August 7, 1899 DALLAS MORNING NEWS

WARD-Mount Pleasant, Tex., Aug. 7- Mr. M.J. Ward, an ex-confederate soldier, died yesterday, aged 60 years.

Aug. 21, 1899 DALLAS MORNING NEWS

Green Hill, Titus Co., Tex., Aug. 21, 1899

To: Hon. G. B, Pickett, Decatur, Tex.

Dear sir and friend— You will doubtless be sur­prised at receiving a letter from too at this time, but it has been my desire for a long time to write some one of my old army friends and learn as much possible of them. Some are doubtless dead, and others like, myself, are trying their fortunes in other places, but it is to be supposed a few still remain in your county.

Of the 112 men who composed your old company forty-five were captured at Arkansas Post. Of that number fifteen died in prison at Camp Douglas, thirty were paroled or exchanged at, City Point, Va.  Eight  were present for duty at the sur­render of Johnston’s army near Greenville,  N.C.  I was one of  them and Lieut. Collins was another. ". I do not positively remember who the others were.  Liet. Buress  had been left at the hospital at Columbia, Tenn.,  having been wounded at Frank­lin. Jesse Fullinigim was wounded Resaca and Lieut Dean was killed at the same place. These are some of my recollections among those who survived.  I have a par­tial remembrance of them as follows:  Chris Gese, Bob Gaston, Bob Floys, Newt Millholland, Jim Harding, Frank Cook, Len Roberts and perhaps Perry Collum and Add Anderson.

1 have been thinking it would be nice  for all of us to agree on some day to meet Dallas during the time of the fair this fall.  It would cost me more money and a great­er trial perhaps than most of them, but I would afford so much pleasure to meet you all again,  that I am willing to try if you will only let un know when and how to meet.  It was my suggestion that your old company assume the name of “Wise County Picketts.: a name we were always proud to hear.  Hoping to hear from you very soon. 

I remain yours sincerely.

M.A. HARRIS

September 15, 1908 DALLAS MORNING NEWS

Mount Pleasant Times Review: The Wills Point Chronicle says that Mount Pleasant has a hard job on its hands to entertain the Confederate reunion next year in a way to measure up to the style in which Wills Point entertained the veterans this year.  The Chronicle need not be uneasy, for Mount Pleasant knows how to entertain "some" and nothing in this town is too good for the brave men who fought for the South.  After the veterans have been here next year their only regret will be that they didn't come here this year instead of going to Wills Point.  The Chronicle editor is especially invited to be here at the reunion next year and see how we do it.

Let us have no bickering.   As Wills Point did so will Mount Pleasant do, which is plenty.  Both of these enterprising little cities are situated within the yam potato belt and the ribbon cane contiguity.  Both are blessed with  abundant shade and green grass and plenty of everything to drink except drams.  And at the Titus County capital, as at the Van Zandt metropolis, the veterans will find a forest of glad hands and battalions of beauty in the receiving line.

February 14, 1909 DALLAS MORNING NEWS

Mount Pleasant Confederates

Mont Pleasant, Tex., Feb 14 – Dudley W. Jones Camp, United Confederate Veterans, met at the courthouse here yesterday evening and elected the following officers fir the ensuing year: W.J. Johnson, commander; E.R. Nelson , first lieutenant commander; J.O. Justiss, third lieutenant; C.M. Gingles, fourth lieutenant; J.D. Mitchell, adjutant; G.B. Dickson, quartermaster;  J.H. Hood, commissary: D.W. Ellis, surgeon; C.A. Johnson, assistant surgeon; Rev. N.A. Seale, Chaplin; G.B. Tingle, treasurer; J.A. Bivens, sergeant major; F.W. Fitzpatrick, officer of the day; J.A. McElreath, ensign.

W.J. Johnson, J.V. Moore, F.W. Fitzpatrick, C.A. Johnson and G.B. Dickson were appointed as a committee on arrangements to prepare for the entertainment of the State Confederate reunion, which meets here in July.  The amp adjourned to meet Saturday, Feb. 27, when other committees will be appointed and further arrangements perfected for the State meeting.

February 28, 1909 DALLAS MORNING NEWS

Mount Pleasant Confederates

Mount Pleasant, Tex., Feb. 28- Dudley W. Jones Camp. Confederate Veterans, met yesterday evening at the court house here to hear the report of the committee appointed to make arrangements for the entertainment of the State reunion, which meets in this city July 19 for a three days' session.  The camp decided to meet regularly the last Saturday in each month until the meeting of the State reunion, and a motion carried that a central mass meeting of the camp.  Commercial Club and citizens of Mount Pleasant and Titus County be held here June 4 to make final arrangements in detail for the proper entertainment of the State meeting.  A move is on foot for the reorganization of the Sons of Confederates, which has been defunct for the past four years.  The people are preparing to entertain the old soldiers here as never before at any former State meeting.

PLAN TO ENTERTAIN VETERANS

Meeting Takes Place at Mount Pleas-

ant to Arrange for State Gathering

July 29 and 30

June 5, 1909 DALLAS MORNING NEWS

Mount Pleasant, Tex., June 5,- A mass meeting of citizens of Mount Pleasant and Titus County was held at the court house here yesterday evening for the purpose of making arrangements to entertain the next state meeting of the Confederate Veterans which meets in this city Thursday and Friday, July 29 and 30.  W.J. Johnson, commander of the Dudley W. Jones Camp of this city, called the meeting to order.  E.I. Lazarus was elected chairman and A.S. Mitchell secretary.  The following committee was appointed to secure homes for the old soldiers: Misses Letha Delefield and Mary Rogers Mesdames, T.W. Vaughan and T.M. Fleming, F.E. Starnes, Dr. T.S. Grissom, C.O. Lide and J.M. Badt.  The following executive was appointed to have general supervision:  W.J. Johnson, J.V. Moore, S.P. Pounders, H.A. Willson and F.W. Fitzpatrick.  The meeting adjourned to meet again the last Saturday in June.  A temporary organization of the Sons of Confederates was organized, but adjourned to meet again Monday afternoon, June 7, when permanent organization will be perfected, officers elected. etc.

June 6, 1909 Dallas Morning News

Mount Pleasant, Tex., June 6,- At a meeting of the executive committee of the citizens of Mount Pleasant and Titus County held yesterday evening, committees numbering seventy-five persons appointed from every precinct in the county to assist in arranging for the entertainment of the State Confederate reunion, which meets here July 29 and 30.  The finance committee is requested to make a preliminary report to the executive committee at the next meeting of Dudley W. Jones Camp, Saturday, June 26.  The following reception committee was appointed from this city: J.R. Griscom. John H. Hood, Allen Clement, R.G. Batte, C.L. Duncan, H.T. Clement, John Hargrove, also Cadet Corps. E. Williams, Captain Cadet Corps; Herman Badt, First Lieutenant; John Ward, Second Lieutenant; Lester Fleming, First Sergeant; Elmer Richards, Second Sergeant. The duties of the above committee will be to meet all incoming trains and receive all veterans and their wives will escort them to the courthouse, where they will register and be provided with badges and assigned homes.  The executive committee adjourned subject to call of the chairman.

June 8, 1909 Dallas Morning News

Mount Pleasant, Tex., June 8, - The Sons of the Confederates met yesterday evening and effected a permanent organization with a membership of thirty, with others to follow, and know as the Sons of Dudley W. Jones Camp, U.C.V., of Titus County. The following were elected officers:  S.P. Pounders, commandant; H.A. Willson, first Lieutant commander; C.L. Duncan, adjutant; D.W.J. Mathews, surgeon; Sam Porter, quartermaster;  T.N. Fore, chaplain; L.E. Keeney, treasurer; Dr. W.P. Delafield, historian.

July 4, 1909 Dallas Morning News

Same Time and Place

The division commander of the Sons' organization has issued the following general order calling attention to the ninth annual reunion of the Texas Division, to be held at Mount Pleasant on the same dates announced for the parent organization:

Headquarters Texas Division United Sons of Confederate Veterans, Dallas, Tex., July 2.  General Order No. 15, Comrades, inasmuch as our constitution and by-laws provide for our annual meetings at the same time and place as is held the veteran reunions, and as the beloved division commander of the veteran body has issued a call for said reunion to be held at Mount Pleasant on July 29 an 30, the division commander of the Sons' organization authorizes similar dates and Mount Pleasant as the place for the ninth annual reunion.  It is urged that all camps which have so far failed to do so will at once send in the division per capita (.10), with official and membership rolls, that they may be properly accredited for participation in the deliberations of the sessions.  It is important that a delegation from each active camp be sent to this reunion.  Much of importance pertaining to the life and prosperity of the organization will come up for consideration.  Among other matters, a report of the most important actions at the late general reunion held at Memphis will be given, and plans for the future suggested and acted upon.  No camp should fail to be represented.

The program for the business sessions and of the entertainment features will be given in a future general order.  It is understood Mount Pleasant extends a cordial invitation and assurances of a hearty welcome to all veterans, sons and daughters of the Confederacy to be their guests on July 29 and 30.  Special railroad rates will be announced later.  The Cotton Belt has already announced its determination to run special trains from this section to accommodate the patrons.

By order of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                WALTER B. McADAMS- Division Commander U.S.C.V.

                                    Official: TALMAGE C. DeBOW- Division Adjutant

July 4, 1909 Dallas Morning News

 FUNERAL OF COL. THRUSTON

Tallest Man in America Buried Be-

side His Wife at Mount Pleasant,

One Child Survives.

Mount Pleasant, Tex., July 4,- The remains of Col. H.C. Thruston, who fell dead while at the supper table at his home near Mount Vernon Friday night, were buried here yesterday evening by the side of his wife, who died several years ago.  Col. Thruston was probably the tallest man in the United States, being seven feet seven and one-half inches in height.

The casket containing the corpse passed through the business part of town and the door of the hearse would not shut because the casket was so long.  Col. Thruston was an ex-Confederate soldier and was 79 years of age.  He owned a large tract of land in Franklin County, about 700 acres, and was in good circumstances.  One child survives him.

July 4, 1909 Dallas Morning News

Special Casket Made

A fine hand-made slate casket was made at Texarkana and forwarded tonight.  It measured eight feet in the clear and is thought to be the longest ever manufactured in the United States.  Col. Thruston was a conspicuous figure at the late Confederate reunion at Memphis.  Col. Henry Clay Thruston was born in South Carolina in 1830, grew to manhood in Missouri.  In 1850 he went to California and passed a year, returning to Missouri by way of the Isthmus of Panama.  He was married in Missouri in 1853 and is the father of four children.  In 1861 he joined the fortunes of the Confederacy, enlisting in the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, Marmaduke's Division, and was wounded at the Battle of Poison Springs, Ark.  The Colonel sided Gen. Price ("Old Pap") in his famous raid through Missouri in the fall of 1864 and served throughout the war, surrendering at Shreveport, La.  After the war he returned to Missouri, but came to Texas in 1871, locating in Titus County.  Col. Throuston resided in Mount Vernon, Tex., until his death.  He was a life long Democrat.  The funeral will take place here.

July 11, 1909 Dallas Morning News

TEXAS CONFEDERATE REUNION

Mount Pleasant Making Elaborate

Arrangements for Gathering on

July 29-30

Mount Pleasant, Tex., July 11- Dudley W. Jones Camp, U.C.V., and different committees appointed to make arrangements for the State Confederate reunion here July 29 and 30 met yesterday evening at the court house to prepare the program, which was done and will be given to the press Monday.  The people here are preparing to entertain at least 1,000 veterans from all over the State.  Many old soldiers are also expected from Louisiana and Arkansas.  This will be a big undertaking for the people of this city and county, but they are going to entertain the veterans in royal style.  The railroads will give excursions to this place.  A rate of one and one-third fares given all the year round on all roads to Mount Pleasant, but on account of the State Confederate reunion a still lower rate will be given.  The people here invite all the old veterans over the State to come partake of our hospitality.  The greatest meeting in the history of Texas is expected to be held this year in Dellwood Park, near the city.  This park in an inviting place for campers, affording one of the most beautiful and inviting sceneries and landscapes in the South.  It has plenty of shade and water of all kinds, both clear and mineral, and those who come will be delighted with the surrounding environments.

July 12, 1909 Dallas Morning News

REUNION OF CONFEDERATES

Program Announced for Two Days'

Affair to Take Place at Mount

Pleasant

Mount Pleasant, Tex., July 12, The program of the State Confederate Veterans' reunion, to take place here July 29 and 30, has been announced as follows:

First day, July 29- 9 a.m., assembly call at court house; veterans register, supplied with badges and assigned homes, from procession and march to Dellwood Park (those too feeble to join procession will be furnished transportation: 10 a.m. convention assemble in auditorium at Dellwood Park; address of welcome by Mayor J.V. Moore, response; 12 m., dinner; 2 p.m. business meeting of veterans, presided over by Gen K.M. Van Zandt; 4 p.m., social meeting and greeting of veterans; 6 p.m. supper at prospective homes; 7:45 p.m., old fiddlers' contest at auditorium at Dellwood Park; 11 p.m., taps.

Second day, July 30- 9 a.m., reveille at auditorium, Dellwood Park; roll call; 10 a.m., business meeting of United Camps, U.C.V.: 11 a.m., address, subject to be supplied; 12 m., dinner; 2 p.m., two addresses, subjects to be supplied; 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., love feast and experience of the veterans during the Civil War; 6 p.m., supper at respective home; 7:45 p.m., camp fire kindled; 11 p.m., "God be with you till we meet again."

The following accompanies the program:

"All speakers and subjects are to be supplied.  We are arranging for the most gifted orators of the Southland for the occasion.  Transportation will furnished all old veterans and their wives to and from Dellwood Park at all times.  Command us, and we and our are yours.  We have most any kind of transportation facilities in our city.  Street cars, automobiles and vehicles of all kinds, at any and all hours, day or night.  There are also plenty of hotels, restaurants and rooming houses in the city and at the park for any others besides veterans who may wish to come to Mount Pleasant on this occasion.  We bid you all come."

July 16, 1909 Dallas Morning News

To Don Gala Day Attire

Mount Pleasant, Tex., July 16,- All the Business men of Mount Pleasant have consented to decorate their business houses, shops and residences with flags and bunting of red, white and blue for the two days of the State Confederate reunion, which meets here July 29 and 30.  This city will be more profusely decorated than she has ever been on any former occasion.  Every citizen of the town preparing to lend their assistance in providing for the entertainment of the veterans, some of whom have probably never visited Mount Pleasant before.  The young ladies of the city met yesterday evening at the First Methodist Church for the purpose of organizing a choir to assist in furnishing music for the reunion.  A large chorus of 100 or more voices is now rehearsing the National hymns, and this together with a cornet band, will furnish plenty of music for the occasion. 

July 18, 1909 Dallas Morning News

Marshall, Tex., July 17,- A number if Confederate veterans, Sons and Daughters will attend the State reunion at Mount Pleasant on July 29 and 30.

July 23, 1909 Dallas Morning News

Sponsor and Maid of Honor

Mount Pleasant, Tex., July 23, -Miss Florence Pounders of this city was selected as sponsor and Miss Ollie Hutchings as maid of honor for Texas Division of Confederate Veterans, which meets here next week at the same time of the U.C.V.  Everything is put in readiness for the reunion, and indications now point to the coming of a great many veterans, their wives, sons and daughters at this meeting.

July 25, 1909 Dallas Morning News

STATE CONFEDERATE REUNION

Mount Pleasant Camp Making Prepa-

rations to Entertain the Vet-

erans.

Mount Pleasant, Tex.,- Dudley W. Jones Camp U.C.V., with the various committees appointed to make arrangements for the entertainment of the State Confederate reunion here this week, met yesterday evening at the court house to complete the final arrangements for the care and entertainment of the old veterans.  Nearly every committee appointed at the various places in the county reported and it was ascertained that the country people outside Mount Pleasant would furnish provisions enough for over 500 veterans for dinner for both days of the reunion.  The people of the city will furnish the veterans breakfast and supper and entertain them free in their homes and the country folks will furnish dinner.  Word has been received from a great many Confederate camps over the State and a good representation is expected from many of them.  A number of camps in contiguous counties met yesterday to make arrangements for attending the State reunion in a body.  

July 27, 1909 Dallas Morning News

MOUNT PLEASANT PREPARES

FOR CONFEDERATE REUNION

TOWN IS RAPIDLY DONNING GALA

DAY ATTIRE

Confederate Flag of Large Size to

Float from Dome of Court House.

Visitors Arriving

Mount Pleasant, Tex., July 27, -While it is two days until the meeting of the State Confederate reunion, some of the business men here are beginning to decorate their stores and by Wendsday evening nearly every business house in the city and many residences will be resplendent with flags and bunting.  For the first time in the history of Mount Pleasant will entertain the veterans of the State and the welcome that will be extended to them by the people of this city will be the most cordial and elaborate of that or any previous occasion of any city in East Texas.

The courthouse will be profusely decorated tomorrow by streamers and bunting, and a large Confederate flag will float from the flagstaff at the dome of the building. At a meeting yesterday of Dudley W. Jones Camp, U.C.V., Miss Mabel Williams was selected as sponsor and Mrs. George Lelemstern as maid of honor for the camp.  Misses Ruby Moore and Edith Richards will represent the local camp of Sons of the Confederates as sponsor and maid of honor.  Miss Willie Clements as sponsor and Miss Zeurbia Slaughter as maid oh honor will represent the Texas division U.C.V. Miss Florence Pounders as sponsor as Miss Ollie Hutchins as maid oh honor will represent the Texas division U.S.C.V.  A number of visitors from over the State have already arrived and by Wednesday night it is expected that several thousand will be here.

July 28, 1909 Dallas Morning News

READY FOR CONFEDERATES

Mount Pleasant in Gala Attire for Reunion-

Large Crowed Expected

Mount Pleasant, Tex., July 28- Nearly every business house and many residences in this city are gayly and beautifully decorated today with flags and bunting of red, white and blue, and the city, for the first time in its history, is striking appearance.  However, the decorations will not be so extensive as at first planed, owing to the supply of flags and bunting being exhausted. 

A number of Confederate flags are floating from the court house, the interior of which is decorated for the veterans, where they met Thursday morning at 9 o’clock to register and secure badges ad homes.  An arch has also been erected at the entrance to the business part of town at the foot of Depot street.  The veterans will pass through this arch, which represents the gateway to the city.  The veterans, their wives, sons and daughters will be accorded a true Southern welcome of genuine hospitality when they visit our city, and the people of Mount Pleasant will care for them lovingly and tenderly and turn over to them the keys which unlock the doors of our homes.  A number of military companies arrived today, among them the Fort Worth Grays and the Marshall company, accompanied by their sponsors and maids of honor.

About two hundred veterans and wives arrived this evening to attend the State reunion.  They went directly to the court house, secured badges and were assigned homes.  Five hundred more are expected tonight and on Thursday early morning trains.  Sons of Confederates held a meeting at 8 o’clock tonight at  K. of P. Hall.

Commander in Chief McAdams of Dallas and his staff were present.  The purpose was to meet and get acquainted will all visiting Sons of Confederates.

All Confederates, Sons and Daughters will assemble at 9 a.m. Thursday at the court house and march to Dellwood Park, where Mayor J.V. Moore and S.P. Pounders will deliver addresses of welcome.

July 28, 1909 Dallas Morning News

LEAVE FOR MOUNT PLEASANT

Officers of Sons of Veterans’ Organizations

Will Go Today.

Department of Commander Cloyd H. Read, Division Commander Walter B. McAdams and Commander John G. Wilson of Reagan Camp, United Sons of Confederate Veterans, leave this morning over the Cotton Belt for the Confederate reunion to convene tomorrow for a two days’ session at Mount Pleasant.  Other representatives of the Sons’ organization will go this morning and tonight, as will also members from the veteran body.  The information sent out from Mount Pleasant is to the effect that the citizens of the town and country have made elaborate preparations to entertain a large crown of visitors, and that the attendance is expected to be quite representative in point of numbers from both organizations.

July 29, 1909 Dallas Morning News

MOUNT PLEASANT

HOST OF VETERANS

--------------------

MEN WHO FOUGHT UNDER STARS

AND BARS BEGIN ANNUAL

STATE REUNION

--------------------

HISTORIAN MAKES REPORT

--------------------

Question of Next Meeting Place Al-

ready Being Discussed- At Least

Three Towns Candidates.

--------------------

Mount Pleasant, Tex., July 29,- The State Confederate reunion opened this morning at 9 0'clock.  The early morning trains brought in 500 to 600 visitors, in addition to about 200 who came in yesterday afternoon.  As fast as all the visitors arrive, they go to the court house and register, secure badges and are assigned to homes in the city.  Nearly every home in Mount Pleasant has been opened for the entertainment of the veterans and their wives.

At an early hour this morning the streets of the city were thronged with people on foot and in wagons and buggies, principally from Titus, Camp, Morris and Franklin Counties.  It is estimated two or three thousand are here today from those counties, in addition to several thousand from over the State.  A conservative estimate of the number of visitors is five or six thousand.

At 8 a.m. the veterans began to assemble at the court house, and the sons and daughters of the Knights of Pythias Hall, to march to Dellwood Park.  An hour later the procession formed from the west side of the court house, headed by the Cadet Corps of the city, in charge of Dr. G.V. Ridley.  Next was Dudley W. Jones Camp No. 121 of this city, the Fort Worth Grays in uniform, and about 300 veterans, representing various camps.  Following were citizens on foot and horseback, wagons, buggies and other conveyances.  Veterans who were too feeble to walk were furnished transportation.  the procession was about a mile long.

At the park Rev. N.A. Seale, Chaplin of Dudley W. Jones Camp of Mount Pleasant, made the opening address of welcome on behalf of the camp and the citizens of the county in general. He said in part:  "I assure you that no place in Texas accorded you a more hearty and sincere welcome than Mount Pleasant, the metropolis of Northeast Texas.  You will find no prettier woman on Texas soil.  We have good taters and possums, but you are too early for them; also our big watermelons raised in this county will tempt your appetite.  Out fruit crop is practically a failure this year. In inviting you to Mount Pleasant at Wills Point reunion last year I did so at the urgent request of our City Council, Commercial Club and citizens in general.  The keys to the homes of our city we  turn over to you.  Use them at your pleasure and make yourself at home.  We are not here to discuss politics, but to mingle as one common people.  The white flag od peace has been hoisted in our country and the bitter animosities engendered forty-five years ago are remembered no more."

"I extend to you a most heartfelt and cordial welcome.  Our doors are always open.  We have no keys to our homes.  I don't know of  another organization that delights me more to honor and welcome than the veterans, their wives, sons and daughters of Texas.  I now welcome you to all privileges.  Take advantage of them and enjoy yourself."

The selection of the next place of holding the State reunion is already engaging the attention of the veterans.  Marshall, McGregor and Stamford are among the places desiring the meeting, and have delegates here. 

Report of Historian

Following is a report of the historian:

Major General K.M. Van Zandt commanding Texas Division United Confederate Veterans at Mount Pleasant, Titus County, July 29, 1909: I have the honor to submit this, my annual report as historian of the division at this, the eighteenth annual reunion of the division.

The Woman's Home once more: The Legislature set Aug. 3 as the time when we are to vote on an amendment to the Constitution authorizing the appropriation of funds sufficient to support the Woman's Home at Austin so generously donated under the auspices of the Daughters of the Confederacy.  Its failure to materialize at the two previous efforts was attributed to the fact that the proposition was unfortunately in bad company with others on different subjects not acceptable to the majority, but the persistency with which the people demand that justice shall be done helpless widows equally with that of the veterans in the home argues we may be sure it will carry this time.

The Soldier's Home: I note the report of Comrade John B. Reagan, in charge of the home, to Adjutant General Col. W.T. Shaw, which gives total in the home at 337-deaths for six months in 1909 as eleven, or at the rate of 6 percent, the general condition good and running within the appropriation.  He notes also that as the years glide by the veterans are growing feebler and the call for entry there in on the increase.

Pensions: The last Legislature bettered materially the pension law in doing away with the pauper clause and allowing a beneficiary to own not exceeding $1,000 worth of property and an income not to exceeded $150 a year and advances the marriage date of Confederate widows from March 1, 1866, to March 1, 1880.  These two clauses will add considerably to the 8,200 pensioners now on the rolls.  Our new Pension Commander, Comrade E.A. Bolmes, who has so long held the position of chief examiner under the law for 1899, is an excellent choice by the Governor under the law of 1909.

Col. Shaw in his report suggests that our annual reunion date be put off till the later part of August, so as not to conflict with many of the leading camps in their date meeting, which is essential to uniformity in our annual deliberations for the best interests of the aims of our order.  Col. Shaw notes an increase in the number of camps at eight, and an encouraging spirit of patriotism is manifest among the rank and file and officers and camps.  Gen. Van Zandt in commenting or this approves enthusiasm as an essential, but suggests that we do so by the proper means, and this advancing the date to a time when all the local camp reunions have past so as to get their influence in attendance, the General thinks a point well taken. 

Spirit of the South.  Before Col. Shaw had informed me of the increased interest the camps of Texas were taking, I had noted it along the line not only in Texas but all over the South, in monument building, and the rivalry of local towns here to make each annual gathering a little better than the one proceeding. also the last reunion at Memphis as being more intense in Southern chivalric spirit than any previous extending down to the new generation that has arisen since the great conflict.  In 1907 we thought Bowie reunion was the limit, but Wills Point last year , an old-time Southern locality, raised Bowie a point or so (if we are permitted to compare), and Comrade Steele of Mount Pleasant carried his place over competitors by his eloquence of what Titus could do when we selected Mount Pleasant last year.  The daughters of the State of Texas are a long ways ahead of either the veterans or sons in regular systematic labor for advancing the good of the cause.  The daughters in general reunion assembled are equally enthusiastic over the cause that can never be lost-home rule and local government.  These two orders are auxiliaries to ours by the express words of our constitution and how wisely s it so ordered that we may not be overwhelmed by spurious literature from an antagonistic press that has done injury to us as people means to keep it up- for revenue on. 

Why is it that the further we re from the titanic struggle of the the greater grows the Southern to our cause that it may never die the last twenty years I have made subject a study and have gathered manifestation tending to exemplify work from both sides of the line- they say is imaginary.  Let us go to the Richmond reunion of 1896.  us recall the intensity of the Fed Corporal Tanner's appeal to that for the union

August 2, 1909 Dallas Morning News

Marshall, Tex., Aug 2.- At the regular meting of the W.P. Lane Camp United Confederate Veterans, No. 621, held here yesterday afternoon at the courthouse, the trip of the veterans to the reunion at Mount Pleasant was discussed and the committee’s report read. All the members who attended the reunion at Mount Pleasant during the past week were enthusiastic in their praise of their treatment during their stay in that city and passed resolutions of thanks for the many courtesies and kind attentions shown them by the good people of that city and Titus County.  One veteran said that “everything was ours, without money and without price-and they claimed that a veteran’s money was even counterfeit and that we could not spend it there.”

August 2, 1909 Dallas Morning News

Mount Pleasant, Tex., Aug 2.

Owing to the heavy traffic during the opening of the State Confederate reunion here the motor car on Red Springs Street railway broke down and has not yet been repaired.  The car has a seating capacity of about twenty persons, but as many as sixty crowded on the car and overtaxed its power.  A trailer was built to help carry the passengers, but it was not placed in use owing to the breakdown.

April 24, 1910 Dallas Morning News

Mount Pleasant Delegation

Mount Pleasant, Tex., April 24- Quite a number of old veterans, members of the Dudley W. Jones Camp, U.C.V., of this city, left today, accompanied by their sponsor, Miss Mary Rogers, for Mobile, Ala., to attend the annual reunion of the United Confederate Veterans.  Some of the veterans will go from Mobile to Havana, Cuba, on a tour of the island.  The veterans left over the Cotton Belt for Big Sandy, where they were transferred to the Texas and Pacific Railway.

November 26, 1910 Dallas Morning News

Mount Pleasant Confederates

Mount Pleasant, Tex., Nov. 26,-Dudley Jones Camp, United Confederate Veterans, of this place rendered a most interesting program yesterday at the court house.  In the morning a business meeting was held and new officers elected for the coming year.  At noon all the old veterans accepted an invitation from the proprietor of a local restaurant and dined at his expense.  A photograph was taken of the group of veterans, which numbered about fifty.  In the afternoon a program consisting of songs, instrumental music and chorus was rendered, interspersed with talks by members of the camp. A movement was started by the camp and Sons of the Confederates for a monument to be erected on the court house lawn at a cost from $3,000 to $5,000. Funds will be raised by means of entertainments, the proceeds of which will be used toward erecting the Confederate monument,

April 3, 1911 Dallas Morning News

Mount Pleasant U.C.V. Meeting

Mount Pleasant, Tex., April 3,- Dudley W. Jones Camp, U.C.V., held a meeting at the court house here yesterday evening and the old officers were re-elected for the ensuing years.  The Confederate monument was discussed and it was decided to hold meetings at different places in the county, the ladies to take leading part in providing entertainment to raise funds with which to erect this monument on the court house lawn.  Already $500 has been raised for this purpose.  It is planned to raise $3,000 or $5,000 to erect the Confederate monument at an early date.  The Little Rock reunion was discussed and the Veterans here are planning to attend in a special car provided by the Cotton Belt.

January 24, 1911 Dallas Morning News

Confederate Meeting

Mount Pleasant, Tex., Jan, 24.- Dudley W. Jones Camp, U.C.V., will hold a public meeting at the court house here Friday, Jan. 27.  A business meeting will be held at 10 a.m., to be followed by this program in the afternoon: Instrumental solo, Mrs. M.J. Wallace; address by Hon. S.P. Ponders; vocal solo, Mrs. Albert Tabb; talk by Rev. N.A. Seale; vocal solo, Mrs. T.C. Lamar; solo, Miss Marie Schwab; chorus, "Dixie," by the Harmony Club.

April 17, 1912 Dallas Morning News

Mrs. Johnson Accepts Invitation

Tyler, Tex. April 17.—Mrs. Cone Johnson has accepted an invitation from the Daughters of the Confederacy at Mount Pleasant to attend the regular monthly meeting of the Confederate Camp at that p1ace on April 26 and present on behalf of the daughters a cross of honor to each of the veterans. Judge P.A. Turner of Texarkana will deliver an address to the veterans on that occasion.
 

November 2, 1912 Dallas Morning News

Confederate Monument Unveiled

Mount Pleasant, Tex., Nov 2,

The $2,500 Confederate monument erected by the Daughters of the Confederacy was unveiled here today with appropriate exercises before a large audience.

March 5, 1913 Dallas Morning News

Saved by Confederate Foe,

Texas Confederate Vet,

Old Officeholder, Dies

Shreveport, La/. March 5 (AP), - G.B. Dickson, 95, for forty years a public official of Titus County, Texas, and a Confederate veteran died at his home on Mount Pleasant, Texas, Wednesday.

Funeral rights will be held at Mount Pleasant at 3 p.m. Thursday

Dickson served twenty-two years as Titus County Sheriff, eight years as County Tax Assessor and ten years as County Treasurer, declining re-election at the end of a term Dec. 31, 1936.

A native of Chambers County, Alabama, where he was born in 1845, he enlisted in the Confederate Army and was a soldier of the Army of Northern Virginia.  He was wounded at Gettysburg in July, 1863, and was left with a canteen of water to die, but a Federal patrol found him, took his prisoner and attended to his wounds, there by saving his life.

Surviving are four sons, C.D. Dickson, Caddo; Judge Ed Dickson, Mount Pleasant; Will Dickson, Mount Pleasant, and Harry Dickson, Midland , Texas, and one sister in California.

March 5, 1913 Dallas Morning News

Green Dickson, 95,

Titus Confederate,

 Dies at His Home

MOUNT PLEASANT,  Texas, March 5, - Green B. Dickson, 95, known all over Titus County as Uncle Green, died at his home Wednesday morning.  He was the only surviving Civil War veteran in the county.  Born in Chambers County, Alabama, he enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1861 and served in the Army of Northern Virginia.  On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg he was wounded in the right leg and lay on the battlefield until the next day, when he was captured.  Later he was released in an exchange of prisoners.

After the war was over he returned to Alabama, then to Titus County in January, 1877.  In 1880, at a special election, he was named Deputy Sheriff and became Sherriff and Tax Collector of Titus County in 1882.  He held that office eighteen years and retired in December, 1900.  Later he served eight years as Tax Assessor and twelve years as County Treasurer, retiring from public life in 1932 with a record of more than forty years' service with the county.

For the last several years, on his birthday, Mr. Dickson's friends commemorated the event with an open house in his honor.

He is survived by four sons, Ed and Will Dickson of this city, Charley Dickson, Shreveport, and Harry Dickson, Midland, and a half-sister, Mrs. Laura Gardner, Oklahoma.

Funeral services will be held at the Methodist Church at 3 p.m. Thursday.  Burial will be in the Masonic Cemetery.

March 31, 1913 Dallas Morning News

Mount Pleasant, Tex., March 31- The Dudley W. Jones Camp of Confederate Veterans has passes a resolution refusing to attend the Confederate reunion in Chattanooga in May because of railroad fare, which is higher than heretofore.

October 23, 1921 Dallas Morning News

CONFEDERATE VETERANS

DEPART FOR REUNION

More Than 150 persons left here last night at 10:30 o’clock to attend the reunion of Confederate veterans at Chattanooga, Tenn.  They left in three special cars and their part will be consolidated with eleven more cars at Mount Pleasant and run as a special to Chattanooga.  Among those who left were twenty seven veterans from Camp Sterlin Price, under the command of J.M. Cochran.  Gen E.W. Kirkpartick of McKinney was among the delegation from that town.

A donation of $75 from Dallas Klan No. 66, Knights if the Ku Klux Klan, aided the Confederate veterans in making their trip, according to Commander Cochran.  The members of Camp Sterling Price received money after announcement that the recent tag day sales lacked that amount of the needed funds.

June 15, 1922 Dallas Morning News

DALLAS WILL SEND 200

TO CONFEDERATE REUNION

More than 200 Confederate Veterans, along with Sons of Veterans, Daughters of the Confederacy, matrons and maids of honor, sponsors and chaperons, are to leave Dallas Friday night on the Cotton Belt Railway for the annual reunion at Richmond, Va.  A part of the train will leave Fort Worth at 9:30 o'clock to be consolidated with the Dallas Train at Carrollton.  Another special train will leave Waco at 7 p.m..  At Mount Pleasant the trains will become sections of one through train.  The travelers are to reach Richmond late Sunday night or early Monday morning.

The meeting of Sons of Veterans will begin Monday morning.  The veterans will begin their session Tuesday, June 20.  The special train will begin the return trip on the night of June 23, to reach Dallas and Waco in June 26.  Both going and returning there will be short stopovers at places of interest to the Confederates.  A.M. Fitch, district passenger agent for the Cotton Belt, said Wednesday that nearly all berths, both lower and upper, have been taken on the cars provided and that it may become necessary to add an additional car if enough demands are made for it.

October 23, 1927 Dallas Morning News

Mount Pleasant Plans

Armistice Day Fete

MOUNT PLEASANT, , Oct. 23,- Plans are under way for Armistice Day celebration here.  At midnight Nov. 11 a dance will start at the legion hall and last until daylight.  At 11:11 a special program will be given at the high school when the legion will present the school with a new flagpole.  After the ceremony the Confederate and Spanish Was veterans will be honored guests of the legion at a banquet in the legion hall.  In the afternoon the ladies' auxiliary will entertain with a party.  Mayor A.H. O'Tyson will declare all city officials "fired" for the day, including himself, and the city offices will be occupied by legion men.

February 26, 1941 Dallas Morning News

Sheriff for Twenty Years,
He Never Shot at a Lawbreaker

Civil War Veteran Held Public Office 46 Years,

Quit at 87 to Give the Youngsters a Chance

 
From The East Texas Bureau of the News
MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas, Feb 26

—Sleeping peacefully amid the snow t on the bank. of the Potomac River, • dozen or snore gray-clad soldiers' sprang suddenly to their feet when the booming of cannon bole the early morning stillness. Firearms hastily1 were assembled and preparations made for a clash that seemed inevitable. The air was charged with tenseness and anxiety as new developments were awaited.
And then— “w shucks. it’s just those damn yankees celebrating Washington’s birthday. Lets go back to sleep.” Accordingly, at a word from the detachment leader, Ike youthful fighters crawled back into their blankets for a few more moments of rest before dawn. The incident took pare just seventy five years ago, but it is still fresh in the memory of Green D Dickson. 92, a Confederate veteran  and a public  officeholder in Titus County nearly fifty years,  Dickson, who served eighteen years as Sheriff,  twelve years as County Treasurer and eight so Tax Assessor, retired from public life at 87 to give the young fellows a chance. He also served eight years in appointive offices, bringing his total length of service up to forty-six years.

 Still Has Natural Teeth

Dickson is as straight as an arrow and as alert as a man of 50. He walks with a cane, uses glasses only for reading and has his natural teeth.  His hearing is perfect.  He is one of two surviving Confederate Veterans in Titus County. 

"I enlisted in the Confederate Army a few months before my sixteenth birthday," he recalled, " and took part in several major engagements, including the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of Richmond. "The winter of 1862 and 1863 found me on the Potomac doing guard duty.  Our detachment was assigned to sound warning at at the approach of Federal gunboats.  The morning that stands out so vividly in my memory was in February. A heavy snow was on the ground and the boys used it for protection against the wintery blasts. Wrapped in blankets and buried in the dry drifts, we were able to keep warm and comfortable. When Washington's Birthday rolled around we had forgotten the event. That was why the booming of the cannon fired as a salute by Federal forces, made us think for a moment that we were in for a lot of excitement. But we were a silly, shamed-faced lot when the truth dawned on us"

Never Shot a Lawbreaker

Dickson, a native of Alabama, came to Texas in January, 1877, and went to work as Deputy Sheriff in 1880. Two years later he took the oath of office as Sherriff and served in that Capacity until December, 1900. Though the veteran peace officer

March 6, 1941 Dallas Morning News

Saved by Federal Foe, Texas Confederate Vet, Old Officeholder, Dies
 

SHREVEPORT, La., March 5
(AP).—G. B. Dickson. 95, for forty sears a public official of Titus County, Texas, and a Confederate veteran, died at his home in Mount Pleasant, Texas. Wednesday. 4
Funeral rites will be held at Mount Pleasant at  3 p.m. Thurssday.
Dickson served twenty-two years as Titus County Sheriff, eight years as County Tax Assessor and ten  years as County Treasurer, declining re-election at the end of a 4
term Dec. 31, 1936.

A native of Chambers County. Alabama, where he was born in 1845, he enlisted in the Confederate I Army and was a soldier of the Army of Northern Virginia. He was wounded at Gettysburg in July, 1S63. and was left with a canteen of water to die, but a Federal pa- trot found him, took him prisoner and attended to his wounds, thereby saving his life. Surviving are four sons. C. D.; Dickson, Caddo; Judge Ed Dickson, Mount Pleasant; Will Dickson, Mount Pleasant, and Harry Dickson, Midland, Texas, and one sister in California.
 

March 6, 1941 Dallas Morning News

Green Dickson, 95,

Titus Confederate,

Dies at His home

MOUNT PLEASANT. Texas, March 5.— Green B Dickson, 95, known all over Titus County as Uncle Green, died at his home Wednesday morning. He was the only surviving Civil War veteran in the county. Born in Chambers County, Alabama,. he enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1861 and served in the Army of Northern Virginia. On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg he was wounded in the right leg and lay on the battlefield until the next day, when he was captured. Later he was released in an exchange of: prisoners. After the war was over he returned to Alabama, then to Titus County in January 1877.
In 1880, at a special election, he was named Deputy Sheriff and became Sheriff and Tax Collector of Titus County in 1882. He held that office eighteen years and retired in December 1900. Later he served eight years as Tax Assessor and twelve years as County Treasurer, retiring from public life in 1932 with a record of more than forty years’ service with the county.
For the last several years on his birthday, Mr. Dickson’s friends commemorated the event with an open house in his honor. He is survived by four sons. Ed and Vi1l Dickson of this city, Charley Dickson, Shreveport and Harry Dickson, Midland, and a half-sister, Miss. Laura Gardner, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be held at the Methodist Church at 3 p.m. Thursday.  Burial will be in the Masonic Cemetery.