Roseland - northeast of Celina
Roseland was a very early Collin County community. It was located northeast of present-day Celina near Preston Road. Its first post office opened on September 23, 1852, with William H. Herren as postmaster. The post office was discontinued on December 31, 1907, after the Frisco railway bypassed the town and created Proseper and Frisco. The community of Celina moved to the tracks.
Roseland
The first white settlers began arriving in northwestern Collin County before 1846. Located on the Preston/Shawnee Trail a pioneer settlement soon developed and was named Roseland. A post office was established in 1852 and with the exception of Civil War years it was maintained until December 1907. By 1900 Roseland was a thriving community comprised of a school, churches, several stores, a blacksmith shop, a doctor’s office, and a gin. There were about forty families and 240 people living within a one and one half mile radius of the community. Names of early settlers included Wash, Wilson, Key, Naugle, Queen, Culwell, Helms, Biggs, Stapp, Herron, Routh, Finley, English, and Shawver. With the coming of the railroad in 1902 and ease in traveling by automobile, Roseland began to disappear and the last store closed in 1930. This information was compiled from several sources and in interviews with various “old timers” in 1976 by Celina Independent School District student Charles McIlroy. County Historical Marker (2010) |
ON THE WING
McKinney Weekly Democrat Gazette, April 11, 1901
Roseland, April 8
Editors Democrat:
Here I am in the extreme northwest overlooking the flats that fringe the entire length of our western border. Large farms and big pastures are in striking contrast to the small enclosures on the east side; the land is fertile and in a high state of cultivation, inhabited by a thrifty and intelligent people.
Since my last communication I visited the following schools and the teachers in every instance received me cordially, and when the object of my call was made known manifested a desire to furnish me with all the data at hand, appreciating the efforts of a county newspaper like The Democrat in making the public schools of our county a feature of my itineracy:
Prof. W. D. Darnell holds the reins at McWhirter, having to look after 45 while 57 could answer to roll call. When asked if the rod was applied in emergencies some of the little boys looked at each other with a suspicious wink, while their teacher at this juncture was very busy looking after details.
Proceeding north for a couple of miles I arrived at Honey Creek and found Miss Eliza Robinson instructing 33 bright-faced boys and girls out of a total of 55. Although a suspension for two weeks in February was necessary on account of smallpox, the pupils have done remarkably well and the patrons are very anxious for her to remain for at least one more term. Miss Robinson is one of our own girls, raised hear where she is teaching, attended the public schools of Roseland and Weston until qualified to join the great army of Texas educators which speaks more eloquently than words of mine the efficiency and high standard of our schools.
Bilderback was the next to fall a prey to my "depredations" and I plied Miss Dota Austin with a few questions relating to school affairs of course, and she readily consented. Some years ago (very few to be sure) she was a wee sma' girl and learned her letters attending the school over which she now presides. The schools of Roseland and Weston with the exception of a special course at Oak Cliff, were the only institutions of learning in which her mind pondered over difficult lessons, and it is gratifying to say that she is teaching the third term at her home school. In the presence of her pupils Miss Austin stated to me that during the entire session she hadn't had occasion to use the rod nor in any manner to inflict punishment. This is a rather remarkable statement, but love is king and she is idolized by her pupils and those who know her.
On last Friday evening I took advantage of an invitation extended two weeks ago by its principal, to make a run on the Roseland school. The building is large, well finished, has two large rooms but inadequate to hold all, so I found the principal with the advanced class in another house on the campus connected by a walk to the main building. The house and ground are gifts of Dr. Moses Hubbard who, to perpetuate the memory of an only child now deceased, had them dedicated to her and forever set apart for school purposes. it was here that little Alla was born, reared and finally married.
Part of the south front has been reserved for trees and shrubbery and here long when young lovers stroll through its avenues plucking flowers, inhaling sweet perfume with old Sol pouring volumes of wrath down upon their heads, they can take refuge under some hanging boughs while summer breezes play with golden tresses and young manhood worships at the shrine of feminine loveliness. My! let me get back to the house. Out of 118 there are 95 in regular attendance, and three teachers are employed to train the young idea how to shoot. Prof. T. W. Lanham of Austin College is principal; Miss Judith English, graduate of Franklin College, Pilot Point, assistant; Mrs. A. L. Lanham, graduate of Mary Nash, Sherman, looks after the primary department. The advanced studies include Latin, rhetoric, geometry and higher algebra.
The date for opening Alla school is first Monday in October each year, and out of his own private funds Dr. Hubbard pays the tuition of all children in the district that attend the school, those seven years of age, and when they get about the scholastic age he continues to pay until they attain 21 years. it is needless to say that he never has to pay a girl's tuition because they never go beyond sweet sixteen.
Few indeed are the men of means that use their money for educating the masses as Dr. Hubbard. With no children nor grand children to reap the benefits of his generosity, his liberality is doubtless prompted by the noblest impulses and for his attachment to humanity. It was a fitting tribute to his philanthropy when the teachers of the school out of their own purses ordered his portrait and assigned it a place of honor on the walls of the chapel room by the side of his life companion and only child, Alla.
The prospects for the Frisco extension grow brighter every day and when the iron horse comes along our western border champing his bits and panting for hear life, we'll forget Aphis bugs, high winds and turn our attention to keeping pace with enhancing values of our big farms.
Look out, Miss Patsy, I'll "wing" around and give you a call some day.
Yes, by the way, Cottage Hill, I'll need some one to look after chicks, too.
D. W. Leigh
ON THE WING
McKinney Weekly Democrat Gazette, May 30, 1912
Personal Mention of People You Know by Our Field Man.
Arriving at Roseland last Monday noon, we proceeded to get busy and the first to fall a victim to our gory weapon was T. D. Brown, who came from Hamlin county, Tennessee, to Texas eighteen years ago, and after five years purchased a black land farm of one hundred acres. His block of wheat is all that could be desired at present, and other crops look mighty good to a man who farms. Two children, boy and girl, are the idols of indulgent parents.
W. T. (Bud) Helm is a good roads enthusiast and a booster for Commissioner Sportsman because the latter had the county road gang to build a brand new road between J. W. Harvin and Celina, a much needed highway. Bud owns one hundred and sixty acres of splendid black land which enables him to feed and clothe eight bright children. His mother, Mrs. James helms and granddaughter, Miss Bessie Helms, will leave within a few days for a three months' sojourn at Colorado Springs, Colo. he hesitated to part wit his dollar but a little display of the tomahawk had the desired effect, and he got in a hurry to deliver the goods, in order that he might not miss an opportunity to get on the big subscription list of the Democrat-Gazette.
Mrs. Elizabeth Lee has been in Texas nearly twenty years; was in the great storm of Galveston of 1900 and immediately thereafter returned to Collin county (from where she and her husband had moved three years before). The appalling disaster had not left them entirely destitute as it did some others, but they had to begin life anew, as it were, for their loss was considerable as most everything had been swept away by the fury of the storm. The Democrat-Gazette will visit their home regularly from now on.
W. H. Thorn, born and raised in North Arkansas but came to Collin county two years ago, and has farmed since that time on the Emerson ranch. A blind uncle, J. H. Thorn, for many years a citizen of East Collin and no doubt remembered by many old settlers around Fayburg and Snow Hill where he once lived, makes his home with his nephew. The Democrat-Gazette from now on will be a regular visitor in the family home.
L. F. Odell left his native state, Tennessee, in 1883 and for thirty years has rented the same farm and raised a large family. Only rented the farm once since he moved on it. The Daily Courier-Gazette will keep him posted on the campaign situation from day to day.
S. E. Roberts is a Missourian and came to Texas twenty-three years ago, and for eleven years lived on the coast of Southwest Texas, but since then acquired a good farm in Collin county and his wheat and oat crops this season look very promising. Only three children, two boys and a girl, the two former married and live in Dallas, the daughter, Miss Helen, is still at home with her parents. Mrs. McRoberts is an intelligent lady and assured your field man that she couldn't get along without the Democrat-Gazette and gave us an order for renewal. Thanks.
C. E. Francis, son of the late W. c. Francis, and who for many years was a reader of the Democrat-Gazette. In 1893 he married Miss Lizzie Tidwell of Celina and six children, four boys and two sweet little girls, Hattie 12 and Nettie 10. Their report cards from the teachers of the Alla school show the splendid aptitude and excellent deportment of these two bright girls. The tomahawk and scalping knife both had to be brought into play before Emmett would part company with his cash for a good paper, but we got what we're out for, and he'll grow in knowledge by reading the Weekly Democrat-Gazette.
E. R. Hill, manager of the Doc Hill ranch of several hundred acres was busy ploughing when we called but said the Democrat-Gazette was the best paper that came into his home. Mrs. Hill was too busy hanging paper to lose time with your field man but promised that if we would call some time this fall that she would serve a cup of strong hot coffee and all the fried chicken we could get away with. And that will be some coffee and chicken as many of our readers know.
B. W. Wilson is a native Texan. Mrs. Wilson is a Virginian but came to Texas when quite young and at the age of twenty-seven years (just think of that, girls!) got married. Raised a family of seven children all girls but one, and all married. The Wilson own a good farm one mile west of Celina and with wheat and oats promising a bumper yield, he was Anxious to renew for the Democrat-Gazette. They jointly executed a will that if one should die and the survivor should marry another, the property immediately passes into the hands of the heirs.
G. N. Malone owns a number one farm two miles west of Celina. His block of ten acres of wheat is certainly pretty and promises a big crop. Born near Cottage Hill, this county, and nineteen years ago married Miss Leona Bozarth and three children, all girls, make home attractive and happy. The Democrat-Gazette will keep them posted on affairs of Collin county for another year. His daughter, Miss Hixie, will attend the summer normal in McKinney and promised to make the Democrat-Gazette office a friendly call.
J. C. Milligan, a native of Collin county and until last January lived in the community which bears the name of his deceased father five miles east of McKinney. Although a young man he owns an magnificent farm of over one hundred acres and the western boundary borders the Denton county line. In February 1905, he married to Miss Lucy Dutton and three bright children, two girls and one boy, hustle Jim and his farm to keep them going. Of course he will learn the happenings of Collin county and of the old neighborhood in particular, by reading the Democrat-Gazette.
Mrs. G. S. O'Brien enjoys reading the Daily Courier-Gazette because it contains so much original reading matter, and the letters from our corps of correspondents is especially interesting because she has a large acquaintance over the county.
P. B. Taylor, native of Georgia but a citizen of Texas and Collin county since 1902, stopped on a farm in the Valdasta and new Life communities where he successfully farmed for many years. he now lives on the John Stallcup farm one mile north of Celina where he has a crop of one hundred and fifty-six acres. Eight children, and equally divided as to sex, with the father and mother, constitute the happy and contented home. Opposed to any literature except the best he readily saw the merits of the Daily Courier-Gazette and from now on will read it daily.
J. W. Malone, on the big Finley farm one mile south of Roseland, has a crop of forty acres of wheat, and sixty of corn and cotton. He and Walter B. Wilson, editor of the Democrat-Gazette, were comrades in arms during our troubles with Spain and what they did to the Dons, whom they never met, was good and plenty. He gave us a dollar not to mention it; and we are talking confidentially now, but maybe he won't see this copy of Democrat-Gazette. Twelve years ago he was married to Miss Effie Everett, and two enterprising boys add sunshine, happiness and noise to the home.
A. F. Bilderback, principally raised in Collin county and within a few miles of where he now lives loosened his purse strings and poured oil on the troubled sea of finance to have us sent him the Democrat-Gazette for his family of two boys and four girls to read. His four girls, Misses Nannie, Laura, Annie, and Leah, were anxious for their papa to subscribe for the Democrat-Gazette.
P. F. Gearhart, native of Tennessee but came to Texas in 1869 and thirty-three years ago purchased eighty acres which formed the nucleus from which his large realty holdings sprang. One hundred and eighty acres of wheat and an even hundred in oats, waving and nodding to the summer's breeze, is an inspiring sight, and one that makes the day mouth of a newspaperman run water. About one hundred head of sheep and goats are the scavengers of the farm for they destroy all obnoxious vegetation and by their aid the farm is keep clean and from the droppings of these animals, enriched. In addition to the small grain crop, he has forty acres in alfalfa, one hundred and fifty in cotton and thirty in corn. He and three sons, Perry, Ben and Babe were shearing sheep when we arrived, and the clipping fro six averaged eight and three quarters of a pound while the general average for the whole flock (twenty, the lambs being exempt) was six and one half pounds. He's a hog man too. His pasture contains two hundred and fifty head of porkers and their board bill isn't much. $21.00 per day for corn and the deserts such as alfalfa, green oats and bran come extra. Strange a hog man never knows when he has enough, wants more hogs, and will buy all that's offered by his neighbors. The squeal of a pig, bleat of a lamb or kid, neigh of a colt is music to his ears. Married in 1879 to Miss Alice O'Brien, daughter of Dick O'Brien of the Corinth school district, to whom seven children were born and all living and also four grandchildren. The three youngest at home, but their parents are really anxious to see them mated to young ladies equal in every respect to their own social standing, not above, because the girls would have to make a descension, nor below because in that case his sons would necessarily descent in order to get married. He stands for social equality in marriages.
We enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart last Saturday, for which we thank them, and also for cash on subscription to the Courier-Gazette.
Returning by way of Rhea's Mill, E. S. Melton stopped us for some political information which we readily gave but charged him a dollar for our time. He'll know why our time is so valuable by reading the Democrat-Gazette. His crop consists of forty acres of wheat, twenty of oats, sixty-five of cotton and twenty of corn.
Mrs. Ida Brinlee a widow lady with six children living at Rhea's Mill, renews for the Democrat-Gazette and says she can not do without her favorite paper. Our lady readers form quite an army and there are none whom we appreciate more than Mrs. Brinlee.
J. M. Furr was absent but Miss Lottie informed us that her father was still boosting good roads.
F. M .Harmon a recent "convert" is an appreciated reader of our paper and likes it better as he becomes acquainted.
Mrs. W. E. Stepp was by the road side as we passed through Franklin, and told your field man that she read the Democrat-Gazette regularly and would not be without it.
J. L Laney who cultivates nearly three hundred acres on the Doc Hill ranch was raised to manhood at Climax this county, and 'twas there too, that he married Miss Annie Hayes. Mrs. Laney owns a good farm in the Climax community, but prefers to farm where he can operate on a larger scale. scale. Next year he will move to the big farm of the late James Robinson adjoining the land he is now cultivating. He and Mrs. Hayes were former pupils of the writer, and e were only too glad to meet them and together rehearse the incidents of long years ago. Of course he got on the band wagon of the Democrat-Gazette paying the usual fare of one dollar in advance.
On last Friday we accepted an invitation to dine with L. A. and Mrs. Foster, one mile south of Roseland. They are Tennesseeans and know how to extend old fashioned hospitality. Mr. Foster recently subscribed for the Democrat-Gazette and likes it splendidly.
The letters from over the county to the Democrat-Gazette each week contain items of general interest to the people at large and we hope that each will see to it that his or her community is represented regularly and keep our beloved paper in the front rank as a county newspaper.
Before closing this communication we wish to add that on our way in home Saturday evening we met, just on the outside of the city, Elder and Mrs. R. C. Horn and the former charged this scribe particularly not to mention his name in the paper. Readers of the Democrat-Gazette mustn't tell brother Horn that they saw his name in print for he may be opposed to publicity.
With malice toward none but charity for all, we are still "on the wing."
D. W. Leigh
.
McKinney Weekly Democrat Gazette, April 11, 1901
Roseland, April 8
Editors Democrat:
Here I am in the extreme northwest overlooking the flats that fringe the entire length of our western border. Large farms and big pastures are in striking contrast to the small enclosures on the east side; the land is fertile and in a high state of cultivation, inhabited by a thrifty and intelligent people.
Since my last communication I visited the following schools and the teachers in every instance received me cordially, and when the object of my call was made known manifested a desire to furnish me with all the data at hand, appreciating the efforts of a county newspaper like The Democrat in making the public schools of our county a feature of my itineracy:
Prof. W. D. Darnell holds the reins at McWhirter, having to look after 45 while 57 could answer to roll call. When asked if the rod was applied in emergencies some of the little boys looked at each other with a suspicious wink, while their teacher at this juncture was very busy looking after details.
Proceeding north for a couple of miles I arrived at Honey Creek and found Miss Eliza Robinson instructing 33 bright-faced boys and girls out of a total of 55. Although a suspension for two weeks in February was necessary on account of smallpox, the pupils have done remarkably well and the patrons are very anxious for her to remain for at least one more term. Miss Robinson is one of our own girls, raised hear where she is teaching, attended the public schools of Roseland and Weston until qualified to join the great army of Texas educators which speaks more eloquently than words of mine the efficiency and high standard of our schools.
Bilderback was the next to fall a prey to my "depredations" and I plied Miss Dota Austin with a few questions relating to school affairs of course, and she readily consented. Some years ago (very few to be sure) she was a wee sma' girl and learned her letters attending the school over which she now presides. The schools of Roseland and Weston with the exception of a special course at Oak Cliff, were the only institutions of learning in which her mind pondered over difficult lessons, and it is gratifying to say that she is teaching the third term at her home school. In the presence of her pupils Miss Austin stated to me that during the entire session she hadn't had occasion to use the rod nor in any manner to inflict punishment. This is a rather remarkable statement, but love is king and she is idolized by her pupils and those who know her.
On last Friday evening I took advantage of an invitation extended two weeks ago by its principal, to make a run on the Roseland school. The building is large, well finished, has two large rooms but inadequate to hold all, so I found the principal with the advanced class in another house on the campus connected by a walk to the main building. The house and ground are gifts of Dr. Moses Hubbard who, to perpetuate the memory of an only child now deceased, had them dedicated to her and forever set apart for school purposes. it was here that little Alla was born, reared and finally married.
Part of the south front has been reserved for trees and shrubbery and here long when young lovers stroll through its avenues plucking flowers, inhaling sweet perfume with old Sol pouring volumes of wrath down upon their heads, they can take refuge under some hanging boughs while summer breezes play with golden tresses and young manhood worships at the shrine of feminine loveliness. My! let me get back to the house. Out of 118 there are 95 in regular attendance, and three teachers are employed to train the young idea how to shoot. Prof. T. W. Lanham of Austin College is principal; Miss Judith English, graduate of Franklin College, Pilot Point, assistant; Mrs. A. L. Lanham, graduate of Mary Nash, Sherman, looks after the primary department. The advanced studies include Latin, rhetoric, geometry and higher algebra.
The date for opening Alla school is first Monday in October each year, and out of his own private funds Dr. Hubbard pays the tuition of all children in the district that attend the school, those seven years of age, and when they get about the scholastic age he continues to pay until they attain 21 years. it is needless to say that he never has to pay a girl's tuition because they never go beyond sweet sixteen.
Few indeed are the men of means that use their money for educating the masses as Dr. Hubbard. With no children nor grand children to reap the benefits of his generosity, his liberality is doubtless prompted by the noblest impulses and for his attachment to humanity. It was a fitting tribute to his philanthropy when the teachers of the school out of their own purses ordered his portrait and assigned it a place of honor on the walls of the chapel room by the side of his life companion and only child, Alla.
The prospects for the Frisco extension grow brighter every day and when the iron horse comes along our western border champing his bits and panting for hear life, we'll forget Aphis bugs, high winds and turn our attention to keeping pace with enhancing values of our big farms.
Look out, Miss Patsy, I'll "wing" around and give you a call some day.
Yes, by the way, Cottage Hill, I'll need some one to look after chicks, too.
D. W. Leigh
ON THE WING
McKinney Weekly Democrat Gazette, May 30, 1912
Personal Mention of People You Know by Our Field Man.
Arriving at Roseland last Monday noon, we proceeded to get busy and the first to fall a victim to our gory weapon was T. D. Brown, who came from Hamlin county, Tennessee, to Texas eighteen years ago, and after five years purchased a black land farm of one hundred acres. His block of wheat is all that could be desired at present, and other crops look mighty good to a man who farms. Two children, boy and girl, are the idols of indulgent parents.
W. T. (Bud) Helm is a good roads enthusiast and a booster for Commissioner Sportsman because the latter had the county road gang to build a brand new road between J. W. Harvin and Celina, a much needed highway. Bud owns one hundred and sixty acres of splendid black land which enables him to feed and clothe eight bright children. His mother, Mrs. James helms and granddaughter, Miss Bessie Helms, will leave within a few days for a three months' sojourn at Colorado Springs, Colo. he hesitated to part wit his dollar but a little display of the tomahawk had the desired effect, and he got in a hurry to deliver the goods, in order that he might not miss an opportunity to get on the big subscription list of the Democrat-Gazette.
Mrs. Elizabeth Lee has been in Texas nearly twenty years; was in the great storm of Galveston of 1900 and immediately thereafter returned to Collin county (from where she and her husband had moved three years before). The appalling disaster had not left them entirely destitute as it did some others, but they had to begin life anew, as it were, for their loss was considerable as most everything had been swept away by the fury of the storm. The Democrat-Gazette will visit their home regularly from now on.
W. H. Thorn, born and raised in North Arkansas but came to Collin county two years ago, and has farmed since that time on the Emerson ranch. A blind uncle, J. H. Thorn, for many years a citizen of East Collin and no doubt remembered by many old settlers around Fayburg and Snow Hill where he once lived, makes his home with his nephew. The Democrat-Gazette from now on will be a regular visitor in the family home.
L. F. Odell left his native state, Tennessee, in 1883 and for thirty years has rented the same farm and raised a large family. Only rented the farm once since he moved on it. The Daily Courier-Gazette will keep him posted on the campaign situation from day to day.
S. E. Roberts is a Missourian and came to Texas twenty-three years ago, and for eleven years lived on the coast of Southwest Texas, but since then acquired a good farm in Collin county and his wheat and oat crops this season look very promising. Only three children, two boys and a girl, the two former married and live in Dallas, the daughter, Miss Helen, is still at home with her parents. Mrs. McRoberts is an intelligent lady and assured your field man that she couldn't get along without the Democrat-Gazette and gave us an order for renewal. Thanks.
C. E. Francis, son of the late W. c. Francis, and who for many years was a reader of the Democrat-Gazette. In 1893 he married Miss Lizzie Tidwell of Celina and six children, four boys and two sweet little girls, Hattie 12 and Nettie 10. Their report cards from the teachers of the Alla school show the splendid aptitude and excellent deportment of these two bright girls. The tomahawk and scalping knife both had to be brought into play before Emmett would part company with his cash for a good paper, but we got what we're out for, and he'll grow in knowledge by reading the Weekly Democrat-Gazette.
E. R. Hill, manager of the Doc Hill ranch of several hundred acres was busy ploughing when we called but said the Democrat-Gazette was the best paper that came into his home. Mrs. Hill was too busy hanging paper to lose time with your field man but promised that if we would call some time this fall that she would serve a cup of strong hot coffee and all the fried chicken we could get away with. And that will be some coffee and chicken as many of our readers know.
B. W. Wilson is a native Texan. Mrs. Wilson is a Virginian but came to Texas when quite young and at the age of twenty-seven years (just think of that, girls!) got married. Raised a family of seven children all girls but one, and all married. The Wilson own a good farm one mile west of Celina and with wheat and oats promising a bumper yield, he was Anxious to renew for the Democrat-Gazette. They jointly executed a will that if one should die and the survivor should marry another, the property immediately passes into the hands of the heirs.
G. N. Malone owns a number one farm two miles west of Celina. His block of ten acres of wheat is certainly pretty and promises a big crop. Born near Cottage Hill, this county, and nineteen years ago married Miss Leona Bozarth and three children, all girls, make home attractive and happy. The Democrat-Gazette will keep them posted on affairs of Collin county for another year. His daughter, Miss Hixie, will attend the summer normal in McKinney and promised to make the Democrat-Gazette office a friendly call.
J. C. Milligan, a native of Collin county and until last January lived in the community which bears the name of his deceased father five miles east of McKinney. Although a young man he owns an magnificent farm of over one hundred acres and the western boundary borders the Denton county line. In February 1905, he married to Miss Lucy Dutton and three bright children, two girls and one boy, hustle Jim and his farm to keep them going. Of course he will learn the happenings of Collin county and of the old neighborhood in particular, by reading the Democrat-Gazette.
Mrs. G. S. O'Brien enjoys reading the Daily Courier-Gazette because it contains so much original reading matter, and the letters from our corps of correspondents is especially interesting because she has a large acquaintance over the county.
P. B. Taylor, native of Georgia but a citizen of Texas and Collin county since 1902, stopped on a farm in the Valdasta and new Life communities where he successfully farmed for many years. he now lives on the John Stallcup farm one mile north of Celina where he has a crop of one hundred and fifty-six acres. Eight children, and equally divided as to sex, with the father and mother, constitute the happy and contented home. Opposed to any literature except the best he readily saw the merits of the Daily Courier-Gazette and from now on will read it daily.
J. W. Malone, on the big Finley farm one mile south of Roseland, has a crop of forty acres of wheat, and sixty of corn and cotton. He and Walter B. Wilson, editor of the Democrat-Gazette, were comrades in arms during our troubles with Spain and what they did to the Dons, whom they never met, was good and plenty. He gave us a dollar not to mention it; and we are talking confidentially now, but maybe he won't see this copy of Democrat-Gazette. Twelve years ago he was married to Miss Effie Everett, and two enterprising boys add sunshine, happiness and noise to the home.
A. F. Bilderback, principally raised in Collin county and within a few miles of where he now lives loosened his purse strings and poured oil on the troubled sea of finance to have us sent him the Democrat-Gazette for his family of two boys and four girls to read. His four girls, Misses Nannie, Laura, Annie, and Leah, were anxious for their papa to subscribe for the Democrat-Gazette.
P. F. Gearhart, native of Tennessee but came to Texas in 1869 and thirty-three years ago purchased eighty acres which formed the nucleus from which his large realty holdings sprang. One hundred and eighty acres of wheat and an even hundred in oats, waving and nodding to the summer's breeze, is an inspiring sight, and one that makes the day mouth of a newspaperman run water. About one hundred head of sheep and goats are the scavengers of the farm for they destroy all obnoxious vegetation and by their aid the farm is keep clean and from the droppings of these animals, enriched. In addition to the small grain crop, he has forty acres in alfalfa, one hundred and fifty in cotton and thirty in corn. He and three sons, Perry, Ben and Babe were shearing sheep when we arrived, and the clipping fro six averaged eight and three quarters of a pound while the general average for the whole flock (twenty, the lambs being exempt) was six and one half pounds. He's a hog man too. His pasture contains two hundred and fifty head of porkers and their board bill isn't much. $21.00 per day for corn and the deserts such as alfalfa, green oats and bran come extra. Strange a hog man never knows when he has enough, wants more hogs, and will buy all that's offered by his neighbors. The squeal of a pig, bleat of a lamb or kid, neigh of a colt is music to his ears. Married in 1879 to Miss Alice O'Brien, daughter of Dick O'Brien of the Corinth school district, to whom seven children were born and all living and also four grandchildren. The three youngest at home, but their parents are really anxious to see them mated to young ladies equal in every respect to their own social standing, not above, because the girls would have to make a descension, nor below because in that case his sons would necessarily descent in order to get married. He stands for social equality in marriages.
We enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart last Saturday, for which we thank them, and also for cash on subscription to the Courier-Gazette.
Returning by way of Rhea's Mill, E. S. Melton stopped us for some political information which we readily gave but charged him a dollar for our time. He'll know why our time is so valuable by reading the Democrat-Gazette. His crop consists of forty acres of wheat, twenty of oats, sixty-five of cotton and twenty of corn.
Mrs. Ida Brinlee a widow lady with six children living at Rhea's Mill, renews for the Democrat-Gazette and says she can not do without her favorite paper. Our lady readers form quite an army and there are none whom we appreciate more than Mrs. Brinlee.
J. M. Furr was absent but Miss Lottie informed us that her father was still boosting good roads.
F. M .Harmon a recent "convert" is an appreciated reader of our paper and likes it better as he becomes acquainted.
Mrs. W. E. Stepp was by the road side as we passed through Franklin, and told your field man that she read the Democrat-Gazette regularly and would not be without it.
J. L Laney who cultivates nearly three hundred acres on the Doc Hill ranch was raised to manhood at Climax this county, and 'twas there too, that he married Miss Annie Hayes. Mrs. Laney owns a good farm in the Climax community, but prefers to farm where he can operate on a larger scale. scale. Next year he will move to the big farm of the late James Robinson adjoining the land he is now cultivating. He and Mrs. Hayes were former pupils of the writer, and e were only too glad to meet them and together rehearse the incidents of long years ago. Of course he got on the band wagon of the Democrat-Gazette paying the usual fare of one dollar in advance.
On last Friday we accepted an invitation to dine with L. A. and Mrs. Foster, one mile south of Roseland. They are Tennesseeans and know how to extend old fashioned hospitality. Mr. Foster recently subscribed for the Democrat-Gazette and likes it splendidly.
The letters from over the county to the Democrat-Gazette each week contain items of general interest to the people at large and we hope that each will see to it that his or her community is represented regularly and keep our beloved paper in the front rank as a county newspaper.
Before closing this communication we wish to add that on our way in home Saturday evening we met, just on the outside of the city, Elder and Mrs. R. C. Horn and the former charged this scribe particularly not to mention his name in the paper. Readers of the Democrat-Gazette mustn't tell brother Horn that they saw his name in print for he may be opposed to publicity.
With malice toward none but charity for all, we are still "on the wing."
D. W. Leigh
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