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 ]

Etta O. (Price) Newby May 28, 1862 - June 23, 1936 Etta O. (Price) Newby was born during the Civil War on May 28, 1862 to William and Macklin Price in Enterprise, Mississippi. She was the youngest of 3 children, all of which were girls. The family moved to Fort Worth in 1874.¹ Just a few years after coming to the city, Etta’s father died leaving her fatherless at the age of 15.² The family remained an active part of Fort Worth society and on December 14, 1882 she married William G. Newby. Her new husband was a banker and would evidently become the president of American National Bank in Fort Worth. William was very philanthropic toward the community and was a member of the Masonic lodge and the Knights of Pythias. Toward the end of his life, William became chronically ill and was in poor health for a lengthy period of time. On April 29, 1916, William committed suicide in their home at 1801 W. Magnolia (present day site of All Saints Hospital.) Etta now found herself a widow and longed to continue the philanthropic efforts of her late husband. She actively searched for a way to memorialize the life of her husband and did so through The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth. In 1923, she bought the former home of Heinrich Frerichs located at 1613 Pennsylvania Ave. The home had sat empty since 1914 when the Frerichs family fled back to Germany after Heinrich was found to be the head of German intelligence in the Southwest. In 1917, the U.S. Government confiscated the residence to help house army personnel during World War I. Mrs. Newby was able to purchase the home from the government and deeded the property to The Woman’s Club.³ The residence for the club was named the “William G. Newby Memorial Building” and still stands today. It became a Texas Historic Landmark in 1967.⁴ In addition to her generous donation to The Woman’s Club, Etta also established the Etta Newby Student Loan Fund at Texas Christian University and furnished the chimes at the Fort Worth First Methodist Church. She also provided a large endowment to the Pioneers Rest Cemetery. Mrs. Newby died on June 23, 1936 and is buried in the Price family plot at Pioneers Rest Cemetery next to her husband, parents, and two siblings. She has no known children. On the day of her memorial service, the chimes she provided to the Methodist Church rang in memory of her. Each year on the anniversary of her birthday, members of The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth travel to the cemetery to place flowers on her grave and also fly their flag at half-staff at the club headquarters in her honor.⁵ __________________________ [1] “Died.” Fort Worth Daily Gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 7, No. 253, Ed. 1, Thursday, September 13, 1883, newspaper, September 13, 1883; Fort Worth, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth114537/m1/4/?q=%20date%3A1877-1883 : accessed August 29, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu ; . [2] Hudson, Weldon and Barbara Knox. Pioneers Rest Cemetery, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. Fort Worth Genealogical Society. 2001. Pg 114. [3] Sherrod, Katie. Grace & Gumption : Stories of Fort Worth Women. TCU Press. 2007, Pgs. 89-90. [4] “William G. Newby Memorial Building.” Historical marker Database. 2023. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=224810 ; Accessed 29 Aug 2023. [5] Sherrod, Katie. 2007, Pgs. 89-90. Block 2, Lot 30 [Explore the Map ]

Support the Preservation of Pioneers Rest Cemetery Preserving history is a community effort, and your contributions help us maintain the legacy of Fort Worth's oldest public cemetery. Together, we can honor the pioneers who shaped our city and ensure their stories live on. Preserve History Today! 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 Why Donate? Your generous donation helps us: Maintain and restore historical gravesites and monuments. Offer educational programs and guided tours to share the rich history of Fort Worth. Host events like Fall Fest and Wreaths Across America to bring the community together. Provide necessary tools and supplies for monthly volunteer clean-ups. How You Can Help We offer several ways to contribute: One-Time Donations – Every dollar makes a difference. Monthly Giving – Become a Cemetery Sustainer and support us year-round. Memorial Gifts – Honor a loved one by preserving history in their name. Where Your Money Goes We are committed to transparency. Your donation will directly support: Grounds maintenance and landscaping. Gravestone restoration and preservation efforts. Public history events and educational programs. 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. DONATE NOW!

George Washington Chapman November 2, 1872 - April 7, 1934 George Washington Chapman was born to William and Sarah Chapman in Coffee County, TN. George was one of 7 children and shares the same name as his grandfather. By 1876, the family had moved to Texas.¹ In 1902, at the age of 30, George married Anabel Wilson in Fort Worth, TX. This is also the first year George is documented to have a connection to Fort Worth. George was a Peace Officer and also listed himself as a Detective and Special Agent. He once was the City Detective for Fort Worth.² By 1918, George stated that he was in fact missing his right eye³ , but this never appeared to hold him back from being successful in his career field. On April 7, 1934, George fell suddenly to the ground while shooting his gun at a local gun range. The cause of his death was related to heart disease. At the time of his death, he was a Special Officer working for the railroad.⁴ George is buried next to his wife Anabel. They had no documented children. __________________________ [1] 1880 United States Federal Census; Census Place: Precinct 3, Fannin, Texas; Roll: 1302; Page: 395D; Enumeration District: 025. Retrieved 12 Aug 2023 ; https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/6742/images/4244722-00799?pId=40434953 . [2] “Special Agent Off. W. & D. Dies.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Three Star ed., 9 Apr. 1934, p. 4. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current, Accessed 12 Aug. 2023. [3] U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Retrieved 12 Aug 2023 ; https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/6482/images/005152959_03520?pId=15634115 . [4] “Special Agent Off. W. & D. Dies.” , 9 Apr. 1934. Block 3, Lot 14 [Explore the Map ]

Keeping History Alive: 2026 Volunteer Workdays & Events Join Us to Preserve Pioneers Rest! We invite you to join our monthly cleanup events at Pioneers Rest Cemetery, where volunteers help keep this historic resting place beautiful and well-maintained. Each month, we tackle tasks like weeding, mulching, picking up trash, trimming trees, managing overgrown vegetation, and cleaning headstones. We also treat fire ant beds to ensure a safer environment for all visitors. 📍 Location: 620 Samuels Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76102 📅 Upcoming Workdays & Events (In case of inclement weather, events may be canceled or rescheduled. Check Facebook, your email, or call 817-332-8515 for updates.) Saturday, January 24 – Volunteer Workday (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Saturday, February 28 – Volunteer Workday (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Saturday, March 28 - Volunteer Workday (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Saturday, April 25 – Volunteer Workday (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Saturday, May 16 – Volunteer Workday (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Saturday, June 27 – Volunteer Workday (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM) Saturday, July 25 – Volunteer Workday (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM) Saturday, August 22 - Volunteer Workday (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM) Saturday, September 19 – Volunteer Workday (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM) Saturday, October 17– Volunteer Workday (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Saturday, November 14 – Volunteer Workday (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) 🔨 What to Bring & How to Help Please bring work gloves, scoop shovels, rakes, spades, and, if desired, equipment for tree and shrub trimming. Volunteers are needed to rake leaves, trim trees and shrubs, transplant irises, pick up trash and fallen limbs, and help with general cemetery upkeep. Complimentary granola bars and water will be provided, but we encourage you to bring your own tools, sunscreen, and insect repellent. ☎️ Want to help at our next event? or have Questions? Contact Melanie at 682-225-6921. ⚠️ Important Notice: Each individual who enters the grounds of Pioneers Rest Cemetery does so at his or her own risk. The cemetery association is not responsible for injury or accidents. Your time and effort help keep this historic cemetery beautiful and well-maintained. Thank you for being part of our preservation efforts!

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

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 ]

Anna Shelton August 20, 1861 - August 28, 1939 Anna Shelton was born August 20, 1861, just north of Fort Worth, to Dr. John Foster Shelton, Jr. and Martha Bronaugh Shelton. She was the youngest of 4 children born to the family. At the young age of 13, Anna’s mother died, leaving her father a widower. Anna attended several local schools in Fort Worth, but was sent to her mother’s alma mater, Bethel College in Kentucky, to attend finishing school.¹ Anna returned to Fort Worth to care for her widowed father in 1890, and moved in with her sister's family after her father's death the following year. After witnessing the divorce of her sister, Lizzie, Anna vowed she would never marry in order to avoid the financial and business ramifications she witnessed. The divorce also gave Anna a new found sense of confidence as she began to reject the traditional female roles of the time and “became civic-minded, informed and a ‘new woman.’” Anna began her professional career as a teacher and tutor of English at the Fort Worth University, a local Methodist Episcopal college. In 1902, Anna decided to leave teaching and studied French and Spanish literature in Paris and New York City for six months. Ultimately, she would return to Fort Worth and become one of the city’s first female realtors and real estate developers. Anna’s success did not stop there, as she was active in the development of many social welfare organizations, many of which focused on the advancement of women.² In 1923, she founded The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth³ and held the office of President until June 1939.⁴ With the success of the club, in 1926, an additional banquet and lecture hall was constructed at 1316 Pennsylvania Ave. The building was named the Anna Shelton Hall in her honor and is still in use to this day.⁵ In addition to the numerous organizations she was a member of, Anna was also a member of the Mary Isham Keith Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. On August 28, 1939, Anna passed away after a lengthy illness with arteriosclerosis, a vascular disease. Her funeral was held at The Woman’s Club in the hall that bore her name.⁶ She is buried in the Shelton family plot and now rests in eternity next to her parents and brother. She was never married and has no known children. __________________________ [1] Paddock, Buckley. Fort Worth and the Texas Northwest, 1922, Pgs. 583-584. [2] Sherrod, Katie. Grace & Gumption : Stories of Fort Worth Women. TCU Press. 2007, Pgs. 69-71. [3] “Funeral Held For Miss Anna Shelton.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Three Star ed., 31 Aug. 1939, p. 2. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current , Accessed 13 Aug. 2023. [4] Naylor, Pauline (1939-05-28). "Miss Shelton's 16-Year Tenure as Woman's Club Head Was Period Marked by Record Expansion". Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Three Star ed., 28 May 1939, p. 34. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current , Accessed 14 Aug. 2023. [5] “Anna Shelton Hall - Pennsylvania.” Historic Fort Worth. 2022. Retrieved 14 Aug 2023 ; https://historicfortworth.org/property/anna-shelton-hall-pennsylvania/ . [6] “Funeral Held For Miss Anna Shelton.” 1939. Block 3, Lot 64 [Explore the Map ]

Robert Alvis “Bobby” Ryan September 17, 1883 - September 24, 1950 Robert Alvis Ryan was born September 7, 1883 to parents Capt. Alvis and Josephine H. Ryan . He was born in the first brick home built in Fort Worth. Robert received an education from the “old Fort Worth University”¹ , which was operational from 1881-1911.² The campus consisted of four buildings that spanned a 10 acre tract of land just south of Downtown.³ By 1915, the Fort Worth School District purchased the land and the buildings were later razed.⁴ Today, Trimble Technical High School sits on part of the land that belonged to the former university. By trade, Robert was an architect which he did until his retirement in 1940.⁵ However, in his youth Robert was also known to perform on the stage doing comedic Vaudeville acts under the stage name of Bobby Ryan. Robert’s first marriage was to Effie Kratz. Effie also had ties to Vaudeville performing. They would have one daughter together in 1920, but by the early 1930’s their marriage ended in divorce. In 1933, Robert would remarry to Alene Smith in Carter County, Oklahoma.⁶ They would remain married until his death on September 24, 1950. Robert is buried in Pioneer Rest Cemetery near the grave of his mother and several half-siblings. __________________________ [1] “Robert A. Ryan Funeral Will Be Held Tuesday.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Sept 1950, pg. 4. [2] "Historical Statement". Annual Catalog - Methodist University of Oklahoma. July 1, 1915. p. 13. https://books.google.com/books?id=li5HAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA13 ; Accessed 22 Aug 2023. [3] “Catalogue of Fort Worth University.” Keystone Printing Co, Fort Worth, Texas. Vol. 1905-1906, Pgs. [14]-15, https://archive.org/details/catalogueoffortw19fort_0/page/n15/mode/2up?view=theater ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. [4] “Fort Worth University.” Lost Colleges, N.D. https://www.lostcolleges.com/fort-worth-university ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. [5] “Robert A. Ryan Funeral Will Be Held Tuesday.” 1950. [6] “Marriage Record: R.A. Ryan.” Ancestry.com. Oklahoma, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1890-1995, Carter County, 1931-1943, Pg. 89 ; Accessed 22 Aug 2023. Block 4, Lot 85 [Explore the Map ]

George William Isbell October 23, 1921 - May 7, 1945 George W. Isbell was born on October 23, 1921 to Jesse and Edna Isbell in Fort Worth, Texas. George was their only child and also a 3rd generation Fort Worthian. He shared the same first name as his grandfather. George grew up and lived in the same home his entire life at 500 Riverside Drive. He graduated from Amon Carter-Riverside High School in 1939 where he participated in Junior ROTC.¹ Days after his 17th birthday, George’s father passed away unexpectedly due to heart failure. After High School, George worked for Monnig’s Dry Goods located downtown at 5th and Houston.² On September 20, 1942, George enlisted in the military and served in the Army Air Corps. His military career led him to the Southwest Pacific during WWII, participating in the battles such as the Leyte invasion (1944) and the Battle of Luzon (1945) in the Philippines. His primary mission was to fly wounded soldiers to hospitals. On May 7, 1945, while flying a high-ranking officer over an enemy-held island of Luzon, he paid the ultimate sacrifice to his country. He was killed in action at the age of 23.³ Ironically, the very next day on May 8, 1945, the Germans surrendered in Europe. Japan formally surrendered on September 2, 1945, ending war in the Pacific.⁴ George achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the Air Medal for serving with distinction above and beyond that normally expected.⁵ George’s body was not returned to the United States until 1948. He was interned in Pioneers Rest Cemetery on August 3, 1948, three years after his death.⁶ He never married and has no known children. He is buried next to his parents and grandparents in the Isbell family plot. __________________________ [1] “George Isbell,” Carter-Riverside High School Yearbook, Fort Worth, Texas. 1938, Pgs. [112, 145.] https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1265/images/43135_b163224_00056?pId=337286882 ; Accesses 25 Aug 2023. [2] “George William Isbell.” The National Archives in St. Louis, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; WWII Draft Registration Cards for Texas, 10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147; Box: 749. Ancestry.com ; Accessed 25 Aug 2023. [3] “History of the Second World War : A Memorial, A Remembrance, An Appreciation.” [The Fighting Men of Texas.] Historical Publishing Company, Dallas, 1948, Pg. 553. https://3db4bd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Fighting-Men-of-Texas-Book-page-400-800.pdf ; Accessed 25 Aug 2023. [4] “The End of World War II 1945.” the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, N.D. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/topics/end-world-war-ii-1945 ; Accessed 25 Aug 2023. [5] History of the Second World War : A Memorial, A Remembrance, An Appreciation.” [The Fighting Men of Texas.] Historical Publishing Company, Dallas, 1948, Pg. 553. https://3db4bd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Fighting-Men-of-Texas-Book-page-400-800.pdf ; Accessed 25 Aug 2023. [6] “George William Isbell.” Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statics, Fort Worth, Texas, 5 Aug 1948. Block 3, Lot 27 [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 ]