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PREFACE
That Americans are becoming aware, of the
fact that they have a history is a matter of frequent observation and
remark among writers and men of affairs generally. It was one of the
changes in American thought considered worthy of especial note by Hon.
James Bryce, on his recent visit to this country after an absence of
twenty-five years. This keen student of American institutions thus
expresses the result of his observation: “Reverence for the past and a
desire to maintain every sort of connection with it is a strong and
growing force among educated people.” Furthermore, this is one of the
hopeful signs of the times. Well it is, for the nation as for the
individual, when its career is anchored at both ends; is descended from
a sturdy and virile ancestry and looks forward to a not less worthy
posterity; rejoices both in the memories of a splendid past and in the
hopes of a brilliant future. Such a nation or individual holds true in
the course of best ideals and endeavors, is in the line of progress of
its greater destiny. .
It is this growing reverence for the past that renders such a work as
the History of North and West Texas both valuable and timely. Even now
many of the personalities and achievements of the county’s pioneers are
matters of written record only, and, too often, those records are scanty
and insufficient and difficult of access. To gather up and piece
together in historical form and according to relative importance these
records is the purpose of this work, in the preparation of which the
constant endeavor has been to make a standard, comprehensive and
authentic history, which, while narrating the wonderful story of the
past, describes also the present, in its various aspects, with such
thoroughness as to make this work a historical “base-line” from which
all subsequent civic growth and progress may be computed.
Closely interwoven with every present event of material and civic
progress are the character and activities of men. The Alamo lives
forever because Travis and his comrades died there, and in their death
gave birth to Texas Liberty. So, in only lesser degree, every town,
every institution, every industry of North and West Texas exists and
grows because men have devoted some portion of their energy and
character to its upbuilding. It has been the purpose of this work to
bring out this personal aspect of the history of North and West Texas;
to mention events mainly in relation to the persons most closely
connected with them; to describe the country as far as possible through
the careers of the men who have developed it. This is the true office of
biography—to bring events into their proper relation with persons. To
carry out this novel and interesting plan of history writing sketches
have been sought of representative men who have figured in the various
phases of North and West Texas affairs up to the present time, and whose
careers illustrate both local and general history.
In line with these purposes, it is believed that this work is a real and
permanent contribution to the history of Texas. By observing historical
proportions and setting the facts in a narrative form, it has been
necessary to exclude irrelevant details that, however interesting in
themselves, give bulk rather than symmetry; rather than make these
volumes an encyclopedia of historical information, it has been thought
best to pour over the rubble of facts the cement of literary narration.
No effort has been spared to secure accuracy, and acknowledgement is due
to the many who have heartily co-operated with and assisted the
editorial staff in obtaining data for the history.
Volume 1 |
Volume 2 |
