Talk of Wilson County TX Historic Towns

by Barbara J. Wood

STOCKDALE COMMUNITY

Football team 1953

STOCKDALE TEXAS... STOCKDALE Texas School Football team in 1953. (1954 Brahma) #20 is Ray Dudley

John Reagan Baker

BAKER, JOHN REAGAN (1809–1904). A Historical Grave Marker honors the grave of John Reagan Baker, Republic of Texas soldier. The emblem inscription reads, "Adventurer-soldier of early Texas. Fought in Mexico to win freedom for the unsuccessful "Republic of Rio Grande" in 1840. Was elected sheriff of Refugio County and organized a company of minutemen. In 1842 he fought against three Mexican raids into Texas. Then participated in the disastrous Somervell and Mier expeditions into Mexico, during which he was wounded. Returned to Texas and entered mercantile business. Wife was Avis (Brown). Recorded -- 1969".

He was son of Peter and Margaret Laura (Reagan) Baker, was born near Blue Springs, Green County, Tennessee, on August 6, 1809. He made a trip to Texas in 1836. In 1839 he returned to Texas and became a member of the Texan auxiliary corps of the Federalista army encamped at Fort Lipantitlán. He followed Ewen Cameron through the campaign, was in the battle of October 23, 1840, at Ojo de Agua, near Saltillo, and cut his way back to Texas with his comrades. When the corps was disbanded, he went to Refugio County and settled in Aransas City. He was elected sheriff of Refugio County on February 1, 1841, and organized a company of minutemen, of which he was captain, although he retained membership and became a first lieutenant in Cameron's Rangers.

In March 1842 he went with Cameron's company to San Antonio on the occasion of the Rafael Vásquez raid, served with the company on the Nueces when Antonio Canales was repulsed on June 6, 1842, and distinguished himself in hand-to-hand fighting at the battle of Salado Creek on September 18, 1842. As a member of the Somervell and Mier expeditions he commanded a spy company and was one of the leaders of the break at Salado on February 11, 1843, when he was wounded. Unable to escape, he was put in the hospital, and there avoided the Black Bean Episode, but he was held in Perote Prison until September 16, 1844.

Baker returned to Refugio County and established a mercantile business at Saluria, on Matagorda Island. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he organized a home-guard company and was elected its captain. After the war he lived in Goliad County for a while, then moved to Indianola and again entered the mercantile business. In 1876 he moved to Wilson County, to a ranch near Stockdale, where he died on January 19, 1904.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Thomas J. Green, Journal of the Texian Expedition Against Mier (New York: Harper, 1845; rpt., Austin: Steck, 1935). Hobart Huson, Refugio: A Comprehensive History of Refugio County from Aboriginal Times to 1953 (2 vols., Woodsboro, Texas: Rooke Foundation, 1953, 1955). William P. Stapp, The Prisoners of Perote: A Journal (Philadelphia: Zieber, 1845).

Stockdale Gas Company 1956

Stockdale Gas Company 1956 ... shown Lester Akin with his butane truck in Stockdale Texas. (contributed by Laura Swiess)

Sally Jo Springs and Marvin Baumann are Senior Favorites

STOCKDALE TEXAS ... He grew up to become a Wilson County Sheriff 1983 - 1992. (1953 Brahma)

Hugh McMuffin

"This is a picture of my dad, Hugh (Red) McGuffin, in the white hat, along with his nephew Herbert Dixon. The best I can remember, this lion was mounted, and was displayed at a store in Seguin for many years. I think it was Vivroux, but I would have to get that verified by my Mother." sandra McGuffin Bird

Archie and Ernest Wilder, 1915

Traces of Texas ... Searching for Wilson County related history, I came across this intriguing 109 yr. old picture. Reading the information, I was taken back when realized they were my kinfolks. The two wooly chapped cowboys are the brothers of my grandmother Ruby & my great aunt Edith.

The 1915 photo is of Traces of Texas reader, Jimmy Dennis grandfather, Archie Wilder (L), and his great uncle, Ernest Wilder (R). They were born in Richland Springs, which is about 14 miles northwest of San Saba. Says Jimmy: "I'm pretty sure they were already working as cedar choppers. Apparently, they wandered into a circus or carnival on a rare day off. We have no knowledge where this could be, but we would guess San Antonio. In the mid 1930's, Archie and his wife Rena wound up in Stockdale on 40 acres on the Seguin Hwy 123. Archie was a carpenter there and Rena had the Dale Cafe at the only intersection in town."
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Courtesy / Traces of Texas
Photo & information shared by Jimmy Dennis

Veterans See Stockyards Work

San Antonio Light August 1946 San Antonio TX ..... Laura Swiess was working on family genealogy and came across the attached article. (Thanks Laura for sharing!)

Twenty-two students in Veterans' Vocational School at Stockdale Texas accompanied by school officials received lessons in marketing and processing livestock on a tour of the Union Stockyards and the Swift Plant.

Lynn Johnson Callaway

LOOK at that load of Stockdale watermelons!! Seems to be Black Diamonds ... what do you think? One can't help but see that grinning "sweet thang" in her red wagon. Lynn Johnson Callaway is posed behind her daddy's watermelon truck in 1953.

Stockdale new dry goods store stockdale tx 12 aug1938

1938 newspaper clipping

An 86 year old article from a Stockdale 1938 newspaper announces changes in businesses. Laura Swiess found the news clipping while going through old papers & souvenirs saved by her mama.

Johnson Hotel in Stockdale

STOCKDALE TEXAS ... Photograph of two unidentified women standing on the porch of the two-story Johnson Hotel in Stockdale, Texas. A sign for Main Street is visible to the left. Bobby Hastings says that it was located at the site of the present Senior Citizen Housing scross from city hall of Stockdale. (Courtesy of "The Portal to Texas History")

UPDATE: Megan Locker was just trying to figure out this week where in one of her vintage pictures a two story old house was located. She saw the picture of the Johnson Hotel posted today & recognized it. [Love stories like this!]

LOCAL NEWS ... from a May 30, 1913 Stockdale Times, Stockdale Texas newspaper.

Locals:
Nimrod Mack spent Sunday in San Antonio.
J. H. Hassell has about 75 bushels of corn for sale. 50c at the crib.
That fresh coat of paint on the post office building sure looks good.
Walter Turner was here in his new Franklin automobile Wednesday. He was enroute from Cuero to San Antonio.
Mrs. Jane Lang has gone to San Antonio on an extended visit to relatives.
G. L. and S. W. Newman of Floresville, relatives of C. S. Murray, were here Sunday and Monday to see him.
C. E. Murray has returned to his home in San Antonio after a ten days' stay at the bedside of his brother, C. S. Murray.
The nice cottage of Hal Caulfield is completed. It is on the bungalow plan with modern conveniences and is quite an addition to our town.
The protracted meeting, conducted at the Baptist Church by Revs. W. H. Price, J. A. Morse and W. C. Bell, is resulting in a good many accessions to the church.
Mr. Tom Morgan, recently from England on a visit to his sister, Mrs. W. P. Edwards of San Antonio, has been experiencing some real life with the boys on the Edwards ranch rounding up cattle the past week.
J. R. Luker has in course of construction on his place three miles east of here a nice six room house, which is to be finished complete, with all modern conveniences. Its cost is estimated at $1500. (Courtesy of The Library of Congress)

Stockdale Museum welcomes Bill Rosamond

The Stockdale Museum was proud to welcome Bill Rosamond, who led the first Watermelon Jubilee Parade in 1937. He recalls being "somewhat reluctantly" dressed by his mom as the nursery rhyme character "Little Boy Blue." Bill was born June 15, 1933 to Arthur & Ruth Smithey Rosamond. Bill served in the Navy during the Korean War. Bill's photograph from the original parade, as well as the horn from his costume, are housed in the Stockdale Museum. Bill rode in this year's parade, signed autographs, and had a good time catching up with friends old and new. Thank you so much to the Stockdale Chamber of Commerce for including him. He plans to be back in a few years to celebrate his 95th birthday!🍉

Thank you to Olga Lerma, Stockdale Chamber of Commerce, Josh Heimann, & Tabatha Borchardt for making this happen!🍉❤️

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COURTESY/ Stockdale Museum

Stockdale High School 1931 graduating class

The Stockdale Star 12 August 1976...... Reader Laura Swiess found this article from The Stockdale Star 12 Aug 1976 pertaining to the 1931 graduating class of Stockdale High. Thanks Laura!

Stockdale Brahma Club

Stockdale Brahma Club (Letterman's Club). 1930s..... the below photos were shared by Liz Wheeler Lester from her grandmother's (Mary Herndon) old scrapbook. Kevin Wagenfuehr transcribed the wording from the 92 year old newspaper article. He stated that it was sort of like putting a puzzle together...hunting for pieces. Always love the history that is shared. 😊 Thank you Liz & Kevin for the photos/ info on the Stockdale Wilson County Texas Brahma Club (Letterman's Club)1930s. Thanks to Laura Swiess for sharing a clearer copy of the newspaper article so I was able to fill in/add to make the article complete.

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The picture below represents 43 of the 54 members of the Stockdale Brahma Club, the membership of the club being organized May 1930 for the lettermen in all branches of athletics dating from the school year 1929– 1930. This club was organized in May 1930 at the annual athletic banquet with Manuel Teague as president; Johnnie Lane, vice president; Emma Fatheree, secretary; Iva Lea McMeans, treasurer.

Stockdale High School athletics are strictly on an eligibility basis and in conjunction with the interscholastic league. An athletic association is the leading organization behind athletics with an athletic council as the executive power to carry on the athletic program, thus relieving the coach of some of the duties. The council now is composed of Mr. W.E. Driskill, president; A.E. Hoke, secretary-treasurer; and O.J. Weber, T.W. Sutherland, John E. Wheeler, Jimmie Hicks, William Kirk – members.

The picture reading from left to right shows the following members of the club.

Front row: Thelma Allen, Ina Smith, Bernice Fatheree, Mary Beulah Ellison, Jewel Sutherland, Clerra? McMeans, Veda Wright, Lillie Belle Heathcock, Polly Martin, Madeline Moravitz.

Second row: Supt. W.E. Driskill, E.M. Scott, Wilma McBride, Audrey Young, Emma Fatheree, Mrs.W.E. Driskill, Frances Denmark, Ruth Denning, Loida Irene McGee, A.L. Hoke, Marshall Jordan.

Third row: Roland Reed, John Wheeler Jr, Brownie Bird and Wilton Parks.

Fourth row: Thomas Ellison, Jim Bird, Loyd Luker, Cecil Ruiz, Lester Hastings, Manuel Teague, Buster Martin.

Fifth row: Walter Sutherland, Lester Stout, Kenneth Kidwell, Elton Bohman, Herbert Sutherland.

Top row: Pat Stout, Ted Akin, Howard Lowe Ware, Lowell Denning, Winston Wayne Lorenz, Clarence Roberts.

The eleven members not in the picture are: E.H. Kilgore, Miss Carrie Lokey, Iva Lea McMeans, Annie Ahrens, Dolores Ahrens, Winfred Chandler, Walton Click, Clayton Heathcock, Johnnie Lange, Woodrow Bird, Cornelius McGee.

The boys are given letters and awards in football, basketball, track, and tennis but entering only one sport will not earn an award. Girls earn letters in volleyball and tennis.

STOCKDALE WILSON COUNTY TEXAS ..... 1961 Stockdale High School

STOCKDALE TEXAS HISTORICAL MUSEUM ...

STOCKDALE TEXAS HISTORICAL MUSEUM ... received word today that they will be the recipient of an official "Texas State Historical Marker" in honor of Dr. Ella Ware. The marker will be erected at Dr. Ware's office which has become the Stockdale Historical Museum. Congratulations!

AS ONE OF THE FIRST WOMEN PHYSICIANS IN TEXAS, DR. WARE SERVED STOCKDALE FOR HALF A CENTURY

At the beginning of the twentieth century, access to a formally educated physician impacted the citizens of Stockdale for generations to come. Their ticket to modernized healthcare came from an unexpected source, one of their fellow citizens, who ventured to gain her medical degree and return to her own community to fill a void. Ella Ware, M.D. became the second woman to graduate from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 1899. Rejecting an offer to teach at the medical school and forgoing a more profitable position at a hospital in a city, Ware returned home to treat the people of Stockdale and surrounding Wilson County for half a century. It is there, in the unusual position as a rural physician, she provided crucial services to an isolated region and filled her town with pride. She is remembered for what she treasured the most, delivering an endless number of babies (over 6,000 Dr. Ware babies!) and providing charitable, often lifelong care to those in need. Much like our healthcare heroes today, she even served her community throughout the 1918 Influenza pandemic. The country doc's office now houses the town's museum, which holds such artifacts as her medical diploma, medications, and rocking chair from her waiting room. Not only is Dr. Ware highly significant to local history as the first woman physician in Wilson County, her adventurous life of service is noteworthy in the history of medicine in Texas and the new class of professional women in early twentieth-century Texas. But, most of all, Ware's presence made a difference for many generations of people who were born and grew old around Stockdale. She devotedly saw many a patient both in and out of this world, from hearing their first cry to sitting with them until their last breath, and is long overdue for a historical marker recognizing her work.

https://m.facebook.com/stockdalemuseum/photos/a.652983298681742/652980362015369

Stockdale Wilson County Texas Security State Bank

1935 Graduates Stockdale High School

COVID recovery story leads to Stockdale meat market memories

Wilson County News
August 4, 2020
By Nannette Kilbey-Smith

When we shared the story of Andrew Doria's recovery from COVID-19 in May, he mentioned growing up in Stockdale, and working with his dad at the now-defunct Stockdale Packing Co. and meat market (see "From the Caribbean to quarantine," May 6 Wilson County News).

Charles Doria Jr. owned and operated the meat packers and market in the 1980s.

But it wasn't always the Stockdale Packing Co.

Through the years, the premises housed a slaughterhouse, meat market, and locker plant, according to Barbara Wood of Sutherland Springs, a keeper of local lore and history. It was owned by Winston and Miley Lorenz, Wood said, before Willard Jordan took it over. Charles Doria bought it from a Floresville family who had a cattle company.

It was known as the Palace Meat Market and Restaurant and Jordan's Food Locker, before becoming Stockdale Packing Co. Charles Doria's business closed in 1988; he passed away in 1999.

According to Andrew, the meat market was on S.H. 123 in Stockdale; the location is next to the fire station.

PHOTOS COURTESY/Barbara Wood Talk of Wilson County TX Historic Towns

"Most Athletic"

Stockdale Wilson County Texas High School ...... Chosen "Most Athletic " for 1961 were Rabbit Jackson and Hazel Wehmeyer.

.... taken from the Stockdale Brahma 1961 Annual

Vintage photo

Laura Swiess shares a vintage photo from her Aunt Myrtie Luker Cottor's old family album. Laura believes the man on the right hand side of the picture is my great grandfather John Anderson Sharp. She's not sure if the man on the left is Mr Wheeler or not.

A glimpse into the past

From Stockdale—A Glimpse Into The Past:

"After the close of World War I, the body of Linear Wheeler, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Royal Wheeler, and Stockdale's only World War I casualty, was brought back from France and interred here [Stockdale cemetery]."

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COURTESY/ Liz Wheeler Lester

Texans find their past in Stockdale Museum

Wilson County News, August 27, 2019
Story and Photos by Linda Sue Niestemski

"Come in and find your roots!" This is the theme the women running the Stockdale Museum share as they continue to organize and add to the museum on Main Street in Stockdale.

Clara Reyes Ortiz had trouble obtaining her birth certificate and went to the museum to see if she could find something there among the past that would prove her birth. This is how the "Lerma Ladies" were able to see their efforts come to fruition.

Susie Lerma, Pat (Lerma) Andruss, and Olga Lerma — who wouldn't give permission to use her name unless it was made known that she gives all credit to the Lord — have undertaken the challenge of bringing life back to the old building and its contents.

Shirley Dudley, curator of the Stockdale Museum, and Polly Stryker, a contributor and museum advocate, knew they should pass the torch to someone with more time and energy to give the historic building and its contents the attention they need. They asked Olga, who in turn convinced Susie and Pat to share responsibility for the task.

This led to the fateful day that Mrs. Clara told her husband, Roman, they were going to "go find her roots" as they walked into the museum for the very first time, looking for proof of her birth. The Stockdale native, born near Denhawken, did indeed find the proof she sought.

"We have a book of Dr. Ware's that has a bunch of the names of the babies she delivered and Mrs. Clara found herself in it," Olga said, with pride.

The museum — in the building that once housed Dr. Ella Ware's office — has more to offer than just the list of babies the "country doc" delivered. There is an entire display dedicated to Ware, the first female to graduate in 1899 from the University of Texas Medical Branch under the newly expanded four-year program, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

When you walk in the front door of the museum, it's like opening a time capsule. There are many artifacts donated by older generations of Stockdalians, including pictures and newspaper clippings found in drawers of relatives long gone, along with an old Navy uniform and a set of dog tags.

Visitors will find pieces, literally, of history from surrounding towns, such as Floresville and Sutherland Springs, and even as far as San Marcos. A single brick is labeled "1926 Floresville High School." A book, Summer Session of the Southwest Texas State Normal School —now Texas State University — dated June 1 to July 28, 1904, is tucked away in a desk drawer until there is time to research and display it.

Some displays honor former businesses, such as Smith's Drug Store of Stockdale and Linne's Meat Market of Sutherland Springs. An enclosed exhibit displays medicines from Smith's and old ledgers and receipts from Linne's.

But what visitors connect with the most are the photographs spread all over the building.

"There have been several people who point to an unknown photograph and say, 'Hey, that's me,' or 'Hey, that's so and so,' and then we start filling in blanks and can label some, like Bill Rosamond, from the parade," Susie said, referring to the boy who led the first Stockdale Watermelon Jubilee Parade in 1937. Now in his 80s, Bill recently visited the museum from his home in San Antonio.

This is why the "Lerma Ladies" keep working as often as they can on the museum. They want people to be able to visit and see where they came from, explained Susie.

"It's great to see the surprised looks and smiles on visitors' faces when they come in," Olga said. "But we need more people to start visiting, because we can only do so much without donations."

Much help has come from local businesses, with donations of supplies and display items, as well as donations of time. Polly helps as much as she can while operating her antique shop across the street. Mrs. Clara contributes, as well. Maham Corp. donated material and labor; and Carmen Kuhlmann has also been impactful with her support, the ladies said.

In fact, the trio coordinating the care and display of the museum can't give enough thanks to all who have helped and continue to help. They are currently working on a fundraiser, planned for this fall, that will help with things needed for the museum.

This triumvirate museum crew want people to visit Stockdale to enjoy the event. Also, they hope to see someone else discover a piece of their heritage in the Stockdale Museum.

Dr. Ella Ware

Dr. Ella Ware (1870-1958) was commonly referred to as the "country doc." It was her heart's desire to be the doctor for the community she was raised in, despite having the opportunity, as a well-renowned medical professional, to serve a larger population. She made house calls in a horse and buggy.

Due to the rural area of the Ware's practice, payment in cash was often replaced with livestock or a home-cooked meal. According to Stockdale Museum curator Shirley Dudley, Dr. Ware delivered more than 5,000 babies — some sources report 6,000.

She made a life taking care of families in Stockdale and the surrounding area. For that, she was highly revered. The community held its first "Dr. Ella Ware Day" in 1954, three years after her retirement.

In an editorial written after the famous doctor's death in 1958, Ware's dedication was summed up perfectly: "She died not a wealthy woman, but she was richer than any millionaire.

Can you guess what this is?

Humm ... what is this? Izzy Moy guessed correctly ... Stockdale Jail house

DO YOU RECOGNIZE YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE IN THIS PHOTO?

The photo is on display at the Stockdale Historical Museum .... what an asset it would be to have these students identified.

The Old Wheeler's Mill

"The Old Wheeler's Mill" .... located on the Cibolo Creek in the Stockdale area. The painting by Hope Stahl was painted for Crystal Hawk Esparza, mother of Judy Thorp over 50 years ago.

Boyce Salmon of Salmon Funeral Home in Stockdale

Our country's bringing home its fallen soldiers remains began in 1898 with the Spanish American War. The first repatriated from World War II took place in the fall of 1947, six years after the attack at Pearl Harbor.

"Wilson County War Dead" were always accompanied by a Military group wearing black arm bands. In this photo, an Military Officer is shown with Boyce Salmon of the Salmon Funeral Home in Stockdale, Texas. (Courtesy of Dawn Steenken Korzekwa)1945

Commissioner Montgomery

Commissioner Montgomery & another distinguished gentleman standing in front of iron bridge.

Leo Crisp, Lester Hastings, Commissioner Montgomery, Harold Lynn , & Jack Hemby

Blue Bonnet Club reviews Stockdale – A Glimpse into the Past

"Stockdale – A Glimpse into the Past" reviewed by Bernice Person... This book originated with Birdie Lorenz, who wanted to preserve for history the roots and early beginnings of a town she loved so much. Upon passing away before the book was complete, her nephew's wife, Patsy McCloud Lorenz, compiled and edited the book in honor and fond memory of Birdie.

When incorporated in 1919, the town was designated as Stockdale. Since 1935, it has been called the City of Stockdale. In the 1990s, the Boy Scout movement was alive in Stockdale. One — if not the oldest — of the continuous social organizations in Stockdale is that of the Blue Bonnet Club. The women meet in the afternoon for literary programs and evenings provide games of "42" for couples.

Miss Birdie wrote of Jane Frinces Landoy's experience with "Hello Central" while visiting her grandparents in Stockdale. She had made friends with the mysterious and all-knowing figure called "Central." No need to know telephone numbers since Central knew exactly who was wanted. Central had other duties as well. She blew the noon and 5 o'clock whistles. Stockdale no longer has "Central," but its citizens have not lost the spirit of looking out for one another.

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SOURCE/ Wilson County News, Blue Bonnet Club reviews Stockdale – A Glimpse into the Past, November 22, 2017

E.F. Montgomery

... Brenda Moore shares early 1960 photos of her grandfather who was County Commissioner for Wilson County Precinct 4. TWCTHT is researching for additional information as to the iron bridge's location as well as the crew members' identity. (Thank you Brenda for sharing these 63 yr. old photos)

Lorenz family vintage photos

Stockdale, Wilson County, Texas ... vintage photos found in the Lorenz family's old picture box by Laura Swiess. Labeled "Farmer's Gin Co. Stockdale Texas". The date on the picture appears to read 11/11/1909?? (Laura thank you for sharing these great photos)

Stockdale Star News 1949

Stockdale Star News 1949 ..... shows financial statement of City of Stockdale ... shared by Becky Dugi.

First Gym in Wilson County

FIRST Wilson County Tx Gym .... Laura Swiess shares this interesting vintage newspaper clipping from her mother's scrapbook. This gym was called the Driskill Gym. Mr. W. E. Driskill was superintendent when Vivian Luker Lorenz was attending Stockdale High School graduating in 1935. Laura adds, "So I am pretty sure this building was in Stockdale. I don't find anything that verifies that so far."

ADMIN. NOTE: Verified by Sonya West Pruski , Jana Wells , & Jody Heathcoe the Driskill Gym is the Stockdale Gym.

Stockdale – A Glimpse into the Past

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COURTESY/ Wilson County News Blue Bonnet Club reviews Stockdale – A Glimpse into the Past November 2017

Snapshot of DQ

Reader Alan Peschke shares this awesome snapshot of the Stockdale Texas Dairy Queen in the 1985 winter storm. He says, "My dad worked for the highway department and he was out watching roads & bridges for 2 or 3 days straight without coming home. He took a camera with him to see if he could get any good photos." Alan we are so glad your daddy made photos! And that you have shared it!

First Train Load of Watermelons

FIRST TRAIN LOAD OF WATERMELONS .... out of Stockdale Wilson County Texas at the Stockdale train depot. Excitement from the watermelon growers, field workers, & businessmen must have been great as they loaded the San Antonio Gulf Railroad train with the good-sized locally grown melons. The Depot used to be where the park is across Highway 123. The man in the suit and tie is thought to be the mayor at the time. Alvero Carter is standing by man in suit, and Chastain Carter is sitting on the wagon's sideboard. Carlton Carter is posed on top of the boxcar in the big hat. He was a child much younger than his brother. (Carmen Carter Bauman graciously shared this impressive vintage photo showing a historical moment with her Carter relatives)

Alene Gorham's music recital

In 1912, Alene Gorham's music pupils performed a recital themed on "Love". A vintage photo stages the young ladies with one-piece lingerie dresses and young "Cupid" beaming his best. Alene Gorham was the Music Teacher and Miss Norma McIntire was the Teacher for the Stockdale, Texas children. (Courtesy of Laura Swiess)

The Hollands

The Hollands... Dr. James Bird Holland (1837-1911) was an early physician in Stockdale. He was born in Mississippi

and graduated with a medical degree from the University of Nashville in 1860. Dr. Holland and his new wife first settled

in Belmont, during which time he served in the Civil War. In the 1870s he and his wife settled in Stockdale, where he practiced. Many babies whom he delivered are registered at the Wilson County Courthouse.

Amelia Caton (1842-1926) came to Texas with her parents from Alabama in the 1840s and settled in Wharton. Both of her parents died before 1860, and she was reared by an uncle. She attended Matagorda Academy. Amelia married Dr.

Holland in 1860. Six children were born of this union. One daughter, Onie, married William King and lived in Stockdale.

Wilson County Sesquicentennial 1860-2010

Senior Class of 1959

Mystery Photo .... A large group of young ladies & men all donned up with formal attire many years ago ... yet ... who are they? I recognize a few of the young smiling faces .... do you? [photo shared by Kathy Robinson ]

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Ernest Young advises readers, "I think this is the Senior Class of 1959. Looking at my 1959 Annual, or Yearbook as they are called now, Back Row, from the left: 1st Jack Jackson, 4th Ted Akin, 5th Bobby Garner, 6th Elbert McGrew, 7th Larry Staggs, 8th Woodie Robinson. I can kind of see the girl in the middle of the front row as being Judy Staggs, but she was in my class and we were Freshmen in 1959. If it is her, then I think some of the other girls in the front row are from the Freshman class since, if memory serves, Freshman girls were Servers at the Junior-Senior Banquet in the cafeteria. So that would be L to R Rebecca Byrd, Nancy McGrew?, Judy Staggs and Marilyn Martin. And I, too, think that is Mrs. Hosek (or Mary Moberly Manning Hosek as she used to tell us), the ONLY high school English teacher."

John Peter Lorenz Jr.'s lumber company

STOCKDALE TEXAS ... The three buildings shown in this 1960 photo were all part of John Peter Lorenz Jr.'s lumber company, " J &J Lumber Co." Laura Swiess says, " They were located at the intersection of 87 business and 123."

Hutton's Cafe

HUTTON'S CAFE IN STOCKDALE TX...... 634 W Main St. where the pharmacy used to be. Maudie Hutton is in the middle. Photo undated. (Internet Photo)

Stockdale High School Tennis Team

The Stockdale High School Tennis Team poses 16 April 1933 as the Wilson County Texas "County Champs". The tennis tournament was held at the Dilworth Ranch School. This clipping is from Laura Swiess' mother's (Vivian Luker Lorenz) scrap book. [Thank you Laura for sharing this 90 year old newspaper clipping!]

Stockdale Residence & Rehabilitation Center

The Stockdale Residence & Rehabilitation Center, located in Stockdale Wilson County Texas, which has served the community for almost 60 years, closed down.

The big freeze in February froze pipes at the center, causing the facility to relocate 29 residents to its sister facility in Floresville. However June 8, 2021 it was announced that the nursing home is not reopening.

A little piece of history was shared by L.H. West about the Stockdale Residence and Rehabilitation Center. A newspaper from August 29, 1963 featured the grand opening. 1963, Stockdale native Alene Quinney's father helped clear the plot and lay down the pad for the building's foundation.

"Stockdale Times Newspaper 1913"

.... Folks have always enjoyed newspaper columns that reported what was going on, where it happened, and whom it happened to. "The Stockdale Times" weekly issue of Friday, June 6, 1913 provided several of these news tidbits.

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Courtesy/ The Portal to Texas History Texas Digital Newspaper Program

The Stockdale Times

The Stockdale Times (Stockdale, Tex.), Vol. 9, Ed. 1 Friday, July 19, 1918 ....

Weekly newspaper from Stockdale, Wilson County Texas that included local, state, and national news along with advertising. E. M. Brownlee was the Owner and Publisher and it was published every Friday in Stockdale, Texas. Below are the clearest pages from this issue where advertisers can be seen.

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Courtesy/ The Portal to Texas History Texas Digital Newspaper Program

WHAT MEMORIES DO YOU HAVE OF POSSUM'S??

"In 1932, a favorite stopping place for kiddos and adults was well known as "Possum" Clark's station and store. Mr & Mrs R. W. Clark owned and operated the store which was located across the street from Mrs Clara Floyd's residence." You can see her residence in the background of the picture. The station was at the intersection of Business 87 and FM 1107 in Stockdale Wilson County Texas.

Photo Contributor, Laura Swiess, says, "When my dad was teaching me to drive about 1964, I would walk to his lumber yard after school and when he would head home after work, he would pull over at the station and let me drive home on FM 1107." Article is from The Stockdale Star Souvenir Section, Thursday June 17, 1976, page 11.

STOCKDALE WILSON COUNTY TEXAS

This is an undated photo of how the San Antonio to Cuero road looked when the road arrived in Stockdale, Texas. Several buildings and an early model car can be seen in the photo. COURTESY/ Portal to Texas History

About Wilson County Historical Society

The Wilson County Historical Society was formed to research, preserve, and promote the rich past of Wilson County, Texas. Our website provides much information about the society to include some of our research, our projects, our photos, and our events.

Public meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday each month at 6:00 p.m., in the Wilson County Archives Building, 1144 C Street, in Floresville.

1144 C Street
Floresville, TX 78114

Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed

P.O. Box 101
Floresville, TX