Obituaries
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ETHEL CABALLERO

The Victoria Advocate
June 1978

Mrs. Caballero

Yoakum – Mrs. Ethel Caballero, 69, died at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at her home in Yoakum.

She was born June 9, 1909, in Lavaca County and lived the the Yoakum area all her life.

Services will be Monday at 2 p.m. at the Buffington Funeral Home Chapel.

Surviving are her husband Manuel; six sons, Raymond, Lupe and Ruben, all of Yoakum, Aerencion of California, and Juan and Manuel, both of Victoria; three daughters, Mrs. Tomasita Rocha of Yoakum, Mrs. Betty Loredo of Brazoria, and Mrs. Maria Cruz of Abilene: two brothers, William Castillo of Yoakum and Rodger Castillo of San Benito; four sisters, Mrs. Mary Castillo of Harlingen, Mrs. Virginia Veltran of Yoakum, Mrs. Louise Garza of Yoakum and Mrs. Lucy Cantu of California: and forty grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

Contributed by Regena Williamson

ALBERT CAKA, SR.

Shiner Gazette, 18 July 1935

ALBERT CAKA SR.

The subject of this sketch was born at Netolic, Czechoslovakia, April 23d 1862. He came to America Nov. 7th 1881 and located in Fayette county, near Flatonia. On Nov. 22nd, 1887 he was married to Miss Thresia Stryk. To this union 10 children were born, 4 dying in infancy. His wife died in 1902. He later married Miss Marie Hundl and 6 children were born to this union, one son dying at the age of 9 years. Mr. Caka moved from Flatonia to Shiner in 1908 and continuously resided here until his death. The 11 living children are Mrs. Ben (Annie) Berckenhoff, Mrs. John (Frances) Zissa, Mrs. John (Kristina) Matula, of shiner; Mrs. Rudolf (Thresia) Matula of Orange Grove; John, Herman, Jim, Ludwig, Joe and Albert Jr. Caka are the surviving sons.

His grief stricken wife also survives and 28 grandchildren. One brother, Martin, died in 1923 and a sister, Mrs. John Kubena died in 1925. Three sisters survive, Mrs. Anton Jemelka Sr., Mrs. Frank Janecek Sr. and Mrs. Jim Lahodny.

Mr. Caka had been ill about 4 weeks. He passed away Tuesday July 9th, at the age of 73 years, 2 months, and 17 days. Funeral services were conducted from the family residence with Requiem High Mass at the Shiner Catholic Church conducted by Father John Anders of Praha and Father L. Blinka of San Antonio, burial was in the Catholic cemetery. The O.D.H.S. Lodge also officiated.

The pall bearers were all relatives - Anton Jemelka Jr., Emil Lahodny, Emil Stryk of Flatonia, Ludwig Jaksik of Pleasanton, Anton Pesek of Sweet Home and Anton Pavlu of Hallettsville. To all bereaved by his passing, the Gazette extends heartfelt sympathy.

Contributed by Jeanne Walshak Boothe

BRINEY EDGAR CALCOTE

From a January 1943 Hallettsville newspaper clipping:

B. E. CALCOTE BURIED AT MOULTON

We are saddened to chronicle the death of Mr. B. E. Calcote who passed to the great beyond on Friday, Jan. 15, 1943, in a Houston Hospital at 10:00 a.m. He was taken to the hospital about three weeks ago, due to his illness. Everything that loving hands could do was done, but to no avail.

The deceased was born in St. Augustine on Dec. 26, 1881, thus attaining the age of 61 years and 20 days.

In 1904 he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Butschek.

His wife died 28 years ago.

They were blessed with 3 children, all of whom survive, Virgil J. Calcote of Telferner, Mrs. Henry (Pearl) Kutac of Yoakum, and Miss Edith Calcote of Moulton. Also 8 grandchildren, two sisters, and three brothers.

Services were conducted Sunday at 3 p.m.

He was laid beneath a coverlet of gorgeous flowers in the Moulton cemetery.

Pallbearers were his nephews.

May he rest in peace.

He was a brother-in-law of Louis Paul Butschek of this city.

Contributed by Jeanne Walshak Boothe

From an August 1990 newspaper clipping:

EDITH CALCOTE

Edith Mary Calcote, 79, of Yoakum, died at 11:40 P.M., Monday, August 13, 1990, in the Yoakum Community Hospital.

Rosary was recited at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 19 at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Linard Harper officiating.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 17, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Yoakum with the Rev. Gabriel Mensah officiating. Burial was in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, under the direction of Buffington Funeral Home.

She was born May 13, 1911 in Los Angeles, California to the late Briney Calcote and Wilhelmina Butschek Calcote. She was a retired telephone operator and a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Yoakum.

Surviving is her sister, Pearl Kutac of Yoakum, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Virgil Calcote.

Edith grew up with the Henry Butschek family, was active in the Moulton Community, and graduated from Sam and Will Moore Institute. She will be remembered for her wit, her spontaneity and love of life. Edith will be sadly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Pallbearers were John, Paul, and Tom Kutac, V. J. Calcote, Allan Butschek and Maynard Wagner.

Contributed by Jeanne Walshak Boothe

CAMPBELL Child

Weimar Mercury, 29 Dec 1906, page 8

Yoakum, Dec. 20.—The little 3-year-old girl of Jack Campbell and wife was burned to death yesterday evening at their home. The mother was doing outside work and the child was left alone playing in the house. She got so close to the heating stove that her dress caught fire, and before the mother could reach her the garment was already burned. The child lived an hour afterward.

JOSEPH A. CAMPION

Colorado Citizen, January 7, 1886

Joseph A. Campion, the Constable of Precinct No. 1, who was shot at Witting, on Oct. 15th, lingered until Sunday morning, Dec. 17th, when he breathed his last. For nearly two months and a half, he has patiently borne his terrible sufferings, hoping all the while he might recover even when his medical attendents told him there was no longer hope for him. — Hallettsvile Herald

Transcribed by Dorothy Albrecht

WILLIAM J. CAMPION

CARNES Infant

Weimar Mercury
July 27, 1895, page 2

Transcribed by Sharon Sutton

EVA CARNES

Shiner Gazette, 13 Dec 1899

DEATH OF MISS EVA CARNES.

The death of Miss Eva Carnes, the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Carnes, was a sad blow to parents and friends. Miss Eva had just touched her sixteenth year and was beloved by all who knew her. She had been sick several weeks and the best medical skill was called in, but all to no avail, for the death angel came last Monday night and carried her off to that brighter and better shore, where all is peace and joy and love.

The stricken parents have the sympathy of all who know them, in this trying hour, but time alone and a firm reliance on him that doeth all things for the best can heal their great sorrow.

Shiner Gazette, 20 Dec 1899, page 1

The funeral of Miss Eva Carnes last Wednesday evening was largely attended. A great many of the young people who were playmates and associates of Miss Eva, attended, and brought their last offerings of flowers [.] The burial services were conducted by Rev. J. F. Perrin, the Methodist pastor. At the close of Rev. Perrin’s remarks the young people sang that beautiful and impressive hymn, “[We'll] Never Say Good-Bye in Heaven.” When the services closed there was not a dry eye on the ground. The bereaved parents have the utmost sympathy of all in this their greatest sorrow.

[page 5 of same issue]

Mr. D. C. Wheeler and sister Mrs. Sutton, of Stockdale, Wilson county, came up last Wednesday to attend the funeral of their little neice [sic], Miss Eva Carnes.

Eva Carnes, 8 Dec 1883 - 12 Dec 1899, was buried in the Shiner City Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

W. J. CARNES

The Houston Chronicle
Sunday, November 27, 1892

W. J. Carnes

Shiner, Texas, November 26, - A message from Floresville yesterday, the 25th inst., brought the sad news of the death of W. J. Carnes, Sr., a highly respected citizen of this place.

The death of Mr. Carnes was very sudden, as he was in apparent good health a few days before his death. He leaves a host of friends and relatives to mourn his loss.

Contributed by Cathy Fitch

AUDREY LEE SWANK HILLMAN CARR

Houston Chronicle
25 Jan1966

CARR- Mrs. Audrey Hillman Carr, 55, of 1961 Norfolk died 9:25 p.m., Sunday at her residence. Native of Yoakum, a Houston resident 26 years. Member of Baptist Church, bookkeeper for Fisher Construction Co. Survivors: Husband, A.E. Carr, son, Carl E. Hillman Jr., both of Houston; sisters, Mrs. Ruth Wukaush[Wukasch], Santa Barbara, Cal, Mrs. Gwendolyn Scanlin, Brownsville; two grandchildren. Services 1 p.m. Wednesday Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Mc Gowen Ave. Chapel; Rev. M. Eugene Vickery officiating. Burial- Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. Pallbearers: Howard Kirkpatrick, Bob Chappell, Harry Clark, Pat Moroney, J.D. Harrell, Ted McCorkle. Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 400 Block, McGowen.

Contributed by Carla Hillman Ratcliff

Weimar Mercury, 9 Mar 1907

Phyllis Coats, typical colored "mammy" of slavery times, liked and respected by both white and black, died here yesterday morning, aged about 78 years. She came with her master's family from Tennessee to Colorado county, Tex., in the latter forties and with the exception of the last fifteen years, had lived there ever since. The original slave bill of sale in which she is transferred to her last master, T. C. Coats, is still in possession of her son, Jim Coats, and reads as follows: "Received of Caswell Coats five hundred & 25 dollars, it being in full payment for a certain negro woman named Phyllis about 18 years old. The said negro woman I warrant sound both in body and mind and slave for life. I also warrant the claim to said negro against all persons. Feb. 13, 1848." This is signd by William A. Moore. The "slave for life" clause is especialy unique, since it failed to come true by far. —Halletsville New Era.

MRS. ED COLEMAN

Shiner Gazette, 25 Jul 1900

Death of Mrs. Ed. Coleman.

The report comes from Weimar that Mrs. Coleman, wife of our townsman Mr. Ed. Coleman, died in that city on Friday the 13th inst. She had come from Eagle Lake in the wagon, and was taken ill at Weimar and took refuge in a vacant house, where she died before her condition became known to the people of Weimar. She was buried on Saturday the 14th inst. Mrs. Coleman was formerly the widow Rhodes.

Burial place unknown. Contributed by Matt Cross

OTTO COLLE

Weimar Mercury
31 May 1935, page 3

YOAKUM RANCHER SLAIN SLEEPING BESIDE WIFE

Yoakum, Texas, May 26. — Otto Colle, 50, married rancher, stockman, farmer and rodeo promoter, was assassinated this morning at 3:45 at his home while asleep beside his wife. A small caliber bullet had entered his left breast, lodging in the back, causing instant death. Coroner A. Whitckey pronounced death by gunshot wound by an unknown person. His pistol and money from Saturday's rodeo were in the room untouched. The motive has not been ascertained.

LEE CONRAD

Shiner Gazette, 27 Mar 1901

Miss Lee Conrad, a beautiful young lady who at one time taught school in Shiner and was quite well known in Yoakum, having visited her sister, Miss Amelia Conrad, when the latter was a teacher in the Yoakum school, was instantly killed by being run over by a street car in St. Louis a few days since. The car was running at a rapid speed when it struck the unfortunate young lady and she was horribly mangled. The news of her tragic death comes as a shock to those of our citizens who knew and loved her. – Yoakum Times. [Burial place unknown]

Contributed by Matt Cross

COPELAND Infant

Hallettsville Herald, 22 Sept 1892

We are informed that Miss Laura Copeland is very low at this writing.  We hope to report her better next time.

The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Copeland was buried at the Antioch Cemetery the 10th inst.  Weep not dear parents for of such is the kingdom of Heaven. 

Contributed by Regena Williamson

MORELDA COPELAND

Hallettsville Herald, 8 Dec 1892

We are sorry to note the death of Mrs. Morelda Copeland, which occurred at her home near Antioch on the 29th.  Her remains were buried on the 30th at the Antioch cemetery.  Deceased was 71 years old.  She leaves a host of friends and relatives to mourn her loss.  Weep not, dear relatives and friends, for our loss here on earth is only her gain in heaven. 

Contributed by Regena Williamson

FREDERICH (FRITZ) CORDES

Weimar Mercury, 3 Nov 1911

Fritz Cordes, one of Sublime’s oldest citizens, died last Sunday evening. Mr. Cordes had been in bad health for a long time. He was laid to rest in the Smoothing Iron cemetery, Monday evening at four o’clock. Mr. Cordes leaves, to mourn his loss, a wife, several children and a host of friends.

Contributed by Regena Williamson

MARY MLYNAR CULAK

Weimar Mercury, Jan 23, 1920, page 7

MRS. MARY CULAK.

Former Resident of This Section Dies Near Moulton.

Mrs. Mary Culak, nee Mlynar, died at her home near Nickel Friday afternoon, January 9, following a several days' illness.

Interment was made in the S. P. J. S. T. cemetery west of Moulton Saturday afternoon. The pall bearers were: Ignac Vita, John Jirkovsky, Frank Klozik, Alois Stavinoha, Joe Kolar and Herman Rarilek.

The decedent was born in Tycha, Moravia, Austria, February 2, 1845, and was at the time of her death 74 years, 11 months and 7 days old. She was married to Mr. John Culak in 1871 and came to Texas in 1873; located at Weimar and removed to this section in 1881. Mr. Culak died fifteen years ago.

Surviving are eight children — Frank Culak of Moulton, John Culak of Dixon School, Joe Culak of Moulton, Anton Culak of Nickel, Mrs. Anton Svoboda of Nickel, Mrs. Mary Cernoch of Weimar, Mrs. Charles Welfl of Moulton and Mrs. Andrew Taraba of Baursville.

The Eagle tenders its sympathy to the bereaved survivors. —Moulton Eagle.

B. F. CULPEPPER

Weimar Mercury
June 13, 1896, page 2

Weimar Mercury, 26 Sep 1896, page 2

Hallettsville New Era: Mrs. Johnnie Culpepper received last week a check for $2,000 from the Woodmen of the World in payment of the policy of her late husband, B. F. Culpepper.

Transcribed by Sharon Sutton

DURAND LAVO CULPEPPER

Shiner Gazette, 28 Feb 1900

The little child of Mr. Louis Culpepper died last Wednesday and was buried in the Shiner cemetery Thursday evening. The sorrowing parents have the full sympathy of all their friends in their sad bereavement.

Shiner Gazette, 7 Mar 1900

IN MEMORIAM.

DIED – On February 22, 1900, little Durand Culpepper, infant son of T. L. and L. A. Culpepper, after a lingering illness of forty-three days. Little Durand was called from this world of sin and sorrow to sweetly rest with Jesus forever. Everything that a loving mother and father could do, together with medical aid, was done, but when God calls we must obey.

“Dearest baby thou hast left us.
Here thy loss we deeply feel,
But ‘tis God who hath bereft us,
He can all our sorrows heal.”

A FRIEND.

Durand Lavo, son of Louis and Laura Culpepper, 10 Apr 1899 – 21 Feb 1900, was buried in the Shiner City Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

J. THOMAS J. CULPEPPER

Shiner Gazette, 6 Aug 1902

DEATH OF J. T. J. CULPEPPER.

One of The Oldest Citizens of Lavaca County Passes Away.

Mr. Thomas Culpepper, familiarly known as “Uncle Tom,” one of the oldest citizens of this county, died at his home about five miles east of Shiner, last Friday morning at about 5 o’clock, aged 75 years. Mr. Culpepper had been twice married and was the father of 22 children, 20 of whom survive him. His wife and father also survive him, his father being in his 99th year. Mr. Culpepper moved to this county in 1850, was a member of Terry’s Texas Rangers and served throughout the civil war. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was buried with Masonic honors. The interment took place in the old home burying ground at Mount Olive church and was attended by a large crowd of sorrowing relatives and friends. Uncle Tom died as he had lived, loved and respected by all who knew him. His wife and children will miss his kind and loving care and his friends mourn the loss of a true and upright gentleman.

“No further seek his merits to disclose,
Or draw his frailties from their dread abode,
There they alike in trembling hope repose,
In the bosom of his father and his God.”

J.T.J. Culpepper, 9 Aug 1827 – 1 Aug 1902, husband of Cynthia Culpepper, has a Masonic marker in the Mt. Olive Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross.

ROBERT RAY CULPEPPER

Shiner Gazette, 7 Apr 1897

As the GAZETTE goes to press the condition of Frank Culpepper’s little seven-month-old boy is critical, and his death may occur at any time. He has been sick several weeks.

Robert Ray Culpepper, 6 Sep 1896 – 9 Apr 1897, was buried in the Mt. Olive Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

ANTHONY CUNNINGHAM, JR.

Weimar Mercury
27 Jun 1919, page 5

SOLDIER SHOT AT JUAREZ IS BURIED AT SHINER

Shiner, Texas, June 22.—The body of Anthony Cunningham, Jr., negro, a member of company C, 47th infantry, who died of wounds received at Juarez in a clash with Villa troops, arrived here Friday and was interred in the negro cemetery. Cunningham, whose parents reside here joined the army from this county. He served on the Mexican border, being stationed at Columbus and Demning, N. M., most of the time. Cosby Cunningham, a cousin of the dead soldier and a member of the same company accompanied the remains here.

Anthony Cunningham, aged 25, was buried in the Bluebonnet Hill Memory Garden.

CUNNINGHAM

Galveston Daily News, 14 Jan 1884

LAVACA.

Herald: One day last week the daughter of John Cunningham was burned to death at the school-house of Brushy. It seems she had been sweeping the house, the scholars and teacher having gone away, and her dress took fire from the stove and she, becoming frightened, rushed through the woods. Her burns were found to be fatal.

JOHN CURRY

Weimar Mercury
18 Jan 1929, page 2

Confederate Veteran Dead.

Moulton, Texas. Jan. 11.—John Curry, 88, was buried in the Thompson cemetery, west of here. Wednesday afternoon under the auspices of Moulton Lodge No. 298. A. F. & A. M. He had been a member of the Masonic lodge for 58 years. Curry was a Confederate veteran and the Confederate monument in the city of Gonzales was draped on the day of his death in his memory. He is survived by three sons and four daughters.

Curry is buried in the Stonewall Cemetery in Gonzales County.

SALLY CURRY

Colorado Citizen, Page 1, July 6, 1876

"MURDER MOST FOUL, STRANGE AND UNNATURAL."—Many of our readers will remember to have heard that some two or three weeks since, Sallie Curry left the home of her mother, near this village, in company with Tucker Campbell. A few days after Tucker Campbell reappeared but without his companion. Perhaps the day after his reappearance, others arrived from Flatonia with warrants for his arrest for the offenses of seduction under promise of marriage, and theft of a horse. He was taken to Flatonia, where he had left the unfortunate companion of his flight, friendless and penniless, and an hour set for the hearing of his case before Mr. F[illegible], magistrate of that precinct. A short time before the case against Campbell was called, Sallie Curry, mounted behind Wm. McElroy, left town, and failed to appear before the magistrate to substantiate the chargs she had made against Campbell. The latter was, however, bound over to await the action of the Grand Jury. A day or two afterwards Campbell and McElroy returned to this neighborhood stating that Sallie Curry had gone to Galveston. On Sunday the skeleton of a girl was found on Peach Creek, some ten miles from Flatonia. It was much decayed and partially destroyed, but suspicion was aroused that it was the body of the unfortunate girl whose failure to return home or communicate with her friends excited apprehension that she had been foully dealt with. Mrs. Jane Curry was sent for and completely identified the remains of her daughter. A complaint was made and warrants were issued for the arrest of Tucker Campbell, Stuart Campbell and Wm. McElroy. The two former are in jail the latter is still at large. Upon the case we do not intend to make estended comment. Our community is already sufficiently aroused upon the subject. We are patient and law abiding people, but we are men born of women and a cruel murder done upon the humblest, most obscure who bears the form of woman will meet with a punishment as certain and complete as though it had been done upon the highest and most influential in the land.—Hallettsville Herald and Planter.

Contributed by Dorothy Albrecht