Burford, Arthur Lee

A DEPLORABLE EVENT

It was about 4 o'clock last Monday afternoon that the news flashed over the wires that Arthur L. Burford had been shot and killed and Will Clements seriously wounded, at Bastrop. When the horrible news was announced that an assassin's bullet had cut down the life of that noble young man, our people were stupefied and would fain have disbelieved it, when telegrams and telephone messages were received corroborating and giving details of this horrible, cowardly crime, the grief shown was real and deep. Arthur Burford spent all the early days of his life in this vicinity, at his home at Osage, and was beloved by everyone of our citizens who knew him. It was not realized that he had an enemy in the world, and his deplorable assassination at the hands of cowardly fanatics whose very existence is a blot on civilization brings deep and genuine sorrow to the hearts of the many, many friends who knew and loved him so well. Poor boy! innocent of ill-will to anyone and wholly unconscious of any danger, he passed along the street at Bastrop towards his hotel, hands in his pockets. As he was immediately opposite a saloon he was fired upon, and one of the cruel bullets entered his brain, killing him instantly. Young Howard Townsend, and Deputy Sheriff Will Clements, were with Arthur at the time of the shooting, and all three parties were unarmed. Clements was shot in the shoulder and side, but escaped by running, although bullets whistled around him at a lively rate. Young Townsend was also in imminent danger of being killed, but escaped unhurt. It seems from what eyewitnesses tell us that Capt. Brooks of the rangers had ordered both sides to disarm and to leave their arms at their hotels. This agreement was carried out by the Townsend crowd. After court was called Monday morning it was decided to adjourn until 1 o'clock that the attorney might hold a consultation. At 1 o'clock court again convened, and it was then announced that by agreement of the attorneys the case would go over until the 11th day of July. At this announcement the crowd began to leave the courthouse. Arthur Burford had some letter to write and he in company with Will Clements and Howard Townsend walked down toward their hotel. As they passed in front of a saloon about one and a half blocks from the courthouse, parties inside the saloon opened fire upon them, with the result that Arthur was instantly killed and Will Clements seriously though not fatally wounded.

There were thirteen or more men in the saloon, and the rangers at once arrested and placed them in jail. There they remained until Tuesday, when all were released except four or five men, as follows: Walter Reese, Jim Coleman, Tom Daniels and Lester Reese of Hallettsville. These men were to have had an examining trial Thursday. Will Clements was taken to his hotel and given prompt medical attention, with the result that he is doing finely, and it was intended to bring him home Thursday.

The remains of Arthur Burford were brought here Tuesday afternoon, and late in the evening were committed to their last resting place in the cemetery [Osage Cemetery] near his old home at Osage, Rev. Brinson performing the last sad rites. A large crowd -- in fact one of the longest funeral processions ever seen in this section -- accompanied the remains to the

cemetery, showing the extreme popularity of this noble young man. Arthur Burford was one of the most noble, upright young men we ever knew. We have followed his footsteps through life from boyhood up, and it was indeed with great pleasure we noted his rapid advancement in his chosen profession --law. Quiet, unassuming, the very soul of honor, with no ill-will in his heart toward any living being, it is indeed sad to see such a noble life so ruthlessly cut down, and where there was no provocation or justification. Sad indeed is that once happy home. God pity and comfort the family in the loss of their noble, idolized son and brother, is the wish of one who loved him.

Weimar Mercury, 20 January 1900
From the files of Dorothy Albrecht. Contact Rox Ann Johnson

Burford, Arthur Lee "Bill"

Bill Burford, 56, Formerly of Osage, Buried, Columbus

Columbus, Nov. 1.--Last rites for Arthur (Bill) Burford, aged 56, were held in Columbus Funeral Home Sunday afternoon, with burial in Odd Fellows Rest cemetery the Rev. Geo. Ricker of the Methodist Church officiating.  "Bill" as he was called by all who knew him, had operated a small grocery in the Seymour building for many years.  He had been in poor health for several months, but his condition became critical last Thursday when he was taken to Youens Hospital at Weimar, where he died Saturday.  Born in Osage Jan. 23, 1900, he was a son of Dick and Jesse Chapman Burford, who died many years ago.  Bill spent most of his life in Columbus, living with his aunt, Mrs. W. M. Paulsen.

Other survivors are a brother, Dick of Long Beach, Calif.; a half-brother, Gray Burford, of East Texas; and two aunts, Mrs. Tom Coke Hairston and Mrs. A.W. Hahn, Sr. of Columbus.  Pallbearers were his cousins, Albert Hahn, Dr. Burford Hahn, Drs. Thomas and Willis Youens, Kenneth Brune and R. E. Wolters.

The Weimar Mercury, Friday Morning, November 9, 1956
Submitted by David Hahn

Burford, Basil Edward "Ned"

Funeral services for Ned Burford, 63, were held at Columbus Funeral Home yesterday at 3 p.m. with Rev. G.G. Cecil of the Methodist church officiating.  Burial was in Odd Fellows Rest. Mr. Burford, pioneer cattleman and stockman, died at his home Tuesday morning.  He had been ill since December.  A son of William Thomas and Mattie Pinchback Burford, he was born at Osage on May 17, 1883.  With his family he moved to Columbus in 1898.  On Oct. 23, 1919, he was married to Miss Ethel Cone.  His wife survives.  He was a member of Knights of Pythias and in 1984 received a pin from this order as a 25-year veteran.  He was a member of the Methodist church.  Besides his wife he is survived by one daughter, Miss Ethel Burford, teacher in the Columbus school system; one brother, Frank Burford, and four sisters, Mesdames T.C. Hairston, Fay Youens, W.M. Paulsen and A.W. Hahn, all of Columbus.

Pallbearers were six of his nephews, Dr. W.T. Youens, Weimar, Dr. Willis G. Youens, Halletsville; Dr. Burford Hahn, Austin; Harry T. Youens, Lake Jackson, and Albert Hahn, Jr. and William Paulsen, Columbus.

Colorado County Citizen, September 12, 1946
Submitted by David Hahn

Burford, Belinda B. (Pollard)

The death of Mrs. B. B. Burford, which occured in this city on the 6th inst., cast a gloom over the entire section. Mrs. B. was 48 years old, born in Alabama, moved with her father to Texas in her childhood, arriving at a woman's estate was happily married to Mr. John Burford, brother of the late lamented R. M. Burford; has been a widow a number of years; was a consistent member of the Baptist church; died as she had lived, with the Christian armor on, with no fears or doubts about the great hearafter.

Her remains were conveyed to the Baptist church in this place, and a very touching funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Q. T. Simpson, pastor of the church, after which the remains were interred in the [Weimar] Masonic cemetery,followed by a large procession of relatives and friends. She leaves a son, several sisters, a brother and other relatives. We drop the tear of sympathy for the bereaved.

Colorado Citizen, Thursday Morning, June 14, 1888, Columbus, Texas
Submitted by David Hahn

Burford ,Carrie Pearl (Holmes)

MRS. CARRIE BURFORD

Mrs. Carrie Holmes Burford died April 9 at Youens Memorial Hospital in Weimar after a short illness. 

Mrs. Burford was born Nov. 16, 1882, at Belmont, a daughter of Edward and Mary David Holmes.  She married J. Frank Burford April 27, 1904.  She had been a resident of the Columbus Convelescent Home since December, 1966.  She is survived by a son, Ned H. Burford, daughter-in-law, Vivie M. Burford, 3 grandchildren, Frank, Patricia Ann and David, all of Springfield, Va; sister, Mrs Ella Bennett of Los Angeles, Calif., 2 sisters-in-law, Mrs. W. M. Paulsen (Mattie Burford) and Mrs. Ned Burford (Ethel Cone) of Columbus.  Services were held at Columbus Funeral Home April 11 at 2 p.m. by Rev. B. A. Justice of the First United Methodist Church of Columbus.  Burial was in Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers were Harry T. Youens Sr. of Lake Jackson, A. W. Hahn, Jr. and Wm Paulsen Jr. of Houston and Lee Hammons, W. T. Youens Jr. and R. E. Wolters of Columbus.

Colorado County Citizen, April 19, 1973
Submitted by David Hahn

Burford, Charlotte Eldora

Last Sunday afternoon a most deplorable accident occurred in our midst -- one that caused many hearts to weep in anguish for the loss of a dearly beloved little girl. Little Dora Burford, daughter of Dr. J. E. Burford of Pattison, Waller county, had been visiting relatives in this section for several days. Last Sunday, in company with Misses Pinkie Tooke and Fay Carter, she went out to the residence of Mr. L. D. Herndon to take dinner with Miss Pearl. After dinner, the weather being very hot and oppressive, they decided to go down to a little creek and go in bathing. Arriving at a suitable place, they disrobed, and going a short distance further, entered the water. They enjoyed themselves hugely for a time, but little Dora becoming fatigued, left the waters and went to where their clothes has been left, to dress. The other girls remained in the creek a while longer. When they did leave and went to join Dora, the latter was nowhere to be found.

They at first supposed that she was hiding, but, observing her bonnet floating upon the waters of the deep pool near where they had disrobed, they became greatly frightened and began screaming. Their cries brought Eugene and Lunnie Herndon to the scene in a very few moments, and the boys immediately began diving for the body. It was soon recovered, and they worked manfully to bring the little girl to consciousness, but without avail, as the little soul had already winged its flight heavenward. Tenderly and reverently the little body was taken to Mr. Herndon's residence, where every attention was given it. The remains were taken to the residence of Mr. W. T. Burford of Osage (Dora's uncle), where on Monday afternoon at 5 o'clock, at the family cemetery [Osage Cemetery] the remains were committed to the grave, a large number of relatives and friends being present. Dora was a bright little girl, gifted with an affectionate disposition, and beloved by all. Our heartfelt condolence is extended the bereaved ones in this terrible hour of suffering.

Weimar Mercury, July 8, 1893
From the files of Dorothy Albrecht. Contact Rox Ann Johnson

Died, in Weimar, Texas July 2, 1893, little Dora Burford, daughter of Dr. J. E. Burford of Pattison, Waller County, Tex., in the 13th year of her age.  Little Dora was born in Schulenburg, Fayette county, Tex., on the 4rh of October, 1880.  Her mother died soon after her birth, but she was left in the tender and loving hands of her grandmother and a dear aunt, by whom she was reared with all the care and devotion that hearts can give.  The many lovable traits that were inborn and that merited for her a distinction far above the common place in life grew and developed a character precocious in its loveliness and sublimity.   She was the favorite of all her friends and the idol of those who were fortunate enough to be associated with her intimately.  Our words fail us in trying to do justice to the memory of this dear, lovely child.  She was indeed too pure and precious for this world, and she now lives in Heaven, the only fit abode for such a spirit.  With tearful eyes and hearts bowed down we saw her laid away in the Osage cemetery Monday evening last.  It was hard to give her up, but may God help us to endure our grief, and to so adapt our lives to His will and service that we may meet this dear child, to enjoy her sweet companionship forever in the "bright beyond."

"COUSIN SAM" Weimar, Texas, July 5, 1893

Weimar Mercury, 8 July, 1893
Submitted by David Hahn

Weimar--The accidental drowning of sweet little Dora Burford, near the residence of Mr. L. D. Herndon, was a fearful shock to the entire city.  She was the daughter of Dr. J. E. Burford of Waller county, aged about 12 years, known and loved by everybody in this town.  She was buried at the family graveyard near Osage.  No one knows the particulars of the drowning, except that she with other girls went in bathing.  Dora coming out first and went below to dress.  When the others came out they missed and called her.  Getting no response they became frightened, saw her hat floating on the water, searched and found her lifeless body at the bottom of the pool.

Era Herald - Hallettsville, Texas, July 6, 1893
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Burford, Cordelia Ann (Shaw)

DIED, in this city, last Tuesday morning of general debility, Mrs. C. A. Burford, in her 57th year.  Mrs. B. had been in ill-health for a number of years, and suffered a great deal.  She was the mother of W.T., J.E., F.M. and J.M. Burford, and mother-in-law of Senator Marcus H. Townsend of Columbus.  She was a lady endeared by all who knew her, and her loss will be keenly felt.  Her remains were interred in the Osage cemetery Wednesday morning, Rev. M.B. Hotchkiss Columbus officiating.  A large number of mourning relatives and friends witnessed the last sad rites.  We ex-[tend] our sympathy to the bereaved relatives in their loss.

Weimar Mercury, 30 November 1889
Submitted by David Hahn
Tombstone photo from files of David Hahn

Burford, Davie (Hubbard)

Funeral services for Mrs. Davie E. Burford, 80, former Osage Community resident, were held here Monday at the home of Mrs. J. F. Bartosh, the Rev. J. H. Thompson, Weimar Methodist pastor in charge of the services. Interment was made in the Weimar Masonic Cemetery. Mrs. Burford was ill about a month when death relieved her of all of her pain at her home in Yoakum on Sunday Oct. 11. A daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Hubbard, Mrs. Burford was born Oct. 11, 1881, near Osage, this County. Mrs. Burford's father was killed during the Civil War. She was married to Frank Burford in the early 80's and to this union were born: Will, Verna, and Frank Burford. Mrs. Burford was a life long Methodist having joined the Methodist Church in Osage in early life. Survivors are one son Frank Burford and three grandchildren, Mrs. Kathryn Burford Eihlers of San Angelo, Mrs. Hazel Burford Giss of Peoria, Ill and Milton Burford Green, now in the U. S. Army. Also surviving are three half sisters: Mrs. J. F. Bartosh, Mrs. Susie Smith and Miss Katie Grace, all of this city. The Mercury extends sincere sympathy.

Weimar Mercury, Thursday Morning, October 16, 1942
Submitted by David Hahn

Burford, Dick

Dick Burford Buried Monday Near Rockdale

Funeral services were held at his family home Monday for Dick Burford, 69. Interment was in a community cemetery near Rockdale. Mr. Burford died Sunday evening after an illness of several years.

He was born at Osage, a son of Mattie Pinchback and William Thomas Burford, and spent a part of his life in Columbus. For many years he had operated a farm near Rockdale.

Survivors who went from here to the funeral were a son, Arthur Burford; three sisters, Mesdames Fay Youens, A. W. Hahn and W. M. Paulsen and two brothers, Frank and Ned Burford. Other survivors include his wife, two sons, Dick Burford of San Pedro, Calif. and John Gray Burford of Rockdale, and a sister, Mrs. T. C Hairston of Independence.

Colorado County Citizen, January 14, 1944

Burford, Ethel Kathryn (Cone)

ETHEL BURFORD

Funeral services for Mrs. Ethel Burford were held Friday at the First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Larry Bailey officiating.  Mrs. Burford died at Columbus Community Hospital April 1.  A daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Cone, she was born in Weimar May 19, 1895, but was a resident of Columbus for the past 68 years.  She was married to Ned Burford Oct. 23, 1919.  Mrs. Burford was an active member of the Methodist Church and a former teaacher in the Columbus public schools.

Survivors include a duaghter, Mrs. Lee Hammons of Columbus; 2 grandaughters, Kathy Hammons and Sarah Hammons of Columbus; 2 sisters, Mrs. Marguerite Fitzpatrick of Columbus and Mrs. Florence Essig of Galveston; one great-aunt, several nieces and nephews.  Burial was in Odd Fellows Cemetery.  Pallbearers were B. J. Hartley, Gus H. Miller Jr., W. M. Paulsen Jr., Dr. David R. Kincaid, Charles L. Redus and L. Boyd Smith.

Colorado County Citizen, April 8, 1976
Submitted by David Hahn 

Burford, Francis Marion

One of our oldest, most respected and influential citizens, died at Round Rock, Williamson county, last Wednesday night. F. M. Burford has been suffering for months from a painful disease, and a few weeks ago his son-in-law, Dr. C. O. Weller, carried him to Lampasas Springs, in the hope that he would be relieved. Not being benefited at Lampasas, he started back home, and arriving at Round Rock died from the disease. He was one of our best citizens -- an honest, upright gentleman, with a host of friends throughout the country, who will deplore his demise. He leaves a large family to mourn his loss.

Colorado Citizen, 16 August 1877
From the files of Dorothy Albrecht. Contact Rox Ann Johnson

Burford, Francis Marion

Maj. F. M. Burford was born in North Alabama, November 26th, 1823. Afterwards his father (Dr. J. Burford) moved to West Tennessee, where our brother was raised and educated. He was happily married to Miss C.A. Shaw of Hardeman county, Tennessee, October 25th 1849. In 1851 they came to Texas and settled in Colorado county. On the 1st day of January last he had an attack of cystitis, resulting in ulceration of the bladder, from which he never recovered. Every other remedy failing, as a last resort, he was taken to Lampasas Springs, some four weeks before his death. As he still grew worse, an effort was made to get him home, but in vain. He died at Round Rock, at 2:30, A.M., August 8th, 1877. His remains were brought by rail to his late residence, Osage, Colorado county, Texas, where his funeral was preached at 10 A.M., August 11th, to a large and attentive audience; after which his body was buried [Osage Cemetery] with Masonic rites, to await the general resurrection of the last day. About thirteen years ago brother Burford professed religion and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of which he remained an acceptable member (acting as steward most of the time) until his death. He was also a worthy Royal Arch Mason. Much might be said in praise of our deceased friend and brother, but his life is his best eulogy. As a citizen, he was true to his country; as a neighbor, affable and obliging; as a Mason, prompt and true to his obligations; as a Christian, modest and unpretending; as a husband and father, kind and affectionate. His loss will be felt by the community in which he has lived so long. He will be sadly missed by the church and his lodge--but most of all in the family circle, by his bereaved widow and orphan children. Their loss is truly irreparable; but his honest upright life, his patience and resignation in affliction, and his peaceful death, gives the assurance that he is at rest with God in the home of the blest.

Colorado County Citizen, August 30, 1877
Submitted by David Hahn
Tombstone photo from files of David Hahn

Burford, "Grandma"

It is with sincere sorrow and regret that we chronicle the death of "Grandma" Burford as she was familiarly known. She died Saturday, March 12th, between 8 and 9 o'clock , P.M. of pneumonia. A better or more noble woman never lived. Always on hand to administer to the sick and distressed -- ever willing to aid all who called upon her --her loss will be deeply felt by her relatives and friends. But they can console themselves that she has gone to a better home, where want and sorrow never enters. May her memory ever be cherished as a Good Samaritan on earth. "Requieseat in pace."

Colorado Citizen, 17 March 1881
From the files of Dorothy Albrecht. Contact Rox Ann Johnson

Burford, James Frank

FRANK BURFORD IS LAID TO REST HERE SATURDAY

Last rites for James Frank Burford, 71-year old native of Colorado county and lifetime resident of Columbus, were held at the Columbus Funeral home Saturday, with burial in Odd Fellows Rest cemetery. Rev. Walter J. Cartwright of the Weimar Methodist church officiated. Mr. Burford, who had been in ill health for a long time, died in the Youens hospital of Weimar at 3 a.m. Friday. He was born June 21, 1881, a son of William and Mattie Pinchback Burford. He was a cattleman here. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Carrie Burford of the Rio Grande Valley; a son, J. Ned Holmes Burford of Kassel, Germany, and 3 sisters, Mesdames A.W. Hahn, T.C. Hairston and W.M. Paulsen of Columbus. Pallbearers were his nephews, Dr. W.T. , Dr. Willis and Harry Youens, Dr. W. Burford Hahn and Albert Hahn, Jr.

Colorado County Citizen, April 9, 1953
Submitted by David Hahn

Burford, Jesse McLeary

FORMER RESIDENT THIS SECTION DIES AT INDEPENDENCE

Mr. and Mrs. S.C. Holloway of this city were called to Independence, Washington County, Monday to attend the funeral of their relative, Dr. Jess M. Burford, who died at his home there after a three day illness.  Dr. Burford was quite well known to many of our people, having lived in this section for a number of years prior to locating in Washington county.  He was a visitor to this city and section last winter and renewed acquaintance with many old-time friends of earlier days. He was a man of engaging personality, a talented man in his profession, popular with all who knew him, and his death is deeply and sincerely deplored by many friends in this section.

Weimar Mercury, September 5, 1925
Submitted by David Hahn

Burford, Julia Ann

Last rites were held in the St. Paul Methodist church here Sunday afternoon for Julia A. Burford, 88, one of the oldest local colored residents, who died here after an illness of about 2 weeks. Julia had been active up to that time.

Rev. Sims of Sublime officiated and burial was in City cemetery with Davis Funeral Home in charge.

Julia was a former teacher, receiving her education at the old Mary Allen Seminary in Crockett. Besides teaching in the colored school here, she taught in Miller’s High Hill, Altair, Wrights Grove and Toland Chapel. She was unmarried.

Survivors include her nephew James Burford, whom she reared, 3 grand nephews and 6 grandnieces.

Colorado County Citizen, April 1, 1954

Burford, Martha Gray Lee "Pattie" (McLeary)

News of the death of Mrs. Pattie McLeary Burford, wife of Dr. J. M. Burford of Independence, Washington county, and daughter of Dr. W. T. McLeary of this city, which occurred at Independence on Friday of last week, was received here with deep and unfeigned regret. The body was brought here Sunday morning for interment, and in the afternoon of the same day was laid to rest in the family lot at the Odd Fellow' cemetery. Mrs. Burford was born in Tennessee in 1864, and was 36 years of age at the time of her death. She was a resident of this city from early childhood up to the time of her marriage to Dr. Jesse M. Burford, and possessed the friendship and esteem of every man, woman and child in the city. She was a lady of most genial, friend winning disposition, and everyone who came in contact with her was at once numbered among her friends and admirers. Her death is deeply and sincerely deplored, The Mercury joins a host of friends in extending sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.

Weimar Mercury, January 5, 1901
Picture courtesy Sally Weeks

Burford, Martha Regina "Mattie" (Pinchback)

Mrs. W. T. Burford passed out of this life at her home in the north part of town early Monday. Funeral services were held at the residence at ten Tuesday morning and interment made in the Odd Fellows Rest, Rev. A. Guyon, pastor of the Methodist Church, officiating.

Miss Mattie Pinchback was born in South Carolina in 1856 and came to this community when she was about two years of age. She was married to Mr. Burford in 1873. She was a staunch Christian character, and their home in the Osage community was well known for its hospitality during the numerous camp meetings of the olden times.

Of late years she has been in poor health until a few days before her death she suffered a paralytic stroke which was the herald of the end. She is survived by seven children and nineteen grandchildren. The children are Mr.

Dick Burford, Mr. Ned Burford, Mrs. T.C. Hairston, Mrs. A.W. Hahn, Mrs. W.M. Paulsen Mrs. W. G. Youens, and Mr. Frank Burford, to all of whom our sincere sympathy is extended.

Colorado County Citizen, December 12, 1929
Submitted by David Hahn

Burford, Nannie E. (Mills)

Funeral Services For Mrs. Burford Held January 31

Funeral services for Mrs. Will (Nannie) Burford, 73, of San Angelo were held at Hubbard Funeral Home here Jan. 31, with interment in the Masonic Cemetery.

Rev. Kyle Nagel, Methodist pastor, officiated.

She died Jan. 29 at her home in San Angelo, after an illness of many years.

Born Nov. 28, 1882, at Rosebud, Texas she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Mills. She married Will E. Burford here in 1907, and lived in Weimar about 20 years. She was a member of the Methodist Church and the Eastern Star.

Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Wm. Eilers of San Angelo and Mrs. Kenneth R. Giss of Peoria, Illinois.

Pallbearers at the services were Grady Shaver, Henry Brasher, L. E. Meredith, Charles Ammann, Ben Holt and E. M. Hubbard.

The Weimar Mercury, Friday, February 10, 1956
Transcription by Dennis Boatright

Burford, Robert F.

With a feeling of sadness and regret, we again take up our pen to chronicle the death of another good citizen of this neighborhood. For several months past Mr. R. F. Burford had been a sufferer from some internal complaint, the true nature of which was not discovered until a diagnosis of his case was made by several eminent physicians in Austin, and it was then discovered that cancer of the bowels was the trouble. An operation was performed several days after his arrival, when a large cancer was removed. He seemed greatly relieved afterward, and for about forty-five hours lived in perfect ease, suffering no pain whatever, but on Friday morning of last week he became worse, and died at 9:30 o'clock. His remains were shipped to this city that day and reached here Saturday at noon, where they were taken in charge by the Knights of Honor, of which order he was an honored member, and at 2:30 o'clock were interred in the family cemetery at Osage.[Osage Cemetery] Mr. Burford was in his 33d year, and was member of one of the most respected families in this county, where he was raised. He was a son of the Mr. & Mrs. F. M. Burford, and a brother of Messrs. W. T., J. E., and J. M. Burford, Mrs. C. O. Weller of Austin, Mrs. M. H. Townsend of Columbus and Miss Belle Burford of Austin. He was a consistent member of the Methodist church of this city, and his death has caused a gloom to fall over our fair city. To the bereaved wife and children, relatives and friends our heartfelt sympathy is extended.

Weimar Mercury, 7 June 1890
From the files of Dorothy Albrecht. Contact Rox Ann Johnson
Tombstone photo from files of David Hahn

Burford, William E.

Mr. Wm Burford, born and raised in the Osage section, where he spent his early manhood, a son of Mrs. Davie Burford, formerly of Osage, but now living in San Antonio with her son Frank, died Tuesday afternoon of last week, of cancer of the stomach, after an illness of many months. The remains were laid to rest in the cemetery here [Weimar Masonic] Friday afternoon with Rev. J. C. Wilson, local Methodist pastor, conducting the services at the family residence, while the Masonic Order of which the decedent had been a member for a number of years, a member of the Yoakum lodge had charge of the services at the grave. A large assemblage of mourning relatives and friends witnessed the last sad rites. Mr. Burford moved from here a number of years ago, locating at Yoakum. He later moved to Laredo and entered the State Ranger Service, serving faithfully and well in said office. There being no improvement in his condition, his repeated request to go to the old home was acceded to and he was removed to Weimar. Everything possible was done for him here, but it was known from the first that there was no hope. He put up a brave fight for life but Death gained the victory. Wm Burford was an honest, honorable, upright citizen. He lived a clean life, was at all times a law abiding citizen, a successful farmer, a good neighbor and a true friend, a devoted husband, son and father, and he numbered his friends by the list of his acquaintances. He leaves to morn his untimely departure a devoted wife, two daughters, a mother and one brother, besides many relatives and friends, to whom heartfelt sympathy is extended. - Weimar Mercury

The Colorado County Citizen, July 22, 1926.
Submitted by David Hahn

Burford, William Thomas

Mr. William T. Burford, formerly Sheriff of Colorado County, died at his residence in this city at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, after a lingering illness. Mr. Burford was born in western Tennessee fifty-eight years ago and lived in Colorado County fifty-five years, his parents having settled near Osage in this county. He was for many years a druggist in Columbus, and during the yellow fever epidemic of 1873 he and his partner, Dr. C.O. Weller, gave to the poor a major portion of their stock of drugs, besides their services in nursing and attending.

Mr. Burford was married to Miss Mattie Pinchback in 1875. His family connection throughout the county is very extensive. He leaves a wife and seven grown children, as follows: Dick, Ned and Frank, Mrs. Dr. Hairston, Misses Fay, Lizzie and Mattie, and two brothers who are practicing physicians.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at 3 p.m. and were very largely attended. The services at the house were conducted by Rev. Rowland of the Methodist Church. At the close of the solemn services all were permitted to look for the last time upon the face of the departed; then the sad cortege moved on to the Odd Fellows' Rest, where the remains were laid to rest. Mr. Burford was joined by Oakland and Columbus Lodges, which attended the funeral in a body, and assumed charge of the services at the grave, conducting same in a very impressive manner.

Nothing on earth is changed; only a loving husband and father is gone. The florist offerings surpassed in profusion and beauty anything seen here before, and marked the high esteem in which Mr. Burford and his family were held by their many friends. Mr. Burford's death came on the tenth anniversary of his first election to the office of Sheriff of Colorado County.

Colorado County Citizen, November 6, 1908
Submitted by David Hahn

Burford, Willie

We are indeed sorry to chronicle the death of the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Burford, which sad event occurred at the family residence at Osage early last Saturday morning of cholera infantum. Little Willie was the largest of a pair of twins lately born to them, and was just seven months old, and one of the idols of a proud mother and father’s heart. After an illness of only a short duration, God saw fit to take it from its earthly home to a better one in heaven. The remains were interred in the family graveyard at Osage Sunday at 10 a.m. A large number of relatives and friends attended the last sad rites. The CITIZEN extends its deepest sympathy to the bereaved parents.

Colorado Citizen, June 2, 1892
Tombstone photo from files of David Hahn