Advice

John as a young man

Here is the first character in the story, the recipient of this letter.  He was not quite twenty when he received it from his older and wiser sister-in-law, Tillie.

Could this be the “angel” with whom John was smitten?

This is Beulah Howerton, likely the Beulah mentioned in the letter. She, or her sister, are the likely “Miss Howerton” mentioned in the letter. She was later married to ‘Sherd’, brother of John, in about 1885. My grandmother was born to them a year later.

Bessie was the first wife of Clarence Volney Cavitt, brother of John, and born in 1855. They married in her home of Goodland County, Virginia, but she died a few years later, and is buried at Wheelock, Texas. She is surely the Bessie mentioned in the letter.

The other person mentioned in the letter, Clara, is the second-youngest sibling of John.

The stage is set for this surprising letter from Tillie to her young brother-in-law.  He is in school in Clarksville, Tennessee, while she, a widow of eight years, with a young son, Norman, is living in her in-laws’  home territory of Bryan, Texas.

Feb. 24, 1883

Bryan

Dear John-

Thanks for your kind letter.  No sweeter balm to human woes was ever offered than is an act of loving remembrance, to me.  Kindness is the Good of life, the elixir of joy, unkindness, starvation, or worse far  ‘tis the poison that embitters all.

I was sorry to hear of your illness- tho’ not surprised for I had heard through Beulah’s letters that you were studying very closely.  These written examinations are so taxing to the student.  They draw so heavily on his emotional nervous system as well as upon his mind that I doubt whether their advantages over-balance their disadvantages.  I trust you passed with honor.  Doubtless you know ere this your standing.

At first ere I had opened your letter I thought it was a valentine- when I had read it, I concluded you had outstepped time and written me an April Fool.  But more serious reflection convinced me that there may an inkling of truth in your astounding proposition.  The one fact that makes me believe this is a remembrance that you and I generally communed in earnest, however much we might jest with others.  Mother tried to joke me by telling me you were going to bring “a girl” home with you, but I fortunately remembered Miss Howerton’s visit in time to escape the trap of words she had so cunningly laid.  She certainly is “a girl”, but could not be termed ‘a better half;’ and besides I know her to be a decided “cookist”- so she certainly is not the “congenial companion” to begin a “retired country life” with.  So there is some one else, “a dearer one yet, and a nearer one” whom you are promising to bring to Texas for me to love.  “Love the one you do,” indeed in deed I will, knowing that your choice would only be satisfied with the noble, the true, the beautiful.  But, oh, John however worthy she may be, however tempting may be the thought of having your cares brightened by her dear presence, be warned, by the past, and remember too the vows you have made of single misery, till prepared for double happiness.  You feel “like a man”, but you are not one, the feeling is an illusion.  You are only a serious, unlocated youth whose life for many years has been shielded by college walls and a kind father’s providence, from the toils, cares, and provision for the wants of life.  Were you married your father would probably keep you waiting longer than you wished ere you could become located, and then you would wish all that had been settled before there were two instead of one, to exist upon uncertain till.  Sherd is getting very impatient himself- in spite of his long sickness and great weakness, to “know what he is going to do”.

“What would Father think of it”?  I am sure I cannot say- pray ask him and let me know.  Doubtless have an “angel” for a daughter in law would be an inducement few men could resist- and he, wise and prudent as he may be, would probably yield to the honor, if you presented it as forcibly to him as you did to me.  By the way written descriptions are charming, but pictured images are more to the point.  Why did you not enclose one that I might feast my eyes upon your celestial charmer?  May I guess why?  You remember two pictures we saw last summer and that Sherd and Clara both have photos of a certain charming dainty little lady.  Am I not right?  Now pray write me a serious unequivocal and not ambiguous letter when you have read these uncertain pages; and let me know if you really are in earnest- if I really am to look out for my “next sister in law” my last too remember that.  It may alter some of my plans if that be the case.  I don’t think I ever wrote you that Maria was thinking again of coming out with you this summer.  It’s all talk tho, I expect.

What about the trouble with your Prof.  I am curious to know what you could have disagreed with him about on the two topics concerning a teacher’s jurisdiction- study and deportment.  Which one of the belligerent parties was “apt to get into unpleasant situations” when a renewal of the subject & there again your words were so subtly woven as to leave me in doubt, which had been the offender.

Now let me acknowledge the same sad predicament.  Yesterday I was summoned before the board of Trustees to receive from various parties such a character as makes me unwilling to retain my position- consequently tomorrow I hand in my resignation.  In times past this would have been a bitter disappointment, but alas, I have received in the latter days of my life such severe cruel lessons, as to human expectations, especially where we have most right to realize them, that I just take it, that is all.  Now don’t mention this unless I write you again, for I may not resign.

Norman is well and delighted with his letter- the corrections are all his own.  He does well in school except in writing.

I enjoyed my first visit out home last week going out to Sherd’s and Mary’s birthday.  The dear old place seems just the same except for Mrs. Feeny’s absence.  I missed her so much, and John, I was shocked at the change in her prim tidy room.  Clara had it for hers and such laughing, chatting, romping and general uproariousness as took place in it, was enough to bring her ghost back to stop matters.  Clara says she feels no better.  I do not think she looks as well as when she returned from Va.

Bessie will be home soon, I trust permanently restored.

All are well.  We are much exercised about the Smallpox which is at Hearne, Hempstead, and in the Bottom.  Ne’theless we are actually preparing to celebrate Mardigras in our little city.  Is not that a rise in the world?

Love to Tom and Mark. I never hear of the latter, what is he doing?

Truly dear John, do I pray that in all things you may know the right and knowing, dare maintain, whether it be in connection with your ladylove or your Prof.

God bless you dear, and keep you a comfort, a stay to us all.

Lovingly, Sister.

Now that you’ve read Tillie’s letter, can anyone tell me what Tillie meant by calling Miss Howerton a “cookist”?

Another interesting term is “unlocated”.  By this she means ‘not yet having decided on a profession or line of work’.

Sherd is short for Sheridan, my great-grandfather.  He had a twin sister, Mary Ann.  When Tillie refers to going “out home”, she means John’s parents’ home, Elm Grove.

I wonder if the Maria she mentions possibly coming with John from Tennessee to visit Tillie is actually Tillie’s sister?  And I wonder if Tom and Mark are Tillie’s brothers back in Tennessee?

One School Student to Another

This letter is in a beautiful hand on cartridge paper stationery.  The envelope bears a 2-cent stamp.

It is addressed to Mr. Norman Cavitt, c/o Mrs. Hall, at Austin College in Sherman, Texas from Ruth Cavitt at Bellewood Seminary in Kentucky.  Although she refers to him as ‘cousin’, Ruth and Norman were second cousins whose grandfathers, Volney Cavitt and Josephus Cavitt, respectively, were brothers.  Both families lived in Texas, but sent most of their offspring away for education.  Ruth is a sister of Florence Cavitt, who also wrote letters to Norman from Bellewood.  I get the feeling that Ruth and Norman didn’t correspond all that often, since this letter is a bit impersonal.

Please note that I provide a link to the Austin College website, which explains “Reveille”.  A further look at these linked history pages provides background to the conditions experienced by the recipient of this simple letter.

Bellewood Sem.

May 3, 1894

Dear Cousin,

Do not bless us out because we don’t write oftener, for we write as often to you as we find time to write to any one.  Rec’d the last ‘Reveille” for which many thanks.  The other girls enjoy them as much as we do.  I noticed Mr. Boone’s name mentioned several times; he seems to be very prominent in the column of Locals.

Florence, Lottie and I have been talking about next summer when she will visit us.

Florence and I have been looking at a picture that reminds us of Mr. Boone and Mattie that day in the boat.  We are planning to have a good time tomorrow as it is May day.  We are going on a picnic and probably eat our supper in the woods.

We are going to have a ball tomorrow night.

Have you any plans for next summer?  Are they going to the N…?  I have two friends whom I expect to have visit us next summer.

Wish you would come to our Commencement.

I am as fond of tennis as ever, so am going to work you in next summer, so prepare.

How is Tula? Or do you ever hear from her?

I am obliged to quit on account of my dreadful pen.  Write very soon and tell me all the news.

Your Cousin,

Ruth

From a Daughter-in-law to Her Beloved Father-in-law

I‘m not sure of all the circumstances surrounding this letter, but here’s what I do know:

Postmarked 1880 in Lebanon, Tennessee, it was mailed to Josephus Cavitt in Bryan, Texas.

The author, Matilda Norman Cavitt (Tillie), is the recipient of the 1871 letter in the previous post.  She was married to Andrew Cavitt and they had a little boy, Norman, before Andrew died of yellow fever on a business trip in 1875.  Although they had met in her hometown of Lebanon, Tennessee, where Andrew and some of his brothers went to school, they lived in Waco, Texas, where Andrew practiced law.

Josephus Cavitt, recipient of this letter, was the father of Andrew; therefore, he was the father-in-law of Tillie.  Evidently, Tillie and Norman had moved from Waco back to Lebanon for a time, perhaps where she had been teaching before she was married, or perhaps for her to attend more school.  She did live most of her life in Texas, where my grandmother, Beulah Cavitt Mitchell, grew up knowing her very well.

The brothers-in-law and sister-in-law she mentions in this letter are Whitley, William, Kate, and John Cavitt.

Born 2-19-1826 in Bolivar, Tennessee. Married Catherine Ann Dunn in Texas, where they lived at “Elm Grove” near Wheelock, Texas. Died 7-12-1883.

Tillie was born Matilda Cassett Norman in Lebanon, Tennessee. She married James Andrew Cavitt, second child of Josephus and Catherine Ann. Mother of Norman Cavitt.

William, the eldest son of Josephus and Catherine, born in 1849 in Texas, went to school in Lebanon, Tennessee.

James Andrew, born in 1851, was the second child of Josephus and Catherine.

Josephus Whitley Cavitt was the third child of Josephus and Catherine.

John Belvedere Brooks was the ninth child of Josephus and Catherine. He was born in 1863.

Kate was the twelfth child of Josephus and Catherine.

Please note that I have provided links within the letter, all of which help explain the conditions mentioned in the letter.  Here is the transcription from the stationery, which was embossed with the national capitol and the word ‘Congress’:

March 2^nd, 1880

Dear Father.

Your letter is just received.  It served with a good warm fire, as a pleasant welcome after a walk from church in the cold.  It warmed my heart; as the fire did my body.

I am glad you are all well.  There is surely a blessing in the health God grants us.  I never felt better in my life, except that I am troubled with dyspepsia, which only comes from my eating too much.  Norman is well and hearty and just now fast asleep.  I found him asleep when I came back from church, so he has not had the pleasure of receiving your letter.  He will be so proud of it.  And I hope its good advice will go to his heart, especially about crying.  He often crys[sic] and frets at my commands, when they deprive him of some pleasure he thinks all right.  There are so many children here, that he is often led into wrong.  I try to properly restrain him, but ‘tis hard to do under the circumstances.

I received the paper, and recognized Whitley’s handwriting.  I am at a loss as to where “Morgan” or “Franklin” rather, is.  And I thought “Englewood” had been selected as the new county seat.  I suppose of course you are benefitted by the change, and exerted all your influence for it.  How far is Franklin from home, and in what direction?

I am not in need of money just now as Bro Jimmie has just paid me $50.00- an amount due me from my Father’s estate.  I shall devote it to a purpose which I have long wished to attend to- the repairing of my teeth.  I do not know what I shall have done, nor how much it will take.  Am going tomorrow to my old dentist Dr. Claywell, the gentleman with whom William and Andrew last boarded.

You are desolate indeed if all your children have left you.  Is Kate boarding at Wheelock?  It must be very very lonesome without any children.  I don’t think I could stand it.  What a blessed relief and comfort work is at such times.  Sometimes sorrow or despondency all flee from the sturdy stroke of labor and industry.  You will feel as if you were turning farmer again, superintending the work of three hands.  No doubt you will miss “Norman’s partner” and John this spring- the many duties will require many and efficient hands.  What is Mr. Plasters doing with your stock and what is the last news from Waco?  Who is renting my house now?  Dear home- I’ve been thinking and talking of it tonight, it could never seem the same to me again, yet I love it, even as I love the past.

There are a great many Texans here at school, both in the Literary, Theological, and Law classes.  One, a Mr. Shannon says he knows William very well.

Dr. Fite is suffering greatly with Rheumatism tonight, as a physician he has to expose himself so much that he never has time to get well.  How is Whitley doing in his practice?

Tis quite late, and I must off to sleep, if I would be prepared for the torture of dentistry tomorrow.  Goodnight to you all, and God mercifully keep you.

Your daughter,

Tillie.

Will you change your Post-Office to “Franklin”?

Friends

This is a long and revealing letter from one close friend to another in Tennessee in 1871.  The author’s hometown is Lebanon, where Tillie lives with the Fite family and teaches, but the author, Alice, is now married and living some distance away in Union City, where her husband practices law.

Alice and her husband rent a room in a boarding house, which is also where they take their meals.  Evidently, they also rent a horse and buggy when those are needed.  When Alice refers to ‘housekeeping’, she means owning their own home.

Alice wrote on creamy notepaper embossed with “B” for her married name, Bentley, and her ink is black.  The handwriting is fairly clear and consistent.  I tried to underline everything she had underlined and I kept her punctuation and spelling as best I could.

Tillie Norman, the recipient of this letter, will eventually become the mother of Norman Cavitt, the college-aged recipient of the 1893 letter in the previous post.

This letter holds a surprise!  Imagine getting dropped off at a stranger’s cabin and spending the afternoon and mealtime with the resident until you are fetched in the evening.

Home, Dec  19^th, 1871.

Dearest Tillie,

No doubt you’ve been quarreling with me for not having answered sooner, but various little things have interfered with my writing.  I always devote a long time, to your letters, and have been waiting for a ‘good opportunity’ to continue uninterrupted.  I think, this morning, that I have that opportunity and I’m very sure I intend to profit by it.  I’ve just finished cleaning up my room, have dressed myself in my maroon robe, whose pocket, by the way, is endeared to me because you made it.  Well, I’ve thrown on more wood to my fire, and it crackles, sparkles, and throws a warm, rich red glow all over the wall and furniture.  I do love you so this morning, and if I could only see you, I’d sit close up to you, and take that little hand and squeeze it, I’d be perfectly happy.  When I’m thrown in the company of any of these ladies down here, do you know, dear Tillie, that you are made the subject of comparison, a thousand times, I say to myself: “now Tillie is so different”! Of course they are the sufferers by the comparison. There is only one drawback to me, in being married; and it is that I can’t be with you as often as I wish.  I think of you every day, and am mad with myself, because I never dream about you.  I think I see you now; sitting in your school room with those troublesome little chaps around you.  I’m going to insist upon Mrs. Jones giving you a three weeks holiday when I come home.  Mr. Bentley tells me I must not stay any longer than 3 weeks!  He says he’s right lonesome when he thinks of my going away.  I’ve promised him I wouldn’t leave until the session closed, in Lebanon.  Don’t fail to tell me exactly when that is, for if it’s too long off, I can’t begin to wait. Tillie, that part of your letters, referring to Mr. Ellis made me right sad; and I’m sure I cannot see why it did; for I’m glad I’m not his wife, and I never could have loved him, though I fancied at one time that I did.  Poor fellow!  I find myself almost crying, sometimes, when I think of him, though I’m not presumptuous enough to think he will not get over it very soon, but it grieves me to think that my memory cannot always be a pleasant one to him.  And you have positively broken off with Mr. Houston!  Tillie you must tell me whether you regret it.  I hardly know what I think of it.  I’m sorry and yet I am not.  I don’t want you to marry any one; for when I go to housekeeping, I want you to stay all the time with me, and if you will teach, you, perhaps, could do it here, if you would.  Mr. Bentley frequently intimates that it won’t be very long before we can go to housekeeping, but the thought of it is not very pleasant, if it were not for one thing, and that is, to have my friends come down to see me.  I don’t feel as lonesome way off down here as I thought I would.  I was born, I know, to be a married woman and to appreciate and enjoy the many little comforts and pleasures of married life.  You used to say of me, that I “never gossiped”.  I do not now, in its worst sense, but I take such a keen interest in every thing around me, and enjoy a chat with anybody.  If I can like these people, then, how much more do I love you all, at home!  The lady I believe I told you about as being so sweet and cultivated, grows more and more in my friendship.  Our Episcopalian Bishop (Quintard) was in Union City for a few days and Mrs. Gibbs had, Mr. Ford, Mr. Bentley and me, out there to dine with him.  I spent such a pleasant day; but Tillie, I had to sit up so dignified that I longed to be at home in our little room, and in one arm chair.  Mr. Bentley says he was wishing all day, for the same thing.  Every time I feel disposed to go, Mr. Bentley gets a buggy and me out to Mrs. Gibbs, and stay some hours.  I want to see those little children of hers, and am going again soon.  You know how fond I am of little children; the first time I did, almost, in coming to Union City, was to make friends with about half a dozen of them.  You musn’t let Allie forget me; remind him of me, and tell him Miss Alice is going to bring him the biggest stick of red candy she can find.  I hear of “May she” from Aunt Betty.  She writes Mrs. A. that she “could not have done without her fine clothes.”  I am so glad she is happy and pleased with her new home.  If her letters to you are as full of “Mr. Darby” as mine are of “Mr. Bentley”, I expect you get very tired of us.  And Sallie Dismukes is in Lebanon, and a belle, of course.  Tillie be sure and give her my love and a kiss, and tell her she must stay until I come up.  I want to see her so much for I’ve always loved her.  Tillie, I am Mr. Bentley’s partner, not only in a social sense, but in a legal; I’ve been out with him taking “depositions.”  One morning last week after he’d been gown [sic] a little while to town, he drove up in a nice new buggy and asked me if I didn’t want to take a short drive of twelve miles!  Though ‘twas a cold day, I undertook the journey, for I can’t bear to be left alone all day.  Our horse was a swift traveler, but before we reached our destination, I became so chilled through that Mr. Bentley had to put me out at a farm house on the road-side, and go the rest of the trip without me.  When I saw the unpromising log cabin, for such it was, I fairly shuddered; but the old lady (whom I’d never seen before) came out, and gave me a most cordial welcome.  She and her husband live there alone, and the outside of the house looked most desolate.  She had a bright warm fire, and gave me a glass of white grape wine, which was delightful.  While I was warming, I was also looking around; and noticed that there were some articles of furniture that were fine; and there was a shelf of fine books.  These, with the easy manners and good language of the old lady, spoke of better days.  She gave me a most delightful dinner.  We became on such good terms in the course of the evening that she told me her history; of the yankees having burned her house, and everything she had, and of her having to live in the negro cabins, and in poverty.  She has had a great deal of education, and though living way off out there, takes several papers, and is posted in regard to all the current news of the day, and has a most charming manner of talking.  I spent the evening so pleasantly that I was right sorry when Mr. Bentley came for me.  He told me on our way home that the Pierce family were the wealthiest people in that part of the country before the war.  Mrs. Pierce made me promise to come back and see her.  She said she would teach me how to cook everything.  Since I last wrote to you, we’ve changed our boarding house.  Mrs. Edward’s health became so delicate that she told us she was compelled to give us up.  Though I had become attached to my little room, I was not sorry to leave.  Mr. Bentley had long been dissatisfied.  They cooked in the dining room, and the smell and mess, generally, were intolerable.  You know he couldn’t stand that!  He came off and engaged boarding at Dr. Massengill’s, a house very highly recommended.  Instead of a little room, we have a great, large room, but very comfortable.  It is a considerable job to sweep it, but the exercise is good for me.  Mrs. Massengill has a nice piano.  She is well educated, and full of life and energy, and is very kind to us.  She keeps such a nice table, and everything is neat and clean.  I do wish I could be home Christmas; are you all going to have any gayety then?  We are to have a concert down here, next Friday, and as ‘tis free of charge, I tell Mr. Bentley we must go by all means.  I’ve been teasing Mr. Bentley to tell me what he’s going to give me for a Christmas present.  He says “nothing.”  He gave me my first money since I’ve been married, the other day.  It is $17, and a handful of nickels.  I make him pay all my little accounts, and am hoarding my money.  He is so sweet and good, and I do love him.  So kind, gentle and considerate he is with me, I hope your husband, when you marry, will be just like him.  Now Tillie, I’ve written you a long letter.  Don’t treat me like you did last time.  Kiss Allie for me and give my love to Mrs. Fite, but more to yourself that to anyone I know of.

Yours lovingly,

Alice B.

Don’t forget to tell me what day the law school closes.  Give my love to Mr. Cavitt when you see him, and tell him I haven’t forgotten my promise about the picture.  A.

A Blue Christmas

Daughter of Volney and Clara Sparks Cavitt

This lovely young woman is named Florence Cavitt and she was a native of Wheelock, Texas, not far from Bryan/College Station.  This portrait might be from around 1895.  Although she and her sisters had plans to get their educations closer to home, a traveling Presbyterian minister convinced their parents otherwise.  Being a Presbyterian family, the girls were educated in Anchorage, Kentucky, at Bellewood Female Seminary.  I suspect they were young teens when they were shipped off by train to their new school.  Obviously, the family was financially well-off to even consider educating their children, and the handwork on Florence’s dress speaks of someone’s spare time to make it, but train tickets were expensive and a trip home during the school year, out-of-the-question.

Following is the transcription of a letter Florence wrote to her cousin, Norman Cavitt, who was in college in Sherman, Texas.  The handwriting is beautiful and clear.  I have left her small lapses in spelling and punctuation intact in my transcription.

“Bellewood”

Dec. 23^rd, ‘93

Dear Norman:

It was so nice of you to send the pecans which we rec’d this week.  You can’t imagine how we do appreciate them up here.  Have already been enjoying them and they are just fine.  Hope you’ll get something that you’ll enjoy half as much.

Our holiday began yesterday at twelve and now nearly all the girls and a great many of the teachers have gone home.  It will seem a little lonely until we get used to it and reconciled to the inevitable (not getting to go home).  I tell you, it made us feel a little blue to see so many girls leaving and going home too.

I am “broke” now though I haven’t gotten all the presents I’d like too.  Not because of any beauty in it, but because I thought you could use it.  I send by this mail a Magazine Cover.  As you perceive it is not at all ornamental but, will keep your magazines very well.  I hope you take “Harpers” for I think it will just about fit it.

We are enjoying our holiday very well, but, all three in our room have sore throats- and I think I am taking the “Grippe.”  We are afflicted in various ways (The small pox is in Louisville).  We have no snow this Christmas and the weather has seemed today like Texas weather during Xmas.

I have been walking out in Anchorage and have searched all around for some holly and mistletoe, but, as yet have been disappointed.  Have seen only one piece of holly and another girl had that; but, I’m going again this aft., for I want to decorate our room like it ought to be at Christmas.

 

The very idea of your thinking about staying at Sherman during the holidays!  By this aft. you are at home and have seen all the homefolks- perhaps have been up to W.  You will go to Sunday school and see everybody- will see my mother.  Tell me all about them and your grand times.  Tell me everybody you saw and what they said.  Tell me about everybody and everything.

I know you will have a gloriously grand time and will be ready to enjoy them all if you have had as hard a time pulling thro’ these last two weeks as I have.  I hope you will have just the happiest and best Xmas that you ever did have, but, that you will write a long letter and tell me about your fun.  I enjoyed the last letter especially much.  Of course it would be too much for me to expect one of you during the holidays.

I haven’t felt at all “Christmassy” yet, but, have made up my mind to make the best of things and contribute my share to make the time pass off well and have as much real enjoyment as possible.  I certainly can enjoy the rest and quiet, if nothing else.

But now it is getting dark, so I must stop this, or you might thing me a little bit homesick.  I did not intend to leave that impression at all.  Corinne has been reading to me and it has really seemed very cozy in our dorm room.

I wish you the very merriest Christmas and, as happy a New Year.

Remember me to any one who might ask about me.

Sincerely,

Florence

The Future’s Not Ours To See

Spurs belonging to John B. Cavitt

We make our plans, then we find out what really happens.  Below is my transcription of a quick note written on the letterhead of a lawyer’s office from one of his clients to the client’s brother several hundred miles away.

The author is a cattleman, husband, and father of two smalls girls.  He is far from home tending to some business difficulties, and hoping soon to catch a train back to his family.  Now we know he was shot and killed two days later.  See “What to Tell the Judge About the Murder” and “Murder in Juarez, Trouble in El Paso” for further details.

Sheridan, or S. H., or Sherd, as he was sometimes called, was in business with his brothers and the husbands of his sisters.  When he refers to the sale of “Falls”, he must be referring to a ranch that the family owns in Falls County, Texas.

Peyton F. Edwards,

Lawyer

El Paso, Texas, Mar 31, 1890

Jno. B. Cavitt Esq,

Wheelock, Tex,

Dear Bro,

The obstructions are about to be removed from the court & I think all will be over in a few days.

Your letter received by express.

I think your idea good about the sale of Falls.  I will surely be home in a few days & we can talk things over.

We expect to get everything arranged by tomorrow,

Your Bro

S. H. Cavitt

Evidently, everything wasn’t arranged by tomorrow, and others took matters into their own hands.

John’s spurs

John’s spurs

What Did Your Foremothers Look Like in 1900?

Dodgen Family in about 1900

If you called Bertha Clara Dodgen Alexander “grandmother”, here is your chance to see her at about the age of 10 or 12 years.  For unrelated readers of this post, the interest will be in the clothing or faces of the subjects.

Standing, left to right on photo: Mary Dodgen, Emma Dodgen, Frank Dodgen, Nora Dodgen, Bertha Dodgen, Lela Dodgen standing beside her mother.

Seated: Eva Dodgen, J. D. Dodgen sitting on his father, Joseph Caswell Dodgen, Mary Mobley Price Dodgen “Mollie”, and Olive Dodgen in lower corner of photo.

At one point, this family lived in a rock ranch house up Llano Lane about a mile from the Round Mountain Cemetery.  The parents in this photo, known as “Mammie and Granddad Dodgen,” also once lived up a hill overlooking the Blanco River outside the town of Blanco.  Although a farmer/rancher by trade, Granddad Dodgen was a Baptist preacher by calling, and he served the Round Mountain Church and the Blanco Church at different times.

They are buried in the Blanco Cemetery, along with Mary, Eva, Olive, Lela, and “Aunt Mattie” Dodgen Price.  Yes, a Dodgen man married a Price woman, and his half-sister married the brother of his wife.  Which means that the kids in this picture were double-cousins with Sibba and James Dodgen.  The world of Hill Country Texas was small back then.  This also might help explain why Mary, Eva, Lela, and Olive never married- by the time they graduated college and started teaching, the lure of summer travel surely was greater than the lure of raising children and living on a ranch, scratching out a living.  What do you think?

Emma married Jesse James Stewart.  Frank married Elitha Shelley.  Nora married Zebulon Montgomery Pike Davis (Pike).  Bertha married Robert Frank Alexander.  J. D. married Blanche Farquhar.  Howard Dodgen, born after this photo was made, married Lorene Tullos.

For a high school picture of Bertha, see “Graduating into Life”.