Subject: RED RIVER FERRIES Dear Texas List, Got a couple of e-mails about East and North Texas. They are fun, but could you do it this way: I got to see these Pineie-Woods, maybe this summer, and can you tell me where by miles south of Okla. and miles east of Louisiana, or is this against Texas rules of mesurement and weights.<G> Is there anyone into Ferry research along red river, as far west as Cooke County? The way I understand it the county would sell you a permit to operate a ferry and take a percent. I looked for the Ferry Bond Book in Cooke County and it was gone, it would of listed operators. I guess it would of been same for Grayson, Fannin, and the County Paris is in. My Grand Father Walter E. Coffman, b.1867-1946 was a Texan, Born where, I'm not sure except his father put down Tex. in 1870 Census of Fannin,Co. Walter father, A.D. Coffman,b.1824 Tenn. Died by family records 11/3/1873 in Cooke,Co. A.D. was also called Dedrick and sometimes last name Kauffman. The reason I'm asking is my Grandfather almost had to grow up on his own after age 6 along the Red River, his father and mother both dead. He may of had a step mom. part of the time in Bonham, by name of Laura F. Brown, A.D. married her in 1871 in Fannin. Walters stories were filled tails of working on the Red River Ferry. (he was showed in 1880 Census of Cooke living in a boarding house) He told of taking outlaws, as passengers, across the river just before the sheriff got there, The Indian's, Gun Fights. I guess the people of the Red river raised him. He worked on ferry until he was 22 and then left the area. That would of been in abt.1889. He then traveled all of Texas as a traveling Potographer taking pictures of people and even some for the railroad in far west Texas to promote the sale of land to the people of the East. Displayed his work in 1903 at Worlds Fair in St. Louis, and won 3rd. place. A real Texan this grandfather of mine, and my father was also. Dad was a real cowboy and rode the range in western Texas where the counties are as big as some states. Walter had poto Studios all over Texas at different times and places. He spoke of Denton, Tx. as one. If anyone ever heard of this Texan Along the Red River, Please let us know the tail. Respectfully Sumited, Carl Coffman,B.1933 From Way North Texas near Kansas. Regards: Carl and Zella (daughter) Coffman 1448 S Handley St. Wichita, KS 67213 ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com