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CommentsMr. Block - I was wondering if any further attempts to excavate Fort Manhasset have been made. I was also wondering if you had any further information on the fort the Confederates built at the mouth of Taylor's Bayou and on Sabine Lake in Orange. Thanks, Matt Reeves Port Neches
CommentsHappy New Year, Have read many of your pieces in the DeQuincy (LA) News over the years (with great enjoyment and the acquisition of much knowledge!). Was particularly interested in your piece on Carson, LA, that appeared in the Aug. 8, 2004 DeQuincy News. You stated at the end of the article that Carson had appeared in 8 articles in the Beaumont Enterprise and in 3 articles with photos in American Lumberman. Do you happen to have the exact references (year and date/issue number) for these article. I would very much like to find copies of the articles. FYI, several years ago, my aunt, Mrs. Celia Watt Weekes, donated a collection of about 15 photos of Carson (dating from around 1910) to the Archive at McNeese Univ. in Lake Charles (we wanted to make sure they were conserved and available for research). These photos pretty well covered all the major stuctures in the town at that time, including a two photo panorama of the "main" street--if you are ever in need of photos of the town. Look forward to hearing from you on the article references. Bob Strong, Austin, TX
CommentsAfter all these years your site keeps us all coming back for more! I would love to regain contact with your family. Back in 1998 I had received our family's passenger manifest from Germany to New Orleans, but since then I have lost the information. I would love to see it again and learn more about the family history. I had just missed W. T. last February at my grandfather's (Joseph Harmon Block, Sr.'s) funeral in Port Neches, TX. I would love to rekindle contact so that we may mutually benefit from our separate family historical endeavors. Thank you for the site, all the effort, and for the great information here! -Dietrich Block
CommentsMr. Block, In your article in Sat. Jan. 1, 2005 Beaumont Enterprise you mentioned Samuel D. Parr. Parr was my grandmother's name on the Smith side. Is this man related to her (and me)? Just wondered. Parr is not a common name in these parts. My grandmother came from Georgia to Texas. Thanks, Mildred Barton
CommentsI am doing family research on Nancy Carr, William Carr's mother and Nancy Carr, William Carr's first wife. Do you know where they are buried? I am asking because I feel you have alot of history on this area. Thank you.
CommentsWanted to take a second and say thank you... I happened across your incredible site, and was there for hours and hours. Enjoyed every minute of it. Well Done!
CommentsMr. Block- Do you have any information on the Klingelhoefer family of Fredericksburg, Tx.? Namely Johanne Burgdorf Klingelhoefer; Born 7-17-1857,Died 4-16-1864. My daughters and I have inadvertently captured a photo of her in the historic cemetery in which she rests! Any information would be appreciated, and I would like to send you a copy of the photo to get your opinion.
CommentsGreat Site : Visit my site also and please give your comments in my guestbook http://sonicare-7500.6x.to
CommentsMr. Block, Thank you for sharing all your wonderful articles on this site. We were excited to see the name of Franz Schuessler in your article about Smith's Bluff. We believe he was my husband's great, great grandfather. We know about his service with the Confederacy and that he married Eva Lori (Lorey) in Jefferson County in 1857. Can you direct us to further information about Franz? Thank you, Kay T.
CommentsMy wife and I were born and reared in Port Arthur. We now live and work in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, but we now have a home in Sugarland, Fort Bend County, Texas. We plan to retire to Sugarland. I find you writing most interesting. Have you run across anything about William Schnell, from either MO or KS, later of Port Arthur? He owned a barber shop on Houston Avenue in Port Arthur in 1913 or Sarah Hays orginally of Clinton, La?
CommentsMy brother-in-law and I (both sober, mature gentlemen) saw a very dark (not black, but very dark brown), cat appx. 2 miles South of Honey Grove on Jan. 15, 2005 at about 12:30 pm on a sunny day. We crossed a bridge and on saw the cat cross the road about 75 yards ahead of us. My first thought was that it was a bobcat, but it would have been a huge bobcat, the legs were much longer, and the color was all wrong. My brother-in-law is of the opinion that it was a cougar, but I have seen cougars both in the wild and in captivity and it was too small for a cougar. Also, the consensus seems to be that cougars do not have a melanistic phase. We spent that afternoon and evening hunting feral hogs about 3 miles further South from where we saw the cat cross the road and at about 3:30 pm I saw either the same cat or one just like it creeping up a ravine away from where my brother-in-law was stalking. This time it was only about 25 yards away, but partially concealed by grass. I got a good view, though brief, of it from the side while it was in the grass and then a few seconds later it broke cover about 100 yards away and ran straight away from me across open ground. When it ran, it was the very characteristic lope of a big cat. I am having trouble characterizing this cat. The thing that bothers me most is that I did not really see a tail. When I have seen cougars in the past, their tail is very apparent. Neither time I saw this dark-colored cat was the tail very obvious. That's why I first thought it was a bobcat. It occurred to me to think it was a jaguarondi, except that my first impression was that it was leggy, which is not typical of the physical build of the jaguarondi. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the matter.
CommentsI forgot to note that Honey Grove is in Texas, about 15 miles East of Bonham.
CommentsW.T., My name is Thomas Sweeney, onw of your cousins and brother to Judith Kulkarni in Houston. We met at your house several years ago, when I was doing some back ground investigations on The Sweeney Family. My wife and I have moved to Arizona, and she has a close friend in Goodyear that has sent me a newspaper clipping of a Jack E. Sweeney, born May 14, 1929 in Nederland, Texas. Does this name ring any bells? If it does or doesn't, we would love to hear from you. It is easier and faster to use e-mails now days, so I'll leave my address. We hope your family is well, talk to you soon. Thomas W. Sweeney " tsweeney3@cox.net "
CommentsAuguste Laurents, of Laurents, Louisiana, on the Mermentau River opposite the town of Lake Arthur, owned a large farm on which he grew oranges. These were shipped to Galveston aboard his schooner DeHebert, captained by his son. William. William reported observing the loom of the great Galveston fire from the Gulf of Mexico two days before making port. Auguste was my great-grandfather.
CommentsMarch 14th, 2005. Ruston, Louisiana (North LA) My mother-in-law and father-in-law were sitting on their back porch mid-afternoon a few days ago and observed what they originally thought to be a black dog cross their field in front of them(about 75 to 100 yards). They live in the country where there is little traffic and plentiful wildlife. They initially both just looked and neither said a word, but after watching it walk slowly across the field, both knew that it wasn't a dog. They have heard the screams of a cat in the past but never seen anything, so they both knew this was an amazing opportunity, though it was short lived as the cat crossed and went back into the woods. My in-laws are now obsessed with finding out what they saw, as most in our area say that there is no "black panther". My in-laws saw a large black cat, slinking across their field in front of them. The cat was the size of a large dog, and it had a long tail about the length of it's body. Could this have been a black panther? I am trying to help because it is also interesting to me and my husband. Thank You! We have enjoyed reading. Sandi Holder Ruston, LA
CommentsWT - I have been fascinated by your articles, particularly about the Galveston Bay area and buccaneers. One of the interesting convergences that I have noted is the possible interaction of Lafitte with the earliest Texas Masons. Do you have any insight to whether the Masons, particularly those involved in the War of Independence, ended up with some of Lafitte's lost gold?
CommentsWhat a fascinating history of jefferson county and surrounding areas. my hat's off to you for your research and interpretation of historical documents.
CommentsTO SPAMMERS AND PORNOGRAPHERS: PLEASE RESPECT THIS GUEST BOOK FOR LEGITIMATE INQUIRIES. IF YOU DO NOT, EVERYONE WILL LOSE BECAUSE I WILL SIMPLY REMOVE THE GUEST BOOK FROM THIS WEBSITE.
CommentsTo whom it may concern: I am writing a memoir on Charles Sallier (my fiance's ancestor.) If you could direct me in a direction, that would be most appreciated. Thank you Sincerely, Elizabeth Sowa-Sallier
CommentsI have read your articles in the Beaumont Enterprise and find them very interesting. I am a collector of western (cowboy) gear. Do you have any knowledge of the saddle makers in Beaumont during the early 1900's? Thanks for your help.
CommentsMr.Block, We live down in the Bivens, Old River area, south of Merryville,La. About 4 weeks ago, I was on our back porch, my husband was in the garage which is about 30 feet from one of our correls. One of our pastures joins the correl. I just happened to look up & saw a "Panther" running full force across the pasture, leaped over our fence just like it wasn't there. It was a very large Cat with a long tail. An animal or human would never stand a chance of survival at the rate of speed this Cat was moving. I yelled "THERE'S THE PANTHER".We both ran toward the barn to get a better look, but it was nowhere to be seen. My Nephew has the Cat screaming on an Audio Tape. The Dept. of Wildlife for the State of Louisiana heard this tape. The Lady from the Wildlife Dept told him it was an "OWL". The Wildlife Dept have been invited to come to this area to observe & listen to these CATS. Guess what, they have never showed up. There are several people who have extra rooms for them to stay in & work out of & even hook-ups for travel trailors. Nobody has shown up. They tell us there is no such thing as a Black Or chocolate colored panther.Alot people hear the screams, see these cats, & these cats are definately not afraid of humans. They have been known to stand there & looks at you. I have seen 4 chocolate colored cats & 2 KITTENS. I think our Wildlife Depts of Texas & Louisiana need to wake up & investigate the CATS before it is too late. Thanks, Jerry & Gina Grant
CommentsMy name is Connie Owens and I am the great,great,great grand daughter of Peyton Bland of Orange. His daughter Altha Anna Bland married John Alexander Dobbs,commssioner of Orange that was shot in ,1881 - they had a son Payton Pate Dobbs who married Maude Grainger - they had a daughter Jessica Ethel Dobbs who had my fauther Herbert Bernard Owens. I am researching my famliy tree and would like to talk with you and find out more information about my family. I have some information - but would like to research more. If possible - please contact me.. I will be waiting for your response. ALso I have all the documents to prove the above..
CommentsDear Mr. Block
I write you this mail on behalf of the Department of Contemporary History of the University of Fribourg/Switzerland. We are most interested in your article of the Kellersberger family. In particular are we looking for details on Mr. Rudolph Kellersberger, brother of Julius Kellersberger.
We will be publishing a book about the Swiss General Consulate of San Francisco 1851-2001 and we search for biographical details of Mr. Rudolph Kellersberger, in fact the second Swiss Honorary Consul in San Francisco. Very little is known about his life: Neither his birth date nor his marital status nor his death date are on record. Do you have any of these informations or could you help us to get in touch with family members who presumably might have these datas? Of course we would be pleased to send you a copy of our article about him. Your informations would be much appreciated.
Kind regards, Paloma Martino
Paloma Martino, lic. phil. Seminar für Zeitgeschichte Rue de l'Hôpital 3 CH-1700 Fribourg Tel. +41 26 79 38
CommentsMr. Block; Greetings; I'm trying to solve a trivia question; would you know where I can get some info about those guns in the railings on the Calcasieu bridge at Lake Charles? The best I can come up with so far is a relation to Union ships pitching overboard their weapons in a lost battle in 1864... Thanks! Robert Von Dohlen Boerne, TX
CommentsRegarding the article on black panthers: I saw one in the mid 80's near Saratoga in the Lance Rozier Unit. A friend saw one just the other day in the woods behind a house in Saratoga. I've heard the feral hog population is increasing throughout the southern U.S., so, maybe this has something to do with the sightings. Thank you for an interesting article. There isn't much that I've been able to find on the internet about black panthers.
CommentsI am lookin gfor more information on the conversations about the Buchanan families. I am a descendant of William Buchanan the brothe rof Pres. James Buchanan. Do you have any further information? Thank you , Tim Homan
CommentsMr Block, I am doing research on the Dyson/Shannon families that were living in Beaumont from the 1800's til now. I am trying to find a Mabel (Dyson) Shannon that died in Beaumont sometime after 1910. I was wondering if you know if the Hotel Dieu Hospital records may still be available. I have really enjoyed your sight. Have learned alot in the last 2 days. Sincerely, Virginia
CommentsHello, I am a cousin of yours. I am the daughter of Norman Greenberg (daughter of Ruby Block of Nederland and Robert Greenberg) and Judy Greenberg. I saw a link last year that had the family tree. I was trying to find it recently and could not locate it. Could you direct me to this link? I can give you my mother's name and my children's names. I would love to update our family information. Thank you so much for this help. I love reading your site and sharing it with friends and family.
CommentsI live in east Texas near Daingerfield. In about Feb. of 1993 or 94 I saw a large black panther on a tree limb about 15' up in a tree about 70 yards behind my house. I watched it through my binoculars. This was on the old Hughes springs highway or "shotgun hill road" adjacent to Daingerfield state park. (Morris county) Later that spring as a friend and I were getting my boat at my grandmothers house (also on shotgun hill rd. about 1 mile west of the first sighting) we both saw a young black panther in the neighbors back yard (This house was vacant). It was about 80 yards away. Both sightings were in broad daylight. I can assure you black panthers are still around. They are just rarely seen. A guy I work with brought a picture to work Tuesday which had been taken by his friends trail monitor camera at night on his hunting place. These cameras are triggered by movement and was overlooking a game trail. In the right side of the picture was the back half of a deer, about 6' behind the deer ready to spring was a large cougar. The camera must have flashed or made a noise because it took another picture in which the deer was out of the frame but the cougar had turned around and was looking directly at the camera when the second photo was taken. This was in Bowie county in or near the sulpher river bottoms.
CommentsI enjoy all of your writings. I am originally from Grand Chenier, LA. The grandson of Henry and Gladys (Miller) McCall. We just had a reunion of the descendants of Milledge McCall April 16th in Grand Chenier. Would you like to be included in the next reunion? I noticed in one of your articles (Jayhawkers) that you were related to the McCalls of Grand Chenier.
CommentsI viewed with interest your information on the jayhawkers in Cameron & Calcasieu parishes. My great, great grandfather was Dr. Milledge Mccall. I recently did an updated biography of the descendents of William "Tobe" McCall who was my grandfather. My cousin, Bob McCall and I decided to contact relatives and organized a McCall reunion in Grand Chenier that was attended by over 218 descendents of the Grand Chenier McCall families.
CommentsMr. Block, On Sat., May 14 we will participate in "Western Days" after the Civil War at Gladys City. I am trying to get information about the Long School built by the Long Lumber Company in the late 1800s. I saw a picture of it on the History Channel's classroom on Friday, May 6 at 5:30 am. I appreciate your help.
CommentsI love your site! I have been devouring information for over an hour! I was born in Nederland in 1972. I am the granddaughter of James "Red" and Florence Green, owners of Red Green's Jewelry which was just up from Baker Willeford. I remember my granddad taking me down there for a soda. He has long since passed on, but my grandmother is alive and well in Arkansas. My other grandparents were Durwood and Anne Spruill. Grandpa worked for Mobil Oil for many years. Both are now deceased and buried in Cherokee County. My parents are Ron Spruill and JoEllen Green. Both are alive and well, dad is in Houston and mom lives in Arkansas. I would love to hear from anyone who knew my family.
CommentsI want to thank you with all my heart for your genealogy of my family. I am the great grand daughter of Marie Ella Bonsall who was married to Albert Goos Funk. She began Funk's Florist in Lake Charles. I am the daughter of Frederick Gayle Funk. I would like to make a correction in the genealogy as it is currently listed. My sister Allyson who was married to John Schexnider has 4 children: Heather, Holly, Heath and Hugh. The mistake that needs correction is; "Heather Funk d/o Fred Funk mar. John Schexnider." Also, would you please confirm if I am correct that Governor Noe is my GG Uncle by marriage and his wife, Anna Gray, is my GG Aunt? Could you find any blood relatives that are American Indian? I have sent your genealogy to my son, Robson. My father is in Fayettevile, NC. He retired from the Army Special Forces several years ago. My sister, Allyson, is in Centreville, VA. I have remarried and am living in New Mexico. Finding you was perfect serendipity!
CommentsI wanted to thank you for printing the article about my great, great, etc. grandfather, Dr. Sylvester Mansfield in the Beaumont Enterprise. My father, Dr. Joseph Minor Mansfield, moved back to Jefferson County in the 1960's from Mississippi. I moved back to Beaumont several years ago. I always thought of my family as being from Mississippi and North Carolina. I think it is neat that many of us have chosen Beaumont to call home! I read your article that noted that Mrs. Mansfield was the sister to a Calder. Do you know the names of the children that Dr. and Mrs. Mansfield had together. I wonder if I have any Calder relatives or if Sylvester had more children after his wife died and he left Beaumont.
CommentsI am interested in talking with W. T. Block. I am not sure he is still alive. I am the director of the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County. Please reply with a phone number or email address. Courtenay Crane Cross cccourt1942@yahoo.com
CommentsMr. Block do you have any information on a "Riverboat" on the Trinity River named "The Welshman"? If so, I would be very interested in receiving it. Thanks!
CommentsMr. Block, I am a descendant of Joseph Grigsby thru his daughter Sallie Grigsby (Glenn), who married Duke Glenn. I would like to know if you could tell me how I might be able to visit Joseph Grigsby's grave at Grigsby Bluff, since it is on the old Texaco property. Your help would appreciated.
CommentsI would like to know the history of "shotgun hill" in Daingerfield, Texas. I was raised at the bottom of this hill and have heard several stories but the one heard most is that there was a shootout with the famous pair Bonnie and Clyde. I would like to know if this is true or legend or made up.
CommentsBill: I need a favor. Can you direct me to a resource for an obituary? Rachel Saunders birth mother was Mary Ellen Peters Moore. Mary Moore died in an accident on the Galveston seawall on Aug 25, 1913. She was buried on Aug 27, 1913 in Evergreen Cemetery. I am hoping that her obit. will yield some more information about her. Thanks, Bob Squires
CommentsMr. Block, Thank you for your most appreciated work. I've recently started an Alumni web site and have pointed folks to your site, especially with regard to your article on the history of the Rainbow Bridge. Being that it's Bridge City, I thought it helpful to have a clear picture of some our town's history. Your insight has made my job easy. Sincerely, Frank Scales Class of '77, BCHS www.BridgeCityHighSchool.com
CommentsFound your website. My maiden name is Block. My father came out of Russia (Ukraine 1928), but his ancestors came from Prussia in the late 1790's. In the mid to late 1500's hundreds the Blocks left Holland (Friesland) and went to Prussia. I have some information on a Wilhelm von dem Block, who married and had three sons, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They were famous artisans and did amazing work for the kings in Europe. They became Mennonites and fled from Holland (?) or whatever it was then called and settled in Prussia. The last son died in the 1600's in Prussia. I have no proof that these were my ancestors but they did go to Prussia and were Mennonites, as is my family, and they came from Prussia. Do you know the early ancestry of your Block line? I have a list of Block names from the late 1600's and into the 1700's but can't quite connect them to us. Could you throw any light on your ancestry? Sorry to bother you and best of everything to you. J. Martha Block Epp
CommentsI was just reading your piece on black panther. I have lived in the old Salem community of Newton county for fifty six years and have seen three black panthers in my life time. I live in a very remote area on the Sabine river with the closest neighbor two miles away. I have livestock here and in the past few months a large cat has been stalking around my place at night causing all the dogs to raise cane half the night. You can hear it scream as it gets dark, all the dogs get on the porch and they don't back up from much.
CommentsI enjoyed your article on the cattle dipping vats in 1936. My brother A. C. and I (Frog Handley's children) took our dog to the vat on Helena and 27th and after the cattle had all been dipped we would run ole "Popeye" through the vat. He was free of fleas and ticks for a month or so. I have the Chronicle mailed to us in Richardson and your column is always read and enjoyed. Thanks!
CommentsI work for Murphy Memorial Library, 601 W. Church St. Livingston, Texas 77351 telephone 936/327-4252 We have a reference question we are unable to answer, and wonder if you may know. Who was the first woman physician in Polk County, Texas And do you have any information on any members of the Conner or Connor families of East Texas that you are willing to share, especially Tyler County (Colmesneil) or any connected to sawmilling and or Aldredge (Ghost town) Do you have any information on the Henry Conner who is said to have shot the Indian Chief toward the end of the Civil War Thanks
Commentsi enjoyed talking to you, maybe some of your readers might be able to help find inf: about robert cisro johnson, d.o.b. appt.1850. married a susan r. johnston, from polk co. tex. had a son in 1880-marshall h. johnson - robert died about that date?? fishsalmondan@yahoo.com --713-6921734 thank you very much. dgs
CommentsMr. Block, Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate all of the hard work you have done to preserve and share sawmill and logging history of your area. I am one of three trying to do the same over here in Mississippi. The other two are David S. Price and Gilbert H. Hoffman. Gil has written three books on the subject so far, and we are working together on another on the Laurel area. We all came to be interested in the subject through our interest in railroads. I have started collecting information and photos, and mapping logging railroads in Louisiana simply because nobody else over seems to be doing the same thing. Do you know of anybody else in Louisiana researching the subject? I had started scanning the oldest aerial photos to map the logging railroads in great detail when LSU decided to charge $50 per hour to look at the photos. Needless to say, that stopped my mapping efforts cold! At least I had a few parishes in southwest Louisiana done by that time. I am also interested in the logging railroads of Texas, but because it is so far away, I can't do much courthouse research from here. A whole book could (and should) be done on Kirby Lumber Co. alone! All I have done so far is a list of the sawmills that owned logging railroads that I can find in various locomotive builders and dealers lists. It is at http://www.loggingrailroads.com. There is also a link to my Mississippi logging railroad site on that page, if you are interested. Best wishes, Tony Howe Ocean Springs, Miss.
CommentsHi my name is Kurt Lichter and my dad was in the 78th Singnal Company in WW2 his name is Jack Lichter was wondering if you new him my phone number is 714 222 5584
Username: Tom Carricato Comments:I discovered your web site by accident. I'm glad I did. I loved the story about crazy ben. Thank you. Tom Carricato Username: Teresa Palomo Acosta Comments:Dear Mr. Block: I am Teresa Palomo Acosta, an educator with the Texas State Historical Association in Austin. I would like to obtain permission to publish a photograph on your website of George Washington Smyth as an illustration for an article written by Meagon Deaton for the Texas Historian, which showcases the best in writing by students in Texas public schools. Meagan is a descendant of George Smyth. Could you contact me at the email below. Thank you very much.
Username: Art Ferris Comments:I was thirteen years old when I found a strange coin like object at Fred Bailey's in Bridge City. I am 45 now and still have the piece because my mother kept it all the years I was away in the service! It looks to be made from lead and has a knight's figure with a helmet with three feather plumes on it! I thought you'd be interested in it. I would like to speak with you more in depth on how we discovered it and the exact location if you are interested. Thank you. Art Ferris (409)792-9145
Username: Bill Reavis Comments:Your website certainly has a lot of history in it. I have enjoyed browsing part of it. I was looking for something concerning the train from Sabine or Port Arthur buried in the sand by a hurricane, later dug out and arrived at Boliver more than 3 years late. Any thing on it?
Username: Bill Reavis Comments:Mr. Block, Thank you very much for all the info you provided. I have enjoyed what I have read to date and intend to read all of it as I have time to do so. Thanks Again Bill Reavis Kingwood, Tx.
Username: Rik Willemse Comments:Hello Mr. Block, Just visited your site, need to read it more thoroughly though. I am the (amateur) historian who has been digging into your story about the caves in South Limburg, Netherlands. There is still a number of things I am looking into, I have requested a friend of mine for pics of this particular quarry you seem to have been in. I have a list of about 150 U.S. Names who were in the caves quite near to where you have been, and I would like to mail it to you to see if you maybe know some of them. Keep up the great work, Sincerely, Rik Willemse
Username: KIMBERLY MAYON Comments:MR. BLOCK: I JUST FOUND YOUR WEB SITE TODAY AND I LOVE IT!! ESPECIALLY THE ARTICLES ABOUT THE BLACK PANTHERS. I LIVE IN SHEPHERD TEXAS ON HWY 1127 CLOSE TO THE RIVER AND I CAN TELL YOU THERE ARE DEFINITELY BLACK PANTHERS AND BOB CATS DOWN HERE. LATE AT NIGHT SOMETIMES YOU CAN HEAR THEM SCREAM. IT SOUNDS LIKE A WOMAN'S SCREAM AND ITS SO ERIE...MAKES YOUR BLOOD RUN COLD. MY SON SPOTTED ONE ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. SO WE KNOW THEY ARE DEFINITELY HERE.. BUT IM GLAD I FOUND YOUR SITE ITS VERY INTERESTING AND WE LOVE READING IT.. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.. KIMBERLY MAYON
Username: Reacie Steward Comments:Mr. Block, I am a representative of Design Team, Inc., a commercial sign and decor company, based out of Savannah, TN. We have been contracted by Mazzio’s to handle the upgrade of the interior decor for the Nederland location. In order to guarantee that the Mazzio’s reflects the spirit of the town and history of the area, I am gathering memorabilia from all the different organizations. These items will be placed on display within Mazzio’s. I am asking for your help. I need old pictures of Nederland or the area to display in the restaurant. Design Team Inc. will cover shipping cost on any items that you choose to donate. The pictures you send will be nicely framed, properly credited, and displayed in the restaurant. If you have any questions please feel free to give me a call at 1-800-953-3744 or by sending an email. Sincerely, Reacie Steward 1-800-953-3744
Username: driver uzoagba Comments:what a wonderful web sit keep it up is great.
Username: Joan Escamilla Comments:Thank you for the historical research. I am particularly interested in the information on Bidai Indians who once lived in Walker County, Tx. as my family has inhabited the area since about 1829. Further, I would like permission to excerpt portions of your article on Port Neches. Thanks. Joan Escamilla
Username: Joan Escamilla Comments:Thank you for the historical research. I am particularly interested in the information on Bidai Indians who once lived in Walker County, Tx. as my family has inhabited the area since about 1829. Further, I would like permission to excerpt portions of your article on Port Neches. Thanks. Joan Escamilla
Username: Fred Lynn Lofton Comments:It is purely an enjoyment to continue to read the many articles posted on this site. So many people have given input, and I will continue to browse your site and point others to it. If, in all of your memorabilia, you have a picture of the old Little League baseball field in Nederland which sat on the corner of Nederland Avenue and 29th, I would love to see it. Many of us played there, and it would bring back such pleasant memories. Thank you for all that you have done and will do for the history of Southeast Texas.
Username: james mc daniel Comments:What a great site! How in the world do you remember all those things? I'm a retired seaman and shipped out of Port Arthur and bummed around the golden triangle for years. Curtis "cowboy" Brookshire, owned American Taxi in Port Arthur in late 60's early 70's was a friend of mine. Thanks for the reading.
Username: Ronnie Foreman Comments:Mr. Block my name in Ronnie Foreman. My Dad was Reuben Foreman. Saul Trahan, and John Henderson were my cousins. Bud Smith was married to a Meaux making us distant cousins. Your article was great and brought back a lot of memories from growing up in Nederland on 14th street. Dr. Seamons did not leave Nederland until the mid fifties. If it is the same doctor who son Bob played ball at Ned.. take care and God Bless.. Ronnie Foreman
Username: Ronnie Foreman Comments:Mr. Block, Bobby Vinson was my idle as a small boy. And football was King. I played college ball, and flew fighters in the Marine Corps. Bobby was shot down in Laos in 1967, I was in Nam in 1966. Punk Mills son was also there in 66 flying fighter. And I think Punk was Trumans pilot in WWII or afterwards. Three Nederland guy all flying fighters at the same time.. says something about Nederland schools and tradition. Regards, Ronnie Foreman
Username: Frederick Hugh Funk Comments:Mr. Block, It is my belief that I am related to you by my GGGGG Grandmother Sarah Jane Hickok. I would love to correspond with you if you'd like. You have left me in "Shock and Awe" with the work you've done!! Thank you dearly for your work! The name "Hugh" continues to live on as my brother has named his son Hugh. As well, the names Christian and Frederick from Dan Goos' sons have been passed on to my two sons. Thanks to your website, we are all able to now study the history.
Username: Clinton Arthur Campbell Comments:Mr Block, I am trying to find information about Helen Carr. The Junior High School in Orange was named after her. I think she died in 1965 or 1966. Any information about her would be greatly appreciated. We are having our 35 year class reunion in 3 weeks and I would like to know why she was honored in this way. Thank you for the work you do. Your site is a gold mine to me. C A Campbell
Username: Walter Earl Pittman Comments:I am writing a book on CSA guerrillas in NM, AZ, CO, etc. An article described a raid into CO in 1862 in the 24 Feb 1864 edition of the Galveston Tri-weekly News. It was written under the name "Alithea." I have searched every archive I know, but that issue is now gone. All I have is a short outline of it by Boyd Finch who saw it before the AZ Historical Soc. lost it. Do you have any idea where I might get it? I really, really need it. Thanks. Earl Pittman
Username: Patricia Connors Nowlin Comments:Mr. Block, I happened upon your website today while researching Beaumont in the 1950's. And what a happening it is! As a native of Beaumont with an active interest in genealogy and history, I find your website utterly fascinating! I will let you know if I find an ancestor or two in here! Thank you so much for all of this! Patricia Connors Nowlin San Diego, Ca.
Username: Malcom Huckabee Comments:I appreciate your hosting the Sanderson family biographical sketches. I would like to correspond with any of those authors as I am the great great grandson of Asa Sanderson and would like to determine if they have additional information. My great grandfather was Elijah and I have a photo of his nephew, Wesley (John Wesley?. If you can give any of these other descendants of Asa Sanderson my address, huckab@gamewood.net, I would be most appreciative. Malcom Huckabee
Username: Dr. Carver W. Waters Comments:Mr. Block: I deeply appreciate your web site and especially all the historical writing you have done about Lake Charles. I was born there in 1940 and am just now learning about the history of the town. Can you recommend, or do you have, any information about slaves in and around Lake Charles? As a black man this subject interests me, as I did my dissertation on slave narratives at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (Univ. of La. @ Lafayette, now) in 1988. I'm also trying to find a copy of Joseph O. Dyer's book, The Lake Charles Atakapas (Cannibals) Periot of 1817 to 1820. Do you know where I can find that book? Finally, any books or sources (aside from McNeese State University) you can recommend would be greatly appreciated. I teach at Savannah State University. Respectfully, Dr. Carver Waters 10 Sheridan Drive Savannah, Georgia, 31406
Username: John Gray Comments:Dear W. T., I continue to enjoy reading and rereading through these fascinating accounts. Thank you and God bless in Christ's name. John Gray ps. Who is Alta Gray, thanks
Username: Joan Viergutz Comments:I am German on both sides. My son and I found your info very interesting. I found a picture on a Florida web site of a big wild cat. Panther? Can you use? See http://www.dep.state.fl.us. It is in the Dept. of Environmental Protection. Specifically the South Florida Mercury Science Program. Joan Viergutz, Milw. WI.
Username: Marcia Althea Dutton Comments:I am the sister of Ralph Feldes and wonder if you can tell me how the Monlezun family and Mrs. Anna Gray Noe fit into the Sweeney genealogy. I think they are both connected through Dr. George Carter Sweeney. I am fascinated by your web site and intend to peruse it when I have time. Thank you
Username: Gerald Wayne Langham Comments:My grandfather was Onyx Langham, son of James Biddle Langham, Jr. I enjoyed your article on the Langhams in last Sunday's paper, and you actually provided me with some info that I did not have in my family tree album. You mentioned the Absalom Williams headright, two miles west of Beaumont.......I knew that J. B. had a homestead at the Ninth and Ashley area (near the end of Corn/Calder ave), but where in today's Beaumont was the Absalom Williams headright? Also, you mentioned local Langham family genealogists.....could you get me in touch with them? Thanks for all you do in promoting the history of our area. I always eagerly look for your columns.
Username: Donna DeRon Comments:Mr. Block, I recently read your article on B A Mitcheal. He was my grandfather and I had heard that he had a liking for dogs. He had 6 daughters, three of whom are still alive, and he had two sons. Thanks for this fine article. Donna DeRon, Groves
Username: Big Daddy K Comments:OK! We have big cats in East Texas. Is there any recent sightings in Cass or Morris County? Also interested in sightings in Hunt and Delta Counties. I'm not one for killing just to kill but if I see one would it be legal or OK in the name of science or whatever?
Username: Gary Boddie Comments:Wonderful site. I am an old railroader, found your site fascinating. I own a railroad co. in Orange and operate the Texas & Oklahoma RR Co. in Sweetwater Tx. I have been around the timber and railroad industry most of my life. Learned a lot of history about S E Texas here. thanks,
Username: Sandra Stephens Comments:I noted with interest your article on Louisiana Jayhawkers. I wonder if these men ever got over into Nacogdoches Co., TX? There is a family story that my gg-grandfather, William C. McDonald, of Nacogdoches Co., was killed by Jayhawkers "because he wouldn't join them". A similar story from another family line says William was hung over a well because he "was on the wrong side", and that a son was killed as well.
Username: Fred Driehs Comments:HI FREDDIE DRIEHS.... HERE.... happened across your Website....and you graduated from my ol Alma Mata....Lamar... I was born in Beaumont. 04/11/31 and Have quiet a historical background around the BMT, Nederland, Pt Neches, area.... My Dad Started the Magnolia, in 1903.... I would like to PostRead...a couple of your books. dont know too much about these Computers.... my Email Addy.........fdriehs@sbcglobal.net Like to hear from an ol Golden Triangle Man.... FRED DRIEHS
Username: Wallace Chariton Comments:I am preparing a compendium of Texas civil War books. I have found a reference indicating you published a work in 1991 entitled "The Ghostly-Silent guns of Galveston. I know you published an article by that name in 1995 but could you please let me know if you had previously published the material. if so, could you supply details so i can mention the material in my work. Looking foreword to your reply. Thank You.
Username: pamela Comments:I was looking for information about the "black panther" and stumbled upon your forum. We live in Magnolia, TX and are having a problem with the coyotes eating our small dogs and cats. I knew we had coyotes and the wild pigs in the area, but two people in the neighborhood have reported seeing a black panther. That got my attention and and I am trying to figure out if we actually do have them here. That would be something...apparently there hasn't been a recorded sighting or killing of a black panther in 100 years. The deer population is growing rapidly due to the fact that the people in our neighborhood are feeding them and they are co-existing with us - I fear that is what is attracting the predators. When the coyote get in here, they get used to the easy prey and are taking advantage of the domesticated animals. They are also getting used to the people and are not afraid to be in very close proximity (3 yards) to us. I will be checking your site to see if we can get a bonified black panther sighting in Texas.
Username: H.H. Howze Comments:Mr. Block, I am researching early sawmills in the northern part of Fayette County where it joins with Washington and Austin Counties. Do you know of any sawmills, either steam or water-powered, which could have produced lumber with a circular saw in the late 1840s spec. 1848-50? I have heard that Mr. Von Roeder had a mill near Shelby in the 1840s. Could that mill have had a circular saw? Is it possible that a prosperous cotton farmer with a steam gin could have had a circular saw in this area in 1848? Thanks for your help. Best wishes,
Username: Robert Blackwell Comments:Mr. Block - I want to let you know that I thoroughly enjoy reading your historical columns in the Enterprise and on this site. Robert Blackwell
Username: John Preston Comments:Mr. Block, Discovered your website by chance while looking for East Texas treasure stories. Just fascinating to read your articles. What a wealth information you have created here. Great website design and layout, really feels comfortable. I mean that as a compliment. Regards,
Username: John Johnson Comments:I was very pleased to read your account of the old trams and railways of Louisiana. My grandfather, John Willie Johnson, Sr. was woods foreman for Lutcher & Moore at Fal, La. My father graduated high school there in 1928, the last year they had school there. When the Fal mill closed my grandparents were moved by L&M to Starks on the railroad. They moved into the section house at the old Pridgeon Settlement just northeast of Starks. The roundhouse was about 100 yards from this house. My grandmother furnished meals for the railway workmen and my grandfather farmed all the land he wanted to. When the railway was taken up they were given use of the house and land for as long as they wanted it as a retirement benefit. My grandfather died in 1945 and Grandma continued to live there until 1960, even though she was not allowed to have electricity or butane. Regards
Username: John Johnson Comments:I have another story for you....concerning big cats. About 2 months ago my son-in-law and I were out in the back of my home west of Jasper. I was using a pair of binoculars to check out a large Mexican plum tree in the woods without having to wade thru the underbrush to get there. The small county road in front of my house is about 100 yards from where we were. Two ladies stopped by my mailbox and rolled down the window of their car. I went to see what they wanted. The passenger said, "What was that?" I replied, "What was what?" She said " What ran across the road?" I replied, "Well, I see fox and deer here in the yard and they cross the road along here regularly." She then became more excited and said, "No, we saw a big cat run across the road about 20 yards from your driveway." The lady driving said, "Yeah, and it's tail was about this long." She indicated the length by holding her hands about 3 feet apart. I questioned them and they were very positive about what they had seen. It was a large cat light tan and mottled with dark gray and it crossed the road in about two long leaps. My son-in-law and I looked closely at the area and could only find the very fresh tracks of 3 deer in my driveway. Where the cat supposedly crossed there is only grass-covered ditches and blacktop roadway. They've been seen around here before so, I don't doubt what was said.
Username: Patricia Adkins-Rochette Comments:W.T. "Bill" Block, I am searching for proof that these three companies were on the Texas coast. These three companies were commanded by:
Three of Col. James Bourland's companies (Texas State Troops) were "ordered to report at McKinney [Collin County TX] to take up the line of march on the 4th day of Feb. 1864 to their respective companies on the coast." Please look at my web site, www.bourlandcivilwar.com, that describes my 998-page BOURLAND IN NORTH TEXAS AND INDIAN TERRITORY DURING THE CIVIL WAR: FORT COBB, FORT ARBUCKLE & THE WICHITA MOUNTAINS. About 70% of my book is from handwritten records. Patti Adkins-Rochette, prochette@Juno.com
Username: Kathy Anderson Comments:Mr. Block, I have enjoyed browsing your web site and information. My dad had several uncles back in the 1800's that had a sawmill lumber business around Texas and Louisiana. I did find some information about them in some of your information. They referred to themselves as "Sheets Brothers". The only sawmill I've found that was theirs was in the Cass County area. Do you have any other links or information where I might get more information on them. Thanks you,
Username: Helen Blackmon Halford Comments:Dear Sir, My great-grandfather, William Blackmon, fought with the Garners around 1870 and J. W. Garner, attorney who lived in Rockdale, Milam Co., Texas was orphaned and lived with my ancestors. Several Garners, including Isaac, are buried in cemetery referred to as "Freezeout" and now on Alcoa's property. Our mystery is for whom, when, etc they fought. Not knowing who was J W's father complicates it more, but we may be able to figure that out. Just wondering if you have come across the name William Blackmon in your research, that you recall. Enjoyed reading your on-line information. Helen Blackmon Halford aedb@mindspring.com.
Username: James Roberts Comments:Thank you for the articles you have posted on the web. Lately, I have been interested in blockade running and most of the information you posted, I have not found anywhere else.
Username: Jack Lawrence Comments:Dear W. T.: Crawford Mitchell (Margaret's grandpa) enlisted in the Crockett Southrons after being in Curry Co., and his earlier attempt to form a division of irregulars for which he was commended by the Texas Legislature. Prior to that, he was law apprentice to T. J. Jennings near Alto outside Rusk. Jennings had been Texas Attorney General, and had also studied law under Jefferson Davis. Crawford was discharged around 1863, having fought in most of the major battles of the war prior to his being wounded at Sharpsburg/Antietam. (See "Southern Daughter," the book for details-avail. at Lamar.) He still managed to ride with N. B. Forrest until the end of the war, -oddly there was a Curry Co. there, too. Who else from Texas rode with Forrest? Jack
Username: Marsha Hobbs Comments:A story that has bothered me for years: When I was a child, every few weeks we would travel to my Uncle Orin's house for the weekend. He lived outside Oberlin, LA on what I now believe is Hwy 26, and farmed rice for the Bell company on huge acreages that even included what is now Casinos in Kinder. On one such trip, my kinfolks greeted us in the driveway and showed us cannonballs, big ones and small ones. During our visit, we loaded up into the pickup and went to the place where the cannonballs had been found. On a dirt road near a bridge, we stopped near a swampy spot along a waterway. I can still see the blackened ribs of a small ship sticking out of the mud. Regrettably, my parents never encouraged me to speak French...which they spoke exclusively when we were at the kinfolk's homes...so I missed almost all details of this find. There was talk of finding a cannon that they could not lift. My cousin Dwain waded into the mud and searched with his feet, and then lifted one end of a mud coated object. Once we had seen the cannon, he dropped it back into the mud, picked up another two cannonballs, and we were gone! My uncle and my cousin Dwain are both dead now, and my father only recalls that the site had to be somewhere on the Calcasieu river...but no one seems to recall exactly where. I have often wondered if the ship was ever found before it deteriorated beyond recognition.
Username: K. Stawarczik Comments:My request is for you to post some information on Blassingame Harvey and Stephen Prather, men that were pioneers in East Texas before Texas was a state. There is a little bit out on the Web about them, but I'm sure there is much more. Their descendents still live in San Augustine County to this day.
Username: Patsy Detrick Johnston Comments:I just happened upon this site. I am a niece of Emerson Detrick who you state was married to Wilhelmina. You state they had a daughter Ethel. Do you know if she is still alive? I have been trying to find her ever since I found out she existed. I have much info on Emerson. I would love to correspond with her if possible. Thanks.
Username: Dave Brown Comments:now living in California. Born and raised in Port Arthur.
Username: Comments:i DO NOT KNOW HOW TO THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THE HISTORY OF jEFFERSON COUNTY AND ESPECIALLY PORT NECHES ALIVE. MY LINEAGE BEGINS WITH JOSEPH GIGSBY AND ENDS WITH ME THROUGH THE SMITH FAMILY. I BELIEVE YOU KNEW MY GRANDMOTHER, WINNIE SMITH BECK, WHO WORKED AT GARDNER'S GROCERY AND THEN WILLIFORD'S PHARMACY UNTIL SHE PASSED AWAY. MY QUESTION TO YOU IS WILL YOU EVER REPRINT Sapphire City of The Neches: A History Of Port Neches Texas From Wilderness To Industrialization (Austin: Eakin Press, 1987), 456p, HB
Username: c.francis ihnken winans Comments:im an ihnken-winans=castroville gerhard ihnken my grandfather was duke of saxonys overlord of castroville .an officer to organize the colony/=republic of texas.then- =usa vz mexico-=civil war/oops!<chwinans@yahoo.com>cuznz
Username: Gene Gelston Comments:I have tried in vain to find answers to a few questions and your the only one I know that would have the answers.
Thanks for anything you can find. Always love your articles and am always amazed in wonderment at where and how you obtain your information. I wish I had a talent for it.
Username: Bobby Hasting Comments:I have read all of your articles posted on this web-site. I enjoyed all of them, even the few which contained your opinions.
Username: nikki Comments:I was wondering what was built back then where the Subway Restaurant on Nederland, Ave. is now and if anything bad happened there?
Username: Lorna Pryor Comments:I enjoyed reading about your interesting life. I have always been enchanted by all of Texas history and particularly along the ghost, I mean, coast! Not in any official way- I am no historian! I just love the feel of it, and I have read some history and visited some old places and read some of the folk-lore. It is magical to me. I was born in Waco. My folks originally came from the "South" after the civil war.
Username: George E. Wright Jr. Comments:Dear Mr. Block: was delighted to receive your book on the Sabine steamers. I've read in the Official Records that there were two shipyards at either Beaumont or Orange. Do you happen to know which two they were? I confess a certain nostalgia for your histories along the Sabine. My father designed and operated tow boats along the lower Mississippi just after WWII. I can remember traveling with him once and a while in the early 50s. It was kind of like running away to join the circus! best wishes, George Wright
Username: Lorna Flynn McGaffey Comments:Hi, I am a McGaffey descendant and have been working on the history of the family for 10 years. The first group of Ulster Scots to reach New Hampshire was in 1718. The McGaffeys came on a second wave around 1720. That is according to family lore. The family they were always aligned with the McClarys didn't make it to New Hampshire until 1724 thereabouts. There are no recorded land purchases until 1731 in Nottingham, NH. These Scots were posted to the frontier by the Puritans to act as a barrier between civilization and the wilderness. They did not move to Sandwich until the end of the American Revolution. So as a correction, they did not arrive on American shores until after 1718 and they lived in southern New Hampshire for several generation before they moved north. By the way, I enjoyed your story! I am not a Texas McGaffey. My family moved to California in search of gold though one of them passed through Corpus Christi with that intent in 1849. I would be interested in any information you have on Corpus Christi's part in the gold rush. I also lived 10 years in the Brownsville area.
Username: K. Badgett Comments:Great site. You have an original voice. Do you know the name of the hurricanes which hit your area on September 24, 1941 and August 19, 1942? I hope and pray you are well now and have not been affected by Katrina. I love your site and look forward to reading more from you.
Username: Kim Badgett Comments:p.s. Reading through your comments I see one lady asked about a train that was buried by a hurricane. Did you ever find any information on that? I would love to see the answers to some of the questions below.
Username: M. Glas Doornbos Comments:Mrs. Matty Doornbos Woelwijk 3 9255 Ke Tietjerk Frieland the Netherlands I was surprised to find something of the family Doornbos that are related from the side of my grandmother Martje Doornbos Bouwman an it also possible of the side of my father. His name is Tjaard Doornbos. I like to contact with the Doornbos family.
Username: Bonnie Holley Comments:Great tribute to the history of Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas. Gabriel Landrum you mention as a blacksmith also donated the land for the first post office in Beaumont. He is my GGGrandfather. His brother was a sheriff there and was gunned down by an outlaw, another brother was drowned in the "great flood". All some of the first settlers in the area.
Username: Rod Green Comments:Mr. Block,
Username: Phil Jackson Comments:Mr. Block, My father (Thomas Rivers Jackson) recently was sent some genealogical information about the family, that includes some information about the McGaffey side. It seems that the Jackson side can be traced back to the Thomas Rivers Jackson that married Mary McGaffey, but no further. A search via Google turned a couple of posts in your guestbook by a Thomas Rivers Jackson of San Diego; with whom I would very much like to compare notes with. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. thanks, Phil Jackson Waco, Texas
Username: Scott Comments:What an incredible website, I have enjoyed it very much. I especially enjoyed the Civil War stories and was wondering if you knew any details of Edmund Cruezbauer and his battery, I understand he was a Prussian immigrant, thanks for any information
Username: Clif George Comments:Dear Mr. Block, My son Justin George, 24 years old, spotted a black panther a few weeks ago in the Tickfaw River Swamp near Lake Maurepas in South East Louisiana. The water was high in the swamp and the deer and other animals were crowded on small patches of dry ground. If you want to hear more about it send me your phone number and I'll give you a call.
Username: Gregory A James Comments:My great grandfather was the taxidermist that stuffed the sperm whale back in the early 1900's. Your story's are very good and I am enjoying them greatly. Take care and good luck after the hurricane. I hope everything gets back to normal soon. Take care. Greg James 281 635 4612
Username: Ken Stickney Comments:Dear Sir: I am about two-thirds of the way through a master's in history at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. My topic is Judge James G. Taliaferro, who was, among many things, a newspaper editor in the 1850s. Taliaferro had a son, John Quincy Adams Taliaferro, 1827-65, who was publisher of the newspaper, The Independent, which was published in Harrisonburg, La., until 1861. The younger Taliaferro joined the Confederate Army 30 September 1861, and was a lieutenant in Co. K, 17th Louisiana Infantry. On 6 April 1864, he was tranferred from a hospital in Shreveport to the Jefferson Texas Hospital, which may have been the hospital in that town. Do you know where I might find more information about that Confederate Hospital? I would be most appreciative if you could point me in any fruitful direction.
Username: David Michiels Comments:10/27/2005 Stumbled on to your website by accident today. Your articles on cougars(panthers) and the "Hotspur" were all very interesting to me. I have(or had until Hurricane RIta) a fishing camp at Grand Chenier La. It is rumored down there that a few years ago a local shrimper found a cache of gold. Have you heard anything about it. I cannot verify it. I also used to work with the CCA-LA and through this avenue I spoke to a wildlife agent that verified the presence of a cougar in the late 90's around the Lafayette La. area. He said they were most confused by it as there has been no other verifications since.
Username: Asaba Onyeolu Comments:what a wonderful web sit keep it up is great.
Username: Tom Bow Comments:W T , Enjoyed your website. Found it while trying to id a large black cat we have seen on the farm near Maypearl, TX. First time I saw it was Oct or Nov 2003 while plowing a second pass around a 102 acre field in front of our barn. Second time was Oct 2004 in our truck leaving the farm. It was in the bottom land adjoining Chambers Creek, four miles south of Maypearl. It appeared to be about 125 lbs., solid black with a tail about 20-24 inches long. I have walked the bottom land many times and have yet to find any tree scratchings.
Username: Kathy Irwin Comments:Hello Mr. Block. Does your Trinity River Cotton Trades research mention specifically activity in the area of Sand Ridge, Crockett and/ or Midway, Texas? Kathy Irwin
Username: Al Sonnier Comments:Do you know the route cattlemen took from Orange County to drive cattle to be sold in New Orleans? I have a description of the route from Opelousas, LA to Vacherie, LA where they were butchered and shipped to New Orleans. (I would be happy to send you a copy of an old man's narrative). The route over the Louisiana Prairies would be interesting to know. I believe that it was contact with the Texans on these drives that convinced some of my Chiasson Ancestors to move to Texas. Thank You,
Username: Comments:Hi, My name is Jeremy Helm. I live in the northeast part of Louisiana. I work for Duck Commander and make hunting videos, so we spend a lot of time in the woods. Lately we have spotted a large black cat with an unusually large head. We have seen it about 4 or 5 time throughout the years. The reason I was looking at your site is to figure out what we saw. Everyone thinks were crazy, but a bob cat doesn't get that big. Was it a Mexican lion?
Username: Paula Byles Comments:Dear Mr. Block, How wonderful your site is. In searching for my roots, surfing the web I found your site. Much of your work includes history about my family members,Allen, Grigsby, McFaddin, Padillo, etc. I can't thank you enough for the research you have provided for others to enjoy. Sincerely,
Username: ella sue arnold Comments:I'm a Barton my father was Harvey Barton of Jonesboro, Ark. Grandfather was William Bayliss Barton of Ark. James Garner [maverick] is supposed to be a cousin. would like any info. on the Barton's, if anyone has any & wouldn't mind sharing. Thanks Sue Arnold
Username: Marion Comments:My sister Judy and I are descendants of Cassandra Van Pradelles. Our grandfather was Rev, Marion Van Pradelles Yeaman. I came upon your web site after I had told my 10 year old granddaughter my grandfather's version of Cassandra's life. First we looked up Marie Antoinette then on a lark Searched Van Pradelles. What a fun surprise! Only now a lot more research needs doing. Judy and I have a piece of a dress that was supposed to be from the dress in which she was presented to Marie Antoinette. Also a picture of Cassandra. My niece had a good friend who was a descendant of Lafitte. My name: Marion Van Pradelles Yeaman Land
Username: Mercedes Bujans Comments:Dear Mr. Block, I am yet another researcher on the disappearance of Theodosia Burr Alston and would like to interview you at your convenience regarding the story you have here on Chauvet's capture of the Patriot. Please let me know if you would be kind enough to endure a short conversation with me on your sources. I am writing a book on her disappearance and am intrigued by your information as published in your website. My tel is 813 787 2283, my email is mbenz452@tampabay.rr.com. I am looking to get a copy of those newspaper articles although I really don't know that I would give these pirates much credence, knowing their ilk. Do you? I have not been able to locate any Chauvet anywhere except on an old French military site where the dates were very different. It would be a pleasure to interview you and hope that you will consider my request. Regardless, many thanks for your time. Kind regards, Mercedes Bujans
Username: Thomas L. Charlton Comments:I was wondering if you have encountered any information about my paternal grandfather, Dr. Robert E. Lee Charlton, a graduate of Barnes Medical College in St. Louis, MO, and who practiced medicine in Hardin, Jasper, and other SE Texas counties between about 1912 and 1918, when died in the great Spanish influenza epidemic of that year. He is buried in the Silsbee Cemetery, but his original burial site was in Tyler County, between Warren and Fred, as I recall. Thank you,
Username: Robert Webster Comments:Mr. Block. Earlier this year, Ms. Courtenay Cross from the Montgomery County Historical Society communicated with you about a sawmill house I purchased in April. I had planned to donate the house, but made in contingent on improving the roadway to my adjacent commercial property. The City of Conroe is unwilling to do so. The sawmill house is in excellent original condition. I checked the door hardware, and it is patented 1899. The house was moved from Willis to Conroe in 1946 and occupied continuously by a Parker family. One 15 amp and one 20 amp electrical circuit was added at that time. A bathroom was added 5 years ago for the first time. All of the doors and windows are original first cut broad leaf pine. The siding is board and batten with the porch additions done in ship-lap. I believe the house should be kept as an antique reflective of the lumber culture day of East Texas. Do you have any other ideas about how this house could be saved? I am approached frequently about leasing the house, but I have decided it should be saved instead. Robert Webster, PO Box 9358, The Woodlands, TX 77387, Phone 281-419-1533
Username: Peter Stines Comments:Hello, Enjoy your works. One item in particular caught my attention, that being an account by Fred W. Wolfean while he was first mate on the STINGRAY in 1862. This was one of my ancestors. I believe you cited the GDN as the source. Can you cite the issue or maybe send me a copy of Wolfean's account ?
Username: Father Gregory Schweers Comments:I've just finished reading your account of the Battle of Sabine Pass -- Wow! What a day that was for the Jefferson Davis Brigade and the CSA. Thanks for the insights and recreation of an exciting battle of David vs. Goliath!
Username: Jo Comments:Dear Mr. Block, WT: Thank you very much for your suburb website and history preservation. I was researching Bessmay Texas on the internet and discovered your website. It provided me a good background of Bessmay, the sawmill town in East Texas. My mother was born in BessMay, Texas 1915. Momma always recalled her early years and life in Bessmay, Texas to all of us. I listened especially well and often envision the life my mom had there in Bessmay. She spoke of walking miles to school. Of playing in the river and creeks. She often spoke of her pet goat, who grew up big and mean. Momma told us stories of the lumberjacks, the men who would come to town looking for work (hobos I guess). Anyway all her stories stay alive in my mind. I can fill in a lot of the experiences she lived now knowing the history of the saw mill towns, the lumber mills, the rail-road companies. Thanks to you, I enjoyed and learned a lot from your writings. Sincerely Jo
Username: Mary Whigham Comments:Mr. Block, I am responding very late to your letter in June to the Washington County Genealogical Society re a historical marker for the Texas hero that brought Kentuckians to Texas to fight for the republic. My email to wtb@wtblock.com came back as undeliverable. I have posted your request on our website and am sending it on to the Washington County Historical Commission, Drs. Wilfred and Bobbie Dietrich at 701 Milroy Dr., Brenham, 77833. Let me hear from you. Mary Whigham, Newsletter Editor, Washington County Genealogical Society.
Username: John Leslie Windsor Comments:Mr Block, Having read William Fletchers "Memoirs of a Confederate Soldier" and reading up all the wonderful information you have on your site, I was wondering if "Bill" still has surviving relatives. I would have loved to have met and spoke to this amazing Gentleman from the South. He has enriched my life and made me see that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. All from a man that has departed us for many years now. I cannot stop thinking if we had won that war, what course Bill would have taken instead. Regards JLW.
Username: John A. Stovall Comments:Very good web site on regional Texas history. I'm contacting you regarding Dr. Powhattan Jordan. I'm working on the second volume of _Texas Burial Sites of Civil War Notables_. Dr. Powhattan Jordan's burial site has been on our to locate list for several years but we have not found it. I noted you had several references on your site to Dr. Jordan. Do you have any information as to his burial place? Any assistance in this matter would be most welcome.
Username: Jo Comments:Dear Mr. WT Block: I have read the most interesting articles about Bessmay Texas thanks to all your excellent efforts. What a joy to read! My mother Esther was born in Bessmay in 1915. Her parents ran the boarding house. She lived there until she was about 17 when her momma died. She always remembered Bessmay, growing up there shape her for the rest of her life, she was a fiercely strong and independent lady. She told stories of playing in the woods with her dogs as companions, of traveling preacher coming to town and scaring her. Of her parents taking her to the bigger town and seeing the hangings. Of her school days and how touch the teachers were, they used a lot of disciple.... She never forgot Bessmay and I believe it was her most precious of all her memories. Thanks again. Jo - I sent your website to my brother to read too.
Username: Ernest Theodore "Ted" Block Comments:W. T. My name is Ernest Theodore Block. I was born in Groves, TX on 9/16/62. My father is William Theodore Block of Orange. I have lived in the NY/NJ area for the last 25 years and plan to return to Texas to live in the very near future along with my wife, Sherri and my two boys, Austin Theodore and Benjamin Theodore. My grandfather was Louis Theodore of Orange. His father was Columbus Theodore. I know little else of my family's background. I have heard from some of my older relatives, great aunts Ruth Elizabeth and Jessie Louise, that our family originated in northern Germany/Poland along the Baltic sea. Do you know if any records exist in Europe regarding our family, their properties, occupations, etc? Any immigration records here? Also, there have been some suggestions among the older relatives that our family wasn't always of the Christian faith. Any comments?
Username: James N. Richey Comments:Mr. Block, Great job that you have done in persevering our Texas history. In 1826 my GGG Grandfather William Richey (spelled Ritchie at times), his wife Hannah and their seven children settled in Jefferson County, Tx. (now Orange county). It is my understanding that they came from St. Landry Parish, La. and that his older brother, Hiram had escorted Stephen F. Austin settlers' wagon trains into Texas. Is this name in your history documents? I know that his son's have still have land survey's in Orange, Harris, Jasper and Nacogdoches County ,Tx. By the way, my GGG Grandfather on my mothers side was Colonel James Quinn of Sabine Pass ,Tx. You might have heard of him. Thanks,James N.Richey
Username: Butch Garrison Comments:I have read with great interest the article in the Beaumont Enterpirse today about Fort Manhassett. My Great Grandfather, T. J. Garrison, was stationed at that fort during the Civil war. I have a copy of a letter he wrote telling of the battle at Calcasieu Pass, LA. He later settled in Orange County, near Cow Bayou. He is buried at Greyburg (outskirts of Sour Lake, Texas).
Username: Edward Sebesta Comments:Dear W. T. Block, Rhonda Stanley recommended that I contact you concerning the Jefferson Davis Highway in Orange, TX. A marker was dedicated in June 3, 1963. I am in the field of cultural geography. We are writing a book and at this time we have two articles submitted on the Jefferson Davis Highway to peer reviewed academic journals. If you could give me any information, I would appreciate it. Sincerely Yours,
Username: James Mahaffy Comments:I read with interest W. T Block's account of black panthers. He appears to be a decent historian and seems convinced that the early settlers thought there were black panthers. Is that a fair reading. I follow some male cougars that are dispersing into our area. While these are normal tan to yellow color I get the feeling from some who check sightings in the East that black cats cougars are frequently reported (but no indisputably evidence). Can we establish a good historical case for black cougar? If so, it becomes more reasonable that if there are some cat still around some could still be black. Without good evidence, I am still skeptical but would appreciate feed back. You can see some of my work at url: http://homepages.dordt.edu/~mahaffy/mtlion/mtlionshort_intro.html Note under the hoax link I have footnote to a credible report (based on visual) of a black cougar by a former BC official
Username: James McKeivier Comments:Mr. Block, I inherited a home in Merryville, LA a couple of years ago. Based on the property abstract in was built in or about 1917. It is a wood frame house. While conducting repairs I removed a board and it was stamped "Starksville, LA" I have never heard of this town and can find no historical reference to a town with this name. I assume it is Starks, LA. If you could shed any light on this I would appreciate it.
Username: terry darcy Comments:w. t. block you have emailed me several times and you have been a lot of help to me but every e mail i have sent you has been sent back undeliverable, i found this link and just wanted to thank you maybe this one will go through, thanks
Username: reese palmer 301 856 0770 Comments:god bless fess
Username: James Norwood Richey Comments:W. T., In The Atascosita Census of 1826,it is my understanding that my family, The William Richey family was one of the names that was omitted. William and Hannah Richey came to Jefferson County, Tx. on a land grant (Texas Land Archives) from St. Landry Parish, La. They were accompanied by their children James, William, Mary Richey Harmon, Hiram (Tx. Land Grant Records abstract #463-Nacodoches, Tx.1854, abstract #416, Jasper, Tx. 1855). Archibald Richey (Abstract #157, Orange, Tx. 1861). Uel/Ewell Richey (abstract #22, Orange, Tx. 1835)Joseph Richey (abstract #21, Orange, Tx. 1835). Their last child, Susanna Richey Robinett was born in 1838. Thanks, James
Username: Michelle Hestand Comments:I ran into your site while doing research for a paper for my Environmental Science class. You have some very interesting and informative articles on here. I was very interested in your information on black panthers. (or whatever these animals actually are) I have spotted them a few times in my small East Texas home town but had no idea how rare they were. I have tried a couple of times to take pictures of them, but they always run before I get close enough for a good picture. (the last time I got within 9 yards before I was noticed and it ran) Now that I have read some of your site, I will try harder to get a picture of one. Even if it is from a distance, an out of focus picture would be better than none.
Username: Kirk Clark Comments:Bill: Just an update for you. I have progressed forward on Galveston History, and am in the process of publishing a thorough investigation of the "Three Trees" along with maps and references. During this research, became acquainted with J. O. Dyers work, and have made a study of him over the last 2 years, now working on a Life and Times of J. O. Dyer, should publish late next year. Of course, at the Rosenberg, there was your work on Ben C. Stuart, wherever I go you've been. Found your History of Jefferson County in an old store in Galveston, on the inside reads "Happy Birthday, 1976 With Love Margeret and Conrad Miller, La La Marylin & David. I have ordered many Tobin 1930's aerials, and plan to get back to the Manhasset project this spring, and will also pursue re-discovering Fort Butte La Rose. The best. Kirk Clark
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