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PageHere are some of Grandma's clippings from Texas newspapers. Most of the clippings are from Limestone Co. Grandma, unfortunately, neglected to include the dates and newspaper headers when she clipped these so exact dates and newspapers are unknown but many date from the 1930s. If you have any more information regarding these clippings, please E-mail me at bribling@earthlink.net
Surnames are in BOLD print for the benefit of interested parties.
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PageThe Corsicana District Annual meeting of the W.M. Society was held in Coolidge Tuesday, June 6th. The attendance was average except from auxillaries cut off by bad roads.
Auxillary reports showed an increase in all lines of work. The main speaker of the day was our Conference President, Mrs. G.J. Bryan who held the audience spell-bound with her news from recent United Conference at Kansas City, every session of which she attended. Other Conference speakers were Mrs. Wedemeyer of Waco, Mrs. Tibbs of Valley Mills. Guest speakers were Mrs. J.W. Spivey of Waco and Mrs. A.W. Jowers of Buffalo. Mrs. H.O. Whitehurst of Groesbeck presented the Child Welfare Work of our organization in a most convincing manner.
The next District Meeting will be held in Groesbeck June 1, 1940. Mesdames Maffet, Oglesby, Whitehurst and Stroud were representatives from the Groesbeck auxillary.
In my scrapbook I have a parody on James Whitcomb Riley's "That Old Sweetheart of Mine". This latter poem by James Strachan always reminds me of that great Coolidge ball team of 25 years ago that won 22 straight games before suffering defeat --- the greatest semi-pro aggregation that I ever saw --- a team in which every member was a star in his own right.
This team lost only four games in the entire season. One game to Mount palm and three to Kosse. Clel Hill got sick along in July and that left the key-stone sack wide open, and during his illness we lost those four games. Clel's condition became worse when the time came for the Kosse series and Carl stayed in Coolidge to be at Clel's bedside.
The greatest game of the season was a spectacular Fourth of July game played on fresh oat stubble at Delia in the record time of 58 minutes in which Carl Hill won a catcher's duel from "Froggy" Fred of Hubbard City. A timely hit from Wilford Pringle scored Jess Varnadora in the last half of the ninth after two men were out --- and the Coolidge people went baseball crazy.
Except for the games pitched by Pearl Cox and prior to the sickness of Clel Hill, we used the same batting order throughout the season, as follows:
- Altus prince
- Ned Miles
- Clell Hill
- Carl Hill
- John Robbins
- Jess Varnadora
- Lloyd Wood
- Jack Hawkins
- Wilford Pringle
Altus Prince caught and played third base. Ned (Shorty) Miles covered first. Clel Hill was keystone guardian. Carl Hill pitched, caught and played third base. John Robbins pitched and played center field. Jess Varnadora roamed the right field pastures and Lloyd Wood guarded left field without an error for the entire season. Jack Hawkins caught and played third base and Wilford Pringle guarded the short stop position. A column could be written on the individual prowess of every member of that wonderful team.
Little Shirley Ann Webster, two year old daughter of John Webster, who is being reared by Mr. and Mrs. Roy Webster, proved herself a heroine last Friday as well as being mighty smart for a two year old child.
Mrs. Webster and Shirley Ann were at home alone, Mrs. Webster had been in the yard and stuck a nail in her foot. When she reached the house she fainted, Shirley Ann sized up the situation and saw that something had to be done, so she did exactly what a grown person would have done. She god a heavy rag and went to the water basin and wet the rag real good.
A few minutes later Mrs. Webster revived to find Shirley Ann standing over her and wetting her face with water. Needless to say this act makes Shirley Ann a bigger favorite than ever at the Webster house.
Miss Anna Burney, daughter of Mrs. Mattie Burney of this city, became the bride of Dr. I.A. Sheperd of Taylor, Saturday afternoon at three o'clock at the Methodist church with the pastor, Rev. B.F. Browning performing the ring ceremony before a setting of beautiful pink roses and Queen Ann Lace gracefully arranged.
The wedding music was rendered by Mrs. L.L. Geren at the organ, using Mendelssohn's wedding march for the recessional and Lohengrin's bridal chorus for the processional. The bride's only attendant was Miss Geraldine Scott of Jasper and Munger Burney, brother of the bride, attended the groom.
The bride was lovely in a navy sheer suit with hat and all accessories to match. Her shoulder corsage was an orchid.
Immediately following the ceremony a reception was held at the bride's home where guests were greeted by the bride and groom and Mrs. Burney. In the dining room the table was laid with a beautiful hand-made lace cloth and had for its centerpiece a low crystal bowl of mock orange blossoms with a huge magnolia blossom in the center. White tapers in crystal candelabra were on each side of the table. Mrs. Howard Clay, sister of the bride, served the attractive three-tiered wedding cake from one end of the table. Mrs. O.L. Smith presided at the punch bowl.
After the reception the couple left for a three-week wedding trip to Florida.
The bride, who had made her home for the past several years in Austin, served as County Clerk of Limestone County for four years and as a deputy in that office for about ten years previous to her election as Clerk. Her friends in the county and this section extend all good wishes.
Out-of-town guest for the wedding were sister of the groom, Miss May Sheperd of Georgetown, Miss Bonnie Burney of Harlingen, Mr. and Mrs. A.M. Smith of Ferris, Mrs. Tom Collins and son, Tommie of Waco, Munger Burney of Waco, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Oliver of Mexia, Sally Leavell of Dallas, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Compton of Mexia and Miss Ruby Bates of Dallas.
Groesbeck paper, April 1930:
On Friday April 4, Mr. and Mrs. James Kimbell will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, having been married fifty years.
Few are privelidged to share the morning days, the high noon of life and the afternoon's glow as these two, and were we able to write the story of their married life, it would truely be, "two volumes bound in one complete" as they have travelled down the road of life and knowledge together.
Judge Kimbell was born in Memphis, Tenn. in 1846, and at the age of seventeen when the Civil War broke out, he joined the Confederate army under General Price.
While in the army he was intimately associated with Jesse Cobb and at the close of the war in 1865 went with him to his home near Vandale, Ark. he found there a pretty little blue eyed girl with golden curls, the little sister of his friend, Bunnie Cobb, born four years before, in 1861, at Trenton, Tenn.
Often he held this little girl upon his knee and even then in his day dream he pictured a home of his own with her as its queen and made a vow to wait for her. How his dream came true and his vow was fulfilled, events of suceeding years reveal.
Like many other young men of his day, Judge Kimbell decided to seek his fortune in Texas, locating in the fall of 1873 at Springfield, immediately identifying himself with the legal life of the county, personally carrying the court records from Springfield to the new county court house at Groesbeck on December 20, 1873.
In 1878 Mrs. Kimbell moved from Arkansas to Groesbeck, with her brother, L.B. Cobb, Sr., who became one of the county's most prominent jurists and citizens.
The paths of their lives again united; the little girl of four had fulfilled her promise of grace and beauty, and so attracted this young attorney that two years later, on April 4, 1880, they were married the first couple to marry in the first Methodist church built in Groesbeck.
To the early residents, it may be of interest to note that Rev. R.H. Burnett, a prominent pioneer minister, performed the ceremony. Of further interest are the attendants: the groomsmen being Drew Pender and Green Burnett; bridesmaids Sallie Burnett and Mariah Whitcomb.
At the time of his marriage, Mr. Kimbell was county attorney and perhaps no man in the history of Limestone county has been so honored to public office as Mr. Kimbell, serving a period of 49 years, he was county attorney six years, county judge six years, in the Legislature two years and district attorney thirty-five years, in all but not consecutively.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Kimbell have been active members throughout the years in the Methodist church and no little of its progress is due to the faithfulness and loyalty of these two.
And as they travel on through the twilight years we would with the past invoke this blessing:
"Look down you Gods --- and on this couple drop a blessed crown."
NOTE: Mrs. Kimbell died at age 80 in 1941. Mr. Kimbell preceded her in death by a few years. Mrs. Kimbell was Viola Cobb, daughter of William Cobb, a pioneer Methodist preacher. The Kimbell family plot is in the Faulkenberry Cemetery in Groesbeck. The Kimbells had the following children: James Kimbell, Jr., Jess Kimbell, Fountain Kimbell, Fred Kimbell, Mrs. Doak Rankin, and grandchildren: James Kimbell, III, Mrs. Roy Lewis, Mrs. Louisa Rankin Glover, Rachel Kimbell and Fountain Kimbell, Jr. This information is from Mrs. Kimbell's obituary.
BAILEYS OFFER OPEN HOUSE ON MARRIAGE DATE Golden Wedding Anniversary Is Celebrated by Waco Preacher and His Wife Celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, Rev. and Mrs. C.V. Bailey are holding open house this afternoon from 3 to 5 o'clock at their home, 3100 Parott avenue. The couple were married at Stephenville on Nov. 19, 1891, and are the parents of 12 children, nine of whom are now living.
The children are Miss Myrtle Bailey, Mrs. Joe Voigt, Charles R. Bailey, S.Pierce and Dana G. Bailey, all of Waco; Lloyd Bailey of Chicago, R.E. Bailey of Corpus Christie, Milton H. Bailey of Alice and Rev. J. Morris Bailey of Mineral Wells. They also have 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Bailey who was born Dec. 27, 1873, at Stephenville, and was the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Samuel Johnson, is the daughter and granddaughter of pioneer Methodist preachers, the wife of a Methodist preacher and has one son who is a Methodist preacher. She received her education in the Stephenville schools and the old Waco Female college.
"Brother Bailey", as he is familiarly known, was born Jan. 29, 1862, at Clinton, MO, and came with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Bailey, to Waco in 1875. He attended Baylor university and was graduated from Southwestern university at Georgetown in 1888, later attending Vanderbilt university, Nashville, Tenn., for his theological degree. He has been a minister 58 years and has served 13 charges in 22 counties and two states. In his early ministry, when there were few churches in Texas, he preached many times under brush arbors, in groves, under tents and in private homes and was instrumental in building new churches, parsonages, and opening new territory for the advancement of his church. For five years he served as secretary of the United Charities in Waco.
The children of the late Mrs. D.E. Biggs and their families gathered here Sunday for a family reunion. At noon a bountiful lunch was spread at the Fort Parker State Park. Those enjoying the day together were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Biggs and granddaughter, Betty, of Pecos; Mr. and Mrs. Knox Biggs of Dallas, Cecil Biggs of Temple; Tommie Hamilton, Alamagorda, NM; Mrs. Lula Butler and son, John Earl, and Deward Bowers, Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Browder, Mr. and Mrs. J. Hardy Browder and sons, Jack and Joe, Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, Miss Tenn Smiley, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Clay, and Robbie Faye, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Clay and children, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Clay, Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Clay and baby, Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Henderson and daughter, Etta Louise, all of Groesbeck.
I was encouraged by my last write up to come again. I enjoy hearing from all my friends and relatives. The Journal is a pleasure to me. I certainly enjoy it , and from the smiles our Editor always gives folks he must be happy on the go too.
- Mrs. Ida Hancock who has been visiting her daughter at Kilgore has returned home.
- Wilbur Deminy and family of Forest Glade visited relatives in Datura recently.
- Mr. Leslie Bennett of San Antonio is visiting his parents , Wood Bennett and family.
- Payton Hancock and wife from Cedar Island visited homefolks Sunday in Datura.
- Miss Christel Wood of Mexia was in Datura a few days visiting her parents and friends.
- Mr. and Mrs. Eddings, Mrs. Andy Morris, Mr. David Morris, and Mr. Goodrich of La Salle were among friends in Datura recently.
- Mrs. Lou Hancock, mother of Vol Hancock, is still very ill. She has suffered two strokes of paralysis.
- Our attendance at Sunday School Sunday was limited but considering the muddy times, was very good.
- Mrs. Doug Hancock had her hand badly torn on the back by getting too hasty washing in her washing machine. It is some better.
- The writer recently attended a social at the Methodist Church, Coolidge, in honor of the elder members, with W.M. Vinson., who was celebrating his 91 birthday, as an honored guest. It was sponsored by the Missionary Society.
I was asked by one of your popular friends and mine, to write items concerning our little vicinity and place of abode.
One main thing I have in view is that we have electricity, which we all appreciate very much. Our radios are appreciated too. The time seemed long before it came but we are happy on the go now. However, it might make us glad twice so we are trying the lights and our nice car. Can't tell what the future will bring forth. Sometimes we have to learn by experience. So our time is fleeting by and waits for no one.
We were at Malone and visited Mrs. J.A. Bayless and family. They had quite a scare recently. Since the epidemic scare it turned out to be the flu. It was reported that some had died but it was joked. Even the aeroplnes were afraid to fly over Malone. However it is alright now. Some were advised to drink tomato juice, drink lemonade and boil lysol for an antiseptic and with closed doors it almost stagnated them.
We were glad to have friends from Groesbeck, Mrs. Walter Leach and family.
Mrs. Pauline Morrow from East Texas visited her mother, Mrs. Ida Hancock, a few days.
We are having some spring-like weather. Farmers are busy going back and forth with their machines and at any time we know when we go out and come in - early and late.
We have one store, one gin, one blacksmith shop, one church, eight residences, school for small children, the older ones going to school at Coolidge by conveyance. We only have one sermon each month. Rev. J.B. Weatherford preaches the third Sunday and Sunday night. We can go to Coolidge to hear Rev. David Irvin between times. We attended his meeting the past week. Had nice crowds and good sermons. The Cook Trio from Tejuacana presented the crowd with their songs. We were delighted to have them. A donation was distributed for their services. Reported Sunday night, seven conversions. Several from Tejuacana attended.
Our pastor J.B. Weathers begins his meeting at Munger next Sunday. Also their quarterly conference will begin Saturday and folks are always fed high at each quarterly. They don't look like "hard-up" folks on that day. They all surely serve one time in each quarter - So remember we have a busy little place. Have about four roads leading from this little place and we are in the center of lots of traffic - coming and going- just like we lived in a city.
Miss Christel Bennett, who is taking a beauty course at Waco, visited home folks over the weekend.
Some are busy in their gardens and are looking forward for a very good garden to supply their wants in that line.
Mr. Sam Bennett of Coolidge is still on the sick list and has been poorly for years. Not any better at this writing.
Mrs. J.W. Hudson of Dallas is visiting relatives at Datura.
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Sims visited Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Robbins last Sunday.
- Respectfully Submitted,
- Mrs. A.L. Hudson
NOTE: The Hudsons, Hancocks, Bennetts and Baylesses were all Grandma's kin. The blacksmith in Datura was Grandma's son Clay Hudson who later had a grocery in Coolidge.
Miss Mable Claire Hancock of this city who has been attending the summer session at the University of Texas, was a leading character in the play, "Tommy", which was presented at the Austin High School auditorium, Wednesday July 8 and Thursday July 9.
Miss Hancock who was a member of the Mask & Wig at SMU, Dallas, has had much experience with amateur dramatics, having been director of all school plays here the past three years.
Pretty glad and pretty mad all at the same time was Mrs. J.H. Sutton, when she found Jimmy Junior, 2, Thursday, curled up in this box on the sunporch with a coat over him. Jimmy had disappeared while his mother napped. She searched the house, called James Senior, who notified police, hurried home from the office. School children, homeward bound, formed posses to search the neighborhood, question passers-by. Two hours passed with no Jimmy. Then came the sunporch discovery, tears and smiles, recriminations and endearments combined.
- NOTE: This article was actually in Miss Alma's photo album but fits much better here.
- MEXIA DAILY NEWS April 1961:
COOLIDGE - A Coolidge woman who remembers seeing her father return from the Civil War in his Confederate uniform will celebrate her 100th birthday this Thursday.
Mrs. S.W. (Lucretia) Hancock was born at Cedar Island in Limestone County, April 20, 1861, eight days after the firing on Fort Sumpter erupted into the war between the states.
Mrs. Hancock still has vivid recollections about her early childhood at Cedar Island. "I can still see those droves of people coming to Cedar Island for a big church meeting," Mrs. Hancock said. "In those days people traveled by horse, buggy or just walked...they would converge on our community to stay a week at a time for a big revival...and several denominations would meet together too."
The Coolidge woman's father was W.B. Hayter. While he was fighting in the Civil War, her mother "farmed and raised sheep," according to Mrs. Hancock. "She raised and took care of us all while Pa was fighting." Mrs. Hancock had three sisters and two brothers, all of whom are now dead.
She still recalls the crackling of wood burning in the fireplace in the old home at Cedar Island. "My mother used to sit there and read letters which my father wrote from the Civil War battlegrounds," the alert Coolidge woman said.
Though bedridden since she fell and broke her hip in March 1940, Mrs. Hancock still admires beauty which surrounds her. "I look out the window and the front door all the time just watching people pass and admiring the pretty grass and everything," she smiled.
Mrs. Hancock lives in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lora Herring, who is quite active at age 82. Mrs. Herring is the only surviving child of Mrs. Hancock. A son recently died at the age of 79.
Mrs. Hancock lived all her life in Cedar Island until 27 years ago when she moved to Coolidge. She has been unable to walk since she broke a hip, but has only been bedridden for the past seven months.
She talked about her husband, who died when he was 81, "My husband lived for the farm," Mrs. Hancock said. "I couldn't get him off the farm no matter how hard I might try," she chuckled. He finally went to work for the old Blue Hancock Hardware store in Mexia. He worked there two years.
Mrs. Hancock had nothing but fond memories of her early life at Cedar. "I cooked for all the preachers when they would come to Cedar Island," she began. "I was married then and our family sort of took care of the ministers...and we would always enjoy the big revivals they would hold there...every body had a good time and enjoyed the preaching."
Mrs. Hancock's favorite hobby was crocheting until "my health sort of failed me." She hardly ever missed church while she was "up and about" The Coolidge woman is a member of the First Methodist Church at Coolidge.
Mrs. Hancock is really looking forward to her birthday celebration Thursday. Her daughter, Mrs. Herring, says "Mamma has been talking about her 100th birthday for a long time."
A kindly woman who has given most of her life in helping others, Mrs. Hancock has many friends and can rest assured they all wish her very best wishes as she turns the century mark.
GENEALOGY NOTES: Mrs. Lucretia Hayter Hancock was the daughter of B.Z. HAYTER , b.: May 4, 1824, TN d.: Aft. 1874, Limestone Co., TX and Letha J. BENNETT (sister of Elson G. BENNETT, my grt-grt-gf) b.: Dec.24, 1835, AL d.: Feb. 1882, Limestone Co.,TX. Lucretia was the wife of Soloman Warren HANCOCK, b.: Jan.27, 1855, Limestone Co., TX d.: May 3, 1936, Limestone Co., TX. Lucretia and Soloman were married April 24, 1878, in Limestone Co., TX, and had children: Arthur HANCOCK, Lora HANCOCK (Mrs. Foster HERRING) and Guy HANCOCK.
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