Notes for William Howard DETHEROW1930 United States Federal Census
Name: W Howard Detherow
Home in 1930: Ozark, Webster, Missouri
Age: 10
Estimated birth year: abt 1920
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's name: Jasper F
Mother's name: Lenore
Household Members: Name Age
Jasper F Detherow 44
Lenore Detherow 31
W Howard Detherow 10
G Lloyd Detherow 8
Eula M Detherow 1 5/12
Notes for J. W. Frank BULLARD1910 United States Federal Census Record
Name: Ephrem W Bullard
Age in 1910: 75
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1835
BirthPlace: Illinois
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: United States of America
Mother's Birth Place: United States of America
Spouses's Name: Eliva
Home in 1910: Kiowa, Roger Mills, Oklahoma
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
Ephrem W Bullard 75
Eliva Bullard 72
Jomes W Bullard 50
Jackson L Bullard 13
Notes for Chester F. BAUGHU.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
Name: Chester F Baugh
Birth Year: 1918
Race: White, citizen (White)
Nativity State or Country: Oklahoma
State: Oklahoma
County or City: Commanche
Enlistment Date: 4 Jun 1942
Enlistment State: Oklahoma
Enlistment City: Oklahoma City
Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source: Civil Life
Education: 4 years of high school
Civil Occupation: Master, Ship or Mail Clerk (Clerk, postal or mail. ) or Personnel Clerk or Traffic Rate Clerk or Dispatcher, Motor Vehicle
Marital Status: Separated, with dependents
Height: 70
Weight: 130
Notes for Doyal Darvin HOWELLSocial Security Death Index
Name: Doyal D. Howell
SSN: 566-44-2875
Last Residence: 92307 Apple Valley, San Bernardino, California, United States of America
Born: 31 Jul 1935
Died: 15 May 1990
State (Year) SSN issued: California (1951 )
California Death Index, 1940-1997
Name: Doyal Darvin Howell
Social Security #: 566442875
Sex: MALE
Birth Date: 31 Jul 1935
Birthplace: Oklahoma
Death Date: 20 Apr 1990
Death Place: San Bernardino
Mother's Maiden Name: Corcoran
Notes for William Ewing LOGANSource Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Township 22 Ward 6, Bossier, Louisiana; Roll: M432_230; Page: 316; Image: 147.
1850 United States Federal Census Record
Name: Posey Logan
Age: 50
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1800
Birth place: Kentucky
Gender: Male
Home in 1850
(City,County,State): Township 22 Ward 6, Bossier, Louisiana
Posey Logan Township 22 Ward 6, Bossier, LA abt 1800 Kentucky
Lavina Logan Township 22 Ward 6, Bossier, LA abt 1805 Tennessee
John Logan Township 22 Ward 6, Bossier, LA abt 1836 Michigan
Wm Logan Township 22 Ward 6, Bossier, LA abt 1840 Michigan
Wilson Logan Township 22 Ward 6, Bossier, LA abt 1845 Louisiana
Source Citation: Year: 1860; Census Place: Not Stated, Bossier, Louisiana; Roll: M653_408; Page: 0; Image: 281.
Source Citation: Year: 1860; Census Place: Ward 6, Bossier, Louisiana; Roll: M653_408; Page: 0; Image: 282.
1860 United States Federal Census Record
Name: Luvina Logan
Age in 1860: 49
Birth Year: abt 1811
BirthPlace: Tennessee
Home in 1860: Not Stated, Bossier, Louisiana
Gender: Female
Post Office: Orchard Grove
Household Members: Name Age
Luvina Logan 49 Female Tennessee
John P Logan 24 Male Mississippi
W Y Logan 20 Male Mississippi
M A Logan 16 Male Louisiana
Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Ward 6, Bossier, Louisiana; Roll: M593_507; Page: 288; Image: 578.
1870 United States Federal Census
W B Logan Ward 6, Bossier, LA abt 1840 Mississippi White Male
Lorenza Logan Ward 6, Bossier, LA abt 1843 Arkansas White Female
Posey Logan Ward 6, Bossier, LA abt 1867 Louisiana White Male
M A Logan Ward 6, Bossier, LA abt 1869 Louisiana White Female
Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: , Hill, Texas; Roll: T9_1311; Family History Film: 1255311; Page: 393.2000; Enumeration District: 76; .
1880 United States Federal Census Record
Name: William Logan
Home in 1880: Hill, Texas
Age: 37
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1843
BirthPlace: ARKANSAS
Relation to head-of-household: Self
Spouses's Name: Lon
Father's birthplace: ARKANSAS
Mother's birthplace: ARKANSAS
Occupation: Farmer
Marital status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
William Logan 37
Lon Logan 42 Arkansas
Posey Logan 14 Louisiana
Anna Logan 12 Louisiana
Callie Logan 5 Louisiana
Notes for Daniel Lester "Danny" AVILLAU.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
Name: Daniel L Avilla
Birth Year: 1927
Race: White, citizen (White)
Nativity State or Country: California
State: California
County or City: San Joaquin
Enlistment Date: 13 Sep 1945
Enlistment State: California
Enlistment City: Camp Beale Marysville
Branch: No branch assignment
Branch Code: No branch assignment
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source: Civil Life
Education: 1 year of high school
Civil Occupation: Geographer
Marital Status: Single, without dependents
Height: 70
Weight: 000
Notes for Frank "Butch" AVILLA6:15 AM
Notes for De Frank HOWELLWorld War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 Record
Name: De Frank Howell
City: Not Stated
County: Johnson
State: Texas
Birth Date: 14 Nov 1883
Race: White
Roll: 1953883
DraftBoard: 0
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: De E Howell
Age in 1910: 26
Estimated birth year: abt 1884
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Father's Birth Place: Georgia
Mother's name: Lan C
Mother's Birth Place: Texas
Home in 1910: Justice Precinct 1, Johnson, Texas
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Female
Household Members: Name Age
Lan C Lambeth 55 ( Had 2 children with 1 living )
De F Howell 26 Son-Inlaw
Lora Howell 25 Daughter ( Had 3 children with 1 living )
Fay L Howell 3 Granddaughter
1920 United States Federal Census
Name: DE Frank Howell
[Defrank Howell]
Home in 1920: Cleburne Ward 1, Johnson, Texas
Age: 36 years
Estimated birth year: abt 1884
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's name: Frances
Father's Birth Place: Texas
Mother's Birth Place: Texas
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Male
Home owned: Rent
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Image: 178
Household Members: Name Age
DE Frank Howell 36
Frances Howell 31
Fay Howell 14
Eugene Howell 9
DE Loyd Howell 8
Cora Howell 5
1930 United States Federal Census
Name: Frank D Howell
Home in 1930: Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas
Age: 46
Estimated birth year: abt 1884
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's name: Mary F
Race: White
Household Members: Name Age
Frank D Howell 46 ( 19 years old at first marriage )
Mary F Howell 38 ( 26 years old at first marriage )
Evgene Howell 19
DE Loyd F Howell 18
Cora R Howell 15
Notes for Claudine SCOTTSocial Security Death Index Record
Name: W. Claudine Stinnett
SSN: 448-28-3843
Last Residence: 73064 Mustang, Canadian, Oklahoma, United States of America
Born: 8 Aug 1930
Died: 10 Aug 2003
State (Year) SSN issued: Oklahoma (Before 1951 )
Notes for John C. CHOATTexas Marriage Collection, 1814-1909 and 1966-2002
Name: J. C. Choat
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 25 Mar 1887
Spouse: Mrs. Nettie Kuyendall
Marriage City: Parker
Marriage State: Texas
Source: Texas Marriages, 1851-1900
Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: Weatherford, Parker, Texas; Roll: T9_1322; Family History Film: 1255322; Page: 349.1000; Enumeration District: 134; .
1880 United States Federal Census Record
Name: J. C. Chout
Home in 1880: Weatherford, Parker, Texas
Age: 46
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1834
BirthPlace: TENN
Relation to head-of-household: Self
Spouses's Name: F.
Father's birthplace: TENN
Mother's birthplace: TENN
Occupation: Farmer
Marital status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
J. C. Chout 46
L. Chout 46 TENN
M. Chout 20 TEXAS
Mo Chout 16 TEXAS
Jno. Chout 24 TEXAS
Eda Chout 13 TEXAS
Chas. Chout 9 TEXAS
1900 United States Federal Census Record
Name: John Choat
Home in 1900: Justice Precinct 8, Fannin, Texas
Age: 67
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1833
BirthPlace: Tennessee
Relationship to head-of-house: Head
Spouses's Name: Nettie
Race: White
Household Members: Name Age
John Choat 67 Oct 1832
Nettie Choat 43 Jan 1857 Tx Sc Tn
John C Choat 39 Feb 1861
Edith E Choat 34 Feb. 1866
Charles E Choat 32 April 1868
Effie Choat 10 Sept. 1889
Myrtle Choat 9 Sept. 1890
Notes for Alpha Louisa STINNETTAlpha Louisa Stinnett Petit
Birth: Nov. 22, 1871 Texas, USA
Death: Oct. 26, 1946 Young County, Texas, USA
Wife of John Robert Petit. Daughter of James Samuel Stinnett and Malinda Catherine Caldwell
Burial: Olney Cemetery, Olney, Young County, Texas, USA
Record added: Jun 10 2006
By: Michaellann Mullins
Notes for James Monroe STINNETTWorld War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 Record
Name: James Monroe Stinnett
City: Not Stated
County: Roosevelt
State: New Mexico
Birth Date: 2 Oct 1875
Race: White
Roll: 1711806
1920 United States Federal Census
Name: J M Stinnett
Home in 1920: Portales, Roosevelt, New Mexico
Age: 45 years
Estimated birth year: abt 1875
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's name: Goldie
Father's Birth Place: Tennessee
Mother's Birth Place: Tennessee
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Male
Home owned: Rent
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Image: 1048
Household Members: Name Age
J M Stinnett 45
Goldie Stinnett 26
James Stinnett 8
Leo Stinnett 6
Ara Stinnett 4 5/12
Nola Mae Stinnett
Birth: Sep. 19, 1927, Portales, Roosevelt County, New Mexico, USA
Death: Sep. 19, 1927, Portales, Roosevelt County, New Mexico, USA
Burial: Portales Cemetery, Portales, Roosevelt County, New Mexico, USA
Record added: Nov 14 2007
By: Ann Stevens
Notes for George Wesley STINNETTWorld War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 Record
Name: George Avesley Stinnett
City: Not Stated
County: Comanche
State: Oklahoma
Birth Date: 02 Sep 1876
Race: White
Roll: 1851698
DraftBoard: 0
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Geo Stinnett
Home in 1900: Justice Precinct 2, Archer, Texas
Age: 27
Estimated birth year: abt 1873
Birthplace: Unkn
Relationship to head-of-house: Head
Spouse's name: Minnie
Race: White
Household Members: Name Age
Geo Stinnett 27
Minnie Stinnett 19
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: George W Stinnett
Age in 1910: 33
Estimated birth year: abt 1877
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Texas
Mother's Birth Place: Texas
Spouse's name: Minnie E
Home in 1910: Wall, Stephens, Oklahoma
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
George W Stinnett 33
Minnie E Stinnett 28
Alford N Stinnett 8
Houston S Stinnett 4
1920 United States Federal Census
Name: George W Stinnett
Home in 1920: Richards, Comanche, Oklahoma
Age: 43 years
Estimated birth year: abt 1877
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's name: Minnie
Father's Birth Place: United States of America
Mother's Birth Place: United States of America
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Male
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Image: 1079
Household Members: Name Age
George W Stinnett 43
Minnie Stinnett 39
Alfred Stinnett 18
Houston Stinnett 13
Richard Stinnett 8
1930 United States Federal Census
Name: George W Stinnett
Home in 1930: Lincoln, Comanche, Oklahoma
Age: 53
Estimated birth year: abt 1877
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's name: Minnie
Race: White
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members: Name Age
George W Stinnett 53
Minnie Stinnett 49
Richard Stinnett 18
Notes for John Calvin STINNETTWorld War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
Name: John C Stinnett
City: Not Stated
County: Archer
State: Texas
Birth Date: 16 Jun 1881
Race: White
Roll: 1927191
DraftBoard: 0
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: John Stinnett
Home in 1900: Justice Precinct 4, Young, Texas
Age: 20
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1880
Birthplace: Texas
Relationship to head-of-house: Head
Spouse's Name: Amanda
Race: White
Neighbors: View others on page
John Stinnett 20
Amanda Stinnett 16
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: John Stenett
[John Stinett]
Age in 1910: 36
Estimated birth year: abt 1874
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: United States of America
Mother's Birth Place: United States of America
Spouse's name: Amanda
Home in 1910: Pearson, Roosevelt, New Mexico
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members: Name Age
John Stenett 36 Texas U.S. U.S.
Amanda Stenett 34 Texas U.S. U.S. ( Had 0 children )
1920 United States Federal Census
Name: John Stinnett
Home in 1920: Justice Precinct 5, Archer, Texas
Age: 38 years
Estimated birth year: abt 1882
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's name: Maude
Father's Birth Place: Texas
Mother's Birth Place: Texas
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Male
Home owned: Own
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Image: 598
Household Members: Name Age
John Stinnett 38 Texas Texas Texas
Maude Stinnett 35 Texas Tennessee Texas
1930 United States Federal Census
Name: John C Stennett
Home in 1930: Precinct 5, Archer, Texas
Age: 48
Estimated birth year: abt 1882
Birthplace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's name: Manda
Race: White
Household Members: Name Age
John C Stennett 48 Texas Tennessee Texas
Manda Stennett 46 Texas Tennessee Texas
Mary Stennett 20 Oklahoma Texas Texas
Notes for Martha Ellen STINNETTArcher Co Tx 1900
James Stinnett 7-1843 56yr married 30yr Farmer all b Tn
Malinda C 4-1847 53yr b Ar, M b unkn, F b unkn
James M 10-1876 23yr single farmer
Martha E 3-1886 14yr school
Albert N 12-1890 9yr school
Notes for Albert Nathaniel STINNETTArcher Co Tx 1900
James Stinnett 7-1843 56yr married 30yr Farmer all b Tn
Malinda C 4-1847 53yr b Ar, M b unkn, F b unkn
James M 10-1876 23yr single farmer
Martha E 3-1886 14yr school
Albert N 12-1890 9yr school
1920 United States Federal Census Record
Name: Nattie D Stinnett
[Nattine L Stinnett]
Home in 1920: Justice Precinct 5, Archer, Texas
Age: 31 years
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1889
BirthPlace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouses's Name: Lizzie
Father's Birth Place: Texas
Mother's Birth Place: Texas
Marital status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Male
Home owned: Rent
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Image: 598
Household Members: Name Age
Nattie D Stinnett 31
Lizzie Stinnett 27
Eva Stinnett 8
F V Stinnett 7
Gladys Stinnett 4 3/12
Enis Stinnett 2 7/12
Edna Stinnett 11/12
Notes for Louisa Jane CALDWELL1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas Caldwell
Age in 1860: 50
Birth Year: abt 1810
Birthplace: Tennessee
Home in 1860: Athens, McMinn, Tennessee
Gender: Male
Post Office: Athens
Household Members: Name Age
Thomas Caldwell 50
Nancy Caldwell 49
Nancy Caldwell 20
Loutitia j Caldwell 18
Margaret Caldwell 15
John Caldwell 13
James Caldwell 11
Haseltine Caldwell 9
Notes for William Armstrong "Tip" ERWINWILLIAM ARMSTRONG ERWIN
MARTHA ELIZABETH STINNETT
William Armstrong ("Tip") Erwin was born in McMinn County, Tennessee on May 30, 1840. The move to Texas (as a young boy) started in February 1846. The court records in McMinn Co., Tennessee indicate that his father left because he ran up intolerable debts. The family left for Texas in the company of the Stinnett's, the family of his future wife. They traveled first by wagon to Cotton Port on the Tennessee River. There they built a log raft and floated down the Tennessee River, into the Ohio and then into the Mississippi River. At the mouth of the Red River they traded their raft for passage on a steamboat to Shreveport, Louisiana. From there they headed west with a wagon and yoke of oxen. They went to Marshall in Harrison County, Texas. The Erwins appear in the 1850 Census in Harrison County. In 1854 they moved to Tarrant County, in a portion near Poolville, later to become Parker County. This was the extreme frontier for settlers. He, with his father and brother, each applied for 160 acres of land on the Clear Fork of the Trinity River, eighteen miles due north of Weatherford. As more Erwins arrived, or grew up, the place became known as the Erwin Community. Arthur Fuller, gives a thorough account of the homestead area (see reference 20) that will not be recounted here.
The Indians were initially friendly, but apparently began having conflicts with the new settlers just before the Civil War. Tip Erwin served for 3 years as a volunteer Texas Ranger guarding the immediate frontier around the Parker County area. Our grandmother stated this, probably echoing the words of her Uncle Horace who was generally an unreliable genealogist. However, I also find mention of this in some letters dating back before the turn of the century, making it sound more credible. Indian raids were apparently frequent and at one time a family of 7 was scalped within 2 miles of their cabin. Tip Erwin, with his father, hauled the first loads of lumber from the mills to Weatherford where it was used to construct the new courthouse for Parker County. The family kept in touch with relatives back in Tennessee. His father died in 1859, but his mother continued to live with or near his own family until her death in 1883.
Horace F. Erwin, son of William Armstrong and Martha Stinnett Erwin wrote of the early days in his parents lives. His direct account was relayed by Ruth Nisbet [456]:
"Treaties had been signed and the Indians moved westward by the time Parker County was organized and the Erwins arrived. Nevertheless, several times a year they made forays into the settlements, determined to rid the country of white man, to get horses and capture women and children for ransom. This continued through the Civil War period and into the next decade.
"William A. Erwin was twenty when he built a log cabin, about two miles from his parent's home near the bank of the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. He cut logs and smoothed them for the floor, put a nice smooth pole out from the wall and weaving with rawhide the springs for the bed, he fasted it securely to the pole and the log walls of the cabin. He fashioned a mantle over the fireplace and made a table.
"On March 1, 1860 he and Martha Elizabeth Stinnett were married. The two families were neighbors and long time friends, having made the long raft trip together when coming to Texas from Tennessee when William was five and Martha three years of age.
"After the preacher was gone and the wedding feast was over, he put his bride on his saddle pony and rode the two miles to their new home. In a few days they rode over to the village of Weatherford and purchased a few dishes and cooking utensils. A blacksmith had made a pot rack for the stick and mud chimney and fireplace where all the cooking was done. Martha had spun cloth for the bed tick and stuffed it with goose and duck feathers for the mattress. Soon a spinning wheel and loom were acquired so that Martha might makeclothes for the family, and a large black iron wash pot to be used for washing the clothes, making soap and at hog killing time.
"William plowed the field, raised a crop of corn, wheat and cotton that year. They had a garden, chickens and a cow. Wm. already had a few cattle on the free range. All was well until 1862 when William was called to the army. He served in Hoods Division, Yeagers Battalion, Texas Rangers. From the Ringold barracks and Brownsville, on the southern tip-end of Texas, to San Antonio, Sabine Pass on the gulf near the Louisiana border, they were guarding against invasion from the south.
"Martha was alone with little Samuel and baby Arminda. It was only about two miles to the Stinnetts (her father had gone to war too), and about that far to the Erwins. The only means of transportation was a saddle pony. Indians continued to raid occasionally, chiefly to get horses and cattle. An old man was scalped in the neighborhood and a woman and child taken. They would not take an injured or blind animal. Over half a century later, Martha and several of her grandchildren were sitting around the fire on one rainy, dreary afternoon, while she told stories of long ago. The subject of "Mollie", her small roan saddle pony was mentioned, as it often was. `Weren't you afraid the Indians would get her?', inquired a small voice. It was explained that the Indians would not take an injured or blind animal. `Was Mollie crippled or something?' the voice persisted. Martha's voice was husky, tears came into her eyes and rolled down her wrinkled face. She told of the warning that the Indians were coming. There was no choice if she were to save Mollie from the Indians. The most difficult decision and the hardest task that Martha had ever confronted. Taking a hot poker, she blinded Mollie in one eye. When the Indians came by, Mollie was still raring in pain. The children, some crying, put their arms around their grandmother in sympathy. Her daughter, from the doorway said `I never heard that before'. `Your father knew', was the reply.
"There was a little tin trunk in the dinning room closet, by the fireplace. In it were a number of keep sakes including some confederate money, little Fannie's china head doll, some lace made by an older generation and an Indian moccasin made of hide, probably buffalo, and decorated with a simple design made of blue and amber beads. Martha said the moccasin proved her story.
"Late one evening the two children were asleep and she was spinning by the light of the fire. She suddenly noticed the big door move as if someone was trying to get inside. Quietly the door moved again. Panic stricken, she grabbed the poker from the fireplace and stood near the wall beside the door opening. The door moved again as an Indian got his foot partly inside and as his head appeared she struck with the poker, using all her strength. The Indian fell back and she heard him hit the ground. His foot was caught in the door. Finally, she managed to push it out and fasten the door. The moccasin was inside. She did not sleep that night, sitting beside the door with the poker in her hand. The next day the Indian was gone.
"The war ended in 1865 while William A. was home on furlough. He received an honorable discharge and began the task of getting things in order. His stock was scattered or gone, the fields had grown up in shinery or weeds. With only the money he had saved from his meager army pay he bought a team, a few necessary farm tools and a few head of cattle. The saddle pony, Molly, was the only animal on the place. He prospered by hard work and determination. Within the next decade, they were able to build a plank house, large enough for their growing family, with a well of water near the kitchen door. His herd of cattle increased until several hundred bore his brand on the free range.
"In 1894 he traded farms and moved, with his oldest son Sam and his young family to Eastland County where he built a nice home on the 222 acre farm. The two also bought a large acreage of mountain pasture for their growing herd of cattle.
Ruth Nisbet
Tip Erwin's military records and obituary (probably written in part by Horace) add to the story. He served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War as far away as Fredricksburg. He enlisted in June 1862, with Stephen and Tom Erwin and James Stinnett, at Fort Mason, Texas. His unit was initially called Major Taylor's Battalion. They went to San Antonio to take charge of Federal prisoners until June 1863. They were then transferred to Ringold Barracks, Rio Grande city. In April 1863 they were merged with Yeager's battalion near Brownsville forming the 1st Texas Cavalry under Col. A. Buchell. Until April 1864 they patrolled between Brownsville and Sabine Pass. He became ill on November 15 and was hospitalized at Niblitts Bluff until February 15, 1865. He rejoined his unit at the mouth of the Brazos and did picket duty until April 1865. He was given leave and went back to Parker County; he was there when the war ended. William A. Erwin was, according to his military papers, 5 feet, 9 inches tall and had a fair complexion, grey eyes and light hair.
In 1892, the family was running Parson's College in Veal's Station, Parker County. The letterhead (from a letter of reference for Corbett Bullock) lists W. E. Green, business manager, W. A. Erwin, President. The faculty included W. A. Erwin, "Mental and Moral Philosophy and Flocution"; C. C. Bullock, "Academic"; and others. The departments were "Classical, Business, Normal, Elocution, Art and Music". Corbett Bullock went to the College from 1889, teaching there his Junior and Senior years and graduating in 1893.
In 1893 or 1894 the family moved to Eastland County, Texas. Their home there was located in the Sabanno community near Cisco, Texas. The Erwin community grew up there. The main house apparently had several adjoining it where other family members lived. The Green farm was located across the main road from the Church and little cemetery. Family would visit frequently. They would arrive by train in Cisco. Grandpa Erwin (William Armstrong) would come for them in the "surry with the fringe on top". The ride home was 18 miles! For the grandchildren, visiting was memorable: sliding down the hay stack, wading in the pool, eating ripe apricots and peaches in the orchards.
For 40 years Tip Erwin was an active member and elder in the Presbyterian Church. He had been moderator of the Presbytery and had been a delegate several times to the General Assembly. William Erwin died Monday, May 22, 1916 at 10:40 p.m. at his home in Sabanno, Eastland County. He was buried Tuesday afternoon in the Sabanno Cemetery, with his pastor, Rev. G. M. Rushing of Olney presiding. He lived a long and pleasant life, with a marriage of over 56 years! He was a successful farmer and stockman, an active citizen and a staunch Presbyterian. In his picture, he certainly looks like a patriarch of the family, and apparently he was in real life. There is much information on this colorful Southern gentleman.
Martha Stinnett was born in McMinn County, Tennessee on February 28, 1843 and named after her grandmothers. She moved to Texas as a young girl and her story parallels that of her husband (see above). Her family name was given to Stinnett, Texas. After the death of her husband, her sons prevailed on her daughter Sarah to live with and care for her. Martha Stinnett Erwin died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Sabanno, Eastland County, Texas on September 19, 1922. She is buried there in the family cemetery with her husband.
Sarah Erwin's husband, Corbett had died several years before Tip Erwin. Sarah's daughter, Ruth Nisbet, having heard them as a girl, relays many interesting stories about her grandmother Martha Stinnett:
"She was about three when they with several other families migrated by river raft and wagon to Texas. Attending the little country school, she learned to read, write and do simple arithmetic. These skills were evident thru the later years. At one time, two granddaughters were going to the store and taking the eggs for sale in a large case which held ten dozen eggs. On returning, they announced the eggs were 30 cents a dozen today, she remarked `pretty good, that's two and a half cents a piece. Did you spend the three dollars?' She was an invenerate reader. Slow but enjoying every word apparently. The Bible, and Presbyterian Church paper, the Dallas Semiweekly News, and the Women's Home Companion. It seems as tho she called every word in her mind and if it were new or difficult she would spell or pronounce it with her lips, or perhaps say it aloud if she were not quite sure. Always busy if not reading perhaps piecing a quilt, knitting, crocheting, sewing a dress or shirt, in her early and middle years.
"Before she married William Erwin at age eighteen, she had learned to cook over the coals in an open fireplace, make butter, jelly and jam. She could spin thread from cotton or sheep wool, then weave it into cloth for clothing, dyeing it with the juice of wild berries, leaves, nuts, etc. Often the color would come out brown -- a color which she never liked. She learned to make soap -- I remember half a century later she made some for grandchildren to see. It was ivory colored, made a nice lather but was not fragrant. She took great pride in doing things well, made beautiful lace, embroidery, quilts, etc.
"Some years after the War, they built a large plank house, hauling the lumber from Ft. Worth. The railroad had been completed that far west, bring many things from the east and north for sale. They bought the first cook stove in the community, a rocking chair with arms, a large mirror. Soon cloth was available as well as some other necessities at the store at Veal's Station and Weatherford. Life was pleasant as the older children grew to adults, married and/or left home, but `into every life some rain must fall', two little girls died very young.
"In 1894, the Wm. ("Tip") Erwins, along with their eldest son, Sam and his young family, sold their property in Parker County and moved to Eastland County where each bought large farms and a tract of mountain pasture for raising cattle. They worked and prospered.
"Martha Erwin's pride and joy was her family and the home. Gradually conveniences were added such as a wind mill, and the old oaken buckets abandoned. Several years later water was pumped into the house, a bath room built on and a sink in the kitchen. White enamel fixtures! For heat, a portable kerosene heater was acquired. Cabinets were built in the kitchen, a wood burning range with a water tank attached for hot water, linoleum on the kitchen, dining room and pantry floors. Walnut bedroom furniture with marble top tables, braided rugs on the floors. The most impressive to a small girl so long ago was the parlor. The carpet was pink roses, as large as saucers, lace curtains, an organ with pedals, that I could barely reach, but the key board was like a piano and I could play a tune! A leather couch and chairs, a marble topped table with the most beautiful kerosene lamp and the photograph album. Some time later, Horace brought them an Edison phonograph which had a wire case which hung on the wall above the library table in their bedroom. The cylinder records fit in the spaces. Records were chiefly music -- hymns, Harry Lauder Scotch songs, some current popular music (before the time of Rock and Roll), several Wm. Jennings Bryan speeches or exerpts. They really enjoyed it, neighbors and friends would come to hear the talking machine. Usually Grandma had cookies, ginger bread or something to serve the guests. By then the children were all gone and they two were alone. The farm was rented to a tenant who worked the farm and lived in the "little house" on the farm. One of that family would do the chores like chopping wood, milking, feeding the animals or household chores. About that time telephone service was brought to the county and a bit later electricity was available. Before then, they acquired a washing machine as well as a sewing machine -- both run by manpower or womanpower.
"Staunch Presbyterians and deeply religious, the church doors were scarcely open but that the Erwin family was there. Singing was a great part of the service while the ambition of every girl was to be able to play the pump organ at church and the boys to lead the singing. At times they would have a chance, when often one of the budding young organists and the leader was chosen to play and lead a song at the opening exercise at Sunday School. George Erwin was the song leader, years later he said it was grandma's suggestion. Martha Elizabeth Stinnett Erwin was a Wife, a Mother and a Homemaker. Surely her influence is felt today through others as it was so many years ago."
Ruth Nisbet
Tip and Martha Erwin were both members of the Pioneer Association of Parker earn that he moved to Texas in April 1846 and to Parker County in July 1855. The Stinnetts came to Texas in January 1846 and to Parker County in December 1855. Apparently they were separated for some time and the account of the Stinnetts (see Samuel Stinnett biography) supports this notion. It occurred to me that perhaps the story of the raft rides together is legend rather than fact. However, this is very unlikely. The story is attributed directly to Martha Stinnett in several accounts and was written in her husband's obituary while she still lived and is probably true.
They raised a fine family of twelve children. The son William Albert was a Presbyterian minister in Fort Worth and was invited to many cities to hold meetings. Horace was an evangelical singer and played the coronet. They worked together as a team for many years. Tom and John Erwin were in the hardware business in Parker County. Tom was a county judge for many years, into the mid-1930s. Arthur was a druggist. Sam, Joe, Marion and George were farmers. George was also a mail carrier and singer. This musical family made many records, the most famous of which was "When They Ring Those Golden Bells". Arminda and Sarah Alpha ("Allie") married Presbyterian ministers.
Notes for James Samuel ERWIN1910 United States Federal Census Record
Name: James S Erwin
Age in 1910: 48
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1862
BirthPlace: Texas
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Tennessee
Mother's Birth Place: Tennessee
Spouses's Name: Ellen
Home in 1910: Justice Precinct 4, Eastland, Texas
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
James S Erwin 48
Ellen Erwin 45
Eula Erwin 22
Lorena Erwin 19
Fannie Erwin 17
Edwin Erwin 15
Ray Erwin 12
Finis Erwin 10
Everett Erwin 7
Notes for Samuel Edwin ERWINWorld War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
Name: Samuel Edwin Erwin
City: Not Stated
County: Eastland
State: Texas
Birthplace: Texas
Birth Date: 30 Dec 1894
Roll: 1953274
DraftBoard: 0
This page, and all genealogical data contained on it are © 2000-2008 Leonard Avilla (leonard@avicom.com).
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