HASKELL FREE PRESS

Haskell, Texas, Saturday, June 6, 1886

 

Another honored Texan Gone

 Col. Thos. F. Tucker, the subject of this sketch, migrated to Shelby co., Tex. in 1838 at an early age from Yazoo co. Miss. accompanied by his four brothers.  He engaged in agriculture and such other pursuits, as the then new county afforded:  during the earlier times in Texas he was often called into the field in defense of his country against the marauding bands of Indians that infested the frontier of Texas.

 

After was declared between Texas and Mexico, Mr. Tucker raised a company of his neighbors and volunteered in defense of Texas Independence.  He was gallant and true to a fault and led his little band of bronzed Texans through the battle of Buena Vista, Cerrogordo, Chapultepec and many others in the hard fought feuds in the Republic of Mexico and finally to the city of Mexico when the Mexican forces capitulated and the treaty of peace was arranged.  It has been the writer’s pleasure to know many of Capt. Tucker’s old soldiers and they all speak of him in the highest terms as a citizen and soldier.

 

After peace had been declared he returned to the peaceful pursuits of farm life till called by his countrymen to serve them in the lower house of the Texas legislature, but from ill health or other causes he did not attend the session.

 

At the outbreak of the late civil war between the states. Capt. Tucker joined the Southern cause, true to the principle, and was elected Major of the 17th Texas Regiment and served his country with distinction in the trans-Mississippi Department to the close of the war, rising to a colonial and was often in command of the Brigade. 

 

Col. Tucker, after the war, returned to farm life in San Augustine co. and remained there ‘till 1876 where he removed his family to McCulloch co where he lived two years and from thence to this county, his being the only white family in this county for some years.  He lived in the old California Ranch on the only road in this  part of western Texas and his house was ever open to the belated hungry strangers, often have I seen wagons of emigrants and  traveler all round his house enjoying his hospitality.

 

Upon the organization of this Haskell co. June 18, 1885, Col Tucker was called by his neighbors to the head of the county government.  Without an advisor or even a statue the Judge entered upon the duties of the office.  Perhaps mistakes have been made during his administration, but in the gauge of our Savior,  Let those who are guiltless cast the first stone.

 

He aided by the commissioners lived long enough to build a handsome courthouse and substantial brick jail to say nothing of other improvements in this county. 

 

In the words of his old soldiers, I know nothing of the acts of Judge Tucker since the war but let no man speak of his war records with dishonor. 

 

He was a member of the Masonic Order since early manhood.  Col. Tucker was a kind friend, a devoted husband and indulgent father  He has reared and leaves a large family, seven sons and one daughter and his aged wife to mourn his departure. 

 

Col. Tucker died suddenly having been sick only twelve hours at his house in Haskell City May 21, 1886.

Obituary transcribed by Judith Atkeison

 

Back to Haskell Obituaries Page

Back to Haskell TXGenWeb Home Page