitted to the bar. Durinsr his residence in Kansas he was twice a member of the Legislature, and was also United States Attorney for the State. He returned to St. Louis after the termination of the litigation referred to.

Here, when "all his own efforts to reform his life had miserably failed," he met the late Dr. Goodell, of blessed memory, and became a member of Pilgrim Church. The sympathy and encouragement of the Doctor, his good wife, and of the people of the Pilgrim Church were very helpful, and to them, under God, he owes a lasting debt of gratitude.

Mr. Scofield's first work in the church was in the colored Sunday-school in East St. Louis. Soon afterward he entered the Y. M. C. A. work as Secretary of the Railway Branch of East St. Louis. Soon afterward he was licensed to preach by the St. Louis association. He organized and was for a time acting pastor of Hyde Park Congregational Church, North St. Louis, and in 1882 removed to Dallas, Texas, to liecome pastor of the First Congregational Chui-ch here. He came to Dallas a layman and was ordained by a regularly called council of the neighboring Congregational Churches. In the nearly ten years of that pastorate the church has grown from a membership of twelve to nearly 400. Out of this number a very large majority have been received on a confession of their faith. Church was then held in a small frame building on the same ground their beautiful edifice of brick and stone now occupies. The frame building had about 200 sittings; their present building about 700.

Rev. Scolield was married to Miss Hettie Wartz, daughter of Henry and Louisa Wartz, of Grand Haven, Michigan, March 12, 1882. They were married in Dallas, where her mother then resided, by the former pastor of the church. Rev. McCune. One child blessed this union, viz., Noel P.

Besides the labors of the pastorate and the superintendency, Mr. Scofield is at the head of the Southwestern School of the Bible, a training school for Christian workers, which has already achieved an lionorable fame for the thoroughness of its work and tiie remarkable blessing which is attending the labors of its graduates.

As President of the Board of Trustees of Lake Charles College, Louisiana, he takes a deep and active interest in the upbuilding of that promising and greatly needed institution.

Mr. Scofield in his own church has done a great work. It has a very important mission in Costa Rica. Two missionaries are already there and four or live more are in preparation for going; besides, they have two missions in the city and the young people's society, and all the different departments of church work are in the most healthful and prosperous condition. They have sent out and taught from this church six missionaries within the past six years.

In the forty-fifth year of his age and in the prime of his strength, Mr. Scofield finds his greatest joy in incessant labors for his Savior and Lord.

fOHN D. MARSH was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, August 25, 1835. At the age of four years he moved with his parents to Missouri, and after remaining there four years the family emigrated to Texas, first settling in what is now Denton county. They soon afterward moved to Dallas county, where the father secured a claim of 640 acres, under the Peters colony, and remained on it during the rest of his lifetime.

Jonh D. remained with his parents, helped to develop the tarm, and received as his portion 100 acres. He has since purchased other land and is now the owner of 317 acres, located in Precinct No. 2, Dallas county, the most of which is under cultivation, wheat, oats, corn and cotton being his chief products. He is also engaged in stock-raising, having some graded cattle.

H. C. Marsh, his father, was born in Kentucky, the original Marsh family having come from Maryland. The mother of our subject was before her marriage Miss Mary Raymond, she and her parents being natives of

Kentucky. Mr. Marsh was married in that State, and to him and his wife were born seven children, two sons and five daughters, all of whom are living in Texas; T. C. Marsh, born February 21, 1831; Sarah Ellen, in March, 1833, is now the wife of H. C. Daggett and resides in Tarrant county; John D., the subject of this sketch; Mary F., born August 2, 1840, married J. J. McAllister and lives in Dallas county: Elizabeth J., lx)rn October 9, 1843, married E. B. Daggett and resides at Fort "Worth; Martha A., born February 27, 1848, married Mart Ellison of Dallas county; Charlotte M., born in March, 1851, is the wife of W. O. Neill of Tarrant county.

John D. Marsh was married, October 28, 1860, to Reliecca Perry. Her father, W. Perry, moved from Illinois to Texas in 1846 and settled in Dallas county, where he died about 1870. His wife, nee Sarah Noble, survived him several years, her death occurring in June, 1888. By this wife Mr. Marsh had nine children, namely: Harrison F., born July, 1861; Fanny, March 6, 1863; Henry C, May 6, 1866; Hollis W., January 6, 1868; Laura R., January 7, 1870; John D., July 2, 1872, died October 1, 1873; Walter, December, 1874; Charles D., February 2, 1878; and Thomas B., March 23, 1880. Fanny is now the wife of William Evans. Mrs. Marsh departed this life on the 3d of April, 1880, aged forty-two years.

January 17, 1883, Mr. Marsh was united in marriage with Miss Fanny Williams, his present companion. Her father, A. D. W. Williams, a native of Alabama, moved to Tennessee while young, and was there married to Miss Sarah Foster. He subsequently moved to Franklin county, Illinois, where he died March 29, 1891. His wife died in 1860. By his second marriage Mr. Marsh has two children: Mary Helen, born August 15, 1887, and Bessa Anna, December 3, 1890. During the Civil war, Mr. Marsh enlisted, in 1862, and acted the part of a brave soldier until hostilities ceased. He was in a number of skirmishes and battles, but was never wounded or taken prisoner. Returning home, lie resumed farming, in which he has since been engaged and in which he has met with eminent success. His farm is well improved with good buildings, cotton gin, etc. and general prosperity prevails.