JUDGE FLEMING AND HIS BROTHER, MARK

Old Judge Fleming had a brother named Mark. He was in the meat business in Comanche County. He came over here with Plenny Chalk after some cattle. There was some altercation with Jim Carter, who was a deputy sheriff, and he arrested Mark Fleming. It seems that Carter was pretty roughshod. Fleming told him if he would take off his six shooter he would whip him. He did and Fleming gave him a terrible whipping.

Some time later Chalk (or Fleming) was in grave’s saloon in the basement of the old building. Carter, remembering the whipping, abused Chalk (or Fleming) and followed him upstairs toward the street. Chalk had on spurs, like that German made in Austin, and finally stopped Carter and tore up his face with the spurs. Chalk, and Fleming, and Massie were related.

Mr. Williams said Judge Fleming was a good judge, but pretty cross. Wade had a deputy named Caldwell. Tom Caldwell, who was sorta rough and ready. Old Man Tom Patterson from west of Hamilton talked loud, but didn’t mean any harm, and he was down below the courthouse talking, and Fleming sent Caldwell down to stop the noise and it nearly caused trouble. Said Wade came down from Bell County like the Bouldings and thought he went to Cleburne, and was sheriff of Bell County.

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