CHAPTER XVIII.

Pioneers and Early Days of Acton, continued-John Morris' Mill-Long-Ward-Allisons-Randle-McCrearys-Sykes-Steel-Incidents.

The Farris mill was not the only one at Acton prior to the war, for we find that John Morris, who has been mentioned as one of Acton's early settlers, also owned and operated a water mill on Walnut creek about one mile above the Farris mill, and near where the Cleburne road crosses that stream. This mill was operated, either by Morris or his successors, from some date prior to 1858 till several years after the close of the civil war.

Wiley Long was settled near Acton for a considerable time, but subsequently moved to the west side of the Brazos, near the mouth of Squaw creek, about where Allen Haley had lived; and this valley has since been known as Long Valley. Wiley Long was a man of strong character, though like many of his contemporaries, was fond of his bottle and was of a hospitable disposition. He removed from Hood and was living in Hill county some years ago, and has probably departed this life.

James Ward was, prior to the war, settled on Fall creek, at the place afterwards owned by A.E. Keith; he was early noted among his neighbors as a hog raiser, and subsequently removed to the west bank of the Brazos at the neck of the Walters Bend. He has been dead for many years. His son, John Ward, was an enterprising and good citizen; he moved to Coleman county about 1880. One of Ward's daughters married Robt. Lyle, who lived at Acton till his death, many years ago.

John L. Allison, who, in connection with his son, James H. Allison, and W.L. Rippetoe, bought out the mercantile business of C.P. Hollis, heretofore mentioned, came from Alabama in 1858 and made his first settlement at the S.A. Rash place, which he bought of Dillahunty, and in the following year he moved to Acton and embarked in the above mentioned business; but in 1861, the two Allison's selling out to Rippetoe, the father returned to Alabama, and the son, James H., enlisted in Formwalt's company, and experienced many narrow escapes from the death dealing missiles. Among others, he tells that in one battle a blanket he had about him got 36 holes shot through it, and yet he was not hurt; but more wonderful still, all these holes were made by only one shot-the blanket was rolled, tied at the ends and swung over his shoulder, in the usual way in which soldiers carried such articles, and the ball passed through the roll twice, hence the great number of holes. Again, in the fighting around Atlanta, he and a comrade, Ab McCreary, son of Alex McCreary, were beside each other, when a ball struck the latter in the head, passing quite through and killing him, and then struck Allison in the head, wounding him. Mr. Allison thus escaping the dangers of war, returned to Hood county again about 1867. He is now a well to do and prominent citizen of the neighborhood of Fort Spunky. Among the other children of J.L. Allison settled in Hood were the first wife of S.A. Rash, the wife of W.L. Rippetoe and the wife of Dr. S.R. McPherson. These ladies have all been dead many years, together with a son, John H. Allison, who came to Hood county with Rash and wife from Missouri about 1858, but all having formerly lived in Alabama. John H. Allison subsequently moved to Arkansas, where he died, but his son John C., is still a worthy citizen of Acton neighborhood.

In the neighborhood below, and yet tributary to Acton, we find John Randle, one among the oldest settlers here, in what is known as Carmichael Bend. His first cabin is standing to this day, and the place is said to be the poorest land in that neighborhood, but this seems to have been no unusual thing, however, for an early settler to do. Many of those who came here when this territory was a vast unlocated public domain, abounding in some of the richest lands in the state, passed over such and established their pre-emptions upon the poor hilly slopes and back-bones. "Uncle Johnny" Randle remained in Hood county till a good old age, and oppressed with the weight of years and troubles growing out of litigations, he moved west some fifteen or more years ago. Two of his daughters were the wives respectively of Newton and Wm. Manley heretofore mentioned. Norv Randle, a son, is said to have been the first settler on George's creek. This creek was so named in honor of Geo. Barnard, who located lands on it. He and Chas. Barnard were brothers. But before leaving the Acton settlements proper we will notice Alex McCreary and Henry Sykes, both of whom were among those who came here about 1854 or '55, the former settled on Rucker's creek, where he remained a quiet farmer citizen of sober habits and correct life until his death some seven or eight years ago. The latter was a brother of J.R. Sykes heretofore mentioned, and was settled to the eastward of Acton near Fall creek. Both the Sykes' were of good influence and energy, enjoying most excellent characters among their neighbors.

There was also settled near Alex McCreary his brother Wm. R. McCreary, who moved away many years ago and is now a useful citizen of Parker county. About 1859 or '60 Hiram Steel came to this neighborhood and buying out W.R. McCreary, he opened a farm, where he resided the life of a bachelor till his death about 1886. He came to Texas from the Carolinas, and was an intelligent farmer, fond of fruit culture, and at his death had perhaps the largest orchard in the county. His bachelor life rendered him somewhat eccentric, but his word and his honor were faithfully regarded by him.

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