By
Norman Lowell McCarver, Sr. & Norman Lowell McCarver, Jr. Used with permission of Norman Lowell McCarver, Jr. These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format by other organizations or individuals. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the written consent of McCarver family relatives or contact William Kent Brunette, Robertson County TXGenWeb coordinator.
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Biographical Sketches - S
SANDER,
WILLIE FREDERICK,
son of William Christian Sander and Annie Louise Warmke Sander, was born at
Brenham, Texas, August 18, 1916. He
attended school in that city and moved to Hearne in 1935 as manager of the A.
& P. Grocery Store which was located on the corner of Magnolia and Fourth
Streets.
At the outbreak of World War II he
enlisted in the U. S. Navy Air Corps and served overseas.
After receiving his discharge from naval service he returned to Hearne in
1946 and in partnership with Louis "Boyo" Cochran organized the C.
& S. Grain & Lumber Company and located this business on the corner of
Market and Fifth Streets.
He was married to Miss Marjorie
Beavers, daughter of Thomas Claude Beavers and Luella Xantippie Dickson Beavers
of Hillsboro, Texas in 1946. Mr.
and Mrs. Sander have two children; a son Tommy Sander and a daughter, Nancy
Carolyn Sander.
He has been one of Hearne's most
active business men since 1946 and served two terms as a member of the City
Council of the City of Hearne. He is a Past President of the Hearne Chamber of Commerce and
also served several terms as a Director of this organization; has served on the
Board of Directors of the Hearne Rotary Club and was further honored by being
elected to serve as President of this club; and is a member of the Hearne
Golfer's Association. During the
time that he served as President of the Rotary Club, under his leadership and
personal efforts, the Boy Scout Building at the Hearne Municipal Park was built
by the Rotary Club and presented to the City of Hearne for use in the scouting
program. He continues his
activities in all of these organizations and is one of Hearne's truly great
civic workers.
Mr. and Mrs. Sander are
members of the Grace Methodist Church where Mr. Sander serves as a member of the
Board of Stewards.
SCOTT,
HERBERT BROOKER,
was born in Franklin, Texas, October 13, 1905, the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. 0.
Scott.
His
early school years were at Bishopville, a rural community in the eastern part of
Robertson County. He later attended
Franklin High School.
On
October 12, 1925 he moved to Hearne and began his employment with the Humble
Pipe Line Company. Except for very
short periods of special work, all of his years with Humble have been served in
Hearne. He is station foreman for
the Hearne Products Station of the Humble Pipe Line Company.
He
was married to his childhood sweetheart Miss Bobbie Lloyd of Bishopville, April
28, 1926 and all of their married life has been spent in Hearne.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Scott; jewel Ray Scott Hadaway,
Herbert Brooker Scott Jr., and Yvonne Scott Brady.
All of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Scott graduated from Hearne High
School.
Mr.
and Mrs. Scott are members of the First Baptist Church of Hearne and Mr. Scott
serves as Trustee for the Church. He
is a member and Past Master of Golden Rule Masonic Lodge of Hearne and a member
of the East Texas Chamber of Commerce. He
also served for several terms on the Board of Education of the Hearne
Independent School District.
SEALE, SAMUEL ROSS,
son of Sam Houston Seale and Mary Leathers Seale, was born August 23, 1903 at
Benchley, Texas. His parents were pioneer citizens of Brazos County, Texas.
He attended the rural school at
Benchley and after completing his schooling he engaged in the farming ranching
business in the Benchley area. During the early 1920's he was employed in the
cotton raising business on the Moreland Farm in the Hearne Brazos Bottom. He
served as Constable for the Benchley Precinct during 1942-43. During this time
he also served as Deputy Sheriff of Robertson County under Sheriff Bob Reeves.
During 1943 he moved to Hearne and
was employed as a City Policeman and served in this capacity through June 1945.
On July 1, 1945 he was appointed Game Warden in Hardin County, Texas and moved
to Kountz, Texas to make his home. He worked on this job for one year and
returned to Hearne on July 1, 1946 when he was appointed Game Warden for
Robertson County, Texas with Hearne headquarters.
Samuel Ross Seale was married to
Belva Cox, daughter of Sam Cox and Ola Davlin Cox, on May 6, 1937. He is a
member of Grace Methodist Church of Hearne; a charter member of the Hearne Lodge
of the Knights of Pythias which he helped to organize in 1956; and a member of
the Golden Rule Masonic Lodge of Hearne. Mrs. Seale is a member of the First
Baptist Church of Hearne and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star where she
has served as Marshal.
Samuel Ross Seale is known
throughout this section of Texas and is a respected member of the law
enforcement circles.
SEARCY,
DR. TOM A.,
son of The Reverend and Mrs. T. A. Searcy, was born at Bryan, Texas, June 26,
1904. His family moved to Iowa when he was five years of age and
lived in four towns in that state during his early life. His father was a Baptist minister. His grade and high school education was received in Iowa.
In 1923 he entered De Moines
University at De Moines, Iowa and was graduated from this school in 1926.
From 1926 to 1930 he was a wheat farmer in western Kansas.
He entered Baylor University College of Medicine in 1930 and received his
Doctor of Medicine degree in 1934. He
interned at St. Paul's Hospital in Dallas for one year and then moved to
LaGrange, Texas where he practiced medicine for two and one-half years.
He
moved to Hearne December 1, 1937 and practiced medicine until August 1, 1942
when he entered the U. S. Army during World War II.
During the latter part of 1945 he received his military discharge after
serving in the European area.
During
his military service he met Dr. James P. Fleming and after the war Dr. Fleming
came to Hearne to practice with Dr. Searcy.
Together, they built the Searcy-Fleming Hospital & Clinic in Hearne.
Dr. Searcy was married to Miss
Jessie Eveland of Oskaloosa, Iowa, May 31, 1931.
Dr. and Mrs. Searcy have two children: John Thomas Searcy and Martha
Elizabeth Searcy.
Dr. Searcy is an active member of
the First Baptist Church; a member of the Golden Rule Masonic Lodge of Hearne; a
Knights Templar in Bryan; a member of Ben Hur Shrine in Austin; a member of the
Texas Medical Association; a member of the American Medical Association; a
member of the Miles Scriviner American Legion Post of Hearne; a former member of
the Hearne Rotary Club; and serves as Health Officer for the City of Hearne.
SHAW,
WAYNE H., was
born at Fort Sumner, New Mexico, July 23, 1908, the son of Harry Crowel Shaw and
Lena Hanna Shaw. His parents were
natives of Alabama.
With his parents he moved to Texas
when he was a baby, the family settling in Coleman County where he completed his
schooling.
In
1929 he entered the service station business at San Saba, Texas and after a few
years at this location he moved to Richland Springs, Texas operating a service
station there until 1936 when he returned to San Saba.
In 1939 he worked on the Texas A&M campus and continued this employment
through 1940 at which time he again returned to San Saba to work on a highway
project. He was employed at
McCloskey Hospital in Temple, Texas in 1942,
He
moved to Hearne December 20, 1944 and formed a partnership with M. L. T. Jackson
and opened a service station. On
July 29, 1946 he acquired the entire ownership and management of this business.
He
was married to Miss Ethel Lois Fry of San Saba, Texas, August 19, 1931 and he
and Mrs. Shaw have a son, Jon Wayne Shaw, who was born in 1941.
Wayne
H. Shaw served as a member of the Hearne School Board for three years.
He has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hearne Church
of Christ where he is an active member. He
is a member of the Hearne Rotary Club and serves as Secretary of this
organization. He is very active in
the civic and business activities of Hearne.
SILVERMAN,
ALEX
was born in Grodno, State of Grodno, Russia, February 12 1872, the son of a poor
Russian Jewish father and mother who suffered many hardships during his boyhood
and young manhood. About the only
time that he had enough food was while he served on KP duty in the Russian Army
during the years of 1893 to 1897. Military
service in that country was compulsory for all males with the exception of the
oldest male in each family who was exempt from military service and allowed to
go to school. Mr. Silverman did not
have an opportunity to go to school. Mr.
Silverman often told the story of his young life and the hardships suffered in
the 'old' country stating that he had practically no clothes and owned his first
pair of shoes and pants when he was 13 years old.
In 1898, after finishing his
military service, he came to the United States and landed at New York.
Here he found employment at a meat packing plant.
Mr. Silverman's brother, Abe
Silverman, had come to the United States a few years before his arrival and had
established himself as an itinerant merchant in the Franklin area as many Jewish
people of that day had done.
In 1901, Mr. Silverman was married
to Miss Janie Taub of New York, Mrs. Silverman having also come to the United
States in her early girlhood. In 1908 the family consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Silverman and
their children Jakie Silverman and Rebecca Silverman who were born in New York,
came to Franklin, Texas to make their home where Mr. Silverman was associated
with his brother Abe Silverman. Their
third child, Willie Silverman was born in Franklin.
In 1909 Mr. and Mrs. Silverman moved
to Hearne where Mr. Silverman established a confectionery business on Magnolia
Street and he continued to operate this business until his retirement in 1932.
During his business career and
residence in Hearne, Mr. Silverman built up an excellent business and won the
respect and admiration of all that knew him.
His youngest son, Morris Silverman, was born in Hearne.
Mrs. Silverman, who was born in
Austria, January 12, 1880, passed away in New York, April 30, 1942.
Mr. Silverman died March 9, 1933.
SILVERMAN, JAKIE,
son of Alex Silverman and Janie Taub Silverman, was born in New York City, New
York, March 8, 1904.
He moved to Franklin, Texas in
1908 and in 1909 moved to Hearne, Texas. He attended the Hearne public schools
and was graduated from Hearne High School with the Class of 1921. During his
high school days he was a member of the high school football, baseball, and
basketball teams. After completing his high school education he attended the
University of Texas.
In 1923 he worked for the City
of Hearne in the utilities department and on September 11, 1924 he began his
employment with the H. & T. C. Railroad. He is Chief Clerk at the yard office
and during World War I1 he served this railroad as yardmaster in the Hearne
yards. As a sideline he wrote life insurance for several years in the late
1930's and early 1940's. He has been employed by the railroad for 34 years.
He was married to Adele Smith,
daughter of William Arlington Smith and Mary Holland Whiteley Smith, July 19,
1934 at Killeen, Texas. Adele Smith Silverman attended the Gatesville
public schools and was graduated from Gatesville High School with the Class of
1924. Upon completing her high school education she attended North Texas
State College at Denton, Texas where she received her B. S. Degree. Later
she received her M. A. Degree from Sam Houston State Teachers College at
Huntsville, Texas. She also attended the University of Texas and Texas A.
& M. College during the summer months. In 1927 Adele Smith Silverman moved
to Hearne, Texas and became a teacher in the Hearne public schools. She
has taught school for 11 years.
Jakie Silverman is a member and
Past Master of the Golden Rule Masonic Lodge of Hearne; a member of the Scottish
Rite Bodies of Austin, Texas; and a member of the Ben Hur Shrine of Austin.
Mrs. Silverman is a member and former president of the Hearne Music Club. She
also served as vice president, secretary, and treasurer of this organization.
She is Chairman of the Parent-Teachers Association Welfare Committee; a former
member of the Hearne Shakespeare Club; a member of Grace Methodist Church where
she has served as President of the Dorcas Sunday School Class; a member of the
Robertson County Teachers Association; and a member of the Texas State Teachers
Association.
SISSON,
NEZZIE LORD,
daughter of William Jackson Lord and Nannie Louise Martin Lord, was born at
Commerce, Georgia.
With
her family she moved to Hearne, Texas in 1902, the family settling in the
northern part of town on the Lord property.
She attended the Hearne Public Schools and November 4, 1909 she was
married to George Marvin Sisson of Houston.
With her husband she lived in Houston and later established their home at
Bay City, Texas where they lived until 1910 when they moved to Hearne.
In
1918 the Sissons moved to Yoakum, Texas making their home there until 1923.
Mr. Sisson, a railroad man working for the old San Antonio & Aransas
Pass Railroad Company, was killed in Yoakum October 1, 1923 in a railroad
accident. Mrs. Sisson returned to
Hearne and she was associated with her father in the operation of a grocery
business until May 1926. At this
time Mrs. Sisson accepted employment as a bookkeeper for the Chevrolet Company
in Hearne and continued in this employment until May 7, 1927 when she opened a
ladies ready to wear store in Hearne. She
also engaged in the real estate and loan business and is one of Hearne's most
active businesswomen. Mr. and Mrs.
Sisson had three children: Louise Sisson Whitlow, Dorris jean Sisson, and a son
George Lord Sisson. Mrs. Sisson's
grandchildren of Hearne are: Jack Whitlow, Jane Whitlow, George Smith Sisson,
and Mary Lou Sisson.
SLAGLE, ERNEST ERLE,
son of John Henry Slagle and Kate Burford Slagle, was born June 2, 1886 at
Garrett in Ellis County, Texas. His father was a native of Kentucky and his
mother was born in Texas.
He attended school at Garrett and
was graduated from high school in 1903. After finishing high school he attended
telegraphy school in Dallas and began his railroad career as a telegrapher at
the Garrett station of the H. & T. C. Railroad in 1903, at the age of 17 years.
In 1910 he was made a dispatcher with this same railroad in Ennis, Texas. He
worked on this job until he was promoted to Trainmaster in 1924.
In 1926, with his family he moved
to Hearne, Texas to make his home and continue his duties with the railroad.
Ernest Erle Slagle married Minnie
Leigh, daughter of Richard Henry Leigh and Mattie Jacques Leigh, March 21, 1906
at Corsicana, Texas. Her father was born in East Texas and her mother was born
in St. Louis, Missouri. Minnie Leigh Slagle was born at New Boston, Texas,
September 13, 1888. Five children were born to Ernest Erle Slagle and Minnie
Leigh Slaale: four daughters, Julia Slagle, Martha Slagle, Marie Slagle, and
Sarah Slagle; and a son, Lucien Erle Slagle. All of the Slagle children except
Julia Slagle are graduates of Hearne high school. Julia Slagle graduated from
Ennis High School.
Ernest Erle Slagle retired from
railroad service in 1930 and went into the insurance business. He became
Division Manager for the Universal Life & Accident Insurance Company and served
in this capacity until his death in 1941. He was a member of the First Baptist
Church; a member of the Ennis Masonic Lodge No. 369; a member of the Mystic
Shrine of Karem Temple of Waco; and the Ennis Council No. 181 and Waxahachie
Commandery No. 71 Knights Templar. Mrs. Slagle is a member of the Order of the
Eastern Star; the Hearne Garden Club; and the Baptist Women's Missionary Union.
SMITH, CHARLES EDMOND,
son of Charles Lewis Smith and Sallie Armer Smith, was born May 16, 1891 at
Hempstead, Texas.
After his schooling he farmed from
1910 to 1922 in Waller County and Grimes County.
He moved to Hearne, Texas, August
9, 1922 and went to work for the H. & T. C. Railroad Company as a car inspector
and worked for this railroad until his retirement July 1, 1956. He spent 34
years in railroad service.
He married Julia Elizabeth
Mitchell, daughter of Dick G. Mitchell and Molly Elizabeth Tompkins Mitchell,
December 1, 1910 at Hempstead, Texas. Three children were born to Charles
Edmond Smith and Julia Elizabeth Mitchell Smith: Kathryn Elizabeth Smith who
married Andrew C. Love Jr.; Molly Mildred Smith who married Claude Nathaniel
Chaffin; and Julia Ann Smith who married Rex Z. Michael. Grandchildren of
Charles Edmond Smith and Julia Elizabeth Mitchell Smith are: Ermine Michael and
Margie Michael.
Julia Elizabeth Michell Smith was
born December 12, 1892 at Hempstead, Texas and died January 28, 1947.
On June 14, 1949, Charles
Edmond Smith married Maude Wallace Henderson, a widow. Two sons were born to
Maude Wallace Henderson by her first marriage to Richard P. Henderson: Richard
Henderson and William Henderson. Grandchildren of Richard P. Henderson and
Maude Wallace Henderson are Richard Henderson Jr. and Plez Henderson.
Charles Edmond Smith is a
member of the First Baptist Church where he has served on the Board of Deacons
since 1922; Sunday School Superintendent for ten years; taught the Intermediate
Boys Class for five years; and served as Chairman of the Building gc Grounds
Committee for ten years. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World; a member
of the Brotherhood of Railroad Carmen of America; and represented the Local No.
337 at the International Convention in Chicago when the members of this
organization of the United States and Canada met in 1947.
Since his retirement from the
railroad in 1956, Charles Edmond Smith has engaged in farming and ranching
activities in Hearne.
SMITH,
GEORGE F.,
son of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Smith, was born at Winters, Texas, April 3, 1912.
He
attended school at Winters, graduating from high school in 1931 and was active
in all high school sports. Entering
McMurry College at Abilene, Texas in 1931 he lettered in football, basketball
and tennis, receiving his bachelor degree at this school in 1934.
After
graduating from college in 1934 he accepted a position as assistant coach at
Lefors High School, a position he held until 1936 when he was made head coach
for six years. In 1942 he returned to his hometown of Winters, Texas as head
coach and science instructor at the high school.
In
1944 he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served until 1946 during World War II.
Upon receiving his discharge from the Navy, he became assistant coach and
physical education instructor at Southwestern University at Georgetown, Texas.
At this time he also began work toward his master's degree at
Southwestern University and received this degree in June 1948.
In
the fall of 1948 he moved to Beaverton, Oregon and taught science in a union
high school for one year. On July
11, 1949 he came to Hearne, Texas and took over as head coach and science
instructor at Hearne High School. He
also directed the municipal recreation program for several years. In 1955 he resigned his position as head coach and accepted
the position of head pincipal of the elementary schools in Hearne.
He
was married to Miss Harriet Hunkapillar of Pampa, Texas on February 25, 1940 at
Roswell, New Mexico. Mr. and Mrs.
Smith have three children: George Francis Smith Jr., Jo Loy Smith, and Suzi
Smith.
He
is a member of Grace Methodist Church; a former Director of the Hearne Rotary
Club; former President of the Hearne Little League Baseball Association; and a
former President of the Hearne Golfer's Association.
SMITH,
WALTER LEE,
son of Charles Lewis Smith and Sallie Armer Smith, was born in the Shiloh
Community of Waller County, Texas, August 22, 1893.
His parents were pioneer citizens of the Lexington community in Waller
County, Texas.
He
attended school at Shiloh and later at Navasota, Texas when his parents moved to
that city in 1910. He lived in
Navasota from 1910 until 1914 when he moved to Ryan, Oklahoma where he became a
barber.
In
1917, he entered the U. S. Army and served 13 months overseas with the 36th
Division during World War I. He received his discharge from military service in
1918 and returned to Ryan, Oklahoma to continue his barber business.
He moved to Hearne, Texas, February 1, 1928 and established Smith's
Barber Shop on Fourth Street and he continued to own and operate this business
until February 7, 1958 when he sold his shop and began operating as a commission
barber at Cayce's.
He
married Nellie Lucille Clearwater, daughter of Ike Clearwater and Edna May
Thompson Clearwater, of Snyder, Oklahoma, June 19, 1922. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Robert Smith,
Lynn Smith, Marinell Smith Gambill, Charles Isaac Smith, and Eddie Smith.
Walter
Lee Smith was honored by the citizens of Hearne in being elected to serve on the
Hearne City Council in 1931-33. He
is a member and Past Master of the Golden Rule Masonic Lodge, a member of the
Miles Scriviner American Legion Post, served as Superintendent of the Sunday
School of the First Baptist Church for 20 years, has served as a member of the
Board of Deacons since 1930, a member and Past President of the Robertson County
Baptist Brotherhood, and has served since 1946 as a member of the Robertson
County Draft Board, having received his appointment to this board from President
Harry S. Truman.
SMYTH,
CARR BATES
was born November 5, 1859 in Weshartlepool, England.
In 1884 he was married to Miss Elizabeth H. Johnson of Sunderland,
England who was born September 17, 1859, and the young couple came to the United
States, settling in Hearne shortly after their arrival and resided in Hearne for
the remainder of their lives.
Mr. Smyth was a sailor in the
British Navy for twelve years, but abandoned the seafaring life when he came to
the United States.
During his early residence in Hearne
he was engaged in the restaurant business and was assisted in the operation of
this business by his wife. After
retiring from the restaurant business, Mr. Smyth followed the trade of painter
and paper hanger, building up a reputation in his work which caused a constant
demand for his services.
Mr. Smyth and Mrs. Smyth were good
citizens in their adopted homeland throughout the many years of their residence
and accumulated a host of friends among the old time citizens of Hearne.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Smyth were communicants of St. Philips Episcopal
Church.
Five children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Smyth: a daughter Frances who died in infancy, John G. Smyth, Leah
Smyth Brown, Earl Smyth, and Bettie Smyth Childers.
Mr.
Smyth died in 1927 and Mrs. Smyth died in 1938.
SNELL,
PHILLIP SOLOMON,
son of T. C. Snell and America Snell, was born at Hempstead, Texas, February 24,
1891.
With
his family, he moved to Hearne when he was a young boy and attended the Hearne
public schools.
In
his early manhood he went to work for the H. & T. C. Railroad and served as
a switchman in the Hearne yards of this company throughout his railroad career.
He
was married to Mrs. Eddie Griffin and the following children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Snell: T. C. Snell, Phil S. Snell Jr., William Snell, James R. Snell,
Joe Snell, Tommy Snell, Julia Ruth Snell, Katie Snell, Ann Snell, Janie Marie
Snell, and two step-daughters; Mrs. Bernadine Griffin Morgan and Mrs. Eloise
Griffin Harris.
Phillip
Solomon Snell died July 19, 1957.
SOWMA,
HOLLAND,
was born in Bremond, Texas, October 2, 1917, the son of Albert Sowma and Nora
Abraham Sowma. His father was born
in Lebanon and came to the United States in early boyhood.
He
attended public schools in Bremond and was graduated from high school in that
city with the Class of 1935 and then entered Baylor University in Waco.
Later
he was associated with his father in the retail dry goods business in Bremond.
He
moved to Hearne in June 1940 and established the Main Hotel & Cafe on the
corner of Fourth and Market Streets.
On
January 7, 1939 he was married to Miss Norene Stellbauer, daughter of Robert
Herman Stellbauer and Beulah Lee Hall Stellbauer of Bremond, Texas.
Mrs. Sowma also attended Bremond High School and graduated in 1934.
Mr. and Mrs. Sowma have two children: Jerry Sowma and Judy Sowma.
He
is active in the business and civic life of Hearne and is a member of the Hearne
Chamber of Commerce. His religious
affiliation is with St. Mary's Catholic Church.
SPILLER,
HARVEY SIDNEY,
son of Henry L. Spiller and Isabella Ellison Spiller, was born at Wheelock,
Texas, August 22, 1890 and moved to Hearne, Texas in 1918 where he was employed
by the Railway Express Agency and the Southern Pacific Railroad.
He
entered military service during World War I and served as a gunner in the 345th
Machine Gun Battalion and took part in a number of major battles including the
Argonne offensive and the Battle of St. Miheil.
He was discharged from the armed forces in June 1919 after having served
in the Army of Occupation.
He was married to Miss Lena Dixon at
Wheelock, Texas, November 29, 1919. Mr.
and Mrs. Spiller had two children; a daughter, Mary Katherine Spiller Briggs,
and a son, Harvey Sidney Spiller Jr.
Mr. Spiller was employed by the
Humble Pipe Line Company at Hearne, June 21, 1923 and completed 30 years of
employment with this company, receiving a gold wrist watch from this company
which was presented to him at his home during his lengthy illness.
Always extremely active in the civic
life of Hearne, he served on the Hearne City Council for 10 years as an alderman
and was later elected Mayor of the City of Hearne to fill the unexpired term of
J. G. Philen, later being elected to two full terms in that office and was
serving as Mayor at the time of his death.
He served the community well in public office and was always striving for
the betterment of Hearne.
He was a member of the Hearne
Masonic Lodge, a member of the Baptist Church, a director and stock holder of
the P. & M. State Bank of Hearne and had extensive real estate holdings in
Hearne. Harvey Sidney Spiller died
July 5, 1953.
SPOEDE, COLONEL HERMAN HENRY,
son of William Spoede and Pauline Koehler Spoede, was born at Secaucas, New
Jersey, August 25, 1892. He attend the public school at Secaucas and was
graduated from the Staten Island High School in New York with the Class of 1908.
He was commissioned a Second
Lieutenant in 1917 and served in the U. S. Army during World War I. In 1919 he
moved to Texas and farmed in Austin County until 1934. He continued in the army
reserve and in 1934 became active and was promoted to Captain. During World War
II he served in India, China, and the European Theater with the rank of Lt. Colonel. In 1947 he was promoted to Colonel and continued in military service
until his retirement in 1952.
In August 1952 he moved to Hearne,
Texas to make his home after his retirement from military service.
Colonel Herman Henry Spoede was
married to Elizabeth Yeager Guyler, daughter of Robert William Guyler and Amanda
Franklin Poindexter Guyler, December 23, 1919. The marriage was performed at
Wallis, Texas. The following children were born to Colonel Herman Henry Spoede
and Elizabeth Yeager Guyler Spoede: Herman Henry Spoede Jr. who was killed in
action in the Pacific area during World War II; Stuart Lee Spoede of the U. S.
Navy; and Captain Robert Spoede of the regular U. S. Army. The following are
grandchildren of Colonel Herman Henry Spoede and Elizabeth Yeager Guyler Spoede:
Herman Henry Spoede III; Louise Spoede; Stuart Lee Spoede II, Rebecca Spoede,
and David Spoede.
Colonel and Mrs. Herman Henry
Spoede are communicants of St. Philips Episcopal Church where he has served as a
member of the Vestry and as Senior Warden. He is a member of the Miles
Scriviner American Legion Post of Hearne; helped to organize the American Legion
Post at Wallis, Texas; is a former member of the Bellville, Texas American
Legion Post; and is a member of the Board of Education of the Hearne Independent
School District. Mrs. Spoede is a member of the Women's Auxiliary of St.
Philips Episcopal Church; a member of the Hearne Shakespeare Club; and a former
member of the Hearne Garden Club.
STASNY, CHARLES HAROLD,
son of John J. Stasny and Jennie Carrie Kosh Stasny, was born at Bryan, Texas,
September 22, 1921. He attended the public schools of Bryan and was graduated
from Stephen F. Austin High School of Bryan with the Class of 1938. After
completing high school he attended Texas A. & M. College. During 1942 he worked
for the Texas Highway Department Soils Laboratory.
He entered the armed services
during World War II.
On January 2, 1946 he was employed
by the Lone Star Gas Company and worked as a serviceman and engineer. Later he
served this company as South Texas Regional Supervisor.
In February 1954 he was appointed
Local Manager of the Lone Star Gas Company in Hearne, Texas.
He married Mary Anne Beran,
daughter of Antone T. Beran and Elizabeth Sablatura Beran of Caldwell, Texas,
April 8, 1947. The marriage was performed in Bryan, Texas. Mary Anne Beran
Stasny attended Caldwell High School and McKenzie-Baldwin Business School in
Bryan. She is a communicant of St. Mary's Catholic Church and a member of St.
Mary's Catholic Church Altar Society.
Three children were born to
Charles Harold Stasny and Mary Anne Beran Stasny: James Stasny, David Stasny,
and Gregory Stasny.
Charles Harold Stasny is a
communicant of St. Mary's Catholic Church; a member of St. Mary's Men's Club; a
member of the Miles Scriviner American Legion Post; a member of the Boy Scouts
local committee; a member of the Knights of Columbus; and a member of the Hearne
Rotary Club.
STEFFAN,
JACOB.
A childhood romance that had its beginning in Europe during the days of
Bismark, Blucher, Napoleon III and Queen Victoria, was responsible for bringing
to Hearne one of its early pioneer families.
Eugenie Gerbracht, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Andreas Gerbracht, was born in the province of Rheinhessen, Germany,
March 12, 1849. In the same
province there also lived young Jacob Steffan who was born June 7, 1844.
Young Steffan and his bride-to-be grew into manhood and womanhood with
romance blossoming into love.
After serving his required number of
years in the Prussian Army, to escape the growing militarism of the old country
and to insure a happier, more prosperous life, young Steffan immigrated to
America, coming directly to Hearne in 1871.
The story of his early days in the New World differed little from that of
thousands of other young immigrants who came to America's shores in the
nineteenth century to play such an important part in the development of the
nation.
Seven years after his arrival in
Hearne, Jacob Steffan had prospered sufficiently to buy a home and outfit it.
He sent for the sweetheart he had left in the old country and in 1878 the
bride-to-be was met in New Orleans by Mr. Steffan.
The marriage rites were solemnized in the Crescent City and the happy
couple came to Hearne to make their future home.
The dwelling which Mr. Steffan bought for his bride was located in the
200 block on Second Street and in 1958 this house is still standing.
Mr. and Mrs. Steffan prospered
through the years, becoming business and social leaders in the little town of
Hearne before the coming of the 20th century.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Steffan; a son, who died in
infancy and a daughter, Valesca Steffan Marshall.
Mr. Steffan died August 28,
1883 and Mrs. Steffan died February 18, 1940 at the age of 91 years.
STEWART, GEORGE DAVID, was born December 9, 1853 and was a pioneer of
Hearne, Texas. he owned and operated a farm east of Hearne on the acreage
near the East Side Elementary School. For many years, he was one of
Hearne's most respected and substantial citizens. His cattle brand, 7JK,
was one of the most familiar brands in the early days of Hearne. The
Stewart farm acreage is now owned by Mr. & Mrs. L. Wilson; Mrs. Wilson is a
daughter of George David Stewart.
George David Stewart married
Ida Ann Belcher, who was born February 19, 1868. The following children
were born to George David Stewart and Ida Ann Belcher Stewart: Georgia
Stewart, Lutie Stewart Wilson of Tucson, Arizona; Emma Clyde Stewart; Fanny
Stewart; Jewel Stewart; Berry Lee Stewart; Leah Paul Stewart; John Stewart,
Marvin Stewart, Harper Stewart, and Belcher Stewart. All of the children
of George David Steward and Ida Ann Belcher Stewart attended the public schools
of Hearne and graduated from Hearne High School. John Stewart owned and
operated the Queen Theater in Hearne for many years during the silent picture
days. George David Stewart died November 13, 1929 and Ida Ann Belcher
Stewart died June 27, 1947. Both are buried in Norwood Cemetery in Hearne,
Texas.
STOVALL, ROBERT MOFFAT, son of Jesse
Franklin Stovall and Betty Ruth Scott Stovall, was born at Hearne, Texas, August
7, 1928. He attended the Hearne public schools and was graduated from
Hearne High School with the Class of 1946. While attending Hearne High
School, he was a member of the Hearne Eagles football team during the years
1942-45.
After completing his high school education, he
enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1946 and served through 1947. He was
stationed at El Toro, California.
In 1947, he was employed by the Humble Pipe Line
Company and worked for this firm for six months at Baytown, Texas. During
1948-49, he was employed by the Texas Highway Department at Hearne. In
1949, he was employed by The Texas Company and continues this employment in
Hearne in 1958.
Robert Moffat Stovall married Betty Lee James,
daughter of Lonnie Franklin James and Lucille Roberta Baker James of Hearne,
Texas, July 5, 1947. Betty Lee James Stovall war reared in Hearne, Texas
and graduated from Hearne High School with the Class of 1947. The
following children were born to Robert Moffat Stovall and Betty Lee James
Stovall: Robert Michael Stovall, born 1949; James Scott Stovall, born
1951; and Robbie Stovall, born 1957.
Jesse Franklin Stovall and Betty Ruth Scott
Stovall moved to Hearne, Texas, March 2, 1917. They formerly lived in
Belton, Texas. He worked for the Railway Express Agency, the U.S. Post
Office, and the Humble Pipe Line Company in Hearne. Jesse Franklin Stovall
worked for the Humble Pipe Line Company in Hearne from 1921 until his death in
1951. The following children were born to Jesse Franklin Stovall and Betty
Ruth Scott Stovall: William Alonzo Stovall, Robert Moffat Stovall, Jesse
Franklin Stovall Jr., Rowena Bass Stovall, who married Joe C. Mahan, and Betty
Frank Stovall, who married W. W. Herndon.
Robert Moffatt Stovall and his wife Betty Lee
James Stovall are members of the First Baptist Church of Hearne. He is a
member of the Hearne Golfer's Association and serves on the District Council of
the Boy Scouts of America.
STRONG,
WILBUR,
son of Charles A. M. Strong and Emma Johnson Strong, was born April 29, 1911 in
Texas City, Texas.
He
attended the public schools in Texas City and graduated from high school with
the Class of 1929. He entered the
University of Texas in 1935 and received his Degree in banking and finance.
After
completing his college work he returned to Texas City where he was cost
accountant for an oil company, later becoming associated with a bank in that
city.
He
entered the U. S. Navy in 1943 and served during World War II, receiving his
discharge in 1945. After completing
his military service, he returned to Texas City where he became cashier of the
First State Bank. He later was
promoted to vice president of this bank and was made president in 1950.
In
November 1956, with his family he moved to Hearne, Texas to supervise the
construction of the First State Bank of Hearne and to employ personnel.
The bank was formally opened for business September 6, 1957 and he
assumed his duties as Executive Vice President and Director.
He
was married to Miss Josephine Stanton, daughter of Joe Brown Stanton and Evelyn
Summers Stanton, of Crockett, Texas, June 15, 1940.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Strong: Wilbur Stanton Strong and
Milton Stanton Strong.
Wilbur
Strong and his family are members of the Grace Methodist Church and he teaches
an adult Sunday School Class and sings in the church choir.
He is a member of the Hearne Rotary Club and served as Song Leader for
this organization at the District Rotary Conference held in Waco, Texas in 1958.
He is a past Worshipful Master of the Texas City Masonic Lodge, has been
a registered Scouter for 17 years and active in Boy Scout work for many years.
He is Scout Master for Troop No. 84 in Hearne and is on the Executive
Board of the Sam Houston Area Council of Boy Scouts.
He has been active in Red Cross work and serves as vice-chairman of the
Robertson County Red Cross Chapter, and is on the executive board of the
American Cancer Society. Mrs.
Strong is also very active in local and county organizations.
STURGIS,
JOSEPH SAMUEL JR., son of Joseph Samuel Sturgis Sr. and Annie Gibbs Sturgis,
was born November 21, 1913 at Crockett, Texas. In 1914, he moved to
Trinity, Texas where he attended the public schools and was graduated from
Trinity High School with the Class of 1930. After finishing high school in
Trinity, he attended a business school in Houston, Texas and completed a course
in public accounting.
When he was 12 years old, he was employed at
the Queen Theater in Trinity and after completing his schooling in Houston, he
returned to Trinity to work at this theater, alter becoming manager. He
left Trinity in 1935 and moved to Wharham, Texas, where he managed the Worth
Theater for six months. Later in 1935, he managed the Queen Theater in
Longview, Texas. In 1937-1938, he managed the Queen Theater in Trinity,
Texas, and in 1939 he moved to Houston where he worked in grocery stores for a
short period of time before becoming a welder for the Reed Roller Bit Company.
In 1941, he left this employment and went to work for the Brown Shipbuilding
Company. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served until 1946 during
World War II. At the time of his discharge from military service, he was a
Radioman First Class.
After receiving his discharge from military
service, he returned to Trinity, Texas where he accepted employment with a
livestock auction business as a bookkeeper.
On August 8, 1948, Joseph Samuel Sturgis Jr.
moved to Hearne, Texas where he accepted employment with The Hearne Democrat as
advertising manager. He continues in this employment in 1958.
Joseph Samuel Sturgis Jr. married Jimmie Smith
in Fairfield, Texas, October 11, 1954. Both Mr. & Mrs. Sturgis are
communicants of St. Philips Episcopal Church of Hearne; he serves as a member of
the Vestry and she is an active member of the Woman's Auxiliary. Jimmie
Smith Sturgis is employed as librarian for the city library. He is a
member of the Masonic Lodge, the Miles Scriviner American Legion Post of Hearne,
and a former member of the Hearne Lions Club.
SUGGS, EUGENE CUMMINGS, son of Melvin
Eugene and Stella Aline Bishop Suggs, was born at Hearne, Texas, August 8, 1927.
He attended the Hearne public schools and was
graduated from Hearne High School with the Class of 1944. During 1942 and
1943, he was a member of the Hearne High School Eagles football team.
After finishing high school, he was employed by the Sheffield Company of
Houston, Texas for a short period.
In June 1944, he entered the U.S. Navy CB at the
age of 17 and served in the Asiatic Pacific area during World War II. He
received his discharge from military service in August 1946. After
receiving his military discharge, he returned to Hearne and was employed by the
Culpepper Chevrolet Company and worked for this firm until 1952. In 1952,
he was employed by the City of Hearne as an electrician. Later, he was
promoted to Chief Electrician and Assistant Utilities Superintendent.
Eugene Cummings Suggs married Martha Louise
Boggan, daughter of John B. Boggan and Maurine Stephens Boggan of Hearne, Texas,
January 27, 1947. The following children were born to Eugene Cummings
Suggs and Martha Louise Boggan Suggs: Connie Gayle Suggs, Steven Eugene
Suggs, and Carla Jo Suggs.
Martha Louise Boggan Suggs attended the Hearne
public schools and was graduated from Hearne High School with the Class of 1945.
After completing her high school work, she attended Sam Houston State Teachers
College in Huntsville, Texas. Later, she was employed for four years by
the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company of Hearne. She is a member and
former president of the Hearne Music Club and a former member of the Hearne
Study Club.
Eugene Cummings Suggs and Martha Louise Boggan
Suggs are members of the First Baptist Church of Hearne. He is a member of
the Golden Rule Masonic Lodge of Hearne, and has been a member of the Hearne
Fire Department since 1950. He has served as Fire Chief since September
1956.
SUGGS, MELVIN EUGENE, son of Calvin
Washington Suggs and Lula Shields Suggs, was born at Blackjack, in Robertson
County, Texas, October 19, 1900. He attended the rural school at
Blackjack.
After finishing his schooling, he worked for Sam
V. Burts on his ranch from 1917 until 1921. In 1921, he was employed by
the Robertson County Precinct No. 2 and did road construction work under H. P.
Hill, County Commissioner for sever years. In 1928, he was employed by the
State Highway Department in the maintenance division and worked on this job for
three years. In 1931, he was employed by the Lincoln Petroleum Company and
worked at Luling, Texas. In 1943, he was employed as an electrician by the
City of Hearne and later was made foreman of the city water department.
He was married to Stella Aline Bishop, daughter
of Webb Bishop and Losia Guynes Bishop, December 28, 1926. The following
children were born to Melvin Eugene Suggs and Stella Aline Bishop Suggs:
Cummings Eugene Suggs, who married Martha Louise Boggan; Billy Frances Suggs,
who married James Baker; and Janice Odell Suggs, who married Donald Maurice
McLeroy Jr. Grandchildren of Melvin Eugene Suggs and Stella Aline Bishop
Suggs are: Connie Gayle Suggs, Steven Eugene Suggs, Carla Jo Suggs, James
Paul Baker, Jerry Allen Baker, Ronnie Dell Baker, and Mark Dean McLeroy.
Melvin Eugene Suggs has been a member of the
Baptist Church since 1919. He and his wife are members of the First
Baptist Church or Hearne and he serves on the Board of Deacons. He is also
active in the Baptist Brotherhood; served as superintendent of the Bethany
Baptist Church Sunday School; served as a Sunday School teacher in the First
Baptist Church of Hearne; is a former member of the Hearne Fire Department; and
is a member of the Golden Rule Masonic Lodge of Hearne.
SUGGS, ROBERT LEE SR., son of Calvin
Washington Suggs and Lula Shields Suggs, was born July 21, 1897 at Blackjack in
Robertson County, Texas. He attended the Bethany rural school.
During his boyhood, he helped his father in farming and carpenter work.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army, May 18, 1917, and
served in France during World War I with the 131st Field Artillery, 36th
Division. On April 15, 1919, he received his discharge from military
service and returned to Hearne.
During 1919, he was employed by the Humble Pipe
Line Company in Hearne. He moved to Brackenridge, Texas in 1920 and was
employed in the oil fields in that area. From 1922 to 1941, he was
employed as a driller for various companies in California, Corsican, Luling,
Wortham, and the East Texas oil fields.
In 1941, he was appointed a special officer for
the Humble Oil & Refining Company and worked in Corpus Christi and Houston,
Texas until 1944. In 1944, he returned to Hearne and established a
plumbing contracting business which he owned and operated for one year. In
1945, he formed a partnership with C. N. Lockhart and operated a cleaning and
pressing business in Hearne for ten years. In October 1955, he sold his
interest in this business and accepted employment with the City of Hearne.
Robert Lee Suggs married Odell Hooper, daughter
of Hubbard Hooper and Maggie Sholia Hooper of Joaquin, Texas, August 24, 1932.
The marriage was performed at Mansfield, Louisiana. Her parents were
natives of Shelby County, Texas. Odell Hooper Suggs attended the public
schools of Joaquin and was graduated from the Joaquin High School. After
finishing high school, she attended Stephen F. Austin College in Nacogdoches,
Texas. A son, Robert Lee Suggs Jr., was born to Robert Lee Suggs and Odell
Hooper Suggs. Robert Lee Suggs Jr. attended the public schools of Hearne
and later attended Sam Houston State College at Huntsville and Baylor University
at Waco. In 1955, Robert Lee Suggs Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Navy and
served three years.
Robert Lee Suggs and Odell Hooper Suggs are
members of the First Baptist Church of Hearne. He served as President of
the Baptist Brotherhood in 1958; is a member of the Golden Rule Masonic Lodge
No. 361 of Hearne; is a member of the Scottish Rite of Austin, is a member of
the Ben Hur Shrine of Austin; and is a former member of the Hearne Chamber of
Commerce. Odell Hooper Suggs has been active in business circles in Hearne
and has been field worker for the State Department of Public Welfare since May
1957.