Obituaries

-A - B -

ALEXANDER, Frank - (1834-1917)

From the microfilmed local newspapers, October 1917

Frank Alexander, 82 years of age, one of the pioneer citizens of this section, died Friday afternoon at his home six miles north of Burnet. He was found dead at the wood pile by members of his family. There were eight brothers in the Alexander family: Steve, John, Joe, Jim, Robert, Marion, Frank and William; and three sisters, Mrs. Mattie Lewis of Georgetown, who is now dead, Mrs. C. Mosteller of Lampasas and Mrs. Eliza Mullins of Mesquite Creek. Joe and John Alexander are the surviving brothers.

The body of Mr. Alexander was buried Saturday at Burnet. He is survived by his widow and several children to mourn his loss. the Alexander family is one of the best known in this section and all of them have made excellent citizens.

[Mr. Alexander was born 4-7-1834 in Arkansas, and died 10-14-1917. He was buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Burnet. Additional info supplied by Joel Frazier of Burnet. Mr. Alexander was his G.G. Uncle]

From the Burnet Bulletin

April 29, 1924, marked the passing of John Alexander, a pioneer citizen of Burnet County, who died at the home of his son, L. E. Alexander, after an illness of several weeks.

The remains were carried to Mesquite, where interment was made in the old family burying ground, five miles south of Lampasas.

Deceased was preceded in death some two years by his devoted wife; also by an infant son many years ago, and a son, Leon, some six or seven years. He is survived by the following children:

L. E. of Burnet,
G. W. of Levelland, Texas
C. R. and Clyde of Trinidad, Colorado
Mrs. Fannie Harris of Gary, Indiana
Mrs. O. D. Baker of Gause, Texas
Miss Kate of Dallas
and Mrs. J. E. Wolf of Naruna.

All of his children present at burial except C. R. and Clyde. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Eliza Mullins and Mrs. Lizzie Mostella of Lampasas.

"Uncle Johnnie", as he was affectionately known, was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, April 3, 1833, and moved with his parents to Texas at about the age of 16 years, settling at what is now Georgetown, where he grew to manhood.

On April 1, 1858, he was united in marriage to Miss Missouri Owens at Helena, Karnes County, Texas. After less than two years of wedded happiness, she died; leaving an infant son, the present L. E. Alexander.

On October 17th, 1861, he was married to Miss Mary Lamb, at Burnet, Texas. For the first few years after their marriage they made their home on Mesquite Creek, afterward moving to Burnet, where he engaged in the mercantile business for several years; then moved out seven miles north of Burnet, settling at what was known to old timers as Underhill Spring, where he spent the remainder of his life with the exception of a few months spent visiting his children in different parts of the state.

Here with his faithful companion, rearing their large family of children to manhood, and womanhood, all of whome are worthy and respected citizens.

Owing to an early accident, he was unable to enlist as a soldier in the Confederate army, but served as Captain of a band of Rangers organized for the protection of the homes and lives of the inhabitants of Burnet and surrounding territory, when the very name of hostile Indians struck terror to the hearts of the people. He faithfully discharged that duty and could tell many interesting and thrilling stories incident to that time.

He united with the Christian church in early life, living in that faith until claimed by death.

He was of quiet and retiring disposition, making it necessary to know him intimately to appreciate his real worth. He was possessed of a fine sense of humor, which was the delight of his friends. Even when strength was failing, and worn with suffering, there were flashes of that good humor witch often brought smiles to those in attendance.

As he grew older and depended on others to help him make decisions, his usual remark was: "I want to do what is right." That seemed to have been the guiding principle of his life, causing him to live at peace with his neighbors and having the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact.

In the last years of his life, with bodily strength failing, with eyesight and hearing greatly impaired and often lonely, berift of his devoted companion, there was never a murmur, but a quiet resignation, a cheerful patience, a Christian fortitude beautiful to see.

Surrounded by friends and loved ones, ready with toying hands to do all in their power to make him comfortable, their hearts were wrung by the thought that he was slipping away from them, but knowing of his longing to be at rest and realizing that each hour only added to his suffering, it was easy to say when all was over that it was better for him.

He was comforted and sustained by his faith in the risen Lord, calling upon his name to the end.

From the Burnet Bulletin, 11 Sept 1941

L.E. Alexander, for a long time a resident of the Pebble Mound community in this county, departed this life at his home in Valley Springs, Texas, on the 6th of September, 1941. The body was interred at Burnet, W.E. Fry, pastor of the Church of Christ here, conducting the service. The pallbearers were John Frazier, Tom Frazier, Floyd Frazier, Jack Frazier, Frank Moreland and Muggins Moreland.

Mr. Alexander was a native Texan, born February 15th, 1859. He spent some of the early years of his life in Georgetown, but a long time ago moved to Burnet county and settled in the Pebble Mound community, where he resided close to a half century. A few years ago he moved from here, locating at Valley Springs. In 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Virginia Harris. To this union one child was born, Marry Lee, (Mrs. Ed Frazier). On May 14th 1898, Mrs Alexander was called by death. On July 25th, 1899, Mr. Alexander was married to Miss Alice B. Redford. Two children were born from this union, Lewis Edwin Alexander and Mrs. Bernice B. Kennedy. He is survived by his wife and the three children named above.

This county never had a better and more conscientious man than was Ed Alexander. He measured up in every respect to what it takes to be a sure enough citizen, trusted, liked and respected by all who knew him. He had many friends in this county who deeply regret his passing, and who sincerely sympathize with the members of his family in their bereavement.

From the Burnet Bulletin, 20 March 1941

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Alexander, a pioneer citizen of Burnet county was called by death at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Mannie Shilling, at this place last Friday, March 14th, 1941. Because of advancing age she had been in declining health for some time.

The funeral service was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Shilling, conducted by W.E. Fry of Burnet, F.F. Conley of San Saba, and L.V. Nobles of Tow, Church of Christ ministers. Burial was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery at this place, with the Bailey Rodgers Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. The pallbearers were E.C. Shilling, C.A. Shilling, John Frazier, W. N. Moreland, Roy Fry and Vernie Collins.

Mrs. Alexander was born July 18th, 1848, in Virginia, making her 92 years, 7 months and 26 days of age at the time of her death. She came to Texas with her parents when a young girl, to Burnet county in 1858 and on July 18th, 1867, was united in marriage to Mr. Frank Alexander, who preceded her in death on October 26th, 1917. From this union the following children survive: Mrs. C.E. Shilling of Burnet and Mr. Ira Alexander of Lampasas. Mrs. Alexander's maiden name was Harris.

Mrs. Alexander and her husband were numbered among the pioneer residents of Burnet county. They were here in Indian days, and Mr. Alexander served as a ranger under the United States government before the Civil War. He was also a Confederate soldier in the Civil War. This couple met and conquered the hardships of pioneer life and both of them lived to witness and enjoy the civilization we now have, made by them and other fine, courageous people who brought order and peace to this part of Texas.

Mrs. Alexander was a good woman in all that the word implies. She was loved honored and reverenced by all who knew her, and she will be remembered with love by many friends.

From Burnet Bulletin Jan 23, 1902

Mr. Robert Alexander Dead

Mr. Robert Alexander, one of the landmarks of Burnet, died last Sunday morning in New Mexico. His remains reached this place yesterday, and were interred in the Old Cemetery, by the side of his wife.

The news of his death was received with deep regret by the people of Burnet. As an indication of the universal esteem in which he was held, every business house in town closed its doors while the corpse was being driven from the depot to the old home. Such homage is an eloquent testimonial of the worthiness of the man.

His four children, a number of brothers, and many other dear relatives and a host of friends were present at his funeral, which was conducted by Rev. J.M. Sherman yesterday afternoon.

Next week the Bulletin will contain a sketch of this old pioneers life from the pen of an old acquaintence and friend.

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More information supplied by Joel E. Frazier of Burnet:

- Robert Alexander was born 3-6-1828, and died 1-19-1902

- He was married to Lucinda McFarland; they had four children--Thurza Jane, Isabel, Eliza Ann (Annie), and Frank B.

- The sketch mentioned above to run "next week" of the life of Robert Alexander could not be found in the microfilmend newspapers.

- Robert Alexander was the Great, Great Uncle of Joel Frazier.

From the Lampasas Leader, Oct 17, 1913

Friends were surprised Tuesday morning to learn that Steve Alexander had passed away at his home some twelve miles south of Lampasas. Although he had been sick for some time, his death was not expected. For some months he had been afflicted with an abscess, which would not yield to treatment, and this was probably the cause of his death.

He was about 69 years of age and had spent most of his life in this section of Texas, having come to Texas from Arkansas when but a child. he was a faithful and consistent member of the Christian church, and was honored and respected by his neighbors among whom he lived a blameless life.

There were originally nine children of this family, seven brothers and two sisters; but three of the brothers, Robert James and Marion, have already passed over the river. Steve was the youngest of the entire family and there are yet five left, three brothers and two sisters.

He leaves a widow, six daughters, Mrs. Cox, Mrs. Marre, Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Wooten, Mrs. White, Miss Eunice Alexander, at home; and three sons, Sam, Rube, and Frank, the latter being at the family home, the others living in the neighborhood.

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Additional information from Joe Ed Frazier, of Burnet:

Steven Alexander, the 11th child of Samuel Stevenson and Thurzy (Ross) Alexander. Steven was born 22 Mar 1844 in Arkansas. This Alexander family moved to Georgetown 9 June 1848, then in the early 1850s, the Alexanders left Williamson County, moving to Mesquite Creek in northern Burnet County. Steven married Amanda C. Berry. Steven died 14 Oct 1913, and was buried in Alexander Cemetery, northern Burnet County.

Steven and Amanda's children:

1. Dena, who married Buck White
2. Della, who married Robert Bennett
3. Marion, who was unmarried
4. Lyda, who married ___ Marrs
5. Laura, who married Wiley Wooten
6. Ruben, who married Della DeSpain
7. Ruth, who married Paul Cox
8. Samuel, who married Pearl Griffin
9. Frank, who married Ollie May
10. Eunice, who married Jack Berry

Children of Samuel and Thurzy (Ross) Alexander:

1. Robert
2. James
3. Martha
4. John Ross
5. Franklin
6. Marion
7. William
8. Joseph
9. Eliza
10. Elizabeth
11. Steven

Contributed by Donna Gregg, 7 Jun 2000

From the Bertram Enterprise, Bertram, Texas, Thursday, June 9, 1921

DEATH OF MRS. G. W. ALLEN

The friends and relatives of Mrs. G. W. Allen, who for the past three or four months had watched and expectantly hoped for her health improvement realized last Thursday when her condition suddenly became critical that their hopes were giving place to saddened despondency and that her earthly career would soon be ended. For several weeks past, her condition had been most painful, and she was taken to Marlin for treatment, but when all that could be done there was administered, she returned to her home unimproved, and on Friday morning, June the 10th, at 3:30 o'clock, her mortal form became lifeless and her spirit was wafted the eternal sojourn to await the call of judgement.

The subject of this sketch was born at Clarksville, Ark., in 1856, came to Texas in the year 1867 and settled in Burnet County. She was married to G. W. Allen in 1876 and this good couple spent their career in Burnet and McCullah Counties. For about thirteen years they lived in McCullah County and the remainder of the time was spent in Burnet County near Bertram.

Decedent joined the Baptist church about 1880 and was a consistent member thereafter. She was the mother of thirteen children, ten girls and three boys, and she proved to be the type of parent that is justly and affectionately described by the name "mother". She was faithful, loving and devoted to her children and to her good husband, and her death has stirred and saddened their hearts as only the giving up of a mother can. The children who live to mourn the loss and memory of the one best loved are: S. A. Allen, J. E. Allen, Mrs. Rena Davidson, Mrs. Wilson Parks of Liberty Hill, Mrs. J. A. Murray, Mrs. Clarance Cox of Austin, Mrs. O. E. Warden of Dallas, Oregon, Mrs. J. C. Norris of Bastrop. Four other children preceeded her in death.

Funeral Services were conducted at the Mt. Zion Cemetery by Rev. A. S. Broaddus, pastor of the Baptist church of Bertram, and enterment was made Friday afternoon.

This office extends deepest sympathy and condolence to the bereaved friends and relatives who mourn the loss of a true friend, a loving and faithful mother.

__________________

Note: deceased was daughter of James Marcus Willis and Mary Jane Park.

Her son, William Robert Allen, b. 19 May 1879, d. 14 April 1907, married Mary Elizabeth Gotcher, daughter of Thomas Jefferson Gotcher and Fannie Anders, on 28 Sept. 1898.

Copy of this obituary was found in the Gotcher family bible.

Burnet Bulletin, April 6, 1911; From Barry Caraway

John I. Altman was born in Macon, Georgia, January 28th, 1841, died near Burnet, Texas March 29th, 1911.

He moved to Burnet County in 1854, and during the fifty-seven years since has resided in and around Burnet. He was in the ranger service when this county was on the frontier. He was married to Miss Eliza Rolef February 2nd, 1865. From this union eight children were born, all of whom are living except one. He was a kind father and husband.

He leaves a wife and seven children to mourn his death, as follows: T. A. Altman of Fort Worth , Mrs. Jennie Glimp of Burnet, Mrs. Josie Glimp of Sage, Mrs. Mollie Miller, John Altman, Mrs. Kate Ruby, all of Pflugerville, and Mrs. Allie Frazier, of Burnet. They are all grown and are an honor to any family. Bro. Altman was a member of the Church of Christ. He obeyed the gospel June 17th, 1881, under the preaching of Bro. Dimmet. He was stricken with paralysis twenty-three years ago and was unable to get around without assistance. He was as tender hearted as a woman, and as kind and patient as one could be. He was ready to go, and is relieved of all suffering-gone to the home of the soul. His body was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows Cemetery to await the Resurrection morn. Weep not for him as you would for one who has no hope. The writer spoke words of comfort over his remains. If I ever had a friend I had one in Bro. Altman. The scriptures say Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. " -R. T. HOWELL

Bertram Enterprise, dated 1958

Frank Ashmore Died Saturday, Feb. 22. Frank B. Ashmore, 50, of Manor, died Saturday in an Austin Hospital. Ashmore was a farmer, living in Manor all his life. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Miller Mortuary in Elgin with Rev. Charles Wright officiating. Survivors include his wife; one son, Frank B. Ashmore, Jr. of Manor; his mother, Mrs. Minnie Ashmore of Galveston; two sisters, Mrs. J.A. Stringer of Austin and Mrs. Elizabeth Anderson of Galveston; and two brothers, Harvey and William Ashmore, both of Galveston. Burial was in Manor Cemetery.

Marble Falls Messenger, July 30, 1925; contributed by Barry Caraway

Mrs. Mary Caroline Kinser Askew Died

One of God's noble woman has gone to her reward, Mrs. A. L. Askew is dead. With the exception of one son-in-law, she was the first to break a large family circle.

Mrs. Askew, with her husband, attended most all services held recently at Baptist Tabernacle, and on last Sunday night, sometime after returning home from church, was taken very ill.

The physician was summoned and all that could be done for her was done. But God was calling and Wednesday at one o'clock, while the family was having noon meal, she passed away.

Truly a good woman is gone. Patient, gentle, a kind friend, a loving affectionate wife and a mother is gone.

Mrs. Mary Caroline Askew was born January 13, 1855 at Midway, Greene County, Tennessee. The oldest child of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Kinser. When she was about 12 years of age, she came with her parents to Texas and they stopped at Old Baghdad, near Leander, Williamson County where they lived for two years, coming then in 1870 to Pleasant Valley where she spent the remainder of her life. On February 3, 1875, she married to Mr. A. L. Askew and last February they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. She lived in the home where she died for nearly 40 years.

When she was about 19 years old she attended a meeting at Round Rock, Texas and there gave her heart to God and united with the Methodist Church. Only a few days before her death, she related this experience to members of the family. When the Methodist Church was organized in Marble Falls about 40 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Askew became charter members and have been faithful to the Church through these years.

Mr. and Mrs. Askew had eight children to come into their home, four sons and four daughters, all grown now and married except John, who lives with his parents and who is most devoted son. The children are: Mrs. Maggie Hays, Burnet; Mrs. Pearl Kesterson, Goodnight; Will & Dr. Wesley, Amarillo; Mrs. Ola Hays, Baird; George Askew and Mrs. Eula Hale, who live in Pleasant Valley near their parents and John the youngest son. Of those living away from home, only Maggie and Ola were at the bedside when their mother passed away, the others arriving last night. Besides her husband and children there are 15 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild, three sisters and three brothers left to mourn the loss of this good woman.

The funeral service was held at the grave at four o'clock this afternoon. Interment being made in the Pleasant Valley cemetery. Rev. Mathis of the Methodist Church at this place, conducted the service. The pallbearers were George Lyda, Lindsey Holland, Leon Whitman, Bob Whitman, Rob Kinser, and Finley Westerman.

This office joins the many friends in extending sympathy to the bereaved family.

From the Burnet Bulletin, 11 Nov 1909

The saddest and most deeply and generally regretted accident that ever occurred in Burnet happened last Wednesday afternoon, when Robert Atkinson was hit behind the ear with a baseball from the effects of which he died within a few hours.

He received the blow during recess in the afternoon, but apparently suffered little from it at the time. He continued playing the game and recited his lessons as usual. When he arrived home, he went to his room, and by six o'clock had become unconscious. Physicians could give him no relief and the end came about 9:30 o'clock. It is presumed that his skull was crushed, a blood vessel broken, or perhaps both.

The funeral service was held at the Baptist Church on Thursday afternoon. It was one of the largest attended services ever held in Burnet. The pastor of the decedent, Rev. C.A. Taylor, officiated and as he paid the deserved and beautiful tributes to he dead, there was not a dry eye in the vast audience. Both schools closed for the day, and one of the most affecting scenes was when his school mates looked their last upon their companion and friend.

From the church, the Woodmen took charge of the body and escorted it to the cemetery, followed by a long line of school children and teachers, and hundreds of others. The impressive Woodmen services concluded, the classmates of the deceased placed loving tributes of flowers upon the grave. Without a doubt it was the most impressive funeral the writer ever witnessed. Every business house in town closed from 3:30 to 5:30 o'clock, and many people were here from a distance to show their respect for the dead.

Robert Atkinson was a young man of the highest moral character, a Christian with the courage of his convictions, and possessed an intellect an energy that would have made him a leader among men. He was liked and respected by both old and young, and his memory will be cherished for many years to come. He was a member of the graduating class of the Burnet High School for 1909-1910, and would probably have won the class honors. Prof. Brown says of him that in fifteen years he has been closely associated with boys and young men, that Robert Atkinson has come nearer measuring a full man than any other boy he has ever been connected with. This is the highest tribute that could be paid any boy.

The bereaved and heart-broken relatives have the loving sympathy of every man, woman and child in this community.

Burnet Bulletin, April 16, 1925; From Barry Caraway

[Transcriber's Note: It says he is buried in the Bluffton Cemetery in the obituary, but he is buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. The only thing I can think of, when they moved the graves to transfer them to the New Bluffton Cemetery, a family member might have had them transfer the body to the Odd Fellows Cemetery. ]

A. G. ATKISON DEAD

A.G. Atkison died at his home in Burnet Sunday afternoon April 12th, 1925, following an illness extending over a period of several years. His body was interred Monday at the Bluffton Cemetery, where his father and other relatives are buried. The pallbearers were A. G. Murchison of Llano County, C. S. Shipp, H. B. Duncan, Walton Christian, Bunk Gibbs and L. C. Chamberlain. Dayton Moses of Ft. Worth, a close friend of deceased for the past quarter century delivered a tribute to the life of Mr. Atkison, reciting his worth as a citizen and father. Mr. Moses stated that some twenty years ago, Mr. Atkison requested that when he died that if Mr. Moses could be reached he wanted him to deliver a talk at his grave.

Deceased was born in the Eastern part of Texas, March 12th, 1866, making him at the time of his death 59 years and one month of age. When one year old he moved with his father's family to Burnet County, and has resided continuously since on the Colorado River.

Mr. Atkison was a man of unusual business ability, and had acquired large and valuable ranch interests in the section where he lived, to which he was constantly adding until his health broke down.

The writer has spent many pleasant hours in company with Mr. Atkison on his ranch. He was always the soul of hospitality and anything he owned was at the disposal of his friends. In his address Mr. Moses stated that Mr. Atkison did not like his enemies but he was a true friend to his friends, and we will bear Mr. Moses out in this assertion. There was no limit to which he would not go in behalf of those whom he liked.

Deceased weilded an influence in Burnet County that brought honor upon his name, and his death is deeply regretted by hundreds in Burnet and adjoining counties. Mr. Atkison is survived by his wife, his daughter, Mrs. I. W. Friedsam of Waco, a step-daughter, Mrs. R. W. Preslar of Taylor, and other relatives. The Bulletin joins other friends in extending sympathy to those bereaved.

BURNET BULLETIN, APRIL, 1990

Dale Atkinson, 60 of Burnet died Saturday, April 7, 1990.

Born July 28,1929, in Burnet, he was the son of Arnold Atkison and the former Hazel Goble. He was a lifelong resident of Burnet County.

Funeral services were held April 9 at the Clements-Wilcox Chapel in Burnet with Rev. Charles Wilson officiating assisted by Deacon Tim Graham. Interment flowed at Lakeland hills memorial Park under the direction of Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Atkison of Burnet; five daughters, Sandra Ann Wright of Liberty Hill, Vicki Wood and Tammy Atkison, both of Burnet, Kathy Dean of California and Angela Kroch of Mason; four sons, Glen Atkison of Brenham, John Richnow and Mark Steve Richnow, both of California, and Richard Riggs of Tow; three sisters, Gaynell Haile of Buchanan Dam; Lila Lewis and Nadine Little, both of Burnet; eight brothers, Jerry Atkison, Ray Atkison, Gaines Atkison, Max Atkison, Larry Atkison, James Atkison and Don Atkison, all of Burnet and Denton Aktison [Atkison] of Lometa; and 18 grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Burton Warwick, Butch Warwick, Quinten McDaniel, Jerry Newton, Floyd Abbott, and William Heffington.

Burnet Bulletin, Sept 17, 1903; From Barry Caraway

Mrs. A. G. Atkison Dead

The citizens of our quiet little city were shocked when the word was passed around Friday morning, Sept 11th 1903, that Mrs. Ella D., wife of A. G. Atkison, had passed from time to eternity, at 11:30, Thursday night.

The sad event was a surprise to her family and friends who were present at the time, and none the less a surprise to the attending physician, as she had been ailing only a short week and was not considered dangerously sick, until a few hours before she died.

During Mrs. Atkison's short residence in our town, she had won many warm friends and had distinguished herself as one ever ready to administer to the suffering, and to sympathize with the sorrowing. Her many deeds of kindness to, and sacrifice for others will long be remembered by her neighbors and intimate friends. She was a kind, affectionate wife and a loving, tender mother; a Christian of ten years standing, a member of the Missionary Baptist Church and a willing, cheerful worker in the Master's cause.

Mrs. Atkison was thirty-three years of age, had been married fourteen years and was the mother of two children, a little boy who died in infancy and little Cassie, so well known to us all.

Her body was deposited in its last resting place on the family block in the Bluffton Cemetery at 4 p. m. Friday, attended by scores of her former neighbors and personal friends. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Black, Missionary Baptist minister of Tow Valley.

Mrs. Atkison was a dear lover of music and when present at Sunday School and church always assisted in the singing. Let us hope that she has now joined the angel choir and will spend eternity in singing praises to him who doeth all things well. J. B. STAPP

[Transcriber's note: it says she was buried at the Bluffton cemetery, but in The Burnet County Cemetery Book says she is buried at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Burnet, her body might had been moved to the Odd Fellows Cemetery from Bluffton by family members, when they moved the Bluffton Cemetery to a new site , because of Lake Buchanan.]

Burnet Bulletin, Jan 3, 1924; contributed by Barry Caraway

Miss Lucy Lamon has received a letter from Miss Mattie Dodson at Austin, containing the sad information that Mrs. E. Bailey had recently died and was buried at her home in Atlanta, Georgia. For many years with her husband and children, she was a resident of Burnet, her husband for a long time holding the pastorate of the Burnet Presbyterian Church. She was a consecrated Christian woman, liked and honored by all who knew her. The Bulletin joins other friends of the family in extending sympathy to the bereaved relatives.

Burnet Bulletin, 10 Jan 1980

Herman Cressler Baker, age 61, of Burnet, died Wednesday, January 2, in the Burnet hospital. Mr. Baker was born October 27, 1918, in Houston, the son of William Baker and the former Alfreda Cressler. He has been a resident of Burnet for the past 4 1/2 years. A former resident of Houston before moving to Burnet County, he was a member of Valley Lodge No. 175 AF-AM, a veteran of World War II, serving in the U. S. Army. He was also a member of Burnet Chapter No. 453 RAM, Burnet Council No. 368 R&FM, Llano, a charter member of Sharon Temple, Tyler, and a member of the Commandery No. 54, OES, Burnet Chapter No. 425. Baker was a member of the Baptist Church.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 5 at the Clements-Wilcox Chapel in Burnet with Dr. James Morrow officiating. Interment followed at the Post Mountain Cemetery under the direction of Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home.

Survivors include his wife, Leona Baker of Burnet; four sons, Ed (Edward) Bennett of Jonesboro, Ark., Al (Albert) Bennett of Boise, Idaho, Art (Arthur) Bennett of Vancouver, Wash., and John Baker of St. Louis, Mo.; two daughters, Mrs. Barbara Fletcher of Austin and Miss Sarah Baker of Houston; one brother, Vernon Baker of New Caney; one sister, Mrs. Mildred Jeter of Pasadena; mother, Mrs. Alfred Baker of Pasadena; fifteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

From the Burnet Bulletin, 3 Feb 1910

(Mrs. F. P. Baker) ...She died at the home of her sister, Mrs. C. E. Preston, Burnet, Texas, Jan. 19, 1910, aged nearly 84 years. She was the eldest daughter of John P. and Annie Gillespie; was born in Fayette County, GA, March 15, 1826; joined the Methodist Episcopal Church when 16 years of age, before the separation of that Church. She with her family, moved to Alabama. She was left a widow in 1863 and came to Texas in 1867, living for some years at Bryan and raising her large family of children. She was the elder sister of the late Col. C.C. Gillespie, first editor of the Texas Christian Advocate. She moved to Burnet in 1892 to the home of her sister, Mrs. C. E. Preston, and her daughter, Mrs. M.A. Smith, and immediately identified herself with active church work; was president of the W.F. Missionary Society for some time; assisted in the organization of the W. H. Mission Society, and was an officer in it to the time of her death.

She died partly from a stroke of paralysis and of old age. Her sons, grandsons, nephew and son-in-law were her pallbearers. She was buried in white, typical of her pure life. Rev. J.P. Rodgers, assisted by Rev. C. A. Taylor, conducted funeral services. She was held in such high esteem in her home town that business houses closed during burial services. She was a woman of great patience, physical and mental endurance, had passed through much hardship and suffering; of deeply religious convictions and consecrated life; and had a fine missionary spirit, and was a woman of unusual intelligence. She held the deepest love of all her children and set them a noble example of life devoted to the best things.

Mrs. Nora Baker Passes Away in Orange, Texas.

Mrs. Nora (Alexander) Baker was born Jan. 24, 1878 in Burnet, Texas at the home of her parents, John and Mary (Lamb) Alexander, and died in Orange, Texas June 15, 1964 where she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Alton Turner, and Mr. Turner. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Orange. She was buried in Burnet Cemetery June 18, 1964. The graveside service was conducted by Mr. Ed Fry, minister of the Church of Christ at Lake Victor.

The parents of Mrs. Baker were early settlers of Burnet having his store on the north east corner of the square. His dwelling was nearby. It was at this place that Nora was born, the fourth of eight children. As a young lady she worked in Mrs. Preston's store in Burnet. In 1910 she was married to Mr. O.D. Baker at the family home north of Burnet. For many years the Bakers made their home in Gause, Texas, where Mr. Baker was publisher of a newspaper and was State Representative from that district. In the last twelve years, Nora had not failed to attend the annual reunion of the Alexander family in Burnet County until illness kept her away this year, 1964.

Mr. Baker preceded her in death several years. Survivors include the daughter, Mary Frances Turner; one grandson, Pat Turner; four great-grandchildren, and several step-children. Two sisters, Miss Kate Alexander and Mrs. Olive Wolfe; a brother, Mr. Charles Alexander of Trinidad, Colo. and many nieces and nephews also survive.

Out of town friends and relatives who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Alton Turner and son, Mr. Pat Turner of Orange, Mrs. Irma Alsobrook, Brenham; Miss Kate Alexander, Miss Mabel Smith, Mrs. John Gray and son, Brice, all of Dallas; Mr. and Mrs. Rector Wolf, Mr. and Mrs. John Oakley, Mr. Raymond Griffen, Mrs. H.L. Shroyer, Mrs. Dolly Perry, and Mrs. R. D. Glimp, all of Lampasas; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Fry of Lake Victor, Mr. Frank Gray of Lake Buchanan, Mr. Frank Alexander of Marble Falls, and Mr. and Mrs. James Boyd of Bertram.

Burnet Bulletin, April 3, 1924; From Barry Caraway

Bowser Woman Is Found Dead

San Saba, March 30. --The body of Mrs. Oliver Ball, 54, was found here this morning in a tank in which she had drowned. She left her home late Saturday afternoon and did not return last night. Searching parties were organized, and by dragging the pond which was near her home at Bowser, her body was found. Mrs. Ball had been ill health for some time. She is survived by her husband, who is a prominent citizen of San Saba county.

Burnet Bulletin, 1882; contributed by Barry Caraway

Death of Capt. Barbour

As was not at all unexpected to our community, Capt. Oscar L. Barbour breathed his last on Sunday noon, after a confinement to his bed of about three weeks, from his old disease, Pulmonary Consumption.

The character and melancholy end of this gallant and popular gentleman deserve more than a passing notice, and we only wish we were equal to the task of a fitting tribute to his memory He came here less than a year ago, for the benefit of his health, going into the home and office of his beloved old commander, Gen. A. R. Johnson. For a while it did seem as if the balmy atmosphere and dry climate of Burnet were restoring him to health, and he spoke of joy; but about that time, he made a trip to Galveston, and while on the way, the train was wrecked, he was exposed to cold and rain, the disease took fresh hold, and his progress has been downward ever since.

Since his brief residence in our midst, Capt. Barbour, by his uniformly courteous, manly, cordial bearing, had won the esteem and confidence of everybody, and that affection was touchingly manifested during his entire confinement by the unremitting and devoted attention of the young and old of the community. Among the last words he uttered was that he appreciated so much kindness, and regretted that he could not repay it. Gen. Johnson, also, feels deeply these expressions of friendship.

Capt. Barbour was born in Kentucky, died at the age of 36 years, and was, we learn, last of his immediate family, all of them victims to the fell destroyer, Consumption. During the last war he was adjutant of Gen. A. R. Johnson's regiment, 10th Kentucky Cavalry, as was widely known as a brave and chivalrous officer having entered the army at the tender age of sixteen years.

Many an old comrade in arms, as he learns the sad news, will drop a tear to his memory, and say:

"Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows no breaking;
Dream of battle fields no more,
Days of danger, night of waking. "

Burnet Bulletin, June 3, 1879 - From Barry Caraway

In Memoriam

At the last meeting of the Independent Temperance Workers, held at their Lodge Room in Dobyville, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted on the death of Mrs. Emma Barker:

Whereas, It has pleased the Great Ruler of the universe in his infinite wisdom to remove from our midst our beloved Sister, Mrs. Emma Barker, who died at the residence of her father-in-law in Burnet county on the 10th inst., after an illness of several weeks, during which she bore her affliction without a murmur and calmly awaited her last end. She was a useful member of society, a devoted Christian and an invaluable member of the Independent Temperance Workers, therefore be it.

Resolved, That in the death of Sister Barker our Order has lost one whose place can never be replaced, and one whose loss we will ever regret, yet we will not complain, but bow humble subjection to the mandates of an all wise God. Resolved, That we tender our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved husband in this the greatest of all of his misfortunes, and that we return our sincere thanks to the many kind friends for contributing to her comfort during her illness.

Resolved, That the members of the Independent Temperance Workers be requested to wear the usual Lodge mourning for thirty days as a last token of respect for our departed Sister.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be bled with the minutes of the Recording Scribe, that a copy be sent to the husband and parents of the deceased, and that a copy be sent to the Burnet Bulletin with the request that they publish the same.

W. C. Lauderdale,
C. O. Groves, - Comm
S. A. Word

Burnet Bulletin, 15 Sept 1927

Word was received late Saturday conveying the sad news that Vander Barnet had died at Antioch, Calif., where with his wife he was residing. His death followed an operation for appendicitis. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Barnet, former residents of the Western part of Burnet county. The body will probably arrive in Burnet Friday morning for burial. Mr. Barnet was a fine young man and had a host of friends in Burnet County who regret his death. The Bulletin extends condolence to the bereaved relatives.

Burnet Bulletin, April 7, 1904; From Barry Caraway

Monday, April 4th, at his home in the Shady Grove neighborhood, after suffering a long illness, A. M. Barton died, and was buried Tuesday. Uncle Alex Barton was one of the pioneers of Burnet County, having assisted in protecting this county from Indians. A number of children, a host of friends and many acquaintances mourn the death of Uncle Alex Barton.

-------------------

Burnet Bulletin, April 28, 1904 ; From Barry Caraway

"Uncle Alex Barton. "

The subject of this sketch was born in Greenville, S. C. , June 10th, 1831. Died at his home near Shady Grove, April 4, 1904, lacking a few months of being 73 years old. He married Miss Louisa Hightower, January 15th, 1851, in S. C., Moved to Texas January 1st, 1854-settled near old South Gabriel this county and has lived continuously in the county ever since. Was a member of the Baptist Church since he was eighteen years of age, a Mason for many years, being a member of Robt. E. Lee Lodge at Shady Grove at the time of his death, was a democrat of the old school type and always took an active part in politics; a devoted husband and father; a kind neighbor and loyal friend-this was Uncle Alex Barton, as he was familiarly called by all who knew him.

He served two years in the Confederate army and then came home to serve in the frontier service, and many were the experiences he had with the Indians. In his death another old land mark of Burnet County has passed from our midst-not many remain who were here before he came.

Fifty years in the County-a long, long time-and yet; time, in its steady and unretarded motion, ticks the time away, and here we are aware we stalk from the cradle to the grave. Sometimes in my busy life, I find time to sit down by the wayside upon the stump of reflection, and turning the tables of my memory back to my childhood days, recall many names and faces of these old pioneer settlers and my heart grows sad when I recall that so few remain-men who blazed out the path that led to all the blessings we enjoy today.

Well can I remember back in the early seventies my father kept the log hotel where now stands King's store, the post office building and brick store on the corner. These old fellows would stop with us during Court. My mother had a piano, (a very few then in town, none in the country) and would sometimes play for them. Ofttimes "Uncle Alex" has told me how he enjoyed that music; he thought no one could play like her, for she plated for them the old style music-music with a tune-not a combination of sweet sounds without a tune.

Alex Barton was an unlettered man, but a man with plenty of "hard horse sense" -a mechanical genius; years ago he began working on a perpetual motion problem, that led to what is known as the Bell Crank patent. From this Phil Davis caught the idea that led to the Davis balance wheel patent-something that revolutionized the whole theory of mechanics, and is now being adopted by all the trunk lines of the Country.

I remember years ago hearing happy-hearted George Arnett saying that he hoped "Uncle Alex" would make a million dollars out of his patent, that if he did hound pups would be worth a thousand dollars a piece in Burnet County, and so they would; he loved his dogs and the sport of the chase.

It made you feel good to go to his house. Always a good liver and he treated you with that old time hospitality that made you feel at ease and at home. He leaves seven children and a number of grandchildren, two brothers and a wide circle of friends to mourn his death. His estimable wife died several years ago. His children who reside out of the County-Jim and Perry in Callahan County and Walk in Nebraska all made a pilgrimage to his bedside to see him before he died.

He was conscious up the moment of his death; he called his children and friends who were present around his bedside and bade them all good bye, said he was prepared and ready to go and with no fears of the future, and thus, the light of this kind and generous hearted old man went out.

Peace to his ashes-and honor to his memory. I pray that in that far away home of the soul, near its crystal banks, where the birds sing sweetest and the flowers bloom brightest-his has found a home eternal. Tuesday, April 5th, at 11 o'clock at Shady Grove Church yard with Masonic honors, surrounded by a large congregation of mourning relatives and friends, he was tenderly laid to rest, to await the "call of the roll up yonder."

Hail! and fare-the-well, old friend!

RUSTLER. Burnet, Texas, April 15th, 1904.

Burnet Bulletin, 1876; contributed by Barry Caraway

On Friday Dec 18, 1876, at 8 o'clock a.m., Johnnie, son of Robt T. and Ellen Barton died at their residence seven miles east of Burnet, aged three years.

From: The Burnet Bulletin, 1 Oct 1964

Mrs. Nellie Barton, 89, lifetime resident of Bertram, died about 9:00 o'clock Tuesday morning, 29 Sept in a Lampasas hospital.

Mrs. Barton, nee Miss Nellie Ater, was united in marriage to Mr. Westfall Barton. After their marriage they lived in and near Bertram, where they reared and educated their children. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and lived a Christian life.

Funeral services were held at 3:00 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, September 30th at the First Baptist church in Bertram, with Rev. Bryan Halliburton officiating. Interment was in the Shady Grove Cemetery under the direction of Clements Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were F.M. Stiles, Clark Sunday, Herman Barton, Reg F. Hyer, Don Barber and Sam Frost.

Survivors include:

- two sons, Dudley Barton of Pasadena and Melvin Barton of Teague;
- four daughters, Mrs. Fred Hyer of Big Spring, Mrs Loubel Brewster of Bertram, Mrs Jack Barber of Big Lake and Mrs John Kozlowski of City Point, Wisconsin;
- one brother, Theodore Ater of Houston;
- one sister, Mrs. Pearl Frost of Bertram;
- five grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren

Burnet Bulletin, June 4, 1925; From Barry Caraway

J. T. Beard

The subject of this sketch, was born in Mississippi about seventy nine years ago, where he grow up and married. He first came to Texas in 1879, settling in Washington County. Like many other people who go to a new country, the old home scenes and home ties were too strong for him, so after a year or so he went back to Mississippi, but having once tried the wonderful soil and climate of Texas, he came back, this time to our beautiful Burnet County, settling near Burnet, on what is now known as the Hullum farm. When F. H. Holloway built the railroad from Burnet to Marble Falls, Mr. Beard assisted in the work and when it was completed he came to Backbone Valley in the early spring of 1888. He lived several years on what is now known as the Kolb place. His wife died and afterward married Mrs. Mayfield, whose father had owned a place here. Mr. Beard moved to the Bell place and soon bought it from the Bell heirs. Here he lived and completed the raising of his family. A few years ago his children persuaded him that he was too old to farm and so he sold out and moved to Manor, where his youngest son, Field, lived, but he did not quit farming, for a man of his energy had to be doing something, so he rented a piece of ground and farmed till his death, caused by Bright's disease and the surgeon's knife, dying on the operating table.

Mr. Beard reared a large family and have most of his children, so that there are eleven children, fifty-six grand children, and twenty-two great grand children. Most of these with his second wife, survive him save one girl, Mrs. Porter Holland, and two boys, Phillip, killed in an auto accident, and Dewitt, by an industrial accident. All his living children save one, Mrs. Allie Foster, Jacksonville, Texas, were at the grave side in Burnet. The surviving children are: J. L. Beard, Sinton, Texas; F. H. Beard, Austin, Texas, route 1; Mrs. C. J. Hibler, Fairland, Texas; Mrs. John Moore, Cross Plains, Texas; Mrs. Allie Foster, Jacksonville, Texas; Mrs. Robert Slaughter, Copeland, Texas; Mrs. Stella Sponberge, Manor, Texas.

The writer has known Mr. Beard since he moved to Backbone Valley, much of the time his nearest neighbor; therefore we know he was a good man. While unlearned in a book sense he had good common sense and had use it much in observing people. He had what might be called the community spirit, for he was always ready to help in everything that was for the good of the community, often taking the lead in such matters. He was a good neighbor, what he had was yours. He was always ready in case of sickness or other calamity. He tried to do right as he understood it. He raised his family right as is shown by the fact that each one of his children are useful members of the community in which each lives. May each live as good a life. A FRIEND.

From the Burnet Bulletin, 15 Feb 1906

Mrs. Nannie Bell Dead

The Bulletin regrets to chronicle the death of Mrs. Nannie Bell, a former citizen of this county, which occurred recently at her home in Jones county. She was the mother of Mrs. J.T. Beard of Fairland. At the time of her death, Mrs. Bell was 78 years of age, and had been a consistent Christian for more than 50 years. She was a true, good woman, and her death is widely deplored. The Bulletin condoles with the breaved relatives.

Souce and Date Unknown; Submitted by Marcheta Ray Jones

Mrs. Eliza C. Berry, widow of John H. Berry, died suddenly at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. W. Earnest, Friday night at 10:30. She was 84 years of age and settled in this section of Texas in 1868. She was a member of the Methodist church, and had been a professed Christian since the early years of her life.

There are six living children, all of whom, except one son, live in this part of the state.

They are: Mrs. Steve Alexander, Mrs. J. W. Earnest, Mrs. Will Fletcher, Mrs. Jack Farquhar, J. T. Berry of Llano County, and A. N. Berry of Oklahoma. They were all present at the funeral except the son, A. N. [photo of A.N. Berry Family]

The body was buried at the Cobble cemetery, Sunny Lane, Burnet County, Friday afternoon, Rev. Ledger of Lake Victor conducting the funeral service. The relatives have general sympathy.

[Transcriber's note: The death certificate for Eliza C. Berry shows a death date of July 21, 1913. The date in the Burnet County Cemetery Records book has July 17, 1913.]

Date and source unknown; Submitted by Marcheta Ray Jones

The following is condensed from a lengthy obituary of John H. Berry, who died at Sunny Lane, Burnet County, some weeks ago:

John H. Berry was for more than thirty years a resident of this community, but is now no more with us. He sleeps in the soil, near where his useful life was spent. We who are still tossed upon life's tempests can but almost envy the approximate octogenarian his resting place, where naught disturbs his quiet repose.

Uncle John was born in Fayette County, Alabama, September 29, 1827. He came to Texas in 1869. For four years the din of battle had been hushed, and just then the much dreaded Comanche Indians had begun to make their last efforts to molest the peace loving settlers in this county.

He and his family spent two years on the Moses place, and then moved to what is now called Sunny Lane.

Having espoused the cause of Christian life, "No changes of season or................................change in his mind." Soon after selecting the place for his own dwelling, the next point was to find a dwelling for the Lord. He professed religion at a camp meeting near Fayetteville in 1849 or earlier. He held the offices of steward and class leader for a number of years in the church. He kept up his family altar as far back as his oldest children can remember. He led in the enterprise that resulted in the building of the Elm Grove school house, where the church held its meetings until better provision was made. He was ever faithful in the discharge of all his duties.

He was married to Eliza Dennis in July 1848. She still survives. Eight children were born to them, six of whom are still living, two sons and four daughters. Thomas Berry of Austin; A.N. Berry, of Sunny Lane [photo of A.N. Berry family]; Mrs. J.W. Fletcher, of Coryell county; Mrs. Jack Farquhar, of Sunny Lane; Mrs. J. W. Earnest of Lampasas; and Mrs. Alexander, of Dobyville. All of the children, except Mrs. Farquhar (who is an invalid) were present and administered to his wants during the six weeks before his death. He was conscious to the last, bade his children adieu, and departed for the home which God has prepared for the faithful. Pastor

[Transcriber's Note: Death certificate indicates date of death October 7, 1904. This obituary appears to have been written by the Pastor]

Source and Date Unknown; Submitted by Marcheta Ray Jones

J. T. BERRY PASSES AWAY

The death of J. T. Berry occurred here Thursday afternoon, January 28, at 2:45 after a lingering illness of a few days. He had been in poor health for the past two years and he and his wife moved to Lampasas about four months ago and had rooms at the home of his sister, Mrs. J. W. Earnest, where death came to claim him.

Mr. Berry was born November 9, 1856, at Fayetteville, Ala. and came to Texas when just a child and resided in Burnet County for many years. He was in business in Lampasas for several years and for the past eighteen years conducted a mercantile business at Oxford, in Llano County. The deceased was a very kind and indulgent husband and father and had a very large acquaintance throughout this section and his honest and straightforward dealings with his fellow man had made for him a large circle of friends who sincerely sympathize with the family in their sorrow.

Besides his widow, the following children survive him: W. A. Berry and Mrs. Elbert Clements of this city, Mrs. Austin Long and Elza Berry of Waco, Mrs. Frank Childers of Austin, and Mrs. Milton Ricketson, of Oxford. All of the children were present at his bedside when the death occurred. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. J. W. Earnest of this place, Mrs. Steve Alexander of Naruna, and a brother A. N. Berry of Hobart, Oklahoma.

Mrs. Berry had been a member of the Methodist church for a number of years and the funeral services were conducted Friday afternoon at 2:00 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Elbert Clements, and Rev. J. Grandy Timmons conducted the services and was assisted by Rev. E. A. Hunter. The remains were taken to the Cobble cemetery in Burnet County for burial. This is the old family cemetery, where his father and mother were buried many years ago.

The pallbearers were Frank Childers, Milton Ricketson, Elbert Clements, Chas. Tumlinson, Sam Long and Tom Childers.

Marble Falls Messenger, date unknown; contributed by Barry Caraway

Uncle John Bible

The subject of this sketch was among the pioneers of this section and was an honorable, upright citizen. He was born in Greene County, East Tennessee, July 24th,1839 and died at home of his daughter in this city, December 17th, 1920.He served in the Confederate army 3 years and 7 months during the Civil War. He was severely but not seriously wounded during some of the hardest fighting.

Mr. Bible came to Texas in September 1876 and located on what is known as the Billy Kinser place south of the river. He lived in that immediate section until a few years ago when he went to Fairland to make his home with his daughter. He married in Tennessee and his companion died 16 years ago. This union was blessed with 10 children, 5 boys and 5 girls; 9 of the children survive him as follows. T. H. Bible, Pleasant Valley, Mrs. Florence Shaw, Pleasant Valley, L. M. Bible of Double Horn, Mrs. Mollie Gass, Edgar, Neb., Mrs. W. M. Holloway, Spicewood, Mrs. H. E. Templin, Fairland, Jim Bible, Toby, Will Bible, Austin, and Mrs. Jim Williamson of this city. He is also survived by a sister and a brother, both of whom live in Tennessee.

Mr. Bible had never been a member of any lodge or church, but six years before his death said that he had made peace with God and was prepared to die.

All that was mortal of this good man was laid to rest in the Roper cemetery in Pleasant Valley. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. J. M. Lynn, Pastor of the Methodist Church, on the afternoon of December 18th.

There are many good and laudable things that could be said of this splendid citizen, devoted husband and affectionate father, but the citizenship of this community which he lived and died know better than we of his goodness and kindness.

Marble Falls Messenger - Sept 5, 1901; contributed by Barry Caraway

A gloom was cast over the neighborhood of Double Horn and Pleasant Valley last Tuesday morning by the death of Mrs. Martha Bible, wife of Mr. John Bible. Mrs. Bible had been suffering over a year and knew that there was no hope of recovery, but thru all of her sickness she never lost faith in God. She said God had a work for her to do on earth and when that work was finished He would take her home. She was patient through all her suffering and when free from pain seemed to enjoy herself as much as a person in perfect health.

She was born in Greene County, Tennessee, in the year 1843.She was a consistent member of the Methodist Church.

The last sad rites were performed at a late hour Tuesday evening The appropriate religious service were conducted by Rev. J. E. Bell. "Blessed are they that die in the Lord, for they shall see the kingdom of God."

From the Burnet Bulletin, Thursday, Aug. 30, 1906

ANOTHER OLD SETTLER GONE.

Died on the morning of June 6, 1906, at his residence in Burnet county, Texas, James Orville Boyce, one of the oldest settlers of the county.

And God said let there be light, and there was light. And God saw the light that it was good. ...And there was evening, and there was morning--one day. Thus a world was born. And thus the same voice that called a world out of chaotic darkness into the beautiful and life--giving light of the sun, called our loved one. Just at the dawning of a new day, when the sable curtain of night was silently lifting, came the message--a voice from the spirit of the Father of worlds, and the spirit of our own noble friend burst the bonds of earthly darkness and obscurity that hides from mortal gaze the full splendor of that other world, and the light of God's eternal one day!

Oh no, not dead but vanished
Away from human sight.
The veil was only lifted,
And lo! he sees the light
That shines beyond life's curtain
In fairer world than this,
Where naught but love can enter,
And joy and peace, and bliss.
Oh, then, ye loving wife, devoted children, sorrowing friends and neighbors, be comforted. 
Consider how brief the evening of life; 
how bright and beautiful will be the morning of that one day--glorious and eternal; a perpetual reunion!

No doubt there is an aching void in your hearts that can not now be filled. Nature asserts its power for a brief time, but hope is eternal, and faith is born of hope, and faith brings comfort to the grief-stricken heart. Be comforted! Look up; 'tis a beautiful thought, that the brightest things are above and the happiest life before us.

The deceased, James Orville Boyce, was born in Hannibal, Mo., in the year 1837. His father, Uncle Jimmie Boyce, came to Texas in 1839, and with his family settled in Travis county, on Gilleland's creek, near where the town of Manor now is, and was among the first to "turn the maiden sod" and plant the "golden corn" in that now rich and prosperous section. In 1853 he removed to Round Rock, in Williamson county, and shortly afterwards to Burnet county, and there on the North Gabriel established a farm and ranch, and there it was that the subject of this brief sketch grew from boyhood to vigorous manhood. On the outer border of civilization and subjected to frequent raids by predatory bands of the painted neighbors, the dreaded Commanches. On the occasion of these periodical raids, it was expected of every man and every boy who was able to shoulder a gun and ride a horse to join in the pursuit, which sometimes resulted in the recovery of stolen stock, but not infrequently in the loss of some valuable life. On these occasions Uncle Jimmie and his four boys could always be depended upon to take their full share of the danger.

James Orville was the eldest of the four brothers, all of whom were of that class of sturdy frontiersmen who never gave back an inch because of adverse circumstances, and whose pluck and energy and stubborn bravery contributed so much to making Texas greater and glorious as she is.

When the tocsin of war was sounded, and the youths of our land were striving for a place in the front ranks of the Southern army, Orville Boyce enlisted in Allen's Regiment of Texas infantry, and served in Walker's Division (known as Walker's Greyhounds) through the war, a brave and faithful soldier. As a citizen and as a soldier his associates and his comrades were ever his friends. There was no malice nor unkindness in his heart, and he generated none in the hearts of others. He was devoted to home-life and dearly loved his family, and he was not a stranger to misfortunes; by an accident he lost one of his limbs, and by another he lost a portion of one hand, but he never lost the love nor the confidence of a friend. His spiritless body now peacefully rests in the bosom of Mother Earth in a beautiful spot not far from the parental home, where he grew into manhood, and whence he went forth to battle with the world; but his good deeds are not buried with him.

C.

[transcriber's note: parents of James Orville Boyce were James Boyce and Harriet Smith. James Orville was born 8 Dec 1838 in Wisconsin; married Margaret Lucy Nichols 12 May 1869 in Austin Texas; died 6 June 1906 in Burnet Texas; buried at Strickling Cemetery, Burnet County Texas]

(originally posted by Gerald Watkins)

THE BURNET BULLETIN - Thursday June 16, 1927

(Note-this obit is completely untrue and no one knows who wrote it. I under stand it was later corrected in the Bulletin but Rube Boyce was a central Texas outlaw.)

Ex-Ranger and Noted Frontiersman R.H. Boyce Has Answered the Last Roll Call (From a West Texas Paper)

With the passing of Mr. Rheuben Hornsby Boyce, who died early Monday morning, May 23 at the home of relatives here, another one of those sturdy pioneers and bordermen is lost to human sight. If the life of this hero of the wilderness were penned in all its details, there would be given to the world a masterpiece of adventure.

Born in Williamson county on January 8, 1853, oldest in a family of ten brothers and one sister, Mr. Boyce grew into his rugged manhood while civilization in Texas was in its infancy. Amid such surroundings he attained his high order of physical perfectness that made him the veritable man of iron that his companions knew him to be. In this invironment he also developed that uncanny, unerring accurateness that later made him one of the most powerful and successful officers in that company of heroes, the Texas Rangers.

As a Ranger he brought to justice some of the worst outlaws that frequented the Texas border and won the enviable reputation of getting his man on every occassion.

He was also active in Indian fights, helping to free the country of these marauders. One of the engagements in which he participated was the battle of Horse Head Crossing on the Pecos River in 1878, in which the entire Indian band was annihilated. He was dominent among the heroic men who were on the trail of the crafty and relentless Geronomo.

On one occasion he quelled a riot in El Paso, jailed many of the offenders and cleared the town of their kin. He served as an officer in New Mexico and Arizona and was made a captain of Texas Rangers. Many of his exploits and deeds of valor are recorded in the Ranger History.

Speaking on this line, it was said that "he served as a real man on a force of real men; when to attempt to capture an outlaw was to court death and face life of a representative of the law was hazardous in the extreme. The denizons of the border were a hardy tribe and the outlaws that haunted the outposts of the ever-advancing civilization were a desperate lot who placed little value on life. Into such must the upholder of the law go, to do his duty or meet his death. And were the debt we owe to this valiant groupe reckoned, it would be enormous.

In 1890 he left his native state and journeyed into the Northwest Territory, where is now Washington, Oregon and Idaho. In a gold rush he traveled into and above Nome, in the frozen North where he remained for about three years. One of the long, cold winters he spent far above the Artic Circle and mined 60 feet under ground. Even at this depth the ground was frozen. For the entire winter he existed on dried beef and whale oil.

Leaving Alaska, Mr. Boyce came to British Columbia, where he engaged in the fishing business on the Columbia River.

He then returned to Texas and located at Rock Springs and then to Coahoma, where he opened a restaurant a few months ago.

Mr. Boyce was married to Miss Adiline Pearl in 1876. To this happy union was born one son whom is thought to be dead.

This man of iron, although known as a "bad man getter," was also a man "who, when he made a friend, kept him always, and never forgot him." He was a bosom friend of Captain Bill McDonald, and a companion to Captain Rogers, Sid McCauley, Captain Miles, Captain Johnson and others whose names have a familiar ring to the students of the early history of the Lone Star State across the pages of which these men rode on their grim missions and left their name and fame engraved in unfading crimson.

This hero of the border was quietly laid to rest at the Coahoma Cemetery, Monday at 6 o'clock. Rev. Cochran. assosted by Rev. Brown conducted the services.

From the Burnet Bulletin, Dec 15, 1910:

JIM BRADSHAW KILLED.

Word was received last night that J. H. Bradshaw had been killed in the Cow Creek Community. Sheriff Kincheloe left at once for the scene of the killing, but at this writing (noon Wednesday) has not returned. We understand, however, that Charley Heine has surrendered to the Sheriff and they are enroute to Burnet.

Bradshaw was about fifty years old; Heine is considerably younger. Except that the deed was committed with a gun, no particulars as to the cause or manner of the killing has been ascertained by the Bulletin.

From the Burnet Bulletin, 29 March 1979

Hailey Graves Brookins, age 99, of Marble Falls, died Wednesday, March 21 in the nursing home.

Mrs. Brookins was born January 2, 1880, in Greenwood, Arkansas, the daughter of Thomas Wilkes and the former Belle Baker. She was a former resident of Houston before moving to Marble Falls. Mrs. Brookins was a member of the Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Henry Brookins, on March 8, 1971.

Funeral Services were held Saturday, March 24, at the Clements Wilcox Chapel in Marble Falls with Rev. Max Copeland and Rev. Milford Zirkel officiating. Burial followed at the Lakeland Hills Memorial Park under the direction of Clements Wilcox Funeral Home.

Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Jenny Henderson of Marble Falls, Mrs. Louis Frank of Houston, Mrs. Eunice Verner of Wichita Kansas, and Mrs. Mary Bell Gaylor of Lake Mead, Ariz.; eight grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Wes Sorensen, Jim Henderson, R. L. Burton, Sam Burnham, Abe Stice, Roy Rameriz, Tommy Shifflet and Dr. Keith Clark.

From the Burnet Bulletin, 1 Dec 1904

Mrs. Andy Brown Dead.

Mrs. Brown, who had been in bad health for a long time, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. A. Johnston, last Wednesday, November 23rd, and was buried Thursday.

She had been a resident of Burnet county, for a quarter of a century, having moved here from DeWitt county. Mrs. Brown was a consecrated Christian woman, held in high esteem by all who know her. She leaves a number of children and other relatives to mourn her death, to whom the bulletin extends condolences.

Source - Vertical Files, Herman Brown Free Library

Dr. W.H. Bruce, Texas Pioneer Educator, Dies.

By Associated Press.

Dallas, Dec. 31.--Dr. W.H. Bruce, 87, prominent Texas pioneer educator, former president of John Tarleton College at Stephenville and the North Texas State Teachers College at Denton, died Thursday at Opelika, Ala., where he was visiting his daughter and son.

Active as professor of education and holding the title of president emeritus, Doctor Bruce had been in Opelika for six months, a custom begun in 1923, when he resigned as president of the Denton college and took his wife to Opelika for treatment of a stroke of paralysis from which she never recovered. Her death occurred in 1937.

Doctor Bruce is survived by his daughter, Miss Maud Bruce, Opelika; three sons, Dr. Byron S. Bruce, Opelika, and Ralph P Bruce and Homer L. Bruce, both of Houston; a brother, R.W. Bruce of Ballinger, and two sisters, both of whom reside at Blanco.

Funeral services and burial will be held at Opelika Sunday afternoon.

Internationally known as a mathematician, Doctor Bruce was author of several books used for years in schools of the Southwest. He was a member of honorary fraternities and listed in "Who's Who in America," Who's Who Among North American Authors," Who's Who in American Education," "Texan Who's Who," "Texas Writers of Today," "Leaders of Education in America" and in "American Men of Science".

Burnet Bulletin, Date Unknown; contributed by Barry Caraway

The friends and acquaintances of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Bryan, are invited to attend the funeral of their little boy tomrrow, Friday morning, at 9 o'clock, at the City cemetery.

Burnet Bulletin, Oct. 1882, contributed by Barry Caraway

After 21 days of intense suffering, little Minnie, daughter of Mr. N. D. Bullock, breathed its last on Friday last. She was about one and a half years old, and a beautiful attractive child and the last.

Marble Falls Messenger, Nov 16, 1899; From Barry Caraway

Dead at his home in Marble Falls last Monday evening at 3:30 o'clock, Mr. Robert T. Burnam.

Mr. Burnam has been a citizen of Burnet county for many years and was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a loving husband and a devoted Christian. He was sick only a few days, was taken with a severe pain in his left breast, which resulted in his death last Monday. He is the father of seven children, Mesdames Fannie Burnam, W. H. Andrews, T. T. Hubbard, T. M. Yett, deceased, and Miss Annette Burnam; and R. A. and J. H. Burnam. His remains were laid to rest in the City Cemetery Tuesday evening at 2 o'clock and was followed to the grave by a large procession of friends. We deeply sympathize with the bereaved family. We are in possession of some interesting facts concerning his life that will have to go over till next week.

Marble Falls Messenger, Nov 23, 1899; From Barry Caraway

Robert T. Burnam, A Pioneer

The subject of our sketch was born November 9th, 1826, at the little settlement of Matagorda, in the county of the same name, in Texas, and while he was yet quite a small boy his parents moved to Fayette county, where he resided till the "runaway" in '36.

They followed Houston's army in the retreat before the Mexicans. After the Battle of San Jacinto they returned home where they found everything utterly destroyed. Mr. Burnam lived there till '52, when he moved to Burnet county and settled about four miles south of Marble Falls, where he lived up to two years ago when he moved to town to spend the last days of his life.

In November '57 he was married to Miss S. C. Alexander, a native of Tennessee. They had eight children, one at the age of 15 months was drowned in the spring near their old country home, and Mrs. Tedie Yett died three years since, the other six, four daughters, Mesdames T. T. Hubbard, W. H. Andrews, Fannie Burnam, and Miss Annette Burnam; and two sons, Robert A. and John H. Burnam are still living and are prominent citizens of our town.

When Father Burnam came to Burnet county, the country was so thinly settled that his nearest post office was Fredricksburg. Once every month some of the settlers would go for the mail, and from his ranch house it would be distributed, but a few years later, in 1857, a post office was created at Double Horn, thereby giving them better mail facilities.

In the family circle is still kept and very much prized by all, his old leather trunk and dozens of old letters, some of which date back many years prior to the Civil War, and some of them bear the old Confederate postage stamp and seal.

Mr. Burnam was the 7th child of a family of eight boys and eight girls, and it is somewhat remarkable that he has been the only child living for the past 27 years.

When quite young he fell a victim to a severe spell of fever that left him a cripple for life, but with this one exception he had no recollection of being sick a single day in his life, till 71 birthday, when he had his meals brought to his bed. Two weeks previous to his 73 birthday he was taken sick, and on November 13th of the present year passed from time to eternity. We have pages of other valuable and interesting facts connected with the life of Mr. Burnam that we are forced to leave out for lack of space.

Last update:  Monday, 24-Aug-2009 09:47:30 MDT