TIDBITS FROM OLD NORTH TEXAS

My favorite time of day when I was a child was evening when my dad spoke of his family pioneering in Texas in the last quarter of the nineteenth century and forward. Perhaps those tales are the reason I love history so much today. Certainly he told the stories masterfully so that I had a mental image of each of the people in his family saga.

Pioneers on the move to a new life

Daddy always said he was born in Van Alstyne, Texas. Imagine my surprise when he died and I saw his birth certificate. The document listed Pilot Grove as his birthplace. I found out why after reading a brief little booklet titled NORTH TEXAS: THE PEOPLE, THE PLACES, THE TIMES, which I purchased in Denison, Texas. The collection of newspaper stories and recollections was edited by Tom Johnson for the Texoma Council of Governments in 1993.

Van Alstyne, in Collin County, became a city when  the rail lines bypassed nearby Mantua. Readers know this happened to communities all over the United States. As a result in this case, the businesses of Mantua, and even Pilot Grove, moved to the new rail site of Van Alstyne. I figured this is why my dad said he was born in Van Alstyne even though his birth was long after the railroad arrived. No one has heard of Pilot Grove. Until now. ☺

Coming of the railroad made
or destroyed townships

I love the old newspaper accounts in this booklet. Here are a few I found interesting, and I haven't corrected the spelling or punctuation.

The Denison Daily News of November 8, 1873

A free fight took place Sunday night between a pair of soiled doves on Skiddy street. Much hair and calico was spoiled, and the Marshall escorted one to the ‘boose.

~~~~~

The Mayor, council and other city officials of Sherman have tended their resignation to allow the citizens to make another choice on the day of the general election.

If the Denison Mayor and city officials will only do the same thing, they will receive the thanks of all Denison.

The Denison Daily News on March 30, 1874:

A resident of our city furnished his wife funds last week to visit her relatives in one of the older states. After bidding her an affectionate farewell at the depot, he returned to his domicile to find a delicate little note in her handwriting. It stated that she could no longer “love, honor, and obey him”--that he need not be mourning about her long absence, as she never planned to return.

~~~~~~~~

Lawyers, doctors and dentists in the City of Denison, after this date, will be required to pay an occupational tax of $25 a year, instead of $5 as before. Somebody will suffer!

~~~~~~~~

John Younger, who murdered the Sheriff of Dallas County in 1871, and recently made his escape, was killed at the head of a gang of robbers, near Montagaw Springs, St. Clair county, MO.

Gainesville Daily Hesperian of February 5, 1888

A soiled dove of a bad nest of squabs, who recently domiciled herself in the Third Ward, was yanked before the mayor Saturday morning as a vag [vagrant] where she willingly accepted the cognomen [name], and was charged in the sum of $7.70 and in default of not possessing the necessary kopecks [money] she was tow lined to the calaboose, where she will be kept safely anchored until the majesty of an outraged law is satisfied.

The Denison Daily News on April 30, 1874

A well dressed, matronly looking lady walked into a saloon the other day. Laid her muff on the counter, and took out a pair of spectacles. The bar tender promptly informed her that no Bible reading would be in order there! Reaching down into her dress pocket, the woman produced a flat bottle and coolly called for a pint of whisky--much to the relief of the bartender.

The Denison Daily News on May 10, 1874

Business is getting alarmingly dull in Sherman. The City Council at a recent meeting reduced the license on saloons from $200 per year to $100 and on wholesale liquor dealers from $200 to $50, in the hope of livening things up a little.

~~~~~~~~~~

An ingenious mechanic of Denison proposes to get up a patent family cremation oven (portable) on the rotating principle, furnished with an odor destroyer of his own invention. Wealthy families who cremate will probably have a room set apart for the cremating oven, supplied for cushioned seats for mourners.

And, finally, one last commentary:

From the Cooke County Immigration Society, 1888

We have to say that we will welcome to Cooke County all people who come with the desire of settling among us and making useful citizens. We care not what your political or religious opinions may be, so they do not outrage common sense and decency.

But we need no anarchists, grumblers, and social reformers.

Thanks for stopping by!

PAGE 77, LINE 7 FROM BRAZOS BRIDE

Several fellow authors have invited me to participate in a meme where we go to page 77 of our latest work, go to line 7, and then quote the next 7 lines. I couldn’t leave you hanging, so I am including a bit more than the requested 7 lines.

My latest release is BRAZOS BRIDE, a western historical romance/mystery set in 1870 Texas. The scene is when Hope Montoya (the heroine) learns that her only cousin, Eduardo Montoya, has been arrested. One of her Uncle Jorge’s vacqueros has ridden to ask for assistance. Micah Stone is the hero, involved in a paper marriage with Hope to protect her. Joel and Zach are Micah's brothers and Chip Wooster is the ranch foreman.

“What’s wrong?” Micah exchanged a wary look with Joel.


“Señor Eduardo, he has been arrested for murder. He no is guilty, of this I am sure.”


Joel held up his hand. “Wait, who’s Eduardo supposed to have murdered.”


Dread spread through Micah. He figured he already knew the answer to Joel’s question.


“A woman, she worked in the saloon. The Red Horse, but that no is where Señor Eduardo goes to drink and play cards.”


Wooster stepped forward. “Miss Hope will want to go see him. Shall I see the carriage is ready?”


“I’ll try to talk her out of it because she’s still so weak.” Micah turned back to the vaquero. “You’d better come up to the house and tell my wife everything you know.” He looked back. “Wooster, maybe you’d better come to the house with us.”


Hope was too restless to read, and semi-reclined on the chaise while Zach read from his usual chair. For an intelligent man, he certainly read slowly. He’d hardly covered a fourth of Verne’s book.


She jumped when the door opened and Micah, Joel, Chip Wooster, and one of Tio Jorge’s vaqueros hurried in. She rose to her feet. “Why is Rico here? What on earth has happened?”


Micah went to her and urged her back to the chaise. “Sit down and this man will tell us everything. But first, my brothers and I must confess a plot in which we’re involved.”


Hope gazed from one man to the next and registered a serious situation. Her entire body trembled. She feared she’d lose her breakfast. Thank heavens Micah had made her sit on the chaise. “H-have you caught the killer?”


The vaquero waved both hands. In one he held his large-brimmed sombrero and flapped Zach in the face with it. “No, no, Señora Hope.”


Joel’s deep voice filled the room. “Everyone sit down.” He gazed at the frenzied rider and held his hand palm out. “Please, wait until we ask for your story. Micah, your turn to explain to your wife.”


“Eduardo agreed to help us learn all we could about the land across the Brazos River, as well as some hardas...rough looking men who’ve been hanging around the Red Horse Saloon. He learned the land is now owned by Diego Gonzales.”


Hope knew her eyes widened and dread sent her stomach churning. “No, not Diego!” Dear heaven, she’d hoped Diego would never return.


“Yes. A woman named Daisy at the saloon agreed to help Eduardo learn which direction the three men rode when they left the saloon. He arranged to meet her today to find out, then come here to fill us in.”


“Ahora mi, por favor?” the vaquero asked.


Joel nodded. “You can tell your story now. Tell us everything you know.”


“This morning, it was very early. The sheriff, he come to the hacienda. He say Señor Eduardo, he killed this woman, the one called Daisy. They take him away in handcuffs. Señor Montoya, his papa, go with him. Señora tell me, ride here, she says. Ask for help with the sheriff.”


Hope asked, “Rico, has my uncle gone to town yet?”


The vaquero she’d called Rico, nodded. “Sí. He go with his son and the sheriff and men. This is bad situation, verdad?”


“True, Rico, very bad.” Hope looked at the others in the room. “Perhaps you do not especially like him, but Eduardo would not harm a woman. I must go to town and see if I can help him.”


“We aim to go right away, Hope.” Micah took her hand. “You’re wrong, Hope. We’re coming to like him now we know he’s not out to hurt you. And I know he’s like a brother, but you’re still very frail. Please, wait here and we will act for you.”


Hope sighed. She longed to lie back on the chaise and sleep, but Eduardo needed help. Even though her father had died, her name and wealth still carried weight.


“I must go, Micah. Surely you understand. If it were Joel or Zach, you would not stay here either.”


Her husband smiled at her. “We figured that’s what you’d say, but I thought it was worth a try.”


Wooster nodded. “I’ll get the buggy ready. You want me to come, too.”


Micah faced the foreman. “Please. People know you. If it were safe to go off and leave the place deserted, I’d also round up all the hands to go with us like an army and make a big show of support for Eduardo. We can’t do that, but having you along will help our cause.”


Hope asked, “Rico, where is my aunt?”


“She cry much, but she stay at the hacienda.”


Hope placed her hand on Rico’s arm. “Please, go into the kitchen and get something to eat and drink. Then ride home and tell my aunt we are going to help Eduardo.” She hoped she spoke the truth. “Gentlemen, this will require looking my most impressive. If you excuse me, I will change clothes and hurry back.” She pulled the bell pull to summon Maria as she left.


Maria met her in the hallway. “Is something wrong?”


“Very wrong. Eduardo has been arrested. I must dress carefully to look as imposing as possible. My husband, his brothers, and Mr. Wooster are waiting for me, so I must hurry.”


“Your navy suit?” Maria asked as they climbed the stairs.


“Yes, with all the matching accessories. You had better lay out my duster to protect the navy serge.”


“Aii. You will smother, Señora Hope. The sun, today it has much heat.”


“It cannot be helped but I will take my best parasol.” Hope slid out of the cheerful yellow dress dotted with white flowers. She’d always viewed the navy suit her mother had chosen as matronly and too old for her. Now, she needed the mood it provided to confront Eduardo’s accusers.


When Hope had dressed, Maria formed her hair into a sleek braid and coiled it at her neck. Hope chose the elaborate watch brooch she’d inherited from Mama. She inserted dangling pearl earrings and paused to check her reflection.


After Maria settled the hat on Hope’s head and adjusted the veil, Hope said, “There, that should do,” to herself more than to Maria.


“Ah, Señora, your mama would be so proud to see you today. Married to a handsome man and looking so much a wife and lady.”


Is that how I appear?


No time to wonder if it were true. She grabbed her gloves, purse, and parasol. She slid her hands into her gloves as she started down the stairs.


Micah and his brothers waited for her. She thought she’d hurried, but all three men had changed into suits. She almost stumbled on the stairs when she saw Micah appearing so handsome. Truthfully, all three did, but Micah most of all.


“Wooster’s joining us at the buggy.” Micah reached for her and assisted her down the last three steps.


She slid her hand onto his arm and they walked to the front courtyard where Wooster waited with the buggy and three saddled horses.


The buy link for BRAZOS BRIDE at Amazon Kindle is:



http://www.amazon.com/Brazos-Bride-Stone-Mountain-ebook/dp/B007HS10SY/ref=sr_1_18?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1331156267&sr=1-18

If my sweet father were still alive, April 18th would be his birthday. Happy birthday in Heaven, Daddy! I'm sure all days are happy there.

The winner of my free e-book from the Autism Awareness Giveaway Hop is Lauren M. You'll have my email today, Lauren to determine your book choice.

And thanks to each of you for stopping by!

WHY BOTH BROTHERS AND POISONS IN MY TRILOGY?

Did you read my weekend post about Autism Awareness? If not and you know someone with autism, please scroll down below today's post (AFTER you read this one, of course) and read the weekend's post then watch the video. And please remember to leave a comment if you wish to be included in the drawing for one of my books, winner's choice. Remember to leave your email with your comment. A follow counts as an extra entry. Yada, yada, blah, blah...you know all that, right? My winner will be announced here on Wednesday, April 18th.


WHY BOTH BROTHERS AND POISONS IN MY NEW TRILOGY?

My new trilogy, Men of Stone Mountain, is about the three Stone brothers: Micah, Zach, and Joel. Each is strong, handsome, and has high principles. Aren’t brothers enough of a link for a trilogy?

Yes, but there’s another link to these three books. Each involves poison in some way. No, I’m not bloodthirsty and I don’t intend to use any of my knowledge to wipe out real people. In this trilogy, however, I do kill a few people. Ah, the joys of being a writer. (Laughing fiendishly.)


Studying herbal medicine is sort of a mini-hobby. I’ve taken the herbal class Beth Trissel teaches, as well as perusing my own stash of books on folk medicine and Writer's Digest's DEADLY DOSES. Pioneers relied heavily on their ability to recognize healing plants as well as those that discouraged pests and vermin. No Walgreens or WalMart around in those days. Early settlers also learned that what can heal, if administered improperly, can harm. Don’t you suspect a lot of so-called natural deaths were helped along before modern forensics discouraged using potions and tinctures to kill? Maybe I’m suspicious by nature, but I suspect a lot of troublesome people died prematurely, helped along by a loving family member.


BRAZOS BRIDE is a western historical romance, but it is also a mystery.

Hope Montoya

Hope Montoya, the heroine, is a smart woman and figures out that someone is poisoning her. Who and why are more difficult problems. Until she knows, she can trust no one who has access to her food or medicine. Hope is a very wealthy woman who owns huge cattle ranch on the Brazos River and lives there in a large hacienda.





California version of a hacienda. Substitute cactus for the palm trees
and include an adobe wall around a large
courtyard and fountain for Hope's home.

She vows to fight for her life, but she’s so weakened by the poison that she can’t fight alone. Enter our hero, Micah Stone to the rescue. Do you hear the “1812 Overture” playing as the hero rides up? You know, I’ve heard a highbrow is someone who can hear that music without thinking of the Lone Ranger. But I digress. 





Micah Stone, Rancher



Micah also has enemies in their area. He fought for the Union Army and the Civil War has left many North Texas citizens bitter. Micah’s own brothers fought for the Confederacy. Despite their political views, the Stone brothers are closely knit. When Micah was falsely accused of killing Hope’s father, Zach and Joel came to Micah’s aid.

The story opens two months after the trial in which Micah was acquitted. A severe drought has Micah desperate for water. His own water sources have dried up and his cattle are dying of thirst. Micah and his brothers and ranch hands haul water daily from Zach’s spread further west.

Here’s a review of BRAZOS BRIDE:

A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW
Reviewed by: Barb


I found this book to be very entertaining. I read it in one afternoon because I had to know who was trying to murder Hope, the heroine. Her interaction with Micah and their relationship was the heart of the story. I really got into the story and the characters. The mystery of just who of the many characters were the evil ones kept me reading and turning pages (so to speak) on my Kindle. I was unable to stop reading this book until I finished it. That really says something for the author's plot and cast of characters. I enjoy these types of books, but this one was exceptional. I will be patiently waiting for the stories of Micah's brothers, Zach and Joel. I see the potential for some very good stories following these brothers' lives. Good job in making me want more.
Mar 28, 2012
B007HS10SY
Top Pick 4.5 stars

Isn’t that a lovely review? I love when a reader/reviewer "gets" my books. And the book is ONLY 99 CENTS. What a great deal!

The BRAZOS BRIDE villain is vicious and almost non-stop. After an attempt on their life their wedding night, here’s an excerpt of another strike the next day when they stop by Micah’s ranch on the way to Hope’s hacienda. Bert and Slim are Micah’s ranch hands. I’ve already mentioned that Zach and Joel are his brothers:

Hope savored a bit of the stew, then bit into a fresh biscuit covered with syrup. Closing her eyes in bliss, she chewed slowly. “Oh my, this is wonderful. Never have I tasted better stew. And these biscuits are light enough to float away.”


Bert blushed and lowered his head. “Thank you, Miz Stone.”


Micah’s dimpled smile demonstrated his appreciation for her comment. Why should that please her so?


Hope learned more about their struggle for water, how they'd hauled barrels of it from some spring a good ways off on Zach's land, apparently their only remaining dependable source of water.


She remembered her father’s angry reprimand and the blow he’d delivered when she’d suggested he install windmills on their land. Her eye was swollen and purple for days, but he told the servants she’d fallen against the door. They knew, of course, and wouldn’t look at her until the bruises faded. She pushed the sad memory aside and returned to the present. Did she dare make a suggestion to Micah?


She gathered her courage. “Have you thought about a couple of the Mitchell Self-Governing Patent Windmills? I saw an ad for them and plan to install them in several spots on my land.”


Excitement gleamed in Micah’s eyes. “Hey, I saw an ad also, and I’d love to have them. Until now, I haven’t had the cash.”


He’d planned the same thing. And he didn’t appear to resent her suggestion. She wanted to shout with glee. He actually respected her opinion, and didn’t say a woman had no business thinking such thoughts. “Oh, well, maybe we can get a discount on the freight and cost if we order together.”


Zach nodded. “Good idea, Hope. I wouldn’t mind a couple of them myself, soon as we get your and Micah’s problems settled.”


They talked about where the windmills would be placed and guessed how long it would take them to arrive. All through their discussion, Hope was treated as if her ideas were equal to those of the men. Their response surprised and soothed her. Maybe this arrangement would work for everyone.


Micah laid his spoon aside while Bert served up the pie. "I need to talk about something less pleasant. Someone tried to kill us last night." For a minute everyone stopped talking and stared at Micah. The only sound was a horse’s nervous whinny.


Bert cocked his head toward the window and paused as if listening to the horse, but it quieted so he resumed serving. Everyone forked up the pie while Micah explained about the ordeal.


"Sheriff know?" Joel asked between bites.


Micah nodded. "Surprised me. Acted halfway decent about it. Said he'd keep investigating, but don't suppose anything will come of it. Without a witness, it could be anyone."


"So what's your plan, Cap’n?" Slim asked.


Micah swallowed and said, "I'm leaving you and Bert in charge here. For months now someone’s been poisoning my wife. You know her father was murdered, and now someone's tried to kill us. We have to be on guard all the time. You two are charged with taking care of this place while the rest of us take care of my wife." He dug into the last of his pie.


Slim looked indignant. "Poisoning a purty lady like Miz Stone? Low down sidewinders!"


"You’re right about that.” Micah pushed his plate aside. “Tomorrow you can start the cattle toward the river. One of us will stay at the Montoya ranch with Hope so she's always protected, but the other two will be over to help."


Always protected. She repeated the words in her head while she nibbled at her pie. The words reassured her and she looked at each of the men at the table. She might not have her home to herself, but safety in numbers popped into her mind. She no longer faced danger alone. Things would be all right now.


Bert asked, "Reckon I ought to go cook for you? I could make sure no one messed with Miz Stone's vittles."


Zach smiled apologetically at Hope as if he'd known she should have been included in the decision. "Our two aunts will arrive soon to help our new sister, maybe today if they caught the stage."


Micah said, "You're badly needed here, Bert, to look after this place."


Bert actually smiled. "Me and Slim can do it, cain't we?"


Slim nodded and started to say something, but another horse whinnied and this one sounded alarmed. Slim frowned and sniffed the air. "You smell smoke?"


Micah sniffed at the same time. "Something burning, Bert?"


"Nope, I done put the fire out on account of how dry it is. Covered it good with dirt." He rose and ambled to the window.


"Lord A’mighty, the barn's afire!"

In case you want to rush right over and buy BRAZOS BRIDE at Amazon Kindle (and I truly hope you will), the buy link is:


http://www.amazon.com/Brazos-Bride-Stone-Mountain-ebook/dp/B007HS10SY/ref=sr_1_18?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1331156267&sr=1-18


Thanks for stopping by!