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Miss Belle S. Andrews January 18, 1853 - June 28, 1882 Miss Belle S Andrews was the daughter of A.T. and Catherine Andrews. The Andrews family moved to Fort Worth in 1858 when much of the city was still “wilderness,” making the family one of the early pioneers of Tarrant County. Their family was quite large, with several sons and daughters.¹ Hard times would find the family in 1867, when Belle’s father passed away. Belle was only 15 years old at the time of his death. As she grew to be a young woman, Belle was known to be a local socialite and even mentioned she was “one of Fort Worth’s favorite daughters.”² She would attend a variety of social parties and events throughout Fort Worth and her name would regularly be mentioned in local newspapers. Her personality was described as being “bright and winsome” along with being “vivacious and joyous.” On June 28, 1882, after a short illness, Belle would die of “consumption” at the age of 29.³ Today, we would call this tuberculosis. __________________________ [1] “An Old Resident Dead.” Fort Worth Daily Gazette. Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 13, No. 118, Ed. 1, Monday, October 29, 1888 Page: 8 of 8. Retrieved 12 Aug 2023; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth89688/m1/8/ . [2] “Weatherford.” Fort Worth Daily Democrat and Advance. Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 5, No. 310, Ed. 1 Wednesday, December 14, 1881 Page: 1 of 4. Retrieved 18 Aug 2023. https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1047780/m1/1 . [3] “Miss Belle Andrews Dead.” Fort Worth Daily Democrat-Advance. Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 6, No. 166, Ed. 1 Thursday, June 29, 1882 Page: 4 of 4. Retrieved 12 Aug 2023; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1047717/m1/4 . Block 4, Lot 17 [Explore the Map ]

Harry Palmer Jr. May 13, 1911 - July 24, 1952 Harry Palmer Jr. was born in Fort Worth on May 13, 1911 to parents Harry and Florence Palmer.¹ He was the last of 8 children born to the family. Harry was a member of the graduating class of 1929 of Central High School at 1003 W. Cannon St., now occupied by Trimble Technical High School. While in high school, Harry embraced his love for music and was a member of the R.O.T.C. Band.² His musical talents would continue into young adulthood, allowing him to be a professional trumpet player in several orchestras throughout Fort Worth.³ By 1940, Harry had married Glena Ruby Varnell. They had one child together, Teresa Ann. On July 24, 1952, Harry underwent a surgical procedure at St. Joseph's Hospital. He died during the surgery due to complications with anesthesia. At the time of his death, he was a cement contractor.⁴ Harry is buried in the large Palmer Family plot next to his spouse, both of his parents, his paternal grandmother and several siblings. __________________________ [1] “Certificate of Death, Mr, Harry Palmer Jr..” Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin Texas, USA; Texas Death Certificates, 1903–1982, 29 Jul 1952. Retrieved 13 Aug 2023 ; https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/2272/images/40394_b062407-02871?pId=22646005 . [2] "U.S., School Yearbooks, 1880-2012"; School Name: Central High School; Year: 1929. Retrieved 13 Aug 2023 ; https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/230377535:1265?tid=&pid=&queryId=dcd2efc913a6d36096208d621214daf7&_phsrc=lPS7665&_phstart=successSource . [3] “Harry Palmer.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas , Fri, Jul 25, 1952, Page 26. [4] “Certificate of Death, Mr, Harry Palmer Jr.,” 1952. Block 3, Lot 52 [Explore the Map ]

Pioneers Rest Cemetery Preserving Fort Worth's First Cemetery Where Every Stone Has a Story Established in 1850, Pioneers Rest Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Fort Worth's earliest pioneers, veterans, civic leaders, and families. Today, we continue to preserve their stories through restoration, education, and community involvement, ensuring this historic landmark endures for generations to come. Explore the Cemetery WHAT'S HAPPENING? Join us at Pioneers Rest Cemetery for our monthly volunteer cleanup days! It's a great way to give back to the community, preserve our historic grounds, and connect with fellow history enthusiasts. Read More Our Valued Benefactors Honoring Those Who Support Pioneers Rest We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our benefactors, whose generous contributions help us preserve the rich history and heritage of Pioneers Rest Cemetery in Fort Worth, TX. Their support enables us to continue our mission of maintaining this historic site and hosting community events such as Fall Fest. Below are the esteemed benenfactors who have made a significant impact through their generosity. Diamond - $1,000 + Marcia Fuller French Cecelia Van Donselaar Matt Dixon Michael Darter Platinum - $500-$999 Paul and Wendy Blanton Virginia Brown Melissa and Paul Hunter Karen Stetler Janey & James Korth Nan & Mark Matson Gold - $300-$499 Sam A. ‘Alex’ Denny Madeline and Jim McLain David Hart, Painting Silver - $100-$299 Loretta Black Mary Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Buckley Sam B. Cantey Family Jo Carpenter William ‘Bill’ Collins, Jr. Lane Crabtree Matt Dixon JoAnn Mouser Allen & Charmaine Williams Malinda and Dennis Crumly Megan Salas Silver - $100-$299 Diana Lussier Jerry Wallace Donna and Tim Weddle Julia Jackson Chapter - (United Daughters of the Confederacy) Roots Garden Center Christy Cruz Susie and Douglas Pritchett Fred Cheek Monuments Merrell Daggett Michele Elekes Loretta Shumway National Credit Finance Corporation With deep appreciation, we honor our benefactors for their vital support in safeguarding the legacy of Pioneers Rest Cemetery. Their generosity preserves our past and nurtures our community’s future. Preserve Our Heritage: Donate to Pioneers Rest Cemetery Your generous donations help preserve the historic Pioneers Rest Cemetery, ensuring it remains a cherished landmark for future generations. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact in honoring and maintaining Fort Worth’s rich history. Please join us in our mission by donating today and help us continue this vital work. Ground Maintenance We need your support to hire maintenance workers for mowing and upkeep of the grounds, $20,000 of tree trimming across the seven acres, and ensuring proper watering and care. Your donations directly contribute to preserving the beauty and history of Pioneers Rest Cemetery. Join us in keeping this cherished landmark well-maintained for future generations. Support Restoration and Preservation Efforts Your donations are vital for repairing hundreds of headstones and antique wrought iron fencing, replacing markers for missing or deteriorated headstones, and undertaking essential tree removal and trimming. We urgently need support for new projects at Pioneers Rest Cemetery: restoring the Zane-Cetti monument and storm-damaged fencing, upgrading our water, electricity, and security systems, and launching a Native Plantings Initiative to beautify open spaces. Your contributions preserve the history and beauty of our cemetery for future generations. Please donate today to help make these projects possible. Completed Projects Thanks to your generous support, we are proud to announce the completion of several key projects at Pioneers Rest Cemetery. We have beautified the maintenance shed, restored and enhanced the sexton's cottage, expanded our QR Code Program, installed two new benches, replaced 33 headstones for individuals who previously lacked markers, and revitalized the main entrance by restoring the gates. Your continued support makes these achievements possible and helps preserve the historic charm of our cemetery. How to Donate To donate, please use the following methods: Zelle: 817-332-8515 Venmo: @PioneersRestCemetery Mail a check to: Pioneers Rest Cemetery Association PO Box 100294 Fort Worth, TX 76185 PayPal: Donate with PayPal Your support is greatly appreciated and makes a significant impact on preserving the history and beauty of Pioneers Rest Cemetery. QR Codes - Gone but not Forgotten Lamont at Large, a prominent YouTuber known for his "Forgotten in Death" series, recently caught wind of our QR Codes through a news broadcast. Taking advantage of his proximity, he chose Pioneers Rest Cemetery as the centerpiece of one of his latest video features. Through our QR Codes, countless stories that might otherwise have been consigned to obscurity in death are now vividly recalled and celebrated. This project still needs expanding to incorporate as many stories as possible.

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 ]

Dr. Isaac Michael Darter January 19, 1851 - October 11,1893 Dr. Isaac MIchael Darter was born on January 19,1851 to parents Francis and Mary Darter in Alabama. By 1859, the family moved to Stephenville, Texas¹ where his father was a farmer.² In Darter’s late teenage years, the family moved to Fort Worth.³ Isaac married Annie Gordon on April 8, 1877, and their wedding was officiated by Rev. W.Y. Taylor of the First Christian Church in Fort Worth.⁴ Early in their marriage, Isaac worked as a carpenter and they had their first son, Joseph, in 1879.⁵ Around this time Isaac makes a major career change. He enrolled in college in late 1880 in St. Louis, Missouri and later the University of Louisville Medical School. He graduated from medical school in Louisville, Kentucky on February 27, 1883.⁶ While in college, Isaac and Mary mourned the loss of their son, Joseph, on July 18, 1881. He died of cholera⁷ and is the only family member buried in St. Louis, Missouri. Annie was pregnant at the time with their second child, Francis, born on November 27, 1881.⁸ After graduation, Isaac and family returned back to Fort Worth where he practiced medicine for 10 years. He became the City Physician for Fort Worth in 1888 and also developed a special Laryngeal Catheter that was patented in 1892. In addition to his success in medicine, Isaac and Annie had two more sons, William and Issac. Writings provided by his grandson indicate Isaac was a talented musician and played violin for his family and friends.⁹ On October 11, 1893, Dr. Darter passed away in his home at the corner of Lipscomb and Jarvis St. (home no longer standing.) He was only 42 years old.¹⁰ In addition to Isaac, his parents and and three siblings are also buried at Pioneers Rest Cemetery. __________________________ [1] “Dr. I.M. Darter Dead,” Fort Worth Daily Gazette, Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 17, No. 322, Ed. 1, Wednesday, October 11, 1893, newspaper, October 11, 1893; Fort Worth, Texas. Portal to Texas History : accessed September 27, 2024) [2] “Michael Darter,” 1860 United States Federal Census, Stephenville, Erath, Texas, Pg. 9, Ancestry.com ;: accessed September 27, 2024. [3] “Isaac M Darter,” 1870 United States Federal Census, Precinct 4, Tarrant, Texas, Pg. 23, Ancestry.com : accessed September 27, 2024. [4] “I.M.Darter,” Texas, U.S., Select County Marriage Records, 1837-1965, Tarrant, 1876-1879, Pg. 121, Ancestry.com : accessed September 27, 2024. [5] “Mike Darter” 1880 United States Federal Census, Dist. 88, Tarrant, Texas, Pg. 15A, Ancestry.com : accessed September 27, 2024. [6] Darter, Dr. Michael, A Brief History of Isaac Michael Darter, MD & Annie Mary Gorden Darter of Fort Worth, Texas, 1 Aug 2007, RootsWeb.com ; accessed September 27, 2024. [7] “Joseph F Darter,” Missouri, U.S., Death Records, 1850-1931, St. Louis, 1880-1881, Pg. 245, Ancestry.com : accessed September 27, 2024. [8] “Francis Micheal Darter,” U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942, Utah, All, Bridge, Harry - Fox Ward, [Pg. 900], Ancestry.com : accessed September 27, 2024. [9] Darter, Dr. Michael, “Life & Medical Practice In Fort Worth, Texas,” N.D. , The TXGe Web Project : accessed September 27, 2024. [10] “Dr. I.M. Darter Dead.” 1893. Block 2, Lot 17 [Explore the Map ]

Major Ripley Allen Arnold 1818 - September 6, 1853 Major Ripley Allen Arnold was born in early 1817 or 1818 in Hancock County, Mississippi. His father was Willis Arnold, but his mother is unfortunately unknown. Little is actually known about his youth as his diary and other documents were destroyed by fire after his death while in his granddaughter’s possession. Arnold entered the Military Academy at West Point when he was barely 17 years old on July 1, 1834. He graduated in 1838 and was commissioned in the U.S. Army at the rank of Second Lieutenant. Shortly after graduation, Arnold also renewed a relationship back in Mississippi with his childhood sweetheart, Catherine Bryant. She was 15 years old while Arnold was 21. Catherine’s parents felt she was far too young for such a serious relationship.¹ Despite how her family felt, Arnold and Catherine eloped and were married on August 29, 1839 in New York City.² Arnold’s military career started with being assigned to the First Dragoons, a cavalry unit on duty in Florida during the Indian War. His work with the unit was recognized and he was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1841. Physically, Arnold was described as being about 6 feet tall, with piercing gray eyes and auburn hair and his physical presence helped to make him a commanding officer. He was also noted as being quick-witted and ingenious. On April 19, 1842, Arnold was promoted to the rank of Captain after his “gallant conduct on the field of battle.” His new rank also came with a new assignment, which put him on frontier duty in Baton Rouge and Fort Jessup in Louisiana. When the U.S. declared war on Mexico in 1846, Arnold came to Texas with General Zachary Taylor (the future 12th President). Once in Texas, he was reassigned to the Second Dragoons and was under the leadership of Col. William J. Worth. It was under his leadership where Arnold was promoted to the rank of Major for his “gallant and meritorious conduct.” After the end of the Mexican American war in 1848, Arnold was sent to the Hill County of Texas where he established Fort Graham in April 1849. Later that same year, Arnold was ordered to set up another military post on the Trinity River in North Texas in order to protect the land from Indians. He left Fort Graham and headed northeast through rugged and wild country. Once Arnold arrived in the area, he was met by Col. M.T. Johnson, who also had been under Col. Worth’s command during the Mexican American war. Johnson had been asked to aid Arnold in setting up the new Fort as he knew the terrain. In 1849, once the site for the new Fort was established, Col. Johnson and Maj. Arnold decided to name the site Camp Worth after their hero and commander, who was recently deceased. The name would later be upgraded to Fort Worth. In the Fall of 1852, Arnold was transferred back to Fort Graham. On Sept. 6, 1853, a dispute rang out between Arnold and Assistant Surgeon Josephus Steiner. Arnold had ordered the surgeon to be arrested, but Steiner put up a fight.³ Both drew their weapons, but Arnold was shot dead in the doorway of his living quarters by Steiner. Arnold’s wife was a witness to the incident. He was dead within 15 minutes.⁴ Steiner was later acquitted of any wrongdoing in a civil trial. The surgeon was said to be “insane.”⁵ Sadly, just 11 days after the death of Arnold, Fort Worth was abandoned by the U.S. Army. Ripley and Catherine had 5 children, 2 of which would die in childhood. With Ripley’s military career, Catherine and the children spent the winters in Washington, DC where the children attended school. They would then meet up with Ripley in the summers. Arnold was buried initially at Fort Graham but was reinterred in Pioneers Rest Cemetery in Fort Worth at his request.⁶ In the early 1900’s, many grew concerned about the condition of his grave as it was overgrown and not marked clearly. In 1903, threats were made by the War Department that if the cemetery did not make better efforts to clean-up the grave site, they would remove Ripley Arnold and take him back to the National Cemetery at Fort Sam Houston.⁷ By 1909, May Swayne, President of Pioneers Rest Cemetery began a wide scale campaign to raise funds for a more suitable monument.⁸ The monument that stands today is the result of the efforts of many individuals and organizations that gave to the cemetery cause. In 2014, a statue of Maj. Ripley Arnold was placed at the Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth.⁹ __________________________ [1] Thompson, Tommy. “Ripley A. Arnold - Frontier Major.” The Junior Historian, Austin, TX, Volume 9, Number 6, May 1949, Pgs. 1-4. Accessed 28 Sept 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth391369/m1/3/zoom/?q=junior%20historian&resolution=3&lat=3196.9125570472934&lon=1254.1747259313508 [2] “Lt. R.A. Arnold.” New York City, Compiled Marriage Index, 1600s-1800s, 29 Aug 1839. Ancestry.com, Accessed 28 Sept 2023 ; https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/66795:7854?ssrc=pt&tid=16731112&pid=282346326618 . [3] Thompson, Tommy, 1949, pgs. 3-4. [4] “Arnold’s Slaying Raised Storm Over State Rights.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Two Star ed., 30 Oct. 1949, p. 124. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current . Accessed 28 Sept 2023. [5] "War Department is Inquiring. Wants to Know About the Remains of Late Maj. Arnold." Fort Worth StarTelegram, no. 233, 29 Jan. 1903, p. 5. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current , Accessed 27 Sept. 2023. [6] Pgs. 3-4, Accessed 28 Sept 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth391369/m1/3/zoom/?q=junior%20historian&resolution=2&lat=3416.8314142479776&lon=1058.8401602839508 [7] "War Department…”, 1903, p.5. [8] "Plan Monument for Major Arnold in Old Cemetery! Meeting to Discuss Fixing up of Burying Ground." Fort Worth Star-Telegram, vol. XXVII, no. 301, 13 Nov. 1909, p. [1]. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current, Accessed 27 Sept. 2023. [9] “Major Ripley Arnold Statue & John V. McMillan Plaza.“ Panther Island Pavilion, Tarrant Regional Water District, N.D. Accessed 28 Sept 2023 ; https://pantherislandpavilion.com/things-to-do/major-ripley-arnold-statue-john-v-mcmillan-plaza/ Block 4, Lot 51 [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 ]

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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 ]

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 ]

The Ferguson Brothers The Ferguson Brothers , Charles David “Chas” Ferguson and Jesse Robert “Jess” Ferguson were born to Charles and Melvina (née Beville) Ferguson. Both parents are buried in the family plot near their sons at Pioneers Rest Cemetery. Patriarch Charles S. Ferguson’s large upright headstone anchors the family plot. Melvina has a replacement headstone. Two other sons of Charles S. Ferguson (half brothers to Jess and Chas) were also early Fort Worth firefighters, Standifer Ferguson and Louis Ferguson. They are buried elsewhere in Fort Worth. Charles “Chas” David Ferguson July 5, 1877 - February 10, 1942 Charles David “Chas” Ferguson was born on July 5, 1877, in Texas (likely Fort Worth). He was an Army veteran of the Spanish American War. He enlisted in Fort Worth on November 9, 1898, in the 2nd Texas Infantry, Company D as a private.¹ Once his military career was complete, Chas returned to Fort Worth and became a fireman. Chas died on February 10, 1942 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Fort Worth of heart failure and influenza. He was 64 years old. Mystery does surround Chas in regard to his marital status. Although his death certificate states he was married at the time of his death², no marriage records or spouses have been located. The 1930 U.S. Census states he was divorced.³ He has no known descendants. Jesse “Jess” Robert Ferguson March 10, 1880 - November 29, 1952 Jesse Robert “Jess” Ferguson was born on March 10, 1880 in Fort Worth.⁴ Although the date is unknown, Jess married Minnie “Mamie” Staker sometime before 1930 and they remained married until her death in 1950. He joined the Fort Worth Fire Department in 1917. At the time he retired in 1944, Jess was the captain of Station 20 located on Meadowbrook Dr. During his long association with the fire department, he also served as district fire chief of Station 12 at 24th St. and Prospect. However, most of the time, Ferguson was stationed at 2nd and Commerce — Station 1, the oldest in Fort Worth. Before that he served at the old Central Fire Station on Throckmorton.⁵ Jesse died at his home at 2826 Hemphill St. (home no longer standing.) He was 73 years old. He did not have children, and there are no known direct descendants.⁶ His wife, “Mamie” is buried next to him. __________________________ [1] “Ferguson Charles” Spanish American War Volunteers Index to Compiled Military Service Records, 1898, Fas-Fir, [pg. 1000], Ancestry.com ; accessed 24 Oct 2024. [2] “Certificate of Death, Charles D. Ferguson.” Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin Texas, USA; Texas Death Certificates, 1903–1982, 10 Feb 1942, Ancestry.com ; accessed 24 Oct 2024. [3] “Chas D Ferguson” 1930 United States Federal Census, District 0080, Tarrant, Texas, Pg. 135, Ancestry.com : accessed 1 Dec, 2024. [4] “Certificate of Death, Jess R. Ferguson.” Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin Texas, USA; Texas Death Certificates, 1903–1982, 29 Nov 1952, Ancestry.com ; accessed 24 Oct 2024. [5] “J.R. Ferguson, Ex-Fireman, Dies at Home” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Three Star ed., 1 Dec 1952, p. 15. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current , Accessed 13 Aug. 2023. [6] Certificate, 1952. Block 1, Lot 18 [Explore the Map ]