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CommentsMr Block (W T??) -- my son is doing some research for a High School class that has led him to your website. His topic is focused on his ancestors - Samuel and Solomon Parr - who lived in the Galveston Bay area. I was wondering if you would be so kind to send us some Internet links to sites where we can gather some information about these two people OR possible if you have gathered any data during your research if you could send a little to him. Thank you very much Ken Edgein 856-354-1619 in Cherry Hill New Jersey
Commentsthanks for your reply
CommentsWow, found your site by accident. Haven't read much of it as of it, but am looking forward to using it for history, as we home educate. Looks like lots of great history. What caught my attention is the section on Adrian J. and Agatha Elings family, who immigrated from Holland to America and ending up in Montana. My husband is a descendant of theirs, a great grandson. We live in Montana, within a few miles of where A.J. lived while here. If you would like more information on this lineage please reply, as my mother in law has some information. Most in the article is correct, however their is some misspelling of names and some other minor information that is incorrect. I love geneology, so would greatly like to be in contact with one of the writers of the article. My husband is Robert Gordon after his father and we named a son Dirk. Sincerely,
CommentsDear Mr. Block, I was recently in Bolivar and re-discovered an old gravesite I had found approximately 20 years ago. It is for a Martha Crainer, born 1867, died 1883. It is on oldfield land, approximately 20' from the sand dunes and is jeopardy of being covered in the near future. The gravesite appears to be neglected and/or abandoned, but the gravestone is quite legible. I was wondering if you have any knowledge of this grave site, additional information, or suggestions about preserving this area. Thanks for any help you can provide. Steve Hutchison
CommentsI read your article on black panthers and wanted to tell you about my encounter with one of the animals. When I was a little boy my father and I saw one on R.C. Granger Road in Bosque County, Texas. It was July 1985 and we saw the animal walking across the road on a warm night at about 10 PM. We watched it lope down the road for perhaps a full minute. It was as black as India ink and appeared to us to be very thin and gaunt. My father guessed that it weighed in the neighborhood of 90-100 pounds. It turned to look at us several times and was clearly an enormous black cat that looked like a mountain lion that had been immersed in dye. The next day my father called the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife and related to them what we saw. They seemed amused by what he said and implied that we were either mistaken or playing games. My father never spoke of the incident with anyone again because he did not like to be teased. When I entered college and studied biology I learned that black mountain lions do indeed exist and was fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of several people who also saw black panthers at some point in time. One was an old German gentleman who lived in China Spring, Texas which oddly enough is close to the area where my father and I saw our panther. He seemed to me to be a very credible man, not given to spreading tall tales. According to him a black panther stole one of his turkeys early one morning in the early 80's. He was so amazed by it that he did not even shoot it, although he was carrying a gun at the time. I also spoke to a biologist that told me that he believed black panthers were melanistic mountain lions and the he was aware of one individual black lion that had been killed in Colorado. Sadly I lost contact with this man and cannot locate him. In the future I would like to search for black panthers in Texas and Louisiana. I have studied methods for attracting mountain lions, such as the use of female lion estrous material and electronic devices which mimic the sound of lion prey. Perhaps with a little luck I could be fortunate enough to draw a black panther into camera range. Even if I failed I would have fun! Please keep up the excellent work with your website! Warmest regards, Paul Waco
Commentsdear sir I reside in Greene County IL, have all y life, Im a former police officer my father a retired police officer. I hunted for years as a youth and I know this land. I have laughed in the past at any unbelievable stories of this and that animal being seen. Well on this last friday night just before midnight, I as well as my girlfriend saw something at the edge of the road, turned around and drove my lights toward the object and then it stepped into my headlights for it must have been four or five seconds, a black panther, this animal was huge at apprx 300 lbs and looked very thick. It is very hard to believe I know, but it was fifty foot away or closer and I saw it as clear as anything. If your interested in hearing my account further contact me. RJS
CommentsWhat a great site! I am a devoted member of the SCV, an English teacher for the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and a writer. I found some excellent material that will be of great benefit. Best of luck and keep up the writing. Do you have any information on any of the Jawhawkers in Caldwell Parish? I ask because the locals there have a hill called "Jayhawker Hill" and a story that one of them was hanged after the way by vigilantes. Rickey Pittman
--------------------------------------------------------------- A New Book by Rickey E. Pittman How to Market Your Book to Libraries http://www.booklocker.com/books/1220.html http://www.rickeypittman.com/ --"The role of the artist is to not look away."--Akira Kurosawa
CommentsI love your big blook book on the families and stories from galveston to orange, Texas. I was the last to be able to check it out of the Port Neches Library. You are a great assesst to out area and people. I would love to met you someday and personally thankyou for all your work. Earline Miller, Port Neches, Texas Your can call at my Shop Millers Flowers 722-1202 or by e-mail emiller7@gt.rr.com
CommentsI am one of the biggest fans of you big blue book as I refer to it. i was the last one to check it out of the Port Neches Library. I love the stories in it. When I subbed at PNGHS I use to read or tell stories from your book. I only wish it was published. Thanks for all your work. Earline Miller
CommentsReading your article on King Lumber I noticed you thought Nona Mills was purchased by Southland Paper around 1962. I was hired by Southland Paper in 1969 as the first district forester on the Nona Mills property and they had just purchased the property. Thought you would want to know.
CommentsDear Sir- Thank you for sharing historical information on your site.The 1972 class of Charlton Pollard High School has a link to some of the information on your site.The URL for the link is: http://pages.sbcglobal.net/garnet/cphs72/cp_links.htm#educa Please take a look and hope you enjoy the site.
CommentsI've found your article on black panthers very interesting...but firmly believe they do exist. As Director of the EASTERN PUMA RESEARCH NETWORK, we have had several videotapes sent to us by witnesses who taped wild large "BLACK" panthers. We are conducting studies on the return of the puma, cougar, black panther into eastern North America...and have over 20,000 reports in files. Would you like to receive a free copy of our 2003 Stats of big cats and a FREE flyer entitled, "All You Need To Know About The Eastern Cougar". Please view our New-web site: www.epumaresearchnetwork.com Thank you. John A. Lutz
CommentsHi. I've been searching for information related to the yellow fever epidemic in Texas during the last 1800s. I enjoyed visiting your site. Tracy Dunlap WV
CommentsDear Mr. Block, Thank you for the exhaustive documentation you have provided to all the rest of us who are interested in the history of the Upper Texas Coast. My own interest is in the diary of Sgt. H.N. Connor, which your article indicated you have a copy of. My great grandfather served in Company A of Spaight's Battalion, so it seems that Mr. Connor was his company sergeant. The excepts from your article about Sgt. Connor's diary provided me with more direct information about the daily lives and activities of the men of Company A than any other document or publication I have ever seen, and I am very grateful to you for sharing it. I would like to know if there is any way that I could come to Beaumont to read your copy of Sgt. Connor's diary. Again, please allow me to thank you for the tremendous historical service you have provided to us all. Thomas Elliott
CommentsGreetings... I was looking for a picture of a black panther and encountered your web page with the ? as to their existence. I grew up in Jackson, Miss. but my grandfather lived in Lexington, Miss. just north of Yazoo City, Miss. At the bottom of his hill there was and (I think still is) a National Wilde Life Game Reserve. I was told that this is where these black panthers probably resided. They have been there for many years, as my mother who would be in her 50's saw them as she was a child and always swore to her husband that they were there. After they moved north following my grandfathers death, he continued to not believe her until one crossed the road in front of him one morning. It was not raining or cloudy or foggy, so there was no mistake in the color. This road is a (at least it was in '99) a gravel road, and the nearest blacktops were 5 miles in every direction. Could this "big cat" have been another breed? Good question. The gravel roads are approximately 12 - 14 feet wide, and this full grown black panther walked across the road, its tail gracefully behind it, extended but not dragging the ground and from nose to tip of the tail almost covered the width of the road. He quickly turned around and drove back to the house to apologize for ever disbelieving her. Another sighting was made by my youngest brother on his way home from deer camp. He was coming down the road, and one jumped across the road from one embankment to the other. His first thought was to jump out of his truck with his deer rifle saying "I'm going to shoot it", quickly reminding himself that there might be others. He got back in the truck and drove to my grandfathers house excited about seeing this huge black cat that my mother recalled hearing "scream like a woman in the night", when she was a child. I am unsure of my actual sightings, as I have always been strongly drawn to them. I prefer black panthers as my favorite of all big cats. I was always told the panthers there were protected by the game reserve, so I always believed that is where they lived too. However, they were always sighted above the game reserve up Yellowbluff Road. Technically the reserve is in Holmes County. I have not been back to Mississippi since '99, and have no one to contact there either to find out if they still hear the panthers screaming at night, or any other way to get more recent information for you. I wish I could have captured at least one in film as I love to take photographs, that would be the only shot I would recommend taking at any beautiful cat... Blessed Be... Rose
CommentsWT, Do you know when the 2004 Nederland High School Reunion will be? Carolyn wants to come if we can fit it in our schedule. Sam
CommentsYou have done a mountain of work. And you are the man to answer my question. I am trying to find the path of the Old Jefferson Road that ran from Jefferson to the area around Dallas. I have traced it west as far as Cumby (aka Black jack Grove on the western edge of Hopkins County. Can you help me? Thanks, Tom
CommentsDeat W.T, I am looking for information or advice on locating my family tree.....My great grandmother was a Vidaurri and her father was named Santiago Vidaurri and her mother was named Jaunita....no one in my family knows more then that.... if you can help, please.... anita
CommentsMy parent's families were employed in the timber industry in Jasper and Tyler counties beginning about 1910. From 1938 they both were in Warren. I graduated from Lamar in 1963 so share some of your comments. I have heard numerous stores about now forgotten mill sites in Jasper and Tyler counties since my grandparents lived to be 85-93 years. My mother frequently sends me your Enterprise articles. I live in Houston and will try to acquire some of your books. I would be particularly interested in any unpublished articles about Tyler county.
CommentsI have enjoyed reading W. T. Block's articles on Civil War-era Sabine Pass, especially for the insights given on the January 21, 1863 battle between "Uncle Ben" and "Bell" with the "Morning Light" and the "Velocity." I am researching the history of the "Morning Light" and I would like to hear from anyone who has archival information or leads about this ship and its crew.
CommentsI have enjoyed reading W. T. Block's articles on Civil War-era Sabine Pass and especially have benefited from the insights provided on the January 21, 1863 battle between the CSA "Uncle Ben" and "Bell" with the USS "Morning Light" and "Velocity." I am researching the history of the "Morning Light" and would like to hear from anyone else with this interest.
CommentsMr. Block, I absolutely love your articles. I am a history buff from Lake Charles and also a student at Lamar University. I have a few questions that I would like to ask you about the history of Johnson Bayou. Please contact me. Keep up the great work, it is very appreciated to those of us who have a love of regional history. phone 337-305-5303
CommentsGreetings, I work with Carlton Davis, a commercial photographer here in New York City. Carlton is working on a portrait project photographing entitled Black Men 101. The final product will be an art book containing 101 portraits of Black men in America. We have traveled the country photographing subjects for this project. We will be in Louisiana from February 22nd until March 8th. We will be in the Natchitoches Parish for a few days and then will head south to the Cajun region. We are hoping to spend time in the more rural areas to meet potential participants for this project. What would be great is if we could have a guide. I am wondering if you could suggest particular areas that would be good to visit, or for that matter particular individuals. I read your account of Skull Island and am greatly interested in that area. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Jenny Mclaughlin
CommentsI had a quick question. I have to write a paper for one of my classes. And I was wondering if Sabine Pass is actually in Sabine County. If you could please let me know this it would be really appreciated.
CommentsI was so pleased to see my grandfather, A. C. Mullins, mentioned in the history of Methodism in Port Neches. Thank you for your work.
CommentsW. T: This is one of the most interesting web-sites, ever read. John
CommentsDear Block, Concerning black panthers; I live in very southern Louisiana, and many hunters down here don't even consider these animals to be rare sights! In fact, ask any deer hunter of the marshes along the gulf, Grand Cheniere (mentioned in your article), or even the piney areas in the north if they've ever heard of black panthers in Louisiana and they'll probably tell you "Of course; I've seen them." and go into long stories about run-ins with the beasts or some exaggeration of the like (as hunters often do)... And I'm pretty sure these are actual black panthers and not some form of jaguar or something; we have many bob-cats down here, and these particular "black panthers" would be about triple the size of that. I've only seen one, on one occasion, and it was at dusk and nearly 100 yards in the distance; but make no mistake, it was a black panther. My father has pictures of its tracks in the mud.
CommentsMr Block: I'm the webmaster for http://proft.50megs.com/tx42frames.html, and I'm trying to resolve the legendary origin(s) of the domino game 42. Many say 42 started in east Texas; however, a recent publication says the game originated in north Texas (Garner). Do you have any information on the east Texas origin of 42? Would appreciate hearing from you (and anyone else with info) on this subject. Thanks. Paul Proft Former Port Arthur resident
Commentsthis site is really nice
CommentsDear Mr. Block, A few years ago I had a chance to speak with you during a BoyScout banquet at which you were our speaker. You discussed the history of Grigsby's Bluff and the history of the Atakapan Indians. One item of interest was of the Samuel Remley home being the only standing atebellum home. My wife and I currently own it, standing on 814 Neches Dr. Previously known as Riverside Drive and Figtree lane. If you dig down a foot our so you run into the broken shells from the indian mounds. Do you perhaps have any info on this house? We've found the listing in your book "The Sapphire City" but we're wondering if mayhaps you have any other documents. i.e. proof that we can print up? We are looking to sell our home soon and its historical background would be a great asset towards that aim. Also do you know if Remley branded the timbers he used in the construction of his home? Its all cypress and iron hard. I'm wondering if the 12x12's may have some mark on them from his sawmill. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
CommentsI am working on a doctoral dissertation through the University of Delaware. Part of my dissertation involves the Dutch settlement at Winnie, Texas. I would be interested in corresponding with Mr. Block about the sources he knows about dealing with that short lived settlement. Robert Schoone-Jongen Department of History Calvin College Grand Rapids, MI
CommentsDear Mr. Block, I am so excited I can hardly wait to go to work tonight. I just got the new issue of Reflections & I am eager to read it. I work graveyards & have time to read when we are not busy. I actually work on Sara Jane road (by Moalasses Slip). Your articles are great & I am eager to look over this website. Thank you for sharing your work.
CommentsI read your article on big cats in Texas. I once saw an unusual cat in Deweyville. Friends said it was ther supposedly extinct swamp panther. It had spots, but they were centered in squares which ran all over its body. I have never found any pics that looked like it. It stood at least three feet high and was about 4 feet long, not counting the tail. If you know anything about this cat, I would appreciate any information.
CommentsMr. Block: I just wanted to thank you for all the work you have done documenting my family history. You have a wealth of information and I am truly enjoying reading about my ancestors. I am so grateful for your efforts and your willingness to share them. Deborah McGaffey
CommentsI am doing a research paper on Pirates. I am seeking permission to use excerpts from a few of your internet articles. I will be happy to correctly credit your research as a reference. I just felt the need to "ask before using!" Kindly let me know. L. Moore
CommentsI love the information that you have compiled over many, many years of hard work, I am sure. Your web site is the most interesting that I have come across regarding East Texas. Thank you for sharing this information with the world.
CommentsW.T. Block The material which you have on the internet is certainly interesting and very well done. While recently documenting the experiences of my grandfather and other family members during the Great Galveston Storm of 1900, it became necessary to flesh out some of their background information in order to complete the story. In so doing, the name of H.N. Conner (a distant relative) came up on his Marriage Certificate. It stated that Frank Ayers Park and Laura Anne Gordon were married February 2, 1875, at the residence of H.N. Conner in Galveston, Texas. Laura and Sallie (Sally, Sarah) A. Gordon were sisters. Sallie was H.N.'s wife. On the first page of your excellent article "The Diary of 1st Sergeant H.N. Connor", Conner is spelled CONNOR. The facts given match our H.N. Conner. Would it be too great an imposition to ask if you would check your handwritten copy of his diary to see how he wrote his name on the muster roll? I ask this because I have many references to him, and outside of a few errant enumerators, the overwhelming majority use the spelling CONNER (including his uncle, Capt. David E. Conner, to whom you referred). Thanks for your assistance. Lewis Blunt 3-10-04
CommentsDear W.T. I think your website is just wonderful! I am researching my family lines, specifically, the Hardins and the Skinners. Both from Liberty, TX. I am descended from Benjamin Franklin Hardin (1803-1878), son of Swan Hardin and Jerusha Blackburn. Also Roswell Skinner (1806- 1897) who married Theodosia Dever (b?-1897). John F Skinner, son of Roswell, married Nannie Hardin (daughter of Frank and Cynthia O'Brien.) Right now, I am researching the Civil War with the Skinners and Hardins. Do you have any information on that by chance? Thanks so very much! Lyn Ribisi Lynribisi at hotmail.com
CommentsI was very happy to come upon your website. My husband, Samuel P. Cunningham was born in Beaumont and we have spent a lot of time researching genealogy as well as reading about the history of Beaumont. We have made several visits, and enjoy seeing both historical and personally significant sights there. Your site and your articles are a wonderful addition to our study of the history of the city.
CommentsW.T., I'd like to commend you on a fantastic site, and one I was lead to by one of my many cousins, Lew Blunt. You have posted The Diary of 1st Sergeant H. N. Connor. I also have a web site I would like to place this diary on, but first I'm asking if you would mind that I did. H.N. Conner was the husband of my half great grandaunt, Sarah (Sallie) Amanda Gordon. The URL for my site is http://gordonfamilygenealogy.homestead.com/index.html I would hope you would find time to visit and know that H.N.'s diary would certainly fit among some of my family stories.
CommentsMILLERS FLOWERS 1108 PORT NECHES AVE PORT NECHES, TEXAS 77651 PH 409-722-1202
CommentsI love and have many memories of Nederland--my father Dr Bedford Pace (mentioned in the history by Streetman--)and our family lived in Nederland --late 1930's and into 1940's--I can and would like to share stories of people and places I recall there during the 1940's
CommentsI have tried to answer your recent inquiry about synagogues in Tyler, etc. I use the email address on your message, but it is bouncing back. Don Teter Texas Jewish Historical Society
CommentsHello. My name is Wendell and I live in Lake Charles, LA. I wanted to let you know that I really enjoy your website. It is very informative to us Louisianaians. However, I was just wondering if you can tell me the origin of the name Monkey Island located in Cameron, LA. Thankyou.
CommentsI enjoyed reading of the history of our German ancestors. I grew up in Thorndale which was started by immigrants from the Ben Nevis through Serbin. Thank you for the site
CommentsI was raised south of Merryville,La. on the Bancroft Road. I live in the old River Dam area now. I know that panthers exist in this area, ask anyone in this area. My husband Jerry saw a chocolate colored panther run across the road in front of him. I had one to run across the road in front of me at Brushy creek bridge, & later while sitting on my porch, heard Molly & Freckles barking,I looked up to see 2 about half grown chocolate panther kittens coming from the branch onto the road, they went down the road back into the swamp.About a month ago, Jerry woke me about 2 AM saying to me, " Gina, get up, come out here & listen to the noise I hear," I did so & it was a panther hollering down in our pasture between our house & David & Missy Blackmons. It is a very errie feeling & will make you want to hide,believe me ,it is an very scarey sound. We listened & it sounded as if we could hear another one hollering, so we went to the front porch to listen, & sure enough, their was another one hollering , sounded as if it was out in front of our house on the flats where Boise has cut the timber. Needless to say, several guns were fired to run these things away, they were to close to our house. The next day, I called Baton Rouge Fish & Wildlife Dept. to report what we had heard, & that others in our community had also seen these cats to close to their house in broad open daylight. You know what they did? They put me to the Zoologist, who was very nice, but I wanted somebody to come up here & try to move the cats out of the Bevins area. Needless to say, they were not trapped. & yes they are still heard frequently. I believe these things are not afraid of people & that they are dangerous. Another thing that bothers me is that I have found some scratching in our vacant correl next to the garage. We use to have goats & Great Perimease dog but went out of the business 0ver a year ago. Some type animal is using the vacant open building area for his disposal of waste. The area is larger that a washtub & it is scratched in a circle, & the feces mound is about 11 or 12 inches in diameter, & about 7-9 inches tall & covered over with old hay. Tell me what type animal is doing this? Some say bobcat, some say fox, but Mr. Jerry Jerry say he just knows it is a big type cat, I say it is that dadburn panther getting to close to my house. But the signs continue & they are too big for a house cat. Let me hear others thoughts on this subject. Thanks, Mrs. Gina Grant
CommentsI do hope you received my E-Mail. If not, please contact me @337-825-6494, in regards to panthers around our house & in our pastures. Thanks, Mrs. Gina Grant
CommentsHello, my name is Cecilia Santos. And i need information on Edith Cooke Spencer. And all i found on her was about her family. Can you please help me??
CommentsDear Mr. Block: I found your web site looking into history of East Texas railroads. I am a history buff for steam powered devices, river boats, locomotives, saw mills, cotton gins, water well pumps, drilling rigs, pipe lines (there was one that I know of, farm tractors, or any device steam driven. One can not study the history of steam with out studying the industrial development and economic forces that drove the society. I live West of Houston and travel to the Golden Triangle frequently. If you have an office and receive guest, I would like to call on you. My interest is not only steam devices but any subject that is TEXAS history. There is a new museum and library that you may know about. It is the History Center in the middle of Diboll. The young fellow in charge is Jonathan Gerland. The museum is financed by Temple Inland or by the Temple Family. I don't know which. He has accumulated quiet a bit of history documents that you may be of interest to you. His e-mail is jgerland@txunet.net. I have looked with interest at your list of subject to see if Town Bluff is listed. My mother in law grew up there. Her father was a Hungarian stave maker who came to this country to earn a living. He later sent for his wife and child. The child is 93 years old and lives in Woodville. She has been in TEXAS 90 years. Nederland, Beaumont, and Orange is the home of more than half of the immigrants descendents, they raised a big family. You are surrounded by them. My compliments to you for your fine work and I'm looking forward to reading many of the documents you list. I particularly like the one titled THE NECHES RIVER COTTON STEAMBOATS: Every geographic place you mentioned, I'm quiet familiar with. I was born in Kilgore and have live most of my life between here and there. My briar patch is all of East Texas. Regards; Allan R. Cleveland
CommentsDear Mr. Block I am doing a research project on lynching and Judge Lynch Law. Would you happen to know the word-for-word oath given to the lynchers before they actually participated in the lynching? If you have it or any info on the oath, I would really appreciate it. Thank you
CommentsW. T., Please email me. I had a major computer crash and lost all my email addresses. het beste, Ron
CommentsGreat site I found you by accident and have bookmarked you
CommentsWT, My immediate family recently moved from Maryland via Louisiana for 5 years and now to Channelview TX. My mom was born and raised in Austin and Tyler, so I am half Texan, and proud of it. We recently visited the Alamo (4th time) with friends from Canada, I was very moved by their interest in the TX revolution. I picked up a map of the Alamo region's historical spots and now cannot find it. I want to visit the Houston area historical locations. Can you give me some pointers for day trips?
CommentsI have been seeing a black cat near wheeling wv. I have seen it twice. I called the game warden and he said it was not a cougar. so I began searching the net and what it is. it is a black panther. It is on my property. I seen it today. It is bigger then my Chow dog. I am scared to go outside now. Keeping dogs in and gun loaded. BJ
CommentsDear Mr. Block: I enjoyed your stories. Just wanted to let you know that Mexican panthers are still alive and well in the woods of Fayette County, Texas. We've seen two in the past four years, one--a black one---in broad daylight on our own land. (We live just off Nassau Road---site of the old German Nassau Plantation---outside of Round Top). According to the old-timers around here, Mexican panthers are a fairly common sight in these woods, and our own sightings appear to confirm that opinion. (I'm not speaking of bobcats, although those are here, too. These cats had long tails and were the size of a large dog.)
CommentsW.T., thank you for your website. I wanted to share with you a letter that I found in researching Edward Harris (an early settler of Jefferson Co.). You mention the murder of Smith in your history of Jefferson Co. and this letter by Harris to Rusk is concerning that murder. Please contact me at cbuenger@sbcglobal.net Best wishes, Carolynn Buenger
CommentsMr. Block, I am intrigued with your story about John Fletcher's buried treasure, for obvious reasons. How long ago was this story printed? Have you since heard of any expeditions to try to locate this treasure? My great grandfather was a Texas Ranger in Commanche county. My father died fighting a fire as a fireman at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton when I was 8 years old. I'm interested in the history of my family. Thank you.
CommentsSaturday May 01, 2004 Dear Sir: I have discovered that my great grandmother was born at Johnson Bayou in 1840, her name was lucretia court. Do you have any published work that might refer to her or her family? Also, the family tree shook in the wind and out came the name Reubin Barrow, Sr. Might you also have any published works that refer to him? He married Mary Jane Johnson, produced Elizabeth Barrow who married into the Barber clan. Thanks- and have a nice day. Lucretia McBride Houma, Louisiana
CommentsMr. Block, Thank you for your efforts and contributions to this site. I think it is simply outstanding! I hope to do something similar in the near future. I am in process of collecting history from the East Texas area that includes Laneville, Anadarko, Glen Fawn, Henderson, old "Freenytown", Big Springs, Mt. Pleasant, and Cushing. My family names are Spencer, Freeny, Hill, Vanzandt, Loftis, Devereaux, and Henry. I have traced all the way back to freed slaves on both my mother and fathers sides. I would appreciate in slave related history you may know of from these areas. I'm sure the Devereaux name must have a Louisiana connection, but I have not been successful in finding a link as yet. I may be contacted at Laneville99@yahoo.com sincerely, Brenda Freeny-Spencer
CommentsHello Bill, I have been trying to reach you by email but you must have changed your email address, I am Margaret Kothe Ignich and would like to know how your are doing. Write when you can
CommentsI am the Great Grandson of Joseph Grisby Smyth, Great-Great Grandson of G. W. Smyth - J. G. Smyth joined Keith's Company, Col. Griffin's Command of Artillery when he was 16 (1863) - Your articles gave me a sense of his service. - I do thank you!
CommentsDear Bill Didn't realize I had such a famous relative until I read more about your past. Congratulations for everything you have done and published. Hope you are in great health.
CommentsHello Mr. Block, I just read your article on black panthers and was thrilled to read the history you have saved for us to understand and also wanted to thank you for the article. I want to share an encounter I had with a black panther near the Mississippi River in White Castle La. I was walking my dog near the river about 1980 on a sunny day. I saw a black cat behind a tree about 20 feet away from me. The head of the cat seemed twice as big as a house cat and he stood about three times as tall as a house cat. It was so beautiful I started walking towards it. Then I realized it could harm me and I ran. The cat also ran away. I came back to the place where I saw the panther and put my dog on his trail. My dog went to the spot where the panther was and laid on her back kicking her legs in the air. My dog was never scared of anything but she was scared to follow the panther's trail. This told me that I had seen a dangerous animal and I was not just imagining it. Thanks again saving our history. Kenneth
CommentsHi Bill: Finally found your web-site again. Had used capital letters, instead of small ones. You have a great guestbook...and was proud to use it. Thanks,
CommentsI saw a black / dark chocolate panther or cougar about 6wks ago. Now, in some nearby woods, I have some very strong evidence of kittens. I tried to email you at an address that my sister forwarded to me. Apparently the address was not correct. I have cat track photos also. A good guesstimation of the cat weight is 75-85lbs combining the sighting and the tracks seen. If interested please email me back. Thank you, Sharon
CommentsMy father was born and raised up in Bessmay. It is nice to know where to go to get the stories from. My dad was born in 1936 and passed away in 2003, he would have loved this site. I came across your web page while doing family research on Newton Co.
CommentsDear Mr. Block: Recent research has found John W Rose, who enlisted in the Confederate Army with his father and three brothers. His Company D, Griffin's Battalion Texas Infantry military record (11 cards) is available for reading in San Antonio Central Library. He entered service on April 5, 1862 and served until June 1864.Two brothers were in the same unit, and in February 1864 they all went into Beaumont Confederate Hospital. Two of the brothers recovered, but John "died of disease" on June 6, 1864. I wondered what disease he had, and where he was buried. My approach: 1 Texas Handbook has 500 entries for Beaumont but none for Confederate Hospital in Beaumont. 2 You wrote an article "Early Southeast Texas "Docs" were Medical Men of Iron" for the Beaumont Enterprise-Journal on November 8, 1980, in which there is an enticing citation to "Surgeon EA Pye, Commandant of Beaumont's Confederate Hospital in the courthouse [in the Civil War] . . . his surviving letters, published in Southwestern Historical Quarterly are virtually the only source of Beaumont's history for the years 1864–1865." 3 Your list of WT Block papers has none in SWHQ. 4 The recently announced (El Paso TSHA) Southwestern Historical Quarterly Online allowed a search for EA Pye, but there was nothing. Of course, Pye's name may not have been in the title. 5 Search online for Beaumont Confederate Hospital + cemetery found nothing. My questions: 1 Do you know who published the EA Pye letters in SWHQ? When? Citation? 2 Are there records for the Confederate Hospital deaths/burials? Your help will be appreciated. Frank Kiel 133 Skyline Drive Comfort TX 78013 830 995–3238
CommentsHELLO WT. I READ YOUR ARTICLE IN THE MID COUNTY WIPER TODAY. IF I DID NOT KNOW BETTER YOU SOUNDED LIKE ANDY ROONEY.
CommentsMr. Block, I have some info on Cornelia Van Oostrom Vanderweg which I would like to e-mail to you, however I can't determine your web address. If you will send it, I'll e-mail my info. Guy Van Cleve, Jr.
CommentsJune 1, 2004 Myself and a companion saw a black cat, comparable in size to a mountain lion on a ranch 10 miles North of Hebbronnville, Texas this evening at 8pm with the sun behind us and the cat in front at a distance of about 100 yards. It was clearly black as the green bushes adjacent were clearly green at the same time.
CommentsI am always looking for information about the Mott's from Marshall, Jefferson, Lodi or Dreeson family around the same area. I think Milt Mott was a sheriff. My family is building a family tree of sorts. Some are buried at the Bear Creek Cemetery. Any information would be appreciated.
CommentsIn your excellent article about " ...Jews and Judaism in the Golden Triangle of Texas" you referred to the Rogers Brothers. I may be the last living first cousin of Nate, Sol, Ben and Victor. I live in Israel with my five children, 28 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, having emmigrated to Israel 36 years ago. I last saw the Rogers family including their Mother, Minnie (my father's sister) in Beaumont 58 years ago. I would appreciate your advising me if any of the Rogers' offspring have any residual ties to Judaism and Israel and would like to be in touch with me. An e-mail address for them, if available, would be appreciated. Thank you. Harold (Hanoch) Zeitlin of Jerusalem
CommentsWhat a treasure you are!
CommentsEnjoyable and informative!
CommentsDear Mr. Block, George Braud (from Pt. Neches) just loaned me his copy of Sapphire City of the Neches (signed 1987). I am truly enjoying the reading and am searching for a copy for my dad, who grew up on the Keith farm. Aaron Keith, of Port Neches, was my great uncle. I am starting my search for the book via Harvestsearch.com. If you know of any better way to find a copy of the book, please let me know. It would truly be a pleasure to meet you, especially to chat about Port Neches area and family. Yours respectfully, Pat B. Doughty
CommentsHello Mr. W. T. We published your article, "They Dream of Killing the Bears" in our December issue of Bayed Solid magazine. We sent you a copy for your "library." It was so nice to visit with you by phone. We received numerous compliments on your article. The other day, 6/14/2004 we received an email from a man who is the great grand son of Warren Brown, one of the men mentioned in your article. His name is Calvin Warren Brown and he stated he has a book of stories that his grandfather wrote back in the 1890's. He is going to start sending us some to print for publication in our magazine. We're excited because we enjoy the ones you write about during the same era. Just wanted to say thanks again for keeping history alive.
Commentsmr block, my name is vickey, and i am a relitave of cleveland s. roy. i have a document on him from 1913 and need to know if anyone is interested in it. my cell number is 281-433-0865. thanks, i talked to you regarding my family (roy) in port arthur in 2000. thanks again.
Comments
CommentsI have recently discovered your wonderful, historical record of my home town, Orange, Texas. I am 64, lived away from Orange all my adult life, but now I am writing novels, with Orange as the setting and am interested in getting my historical facts accurate. Your research is a marvelous addition to that happening. I am especially searching for prehistory information about the Attakapas. What little I have found, mostly has been from your work. Thanks a million!!
CommentsDear W. T., I am the daughter of Edward & Doris Block, the granddaughter of Everett & Vivian Block, the great granddaughter of George & Mollie Block, etc.. You & I have spoken on the telephone at least twice through the years, but it has been quite some time since we last spoke. I appreciated the stories you told about our family, especially your personal recollections of my grandparents, Everett Joseph Block & Lawrence Vivian Chopin Block. My husband & I don't own a computer, but I am typing on my Mom & step dad's computer. My brother, Lane Ray Block, helped me find your website. I am not very computer savvy, but I have been taught the basics, by my Mom & brother. I have enjoyed looking at many of the various things on your website for the past three hours or so. When we discuss our Block Family History, your name always comes up. Just today, my first cousin, Ronald "Ronnie" Block, Jr.; came by our house to share with me some information he has found on our grandmother's side of the family, the Chopin-side. We appreciate you, your time spent preserving family history as well as local history. Please know that having BLOCK-blood in us has always been a very proud thing. Our family truly were respected pioneers of this area. Since I don't have a computer of my own, if you would like to speak to me again, about our family, it would have to be by telephone, 962-6132. I thank you for your time, and I hope you are doing well! Sincerely, Kay L. (Block) Bourghs
CommentsI love this site!
CommentsI am a great-great grandson to Adrian J. Elings. I very much enjoyed your writings on him and his family. I now reside in Houston, TX and am interested in visiting Nederland. Can you tell me if the Orange Hotel still exists?
CommentsW. T., Your website is very impressive, and you are truly a prolific writer. I am currently doing research for an article on Confederate conscription in Louisiana (ideally part of a larger study on the home front in that state). I thoroughly enjoyed your article on jayhawkers and the story of your grandpa Duncan Smith. I would like to correspond with you regarding using this material in my article or obtaining a copy of some of the diary entries you mention. I'd appreciate it if you would contact me. Again, congratulations for all of the hard work that you've put into your website. John
CommentsI read your paper on Cassandra Deye Owings Van Pradelles with interest. We just had a notion of the lore of "lost at sea" but you have greatly expanded the story of her life. I can tell you that Benedict Van Pradelles advertised in the Lexington Gazette for a lost pocket book containing papers in French in 1790 near Owings Station. On August 28th, 1822 Thomas Jefferson wrote Henry Clay petitioning him to collect debt from Col. Thomas Deye Owings from a complex business transaction with W.C. Nicholas. On February 12, 1836 Stephen F. Austin wrote about Col. Owings raising two regiments of Kentukians for the Texas Revolution - I believe arriving in time for the Battle of San Jacinto - his son Robert Smith Owings died at Goliad.
CommentsDear Sir, I have so enjoyed reading much of this web-site. My g-g-grandfather was in the 21st, Company C. He was James E. Ferguson. I assume that he fought at Niblett's Bluff and then was sent on the Wave back to Sabine Pass. I have been led to believe that he was a musician. Do you know if that is possible? Do you have any information on him? Thanks, Dorothy Newberry
CommentsHello, My name is Randy Ware and I stumbled across your website about Nederland by accident. As you can see by my last name I am the grandson of "Johnny Ware". My father was John Ware, Jr. and my mother is Gloria "Gish" Ware. My grandfather on the Gish side was the Mayor of Nederland when they did the big annex. Funny you never mentioned the Gishes. Anyway, I really enjoyed your site. Thanks for the memories, Randy Ware, Lincoln, Nebraska
CommentsI´m looking information from Indalecio Vidaurri, son of Santiago Vidaurri and Juana Maria Vidaurri.
CommentsStill searching for the origins of Isaac Ashworth...but interesting stuff all the same.
CommentsI am looking for old photos or illustrations (1836 to present) of Sabine Pass, specifically the sawmill, Sabine and Griffin forts, the Eastern/East Texas Railroad, the 1886 hurricane, developer Arthur Stilwell, the Kountz brothers, Sun Oil Company. Do you know where I might find these to use/purchase? I need hiqh quality as they will be enlarged for a display.
CommentsWhile doing research for the Cameron Parish Archives (http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/la/cameron.htm), I came across your wonderful site. There are several articles about Cameron Parish that I think would be very interesting to add to our pages. Would you please contact me so that I may discuss this with you further? Thank you, Cameron Parish Archives File Manager http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/la/cameron.htm
CommentsI am doing research on Louis Marion (Born in mid 1800's in France) who married a caddo Indian named Paula Uroche. I have not found anything with such surname. They lived in Gillispie County. Any information on either is greatly appreciated. You may email me at Webmaster@Tipoftexk9rescue.org
CommentsI have been reading your column for years , keep it up!! Joe Melancon (Ex Port Neches guy)
CommentsMy husband is a descendant of James Gilbert Taylor. His Ggfather was Walter B. Taylor, oldest son of J. G. I have been doing research on this family. Really was elated to find your site. Do you by any chance have any info about J. G.'s parents or siblings. Also any info on where he is buried as I record all burial sites with my research. We visited several cemeteries in the area , finding some of his children. From what I found, J. G.'s wife Elvira later married an Odom. Looking forward to your answer. Lola Fregia
CommentsDear Mr. Block, I have recently moved to Frankston, Texas. I am formerly from Dallas. The people in Frankston readily say that sightings of black panther(s). Also there are sightings of a mountain lion around Lake Palestine from time to time. In the past, I guess 60 70 years ago I am told residents would never go out at night because of panthers. David Piland
CommentsI am researching Bonsall's; not just my own family but as many references I can find to establish a huge network. Anyway, via a few web searches I found the Cameron, LA, Bonsalls, namely Dr. Isaac and his father Isaac, and possibly Dr. Isaac's son, although I am not certain if he is a son or a nephew. Anyway, based on your website, Isaac senior was married to your Aunt Lizzie (maybe a great aunt?). Anyway, some of your text seems a little uncertain on his birth date so I thought I would pass on this information. You believe Dr. Isaac was born around 1853. I know from his headstone in Cameron Cemetery, that he was born on 11/01/1852. The source is given below. Source: http://home.att.net/~lvhayes/Genealog/Cems/Cam/first.txt First Cemetery Of Cameron, Cameron, Louisiana Thank you for your help via your website, its a great site, congratulations. I notice you have a cousin Jim Bonsall (my own name). Do you know if he was the son of Sylvester, and if there is any member of his family that have a family tree?
James Bonsall Earthsound Archaeological Geophysics James@earthsound.net www.earthsound.net
CommentsBeing a direct descendant Of Col. Nathaniel Clifton, I really enjoy reading the story of the " Raid on the Calcasieu "! My dad, who is deceased now, shared with me many more stories as a child of that raid that was told to him by Nathan Clifton ( Grandpa Clifton ),who was the son of Nathaniel and also the last living confederate soldier in SW Louisiana. He died in 1939. Rumor had it that Crocker brought Nathaniel to New Orleans where Nathaniel died. There is a family account of Nathan going to New Orleans and searching for his father in hospital and for burial record, but nothing surfaced about his where a bouts, another version is that Nathaniel was shot and thrown over board before living Cameron. Who knows what really happened.... I love local history and love teaching it also.... keep up the good work! Brian Hudson
CommentsDear Mr. Block, By accident, I came across a newspaper clipping from July 1999 about Sterling Spell swimming cattle across the Neches River. Sterling Spell is my Great-great-great grandfather, and while doing family history, I haven't had much luck with any detailed information about him or his family. I just have some names (Benegar Spell, Dorothea Foreman, and their parents.) I was wondering if perhaps you had any information to articles or links about this family. Anything at all would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time!
CommentsMr. Brock, I briefly had e-mail contact with you several years ago pertaining to Eli Berwick of Johnson's Bayou, La. I have started up my research of the family at this time. I was recently in Johnson's Bayou and discovered an ancestor buried on the Pierce Ranch. I got the impression from a conversation with Nola Mae Ross of Lake Charles, that you might be a descendent of this family. In your articles, you stated that Eli Berwick came to settle in Johnson's bayou about 1822. In a document I have, it indicates he was born in 1822. I was wondering if you might contact me and give me some idea where your information came from to see if it would help clear up information. I am attempting to put together a booklet for my children about the Berwick family and would like to get the information as correct as possible. Any help would be appreciated. I am planning a trip back to Johnson's Bayou to visit with a cousin, Archie Berwick, in October in hopes of obtaining some more information. I am a 5th generation Berwick on my Mother's side of the family.
CommentsHi, my name is Ann Nordsell and I am a descendant of Captain Jean LaFitte. When my Grandmother's family came over here from France, they changed their name from LaFitte to LaVergne because of the stigma of being related to Jean LaFitte, the paid mercenary hired for service to kill by the US Government. Anyway, I really enjoyed this website as I found out a lot of good information on good ole' Great Great Grandad! Did you know that Jean LaFitte had a lazy left eye (he wore a patch over it) and that me, my mom, my brother and everyone on my mom's side of the family had that same lazy left eye! We wore a patch over our right eye to make the muscle in our left eye stronger. Amazing how strong genetics can be carried down the lines of lineage. I would love to know where else I can find out good info on M. LaFitte.
CommentsHello Mr. Block. My name is Selina Sills. I am a descendant of Christian Hillebrandt, born 1793 in Denmark. We are having a surprise birthday party for my grandfather, Isaac Elisha Hillebrandt, on Aug. 28th, 2004 at the Vidor Community Center from 11am til approx. 6pm. This will be a reunion for the Smiths from Leesville, La and the Hillebrandts as well. If you or anyone in relation would like to attend, we'd be honored. Thanks for all the great information you have made available to all of us related to this family. Take care!
CommentsThanks for the information on Nederland. It is always nice to run into someone who knew my Mom and Dad way back when. Thanks.
CommentsDear Mr. Block, I accidentally came across your interesting site while trying to trace my ancestor, Emilia von Rorhdorf. She would have been born around 1800, and lived in the Texas Hill Country in Dripping Springs or San Marcos. Either her brother or son became a composer and the family apparently brought a Bechstein piano with them from Europe when they immigrated. The only von Rorhrdorf I've found any information about was a swiss colonel, botanist and painter who arrived in 1847 and died soon after. Do you, or anyone reading this have any idea how I can find out more about my great-great grandmother Emilia's family? Any help would be deeply appreciated. Ps. I'm also curious as to where and how she could have learned a little Yiddish. (Apparently she used to use a yiddish expression to my mother, which seems odd considering the time and place, and both her husband, Edgar S. Gregory, and her being Christian.)
CommentsI do appreciate your guess book. I am E L rocky Rochester born and bread in the southwestern part of the state, Born in Oberlin, Allen Parish, Yes I am very familiarly with the areas. I am work on a manuscript its place along the Texas border and Louisiana in to big Thickets area. "Shadow riders" could use some description from any one on Jayhawkers from Louisiana. I have much on the Arkansas jayhawkers as well as the Kansas Jayhawkers need info from Mr. Block, because by accident his surname is in my new book that I am working on. e-mail address is rocky111@oz-ar.net
CommentsMr. Block, I bounced into your webpage while searching for details concerning the indictment of James A. Burris, Augustine Blackburn Hardin, and Harrison W. Goyne, in 1840, for having caused a riot ending with an assault, in San Augustine. Goyne was the brother of one of my ancestors. While I found no mention of the incident, I was amply rewarded by being able to read many of the splendid tales told in your articles. Thank you for making them available to a country boy in Central Texas.
CommentsMr. Block, Your article discussing Skull (Negro) Island was very interesting. I did a search and was able to find a map of the Mermentau River / Grand Lake area and found an island labeled "Negro Island" which I believe to be the one to which you are referring. The web address is provided below. http://terraserver.microsoft.com/image.aspx?t=2&s=14&x=163&y=1035&z=15&w=1
CommentsI came upon your website (Black Cats) on a google search for info on the mythical Tx. black panther. A woman on a gardening chat list this morning mentioned a panther that lives in her vicinity, in a rural area near Marshall. She reported having heard it scream on occasion and that she had seen it eating it’s self-caught dinner behind her garden shed on more than one occasion. The nature of the garden web is such that I can't get her email address. I have queried her about the report but haven't heard back on the chat list. Back in the early seventies, I went with my husband one day to a very remote area in the east Tx. piney woods north of Livingston somewhere. I don't know where exactly it was. We were exploring land to buy on a veteran's land offer by the state. This particular plot was unreachable by road but my husband had some kind of a map. We went down a dirt road to the end and found a family with a cabin, a weekend place. The man was willing to take my husband by foot to the area where the land was for sale. As they left, the wife warned the men to watch out for the panther. It seems that the family had seen, from a distance, a black panther in their area several times and had heard it scream on others. Since then I've been intrigued by the black panther mystery and have done some internet research from time to time. The Tx. Parks and Wildlife Dept. denies that a black cougar exists. They say one has never been captured or killed. I have seen ocelots, margays and jaguarundis at a desert museum near Tucson. They had all 3 colors of jaguarundi there. They are significantly smaller, at least these were, than even a small cougar. So, I'm intrigued by the mystery and always on the alert for any reports of sightings. I know that the people who report seeing black panthers really believe they saw one, and I do believe they saw something feral, feline and dark colored. Barb
CommentsW.T.: I've thoroughly enjoyed keeping up to date with all the cougar/panther reports in your guestbook. Just received a videotape of a Texas Bear & Coyote Hunt...that attracted a cougar, who's seen at 15 yards watching from dense underbrush the "human' hunters. The tape was made by a Texan named Wayne Carlton. Rebecca has participated in 8 teen pageants but has failed to post in any. I made contact with a pageant consultant, who watched her from the audience, without her knowledge. Later, Betty Burns told me that Beka is pageant material, but has some rough edges. So now we are going to a speech/interview consultant, because they appear to be her weak points. I'm enjoying these pageants as much as Beka. While she's at rehearsals, I go around various towns and counties putting up "Wanted -Cougar" posters. They've generated numerous new reports & I have given live interviews with local AM & FM Radio DJs & interviews with newspaper writers. Its lots of fun. I'll keep in touch.
CommentsHello my name is Marina Frels, I'm from Germany. I've read on this site (http://www.rootsweb.com/~txdewitt/taufrecords.htm) that there have been humans called Frels and now I want to know whether there are any more Frels in your town and state. With many greetings Marina Frels from Germany
CommentsHello fellow Blocks, I have been out of touch for quite sometime, but I wanted to know how all the Texas Blocks are doing. I was in Port Neches in February for the unfortunate business of putting my grandfather, Joseph Harmon Block, Sr. to his final rest. As far as I know it, he was the last Block on Block Street in Port Neches. Of course there are relatives there still, but none with the Block surname. Walking through Oak Bluff again and pondering over the still waters of Block's Bayou brought back a lot of memories. I hope, now that the family in that area is dissolving and their decedents dispersing, that I can go back there again, someday, and remember a less hurried life. My grandfather once showed me a file that W. T. Block, Sr. had set to rest in an elbow joint of a tree. Having forgotten the file, the tree grew around it. All that was left of that file, during my last trip, was a 1/4 of an inch of American steel. I hope that you are all well. Sincerely, Dietrich Block son of Joseph H. Block, Jr., M.D. and grandson to Joseph H. Block, Sr.
CommentsIt's good to visit the site again, after a number of years, and see it still up and running! -Dietrich Block
CommentsMr. Block: This is to advise that your Robert S. Patton (riverboat captain) married our Eliza A.(Smith)Thomas, daughter of Saul G. Smith and Nancy Talitha Ann Dobson, bef 6-28-1857. Robert was Eliza's 2nd husband. Saul and Talitha Smith were my maternal GGGrandparents. I think we have proof in Bennett's letter: Quotes from a letter written by her brother Bennett A. Smith dated June 28, 1857: " . . . Eliza she mared Robt A. Pattan and is now at Madison (now called Orange) about the head of tide water on the Sabean. Bob Pattan is an old steam boat man. He lost a boat last fawl and brought out in Sabine & is lying up this summer at that place." Regards, Mary Jo Hinchliffe 8-30-2004
CommentsWe just found out from a neighbor that a "black panther" was spotted in our area. We have had goats chickens and cats eaten in the last few months. He told us that the Vet behind us Dr Kanope and tow of his associates found a calf half eaten by a creek and followed the creek up to find a "black panther". I thought the cats were a myth and am now a little concerned.
CommentsDear Mr. Block: I would love to know more about the Sabine River's history, circa 1960-1970. According to my sources, a lot of bodies turned up in the Sabine River. It ever speculated that one killer was responsible, or were there rumors of corrupt law enforcement's involvement? Feel free to contact me with any information you yield.
CommentsMy name is Kathy Cunningham and I am a researcher for a deep-water archaeology firm in Tampa, Florida who is in the process of researching the passengers and crew of the SS Republic (shipwrecked October 1865). Please see our website (http://www.shipwreck.net), the National Geographic website (http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0409/feature7/index.html) and the current (Sept. 1, 2004) edition of the National Geographic magazine. The SS Republic sank on its way from New York to New Orleans carrying a passenger named Charles S. Sauvinet (survivor of the shipwreck) of New Orleans. Mr. Sauvinet's father, Joseph Sauvinet, I believe, was an associate of Lafitte's and I am looking for hard evidence to support that theory. If you go to: http://book-smith.tripod.com/lafitte.html, it states, referring to Marie Josephe, the only known child of Pierre Lafitte and Adelaide Maselari that in the 1830 New Orleans city directory, "Marie Josephe was recorded as living at 141 Hospital St, New Orleans (with the Sauvinet family)." Further, if you click on: http://dl.tamu.edu/Projects/sodct/delara2.htm, it states that Joseph Sauvinet was a corsiar. I am essentially contacting you "blind" after finding your website featuring material on Lafitte. If you have no information, please pardon the intrusion on your time. Soon we will be opening a museum on the shipwrecks we've done work on, and the story of the SS Republic is going to be "told" by those aboard the ship. Additionally, PBS is doing a special on the shipwreck, also "told" by members of the crew and the passengers. I am hoping that you might know of Mr. Durfee and may be able even to link him to the SS Republic and point us to information on him, images or photos of him, etc.
Most sincerely, Kathy Cunningham Research Department Odyssey Marine Exploration 5215 W. Laurel Street Tampa, Florida 33607 USA 813-876-1776 Ext 248 813-876-1777 Fax www.shipwreck.net kathy@shipwreck.net
CommentsMr. Block, Charles Cronea was my g-g-g-grandfather. I appreciate your presence and contribution to the dedication of the historical marker at his gravesite at the High Island Cemetery several years ago. I am new to genealogy and am doing some research into this side of my family tree. I see in your article "JEFFERSON COUNTY'S ROLE DURING THE TEXAS REVOLUTION" that an Archie Richie is listed. Charles Cronea's first wife was Amanda Johnson Ritchey, sister of Benjamin Johnson and widow (I believe) of Archibald Ritchie. Is this the same "Archie Richie" and do you have any more information on him and/or his marriage to Amanda? I see in another article "Jacob Harmon Garner A Jefferson County Militiaman of the Texas Revolution" there is a Joseph Richey listed. Do you have any more information on him? Any information that you may have will be greatly appreciated. I also love your articles in the Beaumont Enterprise! Thank you, Karen Richardson
Commentshttp://www.geocities.com/pempeld/vsfd.html#pictures www.vistacharts.com www.stephentakacs.com
CommentsFound your site by researching my Russell family of Mississippi. I believe my John Russell was brother of Duncan Smiths wife. Anyway you have a very interesting site cant wait to read more of the stories on your web site.
CommentsDear Mr. Block, I've been an admirer of your work and your website for over a year, as I discovered it while doing research on East Texas. Would you please tell me whether your Cotton Bales book includes any information re steamboat traffic on the Angelina during the same period?
CommentsW.T., What a beautiful and fun piece on Otis! My prayers are with you as you deal with your huge loss!! I really enjoyed visiting your web site for the first time tonight! It's wonderful! Much love, heather petkovsek
CommentsWe've just discovered your website, and we know that our relatives originated from the Beaumont -Orange area. We have little information other than the fact that our grandfather was born on 09-21-1898, in the Beaumont-Orange area. His name was HALL SAMUEL GENTZ, and he was called "Shorty". He died in September, 1978, after living for many years in Waldron, Arkansas. While he was living he married LEILA LOUISE LITTON, my grandmother. I was wondering if you would be so kind to send us some Internet links to sites where we can gather some information about my grandfather OR possible if you have gathered any data during your research if you could send a bit to us. My brother and I would be extremely interested. Thanks so much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Charles R. Gentz & Curtis S. Gentz 800-999-9594 Toll Free in Las Vegas, Nevada
CommentsDear Mr. Block, We already have more information! My aunt tells me that our grandfather, HALL SAMUEL GENTZ, was fathered by WELBY DUNBAR GENTZ, born about 1872, and that Welby married Sarah Belle (Ferris or Fairis?) Broussard, who was born 04-19-1878, died 05-08-1968 buried in San Jacinto Cemetery, Greens Bayou on the Market Street Road. So, rather than supply info about H.S.Gentz, we would appreciate any family tree information or website links about WELBY DUNBAR GENTZ instead! We believe our ancestors immigrated to the Port Neches area between 1850 and 1900, but cannot confirm it. Bless you for any help you can provide. Sincerely, Curtis Gentz & Randy Gentz
CommentsSir I have a short story on the black panther section of your site. You might be interested.
CommentsGreetings W. T...from wild, wonderful & cold West Virginia. Haven't chatted with you in quite a while & thoguht I'd send this message. Cougar sightings have gone wild across eastern North America....and last night, I watched an old movie entitled, "Creature of Boggy Creek---The Foulke, Arkansas Monster" that terrorized the Sulfer River Bottoms & Boggy Creek in the early to mid-1970s. Do you or did you ever have any paperwork on this cresture??? Hope all is well with you??? We got Rebecca enrolled to be a contestant in the Miss USA Teen West Virginia Pageant to be held in Days Inn at Flatwoods, WV on Friday thru Sunday, Oct. 22nd - 24th. We will let you know how she makes out & it will be televised on WV PBS Stations. More later, John
CommentsI have a copy of the Joint report of the commissioner of the US and Republic of Texas when they surveyed the boundry of the US and ROT in l841. It came from the library of Congress and is very interesting. Would you like a copy of the cop?
CommentsDear Mr.Block, I heard from an old aunt of mine (now deceased) that our family had been traced back to a Prussian ship builder who migrated to what is now the Golden triangle area. Yesterday I was in Beaumont having lunch with some fellows and chewing the fat. When the fact that I had roots in teh area came up one of the fellows gave me your name. I looked you up on hte net and lo and behold we are both decendants from old George Frederick Block. By any chance do you have any history on him? By the way my connection was found on you son's family tree which stopped wjth Charles irving block on page 13. My mother is Gloria Iwana Block Reyna who is a live and well in Brenham Texas. Thanks in advance...hope I get to meet you some day! Benjamin Ray Reyna (and now a grandfather) 2502 Parkview Pearland, Tx 77581 tx388@sbcglobal.net
CommentsW. T.: You and I delivered papers during the same session at the East Texas Historical Association Fall Meeting in Nacogdoches on Saturday, September 21, 1996. Since then, I've been busy writing, and recently I've teamed up with Greg Riley and together we are now writing a book about the Yount-Lee Oil Company, Frank Yount, Pansy Yount, and the other colorful cast of characters as we describe their saga: Black Gold to Bluegrass. As you know, Yount started out in Sour Lake. In order to get some background information on how it was to have lived in Sour Lake, Batson, and Saratoga during the early 1900s up to about 1923, I need to determine something. Your book on Sour Lake: From Mud Baths to Millionaires; does it have a lot of this type material. Thanks, Fred
CommentsTrying to find location of Rustville, La. it was a Gulf Lumber Co. turpentine town 1907.
CommentsMy wife came back yesterday from a visit to her mother in Louisiana and brought back some old family pictures. Looking on the Jefferson County website I found the link to the families of Nederland. Thanks to your article, the family tree has a few more branches, limbs, twigs, and leaves. Thanks.
Commentsgood site
CommentsMr. Block, I am trying to research some maritime records dating to the 1840's in Sabine Pass. I am a student of Dr. Wooster at Lamar and he recommended that I contact you. Please contact me and I will give you more specific information on what I am looking for. Thank you. Respectfully, Brian
CommentsI read your article about jaguar's and black cats in Texas and wanted to pass this on. I was riding with my brother in his truck in 1996 on his hunting lease near Shepard Texas, when a large black cat darted in front of us, within 50 feet. His length including his tail spanned the narrow dirt road. He slammed the brakes and we got out with our rifles but the cat was not in sight. The tracks were large, abut 5 inches across. We told other men on the lease about it but none believed us. The next year a bowhunter saw this same cat, while in his stand. He took aim and was intending to shoot it when it ran. The cat was about 24 to 30 inches tall, body length of 3 to 4 feet and long thick tail as long as it's body. I was stocky and powerful with a sleek head. The cat was black with mottled markings in the black. We have no idea what it was but we know it was real. I called the Texas wildlife commission and they did not believe me. They were not interested in researching it, checking the tracks or anything. I believe there are more, but they have survived by steering clear of man. Just wanted to share this. My brother and I are avid hunters and experienced woodsmen. These cats still exist, no matter what the "experts" tell us. Thanks
CommentsMr. Block, I recently found an article that you wrote for The Beaumont Enterprise where you mentioned the Munger T Ball. I found this article very interesting. My great uncle Clyde Stallings was one of the crewman killed on this tanker. I would be very interested in any other information you may have on this ship or any directions you could lead me in. I have photos of Clyde and family history on our family. Thank you very much
CommentsDear Bill, We last communicated in 2002 concerning Pelham Humphries. Many positive things have occured since we were last emailing each other. I have a need to engage your services for strictly historical purposes. Please contact me. Regards, Wayne Hodge
CommentsMy name is Brooke Kervin and I work for the Corps of Engineers at Millwood Lake in Ashdown, Arkansas. I am researching the White Cliffs area for an interpretive program. I notice in this page there were comments about White Cliffs. If you have any information please contact me at the address below. Thank You!
CommentsMr. Block! Greetings! Not as busy as you I see, but I have found a good press to read my Neutral Zone book. May I put you down as one able to read and appraise manuscript? I would be very grateful. shgordon@cttel.net Sarah H. Gordon 127 Morse St. Whitneyville, CT 06517 (203) 562-1141
CommentsOn Friday, October 22, 2004, while playing golf at the Golf Club of McKinney, I and two other golfing friends spotted a black animal with all the features of a black panther on one of our fairways that butt up to a heavily wooded area. The golf club is relatively new, just three years old and I feel quite certain that we displaced many wild life animals, but I never expected to see a panther. I am trying to get in touch with Jim Dunlap of the Heard Museum to see if anyone else has reported this, but have not as yet been successful. Do we three need our eyes examined, or is it possible that a panther DOES reside in this area?
CommentsW.T. Just read your article about the Water Mills in Newton county. Carolyn wants to know anything you have on Watt Wilson. He was C.O.Wilson's uncle. He was always known as Old Man Watt. So he must have been some years older than Carolyn's Grandfather. We have finally found that the family came from Magnolia SPrings,in Jasper County and not Newton County.
CommentsHowdy WT, my name is John Gray. I am a descendant of Captain Goss and thoroughly enjoyed the recount of the Dan, as well as your other accounts of the area, including Gray Moby. Thank you and God bless is Jesus' name.
CommentsI read the articles about the black panthers and thought I'd give a little input. There have been many sightings of Black Panthers in one particular part of Louisiana. Over the past few years, there have been many separate occasions of Panther sightings in the southern part of Jackson Parish around the Jonesboro area. My grandfather said that he saw one crossing a road with a cub, and a few other people have seen more than one panther on occasions. From what I've gathered it seems like they are just staying in the woods of the South end of Jonesboro....but I've heard of another sighting on the northeast end of the town...which is probably about 10 miles distance from the other sightings. Just to clear it up, these sightings were within the past 5 years...with about 4 of the sightings in the past 2 years and 2 sightings this year alone....in the same area. I'm just interested in what other people can tell me about the Black Panthers. Any comments are greatly appreciated.~ thanks
CommentsI have recently come into a share of Cotton Belt Oil Corporation Stock. It was issued in 1939 with a face amount of 40,000.00 Do you know anything about this company or about what may have become of this company. I read in some of your research that many oil companies were started in the area around the railroad. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
CommentsMy Name is Dusty Ray Fletcher, Grandson to Alta Fletcher and Charles Fletcher. My Father is Rex Fletcher. His children are Melissa, Myself and my twin Rusty Fletcher. I just found this web site trying to look up Rhonda and Amanda Posey (my Aunt and cousin) Address so I could surprise them on T-Day this year, as I came across this site. In any case, I just want to congratulate who ever made this site, I only wish there were Recent photos of our family in here. If you can get in contact with me I have a few that could be scanned and placed on here for our whole family to view and show there friends.
CommentsI'm researching the British Brigantine Volant or Volante. It was captured at the mouth of the Rio Grand Nov 3, 1863 during the Civil War. If you have any info as to what happened to this Brig after captured I would appreciate hearing from you.
CommentsMr. Block, I am delighted to have found your website! I was born and raised in Beaumont, from family born in Louisiana, and when I read your articles I can see the places in my mind. I once braved the laughter of my co-workers at Central Freight Lines to walk out into a pasture near the terminal to determine if there was actually a grave out there, or just a wellhead or some such. The laughter stopped abruptly when I reported it to be a grave. I currently live in the very southeastern-most corner of Leon County, about a half-mile from the Trinity River in an area best known as "Elwood" or "Tanyard" off of FM 1119. I am here to say that the black cats are alive and well in this area. Although sightings are rare, I was blessed with a daytime show from a kitten (?) chasing a coyote across the road and into a pasture about 3 years ago. The "kitten" probably weighed about 40 lbs.-- so incredibly black, and from the angle I watched from, it's ears looked like two black balls balanced on it's head. The coyote escaped into the pasture and disappeared...but the "kitten" stopped in the fence line to swat the leaves, much like a domestic cat will play. I have an uncle who is an avid trapper, living in Polk County, TX who tells me that these are Cougars, but a black mutation. He and his family have had numerous encounters with these animals, and frequently hear them scream at night (described as the scream of a woman). We do not hear these vocalizations, although we believe the cats to be nearby. About 5 years ago I found two young goats that I had recently purchased dead inside their pen. There was no blood, but there were puncture wounds on the throats. I walked all around the pens trying to figure out what killed them, finally giving up to go into the house and figure out what I was going to do with them. It was a cold, crystalline morning around the first of January. When I had steeled myself and returned to the pens, the carcasses were gone. Evaporated, vanished...not even a hair on the fence to record what had removed them. I still get chills thinking that a Panther might have been hidden in the pens watching me examine it's kill.
CommentsIn regard to the Headless Yankee: At the Coast Guard station in Sabine Pass, we hear strange things all the time such as people walking around inside the building or someone running past us at night around the base. We call him "Running Man." Just thought I'd share that with you.
CommentsDear Mr. Block: I am really impressed with your several articles on Sabine Pass 1861-65 and the role it played in blockade running. I note that several of your articles specifically reference inward cargoes of munitions, etc., intended for Army use. Are there any specific primary or secondary sources you could point me to that might elaborate on incoming cargoes into Sabine Pass? Thanks in advance!
CommentsDear Mr. Block, I am a native of Beaumont, now a professor or American Literature and Culture. I am working on a paper about the Rainbow Bridge in the popular imagination, and how that corresponds with the history of the crossing point. I was happy to read your article about the history of ferries at the site. Can you recommend any substantial accounts of the bridge, either at opening or more recently? Much thanks for any help from a fellow SETX scholar.
CommentsHello Mr. Block, I was referred to you by Austin State Library. I am trying to locate information on GGGF George W. Martin (1788-1840) He died while "laying out a town" at mouth of Sabine river 5 Nov 1840. Thank you for any assistance.
CommentsMR BLOCK,I BELIEVE MY GG GRANDFATHER MIGHT HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE GERMAN SETTLERS I DONT KNOW WHAT HIS NAME WAS BUT ONE OF HIS SONS NAME WAS WILLIAM WAITS I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD FIND ANY INFO ON HIM FOR ME I WAS TOLD HE OWNED THE LAND WERE THE LLANO AND COLORADO JOIN THE LAND IN THE MIDDLE AND ON EITHER SIDE THANKS AND I FIND THIS WEB SIGHT REAL INTERESTING THANKS AGAIN JUDI WAITS-FUNK
CommentsMr. Block, I just discovered your web site and writings. What a happy find for me. I am an historian on South Padre Island and am researching Jean Lafitte's activities in the Western part of the Gulf of Mexico near the Rio Grande River, Point Isabel, Padre Island or Laguna Vista Texas. There is a well in Laguna Vista that is reputed to have been dug by Laffite and his men. Any ideas of where to look? Thanks Steve Hathcock
CommentsI am researching, Shell Ridge, in Sabine Pass, Texas. A good friend of mine is really into history. He has asked me to pull it up on my computer, and see what I could tell him about it.I so far, have really enjoyed reading all of you works.
CommentsMr. Block: I'm trying to track my grandfather, John (Jack) Leif (Born in PA in 1887). I have no trace of him after 1941. I recently came across a letter he wrote in the late 1930's showing a return address of Pure Oil Company, Port Arthur, TX. From a pile of postcards, it looks like he traveled the Gulf and East Coasts from the early 1930's through 1941 on tankers. Did Pure have its own tankers, and if so, any way to acquire information on employees from that era? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
CommentsDear WT: Follow up to my note yesterday concerning John W. (Jack) Leif - my long lost grandfather. I re-checked the letter I spoke of. The return address was %Pure Oil Company, Nederland TX - written on March 9, 1940. He had just returned from sea with last stop in Jacksonville. I found another letter dated February 3, 1940 stating he had just returned from Mobile. There was a copy of the front page of the employee weekly newletter for the Alabama Dry Dock Co. picture of the "W. E. Hutton" - Pure Oil Company" could not tell if it was under construction or in for repairs. The ship looked to be fairly well outfitted. I also found his divorce notice from my grandmother in a newspaper that referenced "Jefferson Co. legal notices". Some of the date lines on other articles show March 5, but not the year. On the back of the legal notices, there is an article about Everett Garrison, 275 Washington Blvd, announcing his candidacy for Precinct 4 county commissioner. Garrison was 33 at the time and had worked for Magnolia Petroleum for twelve years. Graduate of South Park HS, married for 14 years to Mary Myers. She also graduated from SPHS. The legal notices also show 4 real estate transactions that should give clues to the year. Sorry for the length, but I have been looking for clues to my grandfather for most of my 50+ years. The box of letters and postcards just fell into my hands recently. George Leif - Middletown, MD
CommentsHappily I stumbled across your website in my efforts toward a Sealy family history. One of the questions I have had pertains to the reasons behind my ancestor, John Sealy and his partner, John Hutchings, sought Sabine Pass to make their fortunes and why did they leave when things were apparently going so well? I am looking forward to reading more about the history of Sabine Pass to this end. How can I contact you? Thanks.
CommentsI tried emailing you about a black panther sighting in NE Texas, but your email doesn't work.
CommentsHello Mr. Block, I came across your website after doing a search on White Cliffs, Arkansas. I live in Ashdown and have been out to the cliffs a few times. I know this area has to be important in regards to the fossil record. My husband (who is from this area) knows of many interesting fossils, including shark teeth that have been found there. My problem is this: I can't find any information on this area! I saw that you had a similar inquiry made a couple of months ago...could you please educate me too about this area? Thanks! Briana Taylor
CommentsDear Sir: I am the granddaughter of Rusty and Grace Woodyard. My niece directed me to this website and I must say, you sure tell your story's well! I have been a lifetime researching my family tree and this is the first printed work I've found. (legend not too far from the truth in my case) If you have any knowledge as to how to find out more about these two people, please contact me. I know my grandparents ran an brothel//night club in Port Arthur known as Grace's Place but I can't find anything about it! I remember some stories about income tax evasion as well. I do know that Rusty Woodyard died in his bed at Graces' Place and not in prison as your story indicated. Grace lived with me at that time and she had dreams about his coon dogs barking and being hungry which triggered a search by a family friend who found his body. Please let me know if you have any other information or where to find more.
CommentsMr. Block: I enjoy so much looking through the material on your site!! Real interesting is the Diary of H. N. Conner. I had read about it, but had never seen it until now. My great grandfather also served in Spaight's Battalion in Company C. So he and Conner were together on many campaigns. Conner paints pictures with his words for us today. We know what brave men these were. Thanks again: Jim Hays Amarillo
CommentsNice! I will come back again.
CommentsI am trying to find a location that may have records of old East Texas sawmill ghost towns street and company housing mapped out. Towns such as Remlig, Browndale, Lodwick, Manning, Ragley,& Lanana. S.F.A. library has a lot of records but have not found town layouts yet. Can anyone help? Any info. would be a start. A family photo with any background would be a help. Any East Texas sawmill ghost town. Thanks Billy (903) 759-0546
CommentsCousin Bill, Enjoyed your website very much, especially your articles on the Sweeneys. Hope you are doing well! Kind Regards, Judith Sweeney Kulkarni
CommentsWT, I am a grand son of Frank N. Sweeney who just learned of your wonderful site . Of course the Sweeney Family history is of great interest . I wonder if you ever met my dad, Frank Kent Sweeny who married my mom ,Mary Mckeon in Franklinton ,La. in 1925 ?
CommentsI am researching my "Griffith" ancestry and have come across your site containing several references to some nefarious characters by that name in the Johnson's Bayou area of Louisiana. I have found three groups of Griffiths in the 1860 census of Calcasieu parish. The family of Zadoc Griffith moved from Jackson county, West Virginia, to that area between the 1850 and 1860 censuses and then to the Boone county Kentucky area in the 1870 census without Zadoc. Zadoc's oldest boy, Henry was about 18 in 1860 and Zadoc was in his early 50's. Have no idea why they left the Ohio valley area or whether they are related to the other Griffith families in Calcasieu area. I would appreciate any insight you might have on the activities of the clan in that area during the 1860's. Thanks.
CommentsMy thanks to Rex for sharing this with me.
Commentsbridge your trees here: husband: William Nealand Goolsbee wife: Katy Block (Goolsbee) SNLROOTS: http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=rootssnl03&id=I2457 RUTH Dahl: http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=:1970697&id=I515429112 !!!!! extensive connectivity can be found here: !!!!! http://hans.wtblock.com/wtblockjr/f_g_schmidt.htm#Reunion http://www.wtblock.com/wtblockjr/Knight.htm (see below this email for more detail) <<<<<>>>>> children: robert leon goolsbee- married once to betty charles allen goolsbee- married 3 (margaret louise godwin [one son]; sandra (?) [1 daughter 1 son]; margaret (?) [no children] roscille (spelling?) goolsbee- married to Bill Lay [1 son 1 daughter] <<<<<>>>>> for more info contact is: Dr. Charles Goolsbee (retired) 2202 Cape Mccan St Rockport TX 783823612 361-729-7055
CommentsOutstanding web site. Thank you for making it available. Perhaps a monument for Thomas Dey Owings would be appropriate, such as was done for another of my cousins, Dr. Lewis S. Owings, in Denison, TX. It was done as a private matter. I am a member of the Masonic Lodge in Oregon. I would be willing to contribute something to the preparation and placement of a suitable monument. Let me know if this idea sets well with you. I'll share a photo of such monument which was placed this year in token recognition of his many accomplishments and contributions to American history. My ancestors go back to Richard and Rachel Owens/Owings in early Maryland. They include, in direct line, their son Henry; his son Elijah; his son Bezaleel; his son Norman; his son Zadock Bradford; his son George Henry; his daughter Elsie Mae; and me (Eugene Bradford VEEK). Many thanks for doing this fine work.
CommentsMr. Block Thank you for all the wonderful information you have provided for our area. My mother is Lillian Courts. Her father was James Bradley Courts. Her grandfather was Elias Madison Courts, Great Grand father was James Madison Courts ,son of Thomas Courts , brother to Sarah Courts. From time to time I see you have mentioned information about them. Would it be possible for you to provide me copies of articles are tell me where to go to find them. Also we are related on my grandmother side to Mourad Bumstead. It is funny, I grew up in Silsbee, moved away to Conroe came back to Hardin County and purchased a home in Lumberton. Years later I find out the property I purchased at one time belonged to the Bumsteads. Talk about a nut not falling far from the tree!! Thank you for any help on these ancestors. Also where do I find the web site for Magnolia Cemetery. Thanks again
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CommentsMary Therese Sweeney , father Frank K Sweeney Louisiana born around 1900' Somehow related to you. Was a Benedictine nun for 22 years. Never new much about my mom(Mary A. McKeown) and dad. Both are deceased. Was told to contact your e-mail.
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