Thatcher, Annie E. (Davis)
PIONEER RESIDENT DEAD
Mrs. J. W. Thatcher Died at the Family Home in this City Saturday Night.
Mrs. Annie E. Thatcher, wife of Mr. John W. Thatcher, died at her home in this city at a late hour last Saturday night after a long illness. She was one of the pioneer citizens of Eagle Lake and a lifelong member of the Episcopal church. The remains were interred in the family burying grounds on the old Thatcher plantation, seven miles below Eagle Lake, Sunday afternoon. Funeral services were conducted at 2 o'clock in the afternoon in the church by Rev. Samuel G. Porter, the Episcopal rector, the services at the grave being conducted by Rev. J. A. Steven, pastor of the Baptist church. Mrs. Thatcher is survived by a husband and two children, Mrs. T. J. Wilson and Mr. J. R. Thatcher, and numerous other relatives, to whom the Headlight extends it sincerest sympathy.
OBITUARY
Died in the town of Eagle Lake, Texas on October 25, 1913, at an advanced age, after a prolonged and painful illness bored with Christian fortitude and resignation, Mrs. Annie E. Thatcher, wife of J. W. Thatcher: Mrs. Thatcher was born in Virginia about the year 1839. When still a very small child, the family moved to the state of Massachusetts, settling near the city of Boston, a city noted throughout the world for its literary brilliancy. She grew up in an atmosphere of culture, refinement and intellectuality: was thoroughly educated in all the studies required by a receptive mind. After completing her education at Holyoke Seminary, her inclination impelled her to return to the scenes of her youth and to devote her life to the imparting her acquirements to the children of her former home. After teaching there for a year or two, she sought new fields and came to Texas where she resumed her occupation.
Her many qualities of mind and heart were greatly appreciated by those with whom her lot was cast, and she became at once the center of attraction with those who were fortunate enough to become acquainted with her.
A woman of no ordinary mold of mind or character, she did not lack for friends and during a long and eventful life she always maintained a popularity seldom vouchsafed to others. Her Christian fortitude and forbearance served to draw to her the sympathetic and kindly attention due a woman of her disposition.
An attractive personality combined with the better feelings of head and heart made her character the more appreciated. Death loves a shining mark and surely his shaft has pierced the heart of a noble woman. Tho' death with her has lost its sting and has left void that is hard to fill. A zealous Christian, pure in mind, pure in heart and with a hand always extended in charity to the needy she has gone to her reward fully qualified to receive the golden crown reserved for her in heaven and to be reunited with the loved ones gone before.
[Buried Montgomery-Thatcher Cemetery]
Thatcher, Cora Bell (Shortt)
Mrs. Thatcher Succumbs at 95; Buried Saturday
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, March 14, at Eagle Lake for Mrs. Cora Thatcher, 95, a former Weimar resident who had lived in San Antonio the past 10 years.
She died at 5 a.m. Thursday, March 12, at Morningold Manor nursing home in San Antonio. Until very recently she had been living with her daughter Mrs. J. W. Vollentine there.
Rev. Irvin F. A. Kracke, rector of Christ Episcopal (sic) Church at Eagle Lake, officiated in the service. Burial was in Lakeside Cemetery at Eagle Lake.
Born July 16, 1874, in Tennessee, Mrs. Thatcher was the daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Reynolds Shortt. The family came to Texas in 1880, and on Aug. 2. 1891, she was married to John R. Thatcher at Eagle Lake.
They settled in Eagle Lake, and Mr. Thatcher died in 1918. In 1925 Mrs. Thatcher moved to Weimar to make her home with her brother, Frank Shortt. After his death in February 1954 she went to San Antonio to live with her daughter, and during the years since then she had at times also lived with her other daughter Mrs. Simon White in Eagle Lake.
Surviving are the two daughters, Mrs. Josephine Vollentine of San Antonio and Mrs. Annie Margaret White of Eagle Lake; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Charles Allen, John F. Heger and H. Ed. Rabel of Weimar, Fulton Dromgoole, Joe Lee McCreary and Gardner C. Duncan of Eagle Lake.
Weimar Mercury, March 19, 1970
Photo courtesy Dorothy Cox
Thatcher, Elizabeth A. (Lookup)
Post Special: Columbus, Feb. 25.--Mrs. Elizabeth Thatcher, one of the oldest residents of Columbus, died at her home at an early hour this morning of pueuinonia. The funeral will be held from the family residence at the city cemetery at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. The active pallbearers will be: J. J. Harrison, H. R. Brown, H. R. Byars, Carey Shaw, W. S. Miller, W. E. Bridge, R. S. Stevens, George Best and J. T. Johnson. The following have been named as honorary pallbearers: Dr. J. S. Bruce of Eagle Lake, Stephen McCormick of Weimar, Charles Brunson, Dr. J. H. Bowers, Dr. James Byars, David Steiner, F. F. Mahon, Judge J. J. Mansfield, B. M. Baker, T. J. Oakes and James W. Towell of Columbus, Friench Simpson of Halletsville and J. L. Pickens of San Antonio. Mrs. Thatcher is survived by her two daughters, Mrs. R. S. Stevens of Houston and Mrs. Nannie Andrus of Columbus, and her two sisters, Mrs. Mary Buchannon of Marion, Va., and by seven grandchildren.
Mrs. Thatcher was a member of the Lookup family of Dumfries, Scotland, coming by ship to New Orleans. From there they took a schooner and were wrecked near Matagorda, Texas. From this point the family proceeded to Colorado county, where they bought a plantation. In 1851 she was married to Thornton Thatcher and from the date of her wedding most of her life has been spent in Columbus. Her oldest child, Miss Myra Thatcher, married Judge George McCormick-, the well known lawyer of this place, who at one time was attorney general of the State. Another daughter. Miss Jennie Thatcher, married W. E. Bridge, who is now sheriff of Colorado County. Both of the last named daughters are dead.
Rev. Henry J. Brown of Houston will conduct the funeral service.
Weimar Mercury, March 3, 1906, page 1
Thatcher, George Montgomery
Just two months from the date of his father's death, the fatal shaft was hurled at George M. Thatcher He was a noble and promising boy, with every quality calculated to endear him to his family and friends. He was residing with his widowed mother, and had just taken upon himself the task of ministering to those demands of the parent upon the child, and offering that solace in life's troubles of which the departed father had bereft her, when he too was stricken down, and she is again left to sorrow upon earth.
[He was born on 22nd of October, 1849, and died on the 30th of October, 1867. Buried Montgomery-Thatcher Cemetery]
Galveston Daily News.
Submitted by Dorothy Cox
Thatcher, George Washington
IN MEMORIAM
Departed this life, at his residence in this county, on the 30th of August last, Geo. W. Thatcher in the 59th year of his age.
He was born in Frederick County, Virginia on the banks of the beautiful and fast rolling Shenandoah, on the 8th of January, 1808, but moved with his father in early youth to Ohio: resided for a time in Mississippi where he married a daughter of the late James S. Montgomery; emigrated to Texas with his family about the beginning of the Revolution and has resided on his plantation near Eagle Lake till the date of his death.
Few of the early settlers of Texas were better known or more esteemed for his many social virtues than the deceased. He was remarkable for his bounteous hospitality, his infinite humor and kindly disposition. His devotion to his family and close attention to his planting interest, in which he was eminently successful, kept him chiefly at his own fireside, where he was always pleased to welcome his numerous friends and to extend to them that warm greeting so characteristic of the Southern planters.
Mr. Thatcher lingered in illness for two years from an attack of paralysis, which caused his death. He was patient and cheerful in all his confinement and met the messenger of his fate with unbalanced firmness and with full confidence of never-ending repose. What is life, when contrasted with his hope of continuos bliss, but the breath upon the mirror, which the passing wind doth take up and the impress is gone forever. Long will his memory be cherished by his family and friends.
One who knew him well
[Buried Montgomery-Thatcher Cemetery]
8 Jan 1808 VA - 30 Aug 1867 TX
Newspaper unknown
Submitted by Dorothy Cox
Thatcher, John Robert
Particulars of John Thatcher's Death
Particulars of the tragic death of Mr. John Thatcher of Eagle Lake, a brother-in-law of E. F. Shortt of this city, who was killed at Port Arthur during a big fire one night last week, have been learned. Mr. Thatcher was engaged in an endeavor to rescue inmates of the burning hotel, and had climbed upon the awning to assist in this rescue work, when there was an explosion within the burning building, which blew out the walls of same, and a single brick was thrown violently against the back of his neck, causing injuries which resulted in his death within a few minutes thereafter. The remains were brought to Eagle Lake and interred Friday morning [Lakeside Cemetery]. Mr. Thatcher's death is sincerely deplored. He was a splendid man, of a true type known and beloved by all, a devoted husband and father, and one who truly possessed the friendship and esteem of all who knew him. The Eagle Lake Headlight says of him:
John Thatcher, for he was known as "John" to all people of this section, was a good man. He never harmed anyone, and was happy to do anyone a favor. He died as he has lived--doing something for others. He was a man of a happy, jovial disposition. It mattered not how things went with him, he always looked on the bright side, and we have often heard the remark,"I wish I had John Thatcher's disposition." He was pleasant to be around, always sunny and of a cheery frame of mind. He was a kind husband and a loving, tender father. His tragic death has cast a gloom of sorrow throughout the community, and the loved ones have the deepest sympathy of all the people of our town in their great sorrow.
Weimar Mercury, September 20, 1918
Photo courtesy Dorothy Cox
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Thatcher, John Ward
Eagle Lake Texas Dec 2 John W. Thatcher , nearly 83 years of age, the oldest native-born citizen of Colorado County, died at his home here Saturday morning. Interment will be made Sunday afternoon on the Thatcher plantation, [Montgomery-Thatcher Cemetery] where he was born. He well remembered when the last buffalo was known to have been killed in this section of the state. He served throughout the Civi War, having enlisted in Brown's Battalion, Beasley's Company.
Weimar Mercury, December 8, 1922, page 6
John W. Thatcher, Aged Resident, Died Saturday
The death of John W. Thatcher in this city Saturday at eleven o'clock came as a shock to many of our people. While he had been in ill health for some time, yet his condition was not considered serious or alarming until a short time before the end came. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. F. Tyson of the local Methodist church at the home of the deceased Sunday afternoon at two o'clock followed by interment in the Montgomery Cemetery at Matthews in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends.
John W. Thatcher was born on the Thatcher plantation, about seven miles below the city of Eagle Lake, in February 1840, where he lived during the major portion of his life, having only a few years ago moved to Eagle Lake where he lived up to the time of his death. His father and mother came to Texas from Mississippi and settled in this locality in 1836, at a time when there were still Indians living in this part of the country. He enlisted in Brown's battalion at the breaking out of the Civil War and served throughout the entire conflict.
Mr. Thatcher's memory of the early days and the condition of the country here during his early life are very interesting. At that time this was a great cattle country and mustangs (wild horses) were here in great numbers, among which were some very fine ones, the origin of which has always been a mystery.
He could well remember when the last buffalo was killed in these parts. Everybody kept open house in those days, and all strangers traveling through the country were welcome there being no hotels. There were no newspapers and the natives got the news from strangers who stopped with them while passing through the country. Bear were about as numerous in those times as hogs are now and the farmers had to keep guards to prevent them from destroying their corn while it was in roasting ears. He well remembered Eagle Lake before there was a house in the present townsite and only a little log hut down near the lake near here.
Mr. Thatcher spent most of his time farming and running a few cattle in connection therewith. He moved from his plantation to town in 1900, but kept his farm and has looked after it and leasing it out to tenants for years. The past few years on account of his mature age and failing strength he had been kept close to his home, although until very recently he would drive out in his one horse buggy and down town to transact some business at his local bank.
Mr. Thatcher's wife preceded him in death about ten years ago. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. T. J. Wilson, of this city, and the following grandchildren: Mr. Joe Frazar, Mrs. A. H. Jones, Mrs. Ruth Walker, Mrs. W. C. Elkins and Mrs. S. S. White, all of this city; Mrs. Estep Cubage of Corpus Christi, Mrs. A. P. Rollins of Port Arthur, Mr. Thomas Wilson, Misses Summie and Johnnie Wilson of Houston, and Mrs. Jess Valentine (sic) of Hallettsville. He also is survived by thirteen great-grandchildren and the following nephews: Mr. Walter Abell of El Campo and Mr. Will Abell of Garwood.
In the passing of Mr. Thatcher this community has lost one of those rugged sturdy and substantial characters that represents the type of men that the pioneers who settled the frontiers of this great country were, and the type of such men are gradually growing fewer as the years go by. It was such men as Mr. Thatcher who have blazed the way for the present day civilization and to whom the community in which they have given their lives owes a debt of gratitude.
Eagle Lake Headlight Saturday, December 9, 1922
NOTE: John W. Thatcher was married twice, though the obit does not make mention. His first wife was Margaret Elizabeth Abell, daughter of James C. Abell of Garwood. Submitted by Dorothy Cox
Thatcher, Laura A.
DIED
At the residence of her parents, in Colorado County, Texas on the 11 of August, LAURA A. THATCHER, in the 14th year of her age. Her sufferings were long continued and severe, and all that love and affection could suggest, was done to alleviate them. A mother's tenderness hung over the last and received the latest breath. None knew but to love her, She was the life of the household, and a child of remarkable mental powers, with a warm and generous heart, and her death will cause a pang to many outside the family circle. Her illness, which lasted throughout the period of ten years, was borne with a resignation and calmness truly wonderful to behold, and she looked forward without fear to her final departure. Like one who wraps the drapery of her couch around her and lies down to pleasant dreams--she died without a struggle, and in the full assurance of a blissful immortality.
Her suffering ended with the day,
Yet lived she at its close:
She breathed the long, long night away,
In statue like repose.
But when the sun in all his state
Illumined the Eastern skies,
She passed through glories morning gate
And walked in paradise.
L. W. L., Her Teacher.
The Texas Christian Advocate will please copy.
Thatcher, Margaret Elizabeth (Abell)
DIED
Of pneumonia, on the 22nd day of December 1869, at the residence of her husband, John W. Thatcher near Eagle Lake, Mrs. M. E. Thatcher.
The deceased was a native of Texas - her father, J. C. Abell, Esq., having immigrated to Texas in 1838. Thus has been cut off suddenly, in the prime of womanhood, and surrounded by a young and interesting family, one of the purest and noblest matrons of Texas, With every social and domestic virtue, she was the pride of her family, and the very life of her household, while she was esteemed and beloved by all her friends and neighbors. Here was truly one of those rare natures who never give offense in doing their whole duty, and could well boast of ruling in her proper sphere, while serving with all a true woman's devotion when it was proper for her to show obedience.
Her spirit has gone forth in search of that Eternal Home where the weary and heavy laden are at rest. Her pure and spotless character will long be remembered, and serve as a bright example for the living to emulate.
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Thatcher, Mildred
OLD RESIDENT OF EAGLE LAKE DIED WEDNESDAY
Miss Mildred Thatcher on Wednesday Night Entered Her Last Long Sleep Lived Here 61 Years.
Miss Mildred Thatcher, one of Eagle Lake's oldest and most beloved citizens, died at abut one o'clock Wednesday morning in her sixty-first year, having spent all of her useful life in Eagle Lake. She was familiar with the life of the early settlers of this section, and has seen the town of Eagle Lake grow from two or three roughly constructed huts of the pioneer settlers into a thriving little city. She was widely known, and possessed a large circle of acquaintances and friends. Miss Mildred had many friends, not only in this immediate section, but in all parts of the state. Up to a few years ago, when her health began to fail rapidly, she was active in church and social affairs. She had been a member of the Episcopal church for more than thirty years and was a faithful Christian and church worker. Miss Mildred was a woman of many admirable traits of character. Until her health failed, her home was always open to her friends, and the Thatcher family has long been noted for its genuine Southern hospitality. She was one of the most popular women of Eagle Lake. Bright, intelligent, always pleasant and of a happy and jovial disposition, she has endeared herself to the people of Eagle Lake during her long life spent here, and her death is deeply regretted. She leaves one brother, Mr. J. W. Thatcher, and many other relatives.
Funeral services were held at the Episcopal church at half past three o'clock Wednesday afternoon, interment being made in the old Montgomery burying grounds [Montgomery-Thatcher Cemetery] near Matthews, the services at both church and the grave being conducted by the Rector, Rev. A. J. Banks.
There were many beautiful wreaths and floral offerings, among the donors being, Mrs. Nannie Andrus and Mrs. Alex McCormick, Columbus, Texas Mrs. R. S. Stephens and Miss McCormick, Houston. Mrs. Looscan, Mrs. Charles Boedecker, Miss Lue Leyendecker, Mrs. J. B. Howe, Houston: Mrs. H. S. Vineyard, Mrs. W. E. Lenhart, Mrs. G. Schleicher, Miss Fannie Williamson, City: and many others. The Order of the Eastern Star, of which the deceased was a member, sent a beautiful star. At Miss Mildred's request, the Episcopal Guild, of which she has long been a member an untiring worker, did not send flowers, but instead sent the amount which would have been paid for flowers to the "Sheltering Arms," the old woman's home in Houston, of which Miss Mildred has always been a supporter. In passing of Miss Mildred, Eagle Lake has lost another good and useful citizen. One more pioneer has crossed into the Great Beyond. May you rest in peach, old friend.
REQUIESCAT IN PEACE
The Last Call came in
Thou didst obey
With unreluctant will - without delay.
Yearning for rest -aspiring after peace,
God gave his summons - all your troubles cease.
Truly we mourn thee - yet with smile regret,
At thy departure-since we'll not forget
How great were thy desires for the end now come
And the end of trouble is the Father's Home.
Hard was the lesson which God had you learn
That from life's discipline we may not turn:
For on the bed of pain are lessons taught
This in the stress of life may not be caught.
Now in the Paradise of God from Earth set free.
His lessons you shall learn - in ecstasy.
Your lips shall chat again the old refrain
God's will be DONE in health or pain.
In God's own hands we leave you - sweetly rest,
Now silently we realize His will is best,
Best for the Church Triumphant we will agree
Best for his Body Militant - so let it be!
In Memory of Mildred Thatcher
Eagle Lake Headlight, Eagle Lake, Texas Aug 8, 1914
Submitted by Dorothy Cox
Thatcher, Sarah Myrah (Montgomery)
Died,at her residence in Eagle Lake, Colorado County, on the 30th day of October, ultimo, [1897] Mrs. Sarah Myrah Thatcher, widow of Geo. W. Thatcher, deceased.
The deceased was born September 14th 1815, in the State of Mississippi, was the daughter of Maj. James Montgomery, came to Texas in 1835 with her husband and father, who settled on the Colorado river near Eagle Lake, where she has resided ever since. She was buried by the side of her husband and children in the old family burying ground [ Montgomery-Thatcher Cemetery] on Monday last.
Mrs. Thatcher was in many respects a most remarkable woman and a more extended obituary of her will be given in our next issue.
Colorado County Citizen
Submitted by Dorothy Cox
Death of Mrs. Thatcher
A Lady identified with the Pioneer History of Texas
Died, at Eagle Lake, Colorado County, on the afternoon of October 30th, [1897] Mrs. Sarah Myra Thatcher, in the 82nd year of her age. She was the daughter of Major James S. Montgomery, who will his wife, Frances Gilbert, came to Texas in 1835 and the following year settled near Eagle Lake. Mrs. Thatcher was born in Jackson, Mississippi, September 14, 1815 and on September 21, 1833 was married to George W. Thatcher: in the winter of 1835 they moved to Texas, traveling overland in their own conveyances, and after camping in company with the men who afterward fell in defense of the Alamo. Some of these men, shoeless and footsore, were supplied with shoes at San Felipe by Major Montgomery. The family had scarcely become residents of Texas before panic succeeding the fall of the Alamo ensued, and they retreated toward the Sabine, to return after the victory of San Jacinto and settled in the Colorado bottom, about five miles from the "Lake of the Eagles." Their home, afterward built on the edge of the prairie, was atypical old-time southern home, its hospitable doors opened wide to the stranger and a cordial welcome awaited friends at any time and in any number.
A few years ago Mrs. Thatcher, with her only surviving daughter, removed to the town of Eagle Lake. Though in feeble health for many years, her mental faculties were unimpaired, and up to the day of her death she took a lively interest in affairs of public importance.
She had long been a member of the Protestant Episcopal church and reared her family in the communion. When her end drew near, affectionately tended by a son and daughter, surrounded by grandchildren, great grandchildren and devoted friends, the passing of the noble spirit showed that Christian faith in eternal life which takes away the pang of death. The many sterling qualities of heart and mind were such as made her influence felt by all who came within her circle, and her death removes one of the noblest women of her times.
From the Columbus, Texas paper of that time. From the files of Myrah Jane Draper.
The papers spelled her name Myra and Myrah. Myrah is correct. [Buried Montgomery -Thatcher Cemetery] Submitted by Dorothy Cox
Thatcher, Sommerville
DIED
At the residence of her father, in Colorado County, October 9th 1862, SUMMERVILLE THATCHER, daughter of George W. Thatcher, in the seventeenth year of her age. Her disease originated while at boarding school. She went in blooming health but returned a pale sufferer doomed to early death. She lingered for several years, but a fond mother's anxious care the devotion of her family and friends and the best medical skill were all unavailing to stay the steady progress of her decline and having passed in great feebleness through heat of summer, she fell like a frail and tender flower at the first rude blast of autumn. All who knew her loved her and mourn her loss, but as she was patient in death, they "mourn not as those who have no hope." The writer saw her a few days since for the last time in life. She lay calm, cheerful, beautiful, knitting socks for the soldiers. She had knit several pair, but that on which she was then engaged she never finished. She worked thus in weakness and almost to the last for the brave defenders of her home and country's rights and rest now we trust in Heaven.
W. G. F.
[Buried Montgomery-Thatcher Cemetery]
Note: she died of tuberculosis. She was a student at the Ursulan Academy in Galveston.
Submitted by Dorothy Cox
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