Caddo- My Home Town

Thornton D. Pearce

 

Indian Pioneer Papers

November 20, 1937

T.D. Pearce, eight miles east of Caddo, Okla.

T.D. Pearce, better known as Uncle Dave, was born November 20, 1855, in Middle Tennessee. His father was in good shape financially, before the Civil War broke out- for as a farmer he had plenty of cattle, hogs and stock, but the Confederates came and shot his stock and took everything away except a yoke of steers. From Tennessee the Pearce family moved to Sebastian County, Arkansas when Dave was quite young, and then to Fort Smith where they got government work. At the close of the Civil War they went back to their farm from which they had been driven and here their family experienced some hard times, Finally the father of Mr. T. D. Pearce got hold of a yoke of white steers and one cow. The family had to eat bread and water for quite a long time.

T.D. Pearce moved to Caddo November 1, 1878 at the age of twenty-three. He managed to get some work at different times in Denison and around there, but Caddo was his home. There were not many farms in cultivation at this time and all around Caddo was just a range of prairies, not settled. There were no roads; you just started out in most any direction and found a trail to travel. Caddo was very small, only four little stores and a few smaller buildings such as a meat market and a blacksmith shop owned by Pete Hamer and J. N. Alexander. These men furnished Mr. Pearce with work and he followed blacksmithing as his occupation for several years.

At this time the government furnished the Comanche Indians of the Comanche Reservation wagons and little ponies to do their freighting with and they had to come to Caddo after freight, as this was the market place nearest to the Comanche Reservation. There was also a stage coach in Caddo which took the mail about once every two weeks to Fort Sill.

In 1873 the first railroad through Caddo was built and in 1874 it went over Red River to Denison, as this was the first bridge across the Red River to be completed.  Up to this time, the only way of crossing the river was by ferry.

T.D. Pearce is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Caddo and has been for over forty years. On January 14, 1883 he was married to Permelia A. Corney Folsom, widow of David Folsom. She was a half-breed Choctaw Indian and educated in the Indian schools of that time. While they lived in Caddo three children were born.

When T. D. Pearce moved out east of Caddo about eight miles, he bought a place. After coming to the country Mr. Pearce raised cattle, hogs, and farmed.

About two miles and a half south of his farm was a place of interest known as Double Springs. These springs furnished water to people for miles around and the people who lived near the springs were negroes who were freed of slavery- some of whom are still living there.

Another place of interest near his home was the old court ground where the courts were held at the forks of Boggy. Here they had what is known as the whipping post and when they found a prisoner had stolen horses or cattle, he was shot for his crime. When prisoners were whipped they had to pull off their shirts and were given ten licks apiece.

On March 18, 1895, Mr. Pearce’s first wife died and in later years he married Chestenia Timberlake. Six children were born to this union, all of whom are living except one.

Mr. Pearce is now eighty-two years old and owns a little store out at Pritchard, five miles north of Bokchito and eight miles east of Caddo, where he has lived for many years. He is still active about his store and does most all of his work. He still owns some cattle and hogs. He has made his home in Bryan County since coming to this country.

 

The Caddo Banner

March 22, 1895

Mrs. Dave Pearce died Monday night and was interred in the city cemetery Tuesday evening. The bereaved husband and children have the sympathy of the entire community. (Permelia Pearce, wife of Thornton D. Pearce)

 

Durant Weekly News

December 3, 1943

Mrs. T. D. Pearce

Funeral services will be conducted at the Methodist church in Bokchito Friday afternoon at 3:30 for Mrs. T. D. Pearce, aged 64 years, who died at the family home in Pritchard Tuesday morning following an illness of four weeks. Reverend Griffith conducted the services.

The deceased had lived in the Pritchard community for the past 47 years. She had been a life-long member of the Methodist church and was a member of the Woodmen Circle.

Surviving are her husband, who is reported to be critically ill at the home in Pritchard, three sons: Ben L. Pearce, Los Angeles, Calif.; Cecil Pearce, Durant; and John Pearce, McAlester. Three daughters: Mrs. Dale Williams, Oakland, Calif.; Miss Ruby L. Pearce, Pritchard, and Mrs. Lat Lutes of Bennington, and two grandchildren.

Burial will be in the Bokchito cemetery. Holmes Funeral Home will have charge of funeral arrangements.

Durant Weekly News

March 10, 1944

Funeral Services for T. D. Pearce Held Wednesday

Funeral services were conducted in the Bokchito Methodist Church Wednesday afternoon at 3 o’clock for Thornton David Pearce, who died Monday, March 6, at the family home in Pritchard.

Mr. Pearce was 88 years old. He had retired from the grocery business several years ago after serving the Pritchard community for nearly 55 years. He was a member of the Methodist church and the Masonic lodge.

He is survived by three sons: John, of McAlester; Lake of Los Angeles, Calif.; Cecil of Durant, and three daughters: Mrs. Lat Lutes of Bennington, Mrs. Dale Williams, Oakland, Calif. and Ruby L. Pearce of Pritchard.

Interment was in the Caddo cemetery with Rev. Griffin officiating. Funeral arrangements were in charge of Holmes Funeral Home.

 

Ishom Granville Walker

Dallas Morning News

January 27, 1936

Former School Head at Prosper Succumbs

Sherman, Texas, Jan. 26- Granville Walker, 65, died Sunday at a hospital. He had been a resident of Sherman fifteen years.

Born at Lynchburg, Tenn., he was a graduate of the Sam Houston State Teachers’ College at Huntsville. He moved to Sherman from Prosper ten years ago, where he was principal of the Prosper schools.

Funeral services will be held Monday and the body will be taken to Caddo, Okla. for burial. Surviving are one daughter, Miss Olive Walker of Iowa Park; two brothers and one sister.

 

The Caddo Herald

January 31, 1936

Granville Walker died at his home in Sherman Sunday, and was buried in Caddo Cemetery Monday at 4 o'clock. Many years ago the deceased was a resident of Caddo, and was known to the older citizens.

 

According to his death certificate, Mr. Walker was born December 13, 1870 in Lynchburg, Tennessee. His parents were Samuel Walker and Betty (Cashion) Walker. He was a shoemaker. His wife was named Laura.

Heritage Day

Sawyer-Vaughn Wed

Durant Weekly News

February 16, 1934

Kenefic

Mr. Doyle Sawyer of Caddo and Miss Francis Vaughan of Kenefic were united in marriage at eleven o’clock Friday evening at the home of a Baptist minister of Durant; a few of their close friends witnessed the wedding, Mr. Bruce Pace of Caddo, Miss Laurence Bell of Kenefic, Mr. Oscar Joines and Miss Rosselene Braudrick, both of Caddo.

The bride is the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Demp Vaughn and has lived here most of her life. She attended school at Kenefic, where she finished in ’33. She was taking a business college course at Hills Business College at the time of her marriage. She was an active church worker and was the Sunday school teacher of the Junior class. She is one of the town’s most popular young ladies.

The groom, who is shoe salesman in the Boone and Styron’s store in Caddo, has acquired a large circle of friends here. He is a promising young man in educational circles. He obtained his diploma from Southeastern in ’31. He has taught several terms of school.

The bride and groom will make their home in Caddo.

 

March 16, 1934

Kenefic

Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Sawyer from Caddo spent the weekend with the latter’s parent, Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Vaughn.

 

A crowd of young people enjoyed a party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Sawyer Tuesday evening.

 

Bands

I mentioned bands earlier, so I went through my photo files and located some pictures of early Caddo bands. 

My mother was in the band when she was in high school.

I'm sure many of you were in the school band or had a relative who was. It would be wonderful if you would share any photos you might have. You can email me at maryemaurer@hotmail.com

Thank you!

1927

Durant Daily Democrat

September 28, 1927

Caddo News

Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Rogers and children of Caney were visiting friends in Caddo yesterday.

Mr. and Mrs. Morris Overstreet and little son were up from Durant Sunday and enjoyed the day with relatives.

Miss Mayme Ham of Atoka is spending a few days here with her aunt, Mrs. Lee Hancock and family.

Miss Madge Ritchey, who is training at the Sherman Hospital, spent a few hours in Caddo Saturday evening with her father, A. E. Ritchey and sister, Miss Virginia.

H.T. Styron of Konawa spent Sunday and Monday here with friends and relatives and looking after business interests.

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Siegel of Durant were visitors to Caddo Sunday.

Mrs. Annie Hauer went to Sherman Sunday where she will enjoy a few days with her son and family, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hauer.

Rev. and Mrs. W. Y. Switzor of Durant were the guests of Rev. and Mrs. J. W. Gray here Sunday. Rev. Switzor (is) filling the pulpit at the Methodist Church Sunday night, bringing a great message to a large and appreciative audience.  

Dr. C. D. Dale is here from Seminole visiting home folks and transacting business matters.

Dr. and Mrs. Roy L. Cochran and children were the guests of friends in Durant Sunday.

Caddoites shivered in the first grip of winter Tuesday when a brisk wind blew out of the north, the temperature dripping several degrees. Overcoats, sweaters, and winter apparel was in evidence and one really felt that winter was approaching.  

Caddo Band

The Caddo Herald

June 14, 1901

A brass band consisting of about 16 pieces has been organized by W. H. Wheeler. The uniforms have been ordered and we hope to have one of the best bands in the Territory. There is the material here to make one. Practice has already begun.

The Caddo Herald

June 17, 1932

Thirty Years Ago Today

June 18, 1902

The W.O.W. had organized a local band. The Herald chronicles that it was a wonderful organization with H. W. Wheeler as its instructor.

The Caddo Herald

June 5, 1903

When the Band Begins to Play

Caddo has again organized a band. That music hath charms goes without saying, and the charms of music in some bands goes without playing. It seems that all attempts to organize a permanent band at Caddo have been futile. But only the weak are discouraged at failure and the boys have got together again with a determination to make music or burst a suspender. They have met a few times and rehearsed and are making rapid progress under the tutorship of Prof. Wheeler.

              There is no reason why Caddo should not have the best band in the southern part of the Indian Territory, or for that matter one second to none in the Territory. The material is here if it is only put to use. Later The Herald will publish the instrumentation of the band and Mr. Wheeler promises an open air concert to the public in the near future.

Here’s to the band. “If music be the soul of love, play on.”

 

The Caddo Herald

April 22, 1910

Band Boys Organize

Caddo now has a brass band. We have long known that here was ample talent here for a good band and now it has been demonstrated beyond all shadow of a doubt for the boys have really organized and are getting along nicely under the leadership of E. I. Nichols, recently from Dallas, Texas. The Herald hopes the boys will keep the organization going for every progressive town needs a brass band. We feel sure that the business men will cooperate with the boys in every possible way to make the venture a success.

 

The Caddo Herald

May 27, 1910

The Band has been engaged to play for St. Clair Homer at the court house tonight.

 

August 1910

The line of parade extending from the school building down Buffalo Street to the park grounds was led by Caddo’s brass band followed by the Queen’s chariot, this float being decorated with white and yellow chrysanthemums; upon this rode the Queen, Mrs. Gertrude Neeley and her attendants, misses Sadie Williams, Sadie Odil, Madge Mattox, Neva Ray, Alice Wood, Margie Hogan, Mary Gravitt, and Mable Arnold.

Following this came the decorated vehicles of all descriptions; right here we desire to make special mention of the beautifully decorated buggies of Mrs. A. E. Folsom, Misses Julia Bell and Emmogene Sims, Earnest Bass, Henry Bass and Joe Carraway. These five buggies were very artistic in their decoration and showed the result of much thought, time, and expense.

At the picnic grounds the parade ended and then came the ceremony of crowning of the Queen, at which Hon. W. F. Semple officiated. Much credit is due Mr. H. T. Styron, who designed the Queen’s chariot and the young ladies who assisted in decorating it… 

The prizes awarded for the best decorated vehicles were: The Hanks & Haltom Music Co. and Amos K. Bass, Wholesale Hay and Grain, 2^nd.

 

Gethsemane

Many of us left Caddo after graduation or marriage and became productive members of other communities. We’ve enjoyed successful careers, raised families, and traveled the world. But our roots and our hearts remain here, and our ancestors reside in Gethsemane Cemetery. Some of us are privileged to stand in front of their headstones and respect their memories in person. Others must honor them from a distance, but we all remember how hard they worked to provide for us and to encourage our dreams.

The dream of the Caddo Civic and Cemetery Club is to continue to enlarge and improve the cemetery with better roads, a new entry arch, a cremation scatter garden, and new options for burials.  The group has accepted the responsibility and privilege of maintaining the cemetery for over one hundred years, and even though the membership changes, their dedication does not. However, each year the task becomes a little more difficult. The “perpetual” care fees have always been modest, while the actual cost of lawn mowing, road maintenance, and tree trimming continues to rise. Now the group is also facing the challenge of repairing and preserving the mausoleum and chapel, both over 100 years old.

Thanks to a generous donor we have been able to make some recent improvements and purchase some necessary equipment. Your donation, in any amount, will help us acquire the funds needed to continue to provide excellent care and upkeep for these sacred grounds, while dreaming big dreams for the future. We encourage you to include a donation in your estate planning, honor someone’s memory or birthday with an annual donation, suggest donations at family reunions, or simply follow your heart.

If you need information, would like to ask questions, or want to be on our contact list please feel free to write or email.

Caddo Civic and Cemetery Club

P.O. Box 224

Caddo, OK 74729

 

Civcem.caddo@yahoo.com

And of course, we welcome suggestions and new members!

The Hanging of Ed Gonzales, 1894

The Daily Ardmoreite

December 29, 1893

Three men were sentenced yesterday to be hanged in Paris, TX on Friday, March 30, 1894.

Note: article lists Manning Davis, Ed Gonzales, Jim Upkins. 

 

The Caddo Banner

April 6, 1894

Gonzales Hanged

Last Friday at 11:55 o’clock, Ed Gonzales, together with Nannon (sic) Davis and Jim Upkins, were hanged in the yard of the Federal jail at Paris.

Soon after 10 o’clock Marshal Williams read the death warrant to them, reading it to Gonzales first. Before being taken out, Gonzales uttered aloud a pathetic prayer and eloquently protested his innocence; declaring that, forgiving the man whose deed had brought him to the scaffold, he took the crime on his body and not on his soul. Deputies McAfee and Fryer supported Gonzales while he walked to the scaffold. Death was instantaneous and in twenty minutes he was cut down.

Eduardo Rey Gonzales was born in Victoria , Tamaulipas, Mexico, October 13, 1867. He left Mexico about 11 years ago and came to Brownsville, Texas, and lived there for some time, but on account of continued bad health, he removed to San Antonio. He came to the Indian Territory two years ago. Gonzales at various times (had) the occupation of stockman, carpenter, and barber. He was raised a Catholic, but after coming to Texas he got to attending Sunday school and hearing Protestants preach, and renounced the Catholic faith. In 1892 he joined the Baptist church at the Baptist Church at this place and was baptized by Rev. Mr. Hogue.

John Daniels, the man whom he murdered, belonged to the same church. His father died about fifteen years ago, but is still living. (?-perhaps the reporter intended to say “his mother”)

Gonzales was about medium height, rather low forehead, and a blemish in right eye that gave him a peculiar appearance. The killing of Daniels is the only crime Gonzales says he was ever charged with.

History of His Crime

Gonzales was executed for the murder of John Daniels near this place on the night of May 16, 1893. The murder was a most deliberate and cold-blooded affair. He was teaching a singing school and while on the floor leading his class, he was fired on through the door, which was slightly ajar. The bullet from a 32-caliber Winchester penetrated his brain and killed him instantly. Deputy Marshal Andy Fryer was notified and went to work on the case, and in a few hours had Gonzales under arrest.

The case was one of circumstantial evidence, but every fact fitted together so closely that a powerful chain was woven around him. Gonzales had been attending Daniels’ singing class, but his presence was distasteful to the ladies and Daniels forbade him coming any longer.

This angered the Mexican and he made threats against Daniels. Gonzales boarded at a house a mile or two away. There was a 32-caliber target gun at the place. Tracks lead from there to the school house and back. About 100 yards from the school house he stopped and sat down by the road and pulled off his shoes. There was a peculiar barefoot track from that point up to the door. The big toe of his right foot turned out. Gonzales’s right big toe turned out, and the tracks- both shoe and barefoot- corresponded with his. It was found that the target gun at the house had been discharged short time before. Other minor incidents and details completed the testimony and left no doubt in the minds of the court, the jury, and all who heard it as to his guilt

The grand jury returned a bill of indictment on June 3, 1893. The jury deliberated only a short time when a verdict of guilty was returned.

Gonzales Talks

                A dispatch reporter visited the jail yesterday and talked with Gonzales. He was asked if he had anything to say to the world- any last message to leave or request to make.

                He said: “All I have to say is that a poor man cannot get justice in this world. If I had been rich and able to employ a lawyer, I would never been convicted. I think that Judge Bryant did wrong in not allowing me an attorney. I thought Mr. Birmingham and Mr. Nichols were to defend, but I was deceived. They had not been consulted in the case and know nothing of the arrangement I made. If it is God’s will for me to die on the gallows I am resigned; I know I am saved. As to my body, it makes no difference what becomes of that; it is the spiritual man that must be cared for. The people of Paris have been so kind to me. Everybody has been my friend.”

                He then picked up “Miss Nobody of New York” and remarked, “I will read awhile to keep my mind off this thing.”

                “Do you think you will sleep tonight?” asked the reporter.

                “I expect not.” He then became absorbed in his novel, which he read until a friend came up and wanted to see him.

Gonzales held up bravely all the afternoon, frequently remarking that if it be God’s will, there was no use to complain.

1944

The Caddo Herald

April 28, 1944

Northeast Texas Press Association

Meets May 12 and 13 in Denison

The North and Northeast Texas press Association will meet May 12 and 13 in Denison and The Herald editor has an invitation from Mr. R. H. Carraway, its president, to be his guest at the time- and we have accepted the invitation.

Mr. Carraway will be remembered by Caddo people. He and I were at one time partners in The Herald, he was postmaster here during the war of 1918, and married Miss Julia Semple. They moved to Mineola, where he has had marked success as publisher of the Mineola Monitor in Wood County.

We are quite gratified at Mr. Carraway’s advancement with his fellow publishers in Texas.

 

The town finally got the trash all hauled, but not by truck. They drafted Abe and his trusty mules.

 

Many who work at Denison and Savanna live in Caddo, the matter of transportation being taken care of by trucks and cars. Too bad the work cannot be closer.

 

Notice to All Democrats-

Conventions to Be Held Saturday at 2p.m.

It is very important that Democrats in each precinct hold its convention Saturday. Outside of Durant, precincts meet at 2 p.m.

If you did not elect precinct officers in January, it is important that you elect your precinct chairman and committee at this time.