ALTOGA
ALTOGA
INLAND COLLIN VILLAGE FAMILIES AND SOME OTHER INTERESTING FACTS
Daily Courier Gazette, June 11, 1938
By Mrs. O. S. Scott
The Daily Courier-Gazette and Weekly Democrat-Gazette roving scribe recently
enjoyed a very pleasant visit at Altoga and vicinity. We were accompanied by
Mrs. W. T. Dunn of Dallas, who formerly lived at Altoga for a number of years.
We were guests for a short time in the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Wilcox, a highly esteemed couple. They own the old home place of her parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Dunn, both now deceased. Mrs. Wilcox was formerly Miss Jettie
Dunn. She has one brother, Charlie Dunn, who with his family, reside on North
Church Street in McKinney. Mrs. Wilcox has lived practically all of her life on
this same farm. A modern bungalow farm home now stands on the site of the old
residence. Beautiful blooming roses and shrubbery add charm to the premises of
this attractive home. They have an orchard of improved paper-shell pecans. The
trees are growing nicely and, doubtless, will prove an important asset to the
place in the course of time. Two children bless the home of this worthy couple -
a son, Howell Lee Wilcox, married and lives with his parents. His wife is the
former Miss Coy Dean Sumners, whose acquaintanceship we were happy to make.
Howell Lee holds a position with the Ray Walker Service Station in McKinney. The
other child in the Wilcox home is Miss Ozetta, who is attending the McKinney
High School. The Weekly Democrat-Gazette, Collin County's oldest published
newspaper, now in its fifty-fifth year, is a regular visitor at the Wilcox home
fireside.
We also were visitors for a short time in the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Will
Gerron. The latter was very busy at the time, repapering her home, but she
gladly stopped work to extend welcome and hospitality to us two visitors. John
Will Gerron came with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Gerron, from
the state of Kentucky, when he was at the early age of only fourteen. His
mother, before her marriage, was Miss Clemmie Briggs. His dear old parents are
now both deceased and sleeping the last long sleep in the Altoga Cemetery. Mrs.
Gerron is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Lawson, a worthy old Altoga couple.
Two highly prized cherry trees in the Gerron orchard were recently blown down by
a strong wind, which also stripped several cedar trees in the front yard of a
portion of their limbs. Planks were ripped off of the storm cellar door. The
wind almost reached cyclonic proportions. At the time of the storm Mr. and Mrs.
Gerron were trading in McKinney. When they returned home and discovered the
damage to their orchard and trees, Mrs. Gerron observed that a large pile of
empty cans and other trash piled up ready to be carted away and dumped in some
ravine, had been literally blown away by the storm. Mr. Gerron has three
daughters, all married. They are Mrs. Leslie Brockman, McKinney; Mrs. Elmer
Lawson, Princeton, and Mrs. Jim Ashford, Brownwood.
One of Altoga's most widely known citizens is Sam B. Vermillion. He and his
good wife have a well improved place - the former home of her parents, the late
Rev. and Mrs. Billy Dunn, both of revered memory. Sam B. Vermillion is one of
the several sons of the late J. H. and M. J. Vermillion. His father came from
the state of Tennessee to Texas. His mother was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. B.
Smith, natives of South Carolina. Sam B. Vermillion now resides in five miles of
where he was born. His great-grandfather Smith came from Ireland to America when
his grandmother was a little girl. They crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a sailboat
taking eleven weeks to make the voyage. They landed on the Coast of South
Carolina. While on the voyage, one of the children on board became very ill. A
whale followed the boat for three days before the child died. The captain of the
boat was in great fear that the immense sea monster would overturn their small
boat and all would be lost. The little body was buried at sea after which the
whale never made its appearance again. Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Vermillion were united
in marriage by the latter's father, the late Rev. W. H. (Uncle Billy) Dunn, in
1884. Her maiden name was Theodosia Dunn. For fifty-four years this fine old
couple have happily trod life's pathway together. Their Golden Wedding
Anniversary was observed in a fitting way, four years ago. Mr. and Mrs.
Vermillion have reared a family of exceptionally fine girls and boys, as
follows: Oren Vermillion of Denton, Mrs. G. O. Priest, Mrs. Wilbur Wilson, Mrs.
Eugene Howard, all of Dallas; Mrs. Carl Padgett, now teaching the Enloe School;
Mrs. Homer Cate of Van Alstyne, Mrs. Odus Stiff of Denton, Miss Bonnie
Vermillion, teacher in the Wylie High School; Mark Vermillion on the Dallas
Police Force; Joe Dunn Vermillion, employee of the Magnolia Petroleum Company,
in Dallas. One child passed away in infancy. A few years ago, their residence
caught fire and burned down. It was replaced by a modern frame bungalow in which
they now reside. This splendid old couple love to read and keep up with current
news. They get their home county news through the columns of the Daily
Courier-Gazette, which has long been a regular visitor to their fireside.
We also had the pleasure of visiting in the home of Mrs. J. D. Walker and
Mrs. Ray Walker, located just a short distance from the Vermillion home. These
good friends had prepared a feast of good things to appeal to our appetites -
fried chicken, creamed potatoes, creamed gravy, etc, etc. Mrs. J. D. Walker is
the daughter of the late Rev. W. H. Dunn and wife and the sister of Mrs. Same B.
Vermillion. She has born at Nevada, but has lived all of her life near her
present home. Her husband, the late J. D. Walker, passed away only a few years
ago. Two splendid stalwart sons blessed their union - Jewell Lee Walker and Ray
Walker. The former holds a responsible position with the Magnolia Petroleum
Company, in Dallas, while the latter is with the same oil concern in his own
service station at McKinney. Mrs. Ray Walker is the former Miss Evelyn Gerron.
She and her husband make their home with his widowed mother. At the time of our
visit, the Walker home was undergoing some substantial improvements, including a
new shingle roof and a new sleeping porch. Other improvements were added, which
will mean more conveniences for the future. Ray Walker is having the woodwork
nicely repainted and the rooms repapered.
The last W. H. (Uncle Billy) Dunn was born, November 28, 1843, in Murray
County, Georgia, being the son of Rev. Giles Dunn, known as "Pappy"
Dunn, who lived to be ninety-three years old when he passed away in March 1913 -
now twenty-five years ago. He died at Altoga. Rev. W. H. Dunn was converted at
the age of eleven and early in boyhood experienced the call to the ministry and
became one of the most beloved Baptist ministers of our county. He was married
to Miss Nancy M. Carter in 1862. He gallantly served in the Confederate Army
during the Civil War. He was captured and taken prisoner with many others and
held in prison for twenty-three months. He was a close student of the Bible and
began preaching during the period he was held a prisoner. He and his wife came
to Texas and settled in Wood County, in 1869, later moving to Arkansas for the
benefit of his health, where he resided for four years. They then returned to
Texas and settled in Rockwall County, in January, 1877. They moved to Altoga,
Collin County, in 1879, where they remained permanently the remainder of their
life, except short periods of resident at Meritt, and then, at Greenville. These
locations were more convenient to the points where he was preaching. He traveled
widely over this entire section on horseback, or in a buggy, serving various
Baptist churches, as pastor. His remuneration was very meager. He and his father
were pioneer Baptist ministers, who paved the way for the earlier settlement of
our state with a high class, moral, honest, upright, Christian citizenship.
Methods of transportation were crude, indeed, in those horse-and-buggy days,
when good roads and autos were unknown. His ever cheerful spirit and great heart
of love drew about him many friendships and devoted love from both young and
old. All loved Uncle Billy Dunn as he was familiarly known. He continued active
in the ministry of the Baptist Church until his health began to fail. His last
ministry was at Viney Grove No. 1 Schoolhouse, then he passed away, in 1921, at
the age of seventy-eight years. A few months later, the Dunn Memorial Baptist
Church was erected adjacent to the campus of Viney Grove No. 1 School. This
splendid big frame country church was named in his honor and stands today as a
memorial to his memory and life work for His Master and humanity. His good wife
survived him for several years and then also passed on to her rich reward. Rev.
Billy Dunn and wife were the parents of seven children, as follows: Lee Dunn,
who died at the age of thirty-two; Rev. E. G. Dunn, died, in 1935. The other
children survive as follows: Rev. M. M. Dunn of Melbourne, Arkansas; Dr. W. T.
Dunn of Dallas, Mrs. Sam B. Vermillion and Mrs. J. E. Walker, both of Altoga.
Another pretty farm home in the Altoga community is that of Mr. and Mrs. Lee
Stiff, both natives of our county, he being a son of the late J. T. Stiff and
wife and a grandson of the late Uncle Henry stiff, one of Collin County's
earliest pioneers. Mrs. Lee Stiff is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. B.
Vermillion of Altoga. This thrifty young couple are getting along happily in
life and have one of the prettiest farms in this section of the county. Mr.
Stiff complained to us that crows were pulling up his young corn to a very
damaging extent. It made it necessary to replant some of his crop.
When we drew up to the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Ray, they were quite busy in
their early spring garden. Theirs is the old homeplace of the late Woodson
Mantooth and his good wife. The latter couple came to Texas from Tennessee and
resided in the Altoga community for a number of years. They were parents of four
children. Twin sons died in infancy. Those still living are: Dr. J. T. Mantooth
of Melissa and Miss Hattie Mantooth, now the present Mrs. Ray. Among other
things we took note of at this friendly, well cared for home and premises was
one of the largest Bois-d'Aarc trees that we have every seen. It is about thirty
years old and makes a wonderful shade in hot mid-summer weather. It is a prized
asset of the Ray home. Another tree, a pear, was shown us that was set out in
1912. It is a prolific tree, and its fruits, which seldom fails, is of a high
quality. The tree is already heavily leaded at this early time in the spring.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray are the parents of the following children: Mrs. Foster Arie of
Celina, Mrs. George Porter of Prosper, Willie Ray of Cold Springs, Charlie Ray
of Blue Ridge, Johnny Ray of Anna and Mrs. Weldon Reed of McKinney.
The hospitable home of George Moreland and wife was also visited by the
writer, and we were made to feel doubly welcome. The man of the house is a son
of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jim Moreland, early settlers of the Altoga community.
Mrs. George Moreland is a daughter of Mrs. W. F. Nitcholas of White Rock. She is
the very competent correspondent of the Daily Courier-Gazette and Weekly
Democrat-Gazette here at Altoga, having served in this capacity for several
years. Mr. and Mrs. Ray Stephenson were visiting in the Moreland home at the
time of our call, and we were very happy to form their acquaintanceship. Only a
few days before our call, this young couple had lost their home by fire, saving
only a small portion of their household goods and other contents. Thomas another
son, is at home. Delmer Stephenson lives in Houston, and Mrs. Otho J. Nitcholas
live, at Santa Monica, California. Her husband is a professional baseball
pitcher.
Altoga Baptist Church has long been established. Its present pastor is Rev.
Lester Davis of Gunter, who is serving his first year on that charge. A new
church has been erected and will soon be dedicated. The lumber from the old
church was sold. The new building has a large auditorium with five Sunday School
classrooms that can be opened up on special occasions, and which greatly add to
the seating capacity of the building. Mrs. W. T. Dunn of Dallas, a former member
of the Altoga Church and a loyal Christian worker, has donated chairs for the
Primary Room. A large eight-day clock in the church is the gift of Mr. and Mrs.
Ernest Lawson of Houston, former members of this Church. We were informed that
it was through the generosity of Mr. Lawson, who tithes and gave the first $300
to the new church, that the new building was made possible. The church is
comfortably seated and is heated by kerosene heaters. J. W. Gerron is
Superintendent of the Sunday School, which has an average attendance of sixty.
Ross Moreland is Choir Director. Mrs. Geo. Moreland is Church Clerk, and Miss
Emogene Baxter is Treasurer. Mrs. J. A. Carson holds the Presidency of the
Woman's Missionary Society and the Vice-President is Mrs. Hattie Baxter, while
Mrs. Alice Stiff holds the place of Secretary-Treasurer in the Sunday School.
School facilities of Altoga embrace a three-teacher schoolhouse. It is a very
creditable school building with Prof. Clement Alexander as Principal and Mrs.
Alexander and Miss Gladys Shelton as Assistant Teachers. The latter is serving
her fifth year as teacher in the Altoga School, while Prof. And Mrs. Alexander
are serving their third consecutive term. The enterprising School Board consists
of O. L. Ray, B. C. Terrell and Troy Lawson.
We regretted to find Mr. and Mrs. Carl Dunn absent from home when we called
to see them, but we have the pleasure of meeting their fine young daughter, Miss
Frances, who graciously welcomed us. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn reside in the old home of
his parents, Dr. and Mrs. W. T. Dunn. He was reared in this home, being the
eldest son of the latter couple now living in Dallas. His father was the
youngest son of the late Rev. and Mrs. W. H. Dunn. Mrs. W. T. Dunn was formerly
Miss Maude Foy of McKinney. Mrs. Carl Dunn was formerly Miss Leta Moreland,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John K. Moreland. Carl Dunn and wife are the parents of
five children - Frances, Glen, Charles, Kenneth and Von Ray. All these children
are pupils in the Altoga School.
ALTOGA COMMUNITY HAS HAD A COLORFUL
CAREER FOR MORE HALF CENTURY
McKinney Daily Courier Gazette, June 11, 1938
But Like All
Other Smaller Towns And Villages It Has Declined As A Trading And Marketing
Center With The coming Of Pike Roads And Autos — Postoffice Discontinued In 1937
— Patrons Served By R. F. D. No. 3, McKinney — Interesting History Of Baptist
Church Which Was Organized 46 Years Ago.
This scribe and
our friends, Mrs. W. T. Dunn of Dallas, recently attended a shower in honor of
Mrs. Herschel Farley, given in the home of Prof. Clement Alexander, Principal of
the Altoga School. Mrs. Alexander was a most gracious hostess. Some very
interesting diversions were introduced by Mrs. Virgie Lacy that contributed to
the interest and zest of this social gathering.
Refreshments
were served to the following guests present: Mrs. Chas. Cantrell, Mrs. Lillie
Lawson, Mrs. Chas. Ray and daughter, Mrs. H. R. Gray of Blue Ridge, Route One;
Mrs. V. D. Watkins, Mrs. Jesse Bates, Mrs. C. W. Gerron, Mrs. Flora Ellen
Carson, Mrs. Nora Carson, Mrs. S. B. Vermillion, Mrs. J. D. Walker, Mrs. Ona
Farley, Mrs. Herschel Farley, Mrs. Virgie Lacy, Mrs. Ray Walker, Miss Gladys
Shelton, Mrs. Clement Alexander, the hostess, and the writer and Mrs. W. T. Dunn
of Dallas, also, Mrs. J. L. Alexander, Mrs. D. L. Ramsey, Mrs. Lester Greer,
Mrs. Alice Alexander, Mrs. W. O. Ramsey of Valdasta and Mrs. Louie Craft. The
occasion was greatly enjoyed and was one that will be pleasantly remembered by
all who were so fortunate as to be present.
***
While on this visit in the Altoga community we called at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. J. B. Vermillion. The good lady of the house is the daughter of the late
Mr. and Mrs. Eli Watkins. Her mother’s maiden name was Betty Commons. Her family
came to Texas from Tennessee when she was only twelve years old and settled
where John Watkins now lives in Altoga, fifty-two years ago. J. B. Vermillion,
the husband, is a son of the late Rev. J. H. and M. J. Vermillion, an honored
pioneer couple of this section of our county. Another one of their sons, Sam B.
Vermillion, also lives on his farm in this immediate community where J. B.
Vermillion has lived all of his life. Another one of the Vermillion brothers,
Rev. Henry F. Vermillion is one of the most widely known Baptist ministers of
Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Still another one of the brothers,
Marvel L. Vermillion, is a substantial farmers, whose place is located in the
village of Westminster, where he is serving as Mayor. Still another one of the
brothers J. J. Vermillion, is a jeweler and well-known citizen of Nevada in
Southeast Collin. Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Vermillion have reared the following
children. Mrs. Les Boyer and Mrs. S. D. Patton, both of Aloa, Wood County,
Texas; Rev. Leslie Vermillion pastor of the Baptist Church at DeKalb and Avery,
Texas; Mrs. Elbert Evans, Mrs. Beatrice Lawson, Mrs. Lee Stiff, Henry and
Johnnie Vermillion, all getting their mail on R. F. D. No. 3, McKinney. Mr. and
Mrs. Vermillion are also very proud of their three grandsons, who are regularly
ordained Baptist ministers. These are Rev. Cleo Evans, a pastor at Revanna,
Arkansas; Rev. Leland Vermillion attends college at Marshall, Texas, while Rev.
Alton Patton, who is in college at Waco and recently pastor of the Baptist
Church at Bright Star in Wood County for three years. Mrs. J. B. Vermillion
takes great pride and pleasure in piecing quilts of various colors and designs
and quilting them. She frequently sells one of thee choice quilts of her own
making to some admiring friend who wishes to buy them. An assortment of
beautiful flowers at this season of the year brightens and ornaments the yard of
the J. B. Vermillion home. Flowers of almost every hue and color were to be seen
and they add cheerfulness and beauty to this happy home premises.
***
Altoga was a Post Office for a half-century until its discontinuance by orders
from the national capital, Washington, D. C., effective August 14, 1937. The
last Postmaster was Chas. S. Chaffin, who served several years in that capacity,
and who is continuing his mercantile business. Altoga and surrounding thickly
populated section is served now by John A. Lacy, Rural Route Carrier on Route 3,
McKinney. Altoga was formerly an important mercantile and trading center for
many years. However, the coming of good roads and auto travel served to decrease
the town’s importance in these respects, people going to larger towns to do
their selling and trading. These things explain the decline of Altoga as a
trading point as have been the fate of almost all other small villages of the
nation during the last twenty years.
***
The Altoga Baptist Church was organized May 14, 1892 at the Stiff Chapel
Schoolhouse, three or four miles north of here. The Presbytery was composed of
Elders J. S. Cameron, W. H. Roland and J. H. Vermillion. The sermon was
delivered by Rev. Giles Dunn, father of the late Rev. W. H. Dunn. The Moderator
elected was J. S. Cameron and Church Clerk, W. H. Roland. A total of thirty-six
presented themselves as charter members. Two of these charter members still
living are Mrs. Beulah Lovelady of Altoga and Mrs. Ella Warden of Princeton.
Rev. J. S. Cameron was the first pastor and the late T. J. Moreland was elected
Church Clerk. In the summer of 1895, the church was built on land donated by the
late Isaac T. Moreland. In 1896 the Sunday School was organized with P. R. McGee
as Superintendent. At that time, the late Rev. W. H. Dunn was pastor. On the
fourth Sunday in July, 1900, the church house was dedicated to the Lord, the
dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. J. S. Cameron. At that time J. B.
Vermillion was Church Clerk. The rapid increase in membership made it necessary
to enlarge the building in 1904.
According to some historical information compiled and published sometime ago, by
Miss Emogene Baxter, the following statement, thereof was given by her: “Many
sacred memories cluster about the church. Many social hours have passed away
here. Many changes have taken place in forty-five years. More than 1,000 members
have had their name on the church roll. Many have moved away and a large number
have joined the “Heavenly Home Coming.”
“On these sacred grounds our children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends have
found Jesus. Preachers, singers and workers have gone out from this church. A
number of our boys have been licensed to preach. Among those are Willie
Moreland, Bert Lovelady, Mark Vermillion, Leslie Vermillion, Nat Farley and Cleo
Evans. Bro. Leslie Vermillion and Bro. Nat Farley have been ordained to the full
work of the ministry. Rev. H. A. Zimmerman, who with his wife, were members of
this church, is a missionary to Brazil.
“Twenty-six preachers have served us as pastors here. All of whom were good men.
Each filled his place and was loved and honored by the community. They were:
J. S. Cameron, deceased, served from 1892 to 1895 - 3 years.
B. L. Lough, deceased, served from 1895 to 1896 - 1 year.
W. H. Dunn, deceased, served from 1896 to 1897 - 1 year.
C. E. Morgan, deceased, served from 1897 to 1899 - 2 years.
J. S. Cameron, deceased, served from 1900 to 1901 - 1 year.
J. B. Wilbanks, deceased, served from 1901 to 1903 - 2 years.
B. A. Hall, Los Angeles, California, served from 1903 to 1905 - 2 years.
B. D. Griffin, deceased, served 1906 to 1907 - part of one year.
A. L. Boyd served 1907 to 1908 - part of one year.
George Dale, Oklahoma, served 1908 to 1912 - 4 years.
W. T. Newsome, Pike, served 1912 to 1913 - 1 year.
W. H. Dunn, deceased, served 1914 to 1915 - 1 year.
J. R. Hilger, Greenville, served 1915 to 1920 - 5 years.
A. H. Ethridge, deceased, served 1920 to 1923 - 3 years.
H. A. Zimmerman, New Mexico, served 1923 to 1924 - 1 year.
A. M. Harrington, Arkansas, served 1924 to 1925 - 1 year.
E. P. West, deceased, served November 1925 to May 1926 - 7 months.
J. R. Hilger, served 1926 to 1927 - 1 year.
W. O. Majors, Greenville, served 1928 to 1929 - 1 year.
T. H. McSpedden, served 1929 to 1930 - 1 year.
Kermit McLugin served January 4, 1931 to February 15, 1931 - 1 and one-half
months.
A. Novak served 1931 to 1932 - part of 2 years.
E. E. Gilbert, Mount Olive, served 1932 to 1934 - 2 years.
A. W. Cunningham, Culleoka, served May 1935 to September 1935 - 4 months.
G. B. Airhart, McKinney, served September 1935 to March 1936 - 7 months.
Leslie Davis, Fort Worth, served 1936 to 1937 - 1 year.
“Long live the
country church from which comes most of the preachers and teachers. Also a large
part of the membership of the city churches comes from the country church. May
the little country churches we love ever be a light house and a sacred place.
May they live on and one. May their doors never close is our prayer.”
Altoga business concerns at the present (1938) time are owned and operated by
the following: Louis Collins grocery store and service station. C. S. Chaffin,
grocery store, notions and gas. F. D. Ray, blacksmith shop and tin shop. John
Watkins owns and manages the Altoga Gin. Noah Hale operates the Altoga Barger
Shop.
Altoga had a bank for a number of years and also had some very large general
mercantile businesses in the old “horse-and-buggy days.
ALTOGA BAND
History.
The Altoga Band was organized in 1900 and was officially known as the Altoga
Cornet Band of Collin County. Prof. W. S. Smith was the first band director. He
had previously organized and led the Chambersville band in 1897, and had taught
school at Chambersville (9 yrs) and Melissa (6 yrs) before teaching at Altoga
(15 yrs at Altoga?).
The band’s reputation was known throughout North Texas, and according to Bob
Lawson, the last surviving member, summer concerts were booked a year in
advance. The band won first place in Galveston in 1914 competing against 13 of
the best bands in Texas.
The band practiced each Sunday from 2 - 4 p.m. in the W. O. W. Lodge Hall
located over Anderson’s General Store in Altoga. After the store burned in 1923,
practice was resumed in the Altoga State Bank. Prof. Smith was the band leader
from 1900 until 1915. W. T. Dunn was band leader from 1915 to 1926. (One band
picture purported to have been taken in 1902 shows Dick Carson as the band
leader.) The band disbanded in 1929.
The number of bank members varied from time to time but it was usually a 12- to
15-piece band. The band played concerts, picnics, political rallies (they say
Sam Rayburn wouldn’t go without the band), and numerous “monument
unveilings.”... The following article appeared in the McKinney Weekly Democrat
Gazette, September 26, 1907:
“A double Woodman unveiling took place Sunday afternoon at Chambliss by the
Altoga and Ardath Camps which was attended by about 1000 people. The monuments
were unveiled to the memory of deceased sovereigns Luther M. Lovelady and Joseph
Jordan. Prof. T. D. Simpson, Consul commander of Altoga Camp, and W. N. Strode
of Ardath Camp officiated. Miss Zora Thompson recited the poem. The Altoga band
furnished the music. Special vocal music was also furnished by some excellent
speakers. Senators A. P. Berrett of Bonham and Tom W. Perkins of McKinney made
the addresses.”
Band members from time to time included:
Sy Allen, Arthur Bagwell, R. S. “Bob” Braswell, Jim Carson, John A. “Dick”
Carson, Clarence Cox, Vester Cox, Johnny Crabb, Charlie Drake, Milt Crake,
George C. Dugan, Charlie C. Dunn, Daniel C. Dunn, W. T. “Will” Dunn, Clint
Farley, Ralph Frazier, Noah Hale, Curtis Hurt, Inman Hurt, Walter Lacy, Wilford
E. Lacy, A. M. “Rowe” Lawson, R. T. “Bob” Lawson, Russell C. Lawson, Emil
Martin, L. E. “Ed” Massey, Charlie C. Moreland, J. C. “Pryer” Moreland, Ross
Moreland, Ross Orenduff, Grover O. Priest, Luther D. Ray, W. S. Smith, Jim
Stone, Hirma Vance, Oren Vermillion, John D. Walker, and K. D. “Dave” Watkins.
The following article appeared in the Weekly Democrat Gazette, Thursday August
3, 1911 (included pictures of band members with their instruments). The caption
read: “Famous Band Engaged For Big McKinney Picnic.”
....
SKETCH OF MEMBERS
Prof. W. S. Smith, leader of the Altoga band, is a citizen of Melissa and
principal of the Melissa High School. He was formerly a resident at
Chambersville, having charge of the public school at that place, and was also
organizer and leader of the Chambersville band during the eight years of its
existence. Prof. Smith began the study of music at the age of 18, his first
instrument being an alto which he played in his home band back in old Kentucky.
Dr. W. T. Dunn is the son of old Collin, his home being at Altoga. Graduating
several years ago from a Dallas medical college, Dr. Dunn was a practitioner in
East Texas for two or three years, finally settling in his home town, where he
is progressively engaged in the drug and grocery business, besides being cashier
of the Altoga bank. During the early existence of the Altoga band, Dr. Dunn was
noted as a baritone manipulator, later becoming solo cornetist in the same
organization, which place he fills today. He has a heart as large as a Waterbury
watch.
Bob Braswell, clarinetist, is a thrifty young farmer residing about a mile and a
half north of Altoga. He is one of the charter members of the organization, his
first instrument being the alto. Dandy fellow, “Bob.”
Prior Moreland, also one of the first members of the band, is the owner of a
fine black-land farm in the Altoga community. He has acted in the capacity of
solo cornetist since the band was first organized, and is conceded to be one of
the smoothest manipulators of this particular instrument in the state. He never
knows when to say ‘quit.’
Ross Orenduff, the crack slide tromboneist who makes the natives sit up and take
notice, especially when playing ‘Sliding Jim” and “Palm Garden Rag’ is
considered second to none in this part of the country. During the past two
years, Ross has been a member of Koch’s orchestra in McKinney and his ability is
clean-cut. He makes his home with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Orenduff, of
the Trinity community. Visit the big picnic and hear Ross Orenduff’s fancy
stunts; it’s worth the money.
The Two ‘Drummer Boys,’ Russell Lawson and Wilford Lacy represent the drum
contingency in the band and have successfully rapped the sheep-skin for a number
of years. Mr. Lawson resides with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lawson at Ardath.
Mr. Lacy is a prominent young farmer of the Altoga community. They know their
business.
Charlie Dunn, second trombone, formerly played tenor in the Band. he is a most
able musician and has few equals. Mr. Dunn is a well-known young farmer of
Altoga, having been born and reared in Collin county. He slides em, too.
Clint Farley, a young farmer who makes his home with his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
John Farley, old settlers of the Stiff Chapel community, is the man who blows
the tuba, and has but few equals as a producer of soft, perfect tones on the
big’un, popping over with wind every time.
Walter Lacy, who is at present a salesman in the drug and grocery establishment
of Dr. W. T. Dunn at Altoga, takes care of the second alto horn in the band. his
splendid work speaks for itself. Dandy boy, and a blower, too.
Dave Watkins, formerly first cornetist and at present third alto in the band, is
a member of the Watkins, Mantooth & Anderson Dry Goods and Grocery establishment
at Altoga. He is interested in several farms in that community and has only
recently completed a beautiful home in Altoga. His support of the soloists is
important and commendable.
Prof. Grover Priest, first alto in the band, is an experienced school teacher,
having taught in the schools at Melissa, Climax, Altoga and New Life, which last
named school he had charge of during the last term. Prof. Priest has had two
years training in leading medical universities of the state. Prof. Priest’s
position in the band is indispensable.
Luther Ray, the expert baritone soloist, formerly handled tenor horn in the
organization, but for the past five years has had charge of the baritone
section. Mr. Ray is a prominent young farmer, living about one mile west of
Altoga. His work as soloist is well known over this part of the country. He
never ‘lays down.’
ALTOGA MERCHANTS
History.
Anderson, F. Herbert - postmaster, bank officer,
gen store; Anderson, Richard - general mercantile; Boyer, Ab - blacksmith;
Boyer, Dan M. - blacksmith; Boyer, Les - restaurant; Boyer, Wylie - shoe shop;
Cameron, Lawson - gen store; Carson, C.W. - blacksmith; Chafin, Chas. Scott -
gen merchandise, postmaster; Christian, Dedric C. - postmaster, gen store;
Collins, Claude A. - grocery store; Collins, L. B. - gin; Collins, Lewis -
grocery and station; Dillion, Beaver - blacksmith; Dobbs, Dr. S.J. - physician,
gen store; Dunn, Carl F. - shoe store, gen store; Dunn, Charlie C. - postmaster,
grocery, ice house; Dunn, Henry - grist mill; Dunn, J. C. “Cal” - gen store,
postmaster; Dunn, W. T. “Will” - bank, gin, druggist; Dunn, W. T. - dry goods?,
postmaster?; Dunn, Winston H. - gro store; Evans, Royce - grocery store; Farley,
Henry - barber; Griffin, Ira L. - garage; Hale, John - gen store; Hale, Noah -
barber; Hale, Wash - gen store; Henry, O.G. - gen merchandise, gro; Hinton,
Charlie - barber; Hinton, Jethro (J.B.?); Lacy, Wilford E. - gro, picture show;
Lawson, John E. - postmaster, gen store; Lowery, Fred - grocery store; Mantooth,
Albert - gen merchandise; Mantooth, Allen - gen store (1900), telephone
exchange?; Mantooth, John T. - physician, bank officer, gen store; Mantooth,
Wootson - gin, store; Martin, Lonnie - barber; Massey, L. E. - gen merchandise;
Moore, W. “Bill” - gen store; Moreland, James A. - gen store, postmaster; Ownbey,
M.S. “Doe” - gen store; Phillips, John A. - gen store; Phillips, W.R. - gen
store; Poe, John - grocery store; Pope, Bunn - garage; Porter, Sam W. - general
store; Ray, Frank D. - blacksmith, garage, groceries; Ray, Luther - ice cream
parlor?; Ray. O. L. “Jack” - grocery store; Reese, Rassie - picture show (school
teacher); Rucker, Clarence M. - postmaster, gen store; Rucker, Henry - ; Rucker,
W.E. - physician; Rucker, William H. - postmaster, gen store; Shindler, A.B.
“Ben’- blacksmith; Shindler, John? “Jake’ - blacksmith; Stiff, Odus - garage;
Swindel, Green - grocery? and café?; Vance, Calvin - ?; Vance, Will - ;
Vermillion, Oren - garage, blacksmith; Warden, Charlie - blacksmith; Watkins,
John - gen store, postmaster, gin; Watkins, K. D. Dave - gen merchandise;
Whitson, Welborn - postmaster, bank officer, gen store?
The following may have been Altoga merchants/businessmen : ??
Driggers, G. L. - blacksmith?; Graves, G. G.; Lawson, W. A.; Lawson, Rowe;
Lindsey, J. H. - ; Lovelady, Wm Lee - gin; McComic, H.C. - gen store; Mounger,
R. P. - gen store; Rutledge & Bridgefarmer; Smart, J. H.; Smith, J. J; Smith,
James; Stephenson, James P.; Thompson, J. M. - banker?; Wright, E. L. -
physician; Terrell, W. T.; Cowan, Lonzo; Clark, G. D.; Phillips, J. D.; Cullers,
J. M.; Henry, G. F.
ROBBERS WRECK AND LOOT BANK VAULT AT ALTOGA
McKinney Courier, September 7, 1912
Two Men Are Supposed to Have Been Implicated In the Midnight Job. Only $1,200
Secured.
Between 1 and 2 o’clock this morning the bank of Altoga
was wricked by dynamite and all the funds in the bank, at the time, which
amounted to $1,200, secured by robbers, who made good their escape, leaving no
clue as to their identity.
The bank is located in the general merchandise store of Dr. W. T. Dunn, who is
cashier of the bank. The institution is an unincorporated concern, but is
thoroughly responsible, and has always done a good business. Considerable of the
stock is owned by McKinney people, president L. A. Scott of the Collin County
National Bank, being one of the principal stockholders. Through Mr. Scott it is
learned that the bank’s loss will amount to about $1,200, which was all the
money in the bank at the time of the robbery. This loss, he states, will be made
good to the depositors, as the bank was fully protected by insurance. Even if
this had not been the case, the depositors would not sustain any loss, as they
would be paid in full to the amount of their deposits by the stockholders.
The robbers, of which it is believed there were only two, evidently had hoped to
make a clean get-away before the alarm could be given to other places. They had
cut, as they supposed, all the telephone wires entering Altoga, but evidently
was not well acquainted with the local conditions, as they left one, and really
the most important, line intact.
The explosion which wrecked the vault, and threw the door of the inner safe a
distance of one hundred feet through the wall of the building and into another
nearby house, aroused a number of citizens, among them Mr. Dunn. They hurriedly
dressed and went to the bank, where they found the place open, the vault torn up
and the money gone. The unimpaired telephone line was put into service and such
officers as could be reached at the surrounding towns were notified. Owing to
the fact that telephone connection could not be secured with the sheriff nor any
of his deputies at their homes, it was some time before they could be reached.
City Marshal McReynolds of Princeton was one of the first officers aroused, and
he immediately began a watch in his town. At about 4 o’clock, the telephone
operator and night agent for the Katy railroad at Princeton, saw a man emerge
from underneath the cotton wharf at his station and walk around near the depot,
seemingly on a tour of inspection of the telegraph and telephone cables. He then
returned to the cotton wharf. Marshall McReynolds soon after discovered two men
stealing away from the wharf, and when they failed to respond to his command to
halt, he fired several shots at them, but does not believe that he struck either
one of them. In their flight, however, they dropped a tow sack, which, upon
examination was found to contain a small tin bucket, a sealed baking powder can,
some sticks of dynamite, small bit of fuse, a loaf of rye bread, and some
cheese. The tin bucket was identified by Cashier Dunn as one which had been in
his store. This plainly connects the two men fired upon by City Marshal
McReynolds with the robbery at Altoga.
In their flight from Princeton the men went southeast in the direction of
Culleoka, since which time they have not been heard from.
As soon as connections could be had with the sheriff’s office, Sheriff
Robertson, Deputy Burgess, Constable Will Kerby, City Marshal John McKinney,
Night Watchman Jim Barnett, Deputy Constable Pete Hinslee and Tom Chambliss left
for the scene in three autos, owned by Dr. Knight, C. J. Smith and Joe Burger.
They arrived at the scene at about 5:30, but found slight clues on which to
work. City Marshal McKinney and Constable Kerby immediately secured horses, and
started in the direction which the men had taken. Nothing has been heard from
these officers, hence it is believed that they are on the trail of the robbers,
and will follow it until they make a capture.
Officers at all the surrounding towns have been notified, and are on the alert.
The county officers are also scouring the country, and there seems to be little,
if any chance for the robbers to get away.
Altoga Baptist Church
Altoga Cemetery
Communities
Index
- Recommended citation:
-
"Altoga - Collin County Communities,"
Collin County, Texas History and Genealogy Webpage by Genealogy Friends of
Plano Libraries, Inc., <http://www.geocities/genfriendsghl>
[Accessed Fri February 13 13:37:28 US/Central 2004 ].
|
