Issue 8 Volume 3 Grimes County Historical Commission August 2017

Meetings of the Grimes County Historical Commission are held on the Second Monday of the Month at 6:30 pm in the Courthouse Annex in Anderson, Texas

Contact Information Joe King Fultz [email protected]

Visit us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ GrimesCountyHistoricalCo mmission

Grimes County Historical Commission Photo of the Month Executive Board

Chairman Joe King Fultz

Vice Chairman Susan Boudreaux

Secretary Vanessa Burzynski

Treasurer Bob Goldstein

COMMITTEES

Historical Markers Denise Upchurch

Historic Preservation Sarah Nash

Newsletter & Publicity Vanessa Burzynski

Giesel House Volunteer Committee 113 Railroad Street, Navasota, Texas Susan Boudreaux

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 2

News from the Past The Austin Weekly Statesman (Austin, Tex.0 Vol. 23 Ed. 1 Thursday, February 1, The State Herald (Mexia, Tex.) Vo. 8 No. 1894 27, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 4, 1907 The Heroes of Texas The Battle Cry of Freedom History of the Statues in the Hyde Park The Tyrant’s heel is on our necks, Studio in Austin The Antis in the swim So, rally round the Flag old boy, Mrs. Looscan’s fine article recently published in And filler her to the brim. the Galveston News and Houston Post concerning monuments to Texas Heroes is very The white man rules no longer, boys, timely and in this connection, we would like the For Whiskey sure will win, public to know what has already been done at The Brewers’ Trust – the Negroes friend, Austin. Will make Old Cuffy grin. When Benedette H. Tobin of Austin was elected Free Liquor now will be the cry, president of the board of lady managers at the Throw Freedom to the breeze, Dallas convention, the board being auxiliary to And rally round the Flag, old boy, the World’s Fair Exhibit association then And make the preachers sneeze. located at Fort Worth, then to Galveston, she, as president of the board of lady managers High finance knows a trick or two, proposed to have some beautiful memorials to What boots the children’s wails; adorn the Texas building and decided to call Or what’s a woman’s sobs to us upon the women and children of the state to aid When money’s in the scales? in perpetuating in marble our grand Texas heroes, Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, in So, rally round the Liquor Trust statues, and Rusk, Fannin and Crockett in busts. The Darkies in the swim; Let Freedom be our battle cry, The proposition met with ready response and And fill her to the brim. after corresponding with noted sculptors in the United States and in Paris, France, Elisabet Ney, As a slight testimonial to their distinguished and the sculptress who has won renown in Europe patriotic, as well as unselfish devotion to the by her statues and busts of some of Europe’s cause of good government and the untrammeled most renowned men – Bismark, Garibaldi, rights and liberties of the citizens, the foregoing Liebig, Jacob-Grimm and the unfortunate is affectionately dedicated to the Anti- romantic king of Bavaria, Ludwig II, the blind Prohibition Committee of One Hundred by The king of Hanover, (the last of the Guelts) by her Author, June 29, 1907. beautiful St. Sabastian adoring one of the great cathedrals in Europe, was called upon and consulted.

The ladies had raised a few hundred dollars as a statue fund, when the official announcement was received that the men of Texas had forfeited their charter and that all hope of Texas being represented at the great World’s Fair was abandoned. This was indeed a sad blow to the women of Texas.

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 3 Benedette B. Tobin with heroic courage The statue of Austin unfinished at that time, is determined, with the aid of her board, to raise now also completed and will, with the statue of sufficient money to have at least a beautiful Houston (when that shall have returned from rendezvous for the convenience and comfort of Chicago), remain in the studio at Hyde park, all Texas visiting the “White City”. This great awaiting fulfillment of the condition of the undertaking by the women was begun with the contract, to wit. That sufficient means shall be hope and fond expectation that the state raised to have them done in marble, after which legislature and County Exhibitor’s association of they will be presented by the Women of Texas to Texas would come to their assistance and make the Capitol of the state and to Elisabet Ney and an exhibit of the resources of the state. Benedette B. Tobin, Texas for generations to come shall owe a debt of gratitude for their Everyone is familiar with the deplorable apathy priceless legacy. and neglect of our state government and exhibit association. All ought to be familiar with the The “Daughters of the Republic” seem a fitting unselfish, untiring, wholly unrequited services association to lend their assistance to the Statue of Benedette B. Tobin; the undaunted energy club, but the whole state should awaken to the and courage displayed from the beginning to the necessity of aiding of the fund raising, thus end of the fair; how the beautiful Texas building preventing a long seclusion of these statues in was kept open and the most cheerful hospitality the studio in Hyde Park, awaiting their so much admired, was extended not only to our resurrection in marble as the whole state should own people, but to all visitors from the states awake to the beautifying and adorning of our and foreign countries. magnificent capitol building and grounds.

At the moment, the men of Texas avowed their Mrs. J. K. Holland, Austin, Texas inability to carry out their plan, the women had to take the responsibility of erecting the building, and the first idea of adorning it with statues and busts of Texas heroes would have been abandoned if Elisabet Ney had not generously offered to give, for the purpose of carrying out the beautiful idea of the women of Texas, her skill and time as a free offering on the altar of heroism.

Only $1150 had been raised by the statue clubs, but upon condition that after the sufficient means should be raised to produce them in enduring marble and have them placed within the corridors of the capitol, Elizabet Ney recalled from oblivion the forms and features of two of Texas’ cherished heroes, and Texas therefore had the good fortune to see in the center of her building at the World’s fair the imposing statue of Sam Houston, which won so much admiration, especially from artists of all countries visiting Chicago.

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 4 The Galveston Daily News (Galveston, Mrs. Fannie Giesel died Sunday morning, Texas) September 13, 1884 after several years illness. She was highly esteemed and a very large number attended her Navasota, September 12 – At 3 o’clock this funeral today. She was fifty-six years old, was morning a fire originated in a building one of the first settlers here in 1859, and only belonging to P. A. Smith, on Railroad street, four are left of those who came when she did. occupied by H. C. Miller and Simmons as a Alexander Kuhnerdt has taken charge of the grocery and vegetable stores, which spread to Giesel House. the adjacent buildings, only one on the block escaping, which is occupied as a drinking and The Galveston Daily News, November 10, billiard saloon by R. Callauan. The losses are as 1881 Navasota, November 9 – Mr. Alexander follows: Kuhnerdt, proprietor of the Giesel House, died very suddenly this morning of hemorrhage The Smith Hotel and nearly the entire contents of the lungs. His remains will be buried $6,000 No Insurance. House occupied by tomorrow. Ackerman & Gudger; $500 No insurance. House occupied by J. Runnells $400. No The Galveston Daily News, November 18, insurance. House occupied by Miller & 1833 Navasota, November 12 – Two strange Simmons; $600 and room occupied by Tom negroes were in town Saturday night searching Beck $200. No insurance. Ackerman & Gudger, for a lodging place. They encountered a loss of stock, books and stationery $2500; quarrelsome negro man, John Arrington, when Insured for $1500. No insurance on the others. there was a shooting match between them, and Giesel House and contents worth $10,000. the strangers were put in the calaboose. Much Insurance $6000. M. Van Deaderick loss in pistol shooting last night prevailed on the stock of groceries, $1200; insured for $1000 streets. Several parties were arrested today. A House of C. V. Vaughan $500; No insurance. negro, Becky Vaughan, quarreled with and Meyer, Barry & Co. house, $6000; insurance cursed Mrs. S. Cope, of the Giesel house, $5000; loss on stock $15,000, insurance, Sunday night, when Mr. T. Cope went in and $12,000 Foster Bros & Davern, loss in damage chastised Becky. Both were up today before the to house nominal; fully insured. P. Callauan, Mayor. Other serious troubles are on the tapis loss in stock by moving nominal; fully insured. which may result in blood-shed.

It is not known how the fire started. The night The Galveston Daily News, November 24, was clear and calm, otherwise the destruction 1885 Navasota, November 28 – The engine and would have been much greater. Young Mr. Ed tender of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Smith deserves special mention for acts of eastbound train was thrown from the track fortitude in preventing the spread of the fire. Saturday night this side of Yarboro station, and the fireman, G. W. Danner was crushed to Galveston Daily News, October 18, 1881 death. The engineer C. C. Gordon was scalded Navasota, October 17 - Last Saturday Dan badly and bruised severely. He is under Dickson and Chas. Wood captured three young treatment at the Giesel house in this place, white horse thieves near Anderson, Grimes with a prospect of recovery. One report is that County, one name Jack Collins and two named the track spread. Another that a stake had been Broadway, all from Roger’s Prairie, Madison planted in the track, which caught the County. They shot Collins in the hip and cowcatcher. Danner’s body was sent to his abdomen and shot his horse before he would brother in Fort Worth. halt. They are in jail at Anderson. There are nineteen criminals in jail, black and white.

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 5 The Galveston Daily News, Friday, July 22, 1881 Navasota, Tex., In our town there Giesel House was quite an excitement in the last twenty-four hours about a lover’s scrape between two Brick-red colored building in picture. Situated colored people. George Camp (colored), a man near the Houston & Texas Central Railroad of some prominence, has a daughter who Depot, this three-story stone building was wanted to marry a young mulatto named Ben erected in 1860 by R. H. Giesel (1833-1872) and Oliver but her parents opposed her and in order his German-born wife Fannie (1828-1881) to to deter her, they beat her violently and house a restaurant and hotel. A two-story frame threatened Ben Oliver, as he interfered to save porch originally extended across the front of the her from their unmerciful treatment. The structure. Giesel, a Confederate veteran, served parents were arrested and required to give peace as temporary mayor in 1867, when a yellow bond. Oliver got a marriage license and fever epidemic struck Navasota. Fannie Giesel employed Squire Teague to marry them. Oliver renamed her restaurant "The Good Morning and the Squire went into a room of the Giesel John" in 1871. She managed the business until House this forenoon, and sent for Maria, who her death in 1881. Later owners operated the hurried up to the rendezvous and the door was hotel as "The Exchange" and "The Hoyle". closed. The mother suspected something and Three Story, Pre-Civil war building known as went in swift pursuit, but she was denied the Giesel House. This building offers a 3- admittance and alarmed everybody on the street bedroom 2 full bath loft on the 3rd floor. by her outcries, while the lovers were being Victorian style porches on the 2nd and 3rd married upstairs, in presence of witnesses. The floors allow a nice view of Railroad Street as well Mayor’s court and the local magistrate have as parts of the city. The building rests in the city been busy today trying the parents for center. Outer walls of the structure are assaulting Oliver and Maria, and for cruel constructed with native stone. The first and treatment to the latter. second floors are designed to accommodate various personal or business uses. The Galveston Daily News, February 8, 1887 Navasota, Tex. February 7 – Thieves have broken into several dwellings lately, but timely repulses prevented damage, except Saturday night they stole from Mrs. Charlie Miller, proprietress of the Giesel house, several pieces of table cutlery, spoons, castors, etc., branded Meriden Silver Plate company, nearly all new table napkins and red and white checked tablecloths. Mrs. Miller was lately burnt out at the Miller hotel, this city, and this robbery is hard on her. Turner Jamesen, colored, engaged in boring wells, became tired of life Sunday evening and tried to kill himself by cutting his throat. Captain M. Jack and family will move tomorrow to Alvin, on the Santa Fe railway and go into business. His sister, Mrs. H. M. Parker late of Brandon, Miss. Intends also to locate there. She is highly esteemed here and will be greatly missed, especially in the Methodist church and Sunday school.

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 6

Giesel House

Robert Herman Giesel

Robert Herman Giesel was born May 7, 1833 in Prussia and died on January 3, 1872 in Navasota, Texas. He was buried in the Oakland Cemetery in Navasota. Herman immigrated to the United States from Germany and arrived at Galveston on December 18, 1853. He married Fannie Phillipine Neff on August 16, 1855 in Harris County, Texas. Robert Herman Giesel served the Confederate States Army during the War Between the States in the 5th Texas Cavalry Mounted Volunteers (Sibley’s Brigade). He enlisted August 19, 1861 in Grimes County, Texas. He was captured by Union Troops in New Mexico during the campaign of 1862 and taken prisoner on March 26, 1862. He was paroled in Millican, Texas on July 10, 1865. He built the Giesel House in 1860 and ran the hotel up until his death in 1872. His wife Fanny took over the business until her death in 1881.

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 7 Hannibal Boone Chapter UDC The veterans and their widows living in the Confederate Home in Austin were always a The Hannibal Boone Chapter, United Daughters Christmas project for the chapter. Besides of the Confederacy was organized October 25, veterans in the Grimes county were participants 1901 at the home of Captain W. E. Barry, with in their Yuletide cheer. Crosses of honor were Miss Mamie Barry hostess. The name was presented to all veterans and until the chosen in honor of Major Hannibal Boone, who Legionnaires assumed the privilege, the graves had lost an arm while in service in the of our beloved veterans were decorated with Confederate army and who became one of flags and flowers. Navasota’s most distinguished lawyers. The original charter is preserved by the organization Mrs. C. P. Spann deserves special mention as and bears these names: Mrs. W. B. Howell, Mrs. one of this chapter’s outstanding presidents. S. J. Walker, Mrs. G. L. Conoly, Mrs. Anna L. Some of the ensuing presidents were Mrs. W. S. Stewart, Mrs. C. C. Camp, Jr., Mrs. M. A. Fisher, Craig, Mrs. E. M. Perry, Mrs. M. Menger, Mrs. J. Mrs. Ward Templeman, Mrs. Gordon Boone, Wallace Brosig, Mrs. M. E. Parker, Mrs. L. B. Mrs. J. R. Howell, Mrs. Laura F. Blackshear, Rowland, Mrs. H. T. Hall, Mrs. Earl Harris, Sr., Mrs. J. W. Brosig, Mrs. L. F. Martin, Mrs. F. W. and Mrs. W. H. Barry. Crutchfield, Mrs. D. W. Ward, Mrs. W. S. Craig, Mrs. John Owen, Mrs. Fannie Anderson, Mrs. C. This U.D.C. Chapter is no longer active in C. Camp Sr., Mrs. J. G. Tanner, Mrs. Laura Navasota. Thompson, Mrs. J. M. Shaw, Miss Carrie M. Wilson, Miss Lucy Barry, Miss Maggie E. Zuber Hadley Chapter DRT Wilson, Miss Mamie Barry, Miss Meachum, Miss Kate Norwood, Miss Minnie Schumacher, Zuber-Hadley Chapter was organized in Miss Jessie Owen, Miss Ella Schumacher, Miss Anderson, Texas April 16, 1910 at the home of Ira Blackshsear, Miss Nina Stewart, Miss Irma Mrs. Lula Davis-Jones, the first president. Dues V. Chinski, Miss Bessie Barry, Miss Evelyn were fifty cents and entrance fee was fifty cents. Boone, Miss Florida Norwood, Miss Gertrude There were ten charter members. At the end of Forester, and Miss Helen Lott. Miss Mamie 1969 there were seventeen members. During the Barry was the first president. This chapter of the past ten years seven of these died. Membership U.D.C. has contributed much to the lore and has in 1980 was 30 members, only one of the worked for the preservation of our history for members, Mrs. Herbert Wood of Oklahoma, posterity. Under the presidency of Mrs. Kate being the only one of the early members living Menger, a marker was placed over the grave of at the time. During these seventy years only 12 Mrs. Miriam Beck (Forrest) Luxton, mother of presidents have served the chapter. They were General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Mrs. Luxton Mrs. Jones, Miss Amelia Martin, Mrs. Hood was a guest at the famous old Camp Inn at the Boone, Mrs. J. W. Brosig, Mrs. Stratton Baker, time of her death and was buried just across the Mrs. J. T. Swanson, Mrs. Geo. Adams, Mrs. J.R. road in the old Camp family burial ground. Hardy, Miss Frances Stoneham, Mrs. George Spears, Mrs. Emory Bay and Mrs., George This organization took an active part in the Spears. unveiling of the La Salle Monument. It entertained many confederate veterans from During the war years members were active in time to time and furnished transportation to volunteer work and trees were planted in those veterans who were unable to provide their Washington Park on the Brazos and on the high own to and from their beloved conventions. It school campus in honor of sons and daughters held a memorable Hood’s brigade reunion here of members who served in World War II. Flags with Miss Kate Daffin of Ennis the sponsor. and historic pictures were presented to the schools in the county.

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 8 A memorial fund was started to honor Sarah Members also attend workshops and endeavor Dodson who made the first Texas Lone Star flag. to carry out the ideals of the organization. Through the efforts of Mrs. Spears, during her Members of the chapter must be lineal presidency, flag poles were installed in front of descendants of a man or woman who served the the county courthouse in Anderson and with Republic of Texas in a civil or military capacity. special ceremony the Texas flag and a replica of the flag Mrs. Dodson made were raised on one There were ten charter members: Mrs. Myra of the poles while Old Glory waved from the Kennard Boone, Miss Inda Buffington, Miss other pole. The memorial fund was used for a Delia Alice Jennings, Miss Ella Branch bronze marker which had been placed at the Jennings, Miss Juanita Jennings, Mrs. Lula base of the Texas flag to honor Sarah Dodson. Davis Jones, Miss Amelia Martin, Mrs. L. S. Neblett, Miss Ethel Hadley Wilson and Miss Margaret Eleanor Wilson.

Robert Rains Chapter DAR

The Daughters of the American Revolution is a national society founded by women for historical, educational, and patriotic purposes. The members are direct descendants of a soldier or patriot who served in the American Revolution. Robert Rains Chapter held its first official meeting on August 16, 1913 at the home of Mrs. Ward Templeman, the organizing regent. The chapter was named for Mrs. Templeman’s Revolutionary ancestor. Prior to this meeting there were only two members of the NSDAR in Navasota, Mrs. J. T. Swanson and

Mrs. Templeman. The original members were, A member, Mrs. Phillip Bertram gave $200 to Mrs. E. D. Blackshear, Miss Ira Blackshear, Mrs. be spent for a memorial to her sister Lucy Harris J. W. Brosig, Mrs. J. C. Baker, C. C. Camp, Mrs. White. A large antique oil portrait was Mary Carr, Mrs. A. H. Ketchum, Mrs. J. G. presented to the restored home of Anson Jones McRae, Mrs. Kate Menger, Mrs. Shields at Washington Park for this memorial. Norwood, Mrs. Burns Pedigo, Miss Alice Rhodes, Miss Ada Rodes, Mrs. E. B. Stinson, The chapter contributes to all projects and Mrs. Andrew Sangster, Mrs. J. T. Swanson, and makes special contributions to state president Mrs. W. B. Templeman. projects. Regular contributions are made to the county library and historic books are purchased As the result of a recommendation made by by the chapter and presented to the library. Miss Alysse Sangster (Mrs. George Spears) to the State Conference in Austin in 1932, the first Relics have been presented to the Alamo Texas DAR Bulletin was published by the Daily museum and the San Jacinto museum. Examiner of Navasota. Independence Day is observed with the Bryan Chapter and at Washington Park. LaSalle’s On March 6, 1930 Robert Rains Chapter DAR birthday is observed with the local D.A.R. by with great pride served as hostess to all Texas placing flowers at the monument in Navasota. Daughters for the unveiling ceremonies of the Members attend state meetings, assist as co- monument erected in Navasota honor Rene hostess chapters when meeting in the district. Robert Cavelier, Sieru de LaSalle, a French explorer shot by his treacherous companions on

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 9 March 19, 1687 and buried near Navasota. This Important occasions and projects of the chapter statue was given by Texas DAR and Navasota include the marker in 1867 of the Bahia Trail Citizens. The sculptor who created this through Grimes County, grave of Martin monument was Frank Teich, noted for works Palmer, a signer of the Texas Declaration of throughout Texas, Washington DC and Independence located in Jasper County in 1937; Germany. Many civic and cultural activities the grave of a Real Daughter, Frances Coleman have centered around this monument. Womack was found and marked in Plantersville, Representatives of the French government have Texas in 1940, Miss Eugenia Wellborn, Regent helped celebrate LaSalle’s birthday. Consul M. in 1939-1940 contributed a costume to the Jouine, Consul General Louis Vorms in 1975; Texas National Golden Jubilee Project, a Consul General Claude Fouquet, Mrs. Fouquet collection of historic gowns at Texas Women’s and Miss Liana Mouzakis sister of Mrs. Fouquet University. in 1978. Other projects of the chapter include the grave of Miss Stoneham, the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier, buried in the Stoneham cemetery, was marked with a bronze marker in 1936. In July 1974 Dr. Unal Gurol was honored by Robert Raines Chapter as a new citizen of the USA and presented with a flag by Mrs. George Spears. We celebrated the Bicentennial of our nation in numerous education and social events.

Robert Rains has been most fortunate to have outstanding educators, writers, leaders in government, and officers of DAR both state and national as speakers and guests of our chapter.

We have excellent newspaper and radio coverage of our local and national activities some of which are marking the graves of deceased members with bronze markers; good citizenship medals given to high school students in Grimes County, selected by a faculty committee from each school, money, dominoes, cards and cookies are given to Veterans at Marlin Hospital, medals to outstanding ROTC students at Prairie View University; Mrs. J. T. Simmons was presented a “50 Year Pin” by the organization. We are the proud possessors of a French flag given to the chapter by the French government.

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 10 This bridge now resides at the Historic HISTORIC BRIDGE Anderson Park in Anderson.

Sarah Ann (Sallie) Siddall Henderson

Sarah Ann (Sallie) Siddall came to Anderson, Texas with her father and mother, John Maltby Siddall and Elizabeth Sarah Jagars in a covered This historic bridge was originally located on CR wagon in 1875. She was 13 years old. Prior to 263 (known locally as CR 180) over Rocky coming to Texas, she had attended school where Creek. Constructed around 1905, the Warren it was necessary for the parents to provide a pony truss measures 50 feet in length and is a chair for the pupil. Her father made her a rare survivor of a one-common structure. The rawhide bottomed chair which I treasure and in single-span, four panel bridge is comprised which I am sitting while typing this. primarily of riveted and bolted steel channels, i- beams and plates and pin connected eye bars. “Miss Sallie” as she was called by all who knew The main steel components were shop riveted and loved her was the first woman in Texas to and then bolted into their final configuration on become a licensed pharmacist, studying in site. A popular retreat through the 1890’s Galveston. For many years she owned and nearby Kellum Springs was likely a motivating operated Anderson’s only drugstore. The force that resulted in the development of an building which housed the drugstore also early road north of Anderson that let to the provided space for her brother, George’s springs and then connected with Iola to undertaking business, and the coffins were facilitate travel from the northern reaches of the stored there. Upstairs was the doctor’s office county. The crossing of Rocky Creek with a and the first telephone switchboard in bridge along this route was a necessity, as it Anderson, connecting with other towns in the remained a primary north/south route between th county. Anderson and Iola into the 20 century. The bridge now stands as an early landmark of Texas Miss Sallie was a most thoughtful person, engineering history with a heritage proudly helping others in any way possible. In her shared by the people of Grimes County. drugstore, she had a small room at the back

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 11 which she fixed up for the mothers to use when they came to town with their husbands and brought their children. In the room was a fireplace, rocking chairs, and room for pallets. Sweet potatoes’ and eggs were always roasting in the fireplace. A most pleasant place for out- of-town visitors, since trips to town were an all- day occasion in those days.

Sallie had one of the early large-wheel bicycles for ladies and was often seen riding around town. She was accomplished in all kinds of handwork, making fine lace, tatting, doing embroidery, and from natural hair she made switches and hairpieces for the ladies to add to their hairstyles of the day.

After the death of her mother in 1901 Sallie made a home for her father and was known far and wide for her bounteous table, especially her corncakes.

Sallie married W. C. Henderson, an artist. Although colorblind, he did beautiful pictures and always put a red-headed girl in them Captain John M. Siddall because his wife was red-headed. He had to Conscript Officer CSA keep his paints and brushes in special order so that he could use the right color. He did the ornamental metal ceiling in the Grimes County John Maltby Siddall was born August 23, 1829 Courthouse. in Illinois. His wife was Elizabeth Jaggars was also born in Illinois. Captain John M. Siddall Mr. and Mrs. Henderson had no children but was in the Confederate States Army as a they loved and cared for others and especially Conscript Officer. He was captured on March enjoyed George’s and Robert’s children. It was 19, 1863 near Fort Pillow, Arkansas and taken always a treat to go to Auntie’s. Miss Sallie died prisoner and sent to Johnsons Island Prison in August 14, 1926. (She is buried in Odd Fellows Sandusky, Ohio. He was paroled at Johnson’s Cemetery in Anderson, Texas). Island and transferred to New Orleans on January 9, 1865 from Sandusky, Ohio. He Written by Edith Siddall Menefee appears on a roll of rebel prisoners of war Assisted by Elizabeth Siddall received from Johnson’s Island, Ohio and exchanged at Red River Landing, Louisiana on Take from the book “Heritage and Progress: February 26, 1865. He died April 18, 1920 in History of Grimes County, Texas”. © 1982, Grimes County and is buried in the Odd Fellows Reprinted in 2007 by the Grimes County Cemetery in Anderson, Texas. Historical Commission.

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 12 Cemetery Spotlight Grimes Prairie Cemetery

The Grimes Prairie Joel Greenwood Cemetery Cemetery is located five miles north of One of the oldest burial sites in the Stoneham Stoneham off the Plantersville area is the Joel Greenwood Stoneham to Cemetery. Over the years about 25 persons have Anderson Highway been buried there, but not one marker remains. (FM 1774) on what is now the McGee The cemetery is located five miles north of estate “Monument Plantersville on FM 1774 on what is now known Hill”. The cemetery as the “Hamilton Place”. A list of persons buried has long been in the Joel Greenwood cemetery would include: abandoned. The last burial seems to have Henry Bailey Greenwood 1756-1835 been in 1907. Jesse Grimes died in 1866 and Joel Greenwood 1802-184? was buried in this cemetery, but his body was Daughter of Joel & Anna Greenwood 1830’s moved to the Texas State Cemetery in Austin Daughter of Joel & Anna Greenwood 1830’s where he lies with other early patriots and William Montgomery 1772-1835 signers of the Texas Declaration of James Montgomery Independence. Persons who are interred in this Julia Robinson Montgomery cemetery are: Major John Pierson 1795-1849 Son of Major Pierson (child) John H. Bowen 1832-1878 Son of Major Pierson (child) Emily Bowen Gannaway 1838-1907 Owen Shannon Amos DeBose 1845-1923 Martha Dupree Stoneham Banks James DeBose 1907-1927 Frank Stoneham (child) Nathan DeBose 1893-1948 Son of Joseph Stoneham (child) Mary DeBose Dunn 1875-1943 Grace M. Jordan 1857 Jesse Grimes 1788-1866 (moved to Austin) Rosanna Ward Briton Grimes 1803-1871 Barton William Jordan Grace M. Jordan 1802-1957 Emmett O’Keefe 1860-1880 Martha Ann Grimes O’Keefe 1824-1862 John H. Miller 1860 Lula Pearl McGinty Pender 1864-1883 Mrs. Jane Dillard Stoneham 1758-1858 Frances E. Stoneham George Stoneham 1786-1868 John Stoneham 1795-1881 Missouri A. Jordan Stoneham 1829-1854

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 13 Burleson also helped Ben Milam organize and Texas State Cemetery seize Bexar County, the first major skirmish for Texas Independence. An important part of the Battle of San Jacinto, Burleson commanded the First Regiment of Texas Volunteers. Following Texas’ fight for independence he served in the Cherokee and Mexican War. At the same time, serving as Vice President of the Republic of Texas, Member of the Texas House of Representatives and Senate, and President pro tempore of the Legislature.

In December of 1851, Burleson died in Austin at the home of a friend, and the next day a Committee was convened in the House of Representatives to plan his funeral. House member Andrew Jackson Hamilton, who was impressed with Burleson and his career, took charge of the committee and provided his personal property in East Austin as a state burial ground which the state eventually took over in 1854.

Burleson was the only individual buried in East Austin until Abner S. Lipscomb, Associate Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, was buried in 1856. From 1856 to 1866 there were a number of burials that included some of Texas’ most widely known leaders, Civil War

generals, and other soldiers from Texas’ fight The Texas State Cemetery is located for independence and the Civil War. approximately one mile east of the State Capitol between Navasota and Comal streets In 1866, Albert Sidney Johnston’s body was and consists of 18 acres. The Cemetery brought to the Cemetery from New Orleans. provides a final resting-place for individuals Thirty-five years after Johnston’s return to who have made a significant contribution to Texas and the state burial ground, the Texas. Stephen F. Austin, 11 governors, renowned artist Elisabet Ney was numerous legislators, judges and unique commissioned to construct a monument for individuals throughout Texas’ history are the fallen hero. A life-size death mask was some of the people buried at the Texas State constructed of white marble and housed in a Cemetery. gothic chapel. Many of Johnston’s fellow generals such as Ben McCulloch, William P. The first person buried at the Texas State Hardeman, John Wharton, August Buchel, Cemetery was General Edward Burleson. and Xavier Debray are also buried in the Burleson emigrated from Tennessee to Cemetery. Bastrop County where he helped organize volunteers at Gonzales and was elected Stephen F. Austin’s senior colonel. As colonel,

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 14 In the latter part of the 19th century, the State The 1920’s saw a renewed interest in the of Texas took over the Confederate Men’s and Cemetery as Texas prepared for the Women’s Home. As more and more men and approaching centennial. Louis Kemp, noted women were passing away there became a businessman and historian, headed up one of need for a burial space that would be able to the more ambitious plans undertaken by the accommodate them; as a result, the Cemetery State when the Senate passed Senate Bill No. was chosen so the veterans could be 181. This particular bill called for prominent memorialized with their former generals. In Texans to be reburied and have monuments 1871, the sexton was authorized by the erected at the Cemetery. The project began in Legislature to purchase and have inscribed the 1929 with the reinternment of James Pinckney name, date of birth and death, and unit with Henderson, Peter Hansborough Bell, and which the veteran fought. Each headstone was many other Texas notables. The project lasted not to exceed $40 dollars. until 1936 when over seventy men and women were reinterred. As a special thanks to the In the early 1900's there were many ambitious efforts of Louis Kemp the State Highway projects on the horizon. The first of these was Department named the Cemetery road Lou the construction of the Albert Sidney Johnston Kemp Avenue. monument that was completed in August 1906. Sixty years after their initial plan to One of the more important events that reinter Stephen F. Austin the Legislature occurred was the establishment of burial brought his remains to the Cemetery and guidelines. In 1953, new guidelines were erected a monument in his honor. The adopted that specified who might obtain a plot. reinternment of Joanna Troutman and They must meet one of the following General John Wharton were initiated and requirements: member or ex-member of the encouraged by Governor O. B. Colquitt (1910- Texas Legislature, Confederate Veteran, 1915). Among other projects during this time elected state official, state official appointed by the caretaker’s cottage was built, trees, shrubs, the governor and confirmed by the Legislature, and flowers were planted, a drainage system individual designated by governor’s was installed, and roads were improved. proclamation or concurrent resolution of the Legislature, or the spouse of anyone meeting these criteria. These guidelines are still in effect to this day.

In 1994, Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, unhappy with the condition of the Cemetery, organized a full-scale renovation and restoration project. The project included the construction of a visitor’s center and gallery, pond, columbarium wall, and a memorial plaza. All Confederate headstones were taken down and cleaned and were replaced if damaged. Trees, shrubbery, flowers, and grass were planted for the beautification phase of the project. In March of 1997, a rededication ceremony was held with Governor George W. Bush, Lieutenant Governor Bullock, Speaker of the House Pete Laney, and other distinguished guests in attendance.

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 15 In 1997, the Legislature formed a Committee that oversees the everyday operations of the Cemetery. The Committee is comprised of three members who are appointed by the Governor. The first Texas State Cemetery Committee members were Chairman Martin L. Allday, George Christian, and Ralph Wayne. The Committee meets monthly and holds open record meetings that are posted in the Texas Register. Current Committee Members are Chairman Benjamin M. Hanson, James L. "Jim" Bayless Jr. and Carolyn Hodges.

Hours of Operation - Office: Monday through Friday 8a.m. to 5p.m. Grounds: 8a.m. to 5p.m. daily.

Texas State Cemetery 909 Navasota Street Austin, Texas 78702 Phone: (512) 463-0605 Fax: (512) 463-8811

Jessie Grimes

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 16 UPCOMING EVENTS LOCAL NEWS

Kathy Wells, president of the Robert Raines Grimes County Chapter of the DAR, reports it The Fanthorp Inn is open for public tours on is continuing to collect information on any Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 Grimes County World War 1 veterans from p.m. 579 S. Main St. Anderson, TX 77830 World War 1 for the memorial to be located at Admission is Free Historic Anderson Park by the fall of 1918. http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/fanthorp- The group is also urging anyone who knows a inn family member who was a WWI veteran of Grimes County to please contact the above addresses.

Donations for the memorial have reached nearly $2,000. Donors may contact Kathy Wells at [email protected] or Lisa Lents at [email protected]

The group is selling these beautiful red poppy pins for $5 each to help raise funds for the Stagecoach Rides are given on the 2nd Saturday monument. of each month. (except August)

GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2017 PAGE 17

We have copies of the Navasota Bluebonnet on sale for only $25 each. This book was published in 1954 and has 100 years of Navasota History. This book was reprinted in 2001.

Grimes County Cemetery Books Volumes 1 thru 4 are $30 each or you can purchase the set for $100

Volume 1 - North (Bedias/Iola/Keith)

Volume 2 - Central (Anderson/Shiro/Roans Prairie/Singleton)

Volume 3 - South (Courtney/Plantersville)

Grimes County History Book Volume 4 – Navasota

The Grimes County Heritage and Progress History Book is a great addition to your family library. It contains the history of our county as well as family histories of Grimes County Residents. $50