In the obituary of mrs. Hazel Leinart of Greenville it mentions a pallbearer James R Williams. Do you have more info on him. thanks.sue ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sarah Swindell" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, May 19, 2003 10:20 AM Subject: [TXHUNT-L] Mrs. Hazel Leinart Services Sunday, 1966 > Mrs. Hazel Marie McClanahan Leinart Services Sunday > Mrs. Hazel Marie McClanahan Leinart, 49-year-old wife of Tolbert R. Leinart of Greenville, died Saturday morning in a Greenville hospital after a lengthy illness. > Funeral services were at 3:00 PM Sunday at North Baptist Church in Greenville with the Revs. Ben Smith and Cecil E. Vaughn officiating. > Burial was in Memoryland Memorial Park under the direction of Coker-Mathews-Peters Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Ronnie Lumpkins, Larry McClanahan, James R. Williams, Jack Sawyer, Sammie Rackley, and Butch King. > Mrs. Leinart was born February 6, 1917 in Hunt County, the daughter of J. C. McClanahan and Gertie White McClanahan. > She married Mr. Leinart on April 9, 1932 in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. > Survivors include her husband, Tolbert R. Leinart; parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. McClanahan; and son, Danny Leinart, all of Greenville; two sisters, Mrs. Jimmie Harples of Fort Worth and Mrs. Guy McClanahan of Greenville; two brothers, O. T. McClanahan and J. C. McClanahan, both of Greenville; a number of nieces and nephews, and other relatives. > She was preceded in death by an infant brother. (October 14, 1966, The Celeste Courier) > > > ==== TXHUNT Mailing List ==== > Please remember to update your bookmarks! The Hunt County > GenWeb Project is no longer located on cottonmuseum.com or vpltz.com Please > visit our new site at http://www.geocities.com/countyofhunt > >

Celeste Wins Over Miller Grove Tuesday The Celeste Blue Devils upended Miller Grove 65-52 and the Celeste girls won a 45-25 decision over Miller Grove to sweep a basketball doubleheader Tuesday night at Celeste. Richard Rust and Harry Childress paced the Blue Devil attack with twenty-one and fourteen points, respectively. Alice Roach tossed in twenty points to lead the Celeste girls to their victory. The Blue Devils overcame a 32-39 halftime deficit to beat Miller Grove. (November 26, 1965, The Celeste Courier)

Hunt Farmers Approve One Issue, Kill Another Hunt County cotton growers overwhelmingly voted for quotas on the 1966 upland cotton crop in Tuesday's referendum. The measure, calling for penalties for over-production in 1966, price-supports, diversion payments and loans, passed by a 473 to 63 count. A two-thirds majority vote was necessary to decide the issue. At the same time, the farmers voted against a measure which provided for the lease or sale of cotton allotments and the approval of such transactions within the county. It was voted down, 434 to 104. (November 26, 1965, The Celeste Courier)

Linda Cardwell in Courtesy Spotlight at Baylor Hospital Miss Linda Gayle Cardwell, daughter of Mrs. Loyd Turner of Bailey, was in the "Courtesy Spotlight" for the month of November at Baylor Hospital, where she has been employed since June 1, 1964. She is an insurance clerk in the Medical Records Department. She is a graduate of Celeste High School and enjoys reading and dancing. She said, "I particularly like Baylor because of its atmosphere as a well-functioning institution and its never ceasing thoughtfulness toward not only patients but also visitors and employees. I sincerely hope that Baylor continues to fulfill the outstanding reputation which it now enjoys." Miss Cardwell made the following comments on courtesy: "To me, the most important thing that courtesy can produce in the hospital is the rewarding relationships among personnel, visitors, and patients. Being courteous also facilitates an even flow of communications and creates an inner-office harmony which is essential in any business or organization." Miss Cardwell's picture appeared in "Baylor Progress," November edition, a monthly publication. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. T. Perkins of Celeste and Mrs. O. C. Cardwell of Celeste. (November 26, 1965, The Celeste Courier)

Varied Activities at Area Community Clubs Recently Three community centers around Celeste were active with varied activities. Hogeye and Prairie Hill held traditional Thanksgiving dinners with members and guests served buffets from the foods brought by community families. Kingston Community Center sponsored a stew supper and musical, the proceeds applying to the building up-keep. The Hogeye Community Center building was festive with fruits and flowers in décor for the buffet served covered-dish supper that included the traditional holiday fare. Games of dominoes were played following a program. Mrs. H. H. Furr is program chairman. Mrs. Calvin Stapleton gave the devotional, "A Day of Thanksgiving." Invocation was by Ralph Evans, Sr. "Count Your Blessings" was sung by the assembled guest with Mrs. Bill Davis accompanying at the piano. Miss Allegra Byers presented special pupils. Kathryn LaFavers recited, " A Thankful Girl" and Gary Lyon recited, "That Ugly Ink." A skit, "Taking His Medicine," was by Ronnie Lyon, the patient; Debra Kay Thurman, the mother; Mike Armstrong, the doctor; and James LaFavers, the messenger boy. Those present were Rev. and Mrs. Bill Davis and sons, Messes and Mmes. Lawrence Hunter, Lonnie Linton, Preston Reynolds, Haskell LaFavers, and children, S. W. Myers, George McGee, Drew Aven, Ralph Evans, Jr. and son, Edwin Blakemore, Johnnie Lyon and sons, Jack Ruff, and D. C. Thurman, and Debra Kay. Also, Tom Mulkey, George Stewart, Mrs. H. H. Furr, Miss Allegra Byers, Mrs. Doug Armstrong and Mike, Mrs. Calvin Stapleton, and Mrs. H. F. Lewis. (November 26, 1965, The Celeste Courier)

Mrs. O. S. Arey Services Friday Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Friday, November 26, 1965, at the Coker-Mathews-Peters Funeral Chapel in Greenville for Mrs. O. S. Arey of Floyd, 81, who died Wednesday morning, November 24, 1965, at the Greenville home of her daughter, Mrs. Geneva Ellis. Mrs. Arey was born November 9, 1884 in Lowden, Tennessee, the daughter of William L. Pittman and Matilda C. Morgan Pittman. She married Orville S. Arey on January 21, 1904, in Hunt County. Mr. Arey died January 15, 1959. The Rev. Bob Cooper officiated. Interment was made in the Caddo Mills IOOF Cemetery. Grandsons served as pallbearers. Survivors include her daughter, Mrs. Ellis of Greenville; five sons, Lee Arey of Floyd, Cecil Arey of Celeste, Ernest Arey of Rifle, Colorado, Euless Arey of Bristol, Connecticut, and Buddy Arey of San Rafael, California; five sisters, Mrs. Marion Chaney of Greenville, Mrs. M. E. Miller of Ector, Mrs. J. W. Regan of Garland, and Mrs. Carl Lowman and Mrs. Max Crossman, both of Dallas; three brothers, Carl Pittman of Princeton, Welch Pittman of Irving, and H. H. Pittman of Shreveport, Louisiana; thirteen grandchildren, including Farrell Arey and Tommy Arey of Celeste; eighteen great-grandchildren. One son, Weldon Arey, also preceded Mrs. Arey in death. (November 26, 1965, The Celeste Courier)

Mrs. D. L. McGee Services Monday at Greenville Church Funeral services for Mrs. H. R. (sic) McGee, 86, who died at 6:10 PM, Saturday, November 20, 1965, in a Greenville nursing home, were Monday, November 22, 1965, at 2:00 PM, at the North Baptist Church, Greenville. The Revs. Harrison Baker and Ben Smith officiated and interment was in Lane Cemetery. Sorrells and Sons Funeral Home of Greenville was in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were Clifford Gray, Grady Adkins, J. A. North, Benton Abernathy, Thomas Jacobs, Carl Jacobs, Earnest Berry, and O. L. Nichols, Sr. Mrs. McGee, a long-time Hunt County resident, was born August 16, 1879, in Wise County, the daughter of Tom Tadlock and Nancy Elizabeth Easley Tadlock. She married H. R. McGee in 1898. Mr. McGee died March 19, 1927. Survivors include three sons, Floyd McGee of Dallas, Scottie McGee of Greenville, and Iris McGee of Celeste; one daughter, Mrs. H. F. Jacobs of Greenville; one brother, Tom Tadlock of Greenville; twelve grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and a number of other relatives. All of Mrs. McGee's children and grandchildren attended her services except one grandson, Major Billy Reed McGee, who is stationed with the US Air Force in Hawaii. (November 26, 1965, The Celeste Courier)

"When Your Mother Gets Ready to Go to Heaven, She Will Want to Go by Celeste" (Editor's Note: When Weldon Owens, columnist for "The Dallas Times Herald," invited us as guest columnist while he was on vacation, we asked Mrs. Lois Lewis is she would like to write the column. Mr. Owens said we could write about anything--boost our town or anything else. Since Mrs. Lewis is so civic minded and has contributed so much to "The Courier" we knew she could write an interesting column. To attest her ability, we read a letter she received from the president of "The Times Herald" complimenting her for her efforts. For those who did not read the article in "The Times Herald," we are publishing it in today's "Courier.") By Lois Lacy Lewis A prominent Methodist minister, who married a Celeste beauty almost fifty years ago, is reported to have said to their children, jokingly, "When your mother gets ready to go to Heaven, she will want to go by Celeste." Loyal Celestians want to and do return before such an eventful day. They come back on frequent visits or to make their homes here. Celeste, Hunt County, is undergoing growing pains, mild ones, at a relatively late date in the life of a town that flourished before the days of highways and automobiles. Signs of growth are phenomenal since the site is not on a lake or dam, no outside aid is responsible, nor is there a wealthy benefactor spending his money in his former hometown. The signs of growth might be negligible to the casual observer. Nevertheless, they are a thing of pride to the less than seven hundred inhabitants. What then is the reason that Celeste has taken upon itself to change from a drab, decadent old town of the thirties, forties, and fifties to one of improvement, life, and promise? In one brief statement, it may be attributed to the younger adults, the high school and college graduates who choose to come back home to live. Granted, some commute to nearby cities to work and bring home the proceeds to build nice homes and to support the town's businesses. These couples and their families work in the churches and in the civic, cultural, and recreational life of the town In the past decade, a recent survey shows new home building is approaching the hundred mark. Almost without exception, the older homes have undergone extensive remodeling and repairing. Many factors contribute to the change: A youngish mayor admits to thinking and planning constantly for improvement--slowly, as needs be, for obstacles are to be overcome; a bachelor banker, who works tirelessly for a better Celeste and community, following his father who was president of the thriving First National Bank for fifty years; a retired Army Major turned businessman who puts his shoulder to the wheel of any worthy project and see it through; a fine twelve-teacher school with its strength in loyal instructors of long tenure; four churches presently with energetic young men at their helm; a retired postmaster who spark-plugged a federal low-income housing development just completed. Also conducive to better Celeste are a surrounding agricultural region, turned chiefly to stock raising, with modern homes dotting the countryside; the steady growth of home-owned manufacture of infants' and children's clothing, employing local people, and the resulting growth of the local post office to second class status; old established businesses in the families of the original owners which keep abreast of the times; and a population knowing and caring about the business and welfare of their neighbors. The condition that spawned the birth of a town, the crossing of two major railways in 1887, is contributing, in part, to the rejuvenation of business despite the recent loss of the last passenger train service. A major international company in a multi-million -dollar expansion program selected the site of the railway crossing to build a $60,000.00 plant for fertilizers and insecticide distribution. Celeste was named for the daughter of an official of the Santa Fe Railway at the time of the building of that line from Paris to Dallas. Originally, local descendants of the early settlers related, the site of a thriving village, three miles further south on the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas line, was to have been the point of intersection. Land owners there, exercising their opinions and liberties, refused grants for a right of way. Consequently, another survey coincided with a settlement called Bradburn on the east of the established MK&T. The Santa Fe builders plotted a town to the west of the intersection. promoting a sale of lots, named the streets, granted excursion on the newly constructed railway, gave two lots to the first church built, and Celeste had its beginning. The sale of lots was set for April 18-21, 1887, according to an original map of the town site drawn by the promoters. This historic map is in the possession of descendants of an early pioneer settler and businessman. From the auspicious beginning the town soon grew to include other churches, a business district, four doctors, hotels, and organizations. A college organized in 1890 with dormitories for student continued for seven years when an academy was established lasting until 1912. At that time, a local education was instrumental in getting a public school established. Names of the succession of the colleges and schools, according to a researcher in 1950, were Perrin School, Gladstone College, Robinson School, Elmwood Institute, Hawthorne College, and eventually the public school. Graduates and students of these school include lawyers, doctors, college presidents and instructors, musicians of note, and among the many servicemen, one who won the highest honors for bravery in action was awarded the highest honor the government bestows. Few dwell on the past and those include the elderly who find their long established homes and Celeste a good place to live. Visitors will note the new look to the old hometown and hope with the home-towners for the elimination of a few blighted areas. The minister and "Miss Eula" do visit Celeste often. (November 26, 1965, The Celeste Courier) I will try to give names to the references: The prominent Methodist minister: Harrison Baker The Celeste beauty : Eula McGuire A youngish mayor : J. Solon Milton A bachelor banker : Albert Granberry His father : S. R. Granberry The retired Army Major : John L. James Loyal teachers with tenure : Weatherleys, Shields, Tillersons, and many others Retired Postmaster : S. M. Compton Fertilizer plant : Cyanamid Infant clothing plant : J. R. Love Pioneer family with original map : McGuires* 1950 Celeste researcher : Tom West Brave soldier : Audie Murphy *That original map may be at the bank or city hall now...but I am not certain. SSS

I wanted to share the following poem with the list. It seems to be very appropriate for Memorial Day. It was written by Charles Arthur Cowan (born 1861 Queen City, Schuyler Co., MO, died 1942 Athol, Smith Co., KS) He was a great-grandson of Hector Cowan of the Town of Stamford, Delaware County, NY. It was sent by one of his great-grandchildren. It's actual title is unknown. All honor then to the Pioneer Who conquered both hill and plain, They did it for us as a heritage And not for the love of gain. They bravely met each task as it came Their lives were filled with toil, They bore the heat of the long, long days And they burned the midnight oil. Their lives were spent in sacrifice As they labored through the years, They waged the battle with courage strong And had no time for tears. But time has taken its toll each year As the vacant chairs attest, They have filled their place in the busy world And have entered into rest. The Grim Reaper has come with ominous tread. We shrank as he paused at the door. Ere he passed on had taken his toll, Leaving many hearts saddened and sore. Sometimes we tire of the arduous tasks And we wish our race was won, But nothing is finished and finished right 'Till our work is fully done. Our eyes grow dim and the step less firm And the silver turned to gray, "Well done" was not of the faltering one Who stopped while in the fray. And still there linger in our midst A few that have reached four score, They're only waiting the final call To cross to the other shore. They are trusting their Senior who's gone before As he beckons with loving appeal, He is saying: Come, you have finished your course. Enter through into joys that are real.

Thank you for putting flowers in the abandoned cemetery. It breaks my heart to see them forgotten and abandoned. "The baby" dates are 1904-1910, the cemetery is Indian Creek in Fannin county. My thoughts will be with you as you decorate the abandoned cemetery. Linda > I think your idea is great. I do it for an abandoned cemetery close to my > home, mostly because I do live so far away from my family. > Out of curiosity - do you remember the dates found on the childs burial > place that you mentioned? > Have a nice weekend! Kelly Culpepper > Hunt Co., Tx surnames - Epperson, Ivie, Edwards, Wright, Yeager > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Linda Baker" <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 12:23 AM > Subject: [TXHUNT-L] Genealogist idea > > > > > > > > > > > ==== TXHUNT Mailing List ==== > > Please remember to update your bookmarks! The Hunt County > > GenWeb Project is no longer located on cottonmuseum.com or vpltz.com > Please > > visit our new site at http://www.geocities.com/countyofhunt > > > > > > > ==== TXHUNT Mailing List ==== > Don't forget! The Hunt County GenWeb Project Home Page has moved to > http://www.geocities.com/countyofhunt > >

I think your idea is great. I do it for an abandoned cemetery close to my home, mostly because I do live so far away from my family. Out of curiosity - do you remember the dates found on the childs burial place that you mentioned? Have a nice weekend! Kelly Culpepper Hunt Co., Tx surnames - Epperson, Ivie, Edwards, Wright, Yeager ----- Original Message ----- From: "Linda Baker" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 12:23 AM Subject: [TXHUNT-L] Genealogist idea > > > > ==== TXHUNT Mailing List ==== > Please remember to update your bookmarks! The Hunt County > GenWeb Project is no longer located on cottonmuseum.com or vpltz.com Please > visit our new site at http://www.geocities.com/countyofhunt > >

As Memorial Day approaches, I was reminded again that this is the time where family members wish they were nearby to place flowers on graves, but can't because of distance, health, or whatever. When you shop for those memorial flowers and wreaths for your own loved ones, why not pick up a couple of $1 bunches of flowers to place on those lonely graves where no flowers are placed? Do it for the family members who may not be close enough or healthy enough to do it. Do it for those who have long since gone but used to care for the graves. Do it, just because you're a family historian, and care about these who have passed before us. Do it, because it just feels good! It is a special feeling know that these who would have been without, can now show that someone cared! I do it in the cemetery where my Cowan family is buried and have taken care of their graves since I was a child. When my first child began going with me we found a child's grave without name but had the birth and death dates stamped into an old rusty pipe. When he found out it was a 6 year old child and no one took care of it's grave he cried and needless to say, we both did. From then on, for 35 years I have taken care of that child's grave and call it 'the baby.' Now all the members of my family who go over to the cemetery always check on 'the baby.' 'The baby' now has a much prettier marker too, made by the loving hands of my husband. I can't begin to tell you what a wonderful feeling it is. Try it, you'll like it. Linda

Correction It was mistakenly reported last week that Joe Tillerson is a student at NTSU when he is a second-year student at Texas A&M at Bryan. Joe is doing fine down there again as he did last year. He has a rating of distinguished student in grades for the previous semester. He is enjoying a scholarship again for tennis and scholastic accomplishments. Joe will be playing in some fall tournaments and his over two-hours practice daily is his schedule athletically. He lives in an athletic dormitory. (October 15, 1965, The Celeste Courier)

Joe McKee Dies in Dallas Thursday, Services Saturday Joe McKee, 84, of Celeste, died at 9:20 AM Thursday, October 14, 1965, in Baylor Hospital in Dallas. He had been in ill heath for three years. Services will be held at 2:30 PM Saturday, October 16, 1965, at the Church of Christ in Celeste. Officiating will be T. S. Teddlie of Greenville, Connie Hollis, local minister, and Bruce Prior of Boles Home. Burial will be in the Celeste Cemetery under direction of Coker-Mathew-Peters Funeral Home of Greenville. Pallbearers will be Glenn Hall, Byird Glasscoe, Ralph Evans, Frank Milton, Ernest Roach, and S. W. Myers. Honorary pallbearers have been named as Homer Wacasey, Bloom Johnson, G. C. Harris, Mickey Money, E. H. Blankenship, Tom Mulkey, S. R. Granberry, Albert Granberry, George McGee, Troy Brooks, Clarence Slayden, Burley Lanier, T. L. Brooks, and R. C. Gilliam. Mr. McKee, a retired farmer, who also managed a gin in Celeste years ago, was born January 13, 1881, in Humbolt, Tennessee, son of Robert McKee and Mary Mason McKee. Before he moved to Hunt County fifty years ago, he lived in Lamar County, near Paris. He was an active member of the Church of Christ. Mr. McKee was married to Effie Lee Williams on January 5, 1903, and she survives. He is survived also by one son, J. Wilburn McKee of Dallas; three daughters, Mrs. Lillian Pinkston of Dallas, Mr. C. E. Lewis of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, and Miss Mary Frances McKee of Dallas; one brother, Bud McKee of Greenville; two sisters, Mrs. Bertha Nelson of Dallas and Mrs. Myrtle Skeen of Bonham; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Lelian McKee Bickham, also two children who died in infancy, and two grandchildren. (October 15, 1965, The Celeste Courier)

New Residents Move to Celeste; Federal Housing is Being Occupied By Mrs. Lois Lacy Lewis Noted in the fall season are a number of moves and new residents in Celeste and vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Bell and children, Mark and Becky Prather, began residence in a three-bedroom apartment in the newly finished Housing Development about September 1st. Bell, a construction worker and native of the Hickory Creek community, and Mrs. Bell, formerly of Dallas, are pleased with the apartment. Mark is a fourth grade pupil and Becky is in the third grade. Another daughter, Miss Suzanne Prather, is attending the University of Tel Aviv, Israel, as an exchange student. She was an Arlington State College before her departure about September 1st for a year's work in Israel. Other residents of the housing project are Mrs. Tressie Hayes, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Alexander (facing Sanger Street), Mrs. Gladys Giles (facing Sanger Street), Mr. and Mrs. Benny Arnwine and daughter, Patricia. (October 15, 1965, The Celeste Courier)

Celeste Graduates Attending College This Semester Celeste High School graduates attending colleges this semester include commuters to East Texas State University. They are Martha Hackney, Linda Hackney, David Hackney, Ruth Thorp, Catherine Floyd, Patricia Roach, Bud Roach, Mrs. Sarah Roach Swindell, Georgia Steed, Monty Blakemore, Jesse Rodriguez, Larry Martin, Teddy Hunter, W. S. Giles, Kenneth Harrison, Joe Lamm, Ronnie Clinton, Ronnie Shields, and Larry Hazal, the latter doing graduate work, and, also, David Sampson, David Smith, and Larry LaFavers. Others are James Lamm, attending Austin College on a athletic scholarship; Jerry Weatherley at Paris Junior College; Joe Tillerson at North Texas State University; David Pruitt, Kilgore Junior College; and other local graduates, Mrs. Jeannette Swafford Tyler of Sulphur Springs, Mrs. Carolyn Warren Rhodes, Commerce; and *Miss Tommie Rodriguez at Amarillo School of Nursing. (October 8, 1965, The Celeste Courier) *Mrs. Lois Lacy Lewis in her "Our Town This Week..." article, same issue, wrote that Tommie had sold magazines for a $500.00 scholarship to help with her schooling. She was living with her sister, Carmel Rodriguez and family there.

Two Van Alstyne Teachers Honored (Page 1) Two Van Alstyne teachers, one active and one retired, were honored by the fellowship of Mantua Masonic Lodge No. 209 this week with the Teacher's Lamar Medal. Sherman Taylor, retired Van Alstyne Superintendent, and Nancy Weatherley, retired school teacher turned active, were this year's Lamar Medal recipients. The Masonic Lodge membership was called to order by Grand Master of the lodge, Lee Hershey, and then District Deputy Grand Master, Richie Bell, welcomed guest and described the principles behind the Teacher's Lamar Medal before bestowing it upon the two candidates, Taylor and Weatherley. Bell told the membership and guests that over the past decade, in the lodges, scholarship interviews with graduating high school seniors were always asked to name his or her favorite teacher. "We were amazed at how many said your (Weatherley's) name and how many said they... Van Alstyne: Two Teachers Honored (Page 2) from Page A1 had been borderline students and Nancy Weatherley put them over the edge," Bell said. "In talking to some of these students and listening to their remarks, they all said she was a tough one, but fair." Weatherley seems to be truly taken by surprise after receiving her award. "It's overwhelming," she said. "I don't know what to say. I know I expect a lot and I'm strict... This is a great honor." About Taylor, Bell said he always used a lot of common sense and was fair. "There are very few things a person remember about his elementary years, but I remember when he (Taylor) came," Bell said. He continued by saying that Taylor had been a great superintendent for the school system of Val Alstyne. "I have loved living in Van Alstyne and I don't plan to leave her until the Lord takes me," Taylor said. "I appreciate the honor that has been bestowed upon me this evening." With awards out of the way someone shouted, "Let's cut the cake," and the meeting was adjourned for refreshments. The Lamar Medal is named for Maribeau Bounaparte Lamar; who was a Mason and is known as the "Father of Texas Education" because of his advocacy for establishing a school system in Texas. Lamar was instrumental in the Battle at San Jacinto as a member of the Texas Army in 1836. He succeeded Sam Houston as President of the Republic of Texas and one step in his plans for a greater Texas included a proposal to establish a system of education endowed by public lands. It resulted in the act of January 26, 1839 which set aside land for public school and two universities. "A cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy," said Lamar during one of his messages to Congress and this later became the motto of the University of Texas. (Undated, Sherman Denison Herald Democrat) (Picture of Nancy Weatherley and Sherman Taylor: Nancy Weatherley congratulates Sherman Taylor after they both received the Teacher's Lamar Medal from Masonic Lodge # 209 this week in Van Alstyne.)

Jim Battle made his American League debut in 1926 at the age of 27. His number was unavailable. He played for the Chicago White Sox. This position was /3S. To find out more, click below: http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=battlji01

Jim Battle Died from Heart Attack in California Funeral services were held in Chico, California for Jim Battle, a native of the Celeste area. His death was due to a heart attack, Thursday, September 30, 1965, in Chico, California, his home for the past twenty years. Battle was reared in the Hickory Creek community, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Hal Battle, who lived later in Celeste with their family. There were nine children in the Battle family. Battle, a baseball player of note, was with the Pacific Coast League for a time; with the Texas League, playing with Dallas and Waco; then was with the Chicago American League White Sox. Before moving to California, Battle was associated with a chain food company in Dallas for many years. He is survived by his wife, the former Margaret Buchanan of Celeste, a son, Jim Battle, Jr., and two grandchildren of Reno, Nevada; one brother, Bill Battle of Big Spring, and sisters, Mrs. Hallie Cursey of Chico, California and Mrs. Marvin Grisham of Dallas. Several nieces and nephews survive, including D. C. Thurman of Celeste. The home address is 298 East 8th Avenue, Chico, California. (October 8, 1965, The Celeste Courier)

Master Sergeant Kenneth Griffis Awarded Bronze Star for Distinguished Service One of the nation's highest military decorations, the Bronze Star, has been awarded to Master Sergeant Kenneth E. Griffis, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. T. Griffis of Celeste. The award of the Bronze Star to Sgt. Griffis came for distinguished serve in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Viet Nam, where he has been service as an American advisor since July 13, 1964. The citation accompanying the award said of Sgt. Griffis: "He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever-changing situation and to find ways and means to solve those problems. His initiative, zeal, sound judgment, and devotion to duty have been in the highest tradition of the United States Army." Six Sons Serve Griffis, a fifteen-year Army veteran, is the oldest of six sons of Mr. and Mrs. Griffis to serve in the Army, and one of three Griffis sons currently in the Army. In addition to Viet Nam, Sgt. Griffis' foreign service includes one tour in Austria and two in Germany. His last duty station in the United States was at Fort Riley, Kansas, where his wife and children are residing until his return from Viet Nam, scheduled for November. Basic Training The other Griffis sons currently in the Army include Specialist Five Jackie T. Griffis of Fort Hood and Private Sammy T. Griffis, now undergoing basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Billy Charles Griffis, an employee of Henington Publishing Company in Wolfe City, rose to the rank of Sergeant during his service in the Army, while Bobby Griffis and Stanley Griffis, both employed in Greenville, were ranked as Specialist Four on their separations from the service. (October 8, 1965, The Celeste Courier)