Stafford, Alice Ann

LITTLE ALICE ANN STAFFORD

The hearts of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Winton Stafford were made happy on Sunday, August 25th, by the arrival of a little daughter, Alice Ann, but their happiness was not to last, for this fair little flower was too frail for this earth, and on Sept. 2nd the death angel took her away, to join the host of God’s little cherubs, who sing around His throne. The cherished remains were taken to Weimar Tuesday, and laid to rest in the family lot in the Odd Fellows’ [Masonic] cemetery. The family have the sincere sympathy of a host of friends.--Columbus Citizen.

Weimar Mercury, September 13, 1918, page 6

Stafford, Annie (Walker)

Mrs. Annie Stafford died at her home in Columbus Wednesday, September 1,1909, of Bright 's disease, with which she had been a sufferer for about one year. The deceased was 56 years of age. born in Washington county, Georgia, August 19, 1853, and was brought here when three months old, at which time her mother died of cholera contracted in Houston. February 20, 1870, Miss Annie Walker became Mrs. B. F. Stafford. To this union were born seven children, two girls and two boys preceding their mother to the grave. The remaining children are John, Charles and Whit. Lois Stafford is the only granddaughter. One sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Strahan, lives at Eagle Lake.--Columbus Citizen. [Interment in Odd Fellows’ Rest]

Weimar Mercury, September 10, 1909, page 2

Stafford, Carrie (Cassagne)

MRS. CARRIE STAFFORD DIED AT EL PASO MONDAY

Mrs. Carrie Stafford died in El Paso Monday morning, October 14. Mrs. Stafford was born in Columbus, Texas September 11, 1862. She was the widow of Warren D. Stafford. She was married in Columbus and lived there until nine years ago, at which tie she moved to Houston and made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Whit Boyd. At the time of her death she was living with her son, J. W. Stafford. She was buried in Columbus [Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery] Thursday morning at 9:30. The service was held in the residence of her brother J. W. Cassagne. She was a member of the St. Paul's M. E. Church of Columbus and the Jefferson Davis Chapter, U.D.C. She is survived by one son, J. W. Stafford of El Paso; a daughter, Mrs. Whit Boyd of Houston; a sister, Mrs. F. W. Allen of Houston, two brother, J. W. and Frank Cassagne of Columbus; four granddaughters, Misses Carrie and Margaret Boyd and Elizabeth and Margaret Stafford; one nephew, Fred Allen, Jr.

Eagle Lake Headlight, October 26, 1918
Transcription by Dennis Boatright

Stafford, Carrie Estelle (Townsend)

CARRIE STAFFORD DIES: RECALLS COLORFUL PAST

Mrs. Carrie Stafford, a participant as well as an eyewitness to much of Colorado County's most colorful history, died Saturday in Youens Hospital, Weimar, following an illness of about 2 weeks.  She was 89 years of age.  Mrs. Stafford had been living at Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Weimar the past 18 months, but before entering the nursing home, she had lived at Tanner Walker's Live Oak Hotel in Columbus and had considered Columbus home.  Mrs. Stafford, whose life for the most part was lived in quiet dignity, was born in Columbus amidst that of which legend is made, stories are told and history is written.  For she was there, indeed a healing participant, in the historic clash that involved 2 of the county's most influential families, the Townsends, the settled aristocrats, and the Staffords, the aggressive newcomers.  Mrs. Stafford was ordained by fate to play a major role in the feud for she was born a Townsend on April 10, 1882, in Columbus.  And her marriage to Joe W. Stafford Sr. in Houston in 1905 united the 2 families and clinched the end of the famous feud.  Mrs. Stafford's father was J. L. Townsend, the sheriff, and her mother was Alice Townsend, who had been born a Cummins, one of Colorado County's oldest families.  Townsend was serving as sheriff on that blistering hot July evening in 1890 when Bob and John Stafford, 2 of the 4 Stafford brothers, were shot to death near the courthouse, reportedly by a deputy and kinsman of the sheriff.  The Staffords had come to Colorado County from Georgia in the 1860's, had become quite wealthy dealing primarily in cattle, and had clashed with the family of Asa Townsend who had undisputed sway over most of what is now the southern part of Colorado County.  Various accounts of the Stafford-Townsend feud have been published, but they are contradictory in many important details and it is difficult for the historian to sift fact from fiction.  Mrs. Stafford's husband, Joe Sr., died May 29, 1949, and her only child, Joe, Jr., died in San Antonio in 1944 at the age of 36.  For many years, Mrs. Stafford has spent some of her time each week at the old Stafford home between Columbus and Altair, a crumbling, ragged mansion stepped in the history of the feud and the Stafford family.  The mansion was built in 1881 or 1882 by John Stafford, the father of Mrs. Carrie Stafford's husband.  No one has lived in the house for many years, and Mrs. Stafford was reluctant to talk about it, leaving it to mystery as well has history.  Funeral services for Mrs. Stafford were held 3 p.m. Sunday from Columbus Funeral Home.  Burial was in Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery.  The Rev. B. A. Justice officiated.  Survivors included 2 grandchildren, Mrs. J. Roy Melton of Lafayette, La., and Mrs. John Parks of Columbus; 5 great grandchildren, Jane and Jill Melton of Layfayette and Melissa and Stafford Parks of Columbus, 3 nieces and 3 nephews.  Pallbearers for the services were Mrs. Stafford's chauffeur Leon Thomas, George Stafford, Leslie Townsend, J. Roy Melton, John Parks, Tanner Walker, C. E. Johnson and R. F. Rau.

Colorado County Citizen, June 24, 1971
Submitted by David Hahn

Stafford, Celestine Augusta May

We regret to record the death of Celestine Augusta May, the five year old daughter of Mr. James R. Stafford of Miracopy?, Florida, who came to this place with his ___ a short time since. She had been in debilitating health for some time, but it was hoped that the change of residence would ____ it, but it was otherwise ordained, and on Friday she was laid in the Odd Fellows Rest to await the general resurrection, and her pure spirit has passed into the ___ of Paradise. May the Lord grant that comfort to the stricken father and family which He alone can give.

Colorado Citizen, February 10, 1881, page 3

Stafford, Charles Benjamin

Charles B. Stafford, Spanish-American Vet, Buried Here

Last rites for Charles Ben Stafford, 79-year-old, retired railroad man and veteran of the Spanish-American War, were held at Columbus Funeral home Saturday afternoon, with burial in Odd Fellows Rest cemetery, Dr. Norman L. Roberts officiating.

Mr. Stafford, who had been in active health up to about 2 weeks ago, died Mar 13 at 6 p.m. in Columbus hospital.

Born Feb. 22, 1879, his parents were Ben and Annie Walker Stafford. He had spent his entire life in the county with the exception of 14 months service in the Spanish American War. Retired by the Southern Pacific railroad in 1933 after suffering an injury while on duty, he had been with the company 32 years.

On Dec. 23, 1952, he and Mrs. Stafford celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary here with a dinner given by there only child, Mrs. Leroy Burt Sr. Mrs. Stafford, the former Ella Zwiener, died only a year ago.

Survivors include Mrs. Burt; two grandchildren, Mrs. Le Roy Stein and Le Roy Burt Jr., and 3 great-grandchildren, Christopher, William Mark and Patricia Ann Stein.

Pallbearers were Ernest Lawrence, Justine, Stein, Thurmond B. West, L. L. Hastedt, N. L. Goodwin, Fred Schneider, Ford Wegenhoft and Harvey Hope.

Colorado County Citizen, March 20, 1958

Stafford, Dan

That old-time Weimarite and friend of everybody, Mr. Dan Stafford, after lingering between life and death for several months, succumbed to the inevitable last Sunday night at 12:15. His death is deeply regretted. He was one of Weimar’s oldest citizens. He was originally from Tennessee, but located in this section when Weimar was in its infancy. Mr. Stafford was a member of the Masonic lodge, a consistent member of the Christian church, a gentleman known and respected by everybody. His funeral took place Monday afternoon at the Masonic cemetery, under the auspices of the local Masonic lodge, and was largely attended. He leaves a devoted wife, and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his untimely death. Our sincere sympathy is extended the bereaved family.

Weimar Mercury, April 9, 1898, page 8

Stafford, Elizabeth (Anderson) McBroom

County Capitol Comments

The remains of Mrs. Lizzie McBroom-Stafford, who died Wednesday while on a visit to Wharton, were brought back here for interment [Columbus City Cemetery] Thursday morning, the funeral taking place from the residence of Ms. J. L. Townsend, a full account of which will be forwarded next week.

Weimar Mecury, June 1, 1907, page 7

Stafford, Ella Katherine (Zwiener)

Funeral service for Mrs. Charles B Stafford were held Tuesday afternoon at 4 o'clock at Columbus Funeral home, with Rev. Claud W. Behn Jr. of Sealy officiating. Burial was in Odd Fellows Rest cemetery.

Mrs. Stafford, who had been In frail health for several years, died at her home at about 12:15 a.m. Monday.

Born Ella Caroline Zwiener, in Columbus Dec. 15, 1879, she was a daughter of Wenzel F and Ida Matilda Dietrich Zwiener. She. had spent her entire life In Columbus. In 1902 she was married to Charles B. Stafford, who survives. The couple had their Golden Wedding celebration here In December, 1952.

Mrs. Stafford was a member of St. John's Episcopal church and of the Columbus Eastern Star chapter.

BesIdes her husband she is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Roy Burt Sr., 2 grandchildren, Mrs. Le Roy Stein and Le Roy. Burt Jr., and 3 great-grandchildren; also 2 brothers, Charles W. Zwiener of Austin and Dr. Leon F. Zwiener of Fredericksburg.

Pallbearers were Doug Zwiener of. Houston, Charles Zwiener of Galveston, Lonny Zwiener of Austin, and Le Roy Burt,Jr., Le Roy Stein, R L. McMillan, T. W. Glithero and R. C. Tolbirt of Columbus.

Colorado County Citizen, April 4, 1957

Stafford, Estella Louise

Passed from death unto life eternal, on the evening of July 4th, 1882, Stella Louise, in the 4th year of her age, daughter of John and Grace N. Stafford. Thus suddenly and unexpectedly has the loved one departed from the view of those who deeply mourn the loss. A lovely flower just blooming into life has been transplanted into the Paradise of God. May the Lord comfort her parents with a sense of His goodness, and lead them to the place where little Stella awaits them. Her remains were interred in the Wright burial ground. [Reinterred in Odd Fellows’ Rest]

“Ah, Lord Jesus, grant that we
Where she lives may soon be living,
And the lovely pastures see
That her heavenly food are giving;
Then the gain of death we prove,
Tho’ Thou taken what most we love.”

Colorado Citizen, July 13, 1882, page 3

Stafford, Henry Johnson

Columbus, Sept. 5.--Henry Johnson Stafford, 24 years old, died at the home of his mother, Mrs. Annie Stafford, at 10 o’clock this morning. He was born and raised in Columbus, but had lived the past several years in Jefferson county, Texas. His health became bad there and he came home about three weeks ago. The funeral will be held at Odd Fellows Rest at 9 o’clock tomorrow morning.

Weimar Mercury, September 14, 1907, page 3

Stafford, James Randolph

DEPARTED this life at his home in Colorado county, Sept. 5th, 1886, Mr. James R. Stafford, in the 50th year of his age. Mr. Stafford was born in Liberty county, Ga., in 1837, and removed to Florida in 1847, and from thence to Texas in 1881, settling in this county, where with his family he has enjoyed the respect and esteem of this community. Like others of his fellows he had been called to pass through sorrows in the loss of dear ones, whom he has joined in the land where partings are no more. He had connected himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1870 and endeavored to live a consistent life in accordance with his profession. His remains were brought to Columbus on Monday and a large number of relatives and friends followed them to the Odd Fellows’ Rest, Revs. Duncan and Howard officiating. He is at rest from the trials and sorrows of earth.

Colorado Citizen, September 9 1886

Stafford, Jessie Walker

Died, at the residence of Mr. H. M. Johnson, in Columbus, on the 4th instant, little JESSIE, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben F. Stafford, of Colorado county.  [Interment in Columbus Odd Fellows Rest]

Colorado Citizen, July 10, 1879, page 3
Transcribed by Dorothy Albrecht

Stafford, Joe W.

FORMER COLUMBUS CITIZEN DIES AT MINERAL WELLS

News was received this week of the death of Joe W. Stafford at Mineral Wells at 3:26 p. m. Sunday, February 9th., of the after affects of Influenza, at the age of about 34 years.

Mr. Stafford was reared in Columbus, having graduated from the Columbus high school. After finishing school here he went to business college in Houston and on the completion of this course secured a position with the Southern Pacific Railroad at that place. He was later promoted to the position of Assistant Auditor and sent to El Paso. He lived at El Paso for a number of years and was married while there to Miss Florence Hall, daughter of a prominent stockman of that place. He later engaged in stock raising and moved to Light, Arizona.

He leaves a wife, two little girls and one sister, Mrs. Whit Boyd of Houston. He was also a nephew of Mr. Frank and Mr. J. W. Cassagne of Columbus and of Mrs. F. W. Allen of Houston.

His wife and Mrs. Boyd were with him at the time of his death.

The body was shipped to El Paso for burial.--Colorado Citizen.

Eagle Lake Headlight, February 22, 1919, page 9

Stafford, Joseph Walker Jr.

Funeral services for Joe Walker Stafford Jr., 35, were held at Columbus Funeral Home Saturday afternoon with interment in Odd Fellows Rest with Rev. C. B. Diltz of this place and Rev. Frank Charlton of Austin officiating.

Mr. Stafford, who died in San Antonio early Friday morning, was born in Columbus on August 8, 1908, and went to school here. He graduated from Main Avenue high school in San Antonio in 1927 and attended Texas A & M college where he was a member of the Ross Volunteers. In 1932 he was married to Miss Mildred Geoppinger of this place. He worked with the Longhorn Oil company at Callaham, the Island Oil company at Longview and at the time of his death was employed with a Humble Oil Refining company geophysical party.

Surviving are his parents Mr. and Mrs. Joe W. Stafford, his wife and two daughters Virginia Ann and Jo Louise.

Active pallbearers were D. V. Glass, Kilgore; Charles Herder Jr., Weimar; Douglas Blair, Houston, and Charles Kearney, Tanner Walker, David Foster, Hollis Massey and N. L. Goodwin, Honorary pallbearers were close friends of the family.

Among out-of-town people here for the funeral were Mrs. Doug [Bill] Denson and daughter, Jane, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dayvault, Mrs. Bruce McKennan, Mrs. Frank Stuckly, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Schumacher and daughter Jetta Lavo, of Houston;

Mrs. H. J. Laas, Mrs. A. H. Potthast, Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Holloway, Mannie Lauterstein, Weimar; Mrs. W. B. Hamilton Jr., Mrs. W. M. Stephenson, Mrs. J. K. Naylor, J. Light Townsend, Judge C. K. Quin, San Antonio; Mrs. Donald Stephenson and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Napier and son Jimmy, Callaham; Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. H. Lee Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Will Walker, Louis Gordon, MR. and Mrs. C. R. Stephens and Dr. and Mrs. J. R. Laughlin, Eagle Lake; D. E. Young and Earl Moulton, Longview; Mr. and Mrs. Jay J. Kelley and H. N. McMahan, Wharton; Mrs. Ed Vacek, Victor Vacek and Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Gibson, Schulenburg.

Colorado County Citizen, March 30, 1944
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Stafford, Laura Leona (Pratt)

Died, May 2, 1882, at the residence of her husband, Wm. H. Stafford, Mrs. Leona L. in the 33d year of her age. By this sad affliction three little ones are left motherless and a home desolate. Her demise was sudden and unexpected, teaching us the oft repeated lesson of preparation of the visit of the dread messenger whose command is imperative. Blessed are they who have made the Savior their friend before the hour of departure. Her remains were interred in the Wright burial ground, Rev. H. C. Howard officiating.

Colorado Citizen, May 11, 1882, page 2

Stafford, Martha Ann

In the afternoon of July 8th, the soul of Miss Martha Stafford ascended to the “land of pure delight.” Miss Martha had been a sufferer for several weeks with typho-malaria fever, and having previously exhausted her energies nursing a loved one through the same malady was illy prepared to ward off the foe which laid siege to her life. She was a naive of Georgia, but had resided in our midst for some years, and her pure Christian graces and exemplary life endeared her to all with whom she was associated. She was a member of the Episcopal Church, and her remains were conveyed from her residence to that building Saturday morning, and after impressive services by the Rev. C. H. Howard, were followed to the Odd Fellows’ Rest by a large cortege of mourning relatives and sympathizing friends. We tender our earnest condolences to the loving hearts thus sadly bereaved. Full many were the sheaves, heavy with golden grain, she laid at the feet of the Lord of the harvest, and she has received her rich reward, a crown resplendent with jewels of light. The going down of her sun has dimmed the sky of many, but there is a light streaming from Mount Calvary that will shine for them with brighter radiance.

Colorado Citizen, July 14, 1881, page 3

Stafford, Robert Earl

DIED, in this county, Saturday last, after a brief illness, Robert E. youngest child of Capt. and Mrs. R. E. Stafford. Robert was a dear little boy, possessing the most winning virtues of head and heart which rendered him a general favorite. The bright, fleeting days of his glad young life stand out among memory’s treasured like great white pearls upon a golden cord. He was a precious bud, redolent of fragrance, whose velvety petals only began to expand and give hints of the transcendent loveliness therein inclosed[sic], ruthlessly torn from the parent stem. To the bereaved parents we tender our earnest sympathies. We know that he is free evermore from suffering and sorrow, but the thought bears not the healing balm of consolation to hearts wrung, with the anguish of the parting hour, and their many true friends sorrow with them in the loss of their little sunbeam. The death angel laid waste and desolate all earthly hopes and promises centered in him, but in exchange he wafted him to realms of bliss where flowers never fade and love never dies.

“Oh, pure placid River,
Make music forever
In the gardens of Paradise hard by the Throne
For on they fair shore
Gently drifted before
We may find the lost blossoms that once were our own!”

[Interment in Columbus Odd Fellows Rest]

Colorado Citizen, October 14, 1880

Stafford, Robert Earl (1882-1903)

Post Special: Columbus, Jan 9.--Mr. Robert E. Stafford, aged 20, died at 8 o’clock last night. The body was conveyed from the home residence to the Methodist church at 2:30 this afternoon, and funeral service there conducted by Rev. C.. M. Thompson, the pastor in charge, who later continued the obsequies at the grave at Odd Fellows’ Rest. Mr. Stafford received considerable benefit at a mineral spring in Mississippi and hopes were at that time entertained for his recovery. He has lately returned from an extended stay in San Antonio. The surviving members of his immediate family are his mother, Mrs. C. P. Boon; his sister, Mrs. Whitworth Boyd, and his brother, Joseph Stafford. He was a grandson and namesake of the late R. E. Stafford, who was in his lifetime the head of one of the wealthiest families in Texas.

Weimar Mercury, January 17, 1903, page 1

Stafford, Warren Decatur

The Citizen regrets to record the death of Mr. Warren D. Stafford, son of Capt R. E. and Mrs. Sarah Stafford, which occurred at his home three miles west of town, last Monday, of pneumonia. He was born and reared in this county, and had many excellent traits of character. His remains were committed to earth in the family burial ground six miles south of town [later reinterred at Odd Fellows Rest] last Tuesday morning, in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends, Rev. G. H. Collins officiating. Peace to his remains.

Colorado Citizen, March 19, 1891, page 5

Stafford, Whitworth Tait

Rites Said for Whit Stafford Here Saturday

Burial services for Whit Tait Stafford, 47, were held at Odd Fellows Rest here Saturday, the Rev. B. A. Park officiating. The Rev. D.F. Murphy officiated at funeral services held in Dallas Friday.

Mr Stafford was born in Columbus on June 6, 1896, a son of Ben and Annie Stafford. He had lived in Dallas for the past 16 years, having retired two years ago as secretary-treasurer of the Texas Electric Railway company. A veteran of World War I, he died Wednesday night at Veterans hospital, Lishon, following a heart attack. C. B, Stafford of Columbus is his only surviving close relative.

Here from Dallas for the services were Mr. and Mrs. A. R, Wright, Mrs. J. B. Browning and Miss Olene Miller.

Pall bearers were W. H. Miekow, H. Braden, Sam K. Seymour Jr., E. G. Miller, O. G. Hoegemeyer and E. H. Rabel.

Colorado County Citizen, March 30, 1944

Stafford, William

William Stafford died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Henry Johnson, Tuesday, and his remains were shipped to Altair on the Aransas Pass for interment. Eagle Lake Advertiser [Place of interment unknown.]

Weimar Mercury, December 22, 1900