Burnet Bulletin, Aug 29, 1901; From Barry Caraway
E. A. Mann Dead
Mr. E. A. Mann, of Bertram, formerly editor of the "News," at that place, died last Tuesday night. Several months ago he was stricken with paralysis, gradually growing weaker, until his relatives and near friends had come to realize that his days were numbered. Mr. Mann resided in Burnet for a number of years, prior to going to Bertram, filling faithfully the position of foreman on the Bulletin. Many friends and acquaintances will hear of his demise with regret. The Bertram "News" says of him, among other things: "He was a member of the Woodmen of the World and was buried at the South Gabriel by this order. He was a member of the Baptist church and lived a consecrated Christian life. He leaves a wife and daughter, (Mrs. I. G. McMullen) to mourn his untimely death.
An interesting communication, intended for last week, was received from Mr. E. L. Springer, but owing to its relation to events now settled we think it unwise to publish same at this date. Any thing in the future from Mr. Springer shall be appreciated, as he is a gifted writer.
Burnet Bulletin, August 20, 1909
THE PASSING OF E. B. MARCUS
"Oh, death, how thou dost love a shining mark."
In the years that I have been occasionly [occasionally] writing for the papers, it has many times been my sad mission to pay a tribute to some friend who had crossed the dark and mystic river [not legible] into that undiscovered country "from whose bourne no traveler ever returns." These friends have included all agesæfrom the tot just learning to prattle about its mother's kneeæto the "grand old man" who had lived out his four score years, but in no instance have I so keenly felt my inability to speak the words of praise the dead so richly deserve. When an old man, full of years, and smitten with the decrepitude they bring, goes down to the grave, the world though saddened, bows its acquiescence. But when a young man, full of the vigor of a sturdy life growing in its prime, is suddenly stricken from the number of the quick, a community is startled and resentful of the stroke, causes us to exclaim,
"Life's a funny proposition after all."
"Did you ever sit and ponder, sit and wonder, sit and think,
Why we're here and what this life is all about?"
"Life's a very funny proposition you can bet,
And no one's ever solved the problem
Properly as yet,
Young for a day, then old and gray,
Like the rose that buds and blooms,
And fades, and falls away,
Losing health to gain our wealth as thro'
This dream we tour,
Ev'ry thing's a guess, and nothing's
Absolutely sure,
Battles exciting, and fate's we're fighting
Until the curtain falls,
Life's a very funny proposition after all."
When the wires flashed the sad intelligence that "Frate" Marcus was dead, it was so unexpected, so horrible, that his friends and kindred were staggered, stunned, dumfounded. They could not believe it. But when it became fully known and realized, there fell a gloom and sadness over the little town of Bertram that she has never before known.
On Monday, August 9th, he left for Mineral Wells to undergo treatment for rheumatism, though he nor any of his family or friends dreamed of any serious trouble. His wife and little son accompanied him as far as Austin, they going on to Beaumont to visit relatives. Little did they dream that their parting upon that occasion would be their final farewell in this world. How kind it is that
"Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate."
A friend writes me relative to his death as follows: "He arrived in Mineral Wells about 11 o'clock Tuesday, August 10th. The doctor examined him that night and began treatment. The doctor writes that he noticed some irregularity of the heart, but that he did not consider it serious. Wednesday evening about 7 o'clock he asked the nurse for a drink of water, and she gave him a drink of cool water, and he then walked around the bed and sat down on the opposite side from the nurse. The nurse saw nothing unusual in his manner and he did not seem in distress. She started to leave the room and when she reached the door looked back and he was lying across the bed. She returned to him and at first thought he was asleep, but after calling him and touching him she saw it was more serious. She at once called for a doctor, and two came, they both being in the building where he was, and they administered stimulants and did everything they could, but to no avail. His doctor pronounced his death as caused from the irregularity of the heart. He was conscious until the end and did not of course suffer in death, as it came so quickly."
And so
"Like one who wrap the drapery of his [not legible] about him and lays him down to pleasant dreams,"
did the sunny soul of that golden hearted young gentleman take its flight to that land where through valleys of perpetual spring "flows the river and song eternal."
On August 26th, 1877, ten miles east of Bertram, did he first see the light. He therefore lacked fifteen days of being thirty-two years old
"And then to die so young, and leave unfinished what he might achieve."
I cannot write in studied phrase about my young friend, but as one who knew him all the days of his life; one who loved him in the promise of his glowing youth, "standing to answer the impulse of my heart in the roll-call of his friends," and stricken with my emptiness of words, I can but tell briefly of this boy's life. "For no blaze born in all our eulogy can burn beside the sunlight of his useful life."
Well do I remember him twenty-odd years ago when I lived in Bertram: a bright, ruddy-faced school boy, always neat in his clothing, his coat buttoned up and his books in his satchel. He would daily pass my office going to and from school. At that time every child who knew me, and they all did, called me "Lum." I had no objection whatever, but this lad, the little, manly fellow that he was, always said "Mister." He was born a gentleman, and lived it all the days of his life. His mother died, when he was two years old, and his aunt, afterwards his step mother, gave him a mother' care and devotion, and he loved her as tenderly as if she had been his own mother.
He was the pride of his father, A. B. Marcus, than whom a better man never lived.
I remember he used to talk to me about his boy and ask me what would be good books for him to read. And be it said to his blessed memory, his love and devotion for his father grew stronger as the years brought him into manhood.
Some years ago misfortune and ill health overtook his father, and he carried him to Austin for treatment and after regaining his health offered to repay him. His reply was: "Papa, you don't owe me anything. I am too glad to know you have regained your health. I only feel glad that I was able to help you."
In 1806 [1906 ?] under the preaching of W. K. Homan, he joined the Christian Church and lived a consistent member of it till death. He was a liberal contributor to the church and all things charitable.
He did not finish school at Bertram, but completed a business course at Griffith's Business College, at Austin. Soon after this he went to work at the position he held at the time of his death: book-keeper and cashier for T. S. Reed & Son. Mr. D. O. Reed in writing to me about him says: "You cannot say too much about his loyalty and fidelity to his business, for a more loyal boy never lived. He was very conscientious in all his transactions, it being his most earnest desire to protect the interests of both the customer and the store, and make all transactions equitable so far as he could. When I was away from home and things were in his charge he was always at his post of duty and did what he thought I would want done in all matters coming up and I always felt perfect confidence in him and his disposition to discharge the duties of manager of the affairs of the banking and merchandising house of T. S. Reed & Son. I could mention a hundred that have come and told me that he had attended to their business for them all these many years and that nobody will miss him like they will." He made few errors in his transactionsæbut on the whole a very accurate man."
Standing by his grave, T. S. Reed, his father-in-law said to me, "Aside from his connection with our family, I had a very high regard for the boy. Dave will have a difficult time in getting some one to fill his place. He was ever at his post of duty, and as honest as Paul." Truly hath the poet said, "An honest man is the noblest work of God." Looking back at the years that have rolled by since Bertram became a town. Two boys have grown almost from infants to manhood within her borders and I can not recall in all my circle of friends and acquaintances any two young men who so young have ever reached such responsible positions in the business world as theyæwhere they "made good" and stayed good. They are Dave Reed and "Frate" Marcus.
Now the team is broken [not legible] Dave miss him? Do you think he would miss his right arm? but:
"We're born to die, but don't know why, or what it's all about, and the more we try to learn the less we know."
From the summit of Mt. Hamilton in far away California looking through the powerful Lick telescope you can:
"See worlds on worlds compose one universe,
Observe how system into system runs,
What other planets circle other suns."
And thus lost in the stupendous revelations, you can but exclaim: "There must be somewhere a great directing Mind of All," of whom we say: "He doeth all things well" with that simplicity of faith as my little girl who, seeing a "booger" in her dreams calls "mama" and hearing her voice believes "all's well," turns over and is lost in dreamland. But it's but candid to say no man can tell why it is best that a young man like this who lived in a surrounding where every prospect pleased, should be called so suddenly from his labors. For,
"While yet in love with life and raptured with the world he passed to silence and pathetic dust.
Yet after all, it may be best, just in the happiest, sunniest hour of all the voyage,
while eager winds are kissing every [not legible], to dash against the unseen rock,
and in an instant hear the billows roar a sunken ship."
Friday morning's train of Aug. 13th, brought his precious remains back to the spot where nearly his entire life had been spent. Every business house in town was closed and every citizen of the town at the depot. The Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias, and Woodmen Lodges were all out in uniform, he being a member of each order, and it is estimated that twelve or fifteen hundred people were at the cemetery, Bear Creek, coming for miles and miles around.
Dr. John W. Kern, pastor First Christian Church of Austin conducted the religious service at the grave, assisted by Rev. J. H. Stucky, pastor Christian Church at Bertram and Rev. A. S. Haygood pastor Methodist Church at Bertram. Roy Stuckey and wife, Miss Annie Savage, Miss Lula Riley, and Miss Annie Hooper sang, "Lead Kindly Light," "Abide With Me," and "Shall We Gather at the River." The service and songs were very effective.
After this the coffin's lid was removed and the relatives and a few friends were permitted to view the remains. The crowd was entirely too large for them to get near the grave. As this last look was taken, it was a sad and solemn scene and scarcely a dry eye could be seen. This over, the lid was replaced and the Masonic brethren took charge and their beautiful burial service was gone through with, after which the other lodges marched around the grave and dropped a sprig of evergreen upon the bier of their dead friend and brother. Then the grave was filled and all that was mortal of "him who sleeps well" was hidden from view forever, to slumber on till the resurrection morn.
The floral offerings by the several lodges and friends were the mot profuse and beautiful I ever saw strewn over a new made grave. And there we left him sleeping beneath a wilderness of flowers, placed there by loving hands, to each of whom he had in life extended some kindly act.
But of the tenderest, sweetest part of his life I have not yet spokenæhis married life. On Nov. 28th 1900 at her father's home in Beaumont he married Miss Birdie Reed. To them two sons have been born. The eldest, Thomas Reed, died February 10, 1905; the other, David Clark, is now about three and a half years old. If in the counting room and amongst the busy marts of men, his life was a success, it is given to his home life to complete and beautify his life to his everlasting glory. His wife I have known all the days of hr life: a sweeter, more amiable girl never lived. They were children together, played together, and a more congenial couple never took upon themselves the marriage vow. He treated his wife like she was a splendid flower, and she filled his life with perfume and with joy. I have enjoyed he hospitality of their sunny home, and whenever I went there, I always thought of the beautiful sentiment I heard Ingersoll give expression to in a lecture in Chicago years ago. He said:
"Heaven or no Heaven, Hell or no Hell, the thing for us to do is to make a little heaven around our own firesides."
And this cozy little home approached it as near as any I ever knew.
Beecher in his writings upon the topic 'Time Law of the Household," says:
"There are men who smell like a May morning all through the business hours of the days
[and] they save their ugliness for their wife and children at home."
Howard of New York, the great newspaper writer in an article years ago under the heading of "Good-Nature" amongst other things said: "It has been my good fortune in a long unbroken life of work to be thrown much in contact with men of affairs. Every Presidential candidate from the time of Buchanan and Fremont, through the storm periods of our nation's struggle, and in the happier days, when contests were ended, I have seen; I have known. Political leaders of the great parties, I have met and talked with. The leading divines, the chief orators, our best lawyers, the men who grace and others who disgrace the bench; I have seen and met in close communion, and my sober judgment is that not ten per cent of them were graced with this happy, sunshiny disposition which goes so far toward making their own lives sweet, while radiating comfort, happiness and good cheer in the circles of which they are so often the center." It is here that the subject of this imperfect sketch outshone the lives of a great multitude of our great men, in the sense greatness is reckoned. Indeed, he seemed to be a gatherer of sunbeams, his blithe spirit seemed to sing:
"Let us gather up the sunbeams
Lying all around our path;
Let us keep the wheat and roses,
Casting out the thorns and chaff."
In this sad and solemn hour I fully realize the emptiness of words to comfort that young, broken hearted wife and that little son, too young to realize his incomparable loss. God pity and keep them both. The death of no man would cause more universal sorrow in that community, and to all his kin do all classes drop a tear in his untimely taking off.
I realize that I have extended this feeble tribute to greater length than is usual, but I also realize that the passing of this young man, calls for and deserves more than a sketch like this can contain. I realize too, that I have said only that which every heart feels whose life touched hisæknowing, too, that according to the Christian's creed, no words of mine can disturb or benefit the soul of my dead friend. So worthy of emulation and example do I feel his life has been that I feel it a good guide post to point young men to that shining pathway leading up to a higher and better citizenship.
I am glad at this mid-night hour to know that while he was living I told him how proud I was of him. Let us believe, in spite of doubts and dogman and tears and fears, that some time upon that 'Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" we may meet again.
"Just as long as we love one another we'll hope for another world;
just as long as love kisses the lips of death will we believe and hope for a future reunion."
The life of such a man will live after him and glorify his name.
"Were a star quenched on high
Forever would its light,
Still traveling downward from the sky,
Shine on our mortal sight.
So when a good man dies,
Ages beyond our ken,
The light he leaves behind him lies
Upon the paths of men."
RUSTLER.
--from microfilmed copies of the Burnet Bulletin, available at the Herman Brown Free Library.
17 Oct 1874. We are informed by Mr. J. Clymer that a young man by the name of M. C. Martin who has been teaching school in Backbone Valley, started on a hunting expedition with Newton Smith and two men by the name of Toby, and while out, Martin was taken sick and died, it is supposed from cramp colic. Mr. Martin was a very promising young man, and his neighborhood will feel his loss sadly. He came from middle Tennessee, near Nashville.
Burnet Bulletin September 8, 1876
MORE BLOOD
At 9 o'clock yesterday [Thursday] morning, Sheriff J.J. Strickland came in town and reported that Dept. Sheriff S.B. Martin and Wilson Rowntree were shot by Joseph Olney, while they were attempting to arrest him. A party of citizens soon gathered and went to the scene of blood, which was on the other side of the Colorado, in Llano county, twelve miles west of Burnet. The facts, as far as we can learn, are as follows:
Martin and Rowntree went to Olney's house to arrest him, but being unacquainted with him, talked with him awhile and passed on, intending to cross the Colorado river and return to Burnet. Olney, suspecting that something was wrong, picked up his gun, buckled on his six-shooter, and remarked that he would see whether they crossed the river or not. Martin and Rowntree noticed him following, and at once concluded he was Olney. They rode back, met him, and ordered him to surrender. Olney quickly drew his pistol and fired, missing his aim. Martin and Rowntree then fired, when Olney, who was on foot, jumped behind a tree and shot Martin, breaking his left arm above the elbow. Martin then spoke to Rowntree and told him to shoot Olney. Rowntree ran up, put his gun very close to Olney and pulled the trigger, but the gun snapped. Rowntree then attempted to draw his pistol, when Olney shot him. Martin's horse had turned around, and was trying to run away, when Olney shot him again. The fight then ceased.
Martin and Rowntree came across the Colorado river and stopped at an old vacant house where Rowntree assisted Martin to dismount and get into the house. Rowntree then sent in search of Sheriff Strickland, who was three miles away, watching for some one whom he wished to arrest. Rowntree stopped at a house and laid down. Dr. J.G. McFarland examined and dressed his wound about twelve o'clock, being about six hours after it was inflicted. The ball entered the left side just below the stomach, and, passing through a portion of the lungs, came out on the same side, about seven inches from where it entered. The Doctor thinks his recovery probable.
Dr. McFarland then went to Martin and with ______ Grandstaff, succeeded in removing a ball, which they found had entered near the left side of the backbone, ranged upward, passing under the shoulder blade, and lodging under the main artery of the neck. It is thought his recovery is doubtful. Both men have numerous relatives and friends and will receive the closest attention.
The relatives of Mr. Martin and Mr. Rowntree are very grateful to those who rendered their assistance. The Rev. Mr. Blakely very kindly furnished his ambulance and team, besides driving it to Burnet himself. Olney is still at large.
[From The Handbook of Texas Online]
JOSEPH GRAVES OLNEY was born on 9 Oct 1849, in Burleson County, Texas, the son of Joseph Olney and Mary Katherine Tanner. In 1860 the Olneys moved to the Colorado River in Burnet County. Joseph Olney has been called a rancher, feudist, and outlaw. On 30 Nov 1870, he married Agnes Jane Arnold; they had five children. He enlisted in Co O, Minute Men, under John Ross Alexander in September 1872 and served through January 1873. During the spring of 1874, he became involved in a dispute over cattle that resulted in his shooting a man in Llano County. He was indicted for theft of cattle and assault with intent to murder. In 1875 he was drawn into the Mason County War by the killing of Moses Baird. During the rest of 1875 and 1876 he was opposed to the "mob" faction of Mason and Llano counties. After the gunfight described in this newspaper article, Olney fled to New Mexico and established a ranch near Mimbres under the alias of Joe Hill. In the fall of 1881 Olney moved to Bowie. There he was killed on 3 Dec 1884, when his horse fell on him.
Burnet Bulletin Friday, September 15, 1876
IN MEMORIAM...With painful regret, we record the death of our young and much beloved friend, S. B. Martin, who passed to everlasting rest in Burnet, at 4 o'clock p.m. on the 11th inst. From the effects of wounds received while in the discharge of his duties as an officer.
This Christian man, surrounded by his brothers and sisters, said that he was not afraid to die&emdash;for he had an abiding hope that his sins were forgiven, and angels awaited his release from earthly bondage to welcome him to the land of rest. Thus in the glory of early manhood, he has departed, leaving behind a wide circle of devoted and sorrowing friends. The everlasting gates that were lifted for him are now closed, and those who admired and loved him, await with patience and hope the reunion which shall know no parting.
At 3 o'clock p.m. on Tuesday the 12th, he was followed to his last resting place in the cemetery, by a larger funeral procession than was ever known to assemble in our little village.
Burnet County Cemetery Records, 1852-1982 gives the following information:
Old Burnet Cemetery, Burnet
S. B. Martin 2-20-1851 9-11-1876
Sallie Martin 6-20-1854 3-18-1881
Eligh 9-14-1846 6-10-1912
From the Burnet Bulletin, 15 Feb 1906
Mrs. Annie Marx Dead
Mrs. Annie Marx, wife of Mr. Frank Marx, died at her home in Burnet last Friday and was buried the following Saturday in the Odd Fellow's Cemetery.
Mrs Marx was the daughter of Prof. and Mrs. J.T. Motley of this section and was a conscientious Christian woman, highly regarded by a wide circle of friends and acquaintences.
To the heart-broken husband and child, the bereaved father and mother, and other mourning relatives, the bulletin extends its deepest sympathy.
Burnet Bulletin, May 10, 1923; From Barry Caraway
Mrs. Andrew Mather Died.
Our hearts were made sad Saturday, April 21st, when news came from those who were watching at bedside of Mrs. Andrews Mather that her spirit had taken its fight from the pain racked body back to God who gave it.
In the passing away of this woman this community has lost one of its faithful pioneers. Her life being spent in this community it is like a book without a blot upon its pages, for all who knew her loved her. At the time of her death she was seventy-two years one month and twenty three days old.
She was married to Andrew Mather November 19, 1878. To this union were born three children, one dying in infancy. Deceased leaves her aged husband, two sons, Robert Lee and Charles Parker, ten grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one brother, and other relatives to mourn her death. To these our heart goes out in sympathy. Mrs. Mather was a member of the Church of Christ, obeying the Gospel in early life.
The body was laid to rest in Gabriel Mills Cemetery. The great number of friends gathered to pay the last tribute of respect to this good woman. The large floral offering bespeaks the high esteem in which she was held. The funeral services were conducted by A. D. Forehand----Liberty Hill index.
Lindsey Edward [May], second son of A. L. and A. M. May, was born April 27, 1895, and died August 7, 1910, at ten minutes until eight in the morning, after an illness of twenty-eight days of typhoid fever from which he suffered untold agony. The last week of his life he was unconscious, not knowing his friends as they watched by his bedside, expecting each moment to be his last. All was done that could be done, but to no avail.
Lindsey was a good boy. He was converted last summer at Bro. Spark's meeting at Naruna. He numbered his friends by those who knew him. I have known Lindsey many years and I have always found him faithful and true. Lindsey leaves a father, mother, six sisters and two brothers, besides (one brother and sister having preceded him to the Gloryland), many relatives and friends to mourn his death.
At sundown on August 7th, his body was laid to rest in the Pebble Mound graveyard, Brother Springer conducting the funeral services. It was hard to give him up, we know, but weep not, dear friends, but look to Him who said, "Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of Heaven."
Weep not dear friends, I am at rest,
My Savior now I see,
And am a lamb on Jesus' breast,
Oh! Haste and follow me.
--A Friend
Burnet Bulletin, Oct 16, 1878; contributed by Barry Caraway
It became our painful duty to record the death of two little brothers, Willie and Sammy, sons of J. P. and Mariah W. McClish, of Hickory Creek, Burnet County, who died of fever and conjestion, the eldest September 28th 1878. at 6 o'clock, p. m. and the younger 26 hours later. They were aged respectively, 13 and 10 years. We weep with their parents.
Dear Willie and Sammy,
A long farewell for you no more on earth can dwell.
Your lives were short, your race how quickly run,
Your sun's have set, your evening come,
Your work, alas I how quickly done
Yet though our hearts are lowared in grief,
Tis joy to know, oh I sweet relief,
That you have gone to a world above,
Where all in peace and joy and love,
To reign with Christ above.
--W. H. Meadows
Burnet Bulletin, 22 Nov 1906 - Notice of Death.
The Bulletin with sincere regret reports the death of the venerable Mrs. Hugh McCoy, of the Sage neighborhood, which occurred Sunday night of paralysis. Mrs. McCoy, with her husband Uncle Hugh McCoy, settled in Texas at an early date, and by their honest, upright lives have been a good example to the generations that have grown up around them. An obituary of Mrs. McCoy would be interesting reading and a deserved tribute to her memory. We ask one of those familiar with the life of Mrs. McCoy to prepare such a sketch for publication.
[no obituary was found in several succeeding issues of the Bulletin]
NOTE FROM K. Keele, <jrkkee @ centex.net>, April 2004
An addition to the obituary of Mrs. Hugh McCoy:
Mrs. Hugh McCoy was born Harriet Farquhar on December 7, 1832, in Fayette County, Alabama, the daughter of Anderson and Lavina Kirkland Farquhar. She married Hugh McCoy on September 18, 1850, in Fayette County. They were among those in the Farquhar family group of settlers to come to Burnet County in 1853 and settle on land in the areas of Mesquite and Rocky Creek in the northern part of the county. Harriet was a true pioneer woman who met the challenges of being a settler's wife in the early days of the county.
Harriet Farquhar McCoy was the mother of eleven children and all but one, lived be be adults. They were as follows:
1. William Riley McCoy b. 1851 m. Mirrah Elizabeth Holland
2. Sarah Jane McCoy b. 1853 m. David Anderson Riggs
3. Archibald Lewalen (Arch) McCoy b. 1855 m. Mary Jane Howard
4. Thomas Walter (Tom) McCoy b. 1858 m. Florence M. Fletcher
5. Anderson (Ance) McCoy b. 1860 m. Alie Francis (Fannie) Kizzire
6. James Robert (Jim) McCoy b. 1862 m. Mina Dowen
7. Wilburn Hugh McCoy b. 1865 m. Zeno Alberta Jenkins
8. David Jackson (Jack) McCoy b. 1867 m. Mary Jane (Jennie) Muse
9. Monroe Jefferson (Dock) McCoy b. 1870 m. Rachal Lou Ernest
10. Lucinda Lavina (Viny) McCoy b. 1873 m. T. Henry Stewart
11. Mary E. (Mollie) McCoy b. 1875 d. 1877
Burnet Bulletin, March 25, 1926 - From Barry Caraway
Mrs. William McDaniel Called By Death
Mrs. William McDaniel, residing on Mill Creek in the Northeastern part of Burnet County, died Saturday afternoon, March 20th 1926. She was 58 years of age, and is survived by her husband and five children. Mrs. McDaniel was a good woman highly respected by all who knew her. The Bulletin joins other friends in extending sympathy to the bereaved family.
--from microfilmed copies of the Burnet Bulletin, available at the Herman Brown Free Library.
29 Jan 1880. Died at his residence on the Colorado river, 13 miles west of the town of Burnet, at 4 P.M., Z. McDonald, at the advanced age of 87 years. He was a warm-hearted husband and father, and an exemplary citizen, as well as a model Christian.. He leaves a widow (formerly Mrs. Banta) aged 74, and a host of friends to mourn his loss. He was interred near his residence on the 24th instant, where he will remain in the quiet sleep of Death until criled forth in the morning of the resurrection to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled in the glorious kingdom of God. Jan. 27, 1880 G.W. Banta
Burnet Bulletin, June 5, 1958; From Barry Caraway
Mrs. McFarland Called By Death At Austin, Friday
Mrs. Bennie McFarland of Austin, was called by death at her home, Friday, May 30th, 1958. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, June 1st, at 3:00 p. m. in the Edgar Funeral Home with Bro. McCurin Harwell officiating. Burial was in the Burnet Cemetery. Deceased was born in Llano County, June 17, 1886. She resided at this place for many years, moving to Austin a number of years ago to make her home. She was a member of the Church of Christ. Mrs. McFarland is survived by a son, Jack McFarland of Austin.
Austin American, June 2,1958
Mrs. Bennie McFarland
Burnet-Funeral services for Mrs.Bennie McFarland, 71 who died Friday at Austin, were held Sunday at Edgar Funeral Home here with McCurin Harwell officiating. Burial was in Burnet Cemetery. Survivors include one son, Jack McFarland of Austin.
Burnet Bulletin, 11 Jan 1979
James Watson McFarland, Jr., age 60, of Arlington, died Monday, January 1, at his Arlington residence.
He was born March 4, 1918, in Elton, Louisiana. He was a member of the Christian Church, served in the United States Air Corps and was employed with General Electric.
McFarland is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary McFarland of Arlington; his mother, Lyda Annetta Alysworth McFarland of Arlington; one son, Scott McFarland of Arlington; two sisters, Mrs. Ann M. Morris of Dallas, and Mrs. C. B. Kemble of Grange; other relatives and close friends.
Graveside services were held Wednesday afternoon, January 3, at 3 p.m. at the Burnet Cemetery with Brother Charles Kemble officiating. Arrangements were made under the direction of the Edgar Funeral Directors.
Burnet Bulletin, 18 June 1953
Joe McFarland, a resident of this place for the past 24 years was called by death, June 15, 1953, after suffering a heart attack.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, June 16th, at 6:00 o'clock in the Edgar Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Merritt of Bertram in charge.
Pallbearers were: L.B. Tippie, James Hibler, Raymond Ray, Ben Ray, Leroy Russworm and Dick Kelley.
Mr. McFarland was born at Brady, Texas, March 28, 1900.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Bertha McFarland of Burnet, three sisters, Mrs. Ray Taylor, San Angelo; Mrs. Eva Cooper, Brady; Mrs. Edwin Bush, Mason, and five brothers, Grude and Ruben of Brady; Lou Allen, Jim and Oran of Field Creek
Burnet Bulletin 30 Jan 1964
Mrs. Sam McFarland, born March 2, 1883 in Ladonia, Texas, passed away January 27, 1964 in a local hospital following an extended illness. On Feb. 7, 1903 she was married in Goldthwaite, Texas to Mr. Sam McFarland, who preceded her in death in Sept. 1943.
Surviving her are: 3 daughters: Mrs. Lou Helen Box of Burnet, Mrs. Frances Webb of Shreveport, La., and Mrs. Carmen Parker of Burnet; her son, Don C. McFarland of Albuquerque, N.M.; and her sister, Mrs. Rosa Brown of Waco. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, other close relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 28, 1964 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. H. D. Christian and the Rev. Ted Knies officiating.
Pallbearers were Melvin Kincheloe, B. Pogue, Charlie Kroeger, Dick Feild, Bunk Gibbs, and Raymond Kuykendall.
Interment was in the Burnet Cemetery with the Edgar Funeral Directors in charge.
Burnet Bulletin March 25, 1954 - From Barry Caraway
S. K. McFarland Dies In Austin
Samuel King McFarland, a former resident of this place suddenly called by death at his home in Austin Friday afternoon, March 19th.
Funeral services for Mr. McFarland were held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock in the Edgar Funeral Home with Rev. C. M. Nyquist officiating. Burial was in the Burnet Cemetery. Pallbearers were: V. H. Potts, Glen D. Potts, Roy Potts Jr., Pete Plum, George Davenport and Clarence McFarland.
Deceased was born in Burnet County April 25, 1888 and was for many years engaged in farming and ranching near Burnet. He was a member of the Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife Mrs. Bennie McFarland, a son Jack McFarland, four sisters Mrs. A. R. Cummins, Agua Dulce; Mrs. Winnie Gibson, Montica Calif., Mrs. Thelma Coupland, Castroville Texas, Mrs. C. B. Raney. Montica Calif., and two brothers Clifton McFarland, California, and Rufus McFarland of San Antonio
Austin American, March 20, 1954; from Barry Caraway
Samuel King McFarland died suddenly at his home, 8317 El Mirando, Friday evening. He was a retired farmer and rancher, a member of the Masonic Lodge in Burnet, and had been a resident of Austin for six years. He is survived by his widow Mrs. Bennie McFarland; one son Jack McFarland, of Austin; three sisters and two brothers. The body has been sent to Burnet by Cook Funeral Home.
--from microfilmed copies of the Burnet Bulletin, available at the Herman Brown Free Library.
11 March 1920
Obituary. Mrs. W.C. McGuire passed away at the family home in Santa Rosa, California, on March 3rd. She died from an attack of paralysis, and was sick only two weeks. The three daughters who live in California were with her when the end came, but owing to the influenza raging, and the irregular train service, Mrs. John Brandon of Lampasas, another daughter, did not attempt to make the long trip. This good woman formerly lived with her family in Burnet County, and will be kindly remembered by many of our citizens, who will join the Bulletin in extending condolence to the bereaved relatives.
From the Burnet Bulletin, 3 Dec 1992
Tolmer Spencer "Mac" McKinley, died Nov. 22, 1992.
Born July 21, 1918, he was the son of Tolmer Washington McKinley and Vera Marguerite Spencer. He served as a navigator in World War II where he received numerous medals, including a Bronze Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and a Purple Heart. He was education director at Ft. Chaffee from 1953 until the closure of the base in 1959, at which time he moved to San Antonio with his family.
Upon his retirement, he and his family moved to live on Lake LBJ in Burnet. He was an active supporter for the Hoover Valley VFD and EMS, acting as vice president of the board of directors for two years.
Funeral services were held Nov. 25 at Edgar's Funeral Home in Burnet. Interment followed at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park on Park Road 4.
Survivors include his wife Gertrude "Trudy" McKinley; three daughters, Margaret McKinley Cuny and her husband, Edward; Marcia Lynn McKinley, and Ann Kathryn McKinley; one son, Guy Tolmer McKinley and his wife Denise; and seven grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hoover Valley VFD and EMS Building Fund in Burnet.
Marble Falls Messenger, March, 1908; From Barry Caraway
Mrs. McNew Dead.
The Messenger regrets to chronicle the sad death of Mrs. W. W. McNew last Monday morning at her home in the north end of town. Her death was the result of a stubborn case of grippe, which developed into pneumonia.
The remains were interred in the Richland Cemetery, a few miles below town. Pastor Crain of the Baptist church conducted the services. Mrs McNew was a daughter of Mrs. Charley Coe, and a sister to Bert and Jim Hunnicutt.
The Messenger extends condolence to the bereaved relatives and friends.
Burnet Bulletin, July 12, 1923; From Barry Caraway
Miss Minnie Bell Mills
Recently after a long and painful illness with the terrible malady, T. B., Miss Minna Bell Mills went to rest. She was twenty three years old, and was a lovable and beautiful young lady when struck down by this dread disease.
During her long illness she was ever patient and uncomplaining, and always thoughtful of those about her, and especially watchful for the comfort of her sick sister. Several weeks ago she accepted Christ as her savior and expressed her desire to become a member of the Baptist church, and was accepted together with her sister, for baptism. Since that time she has given every evidence of being a devoted Christian, daily expressing her trust in Christ and taking comfort in praying to Him. She was willing and ready to die, and passed away without a murmur.
The sick sister is in a very precarious condition, and is daily praying to be released from her suffering to join her who has been her constant companion for years, both in health and in suffering. The heart of the entire community goes out to this sorely stricken family, and especially to the one who is left so lonely in her suffering condition. May God sustain her is our prayer.
Mrs. Seleta Mitcheltree Dead
Mrs. Seleta Mitchletree died at her home in Burnet on March 11th, 1934. Her body was interred in the Odd Fellows' Cemetery in Burnet, Bro. Lynn Nobles, pastor of the Church of Christ at this place officiating.
Miss Seleta Williams was born in Wise County, Texas, September 10th, 1851. She was at the time of her death 82 years, 6 months, and one day of age. In 1866, she was united in marriage to Mr. James Mitcheltree. To this union nine children were born, one boy and eight girls. The son, A.D. Mitcheltree of Luling, Texas and five of the daughters survive her. Her husband and three of the daughters preceeded her in death. She moved with her family to Burnet County in 1875, and has resided in this section continously since that time. Mrs. Mitcheltree obeyed the Gospel about thirty-five years ago, under the preaching of Elder R. T. Howell. She gave herself unreservedly into the hands of her Saviour, and was content to spend her declining years in humble service to Him who always leads to the pathway of righteousness.
Mrs. Mitchletree was a good woman in every sense of the word and was held in high esteem by all who knew her, and the heart-broken children and other relatives have the deepest sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement.
Burnet Bulletin, June 20, 1901; From Barry Caraway
In Memoriam
Joshua Moore was born in Iredell Co. N. C. on the 11th of June, 1807 and died May 22nd, 1901. He was the third child of a family of twelve children. He followed the blacksmith's trade up to 1827 and then was made manager of Negroes in the old Capps Goldmine in Mecklenburg Co. N. C.
In January 1830 he was married to Miss Lockie Abernathy of Mecklenburg Co., and had two children, Mrs. Kate Talbert and the late G. Wash Moore. In 1832 he went to Delonago Ga., as manager in gold mines there and served for four years. In 1836 he went to Loundes Co. Miss.; his wife died in August 13th, 1837.
He came to Tex, in or about 1851 and settled at LaGrange, Texas, and in 1865 married Mrs. Nancy Shuford and had one daughter, Mrs. Napie Kinser of Marble Falls, and in June, 1871, he came to Mormon Mills where he settled and operated the Mill until stricken with paralysis in 1897. After this affliction he lasted four years and was never able to sit up or walk. He passed to his reward on the morning of the 22nd of May 1901 at the age, 95 years 11 mo., 11 days, and was buried at Hairston Creek cemetery. Bro. F. S. Rountree of the Baptist faith conducted the funeral services. Uncle Joshua was not a professed Christian I was told.
Burnet Bulletin, 6 Dec 1881
From the Burnet Bulletin, 28 Sept 1899
A Mother in Israel Dead. Last Friday noon, the beloved wife of Hon. Norton Moses passed from earth after a trying illness of weary months. Her disease was enlargement of the liver, and she had attained her 66th year on the 17th of this month. She had been in poor health ever since the burning of the Strickling homestead two or three years ago.
The writer was not well enough acquainted with Mrs. Moses to do justice to her virtues in a newspaper notice. We learn she was a member of the Methodist church, a lady of sterling good sense, and then the fact that she had the chief care and rearing of a large number of step children, with her own, all of them attaining positions of honor or prominence in life, is at once a silent but elequent tribute to her character. She and Col. Moses were married in the year 1860.
The sympathy of the entire county goes out to the devoted and venerable husband and surviving children in the affliction of their lives. Some other pen more gifted and familiar with the deceased will have to portray her as wife, mother, and friend.
The remains were taken to the family burying ground at Strickling, Rev. Sherman preaching the funeral sermon in presence of a great congregation of neighbors and friends.
[Transcriber's note: According to "Burnet County Cemetery Records, 1852-1982", Lucy A. Moses, b. 17 Sept 1833, d. 22 Sept 1899, is buried in Strickling Cemetery.]
Obituary from Burnet Bulletin, 20 June 1912
Burnet Bulletin, 5 March 1931 (Llano News)
Another pioneer settler of Llano County passed to her reward on last Thursday February 19, at her home near Kingsland. Mrs. Helen M. Murchison was born in Missouri August 7, 1860, and was in her seventy-first year at the time of her death. She came to Texas in early childhood and was married to Louis J. Murchison in 1883. They spent their entire married life in Llano County on their ranch near Kingsland.
Mrs. Murchison is survived by her husband, Louis J. Murchison; two sons, Kinley Murchison of Kingsland and Glen Murchison of Menard; three daughters, Mrs. Wiley Conway of Jerome, Ariz., Mrs. Emma Barnett of San Antonio, and Mrs. Fred McFarland of Carlin, Nevada. One daughter died in early childhood. One sister, Mrs. Harriet Crawford of Menard also survives the deceased. All the children were present at the funeral service except Mrs. Conway and Mrs. McFarland.
The funeral service was conducted Friday afternoon by Rev. F. V. McFatridge, pastor of the Baptist church here, assisted by M. C. Barnett who had charge of the singing. The burial was under the supervision of Miles Buttery, local undertaker, and was made in the family cemetery. The pallbearers were Ed Miller, Worth Gunn, Leo Hardy, Clark Smith, V. J. Barnett and Linzey Barnett.
A large concourse of mourning friends testified to the regard and love with which the deceased was remembered by those who had known her through the years. While not a regular member of the church, Mrs. Murchison bore testimony to her faith in the Saviour and to her peace with God. Her whole life exemplified the virtues of Christianity.
The bereaved husband, children and other relatives have the deepest sympathy of their many friends in their darkest hour of sorrow and may they find comfort in the thought that all is well with the one who has been called from this life of toil and trouble.
Austin American Statesman, 9 March 2004
Contributed by Gerald Watkins, gdwatkins @ utexas . edu
Lora Virginia Murphy Funeral Services for Lora Virginia Murphy, age 69, of Austin, Texas, were held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lampasas under the direction of Briggs-Gamel Funeral Home.
She passed away Saturday, March 6, 2004, in an Austin Hospital.
Mrs. Murphy was born April 17, 1934, in Lampasas, Texas, to Joe and Artie Lora Watkins. On July 25, 1952, she married Virgil O. Murphy in Lampasas. They moved to Austin in 1960. Mrs. Murphy was the first woman to work for the Austin Fire Department where she was secretary to the Fire Chief. After 23 years of service and earning the nickname of "Chief Murphy" she retired in 1988.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Survivors include her husband, Virgil O. Murphy of Austin; son, Mike Murphy and wife, Susan of Pflugerville; daughter Diane Murphy of Austin; four grandchildren, Brent and Lance Murphy of Pflugerville, Brian and Brittany Rayburn of Austin. She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant daughter Deborah Murphy. Briff-Gamel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Note: Joe Watkins was an old time Burnet resident, born there in 1895.
Burnet Bulletin, 1904; from Barry Caraway
Mrs. J. W. Murray Dead.
Mrs. J. W. Murray, who for several months has been in feeble health, died at her home in Burnet Saturday night, October 29th, 1904, and was buried Sunday afternoon in the Odd Fellows cemetery, Rev. T. Lee conducting the service.
Mrs. Murray moved to Burnet a number of years ago with her husband, who it will be remembered lost his life some three years ago while performing his duties as a peace officer. During all this time she lived a consecrated Christian life, respected and loved by all who knew her.
She leaves on earth to mourn her death seven children and other relatives. Her two oldest daughters are married and live in Austin. The other five children, four girls and a little boy, lived with their mother in Burnet, and it is by them that the ministering care of the now angel mother will be so sadly missed. All of them are young, which adds pathos to the sadness of Mrs. Murray's death.
The dark cloud of sorrow that now so gloomily shuts out the light of earthly cheer should have a silver lining to the heart-broken children, when their grief will allow them to realize that papa and mamma have been united in heaven, where for all future time they will part no more.
It is one of God's greatest gifts to humanity to bless children with Christian parents, and the influence of such live long after their bodies have been placed in the grave. Such parents were J. W. Murray and wife, and their children should thank God for it.
[born 10-26-1897; died 1-31-1920]
Contributed by Michelle Cryer, copy of memorial, source unknown
IN MEMORY OF MY BELOVED FRIEND RUTH MYNIER
An empty room-and heart-and yet how full
Are they of you since you are gone'
No trifle, small, but become a thing
For thought and love to dwell upon.In summer'twas my heart's desire
To have one lovely fragrant bloom,
Whose warmth and color would dispel
The bleakness of cold Winter's gloom.My dream of youth-to have you near
When hours of age crept over me,
Light of my life-my Star of Hope;
To have you love me tenderly.Dear heart, 'tis night-my blossom, dead,
And you are vanished-who knows why !
In despairing quest I upward look --
A golden bud-a star smiles from the sky.
And thus it is, poor wounded heart of you with whom she liked her glad young life a few short moths ago. The sweet fragrance of her rose-like life still clings to the "shattered vase," but the brightness of her spirit is not a memory only, it is a sentinel, glowing inspiration to better things--to that higher plane whose upward course is paved with those rarest jewels of Christian living: Faith, Hope, and Resignation.
We who knew her well, best knew the pure gold of her splendid character; not gold refined in the crucible of sorrow and suffering, thank God; but virgin gold whose luster radiated through the lives and hearts of her loved ones.
When the Death Angel gently closed her eyes and stole her from the hitherto unbroken family circle--its sunshine went also--or seemed to. Not so; look up, sad hearts, and you, too, will see the "golden bud," the "twinkling star!"
Nearly all of the twenty-two years of our Ruth's short life was spent among us; happy years of merry, mischievous, gipsy-like childhood--on into a radiant young maidenhood which still preserved her childish faculty of viewing life as one grand holiday. This buoyancy of temperament, coupled with intense virility and wonderful physical charm, made her universally admired and beloved; hence her early demise so shortly after her marriage plunged the entire community into a grief which found significant means of expression in the closing of the school and business houses that all might join in paying loving tribute to her memory, and to those near and dear in their great bereavement.
It was altogether fitting that she should rest for a short while in the home of her good friends, Mr. and Mrs. Lamb, since she had been a member of the household after the removal of her parents to Austin--and just prior to assuming the happy honors of wifehood.
There, during the singing of hymns that she had loved, the beautiful white casket was opened, and we through falling tears looked for the last times upon her shrouded loveliness.
"An anthem for the queenliest dead
That ever died so young
A dirge for her, the doubly dead
In that she died so young."
Rev. George Smith, pastor of the Methodist church, of which she was a member, conducted the service in a beautiful way, conveying in well chosen words comfort and sympathy to those bereft. There is no more enviable attribute of a man of God than the divinely given faculty of assuaging sorrow and salving the wounds of the spirit. Rev. Harris, of Lampasas, who assisted, was eloquent and uplifting in his remarks, which he closed with the reading of an exquisite poem most pertinent in its application.
After the house services the unusually long cortege climbed the hill to our quiet city of the dead, where in a tomb exquisitely prepared by loving hands of faithful friends, surrounded by those who loved and mourned her, the frail tabernacle which had held her valiant spirit was laid to its eternal rest.
Beautiful floral offerings came from many places: from Lampasas Clubs and individuals, magnificent pieces from the University, the Department of Education, of which Prof. Richey is a member, the Railroad office at Ranger, where Mr. Mynier has employment, besides beautiful local contributions. The mound was literally covered and banked with this wealth of choicest flowers, tenderly placed thereon by the girl members of her church, assisted by the writer, her friend and teacher, who, as she placed a lovely white cross above the pulseless heart felt the blessed significance of the symbol of promise--"He died that we might live," and so wonderfully expressed by Charles Wesley:
"Soar we now where Christ hath led,
Following our exalted Head.
Made like Him - like Him we rise;Ours the cross, the grave, the skies."
--- Mrs. Jackson
