Eastland County, Texas - Chapter 5 (1 of 2 so headed), 1904

Chapter 5

When it became known in Eastland that this great East and West line had reached Fort Worth and would he built on to El Paso there was great rejoicing in this section of the country because of the development and conveniences that would result. The settlements that followed, the building and maintenance of schools and churches, the cheapness of the lands (at that time from iifty cents to one dollar an acre), all combined to increase the population and develop the resources of the coimtry.

The Texas and Pacific Railway Company was organized under an act of Congress, March 3, 1871, and the general Railroad laws of the State of Texas. It acquired the properties of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company of Texas in 1873, which Company, at that date, owned and operated the sixty odd miles of railway between Shreveport, Louisiana, and Longview, Texas.

The Southern Pacific Railroad Company was a consolidation of the Yicksburg, Shre\i'port and Texas Railroad, (chartered in Louisiana), and the Southern Paoiiic Railroad, organized under the laws of Texas.

The Beazos River Bridge

The New Orleans Pacific Railroad Company, (organized also under the laws of Louisiana), was consolidated with the Texas and Pacific Railway Company in June, 1881. Early in the seventies the Texas and Pacific also acquired the properties of the Southern Transcontinental and The Memphis, El Paso and Pacific Railroads, both incorporated under the laws of Texas.

present time, and was confined mainly to the eastern and coast counties. West of a line drawn through say, rrainesville, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Corpus Christi, there was, then, scarcely any white population.

The charters granted by the State to the Memphis, El Paso and Pacific Eailroad, and to the Southern Trans-continental Eailroad, were the results of eiforts made by the people of the counties of Bowie, Eed Eiver, Ivamar, Fannin, Gravi^on, Cocke and Denton, to secure this gi'eat East and Wei;t Eailroad.

The numerous laws passed by the early Legislatures nf Texas, offering bubsidies to induce capital to come here and construct railroads, etc.. r'l'-irly evidence that the early pioneers and settlers of this goodly country duly recognized and appreciated the necessity for artificial means of communication and transportation facilities. This was practically true of Northern and Middle Texas on account of the absence of rivers and other waterways.

The building of the great East and West Eailroad across the State seemed then of early consummation and efforts to secure it created considerable rivalry in the counties in the Northern half of Texas.

These people were particularly strenuous in their efforts to gain an advantage over the people living on the line surveyed to Dallas and Fort Worth, now the main line of the Texas and Pacific. As early as 1852, this line, known as the Texas Western Eailroad had obtained a charter, which later became known as the Southern Paciiic, then the Texas and Pacific.

Little, however, was accomplished in the way of extensive construction of any of these lines until that master spirit. Colonel Thomas A. Scott, became identi- fied ^vith the Texas and Pacific enterprise, which was in the year of 1871 - his connection continuing until 1S81, or nearly up to the time of his death. During tlie Scott regime that portion of the road between Texarkana and Fort Worth, via Sherman, was constructed, and from Texarkana to Abilene, via Marshall and Shreveport.

early in 1881, and to him is greatly due the credit for the large extensions which were made to Texas and Pacific properties about that time, to-wit : The extension of the line to El Paso, and from Shreveport to New Orleans. More than half of all the mileage of the Texas and Pacific was added during the incumbency of President Jay Gould, and was added (contrary to the idea of the general public) without any aid or subsidy, landed or otherwise, national or state.

With a diversity of soil - from sand to rich chocolate loam; with an average rainfall ; high hills and their rich store of minerals, and the uplands and valleys that produce anything agricultural, lands in Eastland have increased in value and now sell from $5.00 to $40.00 an acre.

While the road winds its way along the leading of i:he Palo Pinto Creek and bridges the deep gullies that feed it, and crawls around the cliffs and hills that aboun,d, the traveler, sitting in his comfortable sleeper as it glides over the steel rails, looks out and admires the rugged scenery with the little patches of valley that make the picture more beautiful, but does not know over what historic lands and scenes of romantic adventure he is passing.

Everinaii, Assistant General Manager; E. L. Sargent, General Freight Agent, and Mr. E. P. Turner, General Passenger and Ticket Agent, and its etficient corps of Superintendents, the "Old Reliable" has grown in popularity and to-day stands without a peer in the State.

The Passenger Conductors, Fort Worth to Big Springs, are Messrs. McCleod, Bogart, Tobin, Cole and Smith; Engineers, Messrs, Foy, Baker, Craig, Dean and VVohlenberg.

In 1866 or 1867, the *Hoiiston and Texas Central Railway Company, which formerly controlled the Texas Central, sent out Captain William Armstrong to locate all public lands still unsurveyed. In this way Eastland was sectionized, that is, the land was surveyed and cut up into sections of six hundred and forty acres each.

When the road was disposed of to the present owners it was ia a most deplorable condition - -a mixed train ran every other day being the only passenger service. Shortly after the present management assumed control, in the person of Colonel Charles Hamilton as Vice President and G-eneral Manager, and W. F. MbMillan as General Passenger and Freight Agent, daily passenger trains were put on and the interests of the line began to brighten.

When the Texas Central was built through Eastland, lands along its route "that could hardly be given away, are now worth fronx $20.00 to $40.00 an acre." This is due to the discovery that in the sandy loam district - which includes fully one-half of the County - there is a clay subsoil Mhich holds the water. *

About four years ago the travel on the road had so increased that double daily trains were put on from Waco to Dublin and in a few months this service was extended to Cisco.

Many signs of improvement evidence the prosperity and popularity of the road. The wooden bridges across gullies and creeks, which gave two bridge gangs constant employment from frequent replacing of timbers, have been replaced by cemented stone structures, and only one carpenter crew is required. A little <;urve in Steele's Creek, between Morgan and Fowler, was cut out literally, expense and all, by building a new track around the curve. Carefulness and keen oversight seem to be Colonel Hamilton's watchwords.

*It is a well-known fact that sand, though not able of itself alone to hold moisture very lond, parts readily with what it has and makes vegetation welcome to almost every drop it contains. Other soils, though capable of retaining moisture, are chary of giving it to the roots that forage for it.

system of smiall parks and spots of green it maintains about its depots all along the line. The Company knows Ihe invcslnunt is a tiood one, and keeps up the improvements, although it is repeatedly rumored that different roads want the property and would secure it if they could.

In the early days a joint ticket agent served the two roads at Cisco. Mr. George Langston, present station agent of the Texas and Pacific, and who filled the same position at that time, served as first, and only, Joint agent. The present agent is Mr. Bulbrook, Sam Green - hill, cashier, and Mr. Brown, operator.

Superintendent Ramsey Cox maintains headquarters at Waco. The passenger conductors are TMessrs, Holt. Hawkins, Hooper and Webster; Engineers, Bcttis. Wiggins, TJloth, Myers and Cottrell.

Period Iii-1881-1904

In 1S79 (?). when there were not more than half a dozen families in this locality, Reverend C. G. Stevens established a postoffice at a passway in the hills, one mile west of town, and called it Red Gap. A floorless log school house, with one small window was built, and Mrs. Colistie Green taught school. One half mile west of Red Gap Postoffice, W. T. Caldwell had a store in which he kept dry goods and groceries.

In 1880 the Texas and Pacific Railway pushed its line on westward through Eastland County, but Red Gap continued its existence, the railroad locating its depot at Delmar. It was expected, however, that when the Texas Central reached the Texas and. Pacific a town would be located at the crossing of the roads. Each day, as the iron rails led nearer and nearer to this point of crossing, saw new tents stretched, new covered wagons taking their stand, and new faces in the rapidly growing town which was called Red Gap. With the Texas Central within one mile of the junction, and the Texas and Pacific only a short distance west, many laborers and their families helped to swell the number of inhabitants, which now reached six hundred. Accommodating themselves to the only expression where it was supposed the new town would be located, which was a wagon road running east and west, the poople had '"'squatted" on either side of this thoroughfare. In thi.s wbito town were two or more stores of general merchandise, two or three grocery stores, a number of restr.urants, doctors" (,;f ees, and Mrs. Haws' hotel, which stood about the middle of Broadway, between the Daniels and Broadwoll homes. Dr. Vance, who arrived in Cisco April 1, 188], officed in the hotel group of tents.

Major Bob Elgin of Houston, who had charge of the i.and Department of the Houston and Texas Central Railway, assisted by Mr. Metzo, an engineer, with T. E. Johnson as chain bearer, laid off the town. A platform was put up where Mayhew & Company's feed store now stands, and Major Elgin (who is a brother-in-law of N. E. Wilson and lives in Houston), stood there for two days and cried the lots. Mr. White secured the *fLrsL lot, paying $175.00 for it, and selected from the hugo map of the town Major Elgin had at hand, the one now occupied by Cooper's livery stable.

As soon as the town was located and laid off, the inhabitants aeeomm'odated themselves to the permanent arrangement and shifted to the most desirable positions attainable and profitable to their business.

Among the business firms in the town at that timie were W. A. Stevens, general merchandise, who put up the first store building); James Caldwell, Campbell Bros., Adams & Sons, Miller & Wike, Porter (Will) & Park, (who bought out Amtaierman's yard) and Camer-

*Mr. R. G-. Luse is the authority for the above statement. I. Lamb thinks the first lot fell to Adams & Son, and was the one now occupied by Mayhew & Co.'s warehouse, the town being first built facing the Texas Central railroad.

on & Company, himber, 'J'aylor & Bedford (for whom Yi'illiam (Taultney, now bankci', clerked), John "Bice and Yarbrough & ^Martin, druggists.* The front of a little ten by twelve box store was given a coat of red paint, rud the always and still popular "Eed Front Drug Siore" came into existence.

Mrs. Haws began the building of her hotel, which was blown down in a furious gale but immediately replaced before the sale of lots, and managed the same until her death in 1S90. The llajerta, standing near where Hall's wagan yard is, was kept by Mr. Hoddinger. ilr. W. D. Chandler had a boarding house where the Broadway now stands, and Mrs. Parker kept private boarders.

Shortly before the sale of lots took place a large number of Jlillet's cowboys came into town and created great consternation am'ong the tent dwellers, as they exercised great freedom, in the use of their pistols, so much so, in fact, that the constables of both Cisco and Eastland City, together with the men summoned to assist, were all night long (insomef safe place) devising means for their capture. They made two arrests next day, and this is no reflection on the courage of Constable .4.1ejc Simerl, either.

The first bill of lumber sold in Cisco was to Horace Donaldson, who built the first residence on the lot now occupied by Moody's blacksmith shop. About the

*Dr. Vance and Dr. McNeil witnessed the contract between the members of this last firm, Yarbrough furnishing the means, and Martin the brains and time.

John F. Patterson, R. G. Luse, Charley Parks, Seth Eamsey (now of Cottonwood), David Redfield of Ardmlore. Judge Flemiraing of Seattle, Henry Hilliard of St. Louis, J. B. Luse and wife. Major Preveaux and wife and sister (Mrs. R. G. Luse), J. Alexander and wife, Mr. Turknette, W. A. Rhoads, Captain Whiteside, R. B. Vaughn, T. J. Worthington, W. J. Walker, Hugh Corrigan, Frank and Lee Jordan, Dr. Mancill, J. T. Yeargin, J. E. P. Chapman (who built the old Bunnell residence), J. W. Smith and wife, Nat Noel, Ed Morehead, Traveling Auditor Perry of the Texas Central, John Collins, G. W. Graves, T. E. Larimer, W. M. Freeman of Dallas, J. R. and K. S. Fisher, John Gude, M. B. Owen, who lost his life in the cyclone of 1893, J. J. Wallace, B. L Patp, Mr. Bunnell and family. Corner Vvilliams, and Miles and Quitman Eppler, George Daniels and W^. A. Gnde.*

A sixteen by twenty school house was put up free of charge by B. F. James and Sons and J. K. Miller. In this building a Baptist minister, J. C. Finnell, taught a day school. Here, also, a union Sunday school was conducted. Mr. Chaffin, a contractor on the Texas Central Railroad, was the Superintendent. At the weekly prayer meeting every Wednesday night, which was attended by all denominations, there was frequently not standing room, "many being turned away." This school house was used for church purposes until the different denominations erected their own buildings. From time to time additions were made to the 16x20 school building, until it grew to be about sixteen by one hundred and was known as the "long school house."

]\Ir. Frank Kynette, assisted by Mss Sallie Greer, ]Mts. Eecd, were succeeded by Dr. Stout, who did so much for the school and town. Dr. Stout might properly be called the introducer and founder of the Public Schools of Cisco. He came here when educational interest was chaotic in condition, and being a m.an of deep learning he proved himself a Joshua, leading his people into a promised land that has since blossomed and fruited many times.

Judge Flenuning, aided and encouraged by Dr. Stout, worked for a special tax for the enlarging of the school house and the incorporation of the school district, which at that time included four sections of land ! He lived in the town long enough to see his desire accomplished. Hugh Horrigan was a warm supporter of this measure.

The first graduating class was Burette Patterson. Mnmie Blake, Eva Winston and Laura Eichardson. This was in 1888 while Charles T. Alexander was Superintendent.

inland mail routes were changed. It is interesting to note the difference in conditions and times twenty years ago and now. The Government now pays from' $600 to $700 for the mails to be carried from Cisco to Eising Star. In 1882 it paid W. E. Chandler $2400.00 annually for carrying the mail from Cisco to Brownwood. There was no road. W. W. Smith and Jim Tyson cut one through and the stage, which held fron. six to eight passengers, began its daily run each way (except Sundays). The first stand was at H. MerrilFs, the second at Uncle T'omauy Anderson's,- where the richly promising town of Kising Star is now located, and the third at Clio, thirteen and one-half miles north of Brownwood. The horses were changed at each stand.

Travel and express being heavy, the coaches would frequently be over full, and extra hacks would be pu; on, the lines sometimes clearing $100.00 per day. Drivers were paid $30.00 per month and board. Mr. Chandler kept two stables, one at DteLeon and one at Cisco. Fifty-five horses were used, twenty on the 'Rrownwood line.

During the four years Mr. Chandler held the contract the stage was robbed several times. At last, people demanded that an officer go along. A Deputy Sheriff at Brownwood accordingly climbed up on the seat ny t)]e driver. After having left Mr. Merrill's a couple of miles behind, he saw a man coming toward them. The Sheriff held his pistol cocked under the la probe, but coming nearer and seeing that the man was a mere slip of a boy, he let the hammer down. When the care- loss, kind-looking boy,, was even with the driver, he covered the men with his pistol and ordered "hands up." The bewildered SheriiJ, however, presented his gun in siead, and several shots were exchanged, as the frightened horses broke into a wild run. Mts. Bryan's trunk on the back of the stage had four bullet holes in it, and probably saved the lives of the passengers. Dave Kickman was the driver on that trip.

Life in the new town was gay from sunrise to sunrise, but gradually the fever heat passed away and the people began to grow accustomed to each other and to the conditions and assumed a more substantial attitude.

Cisco has never been a dead town, but has had seasons of "excitement." Twice has a *coal mine been worked rather extensively within three miles of D Avenue. Property has always beeji held at good figures. Its two railroads and eight daily trains easily give it a commercial standing superior to any other in the county.

The first National Bank organized in the County was located at Cisco. J. H. "Ffalcomb, President; P. C. LeVeaux, Cashier. Directors: J. J. Winston, C. H. Pee, J. P. Patterson, A. B. Smith.

On April 28, 1893, Cisco was swept liy a cyclone that left but few houses wholly intact. At the time there were only three storm houses in the town, and the people were unprepared and unwatchful. The awful

*As an evidence that coal does actually exist in paying quantities in this locality, the fact is cited thait these mines have been extensively worked. Twice have two or three hundred miners been employed. The mines have never been abandoned because the supply of coal was exhausted, but for lack of funds.

storm came down upon them in all its resistless fury - tearing, ripping and making havoe of homes. It dashed and hurled man and beast, houses and trees and fences in its mad rage, as it tore its way through the heart of the town, leaving in its terrbile wreckage twenty-eight dead and dying bodies for the glorious moon, which came out immediately, to cast its pure light upon and dispel the darkness. For months the debris lay in the streets and on the corners, so entirely was the town wrecked. To-day, however, there is no sign of the tornado except the stunted tops of the hardy oaks which still mark its path, while the residences are more modern and the business houses are of brick or stone.

There are five churches - Baptist, Presbyterian, Christian, and Northern and Southern Methodist; the Tdasonic Lodge, the chapter of Eoyal Arch Masons, and the Masonic Lodge of the Eight of Adoption, who own a large corner building; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekah Lodge, who are arranging to pul up a building; the Knightc' of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World, the Civic Improvement League, the XX Century and the Young Ladies' Departmental Clubs (both literary), the J. U. G. (young ladies' social club), nnd the W. C. T. U.; the active Ladies' Societies, Sunday Schools, Senior and Junior Epworth Leagues and Endeavor Societies in all the churches; and the Country Club, Park, and Cemetery Associations make an aggregate of concentrated energy along all lines of physical, mental and moral development.

Mr. Frank Vernon, in 1894, with one volume, Ben Hur, viiich he purchased. The town responded then to the call, many books being sent in at once. Shortly after this Mir. Vernon wrote Mr. Carnegie for a contribution f.nd secured $250.00.

When it contained four hundred volumes, the founder, whose health had failed, turned the library over to the XX Century Club as a precious legacy, be- Ciueathing with the books all his love and energy for the enterprise. Right well have the ladies kept the trust, for it now contains one thousand volumes, has a furnished room, and a paid librarian.

The one thing lying closest to the hearts of the mem- I'prs of the XX Century Club is a Public Library Building, for which they have a gradually growing fund. The Young Ladies' Departmental Club, also working for the building, has a bank account for the same purpose. It is hoped that the town and the railway companies will join in the near future in the City Park and erect a handsome structure that shall be known as the Cisco Union Depot and Public Library Building.

The Cisco Cemeteby Association was organized March 15, 1899, with ten active and a number of associate members. Mrs. J. D. Alexander was elected President; Mrs. C. S. Vance, Vice President; Mrs. M. T. \^.Tiiteside, Secretary; L. E Brannin, Treasurer.

A charter was applied for and granted, and the members went to work at once to raise funds to enclose the grounds. This and much more has been accomplished. JSTot only has a substantial fence been placed around the grounds, but a handsome iron gate swings on huge stone posts that were contributed by the owners of the lieuders Quarry, and their transportation given by the accommodating officials of the Texas Central Railwaj Company. The caps were contributed by Messrs. Aycoek & Allen, of Cisco. All unknown graves have been marked with head and foot boards. Two hundred and fifty shade trees have been planted, and last year twentyseven hundred and fifty feet of pipe were laid for water service.

Through the efforts of Mrs. Alexander a tract of land contiguous to the Cemetery grounds was deeded by the Texas Central Eailway Company to the Association for a park, and many trees, evergreens and flowers have been planted under the supervision of the Tree Committee. The finances are reimbursed, when necessary, by a most efficient Soliciting Committee. In fact the work accomplished in the short length of time is unparalleled. The present officers are Mrs. J. D. Alexander, President; Mrs. C. S. Vance, Vice President; Mr?;. J. H. Holcomb, Second Vice President; Mrs. Augusta Mason, Secretary; L. E. Brannin, Treasurer. Trustees: L. E. Brannin, C. S. Williams, J. J. Winston. J. Alexander, Mars. M. T. Whiteside.

Eebekah Odd Fellowship is to-day a great order: symbolizing in itself strength, unity and sympathy, and the desire to help that has made woman such a factor in the organization. And this spirit, which gives force to the principles of Friendship, Love and Truth, biiid together more than two hundred lives in Eastland County for the purpose of correcting the besetting sin of selfishness and for moral betterment of mankind.

The Qiood AVill Eebekah Lodge, No. 103, of Cisco, was instituted by Mrs. Cynthia A. Brown, February 37, 1892, with ten charter members. To-day there are four Eebekah Lodges in the county - Cisco, Rising Star, Gorman and Eanger - with a membership of over two hundred members.

Eebekah Odd Fellowship simply means making the very best of life "I count this thing to be grandly That a noble deed is a step toward God."

Odd Fellowship, as a fraternity, stands without a peer in number of members, wealth and activities for good. Its Grand Jurisdictions, Subordinate Lodges, Grand Encampments and Eebekah Lodges girdle the whole earth.

Eastland County is blessed with six Subordinate Lodges with a membership of over three hundred in line, located at Cisco, Eastland, Eanger, Carbon, Gorman and Eising Star, which are working gloriously for Friendship, Love and Truth, the grand pillars on which our order stands for the uplifting of hunmanity. * of nearly seventeen hundred feet. It is lighted with electricity, has a good system of waterworks, a local and long distance telephone system, two newspapers, two whoksale grocery houses, two railroads, an oil mill, a compress, three drug stores, two gins, two mills, an ice plant, bottling works, steam laundry, a fire department, silver cornet band, one tailoring establishmient, two hanks, one exclusive shoe store, one jewelry store, three hotels, seven dry goods houses, two exclusive millinery establishments, ten groceries, four hardware, three restaurants, three blacksmith shops, three wagon yards, two meat markets, a second-hand store, confectionery and chili shops.

The history of the business interests that follow, together with the accompanying illustrations, fairly represent the town as it is to-day, although one or two large concerns are not included. The following is almost a complete list of the business firms :

Mr. And Mrs. Frank Vernon History Op Eastland Countt

'i'he subject of this sketch, now deceased, was a most prominent factor in the development of the town from the time he came in 1891, as editor of the Bound-Up, his departure for a climate that would help him \o hold the life fast ebbing away.

' Having made Journalism a life study, he published a crisp, newsy Democratic weekly paper, and became favirably known throughout the State in editorial circles.

He was a prominent member of the Texas Press Assodation, serving twice as its Secretary, and he was also afl^ated with the National Editorial Association.

There are several enterprises in Cisco as evidences of his energy and capabilities, the most distinguished -of whiih is the Public Library, the most practical the telemone exchange and first long distance system in the County.

SWce he went to his reward, his wife, who has lived here Trith their three children, and his mother, has done an inairance business, which is steadily growing. Mrs. Vemoi is one of four women in the State who handles insurai^e.

They carry a large supply of everything in the building line, and having their own mills are enabled to meet all competition. This company also carries the most complete and best grade of lumber in West Texas.

WTien Cisco was a verv new town Mr. Hartman first became a citizen and has always identified himself with every forward move. During the twenty years he has resided in the town, he has been engaged in the grocery business.

Mr. Hartman's home life is complete with a wife and three children - two daughters, and a son who is interested in the business with his father. One daughter is married and lives in Cisco. The other, the pet of the household, is still in school.

In August, 1883, Mr. Pee located in Cisco and established the business which has grown to such magnitiide as to require the use of three large buildings.

Mr. Fee was born in Oxford, Mississippi, and educated at the State University located there. He is of Scotch-Irish descent and conies of a high-toned and godly ancestry. He has l)een an important factor in the development of Cisco, and has been identified with every enterprise for the advancement of its interests.

Has been organized to help build up Texas, and especially the counties of Eastland, Shackelford, Stephens aud Young. The object of the Bureau is to induce people living in the Northern Slates to move to Texas - an empire within itself.

This organization will not only help build up .Bastland and these other counties, but the town of Cisgo, being headquarters, will be greatly benefitted.

This plant was established in 1896 by Eeynolds "Brother^ with a capital stock of $100,000.00. William D. Eeynolds, President; George T. Eeynoldsj Vice President; D. C. Campbell, Secretary and Treasurer; P. W. Eeynolds, Egsident Manager.

The men representing this business were pioneer settlers of Stephens County and have had hair-breadth escapes in many an Indian raid. Mr. George Eeynolds, who now lives in Fort Worth, has a silver bridle that once belonged to an Indian Chief whom he killed in battle, and who gave him an arrow-head in memory of the occasion, which he wore embedded in the mniscles of his back for more than seventeen years.

Arlington Heights Hotel Histor Y Of Eastland Uo Unty 145

This hotel is situated on the hill, and hence justifies Ml-. Pileher's claim that it is "Sixty feet nearer heaven than any other in the city."

Some of the prerogatives of this hotel are the "family style of serving meals, the home-made butter and milk, the biscuits like mother used to make, and the large, shady yard."

President, Dr. J. P. AVebster; Vice President, J. J. Butts; Cashier, A. H. Johnson; Assistant Cashier, M. S. Stamps. Directors: J. P- Webster, J. J. Butts, J. J. Winston, A. L. Ma,yhew, A. H. Johnson and W. D. Davis.

This institution, organized in February, 1902, the only National bank in the county, is strictly a home enterprise, those who are interested being identified with Cisco and Eastland County.

Was established in 1898 by iW. H. Eddleman and opened ready for business on March 16th, with \W. C. Bedford as Cashier, and W. J. Eddleman as Assistant Cashier.

Through the careful management of Mr. Bedford and his able assistant the bank has been a paying institution from the beginning, growing steadily from year to year, and is to-day the largest banking interest in the County.

Mr. W. C. Bedford, who was born in G-eorgia, and reared in Alabama, came to Texas in 1876. With the exception of five years spent in successful mining operations in Arizona, he has been continuously in Eastland County, having twice served the County as Clerk, 1890- 1894.

W. J. Eddleman was born, reared and educated in Weatherford, Texas, and has had exceptional advantages in learning the banking business. He is the only son of M!r. and Mrs. W. J. Eddlem'an.

Nineteen years ago the senior partner of the above firm came to Cisco. An indomitable energy and a determination to succeed were his only capital. He embarked in the dry goods business with Col. J. H, Hoi- comb, buying an entire half interest on a credit. In 1893 he bought out his partner and was sole owner of the business until March, 1903, when he sold a half interest to J. H. Garner.

Mr. Davis is "All the way from Pike," (having been bom in Pike County, Missouri, 48 years ago). He was reared on a farm and received his education in subscription schools and in William Jewell College. In 1875 he came to Texas, crossing Red Eiver the day he was twenty-one.

Mr. Davis is a Missionary Baptist, believes in and supports church work and charitable institutions. His family consists of one good wife and four children.

Mr. Garner, the junior partner, is a young man and has been remarkably successful in business. He was just out of Howard College, Tennessee, when he came to Texas eight years ago. It is no less his own personality than his push and energy that has greatly increased the business of the firm since he became a member. He is a working member of the Methodist church. His wife is a daughter of Rev. S. W. Turncf.

This first-class hostelry is kept by Mr. N. E. Wilson and his estimable wife, and is the only "$2.00-a-day" hotel in the town. Being experienced in the hotel business they are able to cater successfully to the public.

Raving emigrated to Houston, Texas, when only fifteen years old, lie was a citizen of the Republic of Texas, an honor not to be lightly esteemed.

N. R. Wilson

Parker County, Texas, he married Miss Katherine Smith, daughter and twelfth child of Saul- Smith, who was one of the early Commissioners of that county. Having returned \o Houston, he lost his wife there of yellow fever. She left three children, Warner, Charles and Helen.

This wholesale house was established by Cameron, Hill & Baker in 1897, and was successfully run under that management until January 1, 1903, when Cameron and others were succeeded by Dr. J. P. Webster.

The President, Dr. Webster, lives in Weatherford, but superintends the business in person. In his absence his place is filled by his son, J. G. Webster, a resident of Cisco.

Nineteen years ago, when there were only two farms between Cisco and Rising Star, and all the cow-boys for twenty to thirty miles around came here to get their horses shod, Mr. Sol Eppler came to Cisco, bought an interest in the blacksmith shop owned by Mr. T. W. Plummer, and has since been working at the same stand and at the same prices. Business has rarely been so dull that he did not have a partner - usually enough to give both more than they could do.

This rapidly growing business was established in I'JUO, and carries a full line of impleni,ents and grain, both for the retail and wholesale trade.

They handle the famous Blue Ribbon line of buggies, the old reliable Fish Bros, and Peter Schuttler wagons, and the M'oline and Bradley lines of im.plements.

Having their own corn mill, they are enabled to offei for sale only the very best grain products the market affords. They carry a full stock of all kinds of fi-eld seeds, and are extensive pecan dealers, having shipped eleven carloads from Cisco the fall of 1902.

In addition to their grain and implement business, rhey deal extensively in live stock, and always have mules and horses to sell, either for cash, trade or on time.

The senior member of the firm, Aaron L. Mayhew, has charge of the implement and livestock department, Avner L. Miayhew of the grain department. Both are ilississippians, the junior member unmarried. These gentlemen arc courteous and willing to extend any favors in keeping with conservative business.

Interior Vie W Of Geoege

This firm was established in 1898 in its own new double-brick building, and carries dry goods and gro^ ceries. Be it said to the credit of this firm that the old stock is disposed of at the end of the season at an enorm.ous discount and new and up-to-date goods are always on the counters. The clerks are experiencel and courteous.

Mt. George Dawson Fee, the head of the firm, though quite a young man, is thoroughly conversant with his business in all departments. He was educated at Ox-

Mrs. Julia D. Ivnowlton-Alexander, born in Farmmgton, Maine, June 21, 1858, came from the original family of Knowltons, whose ancestry can be traced back to those of Cheswick, Kent County, England. She is a lineal descendant of Col. Thomas Knowlton, a hero of the Eevolutionary War, whose bronze statue was erected on the grounds of the State Capitol, Hartford, Conn., on the 15th day of November, 1895, at which time the Knowlton Association of America, of which M'rs. Alexander is a memiber, was formed. It holds its annual meetings in connection with the Bunker Hill Associaion. The family is a distinguished one, and has held prominent positions for many years.

Mrs. Alexander, who camie to the South twenty-five years ago, has been an active business woman in Cisco for twenty-three years, and brought the first stock of millinery and fancy goods to the town. She is ever ready to extend a helping hand to the needy, and no v/oman in the county holds so many prominent positions in fraternal and other organizations. She is serving her seventh year as Secretary of the State Rebekah Assemhly, I. 0. 0. F. She was the first lady in the State to receive the Decoration of Chivalry, the highest compliment that can be paid to woman Ijy the Patriarch Militant of the State, for meritorious work done in promoting the interests of the order. She was the first woman ever appointed State Organizer of the Lodge of Adoption of the Scottish Eite Masons of the thirty-second degree^ She is State 1;reasurer of the Texas Woman's Press vAssociation, although a member of only three years' standing, and a member of the League of American Pen Women of Washington, D. C.

Tn 1893 Mrs. Alexander was appointed a Commissioner from this County to the World's Fair held in Chicago, and is Lady Chairman of Eastland to the St. Louis Exposition. She organized the first Civic Improvement League in Cisco and devised the plan of work.

Mk. J. Alexander'S Residence

Mistress of the Lodge of Adoption, Past Matron of the Eastern Star Chapter, A. F. & A. M., and Past Protector of the Knights and Ladies of Honor. She served two years as Noble Grand in the Rebekah Lodge and lour as Chaplain. She has recently been oppointed by the National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution, Regent for Cisco.

Mr. Alexander, who came to this county m 1881. was for a long while in the dry goods business. He is now an extensive cotton buyer and insurance agent. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are earnest supporters of any move that will advance the interests of the town.

Has 240 acres of land under fence one mile north of Cisco. Twenty-five acres of this plot has been put in an orchard and vineyard. There are 1300 trees - apple pear, peach, plum and apricot, all of which grow and bear well.

Seven thousand blackberry and dewberry vines furnish Mrs. Kleiner with more berries than the town of Cisco can consumie, and the surplus is put into jam and cordial, which she dispenses to those who want it.

Tn this vineyard three thousand grape vines thrive and yield enormous quantities. The owner expects to put up 100 gallons of grape .I'uice next seagon for sacramental purposes.

This popular drug store was established by M|r. Yarbrough soon after the sale of lots in 1881, and has only changed hands twice, Mr. St. John having bought it from the Bon. 0. T. Maxwell.

Mayor K. A. St. John

followed the profession of teaching until fourteen years ago, since which timie he has been in the drug business. In 1902 he was elected Mayor of Cisco and has proven himself a mrast efficient officer. To his indefatigable efforts is due the formation of the Country Club and other important measures. At present his energies are directed towards securing from the railway companies a more commodious Union Depot, with flattering prospects of iiltimate success.

Born in Tennessee, Dr. Oven received his literary edducation at Athens College in that State. He came to Eastland Count)', Texas, twenty years ago, and engaged in teaching. The next year he went hack to his native State for an helpmate, and together they began to lay by the large property they enjoy to-day. The plan pursued was to put the salary received for teaching into land and cattle, and at that time the price of both were low as compared to the present.

Dr. Owen has diplomas from the Dental Department of the State University of Iowa, and from the celebrated Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Raltinnore, Md., and enjoys a large practice.

His conversion fifteen vears ago at Bedford Chapel, he considers the most imrortant event of his life. His religion is his business - lie lives it, ,While engaged in tlie drug business in the town of Eastland he was received into the Methodi?t Church and baptized hy the Bev. Jno. Lane.

This Company, which does a wholesale business extending over many States and Territories, maintains headquarters at Houston, Texas. Its large mills are located at Orange, Texas, from which place an extensive trade has been carried on with Europe and Mexico.

The M. T. Jones Lumiber Co. is one of the large concerns that has kept pace with the moving frontier line of Texas, having always had in operation a number of retail yards in the State.

The Cisco yard, which has done a continuous business since its establishment in 1881, carries a large stock of all material usually found in a lum-ber yard.

A number of men have had charge at difEerent times, hut Ihe present manager, H. L. Broadwell, has been stationed here for nearly thirteen years. All those who have business with this firm will be welcome callers at the Cisco office.

Since the above was written this yard has been bought by Eockwell Bros. & Co., and is now The Cisco I.umber Company, with Mr. Broadwell as local manager.

The Eadford Grocery Company is one of the largest distributors of staple and fancy groceries in Texas and has houses at Cisco, Abilene, Stamiford and Sweetwater. The house began business in a very modest way in Abi-

Histor Y Of Eastland Go Unty

The members of this firmi know personally all their customers and the majority of people living in their trade territory. They are broad in ther views, are hustlers for business and stand ready to give good service and extend all favors that are in line with conservative demands and good judgment. If you desire to start in business, consult them.

Mr. Winston, son of Col. Samuel and Isabella Winston, was born in Eutherford County, Tennessee. Coming to Cisco in 1883, he has greatly aided in the developniient of the town and County. He was for several years a direcetor of the First National Bank of Cisco, and was one of the organizers of the water company.

He is a large owner of bank stock, farm lands, businesF and residence property, and by his fair and courteous treatment and close attention, he has built up an extensive mercantile business. He is a director in the Citizens' National Bank, has much faith in Eastland, and all of his investments are here.

Mr. Winston, who married Miss Blla Barlow, of Bourbon County, Kentucky, has one child. Barlow, a boy of eight summers. Mr. and Mts. Winston give many elegant receptions in their spacious home, which is always open to their friends.

The editor, Mr. Wilson, is a native Texan and Houston is his birthplace. While he is a staunch Democrat, he entertains liberal views and is generous toward those who differ with him.

and down at the power house of the Cisco Electric Light Company is generated the spark that glows over pulpit H,nd office desk ; that flashes across and gleams afar down the dark streets; that makes the beautiful home? more beautiful and accentuates the spoken word in church and hall.

Mr. MIcSpadden, who at one time was owner of the telephone exchange and materially enlarged and ^strengthened that servics, set up the light plant, wired the buildings, and, pressing the button, turned on the light.

Wood McSpadden is a very young man, was born in Tyler, Texas, and displays much energy and business acumen. He was married in 1899 to Miss Hines Mitchell and has one child.

"Seeing is believing," and from the truth of this proverb many testify to the ability of Dr. Adams, who was partly raised in this County. After having graduated from the Chicago College of Medicine and Surgery in 1895 he located in Cisco. He usually maintaintfour or five different offices in as many diiferent places, associating himself with a leading physician.

Interior View Of Martin & Co.'S Drug Stoke

Some of the cures Dr. A.danis has effected are little short of the miraculous - reading vision after twenty years darkness, because of scarred eyes, after continued terms in the Blind Asylum, or after treatment at various well known hospitals.

Dr. Adams is a skilled surgeon, and has straightened many hundreds of eyes. Leading physicians everywhere testify gladly to his ability as an oculist. His practice is limited to diseases and deformities of the eye that are curable, which are about ninety-five per cent. He has references from many who have been pronounced hopelessly blind and were led to his office, but who received sight after having received his treatment.

The year 1875 had passed into history, yet no hunter nor early settler, with his ax, his gun and his dog, disturbed the pudder of the wild turkey mothering her young, the feeding of the prairie chicken in the high sage grass that abounded, nor the gambols of the deer that sported on the banks of the streams. But in the dawn of 1876 a star of promise began to shed its radiance, and in the light of its dawning six families from Gregg County wended their way to the valley, over which it settled and made their homes there. These fortunate pioneers were W. AY. Smith, Dave McKinley, Isaac Agnew, Fletcher Fields, AUie Smith and Andy Agnew. Finding good ^oil, abundance of wild game, and water, they decided to remain permanently, and began the improvement of ilieir claims. Fort Wortli was the nearest railroad station, and from this town and Waco the people bought their supplies and marketed their products.

In these early days, ISTG-ISTO, the mail was brought once a week from Sipe Springs on horse back. Mr. 'Osborne, who lived two miles east of where Rising S%ar is now located, was the postmaster. It rrliay or may not have been this postmaster who could not read and v.hose wife carried the mail in her pocket. iWhea a -call Mas made she handed the letters to the party and he, taking out his own, returned the test. She carried one for the postmaster a week.

In the Fall of 1879 Uncle Tommy Anderson bought I'lom Dave McKinley the tract of land on which the town has been built. Ill the Spring of 1880 he moved tlie postofBce to his home and put up a small storehouse. Here he kept the postofSce, groceries and farm supplies. In 1883 a larger store was built near by. since which lime the town has grown steadily, and now numhers about seven hundred souls.

The people early evinced a strong desi.e for enlight- Ojiment by raising a 10x12 log school house and electing a Mr. Bill Welch as teacher. Mr. Welch was thoroughly in harmony with his environments, often teaching under the branches of the trees, and not infrequcuLlj going to school barefooted. This small, floorlesw, log school house stood one and one-half miles east of the pj'csent town. A few years later a better and a larger log house was built near the cemetery, and here many of the substantial citizens of this County were educated. Mr. James Irby, who came here in 1877, was one of the pioneer teachers.

The business interests of the town are represented by loyal citizens. There are several large dry goods and grocery firms, drug stores, hardware, a bank, hotel, and the usual number of smaller shops and eating houses. There are two newspapers, five church buildings with as many organizations, and a handsome school building with seven teachers and three hundred and fifty pupils.

The town is supported by a very rich farming and truck growing district of fifteen miles radius. The soil i= a light sand with a red clay subsoil and is especially adapted to the drouthy climate. Corn, cotton,maize, cane and oat^ grow luxuriantly ;berries, apples, peaches, plums, .apricots, grapes and all kinds of fruits are easy and prolific producers. As a truck growing section it has no superior. Cabbages, without irrigation, have produced heads weighing thirteen iind a half pounds, beets have weighed twenty- five pounds, onions two; tomatoes, and potatoes of both varieties, grow easily and are heavy bearers.

The nearest railroad point is about twenty miles. Carloads of fruit and vegetables rot on the ground for lack of convenient shipping points.

In 1903 forty-five hundred bales of cotton were marketed and forty-two hundred were ginned by the iwo plants here. This same year eighteen thousand bales were ginned at the ten plants within the neighborhood of the Star country.

If one wants truths frankly told; if when one is hit, one prefers the blow to come straight from the shoulders, one would do well to read Mr. Tyson's paper.

The illustration on the opposite page represents Mr, J. M. Tyson - ^the editor's father - gathering apples from a six year old Early Harvest apple tree. He moved to Eastland in 1878, and has a thirty-acre apple orchard two miles north of Rising Star. At the Farmer's Institute held in Eastland City November, 1903, he was awarded a prize on the apples he exhibited.

The Eising Star Eecord came into existence April 4, 1903. George T. Barnes, with T. B. Staton, undertook the establishment of the paper. Without a single subscriber the first issue was brought out, but the third

January 1, 1904, the Record Company began the publication of the May Enterprise. Both papers have a circulation of over nine hundred. The Eecord. while not given strictly to politics, stands for Democratic principles, for the upbuilding of the Sandy Belt - the garden spot of Texas - and for the dissemination of local and general news am;ong the people.

Fifteen years ago W. P. Bucy opened a stock of furniture and did well, but soon discovered that to be able to accommodate the patronage he had he must keep farming implements. The business proved so successful that Mr. Bucy's oldest son, William A., became a partner in 1895, and the supply was increased. Seven years later, January 1, 1902, this son bought the entire stock, and three months later sold it to H;. E. Anderson.

That Mr. Bucy is never so happy as when trading is evidenced by the following figures : On Septemtier 23, 1902, he bought out the J. H. Montgomery drug business and sold it January 1, 1903, to Levi McCollum and Minnix, and took in exchange their stock of general merchandise, which he increased.

Long years ago Uncle Tommy Anderson sold one acre of ground to J. Y. HuJse, and stipulated that if intoxicants were ever sold on the land it would revert to the original owners.

In 1883, H. E. Anderson, son of Uncle Tommy, bought out Mr. Hulse's stock of general merchandise, but soon sold out to Rev. J. K. Miller and Mr. Sayles. Then he built a new and larger store, and has since carried a stock of general merchandise, employing from eight to fifteen clerks.

There are few men who have the courage of their convictions in a more marked degree than Mr. Anderson. In 1885 and 1886, when conditions were vastly different from the present time, a big barbecue and dance was twice given by the Rising Star community to influence people to become citizens.

Twice did Mir. Anderson refuse to contribute to this entertainment because of the last fe(ature of it - ^the dance. He was converted at sixteen years of age, made steward in the Methodist church at eighteen, was the first Sunday School Superintendent in the town, and

Chaptee Iii

A thriving little city of twelve hundred population, is situated on the Texas Central Eailroad, twenty-five miles southeast of Cisco. The town was surveyed in 1891 by the railroad people and began its existence in the virgin forest - the Oliver Chill Plow having forced the stockmen westward. The era, thus inaugurated by the arrival of the railroad, made of this section a very attractive portion of the State by the development of the superior advantages of this immediate locality.

Fruits and vegetables, together with a thoroughly diversified agricultural product, offered strong inducements to the emigrant from the East, and year by year the town has grown, developing rare commercial possibilities, and has attained a prosperous and established position.

It is the proud boast of this people that they are surroimded by the miost productive soil that can be found west of the Brazos river, and with a thoroughly up to date lot of business men the little city is gradually but «urely forging its way to the front.

All lines of business are well represented - from the bank and the big department stores down to the chili joint, and employ a capital of $500,000. Kimble & Criinie, druggists; J. E. Huckabeo, general merchandise; Low & Troxell, general merchandise; Mr. Winters' gin, the largest and best in West Texas; Mrs. Yates' hotel. The May Drug Company. T. L. Gates Lumber Yard, the weekly newspaper, a canning factory in active and operation, are some of the stores and shops and business interests of the town. These numerous interests enable Grorman to handle her own immense agricultural products to the very best advantage.

The town is incorporated for municipal and school purposes. The splendid churches, together with organized lodges, chartered clubs and business men's organizations, foster and keep in close touch the religious and f-ocial life with the commercial advancements.

Everything considered, the town stands without a rival in many respects in this section of the State, and offers special inducements to the home seeker.

The accompanying illustration represents the gin plant built by Mr. Winters in 1899. From the standnoint of modern machinery and up-to-date equipment it has no superior in the State.

One hundred and fifty horse power boiler and engines are used, and it has c. capacity of one hundred and twenty bales daily. Mr. Winters uses the Mtinger system. The gin is ligted by electricity and runs day and night.

Large and small accounts are desired, and Mr. Waldrop and his assistant will make it both pleasant and profitable to all those who do business with them.

This lumber yard was established in Gorman in the summer of 1899 and has steadily grown in popularity, both from the completeness and grade of stock carried and from the courteous treatment accorded to all custom.- ers. It is now one of the strong financial interests of the promising town.

The founder and sole owner of this business, T. ]j. Gates, is a significant factor in the community. He came to Texas from Mississippi in 1893, and was for five years Superintendent of the De Leon Schools, and then served as cashier of the bank at that place for two years. He is at present chairman of the County Democratic Committee. Mr. Gates is a member of the Methodist church and superintendent of the Sunday School. He is ]?nown in church circles as an enthusiastic Sunday School worker and a most efiiciept layman.

In 1881 the first lot in Carbon, a town on the Texas Central Eailway, between Glorman and Cisco, was sold to X. 8. Haynes, who put up a small business house. An attenfipt to mqve the town three miles east having failed, J. F. White established a lumber .yard, Mr. Fowler and son put up a cotton gin, and M!t. Train taught school.

From the numljer of business houses in this little town, shops, hotels and gins, a good weekly newspaper, with a hustling editor ; its bank soon to open in its own brick building; its Baptist and Methodist churches, Masonic hall and neat two-story school building. Carbon bids fair to rival some of her more pretentious sister towns. When to this is added the fertile soil (a sandy loam), which produces corn, cotton and a very great variety of vegetables of enormous sizes; also fruit, as apples, peaches, pears, apricots and plums, as well as the grape and berries of all kinds, one is not surprised that the country round about Carbon is being cultivated by thrifty farmers in rapidly increasing numbers.

Among'the enterprising business people of Carbon are Finley Bros., dry goods; T. J. Morris, general merchandise; Puett & Son, dry goods; W. A. Seastrunk, hotel, and many others.

Published Friday, W. T. Curtis, editor and proprietor. The Herald, the local paper for Eastland County, pleases its readers and pays its advertisers, and is strictly a local and county newspaper.

Although not published at the County Town, it brings all court news of importance to the general public. It has a good circulation and is increasing rapidly.

That so able a financier as W. H. Eddleman is connected with this bank insures its solidarity. That J. B. Spencer, who has been in the banking business for several years, is its cashier, speaks for its popularity, while Mr. Waldrop, the efficient cashier of the Bank of G-orman, only emphasizes the strength of the organization.

The members of this firm were born in Tennessee and emigrated to Texas with their parents and the other brothers in 1867. They located in Eastland in the raiemorable year of 1876, and engaged in farming. Later some of the family lived at Jewell, and in the early '80's

Dr. Poe is the senior mtember of the firm of Poe & Moore, Druggists. This firm is one of the three State agents in this county for the supply of school books adopted by the Board of Examiners.

It is such mien as Dr. Poe that make a town grow. Hte believes in the future prosperity of the town, backed by its richly promising agricultural possibilities, and upon this belief he makes his investments.

With C. B. Poe as a partner, the Doctor is interested in a lumber yard, which does a large business and carries a complete and up-to-date stock.

Besides his various business interests this enterprising citizen does an extensive practice. As an evidence of the prosperity of the people of this section, and of their integrity as well, they pay on an average 95 per Qent of their physician's accounts.

On January 14, 1S!I3, with a siuall stock of "Racket goods," Mr. Morris began business in Carbon. Two years later he erected and moved into a building in the center of the town, where he is still located.

Few men have had more marked success than Mr. Morris. From the small beginning, made a little more than one decade ago, his business has grown until now he handles everything in a general merchandise line. Besides dry goods and groceries, hardware and every conceivable kind of farming implement, he handles furniture and undertaker's goods.

Mr. Morris' energy and ingenuity does not stop here. He is interested in the two gins of Morris Bros, and Fowler at Carbon and Hooker's Spur. His latest venture is stockng his fine ranch near town with goats, some of which are thoroughbreds.