C NETX
ROSSROADS MAGAZINE
LANDPOINT TIMBER
Local Foresters Provide All-around Solutions for Northeast Texas Landowners By Caleb Moseley, page 4
Hooks native
Venture Watson A woman on a mission
By Caleb Moseley, page 20
125 YEARS YOUNG
Was Cass County home to the oldest woman? By Jamie Jeans, page 18
... and more!
NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE
MAY 2020
1
About the Cover
MAY 2020
While riding through East Texas, Willow Duncan seized the opportunity to take photos in the cotton with her mom, Leslie Brosnan. Photo by Leslie Brosnan
C
The Hearts of a Community
S D A O R S S RO
CONTENTS
NETX
MAGAZIN
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T LANDPOIN R E B IM T s Provide ster Local Fore d Solutions All-aroun east Texas th or for N ownepagrse 4 LandMo seley, By Caleb
Venture Watson tive
10
Hooks na
A woman missipagon on a Mo e 20 seley,
By Caleb
S 125 YEAR YOUNtyGhome
Coun Was Cass st woman? de page 18 to the ol ns, Jamie Jea
Carlos Ibarra
re! ... and mo
By
Finishing what we started
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C NETX
ROSSROADS Published and distributed by
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Truitt Family Cabin
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Di Duncan Tim Emmons Lacy Gross Joni Haldeman Jamie Jeans Shawn Larson Kenny Mitchell Caleb Moseley Miranda Oglesby Toni Walker PHOTOGRAPHERS Leslie Brosnan Di Duncan Jamie Jeans Toni Walker GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joni Guess
LANDPOINT TIMBER Local Foresters Provide All-around Solutions for Northeast Texas Landowners By
CALEB MOSELEY
T
he timber ships from 40 acres industry is to 6500 acres.” vital to the And what makes economic sucLandpoint sercess of Northeast vices so beneficial, Texas. Large timber Jeremy explains, is companies as well the knowledge he as private landownand his partners ers pump millions have, and how they of dollars into the put that knowledge local economy each to use in studying year. Forestry manmarket trends, and agement is much suiting the needs more than planting of each individual L-R Jay Tidwell, Jeremy Abston, and Bobby Abston a tree, growing a landowner. “In tree, and then harour day-to-day vesting a tree. Private landowners sometimes find that meeting operations, it is imperative that we stay in tune with the local conservation requirements and best management practices, all markets. We are staying in touch with where the local demands while making sound financial decisions regarding their timber to are, and also tracking the timber pricing. This allows us to best be time consuming and sometimes overwhelming. This is why suit a particular track with the particular market and advise the the assistance of a professional forestry consultant is invaluable. landowners we work with on when it is the most opportune time Landpoint Professional Timber and Timberland Management to sell their timber.” Services is a fairly new company, created with the merger of two But Landpoint’s services don’t end once the timber is sold. In of the oldest timber management businesses in the area - Abston most cases, they oversee the whole logging operation to ensure landowner satisfaction upon completion. “We work with Forestry and Jay Tidwell Forestry. Managing partners Jeremy absentee landowners a lot. In those cases, we are the buffer. We Abston and Jay Tidwell have combined their years of experience to offer full service timber management to meet the needs of any are the eyes and ears on the ground, especially for clients who landowner. can’t check on their place daily, or weekly. We check all our jobs Jeremy graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with regularly, and head off any problem, usually before it even starts.” The Texas A&M Forest Service agrees that the services of a a Bachelors of Science in Forestry with an emphasis in Timber professional consultant are beneficial, stating: “Due to consulManagement in 1999. Since then, he has provided landowners with an array of services, including tree planting, herbicide appli- tants being extremely knowledgeable about the intricacies of the forest industry, consultants may increase revenues returned cations, site prepping, boundary line maintenance, road mainteto the forest landowner by as much as 25 percent, while at nance, BMP (best management practices) contract work, timber the same time cultivating a healthier, more productive timber appraisals, and timber management plans. Today they manage stand.” and assist landowners in the reforestation process. For further information, or to schedule a consultation with “We help landowners of all different sizes, and in all different Landpoint Professional Timber and Timberland Management capacities,” Jeremy explained. “We’ve helped as many small landServices you can contact Jeremy at (903) 573-0913 or Jay at (903) owners convert an old family farm into a pine plantation as we 748-9687 or by email at AbstonForestry@yahoo.com. have large landowners and investors. We’ve helped land owner4
MAY 2020
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5
The Hearts of a Community
DeKalb’s Nobles are the heartbeat and foundation of their town By
JONI HALDEMAN & KENNY MITCHELL
The great English poet, Edmund Spenser, (1553 – 1599) wrote in his most distinguished poem, The Faerie Queene;
Mary Nell Windle and James Louis Tidwell
“The noble heart that harbors virtuous thought, And is with child of glorious great intent, Can never rest, until it forth have brought Th’eternal brood of glory excellent.” Some would say those were high-brow words referencing the people in a small northeast Texas town. But since 1994, De Kalb, Texas has recognized and honored “the Noble Hearts” that without thought, selflessness contributed a lifetime of service to the community and its people.
Anne Farris 6
MAY 2020
As the De Kalb Chamber of Commerce annually recognized an active individual, organization and business, for outstanding service throughout the past year, it became obvious our community needed to be reminded of those who once held active rolls in many areas of our lives. As a community, those from the greatest generation had given us a firm foundation to continuing building on. They were our pillars, holding us up in times of both heartbreak and much joy. As a community, they carried us across obstacles with wisdom and understanding rarely found or shared now. Noble Bates, became the first recipient. With the opening of the Williams House Museum, stories from the past flowed from those that were a part of this history. It came as a surprise that many of the deeds and actions of many of our senior citizens had been forgotten or more often than not, never known. The late Mr. Bates had been a city councilman and long time Mayor of De Kalb, in the late 1950’s, early 1960’s. During his administration, streets were paved, new neighborhoods were created. The water works system was expanded and upgraded, as the municipality began receiving its water from Texarkana. Prudent, strict when it came to seeing about the welfare of the people, his contributions were not always positive or popular. But due to his integrity, he made the hard decisions, standing up to adversity. NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE
The “Heart of the Community” award is not, nor has it ever been a popularity contest. Those selected, have faced championships and adversities. They have persevered. In 1994, Hollywood had Oscar… Texarkana had the Wilbur Award…De Kalb would present “`the Noble.” “The Noble” is presented in recognition of a lifetime of service to De Kalb. Each year, former recipients meet and select one whose life reflects the definition of “Noble”…that is one who is with greatness of character…. generous of heart … responsible…righteous, magnificent… virtuous. Each recipient of the honor has been unique in their contributions to our way of life. But they all have shared an abiding love for this community and its people. They also shared the trait of modesty, performing their good deeds out of the limelight. Norman Moser followed as the second recipient of the Noble Heart. Former regent of Texas A & M University, a nationally known cattleman and farmer, it was from Mr. Moser, we learned a true lesson in perseverance. Following Moser, was Sybil Young, who reminded us of our love for “Those dear hearts and gentle people, who lived in my hometown”. Next was Roy Blankenship, a nationally recognized restaurateur, who always had his door open, especially his kitchen, to those in need. Then came former De Kalb educators, J.C. and Lois Coggins, who were the first couple to be recognized for their dedication to our youth. Norris Howell earned the distinction in 1999. Howell was the city of De Kalb and De Kalb ISD’s most ardent cheerleader and booster. Somehow, he found something in each person he met, to praise and encourage. Willie Ruth Daniel came after, and was one who shared her strength and wisdom, during some dark times in the community. She often recited a prayer she had prayed as a child: “Lord, help me to grow up to understand my people and how to help them. Crown my head with wisdom and knowledge. I ask you dear God to help me to understand and be loving to them, yep, and crown my head with wisdom over and over again, and if I don’t use it I want you to take it away from me.” NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE
David Meadows
bby Bates
James Louis Tidwell and Ro
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Our community benefited from her actions and answered prayer. In 2001, Bill Willis was recognized as the “Heart of the Community” recipient. Businessman, Councilman, and Mayor, Willis guided our community during dire financial times, bringing De Kalb back to solid ground. Allman Dan Atchley ran the gamut from Volunteer Fireman, Councilmen, Oktoberfest volunteer at the Pancake Breakfast and the Cabaret Show, and one of Hubbard ISD’s annual fish fry’s most ardent volunteers. Mary Clinton, 2003 recipient and Coy Jaggers, 2004, were educators that saw past the educational needs of their students. They ministered to the whole person’s needs. Jaggers once said, a child did not ask to be here…their parentage should not be held against them…and every child deserved a chance. He and Mary Clinton lived this philosophy. Mrs. Clinton still does. Billy Blakeney, due to a previous engagement, a wedding, missed his presentation of the “Heart of the Community” award. He was surprised the following Tuesday evening to find the Front Street Junction filled with family and friends to honor his contributions to De Kalb. Vernon Shaw was recognized in 2006. Mr. Shaw was not from De Kalb, but he and his family made this place his home, when he opened De Kalb’s first franchise grocery store – the Piggly Wiggly. De Kalb welcomed them with open arms. A.J. Cooper left his mark on De Kalb. His diligence, perseverance and belief that we, as a people, could come together and
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conquer, any problem facing our community was inspiring. And the noted and heralded list went on and on, as the foundation builders of DeKalb’s past, present and future have been honored. On the list are those like local banker Fred Gilliam, Dr. Hal Hillis, band director extraordinaire Don Foster, Wesley McMillon, and former State of Texas Representative Barry Telford. Next on the list of those who hold the very heart of DeKalb, were those who filled our world with music, Carolyn Blackmon and Virginia Wray, who were given the award in 2013. On of the best funeral directors, singers, and friend to all, Robby Bates, earned the distinction in 2014, and he was followed by James Louis Tidwell the following year, and Don Hodges, the year after in 2016. A matriarch of the community, Mary Nell Windle, came next in 2017 and Anne Farris, another of those who has given their life to educating the next generation, took to the podium for her recognition in 2018. The year 2019 brought the last to be named to the list, with local businessman and longtime city councilman David Meadows taking his seat at the table, with all of those named before him. Each and every one who has earned the honor over the years set a standard for living that is hard to attain, but much needed in the world we live in today. Their values of truth, honesty, hard work, and sacrifice have made De Kalb the place where the treasure lives, because it is people like them, that are the treasure.
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MAY 2020
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Carlos
IBARRA Fulfilling his dream of playing soccer overseas
F
By
TIM EMMONS
ormer Atlanta High School and Arkansas Tech University graduate, Carlos Ibarra Jr., earned the opportunity that many children in this area dream about; trying out for a professional soccer club and making the team. Little league soccer has flourished in Atlanta since the turn of the century which prompted the high school to implement a soccer program. During his high school playing days, Ibarra was captain of the soccer team for three years, and also received First Team All-District and First Team All-Northeast Texas honors two consecutive years. Ibarra also played quarterback for both the Atlanta Rabbits’ football team and the Wonder Boys’ team at Arkansas Tech. In college Ibarra had a membership in the Soccer Club and academically was selected by Arkansas Tech University as one of 32 students included in the edition of “Who’s Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges.” The outstanding student-athlete earned a place on the Dean’s List in multiple semesters at Arkansas Tech University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an associate’s degree in nuclear technology, but instead of gracing the floors of NASA, the soccer specialist was invited to live out a dream of his by performing for scouts at the Pro Soccer Consulting (PSC) Ltd. Soccer Combine in Chicago. Over the course of three days, Ibarra competed against other aspiring individuals in hopes of being named as one of the players that would get a chance to make an international soccer club. “After my tour, Pro Soccer Consulting Ltd. was impressed 10
MAY 2020
enough to invite me to join their residential pro-development program in Örebro, Sweden,” Ibarra said. “We traveled all over the country to play several pro teams.” Some of the Swedish pro-teams listed include: Lartorp, Yxhult, Rynninge, IFK Orebro, Nykoping and the premier Orebro SK. He took part in the St. Louis FC Trial, USL, the SK Sifhalla Trial, Swedish 4th Division, and the BK Forward Trial, Swedish 1st Division. With a regal résumé, Ibarra eventually fulfilled his life-long dream when he signed a pro-club contract with 4th Division Visby AIK out of Sweden. As the team entered the midseason break and summer transfer window, Ibarra was able to trial and sign with Division 3 side Dalhem IF for the rest of the season. Dalhem IF plays in the Norra Svealand League in the 3rd Division. “I was extremely excited about the opportunity to play at a higher division and the challenge that comes with proving your worth,” Ibarra said. “I have never been one to shy away from a challenge and I will not start now. This is a huge stepping stone for me and hopefully with many more to follow.” “Upon arriving with the new club, I noticed right away during the first practice that it was a bit of a faster pace and would require me to be at my best at all times,” Ibarra remarked. “It took a bit of getting used to the intensity and change of pace, but I can say that I am beginning to hit my stride.” Ibarra even started his own business, Limitless Athletic Development (LAD), along the way. LAD is an online-based soccer training company that Ibarra founded for individuals who want to take their game to the next NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE
Atlanta alum Carlos Ibarra Jr. fulfilled his dreams of playing soccer overseas after signing with a team out of Sweden. Courtesy photo
level like he did, but don’t have to spend as much money with personal trainers. With LAD, he personally trains players with his online software and video tutorials. “I realized on my journey how difficult it was for me to break through the professional barrier and that maybe there were other athletes trying to accomplish similar feats. I didn’t have the money needed to hire a personal trainer or someone to work with me on a regular basis,” Ibarra recalled. “I remember during my years preparing, I would stay up searching the internet for hours at a time trying to find drills and ideas to develop my own methods in order to improve my game. I created Limitless Athletic Development in hopes of helping those with limited budgets that want to improve their game by providing them with every tool and insight that I have learned over the years in order to help them succeed.” Just signing a contract would be enough for most, much less starting their own business, but Ibarra sets his sights on another goal as well. “Even though I have reached this great milestone in my life, I am not satisfied. I will continue to push myself harder and set the bar higher and higher,” Ibarra continued. “It may have taken me 10 years to become an overnight success, but I’m just getting started and have a long way to go.” If there is a message that the soccer star could send to the youth that have a professional soccer career in mind it would sound something like this, “I hope that my story inspires you to strive for greatness and follow your dreams. There are those who want it to happen, those who wish for it to happen and those who MAKE it happen.” NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE
MAY 2020
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TRUITT FAMILY CABIN A historical gem, hidden in plain sight
Story & photos by
H
ave you ever wanted to travel back in time, to the days of dog-trot cabins and farmstead living? Visitors to the Daingerfield area have a historical gem, frontier settlement, authentically preserved, a place where they can get a glimpse into the Days of the Republic of Texas. John Wingate Truitt was born Dec. 19, 1801, in Worchester County, Md. When he was 37 years of age, he traveled from Alabama to Texas to apply for a head right of 320 acres in Jenkins. Truitt and his wife Elizabeth came to what was then the Republic of Texas in 1839. The Truitts received a land-grant for a parcel located in what is now the Jenkins Community in Morris County. John and Elizabeth built a cabin there because it was near a spring which they called Mandy Springs. According to fourth-generation Truitt ancestor Dale Truitt,
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TONI WALKER “Mandy was a slave girl who worked for the family. They built the cabin on a hill above the springs. The well is about 80 feet deep.� The family is listed in the 1840 U.S. Federal Census. The Truitts had eight children, according to descendant Lou Richards. Descendants said the Truitt cabin was probably built with the help of slaves because Mr. Truitt owned five slaves. The cabin, built of logs, sits on a hill overlooking Farm-to-Market Road 144 near Jenkins. There were no nails used in building the structure. It has been taken apart log by log. Some logs have been replaced, but the cabin is being put back together as close to that as possible. The cabin had one fireplace on the east side of the house, according to people who lived there in the 1930s. The cabin consisted of two rooms with an open porch between them. The foundation of the cabin is made of indigenous stone. The Truitt cabin was recognized by as a
NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE
Texas Historical Commission State Archeological Landmark on June 30, 2009. stone. Notches were cut in the cabin walls for firing ports used by riflemen inside to protect the family from Comanche Indians. The original well is still on the property, located about 50 feet north of the cabin. The present property includes nearly four acres on the north side of Farm-to-Market Road 144 and approximately nine acres on the south side. The cabin sits on the north side. The Truitts and several descendants are buried in the Clark Cemetery in the Jenkins Community. There is a round seal in front of the monuments of the Truitts. “The seals at the tombstones for John Wingate Truitt and his wife were placed there depicting they were citizens of the Republic of Texas,� Mrs. Richards said. The Truitt Cabin was added to Texas Historical Commission in 2009. Since that time, his relatives have banded together with funds, and the cabin has been under a vast remodeling project to bring it back to its original status. Financing for the restoration project came from Truitt family members. Currently, the Truitt Family Cousins meet every year for a reunion. However, that does not mean that the cabin is open only to family. According to Truitt family members, the historical site is open to the public, and available for a variety of activities. The site can host small group tours, family events, weddings, reunions, and more, and can also be used for historical and learning purposes. More information can be found at http://family.etruitt.com/.
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MAY 2020
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15
The
PORTER CEMETERY Revival
Forgotten local burial grounds hold pioneers of modern-day Camp County By
P
DI DUNCAN
orter Cemetery has been largely forgotten during the last century. Tucked away off of FM 21, approximately 50 headstones are visible under thick brush and leaves, about 15 of which are currently readable. Under these stones are some of Camp County’s earliest residents, including Civil War soldiers, their parents, and Woodmen of the World members. Thirty-five of the tombstones appear to be from before the Civil War began. They are made of fieldstone, a common material used by residents of this area in the days before marble was widely available. Because of the composition of fieldstone, these 35 stones have worn down to large misshapen rocks over almost two centuries of enduring the elements. Marble stones in the cemetery have been mostly preserved. Woodmen of the World erected a handful of marble log headstones notating service to the organization. A large tree has fallen over the middle of the grave site, hiding some of the stones left standing. There are several large above-ground crypts at the site made of the same fieldstone used to make the deteriorated headstones.
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The mortar that once was between the fieldstones is gone; only rectangular piles of rock remain. Typically, above-ground crypts also have headstones, but these have eroded and broken over time, leaving no record of who lies within. Several families are buried here, the most notable being the Porters, the Joneses, and the Baileys. Civil War soldier John C. Porter wrote in a diary that this was his family’s burial grounds. Others include a small family of Poseys, Martins, Clintons, a Carpenter, and a Warrick. Relatives of those buried here can be found at Leesburg, Blodgett, and Macedonia cemeteries. Each person buried at Porter Cemetery is of historical significance to Camp County. Benjamin Porter (1804-1862) was John C. Porter’s father, as well as a friend of the founder of Pittsburg, W. H. Pitts. When Pitts was initially prospecting the area that is now Pittsburg, he stayed at the Porter house with Benjamin Porter and his wife Dorothy, along with their children. After just over a week at the Porter house, Pitts bought the land. NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE
Caroline Porter Bailey (1835-1904) was one of four sisters of John C. Porter. She married another Confederate Army Lieutenant Stephen P. Bailey in 1890. They were married for 14 years before she passed and was buried at Porter Cemetery. Ardra J. Jones was buried in Porter Cemetery after dying at just 19 years old. Jones was in the Army’s medical department in Ambulance Company 10 at Fort Bliss. He was a Woodman of the World, and his gravestone was erected by the Woodmen. His father, Henry Clay Jones, is also buried here beside both of his former wives. Other Joneses buried here include Daniel Bennett Jones (1862-1904), his father Bennett Jones (1816-1881), and Charles F. Jones (1873-1904), along with Henry Wilmer Jones (1905-1911) and “Baby Boy Jones,” (1907) sons of Henry Clay Jones. Daisy Posey (1896-1906) is buried here with her parents Elijah R. Posey (1861-1942) and Nevada Thornton Posey (1870-1946). Another Posey daughter, Della Posey, had a child with George Warrick in 1909 named Findley Warrick (1909-1911). Findley is also buried at Porter Cemetery. Five small children are also buried here, two of which died in infancy. “Infant Son” Carpenter (1896) was born to James H. (1862-1934) and M.L.N. Carpenter (18641920), who are buried at nearby Leesburg Cemetery. Siblings Annie P. Clinton (1877) and W.A. Clinton (1869-1873) lie here with no known record of their parents. Also without records of parents, Domer D. Martin (1893-1895) and James W. Martin (1879) lie at Porter Cemetery. A previous owner of the property surrounding Porter Cemetery had cleaned and maintained the grounds, but after his passing, the family was unable to continue caring for it, and the cemetery fell into disrepair. Applications have now been submitted to recognize the site as a Historic Texas Cemetery. This designation is a prerequisite to having the site established as a Texas Historical Landmark. Since introducing Porter Cemetery to Camp County, residents have shown interest in reviving the grounds. Most have gone simply to see the forgotten resting place, but one organization has decided to go beyond that. WoodmenLife, affiliated with Woodmen of the World, has decided to NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE
make a difference. WoodmenLife plans to assist in clearing the overgrowth, removing the dead trees, and cleaning the grounds and stones. On a preliminary investigation of the damage, it was clear that this is an endeavor that will take a village to complete. During previous trips to Porter Cemetery, numbers of participants were limited to two, so safety was a major concern. Once WoodmenLife joined in, making a total group of four to trek through the untamed wilderness, it became possible to reach more of the grounds. Upon delving further into Porter Cemetery, more damage to the site was discovered. The graves of Dorothy and Benjamin Porter are now hidden under a very large fallen tree, and several children’s graves were crushed by another. Two Jones graves also lie beneath the wood behemoth. Thick webs of thorns guard the back right corner where more than eight people were laid to rest well over 100 years ago. Sapling trees invade the grounds, coming up through graves and crypts. A dense cover of fallen leaves on the ground conceals headstones and allows for threats such as ticks and snakes to hide among the leaves. Porter Cemetery is in dire need of a complete overhaul. Thirty-five graves spanning years – possibly even decades – before the Civil War have already been mostly lost to erosion. If the stones still standing are not taken care of, Camp County could lose this cemetery forever. Since the trek into the furthest corner of the cemetery, plans have been made for cleanup. WoodmenLife plans to rent or buy the machinery and tools necessary for the project. The labor will be completed by Woodmen and volunteers. After the brush and down trees are removed from the site, WoodmenLife plans to clean the headstones and place American flags at not only the graves of the veterans, but for all who are interred there. Once the cemetery is clean enough to walk through, paperwork can be completed and filed with the Texas Historical Commission to have the site designated first as a Texas Historic Cemetery, and eventually as a Texas Historical Landmark. Success would ensure that this remnant of the county’s history is not forgotten, nor left behind. MAY 2020
17
125 YEARS oung Y Was Cass County home to the oldest woman? By
JAMIE JEANS
I
n 1785, when the United States was a mere nine years old, a woman was born somewhere on the great continent of Africa. Her name would eventually become Nancy Carter and if you happen to be wandering the back roads of Cass County near the beautiful little town of Linden, you may happen across her final resting place. In a tree-filled cemetery known as Old Pleasant Hill Cemetery, her headstone stands tall and almost perfectly unblemished as a tribute to this remarkable woman. Indeed, Carter, or as she was affectionately known to family and friends, Grannie, lived a very long life. Her life did not start in the US, however. In 1802 she was brought to the United States as a slave and sold to one Absolam Carter Sr. in Greenville, Alabama by C. Ferson, a slave trader. Upon his death, Carter Jr. inherited Grannie and moved to Cass County in 1854 just two years after Linden was established and became the county seat. This remarkable woman, who was brought to this country as a slave would live to see the end of slavery. However, while this is a remarkable thing, what makes her so remarkable is what is written on that tall, almost perfect headstone. It is the dates, carved by a meticulous and steady hand, that make Grannie such an amazing and important person. The dates indicate that she was indeed born in the year 1785, however, she passed away on October 11, 1910. This puts her at the astonishing age of 125. The inscription below the dates reads, “I am 126 years old I have kept the faith & yield my soul to God and go home.�
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NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE
While one cannot be absolutely sure of Grannie’s year of birth, it is known that she was brought here from Africa in the year 1802 as a teenager. Though her age at that time cannot be proven, it is still an astounding 108 years from the moment she set foot here to the time of her passing. Even if she was only merely a 13-year-old girl at the time, that would put her at 121 years old. Imagine for a moment, the things she must have seen, the life she must have lived. Even as a free person, life in rural Texas during her time would have been difficult. Racism was prevalent throughout the southern states and with little to no education, many former slaves were forced to rent land from former slave owners. Although they were given the legal right to marry, own property, and even sue in court, it was illegal for them to serve on juries or even testify against a white person. They were also required to sign labor contracts with white landowners if they were sharecroppers. Refusal to do so meant that they could be arrested and hired out for work. Grannie would have also seen the positives of this time. African American communities of the time focused on faith, family, and education. She was alive when the first black colleges were founded. She was alive when Hiram Revels became
the first African American to be elected to the Senate in 1870. Texas was only ten years old when she came with her youngest daughter, Julia Ann. Indeed, Nancy “Grannie” Carter lived a long life full of fear and uncertainty and yet, one also of hope, faith, family, and love. In her obituary, it is stated that she had “numbers of great-great-grandchildren” by Julie Ann. No doubt that even during the worst of times, she was surrounded by her loved ones, telling stories of a life before, sharing wisdom, and walking in faith… A faith so profound and deep that it filled her life for purportedly 125 years. Her final resting place is one of beauty. Down a quiet single lane back road that dead-ends at a turnaround. One may not even realize it is a cemetery at first unless they happen to notice the few standing headstones. Most graves here are marked with hand-carved stones. Grannie’s stone is near a large beautiful Oaktree, its branches growing out wide, providing shade and a sense of comfort in a place of sadness. The stillness that surrounds the old cemetery is one of peace and serenity and when the sun is shining high overhead and a gentle breeze is blowing through the trees, one can almost feel the faith, love, and wisdom that Grannie radiated during her many years on this Earth.
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Hooks native
Venture Watson
A woman on a mission
Motivating the next generation to reach their dreams is what coach Venture Watson is all about these days.
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By
CALEB MOSELEY
eing positive and pushing yourself to be better in a time like this can be hard, but a high school coach and teacher from Northeast Texas, Venture Watson, is doing just that. Watson recently published a new book, “They Can’t Hold Me Down”, in which she talks about her life and some of the highs and the lows that she has gone through as a person, coach, woman and mother. Venture Watson is originally from Hooks, where she was very active as an athlete all throughout her time in high school, while at the same time focusing on her academics and being involved with her classmates, serving as both class president and student council president. After graduating from high school, Watson continued her education at the University of North Texas in Denton. While in college, Watson went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. After college, she followed her dream to impact young lives as a teacher and coach, and has now been a coach and teacher at Texarkana, Arkansas School District for the last 16 years. 20
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Her two children, Seaira and Mikel, both attend Texarkana Arkansas School District and both are very active in their schools. Watson is also the founder of VW Youth Empowerment, a program for youth and teens of all ages that seeks to provide role models and a strong support structure to motivate youth to explore who they are and discover their communities. The mentoring program is dedicated to empowering a generation of young people to be bold, bright, confident and authentic leaders in their lives, schools and communities. Life was not always easy for Watson. While in high school, she was diagnosed with a rare disease and ended up having eight different surgeries on her vocal chords. At one point she was even told that she would probably never even be able to talk again. Watson didn’t let this stop her from pursuing her dreams and living her life. She persevered through her hard times and kept pushing to do what she wanted to do. She has never let any of that stop her from doing things that she was passionate about. NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE
Those passions include sports and broadcast journalism. Watson says, “I have gotten to do so many amazing things in my life. I was a sports reporter for KTEV channel 15 at one time, in which I was able to interview people from the NBA, NFL and the WNBA. I have even gotten the opportunity to interview former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, Dez Bryant. This was all very humbling to me. So, when I decided to write a book, I was just thinking about all the stories that I have had the opportunity to have. Being a high school basketball coach for ten years has allowed me to have more stories than I can count. I am very appreciative of all those girls. They may not have been the richest, they may not have been the ones that had everything going in their life, but we have had some of the best times.” Venture followed up by offering some insight into why she thought she needed to write this book by saying, “I decided to write a book about all the opportunities I have had in my life, and really motivate my own two kids. So that when they see and other people see that whenever someone tells you that you can’t, you can. Whenever you end up sick like I was sick, you can do it. Do not ever give up. In life don’t settle. Keep working hard and keep going after it.” One thing is for sure, Venture Watson is a Northeast Texas native that has the dream of changing the whole world, and there is little doubt to those who know her best that she will achieve that goal.
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THE TOWN OF
WHEATVILLE Story & photo by
S
ometimes towns spring up where settlers congregate. However, progress many times has other plans, and towns must move to hubs of transportation or commerce. In many of those cases, all that remains of the original town may be its name and stories. Below is the story of Wheatville, prepared by Glenda Brown Scarborough of the Cass County Genealogical Society. “Wheatville was indeed the true beginning of present-day Naples. It received its name from the William Wheat family sometime before 1852. William Wheat received a land grant for 20 labors of land by the Board of Land Commissioners for Red River County on April 27, 1838. By using the classification of land grants and references to the location of homes, it is felt that William Wheat was living in the Morris County area as early as 1836. Wheatville was located west of the Daingerfield and Stephenson’s Ferry Road and south of the old “Clarksville Road.” It would have been about three miles northwest of Naples, and at that time situated in Titus County. Later, in 1875, when Morris County was created from Titus County, Wheatville claimed Morris County as its final location. The little town was also described as being on a road that led from Fulton, Arkansas to Sulphur Springs and that it began to develop and grow sometime in the 1840’s. Mr. B.R. Watts, one of the early citizens of Wheatville, in his later years wrote of the beginning of the town as he remembered it: ‘Before the immigration of railroads to Texas, Jefferson, at the head of Red Rivet-Steamboat navigation, was the market for all the Northeastern part of the state. Farmers from the prairies a 22
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TONI WALKER hundred miles west went there to sell their cotton, buy their supplies, and meet their North Carolina kinfolks. The main road to the prairies was the principal thoroughfare of the country. Old settlers say that one could rarely cross the road without seeing a wagon or two. The wagons had to camp out, and naturally selected places where wood and water could be had most conveniently. As such places became known, they were more frequented, and the wagoner would regulate his day’s drive to suit the chosen grounds. At one of these camping places, forty miles west of Jefferson, an old farmer built a log house, stocked it with canned goods, cheese, and whiskey, and called the combination Wheatville. His trade was pretty good. The surrounding country was settling up. Wheatville became a post-office, two other stores were opened up and the place began to put on city airs.’ Reverend Samuel Morris, a preacher from Alabama, moved to Titus County in 1852 and probably contributed, to a large extent, to the growth of Wheatville. Upon his arrival, he found four small communities without a school or church, among which was Wheatville. He helped build a house for school and worship purposes in each community. In Wheatville where he lived, he built a gin, grist and flour mill, threshing and winnowing machines, and established tanning vats and brick kilns. Though it is evident that Wheatville was founded before 1861, this is the earliest date recorded in deed records concerning land transactions. On October 12,1861, NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE
R.S. Wheat sold a lot to J.B. Meadows situated in the town of Wheatville, Titus County. Some lots around the Public Square were 25 feet by 100 feet and sold for one hundred dollars in 1861. Some of the early merchants of the town were: J.B. Meadows, George M. McDonald, W.B. Wright, C.A. Hinnant, James Murphy, and R.S. Wheat & Co. John L. Sheppard also had a mercantile business known as Sheppard and Olive. From the above information, it would appear that the Wheatville school was established at a fairly early date. However, the only deed record found concerning the school is dated November 4, 1870, in which it appears the Trustees of Wheatville Academy are purchasing one acre of land described as, ‘being thirty-five yards in all four directions from the center of the school house, the school being on the center of the said lot, and including the school house well.’ Wheatville did not lack for medical attention as there were a number of doctors practicing there through the years. Among these were Dr. J.B. Prewitt and Dr. W.C. Beals. Still another was Dr. John Patterson who came from Jefferson. At one time Wheatville was stricken with a meningitis epidemic. Dr. Chesley Page Forsyth was more successful than other doctors of the area in treating the illness and the citizens of the town convinced him to come to Wheatville to practice medicine. Dr. Henry Farrier, a native of Alabama, was also among those to settle in the community. During the years of the Civil War, Wheatville accepted its share of responsibility to the Confederacy. In July 1861, a reserve company was organized at Wheatville with its headquarters at Scott Springs in Beat No. 11, with Wiley Ledbetter serving as Captain. This Company consisted of 109 men. Another unit, The Titus Rangers, an active company -- Infantry or Cavalry —(Headquarters Wheatville), was organized August 10, 1861, with W.B. Sheppard as Captain and a muster roll of fifty men. Mail delivery in the early days of Texas was, quite often, very uncertain and irregular. However, Wheatville did establish a post office on December 7, 1868 with William L. Murphy appointed postmaster. C.D. Heard was named to the position on July 22, 1873, John L. Sheppard was appointed on May 13, 1874, and William B. Wright on April 8, 1875. Oliver P. Boyd became the fifth postmaster on April 1, 1879 and the first one appointed after Morris County was created. Berry B. Watts was assigned the position on January 5, 1880 and continued to hold the office after the town moved to its new location and was renamed Station Belden. As all towns and communities, Wheatville was not without entertainment. John L. Sheppard maintained a race track on his farm. This track was built around a pond and the pond was thereafter referred to as “Race Track Pond.” Perhaps Wheatville can be best remembered for some rather important political contributions. John Sheppard, an early citizen, was elected to the United States House of Representatives. One of the most notable among its citizens was United States Senator Morris Sheppard. Senator Sheppard was born in Wheatville. In the late 1870’s, the construction of the Texas and St. Louis Railroad began in Morris, Titus, and Bowie Counties. As fate would have it, the railroad by-passed Wheatville about three miles. Merchants began to move their stores to the railroad siding and of course this meant the slow decline and eventually the end of the little town. In time, Wheatville, like many other towns of its era, ceased to exist. NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE
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Finishing WHAT WE STARTED
Completing a journey, affirming a legacy, preserving your community By SHAWN LARSON & LACY GROSS
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hat could lead a busy mayor who is a full-time insurance agent and active Army Reservist with a family of five to whimsically caravan the countryside in cars that have seen better days? For a man discovering the unknown and conquering it with other men is what drives us. In the book, John Eldredge’s, Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul, said: “Deep in his heart, every man longs for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and beauty to rescue.” Travis Ransom, Mayor of Atlanta, TX, and his father, Jay D. Ransom decided they would take a trip in the summer of 1996 after he graduated high school. This would be their first trip together and what has fueled Ransom’s future road adventures. “We had planned on catching Route 66 in Amarillo and driving west, taking the pacific coast highway north to the end and cutting back east, to snake back to Chicago to catch the beginning of Route 66 and take it back to Amarillo. It would have been a “lap of America” type deal. We didn’t make it out of Texas.” Unfortunately, their only attempt to make the trip was cut short. “Dad had an issue with a client he had to deal with. He was a self-employed, solo practice attorney here in Atlanta.” The adventure would never happen because in 2003, “at 59 years old. 8 days away from his 60th birthday he would have a heart attack. It was very unexpected,” says Travis. Travis decided that he would finish what he and his father set out to do. However, this time he would start at the beginning of Route 66 in Illinois and take it to the end in California. In October of 2018, he and various passengers would “get their kicks on Route 66”. Also, after taking the job as Mayor of Atlanta, Texas it would have additional significance. As a mayor, he would gain the first-hand experience of what happens when traffic is diverted around a small town when the interstate comes through. 24
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In a serendipitous turn of events, Ransom’s father-in-law, John Leestock, took the first leg of the trip with him. “My father-in-law is a retired municipal attorney and Vietnam Vet. He was ready for a little adventure, but only a little. He rode with me from Atlanta to St Louis and then flew home from there. It was a great bonding experience for both of us. We get along really well.” “Didn’t plan it that way. I had originally intended on bringing my high school buddy Wayne along with me for the duration of the rally. Unfortunately, he had a last-minute work conflict and couldn’t make the trip. He was with us in spirit and followed along through social media. Wayne had ridden many miles in the Capri when we were in high school. We were both a little sentimental about the car. Then I started calling friends and found some that could make it part of the way It all worked out great.” The event in which they were participating is called the Lemon Rally. The organizers put on different events throughout the year that encourages people with models that are generally considered lemons or cars that have ended up that way due to time or other factors to join in. The event covers many miles with points awarded (1) at the rally’s start based on the general “hooptieness” of your vehicle, (2) from checkpoints along the route, (3) from assorted (mis)adventures along the way, and (4) through the occasional organized challenges. According to their webpage. This event took place along on Route 66. Before he would start the trip, he would need to make sure his old car, a 1991 Mercury Capri XR2 convertible he purchased his junior year in high school would make the trip. “The engine was fairly advanced for the time period with four valves per cylinder, double overhead cams, aluminum head, and a turbo! It was a peppy little car and a lot of fun to drive. Like any car that sits idle, it needed significant TLC to get back on the road,” recalled Travis.
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Travis and his father representing the Boy Scouts in a local Atlanta Forest Festival Parade in 1995
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After putting that TLC into the car, “The only thing left was the horn,” recalled Travis. “A push of the horn button resulted in aclicking noise under the hood, but the horn wouldn’t blow. I checked the relay and it worked so I found the horn and wired it directly. Like any child of my generation, I watched the Dukes of Hazard growing up. I took this opportunity to replace the factory horn with a series of six air horns that play Dixie. I had to remove the windshield washer reservoir to accommodate the small air compressor and horns but thought it was worth it, I’d just wash the windshield manually like the peasant I am.” “With the car basically sorted, all that was left to do was drive it. I added it to my insurance and drove it periodically on test drives to exercise the car slowly back into service. “My father had always said that the purpose of a vehicle is to get you from point A to point B. I had a hard time reconciling this with him being a “car guy”. I mistakenly thought that this meant he didn’t value the extra features, performance, or style of a vehicle. I was wrong. The two philosophies aren’t mutually exclusive. A vehicle simply ceases to be a vehicle if it cannot take you from point A to point B. That is its core purpose. Everything else is just icing on the cake. A fancy stereo, air conditioning, windows that roll up and down, door locks, and other “standard features” we’ve become accustomed to in our lush society don’t matter if the vehicle fails to accomplish its core mission.” As Travis tells his story it seeps with the stories and guidance of his father. “I can tell you it was hard not to smile when driving that old car. There were moments I got to share a little bit of what I experienced with my father growing up. With each new passenger who rode with me, I got to see them absorb the peculiarities of the car, take it all in, and look to me for assurances that this was “normal.” Each new person who rode in the car with me experienced the shimmy, pop, rattle, stall-
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ing, sputtering or uneasy feeling that the thing might leave us stranded in the middle of nowhere. I got to be the calm guy behind the wheel. Accepting that the car either would or wouldn’t make it but that we’d figure it out either way. That was part of the fun. My whole life growing up was full of moments like that with my father,” said Travis. Finishing the journey and taking the risks to do what is in your heart to do is important to Travis. Just dreaming about what could be is a life lost. “I think I actually learned it a couple years ago when I decided to go to the Indy 500 for the first time. It was the 100th anniversary of the ‘Greatest Spectacle in racing.’ My father and I had watched that race on TV together every year. I don’t know why we never went to see it in person. It just seemed too big a thing. Nothing is too big a thing. If you want to see something, experience something, or accomplish something, don’t wait. Plan it and make it happen. Route 66 was one of those things. I’ve got a list now of many other automotive adventures I want to check off my list. If anything, this trip gave me even more confidence to ‘go confidently in the direction of my dreams and live the life I’ve always wanted.’” As a mayor, that willingness to go, learn and walk it out should pay dividends as a whole community’s future can be learned from the choice communities make regarding the interstate. “I think anytime you can get out of your own pattern of life and experience other communities, towns, people, and cultures you come away with new perspective. It is vitally important that a community and its people be engaged. As we look at the future interstate 69 and all the positive things that could mean for our community, we also must understand unintended consequences. Most importantly, we must be a part of the process. To withdraw and stick our heads in the sand by not participating in the planning process simply abdicates our position.”
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A STEP AT A TIME Local moccasin-makers give hope, change lives By
MIRANDA OGLESBY
B
roncy Donkey Leather Company, a local moccasin business “Hope has been a huge blessing to Ariana,” said Morales. “It has lived run by owners Caroline Blackard and Misti Graham, is chang- up to its name and brought hope back into her life, setting her on a ing lives - step by step - through their partnership with path to greatness!” Hope Ministries, a Mount Pleasant-based nonprofit orga“They have given me the opportunity to work towards “They nization that focuses on providing opportunities for my future and have a much better outcome than I ever women and single mothers. would’ve imagined,” Vega said. have given me Hope Ministries, according to the Broncy DonAccording to a statement on Broncy Donkey’s the opportunity key says they offer a hand up, not a hand out, and, website, “by teaching the women a skill, we are well, it’s true. It’s simple: they provide jobs to some empowering them to earn money with their own to work towards women through Hope Ministries. two hands-literally By telling them our story, we my future.” “I’m blessed to be a part of Hope Ministries and are encouraging them to chase their own dreams. work for Broncy Donkey,” said Ariana Vega. By working so closely with them, we are building Back in 2017, when she was only 17-years-old, Vega relationships that constantly remind us to be humble Ariana Vega and her younger brother lost their mother. Vega’s softenough to know when we need help, thankful for the ball coach at the time, Lydia Morales, introduced her to Hope doors that have been opened to us, and brave enough to get out Ministries. of our comfort zones and seek out bigger and better things!”
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