Lee Haden Gilbert, born February 25,1864, Texas . He was the son of Pleasant Lee Gilbert, born 1840, Texas and Berthania/Buthena Ferguson, born 1837, Kentucky. Lee Haden Gilbert had two brothers, Jasper Louis Gilbert, born March 13, 1862, Texas and Pleasant Joseph Gilbert, born 1866, Texas. Lee's only sister was Susan Elvira Gilbert, born February 25, 1861, Cuero , Texas. Lee Haden's grandparents were Jasper L. Gilbert, born 1809, Tennessee and Sarah Elvira Lockhart. They were married in Colorado County, Texas in 1837. Jasper L. Gilbert came into Texas in 1822 and received an unconditional certificate for land in Colorado County. He later sold this property. Sarah Elvira Lockhart was the daughter of Andrew Lockhart, an original settler in the DeWitt Colony. Jasper L. Gilbert and Sarah Elvira lived on the many leagues of land in DeWitt County that they inherited from Sarah's father , Andrew Lockhart and her brothers, Byrd B., John , and Washington. Sarah Elvira died in 1847. Their children, Pleasant Lee and Bartley S. Gilbert were wards of many guardians including Richard Chisolm, originator of "The Chisolm Trail", and were the subjects of many court battles in DeWitt County from 1847 until February, 1853 when Jasper L., their father, was finally appointed permanent guardian.
Pleasant Lee Gilbert married Berthania T. Ferguson , April 6, 1860, DeWitt County, Texas. They remained ranching and farming until the Civil War broke out and Pleasant Lee Gilbert enlisted in 1862. The Confederate Records indicated that Pleasant Lee Gilbert served as a private in Yagers, Co, C and E, Texas Cavalry until January 1864. He did not return home. Berthania/ Buthena Gilbert remarried James W. Robinson in 1870. Susan Elvira, Lee Haden and Pleasant Joseph and J.L (Jasper Louis) Gilbert were raised in the Robinson household. Much of the Lockhart/Gilbert land holdings had been sold by this time.
Susan Elvira Gilbert married Andrew Jackson Wheeler, born August 1842, Copiah County, MS. , on June 20, 1878, DeWitt County, Texas. Children of this marriage were eight in number: Polk, Erastus Benjamin, Bertha , Maude Lee, Andrew Jackson, Jefferson, Joseph, and Ethel. All were born in DeWitt County, Texas. Susan and Andrew Wheeler lived for a number of years on the ranchland of James W. Robinson , but by 1900 census they were living in Yoakum, Texas, Lavaca County.
According to the list of original land owners for Stonewall County, Tx, Lee Haden (L.H.) Gilbert purchased four sections of land. According to the 1910 census of Kent Co., Tx, Lee H. Gilbert married to Ruby A. had four children: Willie, Luis, Berthania, and John O. They were living next door to Jasper Louis Gilbert. Lee H. Gilbert died 12-14-1930 and is buried at Spur Memorial Cemetery, Spur, Dickens Co, Tx.
The youngest brother, Pleasant Joseph Gilbert went to live with a cousin, MAry A. Gilbert. Mary was married to Robert Carson of Gonzales Co, Tx.
Submitted by Carla Hillman Ratliff
Lee H. Gilbert, one of the pioneer citizens of Western Texas died Sunday afternoon at one o'clock following a stroke of paralysis suffered during the night. He experienced his first stroke four or five years ago while operating a stand at the skating rink operated by his son. He spent the greater part of the day in town and his sudden death at this time was unexpected and a shock to the family as well as friends.
Lee Gilbert was a typical, true West Texan, having come West when a mere lad of 12 or 13 years of age, punching cows on the ranches several years and later acquiring a ranch and engaging in the cattle business for himself, and in which he was successful. In fact, when he sold out his ranch interests some 18 or 20 years ago, he was considered a rich man in those days having closed out his ranch and cattle interests for a consideration of some thirty odd thousands of dollars. He moved with his family to Spur in 1914 or 1915 making their home here continuously since that time.
Among the relatives here to attend the funeral which was conducted by Rev. W.B. Vaughn at the Methodist Church Wednesday afternoon, the body being withheld from interment awaiting the arrival of a daughter Mrs. Ralph Seale of California, were Mrs. Gilbert's parents, W.L. McCombs and wife of Rotan, Orbey McCombs and wife of Sweetwater, John McCombs and wife of Rotan, Mrs. Lewis McCombs, daughter and son of Clairemont and Mrs. Ralph Seale of California.
Surviving members of the family are two sons, Mack and John O. Gilbert and two daughters, Mrs. Jim McClanahan, all of Spur and Mrs. Ralph Seale of California, and the wife and mother, Mrs. Gilbert.
Lee Gilbert was 66 years of age, having been born February 25, 1864 in DeWitt County Texas. The old pioneer citizen who endured the hardships of earlier days and blazed the trail for the present day civilization and development are rapidly passing to their Reward in the Great Beyond and there is no doubt that the brightest stars will shine in their crowns.
©The Texas Spur, December 19, 1930
From the records of Lillian Grace Nay, Spur Museum, transcribed by Becky Hodges, August 2004
Funeral services for Mrs. Ruby Jewel Hays, 83, were held November 11, Rev. W.D. McReynolds officiated at the service held at the First Methodist Church. Mrs. Hays died November 9. She had been a resident of Spur since 1914. She was a member of the Methodist Church.
Survivors include two sons, Mack L. Gilbert and John O. Gilbert, both of Lubbock; two daughters, Mrs. Willie Lee Seales, Redwood, CA and Mrs. Bonnie McClanahan, Brownfield; two brothers, O.F. McCombs, Abilene and Johnny McCombs, Rotan; seven grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Pallbearers included Frank Watson, Jerry Ensey, John Albin, D.J. Dyess, A.V. Hoover and R.J. Bell.
Interment was in Spur Cemetery.
©The Texas Spur, November 18, 1965
from the records of Lillian Grace Nay
© Dickens County Historical Commission 1997-2022
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