Texas

Biographical Sketch of J. B. Ryan

J. B. Ryan, born in 1854 to Irish parents in Kentucky, relocated to Fannin County, Texas, in 1866. He established a successful drug business in Honey Grove in 1877, which grew into a profitable venture through hard work and astute management. Ryan invested wisely in real estate, accumulating valuable properties. He exemplifies the self-made man, a rare success among many who failed. Alongside his wife, Miss Bell Drennan, he found stability in both business and personal life, contributing to his achievements.

Biographical Sketch of W. Y. Davis

W. Y. Davis was born in 1850 and raised in the state, where he worked on a stock farm and ranch before entering the hotel industry. He married a local woman and, along with her, has managed the Crockett House since 1883, establishing it as a favored destination for travelers. Davis is recognized for his modest, reliable approach to business, which has contributed to his success despite starting with limited capital. His dedication positions him as a prominent figure in the state’s hospitality industry.

Biographical Sketch of Brainard Lindsay

Brainard Lindsay, the only second-hand dealer in Fannin County, opened a second-hand store on South Main Street in Bonham in 1884, alongside a mattress factory and furniture line. Raised in Texas, he married at eighteen and established himself in business despite lacking parental guidance. His determination, business acumen, and industriousness signal a promising future, positioning him as a valuable community member. Lindsay’s success serves as a model for other young men in the county, illustrating the benefits of entrepreneurship and hard work.

Biography of C. W. T. Weldon

C. W. T. Weldon, born in Virginia in 1830, moved to Texas in 1852 and initially worked as a dry goods clerk. Despite suffering significant losses during the Civil War, he demonstrated resilience and pragmatism by rebuilding his business and successfully establishing himself as a prominent banker. He serves as president of the First National Bank of Honey Grove and is a significant stakeholder in the First National Bank of Bonham. Weldon is recognized for his integrity and willingness to support worthy ventures in Fannin County.

Biography of Calder, R.J., Capt.

Captain R.J. Calder, born on July 17, 1810, in Baltimore, became a key figure in Texas history. He moved to Texas in 1832 and actively participated in the Texas Revolution, notably serving as captain of Company K at the Battle of San Jacinto. After the war, he held various public offices, including sheriff and mayor in Brazoria, and later chief justice of Fort Bend County. He passed away on August 28, 1885, leaving a legacy as the last surviving captain of San Jacinto.

Biographical Sketch of Jones, Julia, Mrs.

Mrs. Julia Jones, born in 1839 in Fort Bend County, was the daughter of Judge C. C. Dyer and Sarah Stafford. She married Austin Jones and had one child who died in infancy. Following her husband’s death in 1889, Julia continued to live in Richmond. Her family included numerous siblings, several of whom also had notable lives, such as William and James Foster, who contributed to the Dyer legacy in Texas. Julia remains a significant figure in the Dyer family history.

Terry Rangers, Company I

The document outlines the service and fate of various members of Terry Rangers, Company I, predominantly from Gonzales County, Texas, during the Civil War. Key figures include Captain J. G. Jones, who resigned at Shiloh, and A. D. Harris, who was promoted and killed shortly after. Several others were wounded or killed in action, while some were discharged or taken prisoner. The account reflects the significant sacrifices and challenges faced by the company’s personnel throughout the conflict.

Terry Rangers, Company K

The post details the military service and fates of members of Company K, including various ranks and counties. Captain John G. Walker was wounded and later resigned, while Lieutenant A. W. Morris also sustained wounds but died after resigning. Promotions, wounds, discharges, and deaths at notable battles such as Murfreesboro and Woodsonville are recorded. Several soldiers died in prison or in later years, while others transitioned to civilian roles after the war. The detailed account highlights the sacrifices made by these men during the conflict.

Biography of Jones, Randall, Capt.

Captain Randall Jones was born on August 19, 1786, in Georgia and moved to the Mississippi Territory in 1810. He served as a captain in the War of 1812, notably fighting in the Canoe Fight. Post-war, he engaged in trade with Native Americans and established a store in Nacogdoches. In 1819, he joined General James Long’s forces and later settled in Fort Bend County, Texas, where he participated in local defense against Native American attacks. He passed away in Houston in 1873, leaving a legacy of nine children.

Biography of Jones, Henry

Henry Jones, born in Virginia in 1798, became one of the Old Three Hundred in Austin’s colony. In 1817, he embarked on an adventurous journey with his brother, becoming a trapper and hunter in Arkansas. After surviving a fierce attack by hostile Indians, he settled in Texas, eventually marrying Nancy Styles. They had twelve children, with William being the first child born in Austin’s colony. Known for his hospitality, Jones welcomed travelers and was an integral figure in early Texas history until his death in 1861.

Biography of Fields, W. I.

Colonel W. D. Fields, born on March 2, 1834, in Kentucky, moved to Texas after living in Indiana. He engaged in expeditions against Indian raids and developed innovative farming techniques. Fields had a successful military contract during the Civil War but faced financial hardships in cotton farming. He was a prominent Democratic organizer during Reconstruction, contributing to local politics in Fort Bend County. Fields passed away on January 15, 1903, leaving behind a legacy as a notable planter and family man.

Biographical Sketch of Jones, Wiley P.

Wiley Powell Jones, born on October 17, 1843, in Fort Bend County, Texas, was the son of early settler Henry Jones. Initially a farmer and stockman, he joined the Confederate army during the Civil War but faced health challenges that prevented his full participation. In 1887, he settled in Richmond, serving nearly eight years as Justice of the Peace and conducting numerous inquests. Jones was married twice, fathering eleven children, with only three surviving. His life reflects the experiences of early Texas settlers and the impacts of war and family.

Biography of Smith Deaf Smith

Erastus “Deaf” Smith, born on April 19, 1787, in New York, moved to Texas in 1821. A trusted scout during the Texas Revolution, he provided crucial intelligence to the Texan army, notably in battles against Mexican forces. He married Guadalupe Duran in 1828 and had two children. Smith’s significant contributions included guiding troops and engaging in key battles before his untimely death on November 30, 1837. His legacy as a valiant figure of Texas history endures, marked by loyalty and bravery.

Biography of Foster, Randolph

Randolph Foster, born March 12, 1790, and died August 18, 1878, was a notable pioneer whose life embodied the spirit of frontier resilience. Known for his deep connection to nature and aversion to societal pretenses, he was a deer hunter with Stephen F. Austin’s early colonists. After marrying Lucy Hunter, he settled in Texas, where he lived for half a century. Following her death in 1872, Foster resumed his wandering ways, often fishing and exploring. He left behind a legacy of integrity and hospitality, remembered as a man without enemies.

Biographical Sketch of Fenn, F. M. O.

Francis Marion Oatis Fenn, born in Fort Bend County, Texas, was the son of early Texas settlers. He received his education at Roanoke College and the University of Virginia, earning oratory medals at both institutions. Active in local politics, Fenn campaigned for key positions in Harris County and played a significant role in the Jaybird Democratic Constitution. Elected as County Attorney in 1900 and reelected in 1902, he was married to Lottie Benson and had one son, Rutherford.

Biographical Sketch of Baker, Mosley, Captain

Captain Baker, an influential figure in Fort Bend County, played a crucial role during the Mexican army’s invasion. Arriving in Texas from Alabama in 1834, he became a strong opponent of Mexican aggression, earning a spot on the proscription list by Colonel Ugartechea. Commanding at San Felipe, he faced controversy regarding orders that led to the town’s burning. Baker was wounded at the battle of San Jacinto and later served in the Congress of the Republic. He died of yellow fever in Houston on November 4, 1848.

Biographical Sketch of Hibbered, Loron

Loron Hibbered, born in New York in 1827, moved to Texas with his parents in 1837. His father, Elmer Hibbered, initially paused in New Orleans due to the Texas invasion but eventually settled near the Brazos River. Loron witnessed the aftermath of the Battle of San Jacinto as a child and grew up in challenging conditions after his father’s death. He later supported his family by driving a freight wagon and acquired land in Fort Bend County, where he has resided for 65 years.

Biographical Sketch of Wessendorff, T. B.

Tony B. Wessendorff, born on November 19, 1872, in Richmond, Fort Bend County, is the son of German immigrant Anton Wessendorff, a Confederate soldier during the Civil War. Tony was elected County Treasurer in November 1902 and is currently serving his first term. He married Jennie Jones, with whom he has four daughters. In addition to his treasurer duties, he runs a lumber and undertaking business with his brother, E. G. Wessendorff.

Biographical Sketch of Newell, John D.

John D. Newell, a notable figure from Fort Bend County, relocated from North Carolina to Texas in 1830. He participated in the 1833 convention and achieved success as a planter, cultivating forty-five crops throughout his life in Texas. Newell passed away in December 1875 in Richmond, Fort Bend County.

Company H

The post details the fates of various soldiers from Company H during the Civil War. Colonel Frank Terry was killed in Kentucky, while Second Lieutenant Robert J. Calder died in East Tennessee. Numerous others faced similar fates, including several who were wounded, captured, or died from injuries. Notably, Gustave Cook experienced a rapid rise in ranks despite sustaining multiple injuries, and several soldiers were transferred or discharged due to their wounds. The post highlights the sacrifices made by these individuals during the conflict.