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

MARY URBISH CADA

Victoria Advocate, Monday, September 13, 1976

HALLETTSVILLE—Mrs. Pete (Mary) Cada, 78, of Hallettsville, died Saturday at 7:55 p.m. in a Yoakum hospital.

Mrs. Cada was born Feb. 9, 1898 in Fayette County. She married Mr. Cada in 1918 in Hallettsville. He died in 1956.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the KJZT.

A rosary was recited at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Kubena Funeral Home.

The body will lie in state at the funeral home until 8:45 a.m. Monday, when it will be taken in St. Mary's Church for services at 10 a.m. The Rev. Henry Psencik will officiate, with burial in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Blaise Kowuicka [Konvicka] Sr., Frank Mozisek, Rudy Petru, Jimmy Smolik, Tony Janak and Julius Gertner.

Surviving are four brothers, Henry Urbish of Flatonia, John J. and Fred S. Urbish, both of Hallettsville, and George G. Urbish of Bay City; four sisters, Mars. Adolph Smolik of Hallettsville, Mrs. Sophie Janak of Yoakum, Mrs. Olga Matula and Mrs. Leny Janak, both of East Bernard. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and a sister.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

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

EDITH KASPAREK CAKA

Victoria Advocate, November 6, 2003

Edith Kasparek Caka passed away during the morning of November 4, 2003.

Edith was born on November 14, 1921 to Alois Kasparek and Frances Hybner and was one of thirteen children. Her childhood home was located near Shiner, Texas in the Midway Community. She attended school at Lone Tree and in 1941 married Ben Caka. They made Corpus Christi their home for many years.

After Ben's death, on February 24, 1977 Edith moved to San Antonio and lived with her sister, Louise Raindl. During the 24 years Edith lived in San Antonio she was a tireless contributing member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Edith's efforts in organizing and participating in fund raising events such as bake sales, raffles and church festivals earned her the gratitude of the parishioners and made her known and loved by many.

She is survived by her sisters, Louise Raindl of San Antonio, Janie Brosh and Judy Vanderslice of Shiner, Texas, Olga Kusak of New Braunfels and Marion Peterek of Corpus Christi and her brothers Clement Kasparek and Louis Kasparek of Corpus Christi. She will be fondly remembered by her numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Alois and Frances Kasparek, her husband, Ben Caka, two sisters, Frances Kurtz and Ella Vrazel and three brothers, Stanley Kasparek, Rudy Kasparek and Domin Kasparek.

A Rosary will be recited Wednesday, November 5, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Thursday, November 6, 2003 at Buffington Funeral Home in Shiner. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2003 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner with burial to follow at the Shiner Catholic Cemetery.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

EUGENE CAKA

The Gonzales Inquirer, 8 August 1997

EUGENE CAKA

Funeral services were held Thursday at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church for Eugene Joseph Caka of Shiner. He was born September 1, 1934 in Shiner to Albert (Pete) and Hattie Blaschke Caka and died on Monday, August 4.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine Hinze Caka; his mother, Hattie Caka and daughters Lorinda Sorrows of Corpus Christi, Melissa Caka and Michele Caka of Shiner.

He is also survived by sons, Mark Caka of Anaconda, Montana and John Caka of Shiner; sister, Margie Schoenvogel of Houston and a brother, Patrick Caka of Shiner.

Other survivors include grandchildren, Candace and Jake Caka and Kyle Sorrows.

He was preceded in death by his father on November 21, 1984 and by an infant sister in 1942.

Mr. Caka was a basket turner for Kaspar Wire Works and a member of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church.

The Rev. Gerry Cernoch officiated at the services with interment in Shiner Catholic Cemetery. A rosary service was held Wednesday evening at Buffington Funeral Home chapel in Shiner.

Memorials may be made to an education fund for his children, John, Melissa and Michele Caka.

Contributed by Jeanne Walshak Boothe

JOHN ALBERT CAKA

Victoria Advocate, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 1966

SHINER—John Albert Caka, 71, died at his residence here at 6:30 a.m. Monday.

Rosary will be recited at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, by the St. Isidore Society and at 7:30 p.m. by the parish.

Funeral will be at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday from Buffington Funeral Home here and at 9 a.m. from Shiner Catholic Church with a requiem mass. Burial will be in Shiner Catholic Cemetery.

Surviving are the wife; a son, Ben of Corpus Christi; two brothers, Herman and Jim, both of Shiner; three half-brothers, Joe, Ludwig and Albert, all of Shiner; a sister, Mrs. Teresa Matula of California; two half-sisters, Mrs. John Matula and Mrs. Julia Zissa, both of Shiner.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

LUDWIG FRANK CAKA

The Gonzales Inquirer, 12 December 1991

CAKA RITES SET IN SHINER

Funeral services for Ludwig Frank Caka, 83, of Shiner will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, with the Rev. Jerry Capano officiating.

Interment will follow in the Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Buffington Funeral Home of Shiner.

Mr. Ludwig died Monday, Dec. 9, 1991, in a Victoria hospital following a sudden illness.

He was born Aug. 13, 1908, in Flatonia to the late Albert and Mary Hundl Caka Sr. He was a member of the St. Isidore Lodge, a retired carpenter and a Catholic.

He is survived by six daughters, Pauline Pohler of Gonzales, Stacy Huser of Nixon, Angeline Petru and Patsy Wegener both of Shiner and Frances Randow and Carol Gilbert both of San Antonio; three sons, Theodore Caka of San Angelo, Robert Caka of Houston and Kenneth Caka of Yoakum; a sister, Mary Zissa of Shiner; a half-sister, Theresa Matula of California; 32 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Natalie Caka on Oct. 10, 1991; parents, four sisters and six brothers.

A rosary will be recited this evening at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Contributed by Jeanne Walshak Boothe

NATALIA HAGENDORF CAKA

The Gonzales Inquirer, 11 October 1991

CAKA RITES SET IN SHINER

Funeral services for Natalia Caka, 78, of Shiner, mother of Pauline Pohler of Gonzales, will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church with the Rev. Jerry Caponi officiating.

Burial will be in the Shiner Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Buffington Funeral Home of Shiner.

Mrs. Caka died Thursday, Oct. 10, 1991 in a Shiner nursing home following a lengthy illness.

She was born Nov. 19, 1912 in Lavaca County to the late William and Meta Muelker Hagendorf. She was a homemaker and a member of the K.J.Z.T.

Besides her daughter, she is survived by her husband, Ludwig Caka of Shiner; five daughters, Angeline Petru and Patsy Wegener, both of Shiner, Frances Randow and Carol Gilbert, both of San Antonio and Stacy Huser of Nixon; three sons, Theodore Caka of San Angelo, Robert Caka of Houston and Kenneth Caka of Yoakum; a brother, Willie Hagendorf; 3 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Selma Hagendorf and brothers, Robert, Walter, George and Carl Hagendorf.

A rosary will be recited tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. A K.J.Z.T. rosary will be recited Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the church.

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

ED. S. CALDWELL

Shiner Gazette, 18 Mar 1909

Brakeman Caldwell Killed.

A terrible accident happened in Shiner last Friday evening, in which Brakeman E. S Caldwell lost his life. While the west bound freight No. 110 was switching at the stock yard about 3 o’clock p.m. Mr. E. S. Caldwell, the brakeman, stepped between the cars to pull a coupling pin, when his foot caught between the rails, which at this point were quite close together, and before he could extricate it, a freight car ran over him and his head and body crushed. Death was instantaneous. The freight car which ran over the body was derailed anh [sic] had to be placed back on the track.

Justice Habermacher was called to hold an inquest, after which the body of the dead brakeman was taken up and carried to Yoakum on freight No. 110, Conductor C. T. Wade. Brakeman A. H. Cunningham was the only eye witness to the accident.

The deceased was a single man but leaves one brother at San Antonio, A. P. Caldwell, and a sister, Mrs. W. H. Boulware of Yoakum.

Ed. S. Caldwell, 37 yrs, 6 dys; "Our brother, B of RR T", was buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

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.

Chronicle article contributed by Cathy Fitch.

W. J. CARNES

Shiner Gazette, 2 Nov 1893

The Late W. J. Carnes.

The Rev. A. G. Nolan preached Sunday the funeral sermon of the late W. J. Carnes. The M. E. church was crowded and the Rev. Nolan preached an impressive and moving discourse. The members of the family present were Mrs. W. J. Carnes, wife of the deceased, his daughters Mrs. Will Grant, Mrs. L. M. Kokernot and Miss C. C. Carnes; his sons, W. J. Carnes, jr., S. A. and R. S. Carnes, also Clinton Askey and daughters, and Miss Alma Kokernot and Miss Fannie Marsh. Also L. M. Kokernot, S. S. Cole and J. H. Cole. Rev. Nolan paid a high tribute to the deceased and the congregation was often moved to tears by his touching references to Mr. Carnes. He said: “In life he was a man respected and revered by all, for steadfast manliness, unwavering integrity, faithfulness and purity of character. His goodness and generosity knew no bounds and wherever he went and wherever he was known he commanded the friendship and esteem of all. For three years I was his pastor and he was my stewart and during all that time he needed no words of reminder from me but was always punctual and zealous in the performance of his duties. His was one of those characters in which kindness, charity, patience and courage were happily blended and in domestic life he was a kind and indulgent father and a loving husband. Cruelty was impossible with him and he could never bear to see any creature about him ill-treated. ***

“It may be that there are some whose goodness brings them very near to that better world, so near that when the time draws near for them to quit this world, they have premonitions of their departure. Brother Carnes was one of these. A short time before his last illness I met him at the depot in Shiner and he wished to make known to me his premonitions that he was soon to quit this life, but something intruded and I was never able to speak with him again on the subject.”

In conclusion Rev. Nolan spoke as follows: “His life should be an example to us, and inspiration to better thoughts and better works in this world. The spirit of Godliness and sanctity pervaded his life and lighted for him a pathway to heaven. His life works should be an incentive to us to work harder and live holier that we may meet him on the fairer, brighter shore that lies beyond the stormy ocean of our lives.”

This grave appears to be unmarked. Gazette article contributed by Matt Cross.

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.

CLARA WINDEL COLDEWEY

Unidentified news clipping

Hallettsville – Clara Windel Coldewey, 97, of Hallettsville, died at 1:30 a.m. Friday (Dec. 26, 1986) in a Hallettsville nursing home.

She was born Nov. 4, 1889 in Lavaca County to the late Christopher and Doretta Feldmann Windel.

She was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Hallettsville and the ALCW.

A prayer service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Kubena Funeral Home of Hallettsville.

The body will lie in state until 9 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, when it will be taken to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Hallettsville for services.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the church with the Rev. Herb. Beyer officiating.  Burial will be in the Hallettsville City Cemetery.

Surviving is a daughter, Leona Appelt of Hallettsville; a son, Elroy Coldewey of Yoakum; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Contributed by Rex Moore

GEARLINE C. COLDEWEY

Yoakum – Gearline “Dean” Capper Coldewey, 78, of Yoakum, died Friday, April 3, 1998.

She was born May 29, 1919, in Cuero to the late Riley and Pearl Bennett Capper.  She was a homemaker and Methodist.

Survivors: husband, Elroy Coldewey; niece, Iris Strey of Dallas; and nephew, Russell Capper of Houston.

Preceded in death by: brother, Barney Capper

Family visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Buffington Funeral Home chapel.

Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church, the Rev. Bernard Ritchea officiating.

Burial will be at Restland Cemetery.  Buffington Funeral Home, Yoakum, 293-2333.

Memorials: Warm Springs Rehabilitation System or donor’s choice.

Unidentified newspaper clipping contributed by Rex Moore

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.

REESE CONNOR

Shiner Gazette, 12 Nov 1902

A Killing at Yoakum.

A most deplorable shooting affray occurred at Yoakum last Friday night. The Gazette has not been able to learn any of the particulars of the affair save that Reese Connor, a farmer living near Shiner, was shot and killed. J. A. Richardson, W. J. Richardson, Mathew Culpepper and Fred Connor, all of the same community, were arrested and sent to the Cuero jail charged with the killing. The tragedy grew out of a quarrel over an old law suit. We understand that an examining trial was held at Cuero on Monday in order to secure bail for the parties held.

Contributed by Matt Cross

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

COLLIER H. COONS

Shiner Gazette, 20 Sep 1894

The eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Coons died last Wednesday. He was sick about a week.

One death since my last writing: little Collier, eldest child of Mr and Mrs Wm Coons, died suddenly of paralysis, Sept. 12, 1 o’clock a. m., after a brief illness. Death saddens our hearts but enriches heaven, so it was when it came suddenly and took the first born from this household. The Lord has transplanted this little flower from earth to bloom in heaven. Little Collier was a sweet, bright, promising little boy, the light of his fond mother and the joy of his father, the idol of his dear and nearest relatives. Although his absence causes deep sorrow in your hearts, yet there is a sweet fragrance of his young life that will never fade. Weep not, for your dear treasure is at rest in the bright world above where sickness never enters. One sweet thought comes to all, “we will meet him” where kindred ties are never broken. We deeply sympathize with the bereaved parents.

Collier H. Coons, 12 Sep 1887 – 12 Sep 1894, was interred in the Moulton Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

LOU COOPER

Moulton News, 2 May 1895

THE DEATH ANGEL.

Miss Lou Cooper, who has been ill for some time, died Tuesday morning at five o’clock. The burial took place at Moulton Institute. The News extends to her friends it’s [sic] deepest sympathy in their sad loss.

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

B. H. CORDES

Moulton News, 4 Jul 1895

B. H. CORDES.

One of Moulton’s stirring young business men is Mr B H Cordes, proprietor of Cordes’ saloon. Mr Cordes is a familiar figure to all visitors to Moulton and is deservedly popular with everybody. He was born in the little Principality of Oldenburg in Germany in the year of 1858. He is a fellow countryman of John C Blohm, mayor of Shiner. He came to America in the spring of 1873 with his half brother, John Krueger, and came to Freyburg, Fayette county. After remaining there a short time he came to Lavaca county and worked for C M Kotzebue off and on for about two years. From here he went to Warrenton and from there he went to Freyburg, where he remained two years. He then came back to Lavaca county and rented land of Berry Crane, living there about a year when he bought a farm about a mile east of Moulton. He was married twice; the first time in 1879 at Warrenton to Augusta Guest, who died in 1887. By this union four children were born, two of whom died before their mother. He married again late in 1888 to Carrie Niebuhr in Lee county. By this second marriage there is one child, a bright little girl three years old. In 1894 Mr Cordes bought his present business of F J Helweg and is doing a good business.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ELLA HERDER CORDES

Shiner Gazette, Dec 17 1964

Mrs. Ella Cordes Buried in Shiner

Funeral services for Mrs. Ed. (Ella) Cordes, age 80 years, 6 months and 23 days, of Westhoff who died in a Yorktown rest home at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 8, 1964 were held at 2:00 p.m. in Freund Chapel in Cuero with the Rev. F. E. Eilers of the United Dr. Martin Luther Church of Shiner officiating. Burial was in the Shiner City Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Clyde Whitehead of Westhoff; her grandson, Billy Cordes of Abilene; her nephews, Emmett Busch of Hallettsville, Roy Hewig, Melvin Ahrens and George W. Herder, all of Shiner.

Mrs. Cordes was a native of Fayette County born there May 15, 1884. She was a daughter of William and Theresia (Nitschmann) Herder, natives respectively of Fayette County, Texas and Hermitz, Austria. On November 14, 1905, she was married to Ed. Cordes at Yoakum. With the exception of two years at Da Costa, Victoria, the family were residents of the Shiner community for 38 years, 34 years having been spent on the same home place when Mr. Cordes died August 12, 1947. Some time later Mrs. Cordes went to make her home at Westhoff where her son, and only child, resided with his family. She had been in the rest home for several weeks where she died.

Surviving are a son, Marvin J. Cordes of Westhoff; a brother, Walter Herder of Shiner; three sisters, Mrs. Ed. (Adeline) Busch and Mrs. Emil (Annie) Ahrens of Shiner, and Mrs. Hettye Hewig of Kirby; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her mother on July 28, 1940 and her father on December 22, 1940; two brothers, Edmund Herder died December 20, 1952, and George Herder died September 15, 1956.

May those who held her near and dear be sustained in their hour of separation and farewell and may the Holy Comforter breathe into their hearts peace and cheerful resignation.

Contributed by Rebecca Herder

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

WILLIAM A. CRANE

Shiner Gazette, 8 Nov 1894, page 1, Moulton column

Babe Crane, son of Berry Crane, is lying at death’s door at this writing.

LATER – He died Sunday at one o’clock and was buried Monday at the Old Moulton cemetery.

William A., son of C. B. and Susan Crane, died 4 Nov 1894. Contributed by Matt Cross

ANNA DARILEK CULAK

Victoria Advocate, Wednesday, December 9, 1970

Mrs. Anna Culak

Advocate News Service
MOULTON—Mrs. Anna Culak, 90, died Monday in a Shiner hospital.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Schmidt officiating. Burial will be in the Moulton Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.

A Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Surviving are five daughters, Mrs. Joe Kolar of Moulton, Mrs. Ben Marcak of Shiner, Mrs. Julius Hajek of Corpus Christi and Mrs. Herman Darilek and Mrs. Elo Mraz of Houston; a sister, Mrs. Rudolph Janisch of Corpus Christi; eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

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

FRANCIS G. CULPEPPER

Shiner Gazette, 28 Oct 1903

Francis G. Culpepper

Francis G. Culpepper died at his home near Old Sweet Home Oct. 21st, at the advanced age of 99 years, 8 months and 21 days. He was buried in the old family burying grounds near Mount Olive church Oct. 22nd.

Mr. Culpepper was born in Edgefield, District, S. C., Jan. 31st, 1804. There he grew to manhood and was married at the age of 18 years to Miss Martha Bales, who was thrown from a horse and fatally injured 19 months later. In 1825 Mr. Culpepper was again married, this time to Miss Eglantine Langley by whom he had 16 children. His second marriage took place in Georgia in 1823.

In 1884 he removed with his family to Alabama where he resided until 1846. Then he moved to Fayette county, Mississippi.

In 1851 he moved to Texas, settling at his present place of residence in 1852. His wife died in 1878 and he has since resided with his youngest daughter, Mrs. B. F. Burke.

Of the 16 children 8 are still living. They are William R., Mrs. Martha Guthrie, James S., Mrs. Matilda Mauldin, Mrs. Amanda Guthrie, Mrs. Melvina Morris, Mrs. Salina Guthrie and Mrs. Georgia Burke.

Mr. Culpepper had 309 children, grandchildren, great and great great grandchildren, 279 of whom are living.

Mr. Culpepper participated in the “Creek War” in Alabama. His grandmother was a sister to Gen. Oglethorpe, and several of the family bear that name.

He was a member of the Primitive Baptist church since 1837, being baptized by the Rev. Benjamin Lloyd, pastor of Sardis church, Chambers county, Alabama.

Had Mr. Culpepper lived until Jan. 31st next he would have been 100 years old. His numerous relatives and friends mourn his death.

Francis G. Culpepper, 31 Jan 1804 – 21 Oct 1903, was buried in the Mt. Olive 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

WHEELA CULPEPPER

Shiner Gazette, 22 Apr 1903, page 1

OBITUARY.

Died at Floresville, Wilson Co., Texas, on April 14, 1903, little Wheela Culpepper, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. J.T.J. Culpepper, the former deceased. The little one was aged only two years, ten months and nine days. He was born in Lavaca county near Shiner, where he lived until the family moved to Floresville last October. Little Wheela was dearly loved by all who knew him. He was sick only a few days and his death was caused by membraneous croup. He suffered intensely until a few minutes before his death, when he sweetly passed [illegible] to give him up, but we know he is in angel land where suffering can no more come.

M. K.

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