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CommentsMr. Block: I was looking up info. on black panthers and found your site. I'm really enjoying it, and there is much more that I want to read. About five to seven years ago there was a fellow that had a black panther for a pet. He would lay on the hood of the guys car, when he went shopping in down town Silsbee, Texas, and there was a write up about hem in the Silsbee Bee. I have some friends that went out treeing them not more than six mo. ago in Evadale, TX. About nine mo. ago I heard, what I'm pretty sure, was the scream of one as I was checking out a creek on the beck of my property. I don't think he would come after me, but I was by my-self so I took care of what I needed to and came home. I am pretty sure there are still a few around and we need to do more to - make sure - they stay.
CommentsMr. Block, I find your website extremely informative, and I would like to know where you get some of you information, specifically on the history of the steamship Uncle Ben nd the muster rolls of the units that were stationed at Sabine pass during the Civil War. Anything you can pint me to would be appreciated. I have read almost all of the articles in the site and find them very informative and interesting. Looking forward to more. Respectfully, Keith Melancon
CommentsI AM LOOKING FOR THE EXACT LOCATION OF THE SAWMILL GHOST TOWNS OF LANANA NACOGDOCHES COUNTY (LANANA LUMBER CO & PITRI LUMBER CO. WAS THERE) AND TROTTI changed TO KLONDYKE NEWTON COUNTY(KIRBY LBR.CO.) ANYONE WITH ANY INFO. PLEASE CONTACT BILLY SHIVERS LONGVIEW, TEX. dobber16@sydcom.net
CommentsThere have been at least two sightings of a "black panther" on our deer lease in Washington Parish. I have not personally seen it.
CommentsI doubted the existence of a black panther in the area (Natchitoches Parish), until I saw one crossing the highway in front of me. With a little research I have found a picture of one taken by a motion detecting camera. Plus many uncorroborated sightings which make me theorize that there must be more than one.....Jerry King, PO Box 221, Marthaville, LA.
CommentsMr. Block: I have been reading your articles for many a year and enjoy them very much. In regards to panthers in East Texas, I grew up being taught that they are the only animal that will attack a human without provocation. I listened to many a story about panthers as a child, and was told that they were the only animal to really fear in the Thicket. During the summer of 1998, I, my wife, and son went to my family's old home place to camp and fish for a few days. This is in Northwest Hardin Co. on Big Sandy Creek. As we drove in, at daybreak, a full grown panther jumped into the road in front of us. It was approx. 10 feet away from us and stood there for several minutes before running off. Until then, my wife had always thought I was just telling tales about panthers up there. After seeing one for herself, she refused to get out of the truck for two hours. An old timer told me, about 10 years ago, that he saw a grown panther and two kittens following her one day in that same area. I have seen panther tracks in that area for years and heard their screams at night.
CommentsI just got started and like the accounts. I am John P Doxey Jr, with a lot of relatives including the Vaughns, Rageo's ect. I especially enjoy the short stories associated with the characters.
CommentsAlways enjoy your column in the Enterprise, Mr. Block. Favorites of late have been the ones about the Napoleonic Wars veteran who lived in Lake Charles and the ones about the arts scene, like the recent story on Beaumont's 1928 musical season and today's story on Fay Templeton. Good to know you have this website. Local history is quite fascinating! We can never have too much, and your style of writing is admirably suited to the work. Keep it coming!
CommentsI am the granddaughter of Lila Coffey, and cousin of Laurine Gibson. I was at the family reunion, and got to meet most of yall, but now we can keep in touch through email. If it is possible, I am doing a research project on the Netherlands, if you have any information on it, please email me back. Hope to hear from you soon! Love, ME!
CommentsThank you for maintaining this great site. I am an avid reader of Texas History. I am currently looking for material on the Brazos River; plantations, shipping, settlements, etc. from early days on to present day. Could you suggest any titles? Thanks very much. Best Regards, Daniel Driscoll
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CommentsI lived in Orange, TX all my life until March of last year, when I moved to Jacksonville, N.C. My husband is in the Marine Corps. I was looking to see if their was anything that talked about my mom. My mom, Sugie Vasquez, was murdered by my Father, Rogelio Vasquez. Rogelio still hasn't been found and on May 16 it will be 6 years since he's been on the run. My whole family is still in Orange and me and my husband are moving back when he's out of the Marine Corps, I can't wait!! Who ever reads this PLEASE go to this web page and see if know Rogelio, or if you knew/know me or my family PLEASE e-mail me. Thanks, Emily Vasquez (Wilkerson) http://www.oag.state.tx.us/criminal/article4_wanted/vasquez.shtml MY E-MAIL: little_heaven20@yahoo.com
CommentsI was top gun at Randolph Field, San Antonio, Texas in 1942 with over 3,000 cadets there. In World War II I was a pilot of the most dangerous airplane ever built, the Martin Marauder B-26. This airplane killed (cremated) over 5,000 brave young American men (actually just grown up kids). I accumulated more flying time as pilot in this aircraft than anyone with 17 months as an Instructor Pilot and then nearly a year in Europe in combat. http://www.theflyingprostitute.com. Lawrence Jack Hunter Lt. Col. USAF Retired
CommentsMy wife's great grandfather was A. J. Elings. She knew nothing about him. From her cousin I learned that he immigrated to Texas. I found the Nederland articles and found his name in the articles. Thank you, it fills in family history.
CommentsI am from Oklahoma in Pauls Valley and I would like to know same thing about the horstalsites there but I can not find anything on them about one thing it is a building there interest me is a building there that is called moody hotel and another one that is called everyone here calls in hell hotel building here I would really like it if you can find same thing out about it thank my email address is
CommentsRecently we purchased 120 acres between Bryson and Graham TX. I noticed what looked to be unusually large dog or cat prints on the property. Since the property is fairly well fenced and gated I assumed it to be cat prints but was surprised at the size of them. Later I ate at a local dinner and saw a huge stuffed panther in the corner. I asked my husband (a native of Ft. Worth) and he said there had been reports of larger black panthers in the area. in fact, he said, it was common knowledge that one lived around lake possum kingdom and had been sighted numerous times. It was when the big cat wondered too close to a boat ramp that the cat was shot and killed. If you were interested, I guess you could verify this information with the county sheriffs office or lake patrol. I enjoyed your article and will let you know if I have any sighting myself...maybe I should keep a camera near by? Regards S Engel
CommentsKeep up the good fight!
CommentsI have been researching why the Golden Crescent region is such, but have not had any luck. Please respond if anyone knows.
Commentswe now have about 4" of snow mixed with ice on the ground and yesterday my friend found where a calf of his was killed. he says the scene was way to bloody to be a coyote and the mother is very protective. he lives in red river county north of Clarksville about a half mile off the red river. in 1983 my dad was deer hunting close to there and he claims to this day he seen a large cat with a tail about 2' long, the animal was not coal black but dark gray. Do you know of any recent reports to TPWD in this area on mountain lions or panthers. my friend is in the deer programs and has increased the population in the area over the past 4 years. We just wondered if maybe the reported sitings are published anywhere. We have found info through 1997 but nothing current. any help will be appreciated, the main thing is to know whats out there and how to deal with a encounter if it was to happen.
CommentsI find this site very interesting, I am the Chief of Police in Clay Center, Ne. It is nice to see all the Wilkerson names and where they are from. Could you tell me where Wilkerson Pass got its name. Thanks Dee Wilkerson 02-26-2003
CommentsHello Bill, I think the Oliver Hillebrant on the 1880 Frio Co. census is the son of Levi, grandson of Christian Hillebrant. Oliver has a son named Levi, too.
CommentsHello and thank you, Thank you again for this wonderful site of a bevy of knowledge. I am in search of the original Kajls Van Oostrum family and info regarding the same. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. It could possibly be Kajol Van Oostrum, changed later to Kallstrom, Kajlstrom, Colostrum, Kalstrom, etc, etc. Any all all information will be welcomed. I hail form the Kallstrom, Kajlstrom, Nels Nelson, Axel Kallstrom, Petterson, Frederic Smith, and Alexander Francis Wilson Family. Our last male van Oostrum will, perhaps go to the draft this nest year, unless a few goods Swedes and Quakers can stop the regime in DC. Be Well, and May the Grace of Our Lourde Be with you All, Rebekah Anne Kajlstrom-Nelson-Smith-Wilson OM
CommentsThis is my first time to visit your web site. I have found it very informative, I have enjoyed reading the different articles. I will have to visit it again very soon.
CommentsDear mr Block, I am curious to find out whether there are people in the town of Nederland who still speak Dutch. Can you tell me to what extent the Dutch culture still lives on in the community? I came across your web site through the link on the Nederland, TX web site. I am a Dutchman living in the Netherlands, and I have great interest in surviving Dutch colonies and communities throughout the world. Being a proud, patriotic Dutchman myself I am very much interested in South Africa and the native Afrikaans tongue (derived from Dutch dialects). On our web site 'De Roepstem' ( http://roepstem.tripod.com )we (several Dutch and Argentinean culture and language enthusiasts) have written articles about the global Dutch culture and Afrikaans. It would be interesting to dedicate a web page to the remaining Dutch heritage in the US. With kind regards, Marcel Bas, Voorschoten, Nederland
CommentsMr. Block I have seen what I believe to have been a black panther three miles south of Fred Texas on a deer lease a couple of years ago. Every time I would go to my deer stand there would be huge cat tracks going down the road. One late evening I was walking back to my truck and saw a panther crossing the road almost own his belly and he was very dark colored and appeared to be very black. My mother and father and other hunters on a deer lease 4miles north of Kirbyville TX on FM 1013 have also seen black panthers. I ask my father and mother if they were sure of what they had seen, both saw the cat in daylight hours. People say there is know Gray Wolves in East TX, but I have seen one this past year no more than 30 yards from me while bow hunting. The animal was not a big dog are a coyote, and know I did not shoot at him . I came home and looked up on the computer a gray wolf and the picture on the screen was what I saw. The tracks were 4inche long have been seen many times.
CommentsDear W.T. I came upon your website by chance, it is very interesting and informative. Currently, I am putting together information about Texas from its' early beginnings. As an artist, illustrator, and educator, I am approaching this task from an artist view and show it as art history of Texas. Kind of a survey documentary. Hopefully, I can put into textbook form. I have found much about early inhabitants; Native American Indians, However, I am struggling with Spain and France in art that was evidence of their occupation. So far I have to settle with missions and architecture. If you have any suggestions on this topic, I welcome the opportunity to hear from you. Regards, Norma Burch Granbury, Texas
CommentsLooking up unit history for my grandfather Great site! William Masterson 78th 309 CO E
CommentsMy name is Howell Upchurch and I want to send you some photos of a working Civil War era ironclad I recently completed. Its a 25ft replica of a Richmond class ironclad. It carries a crew of two, burns coal in the firebox and has 6 working black powder cannons. It stays on a trailer and therefore is mobile. Recently (3/8/03) I performed 7 live shows in Columbus, Ga. (on the river) at the Civil War Naval museum. It was a hit with not only the men but women and children as well. They wanted to sit on the deck and have their picture taken. I built it to promote a project I'm working on (see my project on the web at: www.powdermonkeyLLC.com ) I'm always looking for opportunities to show her off! Located in Atlanta, Ga. More photos available. Howell Upchurch 404/661-8669 howell@visarts.com
CommentsI am so glad I came across your web page. My great-great grandfather was Hermon Holst and his wife was Frederike Wendling and I found them in your information. I have been looking in Jefferson Co for them. I know when he came to America but once he married her, he seemed to disappear. You gave me a lead, I never heard of Smith's Bluff and Grigsby's Bluff. The only question is, you have Hermon's last name as Holst, which is how I spell my name, and you also have him listed as Holtz. Do you know why? Thank you again. If you have any other information about him, I would greatly appreciate it.
CommentsDr. Mr. Block, I was very excited to find you website. My husband, Dirk Ballast, is a descendent of the Dirk Ballast from the Netherlands. We have some knowledge of their history here in TX but not much from before they came here. Thank you for sharing this information.
Commentswhere is the H. N. Conner diary? or a copy?
CommentsBeing from most of the areas in Mr. Blocks stories and growing up in Texas and La. I have thoroughly enjoyed his articles. I'm also glad these stories have been told so as not to be lost in time. Thank You Mr. Block! Jim Ratcliff/Kirbyville, Tx-DeRidder, La.
CommentsIs anyone else interested in "Bigfoot" tales out of Texas?
CommentsMr. Block I would like to have information regarding your column dated March 5 concerning Lucian Adams, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He is my brother and I have tried the email addresses to no avail. There will be a Memorial Service 4/26/2003 at 1:00PM, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3648 S/Sgt. Lucian Adams (61st Street). PA. Public invited.
CommentsHave contacted you regarding my grandfather A. J. Elings (Ellings) and the Orange hotel on your e-mail. Waiting to hear from you. Jim
CommentsThought you might find this interesting. Looks like there may be some Jaguars left in Texas after all. City of Keller Texas Police Department Wildlife Alert April 22, 2003 For the past two weeks, city animal control officers have investigated the reported sightings of a black panther or cougar near the Bursey Ranch II subdivision. Several of the sightings have reported two of the animals. The point of this notice is not to alarm but to inform you of these reported sightings. The Police Department has contacted the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department about what steps to take to identify, and if necessary, eliminate these animals from the area. In addition, animal control officers are attempting to trap the animal(s) using a live animal trap that poses no threat to humans. It is important to note that there have not been any reported attacks or attempted attacks by this type of animal in our area. Until such time as the animal(s) can be identified and/or removed, some simple precautions can be taken to reduce any chances of a confrontation. Do not walk in undeveloped areas alone and know where your children are playing. Groups will tend to be noisy and this discourages large cats from going near. Trim dense shrubbery and vegetation around yards to eliminate hiding places. Keep the perimeter of your yard well lit at night. Watch children between dusk and dark when these animals prefer to range. If confronted, try to appear larger than you are. Raise your arms and make noise to scare the animal away. Do not turn your back. Large cats prefer to attack from the rear. They do not like to face their prey. Keep pets secured and contained within a fenced yard. For some reason, large cats are afraid of barking dogs and usually will avoid contact with a noisy dog. They will, however, stalk smaller animals such as cats. Available information states that there has been only one confirmed instance of a large cat living in a heavily populated area in Texas. While it would be unusual for a cougar to be ranging in south Keller, it is not out of the realm of possibility. Past reports of this type have proven to be large domestic cats that were abandoned and left in undeveloped areas. We will make every effort to identify what these animals are, and eliminate them from the area if they are a threat. This information has been gleaned from several websites, including the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Click Here to access the Parks and Wildlife website. Please continue to report sightings to the Police Department at (817) 431-1515. Any questions may be directed to Keller Animal Control at (817) 431-1510 x. 252.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Questions? Comments? Contact Keller Town Hall
Commentspaul revere was warning the minute men the british werecomin. And he only traveled abut 200 miles to do it and it was the revolutionary war!!! from an angry student
CommentsDear Mr. Block, I came across your article on Texas Germanic Heritage while searching the internet for information on the Wendish people. My paternal grandmother, her sisters, and her daughters all spoke the Wendish dialect. My grand- mother's maiden name was Kasper. She married a man by the name of Kube. It was very surprising to read the names of the families that were on the Ben Nevis. I grew up going to church and Lutheran School with people who had the last names of Walther, Wukasch, Domask, (Domaschk?), Kasper (who, of course are cousins),Moerbe, and I vaguely remember the Noack name; but I can't quite remember from what church. Our family belongs to St. Paul Lutheran Church, which is now in Groves, Tx. The Lutheran School was connected with Trinity Lutheran Church in Port Arthur, Tx. You mention the last name of Kubitz in your article. Could this name and Kube be connected? I would appreciate any information you might have. Thanks, Gina
CommentsWill you please help me with a project? I need some information on President James Buchanan. If you can send me info. please include a family tree if possible. It just needs to at least have the names of his grand parents, aunts and uncles, Parents, and brothers or sisters Thanks a lot! [P.S. I need this info by may 20, 2003!]
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CommentsI was wondering if anyone knows why the Victoria area is called the Golden Crescent? I have been trying to figure this out and have had no luck. Any help would be appreciated.
CommentsVery interesting site. I was grew up in Port Arthur, born 1939, and spent most of my summers and winter vacation days at my grandfathers in Gilchrist. Much history in that area also. I notice in your profile that you wrote a book concerning stern-wheelers. I remember as a kid standing on one of them at Sabine Pass and fishing. Most people I talk to do not remember the old boats being there. Will have to get your books and read about the area before I arrived on the scene.
CommentsIs anyone out there interested in the now extinct Karankowa Indians of Texas. They were supposed to be well over 6 feet tall and lived a prehistoric nomadic existence and were ritual cannibals.
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CommentsMy ancestor is George Washington White. Confederate veteran and trouble maker. He is cited in "Texas v. White". A supreme court decision that laid the groundwork on how the union would treat the secessionist states. I know some about him but not enough . Can you enlighten me?
CommentsThanks to you and your hard work, our past will be preserved for future generations. You are a very generous man.
CommentsMr Block: I enjoyed reading your stories. Thank you for putting them on the web. I found your site while searching for Pattillo information. George A(lexander) Pattillo, Jr. is an distant uncle of my husband. My husband is a descendant of the above George's brother Reverend Samuel Pattillo. Both Samuel and George were the sons of George Alexander Pattillo, Sr. and Martha Vernor Pattillo. George Sr. was our immigrant ancestor and was from Scotland. Thank you for including the information about "out Pattillo's." Mary Jane Hobbs Pattillo
CommentsThank you for sharing your research. Of great interest are the ones about SW Louisiana in the mid 1880's as I had two GG grandfathers killed in that time period along the Mermantau and Bayou Plaquemines.
CommentsMr. Block, Saw your award presentation on the news, an award well deserved. Congrats! Kasey Alvarez Duckworth (granddaughter of Johnny Alvarez Sr.)
CommentsWe have always loved your column in the Beaumont paper on history. Thanks! We are trying to find out if you know anything on where Mayotown, Texas is. That is where my father-in-law was born.
CommentsWe recently cleaned out our Grandfathers house and found a hand written document written by my Great Great Grandfather Henry Kneip about his experiences fighting in the Battle of Calcasieu Pass. I sent it to be translated and thought you might be interested in having a copy of it for your work. He was a contemporary of William Rosenberg from Round Top, Texas and fought in Waul's Legion with this brothers, Adolph, William and Ferdinand.
CommentsYour work on the Oil Men is marvelous background for science studies of fossil fuels - so interesting and alive. Thank you for compiling and allowing us to access these - my pupils are delighted. Karen Nash Canterbury Steiner School, U.K.
CommentsBILL, WE CANN0T REACH YOU....IS YOUR E-M BOX FULL? OUR MAIL TO YOU COMES BACK EACH TIME AT BOTH ADDRESS'S....HELP !! JIM & GINGER ELINGS 541 884 4991
CommentsMr. Block, I love your stories of East Texas and the way you tell them. I am detectorist in the Tyler area, I grew up here and I'm very interested in find the old town site of Belzora to see if permission could be granted to hunt for old relics from that old ghost town. I'm a member of the East Texas Metal Detector Ass. I think it would be a great thing to bring some of those old relics up for all to see. Thanks in advance, Jay Evans
CommentsVisit www.undergroundrr.com
CommentsSir Uncle W. T., Congratulations. The whole family is very proud of you and your work. Pop just brags on you constantly. He looks up to you as much as we do to him. We can see where he gets his amazing ability to relate the Block family tales. My wife (Jennifer) can listen to him for hours.
CommentsMr. Block, I have enjoyed your articles, stories, etc., so very much. Please continue to give us more. I was also wondering if there would be more stories of the Grand Chenier area. by the way my family genealogy goes back to the Vincent, Nunez, Miller, Conner and Conner families. Thanks, Denton
CommentsHi W. T., I just found your website. Thanks for your help and interesting info. about my ancestor. Dan Hill, Belgrade, Montana
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CommentsI have read many of W. T. Block's writings over the years and always find his work stimulating to say the least. I'm doing some research on the Battle of Sabine Pass and would like to know if there is any information on the early years of Dick Dowling. If so please let me know @ Mark_Meaux@huntsman.com
CommentsI ran across the article about black Panthers in east Texas. That brings back memories of when I lived in Scottsville, Texas (outside Marshall) back in 1989 to 1990 and there was talk from some of the locals about a black Panther there. I personally found one single big cat paw print on the shore of our pond, it was almost the same size of my hand. Terry Files
CommentsMy Great Grandfather, William (John) Cole served on board the Gunboat Clifton after she was captured at Sabine Pass. He was a member of Griffins Batt. Tubbs commanding, Spaights Regiment. I work at a military museum at Camp Mabry in Austin Texas. There is a small diarama dealing with the Battle of Sabine Pass.
Commentsi am very thankful for you sharing your knowledge it has helped me with a very important school project that means a lot of my grade. thanks again
CommentsThanks for all your work. In your article about Christian Hildebrandt you mention that his daughter, Caroline, and her husband, William Brewer, moved to west Texas. I believe they are buried in the Little Saline Cemetery, Menard County, Texas. The data from the gravestones is in a Kimble County cemetery book written by Frederica Wyatt. She also wrote an article about them in Families of Kimble County, Vol. II. Grant Johnston,
CommentsFound your site while researching my Wendish ancestry. I've spent the whole afternoon reading and of course I'm not close to done! Fascinating stories! Keep up the wonderful work! (Looking for info on DUBE and WEISE and various others of the Texas Wends.)
CommentsDear Mr. Block, My cousin Ada sent me a link to one of your pages, "The Memoirs of Mrs. Annie Marie (Peterson, Watts) McClain", which contained a reference to our fathers and grandfather, M. W. Oakley. We did indeed congregate in Austin. Some of us probably needed locking up, but it never happened. Thanks for sharing Mrs. McClain's memories and for your site. It brightened my day.
CommentsEnjoyed the article on Adrian J. Elings--my great grandfather. Am looking for any info about Priscilla van Dyken who married the oldest son, John D. Elings. Thank you!
CommentsMr. Block There are panthers and Cougars in MS. My wife and I saw a black panther in 1982 near Ethel, MS.. We also had one to harrass our dogs one night in 1984. From the time I was a child, I have heard them at night. I have many friends that have seen and heard them in centeral, and north MS. The last report I have heard is a siteing in 2002, near Weir, MS.. As far as the couger, it was in the 80s in north MS, south of Tupilo.
CommentsHave been living in Zavalla, TX for 3 years now and am looking for any history of the area. You did a good job of covering the old town of Aldridge just down the road from us. Do you have anything on Zavalla?
CommentsDear Mr. Block I am Maribeth Jones, editor of the Southeast Texas Arts Council's art-and-culture tourism magazine, OFF RAMP. Our executive director is Regina Lindsey. We rely on submissions from artist, photographers and writers who can put a face and voice on our region. We are publishing our third issue in September. This issue will include brief anecdotes on the stories and legends behind the historic homes of Southeast Texas. I have just finished reading your article on the Dutch migration, and the Vuylsteke House. We would like to invite you to submit for publication, or give us credit to use, your stories (under your byline of course) related to historic homesites in Southeast Texas. Your contribution would be a big help. Please reply. Sincerely, Maribeth Jones, Editor OFF RAMP Magazine, Southeast Texas Arts Council
CommentsJust came from Tennessee where I saw two of your black panthers, in broad daylight. They indeed exist.
CommentsI am a descendent of Joseph Hebert, my grandfather was Joseph Calhoun Hebert ( Little Joe Hebert). I would like to know how I might find out more about the Hebert Family in Jefferson County. Thank you for any assistance you can offer. I really enjoyed reading The History of Jefferson County.
CommentsSurfing the web for my ancestor, John Baptiste Chiasson, did not reveal your website. But when I saw an article about the memorial marker in his honor at the Port of Beaumont, I input "Chaison" and came up with your website. One correction in your article on the Rainbow Bridge. Bridge City was known as Prairie View, after the local school. When a school board was organized, my uncle, Ovie Eudale Granger, suggested the new system be called "Bridge City" in honor of the Rainbow Bridge.
CommentsMy father was born in Orange County, with my "basic 4" surnames being Bland, Chesson/Chiasson/Chaison, Granger and Peveto. My father, Stanley Lee Granger, worked for the Yount-Lee Oil Company in the Spindletop days and was one of many men transferred by Yount-Lee to Gregg County. The community they established was called "Little Beaumont" which is where I was born. I would appreciate knowing if you have any publications, other than that on John Baptiste Chiason, featuring any others of my ancestors.
CommentsEnjoy reading your site especially the Big Thicket bear hunting stories. I friend of mine who recently passed away told me stories about his father as a child would sit in a tree with a shotgun to keep bears out of the berry patch. This was in Cass County around Kelly Creek. I once heard a cat of some sort scream at my deer lease in Cass County Texas and have only seen one Bob Cat. I'm very interested in Cass and Morris County history but have not been able to find much on the web. Does anyone know if there is a East Texas traditional food cook book out there?
CommentsW.T., thank you for sharing. This is a fantastic website. I found the page while searching for information concerning Spindletop,I have placed your URL on my most visited websites. Thank you again. Joy Powell
CommentsGreat site. Love to read about East Texas. I'm especially interested in the bear hunting stories. My friend V.O. Blankenship recently passes away. He told me stories about his father having to gaurd the berry patch from bears around the turn of the last century. This was in Cass County around Kelly Creek.
Commentsi do not belive that the black panther is extinct in western louisiana.Many members of my family have stories of encounters with panthers in there lifetime. I live in leesville Louisiana about 20 miles from the texas border. I myself belive to have had a close encounter with one just last november while hunting. Early one morning just before day break while walking through the woods in a limited access area of Ft. Polk come up on a dark silouhette about 30 yards ahead of me. The animal quickly fled. But as i made my way closer to where the animal had stood i found fresh over sized cat prints in the mud that leads me to believe it may have been an black panther because others have noted encounters in the area. Its only speculation to say it was a black panther but it is enough to keep me beliving that they are still out there in secluded areas.
CommentsJust a quick note: The small town of Merryville, Louisiana, used to have a slaughter and meat packing plant on the Public School grounds. It was a working plant up till one night when the smoke house caught fire and the whole complex burned to the ground, I remember it seemed like the whole town turned out to see the fire. This all happen in the mid 50's. It was a great teaching lab for young people growing up in a small town.
CommentsWT; Just read your article about the Black Panther. We live near Canton, Texas, and in Whitton (our local RFD) there has been a killing of a 150 lb german shepherd, I think a K9 police dog. The local game warden has advised to shoot to kill. There is a mated pair with cub, according to the report my wife got in town today. The dog had its' skull crushed. Many of the locals there have lost dogs recently as well. Thought you might like to know.
CommentsMr. Block, If you would like to update further your Sweeney Family History, I am the grandson of Kenneth Sweeney. Just Contact me by email if you wish. Thanks, Ross Mouhot
CommentsWT WOULD YOU BRING ME A RAINCOAT I AM AT CARBAUGH'S SERVICE STATION ON HILLDALE AND AVE H.
CommentsHi, my name is Mike Koelemay, grandson of Rev. Ralph L. Koelemay, one of the last persons named in the Koelemay family history. Using this collection of history I was able to greatly expand my family roots. Great site!
CommentsI am the great grand daughter of Ida Pipkin Charleton Pack who was a daughter of Woodson Pipkin, founder of St. Paul A.M.E. church in Beaumont, TX. Ida was the mother of my grandmother, Maybell Charleton Lacey Buckner. I am very much interested in finding out as much as I can about my family. I was born and grew up in Port Arthur, TX and moved to Houston and have lived in Houston continuously since 1977.
CommentsMr. Block, I wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful article you wrote about my uncle, Burton Humphreys. I live in Arizona but have a dear friend, Ruthann McDowell that saw your article and sent it to me. My mother, Dorothy, is Uncle Burtons youngest sister. There were 7 children in the Humphrey family. Having only two boys, Burton and Curtis. Uncle Curtis was the sheriff in Newton County after their father was killed in the jailbreak you mentioned in the article. Mother would have been thrilled about this article since I have often heard my parents speak of the experiences Uncle Burton had in WWII. Mother has passed away 7 years ago but I will send a copy of your article to my father in Michigan. Uncle Burton is such a private, quite man he would never have told us about the article but we are so proud of him. Will this article be on your website or how can I get more copies and forward on to other family members? I had a hard time sending you this email and did try your email address as above. Thank you again, Barbara Smith 17143 E. Hillcrest Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 480-837-7324
CommentsPLEASE I LOVE YOUR SITEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
CommentsPLEASE I LOVE YOUR SITEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
CommentsI have enjoyed your articles for years. A year or so ago you ran an article in the Enterprise on river ferries and showed a picture of the ferry on the Sabine River at Bon Weir, Texas. My grandfather, Richard B. Rashall, operated the ferry a few years in the early twenties. There was a night operator and a day operator. My father, W. A. Rashall who lives in Silsbee and and will be 90 yrs old in January worked on the ferry as a boy. He tells a story of ferrying a circus across the river. All the circus was across except one truck. The driver did not wait until the ferry was tied up properly and gunned the engine to get off and go up the hill. The back wheels pushed the ferry away from the landing and the truck went off the ferry landing in about twenty feet of water. The circus had and elephant that was already across. Someone went under water and tied a chain to the truck and it was attached to the harness of the elephant. The keeper talked to the elephant a few minutes and then urged him forward, yelling something in a foreign language that was the equivalent of go! Go! Go! He pulled the truck out of the water and up the hill. A great crowd had gathered when he pulled it out. I savored your articles concerning Newton County and west Louisiana pioneers. My grandmother is a descendant of William Hawley Stark. My son, Gary, and cousin Floyd Boyett, were instrumental in your article about the "Yankee Boy" grave in the William Hawley Stark cemetery. Thanks for good writing.
CommentsMr. Block, I was trying to research when a house was built on the property of the Garland family in Beaumont, sometime around the Lucas Gusher. It stands on what is Highland Ave. now. Do you have any ideas? I tried the county records, but they only go back to 1929.
CommentsA wonderful page! A great writer. Thank you for sharing your stories.
CommentsGreat website!!! Your work is woonderful. Hugh Gallagher h.gallagher@worldnet.att.net
Commentsyou have an excellent site.i never realized there was so much history in our area. keep up the good work
CommentsI am in Northport, Alamama. I personally saw a "black panther" while walking with a friend about 20 years ago. It crossed the road in front of us within 10 yards and appeared to be pregnant at the time. It was near cougar size and was jet black. I have other friends that have spotted them within the last couple of years but in a different location.
CommentsI am enjoying your stories very much. My grandfather was a Staff Sgt in 78th Infantry Division...309...He doesn't talk much about the details of his experience so I'm interested in learning what I can. He received numerous awards and medals like a purple heart...but I don't have a list...I would love to find some books about this unit. and I love your site!
CommentsHi, I'm so glad by finding this site, I really hope It can be grow more and more on providing the images of angles. thank www.allgamescasino.com Lucy
CommentsHello, I live in Lufkin, Texas and recently have seen and heard either a black panther or black jaguar in my community. The visual occurrence happened about a month ago. I was driving to work and saw something running fast across the road in front of me. At first I thought it was a big dog, but it had the motion fluidity of a big cat. It was larger than a bobcat and it was black. I did not see a long tail however. My nieghbor was behind me in her car - her family argues that it was either a dog or house cat. A day or two later I was shopping in town and passed a concrete statue of a black panther - which is the school mascot - and it clicked - this is what I saw crossing the road. A few weeks passed and I had decided I must have been wrong about what I saw until I was outside on the back porch and hear several burst of short screams. The first scream or two I thought it was the neighbor's playing around until I realized what I was actually hearing. This has been going on the three of the four nights this week. The screams will make the hair stand up on your neck and make you want to go inside with all your animals!
CommentsMr. Block I have to thank you for your writing. You have aided me in my family search. Without the Hillebrandt article I would not have found William and Caroline. I am now trying to find a record of their marriage. Again Thank you. Margie Brewer
CommentsI just "discovered" your web site and am very excited about all the information about the McGaffey families at Sabine Pass. Mary McGaffey Jackson's youngest son, C. R. "Neal" Jackson was my grandfather. I have two boxes of information that my mother, Neal's daughter, left me but I haven't taken the time to look at much of her legacy. I will have to dig into this soon.
CommentsYou have a wonderful web site. Please visit me at http://www.buckstix.com for items of interest to your members. Thank You.
CommentsI love your website its been a real help to my family. My husband was born and raised at Taylor's Bayou but now we live farther away. So its nice to look and read the history to our children. I am looking up my husbands family and I seen a Moise Broussard on this site, I think this maybe my husbands father could you give me any info on this man on your site? Thank you.
CommentsThis site is awsome! It is the best site in the world. I've been reading your comments since I was born!
CommentsLove it, this is great. I love your stories and well, just everything! Semperfi, MWF
CommentsMr. Block; My Great-Great-Grandmother's sister, EMMA McDANIEL, born 8/1/1863, Hutsonville, Crawford Co., IL, married a man by the name of BURSON and lived in Mattoon, Illinois in 1939 (per obituary of my G-G-Grandmother). Some of your pages on the BURSON family mention Mattoon, Illinois, and I'm desperately trying to find Emma McDaniel-Burson, who died in 1954 in Mattoon. If you might have any ideas on where to send me in the right direction to locate Emma McDaniel-Burson's husband and family, please contact me directly... Thanks in advance,
CommentsHello, My name is Randy Smith. I found your article on the Death March to Comal County interesting. I am doing a paper on the Adelsverein, its stated and hidden agenda, along with successes and failures. I was hoping I could find the Galveston Weekly News artilce which you referenced, but alas...When I find the time I hope to return to this site and read some more of your work. Randy Smith
CommentsMr. Block, What a treasure you are to Southeast Texas! Thank you for all of your many writings and essays throughout the years. An Appreciative Teacher, Pam Vizuete
CommentsI just finished reading your article on "The Night Johnson's Bayou, La Died". I found it quite interesting. I am a great-great-great grandson of Eli Berwick, and quite sure one of many!
CommentsI am a member of a group trying to get the old Gulf and Interstate RR (S. of Goodyear to High Island) converted to a "Hike and Bike Trail". I will be contacting you privately for some historical info as you seem to have a "wealth" of it! Enjoyed your site very much!
CommentsOnce again I am inclined to write and offer a thank you for the stories you present. After doing some family research with a relative it has been discovered my Great-Great Grandfather served in Spaight's Regiment, and the stories you've written have added insight into the live's and times of our ancestors. Partly because of your stories and the interest they stirred we were able to locate my Great-Great Grandfather's grave in Jasper Co. and much to our delight the Sons of Confederate Veterans will provide a Funaral Detail/service and Gravestone to mark his grave. Hopefully in May of 04, providing final approval is forthcoming. Once again thank you, and thank you for remembering and retelling history so as it is not to be lost for all time. God Bless You, Jim Ratcliff
CommentsDear Mr. Block, I came across your web site article about Joseph Kelly, who married Hevelina Pentecost in 1816. I am trying to track down my own Joseph Kelly. My Joseph disappeared from Surry County, North Carolina after 1815. The last record of him was in 1815, when he bound out two of his sons. My theory is that his wife died, and he could not take care of the children. I believe that he possibly left for Tennessee. I am curious about your Joseph. Do you know his whereabouts prior to his marriage to Miss Pentecost? I would appreciate any information that you might be able to share. Thank you. Kim Quintal North Carolina
CommentsMr.Block: I am enjoying your articles here! The article,"1886 when Johnson bayou died," has listed my ggggrandfather,Michael Gillen as a early colonists and blacksmith. I am researching information on Gillen and Hollister families. My mother was born in Saratoga Tx as a Hollister. Any information you can pass on to me would be appreciated. Michael Gillen, Sr.
CommentsDear Sir, Thank you for all the information you have put on here. I am doing a research paper on the French and Spaniards during La Salle's time and this web page has really helped me through. I am in 7th grade, and the paper I did for my History class, so you know... Please keep up the good work. Take Care, Sarwat M. Dooti P.S. Thank you, once again.
CommentsDear, sir I am happy and very interesting for this web site, I'd like to got many information about new models in oil & gas industry ( explorations & operations in field ) many thanks abdalla
CommentsHi my name is Katie Block. My grandparents are John Dennis Block and Beverly Anne Beck Block. My parents are Bryant Keith Block Sr. and Robin Renee Walker Block. I am doing a research paper for school over my family. I came to this website because I figured I could get a lot of information that would be helpful in my research. It has been a tremendous help and I appreciate it very much. Thank you for your effort and willingness to put this website together! Sincerely, Katie Louise Block
CommentsMr. Block...I am really enjoying your magazine, Reflections, about the history of Port Neches. My name is Jim Sweetenham and I manage the Pompano Club. The owner is Edward Hughes who use to own Market Basket with Bruce Thompson. I received a subscription to this magazine from Beth, his daughter and Sherry Dengler our secretary. (She's so proud to see her Husband's grandfather picture in Reflections.) Any way I hope to meet you some day. ....thanks Jim
CommentsMr. Block Thanks to your website I have learned alot about Southeast Texas history. I was raised on the Neches River near Weiss Bluff and I had no idea of the historical significance of the area. Sgt.Ryan J. West USMC
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