Fayette County, Texas - The whole text, 1902 (part 5 of 8)

August Loessin was educated in the private and public schools at Faj-etteville and Black Jack Springs. Up to 1882 he farmed at Black Jack and Swiss Alp. In 1875 he married Miss Louise Stegemann at the latter place. In 1882 he went into the mercantile business at Cedar in which he was engaged till 1894. In that year he was elected sheriff. Since tliat time he has lilled this office to llie general satisfaction of the people. august loessin.

If a name has ever been popular in the county, if a name has ever been mentioned with words of praise and respect, if a name has ever stood as the emblem of faithfulness and honesty, it is the name of the treasurer of Fayette County, R. T. Bradshaw.

For nearly thirty years he has been at the head of the financial department of the county, the best proof of the implicit confidence the people place m his honesty and reliability. If a stranger should meet this unassuming gentleman, he most likely would take him for a substantial, well-to-do farmer. The fact that his success has not affected in the least his modest, unassuming manners, that he is still the quiet, friendly gentleman he used to be in days gone by, that he is still the faithful friend and servant of the people thoroughly identified with their interests, taking a sympathetic share in their joys and sorrows has given him a hold on tlieir affection so that they look upon

Mr. R. T. Bradshavv was born November 6, 1839, in Bedford County, Tennessee. His parents were Amsi and Hannah Bradshaw ; the former, a Presbyterian minister. In 1857 the family moved from Bedford County, Tennessee, to LaGrange. Here his parents remained till their death. Mr. R. T. Bradshaw started in the general merchandise business in LaGrange in the year 1859. Three years later and served as a private during the Civil War. After the close of the war he returned to La Grange, clerked there for Carter, Webb & Co., then for Capt. S. Alexander and later for White & Bradshaw. He was elected county treasurer in 1872. but the former incumbent of the office making a contest, it was as late as February 11, 1874, before he qualitied and assumed charge of the office, This office he has filled to such satisfaction to the people that he has been elected generally without any opposition, opposing candidates oiiering themselves only at great intervals not for election, but only for defeat.

jMr. R. T. Bradshaw was married in August, 1860 to Miss Anna L. Cook of Fayette County. To their union were born three children: Anna, wife of Mr. lilackstone White of I^a Grange ; Amsi Bradshaw, farmer in Wharton County ; Miss Mabel, attending school at Dallas.

The following is a sketch of the popular and efficient assessor of this county, C. H. Steinmann. He is a native Fayette County boy and by his affable and gentlemanly manners has acijuired a wide-spread [)opularity in the county of his birth. On account of this popularity he was elected assessor of the county at the youthful age of twenty-three years. His devotion to his work, his faithful performance of the duties of his office have met with the general approval of the people ; and, therefore, the number of his friends has considerably increased.

C. H. Steinmann was born at the East Navidad on Aug. 15, 1873. His parents are Chris, and Louise Steinmann, They came to this county when quite young. Chris. Steinmann came to this country in 1849 and settled on the Bluff; later he moved to the East Navidad, six miles north of Schulenburg where he is still engaged in farming and stock raising.

C. H. Steiumanu attended the public schools of Walker Branch, Middle Creek and Schnlenburg. He then studied at the A. and M. College and at HilPs Business College at Waco. After graduating at the latter college he accepted a position as bookkeeper for M. M. Kemp & Co., Cameron, Texas. From 1893 to 1895 he kept books for P. B. Stephenson in Yoakum, Texas. In 1896 he returned to his native county, made the race for assessor and was elected by a nice vote. His work has met with the general approval of the people, and he has been re-elected to that ofhce twice without opposition, the best proof of his efficiency and popularity.

name of the father of tlie present tax collector in a previous part of this history as one of the captors of Santa Anna. Other men may be proud of the feats of their ancestors, but Neal Robison, in his simple democratic way, holds that the reputation inherited from one's ancestors must be acquired by proving one's self worthy of it. The merit of the ancestors must shine also in their descendants, if they shall have the right to be proud of it. And Neal Robison has proved himself worthi'' as a chip of the old block. For twenty years he has filled the office of tax collector, the repeated verdict of the people being the very best proof of his high standing amongst them.

Neal Robison

The parents of Neal Robison were Joel W. and Emily Robison, nee Alexander. l£is fatlier was born in Georgia, tl)en moved to the southern portion of Florida and came from that state to Texas in 1829. Neal's mother came to Texas in 1830 from Paducah, Kentucky. They were married in 1838.

Their son Neal was born July 6, 1848 in the neighborhood of the present VVarrenton. He was educated in private schools of that neighborhood. From 1860 to 1862 he was a student in Prof. Dechard's Academy at La Grange, Texas. In 1863 he entered the Bastrop Military Institute, then in charge of Col. R. T. 1. Allen, a West Point graduate. There he remained until 1865. After the war the present Governor J. D. ISayers was one of the teachers of the Institute, and Neal Robison received the benetit of his instruction. From 1867 to 1869 he was a student in the law class of the University of Virginia, of which institution he became a graduate in International and Constitutional Law (1869). In that year he returned to Texas and in 1872 he went into the general merchandise business with his father at Warrenton. There he remained till 1878. In the following year he came to La Grange, where he married Miss Hallie P. Carter, the daughter of John H. Carter, a successful merchant of La Grange. From 1880 to 1882 he was engaged in buying cotton in La Grange. In the fall of the latter year he was elected tax collector, which olHce ha has held ever since.

G. A. Stierling. The reader will now be made acquainted witli a few data in ' the life of our Public School Superintendent. When in ihe year 1898 the voice of the people, on account of his long experience in teaching, called him to that office, it hardly could have secured a better man for that position. Conservative, attentive to his duties, he silently, but steadily works for the good of the schools ; a work, not much noised about, but none the less valuable ; a work in which more hard work is to be done, more judgment and common sense to be employed than glory to be earned.

Mr. G. A. Stierliiig, the son of E. G. Stierling, an owner of privileged estate, was born in 1850 on the estate of Kressin, Mecklenburg - Schwerin, Germany. He received a superior education at the gymnasium of Klausthal, Hanover, a school famous for classical learning. In 1868 he entered the 90th regiment as one year volunteer for military service. In 1869 we find him far away from the fatherland engaged in the mercantile branch of the tobacco business at Dunedin, New Zealand.

During the Franco-German war he went back to Germany and entered the 84th Schleswig-Holstein bataillon. In December 1871 he came to Texas. Here, he lirst entered the mercantile business and secured a position with H. Miller in Bellville, next he was employed by H. Knittel in Burton. In 1874 he was married to Miss Exa Moses. 1879 was the first year he engaged in teaching; he has taught with great success in Washington, Austin, Bastrop and Fayette Counties and established a reputation as a thorough and competent teacher. In 1898 he was elected to the office of public school superintendent of Fayette County. His work in this office has deserved and also met with the approval of the people.

His two oldest sons haye chosen their father's profession of teaching. His oldest son, Mr. John L. Stierling, is principal of the Shiner school and has been elected this year as principal of the Germania school in Fayettevilie. His second son, Mr. Hubert F. Stierling was engaged as teacher of the Bluff school ; both gentlemen are successful teachers.

The Bencii And Bar Of

There has been no iieriod in the History of Texas when Fayette County has not played a leadinof or at least prominent part in tlie affairs of this state. She owed her prominence largely to that galaxy of superior minds who as her citizens adorned the bench and bar of the state. These public-spirited citizens distinguislied themselves not only as lawyers, but also as patriots and history makers of the country,, The reader understands the inlluence which Fayette County exerted in the afiairs of Texas when he looks at the list of n?mes of lawyers who have practiced in La Grange and adorned the bar of Fayette County, viz.. A, J. Hamihun, J. W. Stajton, Fred. Chandler, \V. G. Welsli, Vu\. B. Timmons, H. Teiclmiueller, Vol. Ellis, Major Jarn.on, Capt. 11. H. Thelps, Capt. \V. H. Ledbetter, Major B. F. Dunn and a great many others. They are dead, but their patriotic spirit lives after them in the present Fayette County. Bar who have ciiosen their shining examples to guide their conduct and inspire their ambition.

Many of the district judges who had occupied tlie bench of Fayette County distinguished themselves later on as members of Congress and influenced and shaped national legislation. Fayette County belonged during the days of the Republic of Texas to the Third Judicial District; the judges of that district were: U. M. Williamson, October 1838-39; John T. Mills, October 1839-41; Robt. E. B. Baylor, October 1841 to fall of 184G. In the latter 3'ear Texas was admitted to the Union; the judicial districts were redistricted and Fayette County was placed in the Second Judicial District. The judges of this district were: From fall 1846 to May 18.j2 Hon. Wni. E. Jones; from May 1852 to March 1856 John Hancock; from March 1S56 to November 1856 Thomas Duval. In the year 1856 the judicial districts of Texas were again redistricted and Fayette County now belonged to the First Judicial District. The judges of this district were: From November lS56-59(?) James M. Bell; 1859-65

George W. Smith; ]865-66 Ben Shropshire; Oct.-Dec. 1867 J. B. McFarland. During the era of Reconstruction district judges were appointed by military orders. After the adoption of the constitution of 1876 Fayette County was placed in the Twentysecond Judicial District. The district judges of this district were: From November 1876 to 1884 L. W . Moore; 1884-1901 H. Tbichmueller, and since then again L. W. Moore.

The writer could not obtain data on the life of all the district judges who occupied the bench of Fayette County. He therefore gives to the reader those skezches which he was able to obtain.

The first man called to preside in the District Court was Robert M. Williamson, one of the historical characters of the Republic of Texas. He resided at that time in the old town of Washington on the Brazos. He was, upon the organization of the judiciary of the Republic, selected Judge of the Third Judicial District, of which Fayette County was a part. He held this important position from October 1838 to October 1889 when he resigned and again took up liis practice. He was born in Georgia in 1806, and came to Texas in about 1826. Early in life he was attacked by white swelling in one of liis legs, which stiffened his knee and made it necessary for him to wear a w.ooden leg, and thus he acquired the sobriquet, "Tiiree Legged Willie," by which name he was universally known in Texas. Judge Williamson was a great lawyer. He was famed for his eloquence and bright flashes of wit. Like all truly great lawyers and judges, he was always kind and courteous to the young men at the bar. He died at Independence, Washington county, in December 1858.

The third man to occupy the bench hi Fayette County was a Fayette County man. R. E. B. Bayh)r was born in Kentucky in 1813 and came to Fayette Countv, Texas, in 1839. He was a law3'er and a preacher. He was appointed District Judge in 1841 and for a while was a member of the Supreme Court of the Republic. His decisions would indicate that he followed the dictates of his own judgment as to what was justice, rather than precedents of the courts of older jurisdiction. However, he was a good judge and very popular with the people. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1845, and, notwitlistanding that he was a preacher, framed the clause excluding ministers of the gospel from holding civil office. Those old Texans were very jealous of the liberty they had achieved, and everything was done tliat man could do to prevent a possible union of Church and State. This man's character was good and pure; by his example he did much to elevate and purify the bar. Baylor University was named after him. He died at Independence in December, 1878.

Judge John Hancock was born in Jackson County, Alabama, October 24lli, 1824. In early life he worked upon a farm, but soon left it to take up the study of the law. In 1847 he came to Texas, locating at Austin. He made friends by his frugal and industrious habits and in 1851, when not quite 27 years of age, was elected Judge of the 2nd Judicial District of Texas, of which Fayette County was a part. He was undoubtedly the youngest man who had ever been called to the bench in Texas. If there were those in Fayette County, who doubted the wisdom of his selection because of his youth, their doubts were soon dispelled. He opened court one beautiful May morning in 1852 at La Grange, and announced that no lawyer, witness or juror would be called from the court house ; they must be on hand or pay a fine. This was the firot time this time-saving rule, now so commonly in vogue in District Courts, was announced. In those days the District Court had jurisdiction of misdemeanors, and the one most commonly violated and at that time generally prosecuted was the violation of gaming laws. Prior to the advent of Judge Hancock, it had been customary, when the boys were fined, for the sherifi'to turn the boys loose and let them settle up when they got ready. The result was that very few fines were paid. Judge Hancock put a stop to this and the boys had to pay up or go to jail. He was a hard worker, conscientious in the discharge of his duties and proved to be an able judge.

In 1856 he retired from the bench and returned to his [)ractice. The records of Texas Courts show that few men, if any, appeared in more cases than Judge Hancock. He was said to be the ablest lawyer in the state. He was not an orator in the common acceptation of that term ; he was not a brilliant man, but he worked constantly at whatever there was to do. His mind was a powerful one. It is said that he was never known to spend an idle moment upon the streets during his over forty years' residence in Austin. His rule was to be never away from his office, unless he was engaged in the court room, or elsewhere on business. He was never known to break an engagement of any kind.

He was a democrat, although a strong Union man. In 1870 the democrats of this Congressional District tendered him tlie nomination for Congress. He declined it because of professional duties that required liis attention. But in 1872, tne democrats practically compelled him to accept the nomination. He was elected until 18<7, when he was defeated for the nomination, through the efforts of certam politicians. The people so resented this treatment of this popular man, that they defeated the nominee who succeeded him. In all Texas there were probably no more interesting and exciting campaigns than those between Judge Hancock and Col. "Wash." Jones for Congress in Fayette County.

Thomas H, Duval, one of the brightest minds that ever graced the bench of Texas, succeeded Judge Hancock. He served only for a short time, holding but one term of Court in Fayette County, he leaving the bench of the District Court to accept the position of Federal Judge for the Western District of Texas.

Judge Duval was born in Buckingham County, Virginia, removed to Kentucky and from there to Florida with his father's family, and in 1845 he came to Austin, Texas. He died October 10th, 1889, at the age of G7.

James H. Bell, who succeeded Thomas H. Duval as Judge of the District Court in 185G, was the first and strange to say, is the only native Texan who has ever presided over the District Court of Fayette County. He was born in the town of Columbia, in Brazoria County on January 21, 1820. It is claimed that he was the first white child born in Austin's colony. Be tliis as it ma3\ he was surely the first white child born in Texas, who grew to manhood to become one of Texas' ablest jurists. Young Bell was sent to Braidstown, Kentucky, where he was educated. In 1843 he attended Cambridge Universit}'-, Mass., where he finished his studies in the law, commenced prior to that time in the law otlice of William H. Jack. In 1852, at the age of 32, he was elected District Judge, and in 185G, bv a redistricting of the State, Fayette County was placed in his District. In 1858 the people of the State called this gifted son of Texas trom the District Court; bench to a seat on the Supreme C )urt of Texas, where he remained until 1864 when he returned to his practice. In 1873 when the people of Texas by a decisive vote elected Coke Governor and thus undertook to oust the carpetbag regime of E. J. Davis, it will be remembered that the latter attempted to hold onto the office. It was then that James H. Bell went to Washington and interviewed President (Irant and induced the president to decline to interfere. And Coke was installed as Governor.

Judge Bell was one of the most eminent Judges Texas has produced. Many old citizens of La Grange and Fayette County remember him and are his ardent admirers to this day. J. F.\\\

Members Of Fayette County Bar

The surroundings of a man furnish very often a key, if not to his character, at least to his likes and dislikes. The building in which he dwells is in many cases a criterion of his taste. One of the oldest building! in La Grange is the Masonic Temple, a simple, solid, massive structure. It recedes somewhat from the line of buildings fronting the street as if to indicate that conscious of its strength it can do without the attention of the public. There, in that simple, solid building has been for a generation the office of the oldest practising lawyer of the La Grange bar. His professional work in that office has made its impress on the pages of the reports of the higher Texas and United States courts. The solving of legal problems in that office has done its full share in directing the current of public opinou and giving line to the channels of business in Fayette County. Very much like the building, its occupant keeps out of the public throng. He has made the study of law his life work aud devoted all his energy to it. His motto is that perseverance will reach the furthest goal,

.1. C. Brown is the descendant of one of the oldest families in the United States. His great-grandfather on the paternal side was a soldier in the Revolutionary War under General Gates. His great-grandfather on the maternal side was also a soldier in the Revolutionary War and was wounded in the battle of Bunker Hill.

His father's parents were Kilbey and Rachel Jackson Brown. The former was born near Danville, Va., May 1, 1787 and died in Houston County, Ga., on October 5, 1856. The latter, nee Rachel Jackson, was born in North Carolina March 27, 1788 and died in Fayette County, Texas, December 5, 1858. Their son

His mother's parents were John and Hannah Shields Jenkins. The former was born in Holland January 7, 1789 and died in Mobile, Ala., May 13, 1858. The latter, nee Shields, was born September 17, 1791 and died April 12, 1866 in Fayette County, Texas. Their daughter was Celiua Jane Jenkins, the mother of J. C.

The father of Mr, Brown of LaGrange, William Anderson Brown, a well known surgeon and practitioner of medicine in Fayette County from the winter of 1856 until the spring of 1882, was born in the state of Georgia July 27, 1818; his mother, Celina Jane Jenkins was born in Georgia May 3, 1825. They wfre marred July 16, 1843 in Houston County, Ga. His father died March 10, 1898 in Los Angeles County, California; his mother is yet living in Los Angeles County, Cal.

J. C. Brown, the eldest child of W. A. and C. J. Brown, was born in Houston County, Ga., September 12, 1845. His parents moved to Texas in the winter of 1856 and settled in Fayette County, Texas, near the present town of Winchester and close to the Bastrop County line. J. C. was educated at private country schools at and about Winchester and later in the school in La Grange taught by Prof. R. P. Dechard. In the fall of 1863 he enlisted in Company C, 19th Texas Cavalry, and served there to the close of the civil war. He took part in the battle of Willow Bayou in 1864. After the war he stayed at home and studied again for about one and a half years in the Winchester school. In 1867-68 he was a student in the law class of the University of Virginia. He returned to La Grange and obtained licence to practise law in August 186S and since has devoted himself exclusively to the practise of his profession. As Hon. L. W. Moore, who was practising law when he came to the bar, is now on the bench, Mr. Brown is the oldest practising lawyer at the La Grange bar. He has occupied his present law oflfice since July 10, 1869. a period of thirty-three years.

early settler and a prominent man in the public aflairs of Fayette County up to the time of his deatli in 1864, and the latter's wife, Mrs. Lucy A Dancy. To the union of Mr. J. C. lirown and Miss Dancy were born live children of whom Leon Dancy Brown, now a student in the Ihiiversity of Texas, alone survives. His wife died February 19, 1882 at La Grange.

Ne again married on October 1. 1884, choosing for his life's partner Miss Mallie Hill, daughter of M. H. and Mary Jane Hill of Fayette County. Tliis union has been blessed by three children; the eldest of these, Joe C. Brown, Jr., is now attending Major Bingham's school at Asheville, N. C, the second, Master Mills Brown, and the youngest, Mildred Knox Brown, are yet pupils in the LaGrange School.

The subject of this sketch, J. '1. Duncan, is an old member of the Fayette County bar, a law3'^er of repute and extensive practice. For years he has studied constantly all new questions of law as soon as they arose, paid the closest attention to business and served successfully his large clientage. Besides being a master in his profession, he has acquired by extensive reading a liberal education. He takes an interestin all public questions, but not to such an extent as to push himself into the front as a leader. In fact, he admitted to this writer tiiat he had made only one political speech in his life and that was fifteen years ago. He is the descendant of an old family of Washington County, Texas. His father belongs to one of the first and earliest families of Kentucky, his mother to an old family of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,

His maternal grandfather Dallas came to Texas in 18oo and settled near Independence, Washington County. His father, George J. Duncan, also came to that county and settled there in 1839; he took part in Somervell's mismanaged expedition, but went only as far as Laredo with him, when he and two hundred others, having no faith in Somervell, made use of his permission to return home and marched oft' under Colonel Bennett, thus escaping the disaster that overtook the balance of the expedition at the battle of Mier (Dec. 19, 1842). On his return to Washington, he resumed blacksmithing as his occupation. In 1851 he was married to Miss Bettie Dallas of Washing; ton County. He resided in Washington County to 1880, when he moved to Milam County; there he died at a ripe old age in 1893. His union with Miss Dallas was blessed with five children.

The subject of this sketch, their son, J. T. Duncan, was born in Washington County, Texas, in 1851. He was educated in Baylor University at Independence, then an institution of great repute, and graduated in 1877. It was there that he acquired a love for self-study a n d investigation w h i c h should prove such a great advantage to him in after life. Immediately after graduation he entered the law office of Timmons & Brown of J^a Grange as a law student. He was admitted to tiie practice of law in June 1878 and subsequently formed a partnershii) with R. J. Ajjdrews which lasted till 1881 when the latter died. He was appointed Mayor of La Grange [| in 1878 and was then elected and served in that office till 1882. Since that time he has not aspired to public positions. He is attorney for the San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railway Company, a position he fills to the entire satisfaction of the people interested. In January 1885 he formed a partnership with Judge L. W. Moore, distinguished as xMember of Congress and District Judge, under the firm name of Moore & Duncan. In 1897 the partnership was dissolved, and in the same year he

He was married January 11, 1881 to Miss Genelle Harris of Bellville, Texas, the eldest daughter of Ben T. Harris, deceased. This union was blessed with three children. Miss Josephine, Miss Frankie and Douglass, all at home.

Such readers as are not personally ac(|uainted with Hon. H. M. Garwood, have at least often heard of him as an eloquent speaker, an able debater and a close reasoner. Hon. Garwood is a member of the old established law firm of Brown, Lane tk Garwood and a member of the Bastrop, LaGrange and Houston Bar. lie is a resident of Houston, but is called to practice in the courts of South Texas generally. He has repeatedly been elected to or honored with public offices. His present office is regent of the State University,

The })arents of H. M. Garwood were C. B. and Frances Garwood, nea Walker. His father was a prominent merchant of Bastrop, where he died in 18S(J. His aged mother still resides there. H. M. was born January 11, 1804. He was educated at the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee, and graduated in that institution with the degree of Bachelor of Science. After his return from the university he studied law at Bastrop in the office of present Governor J. D. Sayers. He was admitted to the bar November 4, 1885. He began the practice of law witf> R. L. Batts of Austin, Texas, was associated with lion. G. W. Jones and Capt. B. D. Orjain at Bastrop, Texas, and on August 1, 1899, formed partnership with J. C. Brown and Jonathan Lane at LaGrange. Hon. H. M. Garwood has taken a great interest in all public questions ; he has studied and discus.sed them before the people. He is exceedingly popular and has secured every office f)r which he went before the people. From 18SG-8S he represented Bastrop County in the Lower House of the Twentieth Legislature; from 18S8 to 1890 lie served as county judge of Kastrop County ; from 1S90 to 1892 he represented Bastrop County in the Senate of tlie Twenty-Second Legislature. In all these offices his eminent services attracted the attention of the people and gained him a widespread reputation.

lion. H. M. Garwood was married August 8, 1890 to Miss Hettie Pag3, daughter of Col. P. D. Page of Bryan, Texas, They are the parents of three children: Calvin Garwood, age seven; St. John Garwood, age live, and Louise Garwood, age two and a half years.

Judge A. Haidusek is known generally throughout the state, but his peculiarities are known only to his intimate friends. As these peculiarities constitute the man, some of them may he mentioned. He possesses a wonderful perseverance and indefatigable energy ; hence his efi'orts have been crowned with success ; is of strong will power, but not obstinate - and of decided views on all questions which he never hesitates to express if requested to do so ; but generally keeps bis own counsel, knows wliat be wants and bow to obtain it; is very liberal, generous and always ready to help the needy. Has many warm friends, but also some bitter enemies. Maybe pronounced a self-made man. Speaks P^nglish, German and Bohemian and is possessed of fair general information.

His i)arents were Valentine Haidusek, m-e Kladiva. They as well as their ancestors were tillers of the soil and resided at ]\Iii.si - a village in the northeast of Moravia near the Carpathian Mountains wiiere they owned considerable land whicl) Valentine Haidusek inherited from his fr.ther, Georse Haidusek, This was the birth place of A. Haidusek (born September 184G). His mother died in the first part of 1847 - leaving surviving her three children and her husband ; tlie oldest, Theresa, now Lebeda, residing in Fayette County ; the next, John who died in Capt. Alexander's Comi)any at Browsville, February 14, 18153, and tlie youngest, Augustine. After the death of his mother he was placed in the care of Mrs. Macliacek, his aunt, who kept him.

until his father married Miss Mary Broz in 184S, who resides with her son Hynek Haidusek on the family homestead, three miles west of Schulenburg.

In September, 1856, his father left the old country with his family for Texas and in November landed in Houston. From there they traveled in an ox wagon to LaGrange where they resided two weeks, then settled on East Navidad, now Dubina, with six other Bohemian families. They were the first Bohemians that settled west of tlie Colorado River. From that place her father moved on the farm west of Schulenburg and died there December 23, 18G7. Augustine had some knowledge of the Bohemian before leaving the old country, and in this country iiis father became I) is teacher. Of the PiMglish language he knew notliing until the beginning of the C^onfedetate war when fie went to school to old man Black. In LSGo he went witli a drove of beeves to Louisiana wiiich swam the Mississippi at Fort Hudson and were sold to the confederate government. Upim his return he enlisted in Company F, Bates' Regiment, stationed at Velasco. June G, 18G5, he returned home and helped his father to make a crop. In 18G6 farmed and went to school to old man Mays below Weimar. In 18G7 clerked for G. W. White in LaGrange for several months, then went home and in the fall cut and split 4000 post-oak rails for George Morysak and studied English by firelight.

Messrs. Jarmon & Cross and on December 22, 1870, was admitted to the bar. He was the first Bohemian to be admitted to practise law in tlie United Slates. Duruig the congressional campaign between John Hancock of Austin and Degner of San Antonio and between Giddings of Brenham and Clark of Galveston, he worked hard for democracy. Both democrats were elected. Those were trying days for democracy in Texas. Elections were held at county seats and voters were under police supervision, but they submitted to it, knowing that liberty was at stake. In 1872 he taught school at Ross Prairie, near Fayetteville, and in May of that year married Miss Anna Beckn, a daughter of John and Catherine Becka. wliu resided at liot^s Prairie. Miss Anna Becka, now Mrs. A. Haidusek, was born near Bellville, Austin County, Texas, in June 1856. Five children were born to A. and Anna Haidusek, of wiiom Jerome, George and Vlasta are living. Tlieir first child, a boy, and the last, a girl, are dead. Jerome married Miss Fannie Mosig and Vlasta married Joseph Koss. George is a student of the State University at Austin, Texas.

In 1874 A Haidusek wss elected cliairman of the democratic executive committee of Fayette County. At tlie city election of 1875 he was elected mayor of LaGrange, defeating Mr. A. H. Brandt. He was the lirst Bohemian mayor elected in the United States. Re elected in 1877, defeating P. Y. Mc- Ashan. During the campaign of 1878, he ran for the office of county judge against Hon. J. C. Stiebl, but was defeated.

In 1880 the democrats, assembled in convention in Giddings, nominated him as a candidate to represent the counties of Fayette and Lee in the Seventeenth Legislature. He accepted the nomination in an open letter in which he stated that, if elected, he would advocate the measures of the minority platform which had been rejected by the democrats at a state conyention held at Dallas. He was elected, defeating Jolni L. Smith by over 2000 majority. In the legislature he introduced two amendments to the state constitution, one to amend the immigration clause so as to authorize the dissemination in foreign countries of the revenues and benefits of Texas, one to autliorize the investment of tho permanent school fund iu county bonds, etc. Both ])ropositions were defeated. He opposed the amendment to the constitution proposing to require voters to pay their poll tax before allowing them to vote which was introduced by ('. L. VVurzbach of San Antonio, and secured the amending of the law, compelling county convicts to work public roarls. In 1882 he was urged by some of his friends to run as an independent candidate for the office of representative in congress, to which he replied in an open letter that he was a democrat for principle, not for office, that he proposed to stand by the democracy because the party in 185G wlien "knownothingism" was rampani stood by the foreigners. In 1884 he was elected county judge of Fayette County, defeating Hon. J. C. Stiehl. Served six years as judge. Worked zealously to improve the public schools and especially the teachers. Required the school trustees to eniploy teachers able to teach the Englisii language, urging the teachers to make English the language of tlie school. For this he was pronounced a renegade by nearly all the Bohemian papers in the United States. Particularly the Slovan, a Bohemian weekly, published and edited by Joseph Cida at La Grange, Texas, very much incensed the Bohesiiians of Texas against the judge and they held indignation meetings, condemning his efforts in trying to make English the language of the school-room in Bohemian localities. To counteract the evil tendencies of the Slovan, the friends of the judge started another Bohemian paper, the Svoboda. It was a joint stock company, consisting of about fifty members. A man from New York was employed to run the paper. The Svoboda was started December 1885, and in 1887 had about 400 subscribers aiid $2400 indebtedness. The New York man, Mr. Chudoba, was discharged and A. Haidusek took charge of the paper. Under his management the number of subscribers increased rapidly and the debt was paid off in two years. In 1890 the judge became the owner of the paper; since then he has devoted to it his entire time and made it one of the best paying papers iri the country. Its circulation is about 4000. It has subscribers in sixty-four counties in Texas, besides in other states and in the old country. It is a Bohemian paper, but thoroughly American in sentiment.

During the administration of Judge Haidusek public roads were graded and macadamized. JNineteen iron bridges were built and the bridge spanning the Colorado River at I^a Grange was bought which required the deciding vote of the judge. For this act he was condemned by many citizens of the county. Some also condemned his efforts to grade public roads, claiming that it would bankrupt the county. The contract to build the present court house wps m; de and the foundation laid for the same during his administration. In 1890 he was defeated for re-election by Hon. W. S. Robson.

in the split of the democracy into Hogg and Clark factions, Judge Haidusek espoused the cause of Judge Clark. Althougli an advocate of tlie gold standard, he supported Bryan at both elections, evidently not wishing to abandon democracy. But in the congressional light lietvveen 11. J], llawley, ihe republican nominee, and VV. S. Robson, the democrat, the judge siii)ported Hawley, and it is claimed that on this account Robson was defeated. When the First National Bank of La Grange was in a depressed condition, the judge became associated with it; later on was elected its presi<lent which position lie now holds. Since then the bank not only overcame its depression, but has been paying its stockholders semi-annual dividends for several years.

The judge is a member of the K. of H.. A. O. V. W. and an honorary member of the C 8. P. S., a Bohemian order, the same as K. of H. All the members of his family as well as himself are communicants of the Catholic Church.

The subject of this sketch is a young man of great promise. After passing a very creditable examination, he was admitted to the bar on November 22, 1895, but did not engage in actual practice until five years later; he remained with his employers - then the firm of Brown, Lane & Jackson, by whom he was era*

Carl Krause received his rudimental education in Germany; after coming to his adopted country, he attended the public schools of the city of Houston and also received private tuition, and then attended the Conyngton Business College in said city, where he learned the mysteries of stenography.

Fredericka Krause nue Kersting, resided. His parents died while he was yet in early childhood. He came to the United States during the month of May, 1885, residing at Houston, Texas, with his nncle, Ci)as. F. Ziuke, until June, 1891, when he came to La Grange to accept tiie position of stenographer with the firm of Brown, Lane & Jackson, with whom and their successors he remained until June 1, 1900, at which date he formed a paitnersiiip with Hon. C. E. Lane, under the firm name of Lane & Krause. This hrm in September, 1901, consolidated with the firm of Brown, Lane & Garwood, of which he is now the junior member.

On January 4, 1899 Carl Krause was married to Miss Lena Scholz of La Grange. They are the parents of a boy - Hilmer by name - born on November 25, 1899.

There is hardly a man in Fayette County wlio does not know or is not familiar with the name of Hon. Jonathan Lane. Hon. J. Lane is now a resident of Houston. Before his removal to that city, he was one of Fayette County's leading citizens. Bein;? of strong conviction?, he very often declared them in unmistakable language, in the prohibition campaign of 1887 he was the ablest anti-prohibition speaker in the county. His able campaign gained him a large crowd of enthusiastic friends. There is lio man who is more popular with the (ierman Bohemian eienientfi than he. He still exerts a strong inliuence in the ccninty, tlie number of his friends having rallier increased. Hon. J. Lane is an advocate of the fundamental democratic doctrine of personal riglits and local self - government. He believes that those people are the best governed who are the least governed and he holds that the powers of the government should be limited as much as possible or at least as far as is consistent with government.

Hon. J. Lane was born October 15, 1853, in Alabama. He went to private country scliools of the Oso neighborhood in Texas whereto his parents had moved from Alabama, when he was only one year old. His parents were C. J. and E. E. Lane, and he is a brother of C. E. Lane and Thos. \V. Lane. He engaged in merchandising in 1880 and later associated himself with

Mr. Arnim of Flatonia under the firm name of Arnim & Lane, of which firm he is still a member. He studied law from 1880 to 1882. In the latter year he was admitted to the bar. Was a member of the Senate of the Twentieth and Twenty-First Legislatures (1886-90), having drawn a four year's term.

Hon. Jonathan Lane is a leading lawyer of the stale. ILs practice extends throughout South Texas. He is a meoiber uf the firm of Brown, Lane, Garwood, Lane & Krause, with oftices in Houston, La Grange and Bastrop. Mr. .1. Lane is mm eloquent sp?aker. Following the dictates of his own conscience, he chooses on every public question the side which his convictions tell him to be the right, and, believing his position to be right, he maintains it with great ability, in genera] not waiting to be attacked, but rather leading an attack on his opponents. He is equally brilliant in his utterances of defense and attack. In preparing political campaigns and in their management he evinces a dash and daring that surprise and confuse his pjlitical opponents.

As is the case with all Lanes, the name of C. E. Lane is noted for energy, ability and hone&ty. He is outspoken in his likeo and dislikes - either a warm friend or an honest enemy. He does not iiold back with his views, leaving the people in the dark about them. But sincerely convinced of their correctness and noting the dangers of the opposite views, he manfully takes Jiis stnnd and explains his ideas. A man of such courage and ^.incerity has his enemies and he also has his warm friends. However enthusiastic the praise from his friends, however bitter the censure of his enemies, to the people he always appears as a sincere and truthful man who has the courage of his convictions. For thirteen years he has been a practicmg lawyer of the county and is now connected with the old reliable firm of Brown, Lane & Garwood.

He was born January 20, 3 856 at Oso, Fayette County, Texas, three miles northwest of Flatonia. He went to private schools at Oso, then engaged in farnnn<jj till 1877 and moved in tliat year to Flatonia. Here he clerked for a number of years. In 18S1 he became a partner in the mercantile firm of Harrison & Lane. In this firm he stayed till 188;] when he dis.solved partnershi[) and traveled as a salesman for T. \V. House of Houston, Texas, a wholesale grocer and cotton factor. He traveled for this firtn eight months and in the same year (1883), after the death of his father he again engaged in the mercantile business under the hrm name of C. J. Lane & Co. In 1889 he accepted a position as traveling salesman for Wallis, Landis & Co. During all this time as clerk, merchant and salesman he had studied law at home as well as on the load whenever he hati a chance. In 18S9 he I'cceived his license to practise law. After the resignation of (reorge Willrich as county attorney in 1890, he was apl)oiiited to lliat ofHce by tlie commissioners' court. In (he fall of that year he was elected to that office and served in it for one term. In 1898 and litOO he was elected to the legislature by decided majorities. He has been a practising lawyer of La Grange since 1889 and now enjoys an extensive practice. On February 6, 1884 he married Miss C. T. Cox of Flatonia. They are the parents of six children : Edna and Earl, twins, 17 years old; C. J., 12 years of age; Alma, 9; Floyd, 7; Gessner, 2. They all stay at the home of their parents.

Hon. C. E. Lane

Thomas \V. Lane deservedly has a host of friends in all parts of the county. He is a gentleman of (juiet and unassuming manners, an able lawyer and a true friend. By his congenial ways he soon gathers friends around him wherever he goes. He is a member of the law firm of Wolters, Lane & Lenert, a well known law firm which transacts as much legal business as any other firm in the county.

His parents were C. J. and E. E. Lane, nee Crockett. They were married at Decatur, Morgan County, Ala. His f.itlur was engaged in the mercantile business at that place. Li ISVl he moved with his family in ox wagons across the country lu TexMS, bringing along with him his negroes. He settled in tlie neighborhood of the fornjer town of Oso. a name that has now disappeared from the ma}) of Texas. (Oso was situated about three miles northu- est of Flatonia ) There he engaged in farming and preaching up to iy75. Then he started in the general merchandise business in Flatonia which he managed till the time of his death in 1883. His wife died in Flatonia in 18SS.

Thomas VV. Lane was born at Oso December 7, 18(35. He was educated in the jjublic schools of Oso and Flatonia ami in the tSoulhwestern Universiiy at Georgetown, Texas, After graduating in that institution he studied law under Pheips A Lane and was admitted to the bar (Dec. 7. 1888). From 1888 to 1893 he practised law in Flatonia. In 1893 he moved to La Grange, where he formed a partnership witli Hon. J. F. Wolters (in 1898). December 28, 1891 he was married to Miss Jessie J. Drake at La Grange.

He resides at present at Beaumont as the manager of .several oil companies and as the superintendent and secretary of the Jjondon Oil ik Pipe Line Company with headquarters at Beaumont, Texas.

Thomas VV. Jjane is a comparatively young man with the brightest prospects before him. There is no doubt in the mind of this writer that a succeeding biographer will have to devote to his life considerably more space, if for no other reason than

A more polite, affable and accommodating gentleman than Geo. K. Lenert would be hard to find in this county. Mr. Lenert enjoys the advantages of a superior education, having been a student at the Davis Military School at Winston, ]S. C, and an alumnus of the Wasliington and Lee University at Lexington, Va. He has traveled extensively in Europe and visited most of the l.'^^.rger cities of (Jermany, France and England, His talks on the nianners and habits of these different peoples are certainly more interet^ting than any book ever written on these subjects. Mr. Lenert is very sociable and takes a great interest in all society affairs. He is the junior member of the reliable law firm of W'olters, Lane & Lenert, and pays a great deal of attention also to the fire insurance business.

The pnrents of Geo. E. Lenert are A. E. and Emilie (.Schubmann) Ijcnert. His fatiier was born at Klausthal, Hanover, his moth'-'r was born on board a ship. His fattier came to Warrenton antl was for a long time engaged as clerk at the store of Wm. Neese. Later he established himself in the mercantile business and conducted it for a number of years, acquirmg n reputation for honesty, reliability and hard business sense, lie married Miss Emilie Schuhmann of Warrenton.

Their son, Geo. E. Lenert, was born December 31, 1871, at Warrenton, Texas, and received there in the public schools his first instruction. After completing the course of that school, he attended for two years the Davis Military School at Winston, N. C. (1889-91), In 1891 he entered the Washington and Lee University of Lexington, Va. He attended this institution for four years (1891-95). After graduating in that institution he was adcnitted to the bar of Virginia in 1^95 and to the bar of Texas in 1896. He located in LaGrange. Soon after hanging out his shingle as a practising lawyer, he formed a partnership with Sam Lowrey under the firm name of Lenert & Lowrey. This partnership lasted till 1898, when it was dissolved. In 1900 Mr,

Lenert made a trip to Europe, vi?iting all the larger cities of Germany, France and England. After liis return from Europe, he again started in the practice of his profession and, in November, 1900, he formed a partnership with Wolteis and Lane under the firm name of VVolters, Lane & Lenert.

Mr, Lenert has proven himself in every way worthy of the high reputation fur honesty and reliability inlierited from his father. He is a painstaking lawyer who sifts his cases to liie bottom and on these accounts he is steadily gaining recognition as a lawyer in the front rank of his profession.

Hon. L. W. Moore, No history of Fayette county w^ould be complete without at least a brief biography of Lyttleton W. Moore, judge of the 22nd

Judicial District of Texas, of whicli Fayette is a part. Judge Moore was born on March 2o, 1835, in Alabama. P]iglit years later his fatiier removed his family to Mississippi. Young Lyt Moore attended the l^iuversity of Mississippi, wliere he graduated m law with the highest honors of his chiss In 1857 he married Miss Anna Dunn Wright, daughter of Dr. Wright of Cowal Couiit3\ In the same year lie brought his young bride to Texas, locating m Bastrop County. Th.e bride of his youth is still willi him, the wife of his age, and the mother of a large family of most interesting daughters and sons. The eldest, Mrs. \V. H. Tliomas, is the wife of a prominent planter. Miss Lylie enjoys the distinction of ranking among the ablest primary teachers in Texas. It is more than an acquired talent that makes of a person a success as a primary teacher - it requires a genius endowed by nature. This talent, so notably possessed by Miss Moore, can be easily traced as an inheritance from her father, for Judge Moore is never so happy as when surrounded by a rollicking jolly se.t of little children. Miss Lottie, another dau_sfhter, enjoys the reputation of being a pianist of rare ability, with the talent to teach music to others. Captain Wright Moore and Dr. Walton Moore are twin sons. The former was a captain in the First Texas Volunteer Infantry during the ISpanish- American War, later a captain of infantry in the 38th Regiment, U. S. v., and served with distinction in the Philippines. He was rewarded for his services by being appointed First Lieutenant of Cavalry in the regular army of the United States. Dr. Walton Moore is a prominent physician at La Grange. The youngest son. Dr. Clay Moore, is a physician located in Matagorda County.

At the outbreak of the war between the States, Judge Moore became a captain in Col. Flournoy's regiment. In 18G5 upon his return from the war, lie removed to La Grange. In 1875 be was elected to the Constitutional Convention, which drafted our present State Constitution. He was conspicuous as a leader in tiiat body of able lawyers, and soon enjoyed the confidence of the people of his section to such an extent that he was elected District Judge in 1876, which office he held for eight years. In 1880 he was elected to Congress, where he remained until 1892. He again commenced the [)raotice i^f law. In March i9f)l U[)on the death of Judge Teichmueller, Gov. Sayers appointed Judge Moore, Judge of the 22i!d Judicial District, which office he now holds.

The picture below is the likeness of Edward H. Moss, a young man of sterling worth and great promise. He is a man of great energy, industry and perseverance. It is such kind of material the coming men of our country are made of, While teaching school, he studied law, which instance proves his willingness to make the best of his opportunities. The people have recognized his merit and after his admittance to the bar he soon acquired a nice practice which is constantly growing.

The parents of Edward H. Moss were J. C. and Louise Moss, nee Fink. His father was born in New York. His mother was born in Germany, but came to Fayette County while an infant and was reared in the Kutersville neighborhood. His

Edward H. Moss was born July 14, 1874, on the farm of his hither near Ledbetter. He received instruction at the public school of Fjedbetter and at the high school of Giddings. After c()mi)leting his education, he passed the examination as school teacher and during the next three years (18U4 97) taught school in Lee County. During his spare time he read law while thus engaged as school teacher. To complete his studies in law, he entered the well known Jaw office of Brown & Lnne, and studied there under their direction. In May 1898 he was admitted to the bar. His sterling worth aud ability were soon recognized by the people and before long he had acquired a nice promising practice. The confidence the people placed in his ability was further shown by his appointment as city attorney of La Grange in November 1900 and by his election to that office in 1901.

This young man is like his brother, P^dward H, Moss, respected for his sterling worth, reliability and honesty, and is popular on account of his pi easing, quiet, gentleman-like manners. He is a y^ung lawyer of great promise with a steadily growing practice.

Robert Moss was born January H, 1876, on the farm of his father near Ledbetter, Texas. He was instructed in the public school of that phice and completed his education at J. F. Draughon's Business College at Galveston (in 1898). After completing a course in bookkeeping, he clerked for one year lor Mr. \Vm. Krause of Ledbetter in 1899. He then studied law in the well known and successful firm of Wolters &, Lane and was admitted to the bar on June

10, 1901. He is now a practicing lawyer of l^a Grange, well liked by all who know him and with the brightest i)ros'|vects of a successful future before him.

There never came a foreigner to the United States who acquired a thorough mastery of the English language in shorter time] than Method Pazdrai. He came to the United States in 1893 and within the short space of five years he was able to pass a creditable examination as a lawyer and to obtain his license to practice in the courts, a fact that speaks more for his energy, perseverance and ability than any recommendation from any source. His energy and ability recommend themselves and

His parents were Uev. Vaclav and Josephine Pazdral (nee Voge!). His father was a preacher at Tabor, Bohemia, and came witli his family to the United States in 1893. He first located in Chicago, but was sent by the Board of Home Missions of the North Presbyterian Church to Fayetteville in 1894.

Moravia. He attended the college of Kladno, Bohemia, where he graduated with first honors in 1891. From 1891 to 1893 he was bookkeeper in a book store. In the latter year he came with his parents to tlie United States. Here he went to night schools in Chicago ami U) the public schools of Fayetteville to study the English language. From 1895 to 1897 he attended the Glen Rose CoIIegiatw Institute whicli institute tute is managed under Presbyti rian nuspiei-s. He graduated in 1897. Next he was a student in the .lunior Law Class of the University of Texas, also a student of the Academic Department of this institution in the session of 1897-98. The balance of the year l89S he studied law under Robson & Duncan, lie obtained license to practise law November 11, 1898. From July 1899 to September 1900 he i)ractised law in Houston in connection with George A. Byers. He then came to Fayetteville where he was appointed city attorney. In February 1901 he was appointed assistant county attorney and jiioved to La Grange.

He was married June 30, 1901, to Miss Susan Norton Little of Denison, Texas, the daughter of Rev. H. S. Little, D. D. Tliis union was blessed with a baby daughter, Sue Josephine.

Energy and ability are characteristic of the Pazdral family. His younger brother, Dr. George A. Pazdral, is a young physician of Fayetteville with a bright career before him.

Judge W. S. Robson enjoys the distinction of being widely known throughout the United States. In 1898 he was elected Supreme Master Workman of the A. O. U. VV, of the United Ft ites and Canada and tliereby became know to the members of that order throughout the whole country. It is needless to dwell on the ability, honesty, and popularity of Judge Rohson ; tlifcv are l)oriie out by higher testimony than thai of this writer : the repeated vnrdict of the pe()[>Ie at the ballot-box. He sufftred only one defeat, in 181/8 he was defeated in his race fur Congres-s as democratic nominee I f tlie then tentii congressional district. It is the per.'-onal (-pinion of tiiis writer that the ])olitical situation in the district was unfavorable to the democrats and that at that time no man could have carried the district for the democrats. Nevertheless, his race strengthened the democratic ranks and smoothed to some extent the paths of the succeeding nominee to success.

The parents of Judge Robson were John R. and Ann K. Robson, residents of Mudison County, Ga. They canoe to Texas in the year 1854 and settled in the neighborhood of Roundtop where they farmed. His moiher died at Roundtop in 1860. In 1868 his father moved with his family to La Grange where in 1867 he died of yellow fever.

Judge \V. S. Robson was born in Madison County, Georgia, February 1, 1851. In April, 1854, he moved with his father to Texas, who settled at Roundtop. Ln 1863 after the death of his mother he caine with his fatiier to La Grange. W. S. Robson was educated in the public schools at Roundtop and La Grange. In later years, he constantly perfected his education by extensive reading and study. After the death of his father he started life as a butcher. Already then, Judge L. Moore, recognizing his ability, suggested to him the study of law. But first he had to make a living. Then he lirsl filled several offices, before he commenced the study of law. la 1872 he was elected Animal and Hide ln?pectcr in which office he served to 1874. From 1874: to 1876 he served as DajjUty District Clerk. In February, 1877, after the adoptiim of the Constitution pf 1876, he was elected assessor and reelected in 1878. Daring these two terms as assessor he studied law under Timmons and Brown. He was admitted to the bar in 1881. In 1884 and 188Q he was elected chairm in of the democratic executive coa^mittee of the county. In 1885 he was elected messengei- to carry the presidential vote to Washington. In 1890 he wis elected county judge which office he held fur three terms till 1896. In that year he also was a member of the democratic state executive committee and delegate to the democratic national convention. In 1898 he was elected Supreme Master Workman of the A. 0. U. W. of the United States and Canada. This order numbers over 450,000 members. Judge Robson is still the chairman of the Committee on Laws of the order and life member of the Supreme Lodge.

Judge Robson was married to Miss Lucy Pretorious of La Grange in 1876. They have eight ciiildren, of whom two sons aod two daughters are grown.

The people of Fayette County gratefully remember the late Judge Teichmueller wlio for nearly a generation was a prominent citizen of the county and who served them as district judge for a period of nearly seventeen years. Judge H. Teichmueller possessed the advantages of a superior education and, i n consequence showed those traits of character, namely. reserve and even modesty, coupled with a self-consciousness which are tlje cljaracteristics of the classical scholar. In his early youth he was imbued with high ideals of life and duty and lie was guided by them in his conduct to his very death. He was an optimist, a firm believer in the goodness of mankind and in the mora) and intellectual l)rogress of the human race. He admired the early times of the republic when (]uestions involving the highest of liuman rights were solved, and he rather regretted that in these latter days the parties were more guided by policies than b}' principles. Of practical politics he was ignorant. He was continuously elected district judge without opposition - not on account of his knowledge of electioneering, but because the people held him in high esteem on account of his elevated character. The judge, though a (lermau by birth, gained such mastery of the English language that the style of his essays on various legal subjects is pronounced classic by competent critics. His is an intellectual style. The clear light of reason shines with a steady light from the pages of his writings. Tne warmth of passion and sentiment is missing.

parents were August and Charlotte Teichmueller, nee von Gnrsewald. His father was an officer in the Brunswick army. Hans Teichmueller was born on March 7, 1837 at Brunswick, Germany, and attended the public schools of that city and the gymnasium of Blankenburg, where he graduated. Like all German boys, he loved adventure and travel, and when fifteen years old, he went with his father's consent, nicely equipped, as a sailor to New York. But the life of a sailor is in reality different from the one we read of in books. Naturally, a boy, raised in a refined family, could not like the rude jokes and the rough ways of a sailor crew. Thus, when the ship arrived in New York, he deserted the ship, went to a hotel, gave his trunk in pawn, wrote to his father for money to return and, when he had received same, went home. After graduation, he intended to study theology, but, after the death of his father, the family came into straitened circumstances and as a way out of them he concluded to emigrate to the United States and try his luck over here (1856). The first man he got intimately acquainted with was old man Fordtrau of Industry who gave him advice as to the condition of the country. He first came to Shelby, from there he went to Postoak Point and from there to High Hill (18(31). In the latter place he farmed that year (1861), but as a farmer he was not a success. Many are the good-natured funny stories that still circulate about his innovations and ways of farming. He finally sold his crop and yoke of oxen for Thirty-six Dollars and engaged in teaching school. He taught school during the Civil War at New Ulm and at the same time read law. In 1866 he studied law with Judge Lindsay and Judge Shropshire. He was admitted to the bar and formed a partnership with them. In 1869 he was county judge, but in the following year he was deposed by military order. He then formed a partnership with Major Phelps and later with Major Dunn which firm afterward took in Mr. Meerscheidt as a partner. In 1884 he was elected district judge which position he held with honor continuously till the time of his death (February 17, 1901).

Postoak Point, the daughter of a highly educated teacher of modern languages. Colonel Henderson, then justice of the peace, performed the marriage ceremony. To this union were born five children. Mrs. May Mattingly, wife of the assistant cashier of the First National Bank, died two years ago; Misses Minetta and Anna stay at the home of their mother, Mrs. Teichmueller.

In Texas more than in any other country within the knowledge of the author, it is customary to call men identified with public affairs by their given names. Hence, should the reader chance to hear in Fayette or adjoining counties people speak of "Jake," he may be certain the subject of this sketch is referred to. Jake Wolters has had a remarkably successful career in iiis profession, the law, as well as in politics. If the writer were required to give him an attribute, he would call him "the lucky," an attribute coveted by some of the world's greatest men.

Pe was born near New I'lm, Austin County, Texas, on September 2, 1871. His parents are Tiieodore H. and Margaret (Wink) Wolters, both native Texans, but of German parents. Jacob Wolters, the grandfather of our Jake, came from Germany in 1883, and in May 1834 came to Texas. His maternal grandparents, Richard and Catherine Wink, came to Texas from the village of Bingen on the Rhine in 1848. Richard Wink was a revolutionist against the German government in that year and after the failure of the revolution escaped to Texas. He, however, remained in Germany long enouorh to wed his chosen bride; their wedding tour was a hasty departure from the old country and a three months' vo3^age in a sail boat to Texas,

Jacob F. Wolters, with his parents, removed from Austin County Lo Moulton, Lavaca County, in 1878 and, in the following year, to Schulenburg, Fayette Count}'-, where his parents still reside. He was educated in the public schools of Schulenburg. During the vacation months he did hard manual labor, thus earning some money for himself. There is an old negro, still employed at the Schulenburg compress, who tells with evident pleasure how "Mister Jake, what is a lawyer now at La Grange, use ter truck cotton." He spent two terms at Add- Ran College, when that institution of learning was located at Tliorp's Spring, Hood t-'ounly.

On May 20, 1892, he was admitted to the bar at La (i range. In November of tlie same year he was electa I county attorney of Fayette County over a strong and popuhir gentleman. There is where iiis luck came in. He was a beardless boy, barely twenty-one, and the people of Fayette County could not have known much of his qualilicatians for the otiice. However, he soon satisfied his friends tliat thny iiad made no mistake in electing him to this office, for he made an able and fearless prosecuting officer. On April 25, 1893, he njarried Miss Saliie Drane of Colun)bus. He declined to stand for re-election to the olhce of county attorney, but, Ibrming a [)artnership with Captain li. H. Pnelps, entered fully into tiie practice of iiis ijrofession. On January 1, 1897, tbe partnership was diojolved by mutual consent.

In 189fj he was nominated by the democrats, together with Captain F. A. Schlick, and in November elected to the 25th Lea[islature by an overwhelming mijority. The author represented Austin County in the same legislature and there hrst met Jake Wolters, In many resj^ects tiie 25th Legislature was one of the stormiest in the history of Texas since tlie war between the states. Jake soon became identilied as one of the leaders of the liberal element in the Ht)use. He was always alert and ready to combat the efforts of certain members to enact sumptuarv legislation. Under his leadershii) a bill prohibiting baseball playing on Sunday was defeated. A bill was reported which in etfecl would have taxed social clubs out of existence. A majority of the members seemed to favor the [lassage of the bill. Fayette County is full of social clubs and the proposed measure would have closed them all up. The young man from Fayette County took the lead in opposition to the measure. A small but compact minority stood by him. In this fight he demonstrated his abilities as a leader of men. Ihe minority stood opposed by a majority, led by able and resourceful men, principally from North Texas. Wolters resorted to all parliamentary tactics ever known to exist, and even invented some new ones. The idea was to delay action. Action was delayed, until a part of the majority became converted to the minority and the measure was defeated by a small majority. As in this contest, so in every important one that came up he took a leadino part.

Since 1896 Mr. Wolters has not sought office, although he. in 1900 was elected as a Democratic Presidential Elector, and in that year as Chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of Fayette County managed the democratic campaign with much success. He loves politics and delights to help bis friends. In fact, one of his cardinal virtues is his loyalty to his friends. It cannot be said that he loves his enemies, for, of course, like all men of his aggressive temperament, be has them too. But it is to his credit that such enemies as he has he made helping his friends in politics. He has never been known to "straddle a fence" on any public question. He has always fearlessly advocated what to him seemed right and to the best and lasting benefit of a majority of the people. As in politics, so is he in the pursuit of his profession - energetic and fearless, always jealously upholding a high professional standard of ethics.

In 1897 he formed a partnership with John A. Kerr, Esq., which was dissolved upon the retirement of Mr. Kerr from the profession to enter into the mercantile business at Muldoon.

. When war was declared in 1898 against Spain, Mr. Wolters tendered his services to the government and was commissioned as 1st Lieutenant of Cavalry and assigned to Troop H. (Lane Kangers) 1st Tex. Vol. U. S. Cavalry, commanded by the gallant Col. Luther li. Hare.

and of German descent. It is especially gratifying to tiie writer to be able to note that this man, American by birtli and in sentiment, has shown to a certain class of Germans, who look down on the country of their birth or ancestry in a mistaken belief that thereby they become better Americans, - that he, conscious of the virtue of his ancestry, cherishes and respects their memory. Indeed, a respect for our parentage never detracts from one's worth as an American citizen ; nay, those men are the very best citizens.

His fearlessness, his uprightness in the advocacy of the people's rights have endeared him to the hearts of the' people. He may be called the advocate of the people's rights. Jealous of the rights of the people and of his own, he neyer fails to stand in defence of those rights. Of him it may be repeated that he :

Leading Citizens Of

Schulenbiirg is proud to number among her many useful citizens a man who, by his inventive genius, lias lastingly benefitted a whole industry and placed it on a paying basis : Mr. Chris. Baumgarten. The industry benetitted by his inventions is the cotton seed oil industry. Mr. CUiris. Baumgarten has invented and taken out patents for the following inventio'nls : Hydraulic Cotton Baling Press, Plate System for Hydraulic Oil Presses, and Linting Piocess of the Delinter for removing the last remnants of cotton from the seed after passing through a linter. All these inventions are now in general use in all firstclass oil mills throughout tlie United States. There is no man living who knows more about the process of manufacturing cotton seed into oil, meal, hulls, etc., than Mr. Baumgarten. He is the proprietor of the Schulenburg Oil Mill. This mill is a model oil mill. As soon as a new invention is made in the processes for crushing cotton seed - and proves to be good - it is adopted. He has constantly and unceasingly labored to make his oil mill a model establishment and he has succeeded in this better than any man in the United States. Like all men of inventive genius, he is modes-t and unassuming and a stranger would hardl}^ know that he is the man who caused a revolution in the manufacture of cotton seed oil. Though he pays his greatest attention to the oil business, he does by no means stop there ; he is forward in promoting all enterprises that tend to develop the industries of this county.

The parents of Mr. Chris. Baumgarten were Christian and Maria (Burgemeister) Baumgarten. Their son Chris. Baumgarten wsis born March 13, 1836, at Tartun, Province Saxony, Prussia. He went to the public schools of his birthplace and after completing his education there, he learned the trade of car- penter. He came to Texas in 1854 and first landed at Galveston. There he worked seven months at his trade. He next worked in a great many parts of the state. In 1856 he came to Fayette County and first stayed at Ross Prairie. He then went to La Grange where he married Miss Ernestine Pannewitz of that city (1859). The same year he moved to High Hill. Here he had bought a place where now the western half of Schulenburg stands. He followed the occu})ations of farming and carpentering. In 1867 he built a small oil mill for F. llillje in High Hill, In 1882 he built the Schulenburg Oil Mill. In 1890 he organized companies in the state and built eight oil mills in. aU

His children are : Mary, deceased ; Ernst, in the lumber business at Schiilenburg ; Alma, deceased ; Gus. A., manager of the Schiilenburg Oil Mill ; Emil, dealer in furniture, hardware, wagons, buggies and lumber at Schulent>urg ; Annie, wife of Max Wolters, merchant at Shiner ; Lillie, deceased ; Elizabeth, wife of Gus. Ruhmann, dealer in hardware and furniture at Shiner; Christian, bookkeeper for E. Baumgarten & Bro. at Schulenburg; Charles, assistant in oil mill of Schulenburg; Heinrich, deceased ; William and Fritz, at home.

G. A. Baumgarten. Gus Bdumgarteti, son of Mr. Chris. Baumgarten, Sr. , is, like ills father, an autlinrity on all questions in regard to the cottonseed oil industry. His thorough knowledge of this subject, his ability and fuergy, are recognized tlironghout the whole South. For a number of years, the Oil Mill Superintendents' Association of Texas elected him for their sec retary and treasurer, knowing that they coukd not lind an abler man who was better qualilied and more willing to faithfully work in their interest than liim. 'i'liis /^position he resigned on account of his many ar- Gus. Baumgarten. duous dulies in the oil as vice president in 1901. Mr. Baumwarten is the leading spirit of that association and of tlie whole oil industry in Texas. His opinions and recommendations are highly regarded throughout the state. Men in the oil business, iti looking for managers of their mills, very often ask hiin to recommend them competent men for the position. A great many young men whom he had instructed in the oil business in the oil mill at Schulenburg he recommended, and they are now earning salaries of from $1800 to $5000 per year. As is the case with all men who do not divide their energies, but direct them all to one single point, I\Ir. Baumgarten is a master in his line of business. For the last twenty years he has been the superintendent and manager of his fa-ther's oil mill at Schulenburg.

Gus. Baumgarten was born February 14, 1866 at his father's house which stood then in the prairie, but now belongs to the western part of Schulenburg. He was instructed in the public schools (.>f that place. After coni|)letii)g his common school education, he attended f)r two se.>;sion-, the Gjiyi C'ity Business College of (i'.iiney, 111 Cl8S:vl89D ) He became a graduate of ihat institution. In 189 ) lie returned to Texas and l)uilt, in company with his father, eight o 1 mills in the state. He was tlie moving s|)irit in the organization of the Oil Mill Superinteuilents' Association of Texas, w is elected their secretary and treasurer, and in 1901 vice i)resident of that association.

Mr. G. A B.iumsarten was married on June 22, 1892 to Miss Ida Wallace, daughter of Frank Wallace, a conductor on the Southern P.iciHc Riilroad. Their union wa-s blessed by two children, Wallace and U ly.

Schulenburg's reputation for the splendor of its festivities is largely due to the unceasing elTjrts of Henry Beniker. The population of this city is largely German. They are of the opinion that each citizen should enjoy his personal rights to the greatest extent consistent with good or^ler. They are the most outspoken opponents of prohibition and all sumptuary laws. The festivities af Schulenburg have the reputation of being conducted with the greatest treedom, combined witii the most congenial and orderly behavior. The leading spirit of these festivities is the subject of this sketch, Henry Beniker. His jolliness and congeniality are as if especially made for such festive occasions. To sustain the reputation of Schulenburg as the jolliest old town in Texas, he spares neither time nor money. He believes m the doctrine, enjoy life while it lasts, or, as the poet says,

Henry Beniker was born at Grossensiel, Oldenburg, on A])ril 28, 1858. He went to school at Abbehausen and, alter completing his education, lie learned the joiner's trade ill Breraerhaven. To become proficient in his trade, he traveled, as is the custom in Germany, throughout that country, working in his trade under different masters. He established himself as master in his trade at Abbehausen, and on November 2, 1883, he married Miss Sophie Sommer. He came to the United States in the fall of 1888 and landed at Galveston. From there he went to Sweet Home and In 1889 he established himself as He was very successful in his carpenters under him, a work that required great skill in management. In 1899 he went with John Oltmanns in the saloon business, in which he remained until his partner's death. In 1901 he established himself in the same business in company with his brother Anton at the same old stand. He is also the popular agent of the New Orleans Brewing Association, whose interests he serves with ability and success.

To his union with his wife, the following children were born: John, Henry, Willie, Herbert, Mary and Erna. They all stay at the home of their father.

Of A. W. Beniker the same may be said as of his brother. He takes great interest in feasts and all social affairs. His jovial face, his timely jokes, his pleasant words for everybody, soon bring the visitors at feasts into good humor. If you want to find him on the feast ground, you may just e;o to where the largest crowd is; not that he follovvs tlie largest crowd, but wherever he goes, on account of liis jollity, he soon gathers a crowd around him. Like his broliier, he spares neither time, money nor efforts to make the feasts of bchulenburf^ a success. His presence and liis aid at these feasts have become a necessity for their success. He also takes a leading interest in all theatrical performances arranged by the citizens of Schulenburg.

Anton Wilhelm Beniker was born August 2(j, 1866, at Grossensiel, Oldenburg. His father, Henry Beniker, was a seaman and perished in a storm at sea, when Anton was only two years old. His mother is still living at Bremerhaven. He went to school at Atens, and after his school years learned the trades of saddler and paper hanger. He traveled extensively in Germany to complete his trade education. In 1886 he entered the German army and absolved his three years' militar}- service, as is the law in that country. He entered the nineteenth regiment of dragoons which was stationed at Osternburg, Oldenburg. Though he was a splendid soldier, and well liked by his officers on account of his efficiency and ability, his convictions were against this form of government that required the best years of a man's life in order to train him to fight for and support a monarchical and oppressive form of government. He therefore left the fatherland for the United States as a country more in harmony with his political convictions. He first came to Sweet Home and followed the occupation of painting. From there he went to Shiner and in 1894 he came to Schulenburg. Here he was a leading painter, biing quite successful in this business. In December 1901 he established, in cumpany with his brother Henry, a saloon at the old John Oltmanns stand. The strict attention of the brothers to business, their jolliness and congeniality, have made their business place the most popular establishment in Schulenburg.

Mr. Anton Beniker was married to Miss Louise Schlottmann of Schulenburg, Texas, in June 1897. This union wag blessed with one boy, Anton, now four years old.

Rev. Father Chromcik is a man whose presence commands respect everywhere. He understands the art of guiding man without wanting to rule. No man has followed better the line of conduct laid down in the above lines of the great Latin poet than he. His timely tolerance has conquered him the hearts of all he came into contact with, and he carefully has avoided off"ending anybody by untimely severity. Like all Catholic priests, versed in the classical languages, he possesses that reserve coupled with urbanity and a spirit of self-consciousness which are the characteri5tics of the gentleman and classical scholar. Though a firm Catholic, his broad mind takes a sympathetic interest in all humanity. When he first came to Texas, there were not as many Catholic priests then as there are now, and he went on mission in eleven different communities, amongst them La Grange. The communities not being connected then by rail as they are now, he had to make long trips, mostly on horseback, and very often in bad tempestuous weather. Once he had to be in Industry, Austin County, for Sunday's service. It rained for twenty-four hours; the creeks were high, especially the C u m m i n g s Creek, and he had to cross it. His feet got wet and he contracted a severe attack of rheumatism with which he is still troubled. He has done a world of good everywhere. In Fayetteville, he restored the Catholic Church building, one of the oldest and largest in the state. His deep interest in education induced him to build the Chromcik school in the latter place in which he taught for fifteen years under a first grade certificate. The Catholic priests generally are noted for their great accomplishments and splendid education, but even among this highly educated class he has but few erjuals. Father Chromcik is a linguist and has a perfect knowledge of several languages. Men of his character do not care for the applause of the world; they have resources in their own minds and the consciousness of having lived a useful life which are sufficient for them. Still, his friends and the reader will feel glad to hear that his sterling merits have been highly honored by his church. He was diocesan consulter at the synod to help and assist the bishop of Galveston in ruling the whole diocese, representing the German and Bohemian nationalities and their affairs; he is now ecclesiastical judge (judge for the clergy in ecclesiastical cases), besides fiscal attorney, i. e. prosecutor and defendant in ecclesiastical cases.

Rev. J. Chromcik was born January 25, 1845, at Olmuetz, Moravia, Austria. He finished his course of studies in Olmuetz and graduated there in 186G. After ordination he was assistant priest at Lichtenau, Moravia. He then became administrator of the parish of Senftleben, Moravia. Having been assigned to the diocese of Galveston by Bishop Dubuois, he went to Texas and arrived there on Christinas eve, 1872. He was sent to Fayetteville where he has resided ever since. In 1894 he made a trip to Europe to celebrate the jubilee of the twenty ^fifth anniversary of his ordination. On hh return he brought with him four worthy young clergym !n : Rsv. 8kocek, Rev. Sebik, Rev. Mahan and Rev. Kacer.

Whenever in election years democracy raises its banner to fight monopoly, paternalism, imperialism and republican misrule. Dr. I. E. Clark is always found in the front ranks fighting its battles, a trusted and able captain of that party. It is largely also due to his unceasing efforts that his home place, Schulenburg, though the population is largely German and inclined to be independent, has become a stronghold of democracy of the county and generally gives decided democratic majorities. He is a patriot, always placing the welfare of his party above personal ambition. To his fellow citizens he has been of the greatest benefit in paying his attention to improved stock and importing same to this county. His Bermuda Valley Stock Farm where he raises the best kind of thoroughbred and standard horses and Red Poll and Holstein cattle has acquired a reputation beyond the limits of this state.

was the first one in Fayette County that operated for gunshot wounds of the intestines where several holes had been made in the intestines ; the patient recovered. He removed an ovarian tumor weighing sixty-six pounds from an old lady sixty-three years of age ; she was well in three weeks. He has performed successfully many dangerous operations, a great many of them for appendicitis. He is the local surgeon for the Southern Pacific Railway Company.

The parents of Dr. I. E. Clark are Dr. H. S. Clark and Mrs. Clio A. (Robertson) Clark. They catne from Tennessee to Texas in 1854 and first settled in Polk County. In 1861 they moved to Gonzalts County and in 1865 to Mixen Creek near Kinkier, Lavaca County, where his fcither still resides, a practising physician of Lavaca C o u n t y. His mother died there in 1877.

Dr. I. K. Clark was born December 23, 1860, in Polk Counly, Texas. He first attended the public schools of Lavaca County and later from 1875 to 1879 Judge Byars' High School of Covington, Tennessee, where he also studied Latin, Greek and French. He received a certificate of thoroughness from that institution. In 1879 he read medicine for four months under his father and from 1879 to 18S2 he studied his profession at the Jefferson College of Philadelphia. After graduation he completed the practical side of his professional studies as resident physician in the Pennsylvania Hospital of Philadelphia. In 1890 he visited a great many medical schools in the United States and wound up by a one year's course in the Polylinic of

New York. There are few physicians in the state who have prepared themselves with so much thoroughness for the practice of their profession as Dr. Clark. He started the practice of his profession at Moravia, Lavaca County, in 1883, and in 1887 he moved to Schulenburg where he nas been a resident ph3'sician ever since.

In 1888 he married Miss Ella Wolters, daughter of R. Wolters, sr., one of the most prominent business men of Schulenburg. Their children are: Clio A. Clark, born 1889, and Harvey U. Clark, born in 1891.

Lately Dr. I. E. Clark has taken great interest in Beaumont oil. He has been elected president and manager of the Borealis Oil Company, the business affairs of which company he manages with great ability and success.

Amongst the peace officers of the state who were instrumental in establishing law and order, Henry Eilers, the popular marshal of Schulenburg, Texas, is found in the front rank. He first served the county as constable. At that time, a gang of horse and cattle thieves who resided about four miles east of Schulenburg operated in the neighborhood and when in town very frequently played the hell-roaring desperado. Henry Eilers, under Sherifis John T. Rankin and B. L. Zapp, did some first class detective work to discover and convict the guilty parties. In a short time, the whole country around Schulenburg was cleared of this undesirable element, and the industrious farmer was assured that he could retain the fruits of his enterprise and industry. His services in this line were highly appreciated by the citizens of Schulenburg, who rewarded them by a repeated bestowal of their confidence in liis ability in continuously electing him to the marshalship.

The parents of Henry Eilers were Hinrich and Auguste (Frels) Kilers. They were natives of the grand duchy of Oldenburg, His father came to this country in 1846. The latter married Miss Augnste Frels at La Grange and thereafter moved to Ross Prairie where he was one of the best known leading settlers of that section. He was largely interested in drawing German and Bohemian immigrants to this fertile county. He brought the first Bohemian immigrants into tliis county and more immigrants to this section than any other two men. He died respected by his fellowcitizens at a ripe old age in 1899. His wife had preceded him in death in 1895. He left the following children: (1) Gerhard, merchant in Yoakum; (2) Henry, the subject of our sketch; (3) William, teacher at Fayetteville; (4) August, farmer near Halletsville; (5) Fred, farmer at

Koss Prairie; (6) fcirnst, partner in the saloon business with Kaiser at Yoakum, died in 1902; (7) Auguste and (8) Annie, staying with (heir brother William.

Henry Eilers was born July 11, 1857, at Ross Prairie ; went to school at Fayetteville, Rutersville college and St. Mary's university, Galveston, Texas. He went to Schulenburg in August, 1880 and established himself in the saloon business in which he remained for three years. In November, 1882, he was elected constable in which office he served the people till April, 188G, when he resigned on assuming the duties of the office of city marshal. He became so popular ia this office that the people of Schulenburg have elected him as city marshal ever since. Besides this office he holds the office of city assessor and collector. He has been a deputy sheriff, deputy collector and deputy assessor of the county since 1882. the best proof of the couti-

Mr. Eilers is an outspoken democrat and has always taken a leading interest in the advocacy of his party's principles. His services to the party have been eminent and unselfish, and his influence in that party is, therefore, accordingly great.

As is always the case, if a man does not divide his energy, but directs it to one single object, he will be successful in liis aim. Prof. Eilers has devoted all his time and energy to prepare himself thoroughly for the profession of teaching. He is teachers in the state. He stands high among jiis colleagues, and his devotion to teaching and his ability havo often been recognized. Hr was president of the Teachers' Institute of Washington County ; twice secretary of the (South Texas Teachers' Association ; vice-president and secretary of the Fayette County Teachers' Institute ; instructor for two years in that institute ; member of the Fayette County board of examiners ; member of the state board of examiners (1901) and is now conductor of the La Grange Summer Normal. The success of this normal is largely due to his unceasing efforls. The school has an enroll-

William Eilers was born in Ross Prairie near Fayetteville on October 5, 1863. Up to 1881 he was educated in the public and private schools of Fayetteville. He then passed his examination as teacher and obtained a first grade certificate. He taught school for six years in Kinkier, Lavaca County, and one year in Schulenburg. From 1889-1891 he attended the Sam Houston Normal of Huntsville, Texas, of which institution he became a graduate in 1891. He next taught school again in several towns, viz: In ElJinger, LaGrange and Fayetteville for seven years, and in Burton, Washington County, for three years. In all these schools he attracted by his skillful management and his able instruction public attention. He has established a reputation for being a successful teacher beyond the limits of his county. On account fof his recognized professional ability he may be called at any moment to larger fields of usefulness.

Hon. a. E, Falke. The subject of this sketch was born on the 27th day of October, 1842, near Weissenberg, in Saxony, Germany. In 1854, at the age of twelve years, he came to America with his parents and first settled at New Ulm: later he and his parents moved to this county and settled on Rabb's Creek. In 1861 Mr. Falke enlisted as a private in Allen's regiment, Captain Patty's company "F." After about fourteen months of active service to the Lost Cause, he was captured at Millican's Bend, La., and taken north to Young's Point and Memphis, Tenn., where he was kept as a prisoner of war; he was finally taken to Cairo, 111., where he was released. After working on a farm near Cairo for some time, he returned to Texas with $10 in cash, a mustang pony and no saddle.

halves, and, by diligence and strict economy, ho managed to save a little money and in 1868 he was enabled to purchase a sawmill on Rabb's Creek. In the same year he was married to Miss Wilhelmina Peter of Ingram's Prairie, a poor, but beautiful and highly respected young lady. This union was blessed with fourteen children, nine of whom are living. In 1874, Mr. Falke, having accumulated about $2000, engaged in the general merchandise business at VVarda. A year later he was appointed postmaster and established the post office at that place.