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Join us November 20, 2025, at Ridglea Country Club to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of Pioneers Rest Cemetery! Dinner, entertainment, and historic charm await. Join us for the 175th Anniversary Celebration Join us for an unforgettable evening honoring the 175-year legacy of Pioneers Rest Cemetery — Fort Worth’s oldest public burial ground and a cornerstone of local history. Hats Off to Pioneers Rest Cemetery! Evening Highlights: Cocktail Reception: 6:00 PM —Cash Bar Dinner: 6:45 PM — A delicious meal with non-alcoholic beverages included. Master of Ceremonies and performer: Quentin McGown Dinner Theater Entertainment directed by Sharon Benge: 7:30 PM —Period music and theatrical performances celebrating Pioneer Rest Cemetery’s rich past. 💛 Sponsorship Opportunities Support the preservation and legacy of Fort Worth’s oldest cemetery by becoming a sponsor of our 175th Anniversary Celebration. Ticket and Sponsorship Information Individual Ticket (Dinner and Entertainment): $75 Friend of Pioneers Rest Cemetery (Donation only): $175 Bronze Sponsorship (Includes 2 Guest Tickets): $500+ Copper Sponsorship (Includes 4 Guest Tickets): $1,000+ Silver Sponsorship (Includes 1 Table of 8 Guests): $2,500+ Gold Sponsorship (Includes 2 Tables of 8 Guests – 16 Total): $5,000+ Diamond Sponsorship (Includes 3 Tables of 8 Guests – 24 Total): $10,000+ Seating is limited. All sponsorship levels include event admission. [Purchase Tickets Now] To remit, please use one of 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 (use any credit card): Donate with PayPal Thank You for Supporting Our Legacy Your support ensures the stories of our city's past continue to inspire future generations. Together, we can preserve Pioneers Rest Cemetery for years to come. JOIN US NOW!

Restoration Projects Through the Years at Pioneers Rest Cemetery Preserving history, honoring stories, and celebrating community through every project. Dec. 14, 2024

AddRan Clark November 3, 1869 - November 6, 1872 AddRan Clark was born on November 3, 1869 in Fort Worth to Joseph Addison Jr. and Sarah Clark. He would be the first of eight children and also a second generation Texan. The Clark family were early pioneers to Fort Worth and his father, who went by Addison, had served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Texas Cavalry of the Confederate Army.¹ In addition to his military career, Addison was a lifelong teacher and preacher.² AddRan’s unique name is a combination of his father and grandfather’s middle name and his paternal uncle's name Randolph. The same year AddRan was born, the two brothers (Addison & Randolph) opened a children’s preparatory school where both boys and girls could be classically educated. This school opened under the name “The Male & Female Seminary of Fort Worth.”³ Their father Joseph supported their vision by purchasing a tract of land in present-day Downtown, near what was referred to as “Hell’s Half Acre.”⁴ Sadly, little AddRan died in late 1872 and by 1873 the streets of Fort Worth were changing. In time parents became reluctant to send children to Fort Worth for schooling. According to Randolph Clark, "in 1873, the little village became suddenly disturbed, really hysterically excited over the railroad and prospect of a city right at once. This made it not a desirable place to assemble young people for training.” Fort Worth at this time was also seen to be a raw land for trail drivers and headquarters for "the tough vagabond and the professional gambler." In the same year of 1873, the Clarks bought a two-story stone schoolhouse erected forty miles west of Fort Worth in Hood County in the community of Thorp Spring. With just 13 students, they opened the doors of AddRan Male and Female College, one of the first co-ed institutions west of the Mississippi.⁵ The school’s name was inspired by Addison’s deceased son. The school would change its name in 1889 to AddRan Christian University when the property was taken over by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.) Both brothers remained active in the daily operations of the university. Around Christmas of 1895, with the expansion in enrollment, the university moved to Waco, Texas. In 1902, the university would go through their final name change and would forever be known as Texas Christian University (TCU).⁶ In 1910, a fire destroyed the TCU campus in Waco and the decision was made to move the university to Fort Worth. The city leaders of Fort Worth felt a college might help soften their reputation as a rowdy “cow town.”⁷ The AddRan College of Arts and Sciences (presently the AddRan College of Liberal Arts) would be created within the university, recognizing the early efforts of the Clark Brothers. A statue of the two brothers, both Addison and Randolph, stands today on the campus outside the building that bears the unique name of Addison’s son.⁸ Addison Clark is recognized as the first president of TCU, who served from 1873-1899.⁹ Although AddRan only lived to the age of 3, his influence cannot be ignored. He is the only member of his family to be buried at Pioneers Rest Cemetery. __________________________ [1] Hardeman, Lyman. The History of Texas Christian University. Texas Proud. 12 Dec 2020. https://texasproud.com/texas-christian-university-history/ ; Accessed 21 Aug 2023. [2] Hall, Colby. History of Texas Christian University. TCU Press, Fort Worth, TX. 2014, pg. 8. [3] Hardeman. 2020. [4] Hall. 2014, pg. 13. [5] “Our History Starts with a Family.” Texas Christian University. 2023. https://www.tcu.edu/about/mission-history.php ; Accessed 16 Aug 2023. [6] Hall. 2014, pgs. [xxvii], 14, 30-37. [7] “Our History Starts with a Family.” 2023. [8] “History & Vision.” AddRan College of Liberal Arts. Texas Christian University. 2023. https://addran.tcu.edu/about/history-vision.php ; Accessed 16 Aug 2023. [9] “Past Chancellors.” Texas Christian University. 2023. https://chancellor.tcu.edu/the-office/past-chancellors/ ; Accessed 16 Aug 2023. Block 3, Lot 43 [Explore the Map ]

Pioneers Rest Cemetery Established in 1850, just one year after Fort Worth was founded, Pioneers Rest Cemetery is the city's oldest cemetery and one of its most treasured historic landmarks. Perched above the meeting of the Clear and West Forks of the Trinity River, it became the final resting place for soldiers from the frontier fort, pioneering families, civic leaders, veterans, and generations of Fort Worth residents. Today, this seven-acre cemetery preserves not only remarkable monuments and historic grave markers, but also the stories of the people whose lives helped shape our city. Designated on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021, Pioneers Rest continues to honor Fort Worth's past while welcoming visitors to explore its history, discover its people, and experience the legacy they left behind. Whether you're walking the peaceful grounds of Pioneers Rest Cemetery or visiting from across the country, this page is your gateway to discovering the people who helped shape Fort Worth's history. Throughout the cemetery, you'll find QR codes on selected monuments that connect you to the stories, photographs, and historical information preserved here. Can't visit in person? You can still explore these remarkable lives from wherever you are by browsing the burials and featured stories below. Every name has a story. Every monument preserves a piece of Fort Worth's past. We invite you to explore, discover, and remember. Explore From Anywhere 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. 1861-1887 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.

PIONEERS REST CEMETERY - PHOTO GALLARY Event Archive A guided walk through the shadowed paths of history, recounting the lives of those who built Fort Worth from the riverbanks up. Group Title Date Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.

Christopher Columbus Fitzgerald abt. 1848 - August 26, 1877 Christopher Columbus Fitzgerald was born in Georgia about 1848 to parents Rev. Asa and Mary Fitzgerald. He commonly went by his middle name of Columbus, but early records show a combination of the use of both names. Sometime around 1864, the Fitzgerald family moved to Fort Worth. Columbus’ father, Asa Fitzgerald, was a preacher, a prospector, and a frequent litigant in lawsuits.¹ In 1868, Asa was the co-founding preacher of what would become the First Baptist Church of Fort Worth.² By early 1874, at the age of 26, Columbus was already active in his law enforcement career and was appointed to the role of a Deputy City Marshal. Later that same year, he was elected City Marshal on December 16, 1874. He replaced the sitting T. M. Ewing who had resigned. By 1876, Columbus ran for reelection to the City Marshal position, however Jim Courtright won the position by just 3 votes. Columbus was appointed to the Deputy City Marshal position after his loss to Courtright and he remained in this position for the rest of his short career. In addition to his police work, he was also a volunteer fireman and worked with Hook and Ladder Company #1,³ which was established in 1873.⁴ On August 25, 1877, Columbus was killed in the line of duty after responding to a dispute over the possession of a horse in a stable behind the Trans-Continental Hotel in Downtown Fort Worth. In this altercation, Mr. Fitzgerald received a gunshot wound to the face. He also was shot a second time during the dispute, which would ultimately prove fatal.⁵ Columbus died the next day on August 26, 1877 and his funeral was well attended.⁶ Although his headstone reads simply the year “1859,” there are no records that indicate this was a birth or death year. It also has nothing to do with his career as a marshal. In addition to this inaccuracy, it also appears Columbus was not the first City Marshal of Fort Worth, but rather one of the early marshals of the city. He is the first known officer to die in the line of duty in Fort Worth.⁷ __________________________ [1] “Churches, Mines, Courtrooms–and a Place in Panther City Lore” Hometown by Handlebar, 24 Oct 2022.; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=34823 : accessed 29 Sept 2024. [2] Bullock, Karen, “First Baptist Church, Fort Worth,” Texas State Historical Association, 26 Sept 2019; https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/first-baptist-church-fort-worth : accessed 29 Sept 2024. [3] “A Solemn Funeral,” The Daily Fort Worth Democrat, Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 2, No. 49, Ed. 1 Tuesday, August 28, 1877, [Pg. 4], Portal to Texas History : accessed 29 Sept 2024. [4] Wolf, Emily, “Fort Worth’s firefighters have a rich history, but not a museum. It’s a matter of money,” 8 Mar 2023, Fort Worth Report : accessed 29 Sept 2024. [5] Churches, 2022. [6] Solemn, 1877. [7] “Fort Worth Marshal's Office,” Officer Down Memorial Page, 2024; https://www.odmp.org/agency/4468-fort-worth-marshals-office-texas : accessed 24 Oct 2024. Block 2, Lot 76 [Explore the Map ]

Restoration Projects Through the Years at Pioneers Rest Cemetery Preserving history, honoring stories, and celebrating community through every project. Dec. 14, 2024

Dr. Carroll Marion Peak November 13, 1828 - February 27, 1885 Dr. Carroll Marion Peak was born in Warsaw, Kentucky on November 13, 1828 to parents Jefferson and Martha Malvina Peak. At the age of 19, he began an apprenticeship studying medicine. He would later attend the University of Louisville where he would earn his medical degree in 1851.¹ He married Florence Chalfant on April 26, 1853 in Madison, Indiana. In that same year, the young Doctor was persuaded to move to Fort Worth, Texas to establish his practice. Their first home was a log cabin made from cottonwood trees. He is noted as being the first physician of Fort Worth, which was much needed as the city was growing quickly. With youth on his side, he committed himself to providing medical care to anyone within a 30 mile radius of Fort Worth. “The weather was never too bad nor way too perilous for him to go to those who needed him, may they be rich or poor, black, white or red.”² In 1855, Carroll and his wife founded the First Christian Church inside their home. The church is still operational today and is the oldest continuously operating church established in Fort Worth.³ By 1856, Dr. Peak built a larger home in Downtown Fort Worth near the present day historic Courthouse. Connected to their home was a drug store, where Dr. Peak sold anything from ointments and medications to pocket knives and sides of beef. His establishment was just the second mercantile established in Fort Worth. When the civil war started, Dr. Peak volunteered and helped recruit others to join the Volunteer Texas Cavalry for the Confederate Army. He would spend his service time in Louisiana as a surgeon. After the war, Dr. Peak returned home but found much of the landscape of the city had changed. Along with other prominent men in town, the decision was made that they would encourage the railroad to come through Fort Worth to help stimulate the economic growth of the city. Dr. Peak personally provided $2,250 for the cause and the railroad came to town as they had wished. Dr. Peak remained active in civic matters his entire life. Dr. Peak was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party and in 1880 he accomplished one of his long standing goals: to be a delegate for the Democratic National Convention held in Cincinnati. He also served on the City Council and did so much for the area schools he was known as “the father of the Fort Worth Public School System.” Dr. Peak was a dedicated advocate for the education of African Americans. In 1882, as the first president of the Fort Worth school board, he established the city’s first free public secondary school for African American students, originally named the East Ninth Street Colored School.⁴ In 1921, the school was renamed I.M. Terrell High School in honor of its former principal. Today, Carroll Peak Elementary, located at 1201 E. Jefferson St., stands as a tribute to Dr. Peak's contributions to education and his commitment to advancing opportunities for all students.⁵ Carroll and his wife Florence had four children together and also adopted two orphaned children.⁶ After a battle with a short illness, Dr. Peak died of a kidney disease on February 27, 1885 at the age of 56. His funeral took place in his home⁷ and he is laid to rest next to his wife and five of his children. __________________________ [1] “Dr. C.M. Peak Dead,” Fort Worth Daily Gazette. Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 9, No. 228, Ed. 1, Saturday, February 28, 1885, Pg. 5. Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth86422/m1/5 ; Accessed 24 Aug 2023. [2] Pattie, Illene. Carroll Marion Peak: A Story of a Frontier Doctor. Texas State Historical Association. The Junior Historian, Volume 5, Number 5, March 1945, periodical, March 1945; Austin, Texas, Pgs. 17-19. https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth391509/ ; Accessed 24 Aug 2023. [3] “First Christian Church - Throckmorton.” Historic Fort Worth, 2022. https://historicfortworth.org/property/first-christian-church-throckmorton/ ; Accessed 25 Aug 2023. [4] Pattie, Illene. Carroll Marion Peak: A Story of a Frontier Doctor. 1945 [5] “Carroll Peak Elementary School.” Fort Worth ISD, 2023. https://www.fwisd.org/CarrollPeak ; Accessed 25 Aug 2023. [6] Pattie, Illene. Carroll Marion Peak: A Story of a Frontier Doctor. 1945 [7] “Dr. C.M. Peak Dead.” 1885. d, Katie. 2007, Pgs. 89-90. Block 3, Lot 20 [Explore the Map ]

General James J. Byrne Abt. 1841 - August 13, 1880 The early history of James J. Byrne is a bit of a mystery. Born to unknown parents on an unknown date sometime around 1841.¹ Some sources stated he was born in Ireland, while other sources state he was born in New York. Regardless, he was likely of Irish descent. Not much is known about James until the start of the Civil War as he enlisted into the 163rd Infantry on July 28, 1862 in New York City at the age of 21. On October 15, 1862, he was promoted to the rank of Major. Within just a few months of his promotion, he was resigned to the 63rd New York² Infantry and later moved to be in the 18th New York Calvary at the rank of Colonel. During his time with the 18th New York Calvary, he reached his top rank of General. He remained with the unit until he muterested out on May 31, 1866 in Victoria, TX.³ After the war, James stayed in Texas and in 1868 he was a U.S. Marshall for the Eastern District of Texas. By 1869, there was even mention that he would be a good candidate to be Governor of Texas. It was said that he was an “educated and accomplished gentleman, honorable, generons [SIC] in all instincts, won his spurs and his rank by gallantly fighting for the Union, when its very existence was a hazard…He was a fighting general during the war, and carries honorable scars on his person to attest his bravery.” By the mid 1870’s, James relocated to Fort Worth where he became a land agent and surveyor for the Texas & Pacific Railway. James married Mrs. Lilly Loving Wroten of Fort Worth on September 20, 1876 in Dallas, Texas. He was noted as being the “handsome young General.” The couple honeymooned in Marshall, Texas before returning to Fort Worth.⁴ Less than one year after his marriage to Lilly, they experienced the birth of their first and only child, Ida Delacy Bryne, on September 9, 1877. Sadly, Ida died less than 2 years later on June 2, 1879 in Fort Worth. By 1880, James was still working for the T&P Railway and now had the title of Chief of Surveying.⁵ Most of his work led him to survey work in West Texas. “In the summer of 1880, Byrne set off on a 600 mile trip west to El Paso to find the best route through the Guadalupe Mountains. Once in El Paso, Byrne continued onward toward Fort Quitman (located South East of El Paso) en route to Fort Davis. Among the members of the T&P survey party working in the area was Pat Dowling, an infamous Irishman and former soldier. Dowling and Byrne spent some of the long, lonely nights drinking together. One night at Ysleta Station the talk turned to death and dying, and Byrne blurted out, ‘Pat, I’m not afraid to die, but I don’t want to be buried where the wolves can get me.’ The men made a solemn pledge to each other and shook hands to seal it: If either were killed, the other would return his body to civilization for a decent burial. It was after this Byrne penned a couple of lengthy and detailed farewell letters to his wife.” Oddly this premonition was about to come true. “On Tuesday morning, August 10, Byrne set off from Fort Quitman…headed for Fort Davis in a …stagecoach. The only other person with him was his driver. They were about nine miles from Fort Quitman, just passing Quitman Canyon, when intercepted by a band of Apaches. Bullets soon smacked through the passenger compartment, striking Byrne in the hip and small of the back. Although his hip was shattered, neither wound was immediately fatal. One witness to the poor health of James said “I never saw a man die braver in my life.” James died on August 13, 1880 and was initially buried at the post cemetery at Fort Quitman.⁶ True to this promise, Pat Dowling would later go back to retrieve James’ body on a trip that spanned 52 days and 1,350 miles. Byrne’s funeral was held on November 21, 1880 at the Episcopal Church in Fort Worth⁷ a nd his casket was described to be of fine craftsmanship costing $200 (approximately $6000 today).⁸ He is laid to rest next to his daughter in Pioneers Rest Cemetery. __________________________ [1] New York in the War of the Rebellion, 3rd ed. Frederick Phisterer. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1912, pg. 1103. New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center. Accessed on 16 Sept 2023; https://museum.dmna.ny.gov/application/files/7915/5421/3771/163rd_Infantry_CW_Roster.pdf. [2] New York in the War of the Rebellion, 1912, pg. 1103. [3] New York in the War of the Rebellion, 3rd ed. Frederick Phisterer. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1912, pg. 1089. New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center. Accessed on 16 Sept 2023; https://dmna.ny.gov/historic/reghist/civil/rosters/cavalry/18thCavCW_Roster.pdf [4] “Connections: Premonitions and Pirouettes.” Hometown by Handlebar, 13 August 2022. Accessed 16 Sept 2023; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=3600. [5] “J.J. Bryne, Land Locator and Surveyor,” Fort Worth Daily Democrat, Fort Worth, Texas, Vol. 3, No. 350, Pg. 4, Ed. 1 Wednesday, August 20, 1879. Accessed 16 Sept 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1048968/m1/4. [6] Selcer, Richard F. “A Premonition Of Death: General James Byrne,” HistoryNet.com, 1 Mar 2017. Accessed 16 Sept 2023 ; https://www.historynet.com/a-premonition-of-death-general-james-byrne/. [7] “Arrival of Gen. Byrne’s Remains” and “Church Chimes,” Daily Democrat, Fort Worth, Texas, Vol. 4, No. 309, Pg. 4, Ed. 1 Sunday, November 21, 1880. Accessed 17 Sept 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1048853/m1/4. [8] “Personal,” Daily Democrat. Fort Worth, Texas, Vol. 4, No. 262, Pg. 3, Ed. 1 Tuesday, September 28, 1880. Accessed 17 Sept 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1048752/m1/3. Block 4, Lot 24 [Explore the Map ]

Clara Peak Walden January 4, 1854 - October 13, 1914 Clara Peak Walden , early pioneer of Fort Worth education, was the first born child of Dr. Carroll Peak and Mrs. Florence Peak on January 4, 1854, in Fort Worth. She came into the world in one of the abandoned military post buildings. Growing up, Clara had access to the impressive personal library of her father, and this helped fuel her early desire to become an educator. Promident resident, R.L. Paschal reflected on Clara’s unique childhood by stating “Colonel John Peter Smith, who lived eight years in the Peak home, was a constant help and inspiration in her study of Latin, Greek, and higher mathematics. At this time she began the study of Hebrew and later read the Old Testament in that language.” During her early years, schools in Fort Worth were all private institutions. Clara and her brother Howard attended the “Fort Worth High School,” which was located inside the Masonic Lodge at the corner of Jones and Belknap. Clara began her teaching career at this location and remained until its closure in 1869. She was only 15 years old at the time of the closure, and her youthful age shows her advanced educational aptitude. At the age of 16, in 1870, Clara married LeGrande Walden who was a farmer but became a school teacher. The couple taught for a couple of years in country and rural schools. In 1871, Clara gave birth to their first child named Florence. A second child was born in 1873 named Lucile. Sadly, just 16 days apart, both of her children would pass away in August of 1873. The couple would have no additional children. The decade would close with the death of her husband, leaving her a young widow. Around 1872, Clara joined the faculty at The Fort Worth School, which was established by brothers Addison and Randolph Clark. This school would later become the modern day Texas Christian University (TCU). She taught there until late 1873 when the school relocated outside of the Fort Worth area. Clara continued to work in local schools and The Fort Worth Standard (1876) called Mrs. Walden “a lady of superior intellectual endowments, first rate literary qualifications, and large experience as a teacher.” By age 21, Clara and Miss E. R. Arnold established the Arnold-Walden Institute, originally located in the First Christian Church building and later to its own building. The Arnold-Walden Institute later merged with the Fort Worth public school system and became a ward school; it stood until 1939.¹ By 1894, Clara retired from teaching. On October 13, 1914, after being released from the hospital that day, Clara was struck and killed by an automobile outside of the home where she lived with her mother. She was 60 years old.² Clara is buried in the Peak Family plot with her parents, siblings and children. __________________________ [1] Clara Peak Walden: A Life in Education,” Hometown by Handlebar, 4 Jan 2021; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=32953 : accessed 4 Oct 2024. [2] "Chauffeur Whose Auto Killed Women Released…" Fort Worth Star-Telegram, vol. XXXIV, no. 267, 14 Oct. 1914, p. Page 13. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current : accessed 4 Oct. 2024. Block 3, Lot 7 [Explore the Map ]

Charles J. Louckx January 22, 1846 - October 19, 1913 Charles Louckx was born in 1846, likely in France but census records show he was born in Belgium. The Louckx family immigrated to the United States in 1856 and they settled in a community nicknamed Frenchtown¹ (more formerly known as La Reunion), just 4 miles west of Dallas in the present day Oak Cliff area.² In October 1857, Charles moved with his parents to Fort Worth.³ At the young age of 21, Charles became the Postmaster of Fort Worth in April 1867. He held this role until July of 1869⁴ and was later succeeded by Joseph A. Clark, father of Addison and Randolph Clark, founders of TCU.⁵ Charles resigned his postal position as he was appointed Sheriff of Tarrant County on July 20, 1869. He was the 11th person to hold the position. However, Charles resigned the position in February 1870.⁶ Some records state Charles was the First Postmaster of Fort Worth, but this title appears to belong to Julian Feild, who took the position 10 years prior in 1857.⁷ Charles was the 10th Postmaster of Fort Worth.⁸ Charles married Nannie Overton on September 9, 1868 in Ellis County, Texas.⁹ They had two children that lived to adulthood. On June 1,1902, Nannie passed away leaving Charles a widower.¹⁰ After the death of his wife. Charles began communicating with an old childhood sweetheart named Ermine Robinson, who became widowed herself. Ermine had dated Charles in their youth, but Ermine said that another girl “cut me out” and he married her instead. 40 years later, the two crossed paths again and were married shortly after.¹¹ Charles died on October 19, 1913 after suffering a long illness of “dropsy,” known today as swelling associated with heart failure. He was 67 years old and was given a Masonic funeral.¹² He is buried next to his father and other extended family. __________________________ [1] “Y’all Ain’t from Around Here, Are Y’all?” Hometown by Handlebar, 18 Apr 2012.; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=1169 : accessed 29 Sept 2024. [2] Davidson, Rondel. “La Reunion,” N.D., Handbook of Texas Online, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/la-reunion : accessed 29 Sept 2024. [3] "Sheriff of Pioneer Days Here is Dead Funeral of Charles J. Louckx, Also First Postmaster." Fort Worth Star-Telegram, vol. XXXII, no. 278, 20 Oct. 1913, p. Page Twelve. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current : accessed 29 Sept 2024. [4] “Former Sheriffs From 1850-1880,” Tarrant County, Texas, 26 Oct 2017; https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/sheriff/about-us/former-sheriffs/1850-1880.html : accessed 29 Sept 2024. [5] Ya’ll, 2012. [6] Former, 2017. [7] “Julian Field 2005,” Texas Trail of Fame, N.D.: https://www.texastrailoffame.org/inductees/julian-field : accessed 29 Sept 2024. [8] “Postmasters & Post Offices Of Tarrant County, Texas, 1851 - 1930,” RootsWeb, N.D.; https://sites.rootsweb.com/~txpost/tarrant.html : accessed 29 Sept 2024. [9] “Charles J. Louckx,” Ellis County Clerk's Office; Waxahachie, Texas; Ellis County Marriages, 1850-1955, Ancestry.com [10]"Nannie Overton Louckx,” Fort Worth Morning Register, vol. VI, no. 229, 2 June 1902, p. 2. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current : accessed 29 Sept 2024. [11] “Spy Hanging Recalled Pioneer Remembers Dueling Days,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, HOME ed., 30 Oct. 1923, p. 2. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current : accessed 29 Sept 2024. [12] Sheriff, 1913. Block 3, Lot 53 [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 ]