Vol 09 No. 12 - September 1932

A Son Of The Texas Revolution (On the cover- Mr Hilton Milam Dodson)

Dudley R. Dobie. This is an account of the life and experiences of Mr Hilton Milam Dodson of Mathis, Texas. The name Milam was given him in memory of Texas Revolution hero, Ben Milam. Dodson was born in Fort Bend County, in the Republic of Texas, March 3, 1839. His father, Arahelaus B. Dodson, came to Texas from North Carolina in 1825. His mother, who was Sarah Rudolph Bradley, came to Texas in 1823 from Kentucky. She was the daughter of Edward Bradley, whose family was one of the first Three Hundred in Stephen F. Austin's Colony. In 1876, Mr. Dodson bought the Martin Culver ranch, which was located on the west side of the Nueces River, in Jim Wells county. It was called "Lost Ranch." It is in a valley on the north side of the Penita Creek, with a high range of rocky hills bordering the south side of the creek. It is believed that the ranch was named "Rancho Peridido" by the Mexicans, but in the deeds acquired with the ranch it is described as being known as "Lost Ranch." Mr. Dodson lived on this ranch for 62 years. At the death of his wife in April, 1929, he moved to Mathis, San Patricio county.

Further Mentions: A daughter Aliss Ruth Dodson. * Andrew Robinson * Harrisburg * Sarah Bradley Dobson * Burleson * Mrs. M. Looscan, noted Texas historian * Captain William Brown * Sarah Rudolph Bradley * John H. Moore * Anahuac with Travis * and S. Harris, John Graves, John Broek, Captain Hummings, El Ray, J. W. Wilcox, J. and H. Callihan * Vince's Bayou * Grimes County * Peter Fullenwider the only Presbyterian preacher in Texas at the time of the Battle of San Jacinto * Andrew McWhorter * William McWhorter * James Bowie * the family moved out to Live Oak county, settling on the Nueces River at what is now Dinero. * Capt. Thomas Rabb's company * Riverside ranch * In 1867, Mr. Dodson began working for a ranchman by the name of Martin Culver * Miss Mary Burris * neighbor, Sam Watson * the Bluntzer settlement * C. C. Cox * Cox was a merchant of Lagarto * William Harrison, B. Burris, Ed Corkill and John Morgan * McNeil's ranch * Gussetville * the Carmel place

OLD AND HISTORIC VIOLIN

In the State museum at Austin is a violin of great historic interest. It is known as the ''Violin of Perote," and was made by Henry Journeay, one of the prisoners in the Mier expedition, while in prison in the Castle of Perote, Mexico. It was until recently owned by a descendant of the maker, who gave it to the museum a few weeks ago.

In the Mier expedition were men of education, culture and refinement. The army, as is well known, went in pursuit of General Woll, who had swooped down upon San Antonio and captured the whole district court, judge, jury clerk, and many other citizens, and struck out for Mexico. The little Texas army, known as the Mier expedition went in pursuit, and did-capture a few Mexican boats at the little river town of Miers, but were finally overpowered by numbers and captured. The Texans were taken to Mexico, being herded like sheep at night, enduring untold suffering. Once they overpowered their guards and escaped, but were soon recaptured and then subjected to even greater brutality, and by order of Santa Anna every tenth man was shot.

Finally reaching the City of Mexico, they were kept there at hard labor for 10 years. While in the prison castle at Perote the old violin was made by Henry Journeay, his only tools being an old file, a pocket knife and a piece of glass.

The violin was often played at night to divert the attention of the prison guards, and the prisoners danced while others dug a hole through the thick stone wall, through which sixteen men escaped one night. Nine of the men were recaptured, but seven finally reached their homes in safety. Finally Santa Anna, at the request of his dying wife, released the men and they returned to Texas. Among the relics brought back to Texas was this old violin.

Killing And Scalping Of Nick Dawson

H. G. Bedford. The counties of Montigue, Wise, Jack, Young, Parker and Palo-Pinto are peculiarly situated in that country known as the Upper Cross Timbers, being partly timbered and partly prairie. In the brush and timber the Indians could skulk and hide during the day, and at night they could prowl through the country, steal horses, and kill and scalp people. These were at the beginning of the Civil War, the border Texas counties, and were at the time rather in a defenseless condition on account of the fact that both men and arms were carried away front the country to he used in the Confederate service. While in none of the histories of those days is found anything much concerning Wise county, yet it is a fact that the people of that county suffered as much from the ravages of the Indians, if not more, than did those of any other county. This is the setting for this sad tale of Nick Dawson, a man of great courage, and one who was always ready, when the opportunity offered, to fight the dreaded Comanche. For this noble spirit, he paid with his life.

Further Mentions: Captain Jerry Burnett's ranch * Morris' branch * Colonel P. C. Sams * the Mose Ball settlement on Black Creek * old man Hampton

 

Canyon De Uvalde

A. J. Sowell. Excellent account of the history of CANYON DE UVALDE (the original name of the beautiful valley now known as Sabinal (Cypress) Canyon). situated about ninety miles a little north of west from San Antonio and is partly in Uvalde and Bandera counties. It is about twenty-five miles in length and from three to eight miles in width. The canyon was named for Colonel Uvalde of the Mexican army, who defeated the Comanche Indians in a great battle in this valley. This story recounts that great battle, and other historical details of the area.

Further Mentions: Sabinal station * The first ranch on the Rio Grande was that of Barrego, at a place called Dolores, twenty-five miles below Laredo * Tampke * Harley Martin * Mr. John Kincaid * Mr. P. S. Sowell * the Medina valley

Santa Anna Mountains

F. M. Cross. This great story is about Santa Anna Mountian, a few miles south of old Camp Colorado post which was used by the soldiers that were first stationed at Camp Colorado, for spy a mountain. A man on one of those mountains could see horsemen a long way off. When the man on the mountain discovered Indians coming he would watch until he could tell which side of the mountain they were going on, then he would go down to the other men and tell them which side of the mountain the Indians were starting for, and the whites knew just how and where to make the fight. The story goes on to also describe Salt Mountain, a little mountain on the east side of Brown county, about five miles from the upper line of Comanche county. It was the most noted place for Indian fighting of any in the state. From the time this country began to settle until the Indians were driven out entirely, there were several fights and a number of them were killed at or near this Salt Mountain. This account details the very earliest happenings of this country.

Further Mentions: In 1863 a company of Confederate soldiers was stationed at Colorado Post * Lieutenant Chandler, of Captain J. J. Cullen's company * In the first settling of Lampasas county there was a family living in the community or town of Lampasas by the name of Mullins. Old Uncle Charley Mullins had three boys, whose names were Ike, Bill and John * the head of Brown's Creek, near where the town of Mullin is now

Some Exciting Political Campaigns In Texas

Story details some of the more notorious political campaigns in Texas history.

Further Mentions: Old timers tell us that one of the warmest campaigns of early days was when Sam Houston and Governor Reynolds made the race for Governor. Reynolds was not a speaker and was represented on the stump by a Mr. Wigfall, a great orator. The tilts between Houston and Wigfall were acrimonious and exciting, and many people traveled as far as a hundred miles to hear their joint discussions * The Statewide prohibition in 1887 was the occasion for much excitement and controversy. * Senator John H. Reagan * Senator Richard Coke * D. B. Culberson * There was quite an interest in the race for Governor in 1886. Marion Martin, who was known as the "Swamp Fox," was pitted against Gen. L. S. Ross, the democratic candidate * the Knights of Labor party * Probably the most spectacular campaign in the history of the state was the race for Governor in 1892, between James Stephen Hogg and George Clark Hogg * The venerable James W. Throckmorton * Henry D. Paris, a brilliant lawyer of Paris * Gustave Cook * Clark, of Waco * Senator Haxey * Judge Thos. L. Nugent * S. W. T. Lanham * John H. Reagan * Charles A. Culberson * Judge Ball * Judge Brooks * Thomas Campbell * Joe Bailey

SAN ANTONIO LONG MILITARY CENTER

All throughout its history, as today San Antonio has been a center for military activity. From the time the Spanish established the old mission of San Antonio de Valero, in 1715, until the present, there has rarely been a day when soldiers went not to he seen…

Old Days In The Old Army

Lydia Spencer Lane (Continued from Last Month). Mrs. Lane faithfully followed her husband through the most desolate and dangerous regions of the Texas frontier, and kept a journal through the whole time. This is fascinating reading and includes details of the army movements, as well as the terrors, the terrain, and the depravations endured by those who served the cause of peace and freedom in Western Texas. You will rarely find reading that includes so much minute detail of pioneer and soldier life than in this excellent account. Mrs. Lane was a fine communicator.

Frequently the Indians made us visits after we reached camp. They seemed to pop up most unexpectedly, and though we could not see one while riding along the road, we had no sooner turned into camp than they suddenly swooped down upon us like a swarm of locusts. They were utterly regardless of time and season, making the calls as it suited their own pleasure and convenience. They came close up to the tent, staring at us, no matter in what state of undress we might be. Our dishabille, however, was full dress, compared with their visiting costumes. A regular dandy honored us one day, and this is what he wore: an army officer's coat, well buttoned up, an old sword dangling from a leather belt, a soldier's cap, and moccasins; no sign of trousers or leg-covering had lie and lie seemed utterly unconscious of the absence of those garments deemed so essential in the presence of ladies and polite society. He bore himself with becoming dignity, no doubt being perfectly satisfied with his appearance.

We had travelled along the Arkansas for several days before we forded it. There was once I recollect seeing a man about the place who had been more than scalped by the Indians. It was seldom one survived that operation, but this fellow was an exception, and was lively enough, although his head was still bandaged. His recovery was almost miraculous, for the whole skin had been torn from his head from ear to ear, back and front. I take it he hoped to live to meet his red brethren again, that he might do unto them as they had done unto him. There was not much love in those days between a frontiersman and an Indian, and there is not a great deal even now.

Further Mentions: Captain Gibbs * Fort Craig * Mesilla * Doctor Sleek * Fort Fillmore * Fort Stanton * Major Lynde * Doctor McKee * Colonel Andrew Porter * Lieutenant-Colonel Baylor * Captain Joseph Potter * the Spanish Peaks * Lieutenants Hancock and Ryan * Dr. B. J. D. Irwin * Colonel Charles Ruff * Captain McNutt * the wife of Lieutenant James Casey * an old trading post on the river known as "Bent's Fort," * Fisher's Peak * Trinidad, Colorado * General Sykes, in command * Colonel "Pinkey" Marshall and wife, Colonel Henry Bankhead and wife * Lieutenant Newbold and wife, Lieutenant James Casey and wife, Lieutenant Ephriam Williams, Lieutenant Granville Lewis *(Continued next month.)

Picturesque Characters Among Women Of Wild West

Every cowboy for miles around knew Dutch Jake and made it a point to drop in at Bede & Kelley's place and swap verbal shafts with her … Week in and week out she sat in the sun by the door, her broad bulk overgorging her chair, and always with a black cigar or the remnant of one in the corner of her mouth. A cowman would no more think of leaving town without accosting Dutch Jake than of going away without a half dozen drinks and that was unheard of.

This enlightening story details not only "Dutch Jake" but mentions other specimens of feminine frontier excellence as: Poker Alice. Alabama Jane, Cayuse Laura, Deadwood Georgie, Cowboy Anna, Poker Nell, Yellowstone Nell Chinnick, The Crying Squaw, Snowplow Bowers, Wild Horse Kate, Madam Bulldog and Calamity Jane.

Young as she was, Alabama Jane had a passion for liquor, and when in her cups all the latent fire of her seethed to the surface. Dark eyes aflame, long black hair streaming down her back, she would gather a, half-dozen worshiping miners about her and lead that roaring group on a tour of all the saloons, scattering her money with both hands in buying drinks for everybody in sight. Naturally many fights ensued ; and then Jane was in her glory. As suited her mood she either presided at these fracases, egging on the combatants, or mingled in the fray with gun, club or fist, a veritable Amazon, a battling wildcat, but never for a moment ungraceful, nor yet, even in her wildest moments, wholly unbeautiful. Alabama Jane was only a girl in her middle twenties when she died in Deadwood in 1881, her death being from natural causes and not from violence, as might have been expected.

Further Mentions: Bede & Kelley's saloon * Sturgis, S. D., or Scooptown * Rapid City, S. D * Al Swarenger * Cedar Canyon, Montana * White Wood Creek * a woman called Cowboy Anna, who ruled a group of younger and prettier persons of her own sex

Capt. W. L. Rudd Of Yorktown, Ex-Ranger

By Mr. G. C. Mayfield.

Account of Capt. W. L. Rudd, who was born at Eweringham, Yorkshire, England, August 10, 1845. He came to America in 1872, first touching Texas soil at Galveston. He was the venerable and honored citizen of Yorktown, traditional German stronghold of DeWitt county, Texas. How the young Will Rudd won his spurs and his American bride is a colorful tale of the storied Texas Rangers.

Further Mentions: Colorado Chico, "Little Red" * Captain Henry Wat Karnes * Jack Hays * Capt. John Hemphill * Ranger Capt. Sul Ross * Peta Nosoma * Cynthia Ann Parker * Tamauplipas * the famous "Cortina War" * Gustave Schleicher, then congressman from Texas * Cuero * John Wesley Hardin * Maj. Jones * Col. George W. Baylor, Capts. G. W. Arrington, Frank Jones, D. W. Roberts, Neal Caldwell, of Kerr county and John Hughes. * Capt. L. H. McNelly * the bloody Sutton and Taylor fued * Clinton, on the old Indianola-to-San Antonia freight road * Joe Tumlinson (Escondido Indian fighter). * the home of "Bo" (Bolivar Jackson) Pridgen, a State senator of Thomason, Victoria county * Robert Kleberg, * N. A. Jennings, who was also one of McNelly's men * the Los Cuevos rancho, five miles across the Rio Grande in Mexico * Dr. Headley * Sam Bass * Dimmit county * King Fisher, notorious "chieftain of bad men," * the Pendencia Creek * Sergeant Armstrong * After a big battle at Lake Espinosa * Panelio Ruiz, a desperado * Franklin E. Walker * Jennings

Goliad Man Recalls Wild Frontier Of Lone Star State

By Frank E. Walker.

Account of M. L. Mathis, who came to Texas from West Tennessee, resident of Goliad, and long time cattleman in this region. He was associated with shipping of cattle with Morgan shipping interests, and also speaks of the destruction of Indianola.

Further Mentions: James Doughty * Live Oak county * Rockport * One Mr. Wiser * the firm of Coleman, Mathis & Fulton * raid on Noke's store * Lee and Doc Rabb, two of the cowboys in my outfit * Mr. Morgan of the Morgan shipping interests * Green Lake * Indianola * Brashear City * feud had been going on in Goliad, DeWitt, Victoria and Calhoun counties for a long time, and a number of men had already been killed. * William Henry Crain, on of the ablest prosecutors in the country * My first wife was the daughter of the late R. L. Ellison of Murray, Ky * a family by the name of Swift had been killed the night before by Mexicans * Henry Scott, a man who lived in Refugio * a Mexican leader, one Cortino * Caesar Bazar * a Mr. Pepper * Oakville *

Lieut. William B. Hazen, Eighth Infantry In Texas

By Col. M. L. Crimmins. Account details the service of Lieut. W. B. Hazen in Texas.

This information being buried in the 'ilex of the War Department is not available for your readers who may be interested in the folllowing:

Lieutenant Hazen was promoted Second Lieutenant of the Eighth Infantry on the fourth of September in 1855, and ''breveted First Lieutenant," May 16, 1859, for gallant conduct in two several engagements with the Indians in Texas. He rendered distinguished services during the Civil War and was breveted Brigadier General for gallant and meritorious services in the Battle of Chickamauga, and was breveted for gallantry in the Battle of Chattanooga, and for the capture of Atlanta, Georgia, for the Capture of Fort McAllister, Georgia, and breveted Major-General, March 13, 1865, for gallant meritorious services in the field during the War. He was appointed Brigadier-General and Chief Signal Officer, December 15, 1530, and died on Janury 16, 1887. This is his story.

Further Mentions: seven privates of Company F * that regiment marched from Fort Inge in pursuit of Indians * Sabinal * ; Mr. Samuel Everett * Mr. Pallium * Mr. Williams * Private Charles Setzer, of Company I, Eighth Infantry * Fort Clark *

They Buried Bill Longley Next To A Blackjack Tree

Bonnie Tom Robinson. Account of the renown TX badman whose skill as a gunslinger is perhaps unsurpassed by all the badmen of the frontier. Here is the story of his hanging, his last words, and burial.

Further Mentions: Hiram Craig and Bill McClellan * sheriff Jim Brown * Old Cale Longley, the father of Little Cale * Wilson Anderson * Z. P. Eggleston * Virge Wolly * The Longleys were as fine people as ever lived in Lee County * Old Man Campbell Longley *

SOME GLARING ERRORS CORRECTED

In the August issue of Frontier Times appeared an article written by Virgil N. Lott for the Dallas News, published in that paper, and republished in a number of Texas weeklies. Frontier Times reproduced the article without any attempt to verify some of the statements it contained in reference to General Robert E. Lee in Texas. Now we have letters from two well known Army officers, both on the retired list who flatly contradict some of Mr. Lott's statements, and in order to "keep the record straight" we publish below the letters of Colonel C. C. Smith, U. S. A. Retired, of Riverside, California, and Colonel Martin L. Crimmmins, U. S. A. Retired, San Antonio, Texas. In previous issues of this magazine Colonel Crimmins has given undisputed facts regarding General Robert E. Lee's service in Texas. Writing under date of July 14, 1932, he says:

"Dear Mr. Hunter…

Further Mentions: the John Brown raid * Harper's Ferry, Virginia * Fort Ringgold * Fort Phantom Hill. Fort Gates, Fort Worth, Fort Hancock, Fort Filipe at Del Rio * Lieut. Phil Sheridan * Colonel C. C. Smith * Fort Duncan (Eagle Pass) * the Mexican town of Mamargo. This should be Camargo * Major Brown (Jacob Brown,) for whom Fort Brown in Texas was named * Lieut. Chadbourne (old Ft. Chadbourne, Texas, was named for him), * Lieut. J. E. Blake, Topographical Engineers * Resaca de Palma, * Genl. Pershing * Major Saml. Ringgold *

THE EDITOR'S PAGE

Mentions: G. G. Sturtevant * The old settlers of Williamson county, Texas * Mrs. Georgina Kendall Fellowes * George W. Kendall * Mrs: E. F. Averitte * G. W. Burton, Llano, Texas * the old Ross Rangers * Cynthia Ann Parker * Mr. Haley's

 

Some names mentioned in this volume:

Wilson Anderson; Sgt; Armstrong; Arrington; Austin; Mrs E. E. Averitte; Caesar Bagar; Joe Bailey; Judge Ball; Mose Ball; Gen Bandera; Col Henry Bankhead; Lt Col Baylor; Caesar Bazar; H. G. Bedford; Chief Big Foot; Lt J. E. Blake; Snowplow Bowers; Bowie; Edward Bradley; Sarah Rudolph Bradley; John Brock; Judge Brooks; Jacob Maj Brown; Sheriff Brown; Capt William Brown; Burleson; Capt Jerry Burnett; B. Burris; Mary Miss Burris; G. W. Burton; W. W. Burton; Lt Buttons; Capt Neal Caldwell; H. Callihan; J. Callihan; Thomas Campbell; Gen Canby; Lt James Casey; Mrs James Casey; Lt Chadbourne; Lt Chandler; George Chinnick; Yellowstone Nell Chinnick; Chinnick; Frank Church; Amasa Sr Clark; George Clark; Lt Cochran; Richard Sen Coke; Chico Colorado; O. B. Colquitt; Gustave Cook; Ed Corkill; Gen Cortina; C. C. Cox; Judge Cox; Hiram Craig; William Henry Crain; Lt F. J. Crilly; Col Martin L. Crimmins; F. M. Cross; Charles A. Culberson; D. B. Culberson; Capt J. J. Cullen; Martin Culver; Mrs O. W. Curry; Nick Dawson; Dudley R. Dobie; A. B. Dodson; Archelaus B. Dodson; Hilton Milam Dodson; Milton Dodson; Milton Milam Dodson; Miss Ruth Dodson; Sarah Dodson; Sarah Bradley Dodson; Mrs Sarah Rudolph Dodson; James Doughty; Doughty; Z. P. Eggleston; R. L. Ellison; Samuel Everett; Mrs Georgina Kendall Fellowes; Peter Fullenwider; Fullenwider; Capt Gibbs; John Graves; Green; Haley; Lt Hancock; Hardin; D. Harris; S. Harris; William Harrison; Hays; Lt William B. Hazen; Lt Wm B. Hazen; Dr Headley; Capt John Hemphill; James Hogg; James Stephen; Capt John Hughes; Capt Hummings; Lt Inge; Dr B. J. D. Irwin; James Irwin; Jennings Irwin; Johnson Irwin; Jones Irwin; Henry Journeay; Capt Henry Wat Karnes; George W. Kendall; John Kincaid; Robert Kleberg; Capt Lane; S. W. T. Lanham; Lee; Lemley; Lt Granville Lewis; Campbell Longley; Little Cale Longley; Old Cale Longley; Old Man Longley; Mrs M. Looscan; Virgil N. Lott; Maj Lynde; Col Pinkey Marshall; Harley Martin; Marion "Swamp Fox"; M. L. Mathis; Sen Maxey; G. C. Mayfield; Bill McClellan; Dr McKee; Pate McNeil; Capt McNelly; Capt McNutt; Andrew McWhorter; William McWhorter; Milam; John H. Moore; John Morgan; Bill Mullins; Charley Mullins; Ike Mullins; John Mullins; Frank Murphy; Lt Newbold; Peta Nosoma; Judge Thos L. Nugent; Henry D. Paris; Parker; Gen Pershing; Mrs J. W. Poindexter; Col Andrew Porter; Capt Joseph Potter; Bolivar Jackson "Bo" Pridgen; Doc Rabb; Lee Rabb; Capt Thomas Rabb; E. Ray; Rayburn; John H. Sen Reagan; Gov Reynolds; Sam Maj Ringgold; Roberts; Andrew Robinson; Bonnie Tom Robinson; Rose; Gov Ross; Gen L. S. Ross; Capt Sul Ross; Capt Rudd; Corp Rudd; Capt W. L. Rudd; Col Charles Ruff; Pancho Ruiz; Lt Ryan; Col P. C. Sams; H. Q. Sanderson; Gustave Schleicher; Schon; Henry Scott; Capt Washington Seawell; Pvt Charles Setzer; Lt Phil Sheridan; Shipman; Smith; Sowell; Lee Sowell; P. S. Sowell; Dr Steck; Lt Stivers; Col C. G. Sturtevant; Al Swarenger; Gen Sykes; Taylor; James W. Throckmorton; William B. Travis; Col Troutman; Capt Joe Tumlinson; Col Uvalde; Frank E. Walker; Franklin E. Walker; Col Ward; Sam Watson; Georgia West; J. W. Wilcox; Lt Ephriam Williams; Woll; Bill Wolly; Virge Wolly; Edward Wray