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Father William Bonaparte “Bony” Tucker Sr. October 5, 1824 - April 8, 1900 William Bonaparte “Bony” Tucker was born in Kentucky on October 5, 1824. In 1848, William married Mahala Ann Myers. In 1850 they were living in Casey County, Kentucky. Bony Sr. was a farmer, a skill he learned from his father. By 1853, the same year the Army abandoned Fort Worth, the couple moved to Texas to settle in what became known as Jarvis Heights in historic Northside Fort Worth. Bony Sr. quickly established himself in the area. In 1854 he was one of the founders of the new Masonic Temple. In 1856, he shifted careers from farming to politics when he was elected County Sheriff¹ (he was just the third person to hold the position²). By 1858, he was elected District Clerk. Later he was elected County Judge, but unfortunately had to resign the position due to a legal technicality in 1867. This ended his political aspirations. At the age of 43, he switched careers again and focused his energy on real estate as he anticipated the railroad expansion coming to Fort Worth. He purchased large tracts of land, primarily in the south end of the city. In 1870, Bony Sr. also built a new homestead on the present day “Tucker Hill,” which was the first home to be built in what came to be known as the Historic Southside³ – thus he became known as the “Father of the Southside.”⁴ Today, the intersection of E. Tucker St. (named for him) and Main St. is near the location of his original home which was razed in 1907. In 1876, Bony Sr. was one of the influential people of Fort Worth that helped bring the railroad and streetcars to the city. Since his home sat high on a hill, he was able to watch the railroad construction from the porch of his home. Bony Sr. died on April 8, 1900 in Fort Worth, Texas. Bony Sr. is buried in Pioneers Rest Cemetery alongside his wife Mahala and 5 of their 6 children.⁵ Sons Rowan Hardin Tucker Sr. October 1, 1855 - June 6, 1920 William Bonaparte “Bony” Tucker Jr. September 5, 1861 - November 8, 1887 Rowan Hardin Tucker , the first son born to William and Mahala (née Myers) Tucker, was born on October 1, 1855 in Fort Worth, Texas. At the beginning of the American Civil War, the Tuckers had their second son on September 5, 1861, in Fort Worth, Texas named William Bonaparte “Bony” Tucker Jr. The boys grew up with four sisters – at first on the Historic Northside and later in the homestead built by their father located on “Tucker Hill” on the edge of the Historic Southside of Fort Worth. In 1878, Rowan followed his father’s footsteps and began a career in Law Enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff. By 1885, both Rowan and brother Bony Jr. held the title of Deputy Sheriff. In early 1886, both brothers acted as guards when railroad employees across Texas and many other states went on strike.⁶ The effect of the strike was felt all over town and the country and tensions were high. With the threat of vandalism and loitering on the tracks by railroad employees and sympathizers, the Sheriff ordered his deputy officers to block the strikers and to break up crowds. On April 3, 1886, both brothers took part in what would be known as Fort Worth’s “Battle of Buttermilk Junction” when striking union rail workers ambushed a heavily guarded train engine the railroad was trying to move.⁷ By the summer of 1887, Bony Jr. decided to take a job as a guard for the Northbound Sante Fe railroad. The first stop after leaving Fort Worth was Gainesville, Texas. It was at this stop that Bony Jr. began to befriend a local brothel owner named Hazel Creeland. As the months went on, their presence was noticed in Gainesville. Their companionship became on the radar of the local authorities. On November 8, 1887, a police officer shot Bony Jr. on the streets of Gainesville near the present-day courthouse after he refused to pay a fine for riding with a prostitute. Bony Jr.’s body was returned to Fort Worth. Since he was a Volunteer Fireman in Fort Worth, he was given a formal burial by his fellow fireman. He was only 26 years old at the time of his death. Unlike his brother, Rowan remained in Fort Worth. He left behind his career in law enforcement in 1888, just a year after the death of his brother and became a claim agent for the Fort Worth & Denver City Railroad. He held this position for the rest of his life. He also was elected to the City Council and represented the Fifth Ward on the Southside for four terms.⁸ He was a Mason and was a member of the Blue Lodge No. 148. On June 6, 1920, Rowan passed away at his home on “Tucker Hill” at the age of 65. He left behind his wife Louise (née Archer) Tucker along with two children.⁹ Rowan is buried in the Tucker family plot in Pioneers Rest alongside his parents, several siblings, a daughter named Ethel (who died young), and his wife, Louise. __________________________ [1] “Bony Tucker: History at the Top of the Hill (Wheeze).” Hometown by Handlebar, 16 Jul 2022; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=29355 : accessed 12 Nov 2024. [2] “Ol’Bony’s Boys: The Long and Short of It.” Hometown by Handlebar, 7 Oct 2021; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=36121 : accessed 12 Nov 2024. [3] Bony, 2022. [4] Ol’Bony’s, 2021. [5] Bony, 2022. [6] Ol’Bony’s, 2021. [7] “Buttermilk and Blood (Part 1): ‘I’ll Kill the First Man Who Touches This Engine’.” Hometown by Handlebar, 3 Apr 2022; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=6874 : accessed 12 Nov 2024. [8] Ol’Bony’s, 2021. [9] “Rowan Hardin Tucker.” Find a Grave, Memorial ID# 18921253, 13 Apr 2007; https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18921253/rowan-hardin-tucker : accessed 12 Nov 2024. Block 3, Lot 73 [Explore the Map ]

Jesse Shenton Zane-Cetti January 21, 1844 - February 8, 1922 Jesse Shenton Zane-Cetti was born on January 21, 1844 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to William and Harriet Zane. After the death of his father in 1853, his mother Harriet remarried to Andrew Cetti. Out of respect for both his father and step-father, Jesse decided to hyphenate his last name to create the unusual surname of Zane-Cetti. By the age of 15, Jesse was sent to Germany to study civil engineering. After graduation, he returned to the United States in 1870 and worked for the government. With his new job, he became acquainted with Gen. Grenville Dodge, a pioneer in railroad expansion in the south. Jesse went to work for Gen. Dodge where he secured a job working with the Corp of Engineers in Alabama. As the railroad expanded westward, Jesse was sent to Texas to survey land spanning all the way to El Paso. On May 9, 1873, “Black Friday” occurred ensuing what would become known as the “Panic of 1873.” As the United States economy was in turmoil, the railroad ceased work and Jesse found himself unemployed and in Fort Worth. With limited options, Jesse decided to stay in Fort Worth as he felt the “little town” was very inviting. Quickly, Jesse began to make connections with civic leaders in town and he reinvented himself by opening a real estate and insurance office. Since his early days with the railroad, Jesse had been corresponding with Emma Hoeflin, a love interest he met back in Germany. After 7 years of writing, and with his new found stability in Fort Worth, Emma agreed to come to Texas.¹ The two were married in 1874 in New Orleans, Louisiana.² The couple would have 7 children but only 4 would survive to adulthood. All of the children were taught to be bilingual in German and English. Also in 1874, Fort Worth was incorporated and officially became a city. Jesse was tasked as being the first City Engineer and created the city street layout. Jesse was instrumental in convincing the railroad to complete the tracks to Fort Worth in 1876. It is said that as the first train engine rolled into Fort Worth and blew its whistle, Jesse’s first child was born at that very moment. By the 1880’s, Zane-Cetti was a top real estate developer and was held to high esteem. When Anheuser-Busch built their first brewery in Texas, Jesse became very interested in bringing a brewery to Fort Worth.³ In 1890, Zane-Cetti along with 3 others, declared the water of Fort Worth to be of fine quality for brewing and they began building the Texas Brewing Company in what was known as “Hell’s Half Acre.” The brewery was located at the site of the present day Fort Worth Central Station. Jesse was the President of the brewery. By 1907, the brewery claimed to be the largest in Texas, creating 250,000 barrels of beer a year, Unfortunately in 1918, the brewery would shutter its doors as the temperance movement was taking hold and talks of prohibition were on the horizon.⁴ Although the brewery closed, the facility transitioned into the Texas Ice & Refrigeration Company and Jesse was yet again the President. Zane-Cetti was eager to bring music to Fort Worth. With his real estate connections, he provided a building that became the first music hall in the city. Later the Fort Worth Symphony would be born of this creation. Later in life, Jesse would help provide capital that would bring street cars to Downtown. He was also a member of the Freemasons where he was a Grand Master of his Masonic Lodge. On February 8, 1922, Jesse passed away at the age of 78. He was described as “immaculately-dressed, reliable, capable, and a modest man.”⁵ His funeral was held in the mansion he built in 1910 at 500 S. Adams.⁶ The home was razed in 1967.⁷ Jesse is buried in a large family plot at Pioneers Rest Cemetery next to his wife, mother, and 6 children. __________________________ [1] Pruitt, Betty. “Zane-Cetti, Civic Leader,” The Junior Historian, , Volume 16, Number 3, December 1955, Pg 16. Texas State Historical Association ; Austin, Texas. Accessed 26 Sept 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth391438/m1/18 . [2] “Thenton Zane Cette [SIC],” New Orleans, Louisiana, Marriage Records Index, 1831-1964, Vol 4, Pg 597. Ancestry.com. Accessed 26 Sept 2023 ; https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryuicontent/view/11853:6500?ssrc=pt&tid=32371210&pid=242036084208 . [3] Pruitt, 1955, Pgs 16-17. [4] “Texas Brewing Company Gave Cowtown Very Near Beer.” Hometown by Handlebar, 3 Sept 2019. Accessed 26 Sept 2023; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=4348 . [5] Pruitt, 1955, Pgs.17-18. [6] “Body of Zane-Cetti in Pioneers’ Rest.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Home Edition ed., vol. XLII, no. 8, 9 Feb. 1922, p. 6. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current , Accessed 26 Sept 2023. [7] "Jesse Shenton Zane-Cetti mansion to be torn down, 500 South Adams Street, Fort Worth, Texas." Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection, University of Texas at Arlington Libraries. UTA Libraries Digital Gallery. 1967. Accessed 26 Sept 26, 2023 ; https://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery/img/20059989 . Block 3, Lot 3 [Explore the Map ]

May Hendricks Swayne May 1, 1856 - July 13, 1940 On May 1, 1856, May Hendricks Swayne was born in Sherman, Texas to parents Harrison and Eliza Everts Hendericks. Her father was a pioneer Texas attorney & Judge and they moved to a farm on the northside of Fort Worth early in her childhood. In her teenage years, she was sent to an academy in Kentucky to complete her education. At the age of 18, May married John F. Swayne, Fort Worth's first city secretary. They would have 4 children, but only 2 would live to adulthood. In 1884, The Swaynes would build a stately home at 503 E. First St. which featured a rosewood grand piano. The couple would reside in this home their entire lives. The home is no longer standing. May served as an officer of the Women's Committee for the Spring Palace in 1889. In the same year, May also founded the Women's Wednesday Club in her living room, focusing on promoting arts and literature in the growing City of Fort Worth.¹ In 1923, The Woman's Club of Fort Worth would be organized in her home and she served as President. The Women’s Wednesday Club was one of 11 Charter Clubs that founded The Woman’s Club and is the oldest continuously functioning woman’s club in Fort Worth.² In 1904, May was accepted into the Mary Isham Keith Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The following year, she would be the third Regent for the chapter. She also served as Vice-Regent for the Texas Society of DAR from 1906-1908 and parliamentarian from 1910-1911.³ May also had a desire to preserve and maintain local cemeteries. She served as the first elected President of the Oakwood Cemetery Association.⁴ She also served as President at Pioneers Rest Cemetery.⁵ On July 1, 1940, May passed away at the age of 84 in her home due to a lengthy illness related to complications from a broken hip.⁶ She is buried in the Hendricks Family plot next to her parents, husband, 2 children and 3 siblings. __________________________ [1] “Woman’s Wednesday Club Scrapbook.” Portal to Texas History, N.D. Pg. 95. Retrieved 15 Aug 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth821691/m1/95/zoom/?q=%22pioneers%20Rest%20cemetery%22&resolution=3.428524634636288&lat=4054.033605097839&lon=3281.431303715895 [2] “Woman’s Wednesday Club.” The Woman’ Club of Fort Worth, 2023. Retrieved 15 Aug 2023 ; https://www.thewomansclubfw.com/clubs [3] “May Hendricks Swayne.” Find a Grave, N.D. Retrieved 15 Aug 2023 ; https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18924406/may-swayne [4] “Woman’s Wednesday Club Scrapbook.” N.D. [5] Granite plaque located at front gates of Pioneers Rest Cemetery. [6] “Woman’s Wednesday Club Scrapbook.” N.D. Block 3, Lot 46 [Explore the Map ]

Sydney (aka Sidney) Smith June 12, 1888 - July 9, 1944 Sydney Smith was born on June 12, 1888 in Buckholts, Texas to John William and Dora Smith. Sydney married May Sterley, a native to Fort Worth. By profession, Sydney was a lawyer. Passport records reveal that Sydney was 5’ 7” tall with brown hair and eyes. For much of the early 1900’s, Sydney worked for the federal government for the Department of State as an American Consulate for the Philippines and Mexico. Sydney and May lived in the Philippine Islands from 1912-1916,¹ where in 1914, May gave birth to their only child, Rosaileen May.² After leaving the South Pacific, the family moved to Mexico from 1917-1919 when he was appointed Consulate to Ensenada, Mexico.³ By 1922, Sydney was employed by the Sinclair Oil Corporation as a Foreign Attorney and traveled the world while his family returned to Fort Worth and then later El Paso.⁴ His daughter, Rosaileen, was just 15 years old when she entered Southern Methodist University from which she graduated in 1934. She also received a master's degree at The University of Texas.⁵ In 1943, May died after a battle with cancer.⁶ The following year, Sydney died at the age of 56 from chronic pulmonary tuberculosis.⁷ He is buried in the Sterley family plot alongside his wife, daughter and in-laws. __________________________ [1] National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington D.C.; NARA Series: Passport Applications, January 2, 1906 - March 31, 1925; Roll #: 2019; Volume #: Roll 2019 - Certificates: 188476-188849, 10 Jun 1922-10 Jun 1922. Ancestry.com ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. [2] “Rosaileen Smith Hoffman.” Texas, Death Certificates, 1903-1982, 8 Jun 1961. Ancestry.com ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. [3] National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington D.C.; NARA Series: Special Diplomatic Passport Applications, 1916-1925; Volume #: Volume 4. Ancestry.com ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. [4] National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); 10 Jun 1922. [5] “Rosaileen M Smith Hoffman.” Find a Grave. N.D. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18911190/rosaleen-hoffman ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. [6] “May S. Smith.” Texas, Death Certificates, 1903-1982, 22 Jan 1943. Ancestry.com ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. [7] “Sydney Smith” Texas, Death Certificates, 1903-1982, 10 Jul 1944. Ancestry.com ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. Block 1, Lot 70 [Explore the Map ]

Josephine H. (Turner) Ryan January 4, 1851 - April 13, 1931 Josephine Harvelia (Turner) Hirshfield Ryan was born to Capt. Charles and Amanda Turner on January 4, 1851. Her father fought in the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848. In 1849 he was one of the soldiers who rode with Major Ripley Arnold and Colonel Middleton Tate Johnson when they selected a site on the Trinity River on which the Army would establish Fort Worth.¹ Josephine was a small child when her parents moved from Shelby County, Texas to Tarrant County in the early 1850’s.² The family crafted a farm out of nothing but prairie grass and live oak trees at the location of the present day Greenwood Cemetery. When the Civil War began, the Confederate government ordered Southerners to exchange their gold for Confederate money. Charles Turner chose not to. Instead, with the help of a trusted slave, Turner buried thousands of dollars worth of gold under an oak tree that still stands in Greenwood Cemetery, known as the “Turner Oak.” After the war, Turner dug up that gold he had buried and used the money to help stabilize Fort Worth’s economy and to ease the debt Fort Worth had incurred. In 1866, at the age of 15, Josephine married 37 year old John S. Hirshfield. Mr. Hirshfield owned a very successful construction company that is noted as building the “first road into the city.”³ Alongside with his father-in-law Charles Turner, he also owned stores of general merchandise along the route of the Houston & Texas Central Railway in Robertson and Limestone counties. Hirshfield is noted as being one of the Fort Worth business leaders that brought the railroad to the city in 1876. The couple would have 7 children, five of which would live to adulthood. Jospehine is also “the step-granddaughter of Captain E. M. Daggett” who “owned the silver wash basin captured from General Santa Anna.” Josephine H. Ryan said of the wash bowl: “. . . my husband, John S. Hirshfield, gave him [Daggett] fifty dollars in gold for it…and my children and grandchildren have had their first bath in it.”⁴ After the death of her first husband in 1877, Josphine found love again. In 1880, she married Capt. Alvis P. Ryan. The couple would have 3 children, but sadly their marriage would end in divorce in 1889.⁵ Josephine passed away in her home on April 13, 1931 at the age of 80. She is buried in Pioneers Rest Cemetery in the Hirshfield family plot next to her first husband and 4 children. Her parents and one sister are also buried at Pioneers Rest. __________________________ [1] “Josephine Ryan: Her Story is Our Story”. Hometown by Handlebar. 6 Aug 2020, https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=4087 ; Accessed 22 Aug 2023. [2] Hudson, Weldon and Barbara Knox. Pioneers Rest Cemetery, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. Fort Worth Genealogical Society. 2001. Pg 142. [3] "Tarrant Pioneer, Mrs. J. H. Ryan, to be Buried Today." Dallas Morning News, Final Edition ed., 14 Apr. 1931, p. 9. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current , Accessed 22 Aug. 2023. [4] “Josephine Ryan: Her Story is Our Story.” 2020. [5] “Alvis Parmley Ryan.” Find a Grave. N.D. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/12895747/alvis-parmley-ryan ; Accessed 22 Aug 2023. Block 4, Lot 17 [Explore the Map ]

George Henry White December 7, 1857 - August 8, 1879 George Henry White was born in 1857 in Georgia to Enoch and Amanda White. His father was a poor farmer who moved his family from Georgia to Alabama, then to Rusk County, Texas. By 1877, George had left his family behind and moved to Fort Worth. He befriended several families in his new hometown, living with them as he established himself in Tarrant County. In early 1879, George found steady employment with the Fort Worth Police Department as a Deputy Marshall (the department was only 6 years old). He also worked part-time as a bailiff for the Tenth District Court when court was in session during the months of March thru July. He was regarded as “one of the best and most efficient officers” on the force in a time when Fort Wort was experiencing a crime wave.¹ In addition to his law enforcement work, he was also a volunteer fireman. He worked with the Hook and Ladder Company #1 (aka the Panther Company) and was the Captain of Cart #1.² On August 2, 1879, Deputy Marshal White was tasked with arresting a known horse thief named Tom Alford. Even though Alford was located in Arlington, Texas, George still wanted to make the arrest personally as a favor to the Sheriff.³ While in Arlington, George was successful in arresting Alford. As they began the trip back towards Fort Worth, the suspect’s family ambushed them, striking George with a shotgun blast.⁴ He was shot in the abdomen.⁵ George fought back and killed at least one of the Alford family members during the altercation. Shortly after the shooting, many felt that George would survive his wounds as his condition looked promising.⁶ However, on August 8, 1879, George died of complications in Arlington, TX. This made him the second officer to die in the line of duty in Fort Worth.⁷ He was just 21 years old. Alford was later rearrested and sentenced to 5 years, but the ruling was later overturned on appeal – on a technicality.⁸ George is buried alone with no family around him. He never married. There are no known direct descendants. The current headstone found at his grave was placed in 2002 by the Fort Worth Police Officers Association.⁹ __________________________ [1] Selcer, Richard and Kevin Foster. Written in Blood: The History of Fort Worth’s Fallen Lawmen, University of North Texas Press, Denton, Texas, 2010, vol. 1, pgs. 53-54. [2] “Fire Fighters,” The Daily Fort Worth Democrat, Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 3, No. 337, Ed. 1 Tuesday, August 5, 1879, [Pg. 4], Portal to Texas History : accessed 24 Oct 2024. [3] Selcer, 59. [4] “Deputy City Marshal George White,” Officer Down Memorial Page, 2024; https://www.odmp.org/officer/16203-deputy-city-marshal-george-white: accessed 24 Oct 2024. [5] Selcer, 2010, vol. 1, pg.64. [6] “The Wounded at Arlington,” The Daily Fort Worth Democrat, Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 3, No. 337, Ed. 1 Tuesday, August 5, 1879, [Pg. 4], Portal to Texas History : accessed 24 Oct 2024. [7] “In Memoriam,” Fort Worth Police Department, N.D.; https://police.fortworthtexas.gov/about/memoriam : accessed 24 Oct 2024. [8] Deputy, 2024. [9] Selcer, 2010, vol. 1, pg.71. Block 2, Lot 47 [Explore the Map ]

General Edward Hampton Tarrant 1799 - August 2, 1858 Edward Hampton Tarrant was born in South Carolina in 1799. Edward’s early life is a bit of a mystery, as we do not know who his parents were or his exact birthdate. He was described to be about 5 foot 10 inches tall with blue eyes and a fair complexion. At the age of just 15 years old, Edward enlisted into the 14th Regiment with the Kentucky Detached Militia as a result of the ongoing War of 1812. He enlisted for a term of 6 months, but just three months into his military career, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. He was later discharged on May 20, 1815 and was paid $10 for each month of his service. By the early 1820’s, Edward had moved from Kentucky to Tennessee and by 1824 he was elected “Colonel of Militia.” The militia was created to protect themselves from Indian attacks in the rugged and wild hills of Tennessee. While in Tennessee he became a local leader in Henry County, especially the town of Paris, where he was elected sheriff (1827) and also established the local Masonic Lodge. In the 1830’s, he moved to Henderson County, Tennessee where he was the first clerk of the circuit court. Accounts written by the Tarrant Family stated Edward came to Texas via the Mississippi River sometime in mid 1835 and established himself in Red River County. On February 2, 1838, Edward received a land grant from the Republic of Texas. This grant was awarded to all heads of household that were residents of Texas on March 2, 1836. Much like his life back in Tennessee, Edward soon found himself in public office again. He was appointed as the first Chief Justice of Red River County in December 1836 and built a successful law firm that would last until 1845. On October 17, 1837, he was sworn into office as a House of Representative for Red River County and worked under President Houston in the Republic of Texas. While in office, tension became more strained in Texas as the threat from Indian tribes in East Texas was growing more hostile. Edward felt he would be of better service to his new country in a military capacity as he had experience defending land from the Indians back in Tennessee. He resigned his position with the House of Representatives on December 12, 1837. Although his time may have been short with the House of Representatives, it was during this time he would befriend several colleagues all located in the North Texas area with notable names such as Dr. Daniel Rowlett and Collin McKinney. By the Fall of 1838, at the age of 39, he was the leader of the Red River County Militia where his main mission was to force the Indians away from the Republic of Texas and back into the United States. In 1840, his peaceful and resourceful relationship with the Indians helped him to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. Tarrant was instrumental in the signing of a peace treaty between the Republic of Texas and the Indians in 1843. Tarrant continued his life in public service and he was very active in statewide talks in regard to the annexation of Texas by the United States, which would come to fruition in December of 1845. Tarrant lived in several other counties in the State of Texas including Robertson, Navarro, and Ellis. To honor him, a town was named Tarrant in 1846 and was the first county seat for Hopkins County. In 1849, he returned to the Texas House of Representatives where he would serve until 1853. In December of 1849, a new county was approved and was named Tarrant. The naming of the county for him paid tribute to his public and military service to Texas. During this time in his life, he would reside in Ellis County and was involved in the building of the city of Waxahachie. On April 6, 1851, now in his 50’s, Edward married Mary Danforth. Mary was just 19 years old at the time of their marriage. Edward continued to purchase land in a variety of counties and by 1858, he had planned to move his family to the Fort Belknap area in Young County. However, tension with the Indians was rising again and many North Texas leaders convened a court in Weatherford (Parker County) to discuss the matter. The court met in June 1858, but upon arriving Tarrant was very sick. An expedition was created where many of the men in the meeting physically went to see the Comanches' interactions with the settlers. Tarrant was far too sick to travel and his illness would end his life on August 2, 1858 in Parker County. His body was temporarily laid to rest in Parker County, but later removed and reburied at his family farm in Ellis County in January 1859. His remains would later be interred for the third and final time at Pioneers Rest Cemetery on March 3, 1928 in the county that bears his name.¹ __________________________ [1] Jones, Robert L & Pauline H. Jones. Edward H. Tarrant. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 69, July 1965 - April, 1966; Pgs 300-323. Austin, Texas. Accessed 2 Oct 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth117144/m1/360/ . Block 4, Lot 54 [Explore the Map ]

Captain Ephraim “Eph” Merrill Daggett June 3, 1810 - April 19, 1883 Captain Ephraim Merrill Daggett , also known as E.M. and Eph, was born on June 3, 1810 to Eleazer and Elizabeth Daggett. A Canadian by birth, Eph was the oldest of 6 children. While Eph was still a toddler, the War of 1812 began and his father Eleazer moved to the United States to join the war effort. The family moved just over the Canadian Border to Batavia, New York. This act was considered to be treason to Canada and their Canadian land/property was confiscated by the British government. When Eph was about 10 years old, the family moved from New York to Terre Haute, Indiana. His father was awarded land in Indiana from the U.S. Government for his allegiance to the U.S. and participation in the War of 1812. On December 15,1835, Eph married his first wife Pheroba Strouse in Parke County, Indiana. What happened to Pheroba is lost to time as we are unsure if she died or if the marriage ended in divorce. They had at least one known child together named Ephraim Beck Dagett, who was born in Jackson County, Missouri in 1838. Eph would arrive in Texas around 1839, along with his siblings and parents. His father secured land in Shelby County through a Texas Headright Certificate. He married his second wife in 1842, a widow named Carloine Matilda Adams. She brought 3 children into the marriage. At some point, Sam Houston and the Daggetts became friends, especially with Eph. It is likely the friendship became during the Regulator Moderator War of East Texas (1839-1844) as many members of the Daggett family, including Eph, were heavily involved in the conflict. Eph, alongside with his two brothers and sister Helen, become leaders of the Regulators. Sam Houston himself would negotiate with both sides in the conflict and a Peace Treaty was signed on July 24, 1844. In 1845, Texas entered the United States as the 28th State. Shortly after this, the Mexican-American War broke out and Eph fought in the war. He reached the rank of Captain and fought alongside Major Ripley Arnold, another notable name in Fort Worth history. After the war, Eph became interested in the land that is present day Fort Worth and made his first trip to the area in 1849 in anticipation of receiving a land grant for his participation in the Mexican-American war. He continued to live in Shelby County and was a state representative for his county in 1851 and 1853. Eph’s interests in Fort Worth continued to grow and in 1853 he bought a livery stable and hotel catty-corner from today’s historic courthouse. In 1854, Eph moved his entire family and property in a caravan of drawn oxen wagons and settled in the southern part of downtown Fort Worth (present day Fort Worth Convention area and south.) This happened to be the land he was awarded from the land grant and it would later be known as “Hell’s Half Acre” due to the lawlessness, brothels and saloons that popped up in this area. He continued to purchase large tracts of land throughout Tarrant County. In 1856, Eph was elected to the Texas State House of Representatives representing Tarrant County. By November of the same year, he was instrumental in obtaining the votes needed to relocate the Tarrant County Seat from Birdville, Texas to Fort Worth. Eph built the first courthouse located in Fort Worth, which was a wood frame structure with just three rooms. He would also financially help the building of the second courthouse. During the Civil War, Eph was a Brigadier General for the Confederate Army but exact details of his participation are unknown. After the war, Eph was instrumental in bringing the Texas & Pacific Railroad to the city and donated 96 acres south of town for tracks and a train station. He also donated land to the Catholic community for the present day St. Patrick’s Cathedral. His involvement , promotion and generous donations to the City of Fort Worth has afforded him the title “Father of Fort Worth.” A street just south of Downtown bears the name of Daggett as well as the schools E.M. Daggett Elementary and Daggett Middle School.¹ On April 19, 1883, Eph passed away and his funeral was held in the home of his son. At the time of his death, his estate was valued at $125,000. This is the modern day equivalent of approximately 3 million dollars. He is buried in Pioneers Rest Cemetery alongside his second wife, one child, mother, and one sibling.² __________________________ [1] Smith, Melanie. “Origin and Lineage of the Charles Biggers Daggett Family of Fort Worth, Texas”. 2022, pgs. 30-36. [2] “Death of E.M. Daggett.” The Daily Democrat. Fort Worth, Tex., Vol. 1, No. 134, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 19, 1883, newspaper, April 19, 1883; Fort Worth, Texas. Accessed 15 Sept 2023; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth233636/m1/4/?q=%22E.M.+Daggett%22 . Block 3, Lot 17 [Explore the Map ]

John T. Wilkes 1848 - May 30, 1894 John T. Wilkes was born in Florida in 1848, just a few short years after Florda was given statehood. In his youth, John lived in south Texas and eventually moved to Fort Worth in 1875.¹ John served with the volunteer Fort Worth Fire Department with his brother, Richard “Dick” Wilkes. Both John and his brother served as Chief of the department.² John was elected to the rank of Chief in 1886 and served two terms. He was an active fireman for nearly 20 years in Fort Worth. In addition to his fireman career, John was also a business owner. He ran a livery, a stable for horses and carriages, named Wilkes & Gauze .³ He ran the business with his lifelong friend, George L. Gauze.⁴ John was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias - Queen City Lodge in Downtown Fort Worth. This lodge, located at the corner of Main and 3rd St., was built in 1881. The building featured a distinctive Knight in a suit of armor on the outside of the building. A replacement lodge was built on the same location in 1901 with the Knight feature remaining. The building stands today at 315 Main St. and the Knight can be seen at the top of the building, still standing guard.⁵ On May 30, 1894, John unexpectedly died after complications with a stroke. John was given a hero’s sendoff as he was buried in his official Knights of Pythias uniform. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His funeral featured a horse drawn procession to the cemetery with a band playing along the way even though the weather that day was described as “bad.” People lined up on the sidewalks along the procession route, paying their respects to a well beloved man.⁶ John is buried in an unmarked grave next to his brother Richard. John never married and has no known children. In 2024, Fort Worth Professional Firefighters Association purchased and dedicated the current headstone at this grave. The grave went unmarked for 130 years. __________________________ [1] “John T. Wilkes Dead.” Fort Worth Gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 18, No. 189, Ed. 1, Thursday, May 31, 1894 - Page_ 6 of 8. Retrieved 13 Aug 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth109849/ [2] “Burial of Richard Wilkes.” Fort Worth Daily Gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 12, No. 262, Ed. 1, Tuesday, April 19, 1887 Page: 8 of 8. https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth85411 . [3] “John T. Wilkes Dead.” 1894. [4] “Funeral of John Wilkes.” Fort Worth Gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 18, No. 190, Ed. 1, Friday, June 1, 1894 Page: 6 of 8. Retrieved 13 Aug 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth109850/m1/6/ . [5] “Opening Knight: Pythian Cornerstone Is Laid.” Hometown By Handlebar, 5 Dec 2018. Retrieved 13 Aug 2023 ; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=4145 . [6] “Funeral of John Wilkes.” 1894. Block 4, Lot 42 [Explore the Map ]

Pioneers Rest Cemetery Pioneers Rest Cemetery was created in 1850, a year after the military outpost known as Fort Worth was established on a bluff overlooking the confluence of the Clear and West Forks of the Trinity River. It served as the fort’s primary burial ground and then the city’s, until 1879 when other cemeteries were established in the city. However, burials continued at Pioneers Rest and it remained the cemetery of choice for many early Fort Worth residents and their descendants. Pioneers Rest Cemetery's grave markers reflect mid-19th to early 20th-century sentiments regarding death and mourning through their funerary motifs and Gothic, Egyptian, Classical Revival, and Rustic designs. The cemetery is approximately seven acres. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2021. Links to Burials at Pioneers Rest Go Map and Historic Burial Index View Layout of the Cemetery and Access a Comprehensive Searchable Burial Listing Spreadsheet Go Miss Belle S. Andrews 1853-1882 Go Maj. Ripley Allen Arnold 1817-1853 Go Martha Celinda (Utley) Bridgess 1846-1928 Go Gen. James J. Byrne 1841-1880 Go George Washington Chapman 1872 - 1934 Go AddRan Clark 1869-1872 Go Ephraim Merrill "Eph" Daggett 1810 - 1883 Go Dr. Isaac Michael Darter 1851 - 1893 Go Charles “Chas” David Ferguson 1877-1942 Go Jesse “Jess” Robert Ferguson 1880-1952 Go Christopher Columbus Fitzgerald 1848 - 1877 Go Col. Abraham “Abe” Harris 1824 - 1915 Go George William Isbell 1921 - 1945 Go Charles J. Louckx 1846 - 1913 Go Robert E. Maddox 1849 - 1907 Go Mary May (Morgan) McGuire 1881 - 1946 Go Etta (Price) Newby 1862 - 1936 Go Harry Palmer Jr. 1911 - 1952 Go Carroll M. Peak 1828 - 1885 Go Josephine Hirschfield Ryan 1851 - 1931 Go Robert Alvis Ryan 1883 - 1950 Go Anna Shelton 1861 - 1936 Go Sydney Smith 1888 - 1944 Go Charles J. Swasey 1847 - 1939 Go May (Hendricks) Swayne 1856-1940 Go Gen. Edward Hampton Tarrant 1796 - 1858 Go Rowan Hardin Tucker Sr. 1855-1920 Go William “Bony” Tucker Jr. 1861-1987 Go William “Bony” Tucker Sr. 1824-1900 Go Clara (Peak) Walden 1854 - 1914 Go George Henry White 1857 - 1879 Go John T. Wilkes 1848 - 1894 Go Jesse Shenton Zane-Cetti 1844-1922 The Sexton's Cottage also known as a tool house, was constructed around 1922. The Greene family is cited as contributing to the construction of the structure. The wood-framed stucco-covered building was designed in the Classical Revival style and features a front gabled roof and unadorned pediment. A hood over the door also features a Greek key design and is supported by scrolled brackets. Curving cast stone balustrades extend from its north and south sides. For over 50 years, the Sexton’s cottage was the only tool house on the property, until the addition for a larger green structure near the southwest corner of the cemetery in the 1980’s.

Martha Celinda (Utley) Bridgess Martha C Utley (May 1, 1846 - November 23, 1928) Martha Celinda (Utley) Bridgess was born to Charles and Charity Utley in Pulaski County, Virginia. Her father was a Methodist pastor and at the age of 13 she too joined the Methodist faith. In 1866, she married Albert Anderson Bridgess in Hillsville, Virginia. Shortly after marriage, the new Bridgess family moved to Kentucky, then Pellonia, IL, and then moved to Fort Smith, AR. Mr. Bridges was a builder of fine homes and hotels. In 1871, Mr. Bridgess came to Fort Worth. Martha soon followed in a covered wagon with a driver and her 2 small children, Fannie and Utley, from Fort Smith, AR. Upon arriving in Fort Worth, Martha described what she saw as “... hardly a village when I came here.”¹ Daughter Fannie also wrote about her memories of growing up in Fort Worth in the 1880’s. “ Fannie stated she “was a fascinated spectator of the weekly sales of livestock held on the courthouse square. Injured and stray animals from the big herds that thundered through town en route to northern markets were nursed back to health by farmers along the route and sold at auction.” She also recounted that vendors delivered water from the Trinity River to barrels on front porches for drinking and that water “was always hot”.² Evidently, Albert would own the St. Charles Hotel, which was located at 7th and Rusk St. (present day Commerce St.). Even before her husband’s death in 1905, Martha would become the proprietor of the hotel.³ Like many others buried in Pioneers Rest, the Bridgess family were members of the first organized church in Fort Worth, the First Christian Church, which met in 1872 on Fifth St. between Main and Houston streets. Later, members of the family were founders of the Magnolia Ave. Christian Church, and subsequent generations were members of University Christian Church adjacent to the TCU campus.⁴ Albert and Martha would have a total of 9 children, but sadly 4 children would not live to adulthood. Five of their children are buried in Pioneers Rest Cemetery.⁵ On Nov. 23, 1928, at the age of 82, Martha passed away at her home in Fort Worth after being ill for years.⁶ __________________________ [1] “Mrs. Bridges Here Since ‘71 Is Dead.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Friday, 23 Nov. 1928, Page 35. [2] “1880’s Folks Drank Trinity Water.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Two Star ed., 30 Oct. 1949, p. 181. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current , Accessed 16 Aug. 2023. [3] “St. Charles Hotel.” Fort Worth Gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 20, No. 125, Ed. 1, Thursday, April 23, 1896 Page: 3 of 8. https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth110503/m1/3/?q=St.+Charles+Hotel+fort+worth+texas . [4] “Bridgess History Sketch.” Smith, Melanie email to Shelley Gayler-Smith. 13 June 2023. [5] Hudson, Weldon and Barbara Knox. Pioneers Rest Cemetery, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. Fort Worth Genealogical Society. 2001. Pg 29. [6] “Mrs. Bridges Here Since ‘71 Is Dead.” Page 35. Block 2, Lot 62 [Explore the Map ]

Robert Egan Maddox January 19, 1849 - April 12, 1906 Robert E. Maddox was born on January 18, 1848 or 1849 in Bienville Parish, Louisiana to parents William and Mary Maddox. He was the third child born to the couple. By 1870, the family moved to Denton County, Texas where Robert was a farmer and rancher. By 1873, he was living in Denison, Texas and during the “Panic of 1873”, Robert lost all his money. He was able to borrow money and then moved to Fort Worth. When he arrived in Fort Worth, he worked as a grocery clerk for J.W. Armstrong. Few could foresee Robert would become one of the most successful real estate developers of early Fort Worth history. In 1876, he was elected the City Tax Assessor and Collector.¹ By 1881, Robert began his successful career buying and selling real estate in Tarrant County. At the age of 32, Robert married Anna Higbee on November 1, 1881.² The couple would only have a short time together as Anna passed away in 1882 during the birth of their only child, Charleton. The infant would also die the same day. By the 1890’s, Robert owned a large amount of property in Downtown Fort Worth including the Richelieu Hotel.³ His growing success in real estate helped fund his real passion: buying and selling livestock. By the mid 1890’s, Robert had built himself a residence and stables called Maddoxia Park stock farm, also known as “Grand Palace Stables.” The property was located 3 miles east of the historic Tarrant County Courthouse. His love for livestock, especially horses, led him to be an early investor in what would become the modern day Stockyards of Fort Worth. He worked alongside other notable Fort Worth leaders such as John Peter Smith, E.M. “Bud” Daggett, and Robert McCart to help grow and expand the Stockyards during his lifetime.⁴ Although his headstone states he died on April 20, 1907, he actually passed away on April 11, 1906.⁵ His funeral was well attended and many prominent leaders of the city attended. At his funeral, Rev. C.W. Daniel stated “There is no death, the stars go down to rise upon some fairer shore. And bright in heaven’s jeweled crown, they will shine forevermore.”⁶ Maddox is buried in Pioneers Rest Cemetery next to his wife and infant son. His parents are also buried in the cemetery. __________________________ [1] Hudson, Weldon and Barbara Knox. Pioneers Rest Cemetery, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. Fort Worth Genealogical Society. 2001, pg 141. [2] “Robert E Maddox and Anna Higbee.” Record of Marriage Licenses of Tarrant County. Texas, U.S., Select County Marriage Records 1837-1965, Ancestry.com, Image 339. Accessed 15 Sept 2023 ; https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/9168/images/45605_b220550-00338?pId=25959001 . [3] Hudson, 2001, pg 141. [4] “Who The Heck was…R.E. Maddox?,” Hometown by Handlebar, 6 Oct 2022. Accessed 15 Sept 2023; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=32895 . [5] “Colonel R.E. Maddox Dead.” The Daily Express, San Antonio, TX, Vol. 41, No. 102, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 12, 1906, newspaper, April 12, 1906; Accessed 15 Sept 2023; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth441270/m1/3/?q=Robert+Maddox+Fort+Worth . [6] “Funeral Services Largely Attended.” The Fort Worth Record and Register, Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 10, No. 180, Ed. 1 Friday, April 13, 1906, newspaper, April 13, 1906; Fort Worth, Texas. Accessed 15 Sept 2023; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1441710/m1/8/?q=Robert+Maddox+Fort+Worth . Block 3, Lot 22 [Explore the Map ]