Daniel Gandy Franks

Daniel Gandy "Dan" Franks was born December 1, 1848, in Plum Creek, Caldwell Co., TX, and died September 4, 1913, in Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX, at age 64. He is the son of Benjamin F. "Ben" Franks of Alabama and Martha P. Spears of Mississippi.

Julia Zerilda Elkins was born 1848 in Guadalupe Co., TX, and died February 1885 in Cedar Springs, TX, at about age 36. She is the daughter of Preston Elkins of Tennessee and Nancy Queen Jolly of Indiana.

Daniel Gandy "Dan" Franks and Julia Zerilda Elkins were married on February 7, 1868, in Atascosa Co., TX.

Daniel Gandy "Dan" Franks and Julia Zerilda (Elkins) Franks had seven children:

1. Alonzo V. B. Franks: Born February 1870 in Atascosa Co., TX; Died after November 14, 1903, in Unknown. Lived in Floresville, Wilson Co., TX, on April 6, 1887. Lived in Del Rio, TX, on November 14, 1903, when he was seriously injured in a rear-end collision of two freight trains, where he was a conductor.
2. Arrie Franks: Born February 18, 1872, in Atascosa Co., TX; Died September 23, 1948, in Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX (age 76). Married December 19, 1889, in Dryden, Pecos Co., TX, to John Motley Doak: Born July 6, 1858, on the  Cook Ranch, Jourdanton, Atascosa Co., TX; Died July 26, 1949, in the Medical and Surgical Clinic, Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX (age 91).
3. Artie Collins Franks: Born February 1872 in Atascosa Co., TX; Died about 1908 in Texas. Married November 3, 1890, in Pecos Co., TX, to Henry Albert Neal: Born December 27, 1867, in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX; Died January 6, 1942, in the Santa Rosa Hospital, San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX (age 74). Father was James Polk Neal of Missouri; Mother was Julia Virginia Thompson of Texas. Henry A. Neal married Emma L. Nuckolls December 1908 in San Antonio, TX (born May 1867 in Texas). Henry purchased the Star Hotel in Mineral Wells, Palo Pinto Co., TX, about May 1909.
4. Leila Franks: Born 1874 in Atascosa Co., TX; Died about 1899 in Midland Co., TX (about age 25). Married November 3, 1890, in Pecos Co., TX, to Lee Foster Heard: Born October 10, 1864, in Midland Co., TX; Died August 3, 1942, in Midland, Midland Co., TX (age 77).
5. Oscar Bertrand Franks: Born October 16, 1876, in Pleasanton, Atascosa Co., TX; Died December 18, 1936, in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX (age 60). Married before 1915 to Jennie Burke: Born February 28, 1871, in Tennessee; Died March 20, 1961, in Nix Memorial Hospital, San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX (age 90).
6. Dannie G. Franks: Born December 17, 1878, in Atascosa Co., TX; Died January 7, 1962, in the Mesa Nursing Home, El Paso, El Paso Co., TX (age 83). Married December 23, 1896, at the Dolch Hotel, Eagle Pass, Maverick Co., TX, to Thomas L. J. Shields: Born June 6, 1867, in Texas; Died November 2, 1938, in El Paso, El Paso Co., TX (age 61).
7. Zarilda Franks: Born about 1883 in Atascosa Co., TX; Died after 1885 in Unknown. 

Julia Zerilda (Elkins) Franks died February 1885 in Cedar Springs, TX, at about age 36. She was buried in a lone grave on Cedar Creek, Cedar Springs, TX.

Daniel Gandy "Dan" Franks then married Alva Allison (Thompson) Brite.

Alva Allison Thompson was born March 6, 1856, in Bexar Co., TX, and died December 10, 1933, in Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX, at age 77. She is the daughter of Hiram Lowe Thompson of Missouri and Louisiana Jackson (Dever) Yocum of Louisiana. Primary Cause of Death: Senility.

Alva Allison Thompson first married Charles Henley "Charley" Brite.

Charles Henley "Charley" Brite was born August 30, 1852, in near Lockhart, Caldwell Co., TX, and died August 9, 1911, in Del Rio, Bexar Co., TX, at age 58. He is the son of Thomas Ransdale Brite of Unknown and Mary Louise Fuller of Alabama.

Charles Henley "Charley" Brite and Alva Allison Thompson were married April 12, 1871, in Texas.

Charles Henley "Charley" Brite and Alva Allison "Thompson" Brite had six children:

1. John William "Will" Brite: Born February 3, 1873, in Bexar Co., TX; Died April 16, 1955, in Del Rio, Bexar Co., TX (age 82). Married June 22, 1892, to Mattie Bell "Matt" Foster: Born January 28, 1874, in Williamson Co., TX; Died July 2, 1966, in Val Verde Memorial Hospital, Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX (age 92).
2. Thomas T. Brite: Born April 30, 1875, in Texas; Died December 16, 1879 in Texas (age 4).
3. Mary P. Brite: Born November 22, 1877, in Texas; Died August 18, 1879 in Texas (age 1).
4. Mattie Bell Brite: Born March 1, 1880, near Verdi, Atascosa Co, TX; Died July 30, 1971, in Reno, Washoe Co., NV (age 91). Married (1) December 23, 1896, at the Dolch Hotel, Eagle Pass, Maverick Co., TX, to Paul Friesen: Born about 1860 in Germany; Died Unknown. Divorced 1904 in Eagle Pass, Maverick Co., TX. Married (2) 1904 in Eagle Pass, Maverick Co., TX, to Alexander John "Alex" Crew: Born Unknown; Died Unknown. Divorced. Married (3) 1908 in Dallas, TX, to John W. Kiley: Born Unknown; Died Unknown. Divorced. Married (4) Unknown to Unknown Moss: Born Unknown; Died Unknown. Married (5) 1922 to William Cropley: Born Unknown; Died Unknown. Divorced. Married (6) May 2, 1931, to Albert Kuhn: Born May 1870 in Tiffin, Seneca Co., OH; Died March 3, 1933, in the Southern Pacific Hospital, San Francisco, CA (age 62).
5. Bennie Bell Brite: Born February 22, 1882, in Texas; Died October 26, 1972, in Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX (age 90). Married August 8, 1904, in Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX, to James Henry "Jack" Hays: Born September 10, 1881, in Texas; Died June 15, 1951, in Ardmore, Carter Co., OK (age 69). Divorced about 1910 in Texas. In 1911, Bennie entered her nursing career at Lee Surgical Hospital, San Antonio. She became a Registered Nurse in 1915. On December 1959 she received an honorary membership into the Texas Graduate Nurses' Assn., District 8.
6. Dan Henry Brite: Born April 18, 1884, in Texas; Died April 16, 1976, in Hurst, Tarrant Co., TX (age 91). Married November 15, 1906, in Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX, to Anna "Annie" Griner: Born January 7, 1878, in Del Rio Hospital, Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX; Died March 24, 1954, in Texas (age 76). Divorced.

Charles Henley "Charley" Brite and Alva Allison (Thompson) Brite divorced about 1887.

Charles Henley "Charley" Brite then married Texana Holder.

Texana "Texan" Holder was born October 8, 1867, in Shiloh, Atascosa Co., TX, and died July 27, 1956, in Pleasanton, Atascosa Co., TX, at age 88. She is the daughter of William Holder of Warren Co., KY, and Mary "Polly" Black of Matagorda Co., TX.

Charles Henley "Charley" Brite and Texana "Texan" Holder were married June 6, 1889, in Atascosa Co., TX.

Charles Henley "Charley" Brite and Texana "Texan" (Holder) Brite had seven children:

1. Luke Duran Brite: Born July 9, 1891, in Texas; Died June 13, 1968, in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX (age 78). Married about 1916 in Texas to Benjamin Franklin "Lee" Collins Sr.: Born January 8, 1893, in Llano, Llano Co., TX; Died Unknown.
2. David Crockett "Dave" Brite: Born May 29, 1892, in Texas; Died July 19, 1922, in an ambulance seven miles from San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX (age 30). Never married.
3. Samuel Houston Brite: Born July 6, 1894, in Texas; Died June 2, 1977, in Bexar Co., TX (age 82). Married December 19, 1916, to Sarah Elizabeth (Essary) Christian: Born July 1892 in Texas; Died March 24, 1962, in Bexar Co., TX (about age 69).
4. Wallace Walling "Wally" Brite: Born October 29, 1896, in Texas; Died March 6, 1972, in Pleasanton, Atascosa Co., TX (age 75). Married December 19, 1916, to James Arch Woodlee: Born October 12,  1889, in Maraeula, TX; Died September 15, 1960, in Pleasanton, Atascosa Co., TX (age 70).
5. Tom Morris "Tommy" Brite: Born December 9, 1899, in Verdi, Atascosa Co., TX; February 19, 1978, in Pleasanton, Atascosa Co., TX (age 78). Married July 17, 1926, to John Carroll Pruett: September 30, 1902, in Texas; Died October 9, 1985, in Pleasanton, Atascosa Co., TX (age 83).
6. Terry Jourdan Brite: Born October 14, 1908, in Verdi, Atascosa Co., TX; Died November 6, 1936, in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX (age 28). Never married.
7. Charles Henry "Charley" Brite: Born September 12, 1911, in Verdi, Atascosa Co., TX; Died December 30, 1962, in Pleasanton Hospital, Pleasanton, Atascosa Co., TX (age 51). Married after 1930 to Mary Croft: Born Unknown; Died Unknown.

Alva Allison (Thompson) Brite then married Daniel Gandy "Dan" Franks.

Daniel Gandy "Dan" Franks and Alva A. (Thompson) Brite were married October 11, 1887, in Bexar Co., TX.

Daniel Gandy "Dan" Franks and Alva A. (Thompson) (Brite) Franks had three children:

1. Alva Allison Franks: Born July 7, 1889, in Dryden, Pecos Co., TX; Died September 4, 1919, in Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX (age 30). Married (1) 1909 to Edward Paul Robert: Born December 25, 1875, in Thibodaux, Lafourche Co., LA; Died June 29, 1912, in Las Cruces, Dona Ana Co., NM (age 36). Married (2) March 6, 1916, at Christ Episcopal Church, San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX, to Truman Fremont (Charles Truman) Abbey: Born May 19, 1886, in Orion Twp., Richland Co., WI; Died July 1, 1977, in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX (age 91).
2. Robert Ingersoll "Bob" Franks: Born August 17, 1891, in Dryden, Pecos Co., TX; Died August 31, 1930, in Brady, McCulloch Co., TX (age 39). Married Unknown in Texas to Lillie Unknown: Born about 1898 in Texas; Died Unknown.
3. Penelope Lee "Penny" Franks: Born June 24, 1897, in Eagle Pass, Maverick Co., TX; Died April 25, 1923, at the Franks Hotel, Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX (age 25). Penny died from a gunshot. Married about 1921 in Texas to Sidney Mitchell Deering: Born January 17, 1898, in Calwell Twp., Fannin Co., GA; Died April 25, 1923, at the Franks Hotel, Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX (age 25). He was a second class radio operator, and a graduate of Harvard University.

TIMELINE

Daniel Gandy "Dan" Franks was born December 1, 1848, in Plum Creek, Caldwell Co., TX.

Julia Zerilda Elkins was born 1848 in Guadalupe Co., TX.

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on October 28, 1850, shows Benjamin F. Franks (age 26) born in Alabama with real estate worth $600 is a Farmer living in Caldwell Co., TX. Living with him is Martha P. Franks (age 24) born in Mississippi. Also living there are three children, all born in Texas: John B. Franks (age 5); Lemuel A. Franks, (age 3); and Daniel G. Franks (age 1).

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on September 11, 1850, shows Preston Elkin (age 27) born in Tennessee who cannot read or write is a Farmer living in Travis Co., TX. Living with him is Nancy Elkin (age 24) born in Indiana. Also living there are two children, both born in Texas: Mary Elkin (age 3); and Zerilda Elkin (age 1). Living on the adjacent farm is the James Jolly family.

Charles Henley "Charley" Brite was born August 30, 1852, in Caldwell, TX.

Alva Allison Thompson was born March 6, 1856, in Bexar Co., TX.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on August 17, 1860, shows B. F. Franks (age 36) born in Alabama with personal estate worth $5,000 is a Stock Raiser living near Pleasanton, Atascosa Co., TX. Living with him is his wife, Martha P. Franks (age 35) born in Mississippi. Also living there are seven children, all born in Texas: J. B. Franks (age 15) a Stock Raiser; Lemuel Franks, (age 13); Daniel G. Franks (age 11); Wm. M. Franks (age 9); James M. Franks (age 7); Lucinda M. Franks (age 4); and Nancy A. Franks (age 2). Lucinda Knight (age 56) born in South Carolina also lives in the Household.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on June 20, 1860, shows Press Elkins (age 50) born in Tennessee who cannot read or write, with personal estate worth $398 is a Farmer living in Caldwell Co., TX. Living with him is Nancy Elkins (age 35) born in Indiana. Also living there are six children, all born in Texas: Mary E. Elkins (age 13); Julia J. Elkins (age 12); Margaret Elkins (age 9); James Elkins (age 6); Q. Ellen Elkins (age 4); and Miles Elkins (age 2).

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on July 24, 1860, shows Hiram L. Thompson (age 42) born in Missouri with real estate worth $6,000 and personal estate worth $4,000 is a Farmer living near San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX. Living with him is Louisiana Thompson (age 41) born in Louisiana. Also living in the household are Thompson children all born in Texas, with John being the only Male: Rosana Thompson (age 16); Ro Anna Thompson (age 13); Julia Thompson (age 11); Allis Thompson (age 8); Alva Thompson (age 4); and John Thompson (age 1).

Daniel Gandy "Dan" Franks and Julia Zerilda Elkins were married on February 7, 1868, in Atascosa Co., TX.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on August 15, 1870, shows D. G. Franks (age 21) born in Texas with real estate worth $300 and Personal estate worth 2,500 is a Stock Raiser living near Pleasanton, Atascosa Co., TX. Living with him is Sarilda J. Franks (age 21) born in Texas who is Keeping House. Also living there is a male child, Alonzo V. B. Franks (age 6/12, Feb).

Charles Henley "Charley" Brite and Alva Allison Thompson were married April 12, 1871, in Texas.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 12, 1880, shows Daniel G. Franks (age 31) born in Texas to Alabama-born parents is a Farmer living in Atascosa Co., TX. Living with him is his wife, Gerurlda Franks (age 30) born in Texas to Tennessee and Indiana-born parents, who is Keeping House. Also living there are his children, all born in Texas to Texas-born parents: son Lonzo V. Franks (age 10) who Works on Farm; daughter Artie Franks (age 8); daughter Arrie Franks (age 8); daughter Lealei Franks (age 6); son Oskar Franks (age 3); and daughter Daniel G. Franks (age not given). Also living in the household: wife's unmarried brother, Brackenridge Elkins (age 19) born in Texas to Indiana and Texas-born parents, who Works on Farm; and mother, Nancy Elkins (age 54) born in Indiana to Kentucky-born parents. A laborer also lives in the household. Living on the adjacent farm is married daughter, Alva (Franks) Brite, wife of Charles Brite. Andrew McMains live on another adjacent farm. Roana Thompson (Alva's sister) had already married Andrew's son, Abraham McMains, in 1864.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 12, 1880, shows Charles Brite (age 24) born in Texas to Missouri and Alabama-born parents is a Farmer living in Atascosa Co., TX. Living with him is his wife, Alva Brite (age 30) born in Texas to Missouri and Alabama-born parents, who is Keeping House. Also living there are his children, both born in Texas to Texas-born parents: son William Brite (age 7); and daughter Mattie Brite (age 3/12).

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 25, 1880, shows H. L. Thompson (age 62) born in Missouri to Missouri-born parents is a Farmer living in Bell Co., TX. Living with him is his wife, Chrystiana E. Thompson (age 47) born in Tennessee to Virginia and Tennessee-born parents, who is Keeping House. Also living there are: son, Charles Thompson (age 12) born in Texas to Missouri and Tennessee-born parents; son, Hiram D. Thompson (age 9) born in Texas to Missouri and Tennessee-born parents; unmarried son Greo. H. Thompson (age 21) born in Texas to Missouri-born parents, who is a Farmer; and unmarried Mary F. Thompson (age 17) born in Texas to Missouri-born parents, who is At Home. Two boarders are also in the household. On the next farm lived Roana L. (Thompson) Mc Mains and family.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 25, 1880, shows A. F. McMains (age 37) born in Missouri to Kentucky and Missouri-born parents is a Farmer living in Bell Co., TX. Living with him is his wife, Roana L. McMains (age 34) born in Texas to Missouri and Louisiana-born parents, who is Keeping House. Also living there are five children, all born in Texas to Missouri and Texas-born parents: Hiram F. McMains (age 13); Effie A. McMains (age 12); Horace E. McMains (age 10); Grace L. McMains (age 8); and Lewis A. McMains (age 1). On the next farm lived H. L. Thompson and family.

Julia Zerilda (Elkins) Franks died February 1885 in Cedar Springs, TX, at about age 36.

Charles Henley "Charley" Brite and Alva Allison (Thompson) Brite divorced about 1886.

Daniel Gandy "Dan" Franks married Alva Allison (Thompson) Brite on October 11, 1887, in Bexar Co., TX.

Charles Henley "Charley" Brite and Texana "Texan" Holder were married June 6, 1889, in Atascosa Co., TX.

By 1895, Dan and Alva had removed to Eagle Pass, Maverick Co., TX. It is while living here that Mattie met her first of several husbands, Paul Friesen, a German who worked for the Mexican National Railroad.

The combined Franks and Brite families, about 1895, taken in front of the Dolch Holtel, Eagle Pass, TX. Mattie Brite, age 15 (standing second from left), Bennie Brite, age 13 (standing fifth from left), Alva Brite Franks (seated at right), Daniel Franks (seated next to Alva), Robert Franks (in lap of Daniel Franks), Edward Sturges (seated second from left). 

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 2, 1900, shows Dan G. Franks (age 51) born December 1848 in Texas to Alabama-born parents is a Hotel Keeper owning his own mortgaged home and living in Val Verde Co., TX. Living with him is his wife of 13 years, Alva A. Franks (age 44) born in Texas to Missouri and Louisiana-born parents, with all 7 of the children born to her still living. Also living there are his three unmarried children, all born in Texas to Texas-born parents: daughter Alva A. Franks (age 10) born July 1879; son Robert I. Franks (age 8) born August 1891; and daughter Penny L. Franks (age 2) born June 1897. Also living there are his step-relatives, all born in Texas to Texas-born parents: unmarried step-daughter Bennie B. Bright (age 18) born February 1892; unmarried step-son Dan Bright (age 16) April 1894; married step-daughter Mattie C. Friesen (age 20) born March 1880 who has been married for three years with the only child born to her still living; and Carl T. Friesen (age 1) born October 1898. Three boarders and two servants also live in the household. One of the boarders is the son of Roana L. (Thompson) McMains, Alva's sister: Horace E. McMains (age 30) born February 1870 in Texas to Texas-born parents, who is an unmarried Lawyer. Another boarder was Henry Hall, who would be instrumental in helping Mattie learn Morse code: Richard H. Hall (age 20) born December 1879 in Kentucky to Kentucky-born parents, an unmarried Telegraph Operator.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 9, 1900, shows Harvey A. J. Barnwell (age 41) born October 1858 in Mississippi to Alabama-born parents is a Physician owning his own home and living in Bell Co., TX. Living with him is  his wife of 12 years, Mary F. Barnwell (age 37) born August 1862 in Texas to Missouri and Louisiana-born parents, with all four of the children born to her still living. Children in the household: son, Robert Barnwell (age 10) born June 1890 in Texas to Mississippi and Texas-born parents; Daughter Mary Barnwell (age 6?) born ____ in Texas to Mississippi and Texas-born parents; step-daughter, Jessie M. Barnwell (age 17) born September 1882 in Texas to New York and Texas-born parents; and step-daughter, Lee H. Barnwell (age 14) born July 1885 in Texas to New York and Texas-born parents. Also living there is Andrew's widowed father-in-law, Hiram L. Thompson (age 82) born January 1818 in Missouri to North Carolina and Missouri-born parents, who is a Preacher.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 5, 1900, shows John M. Doak (age 41) born July 1858 in Texas to Unknown-born parents is a Stock Raiser owning his own home and living in Val Verde Co., TX. Living with him is his wife of 9 years, Arrie Doak (age 29) born February 1871 in Texas to Texas-born parents, with the only child born to her still living. Also living at home is daughter Edna M. Doak (age 2) born November 1897 in Texas to Texas-born parents.

Galveston Daily News, Galveston, TX, November 15, 1903

HURT IN A COLLISION

Conductor Franks Injured on the International Mexican.

SPECIAL TO THE NEWS. Eagle Pass, Tex., Nov. 14 - A rear-end collision between two freight trains occurred at a siding on the Iron Mountain Railroad 100 miles south of here this morning, delaying traffic six hours. The only man hurt was Conductor Alonzo Franks of the first section of the train, who was seriously injured. He resides in Del Rio, Tex. The loss will be considerable.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on ___ 1910, shows Daniel G. Franks (age 61) born in Texas to Missouri-born parents is living in Val Verde Co., TX. Living with him is his wife Alva A. Franks (age 54) born in Texas to Missouri-born parents. Also living there are: widowed step-daughter, Bennie V. Hays (age 27) born in Texas to Texas-born parents; unmarried son, Polk I. Franks (age 18) born in Texas to Texas-born parents; daughter, Pennie L. Franks (age 12) born in Texas to Texas-born parents; grandson, Carl T. Friesen (age 10) born in Texas to Texas-born parents; and grandson, Denis E. Hays (age 3) born in Texas to Texas-born parents. A number of boarders also live there.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 26, 1910, shows John M. Doak (age 51) born in Texas to United States and Pennsylvania-born parents is a Stock Ranch Ranchman owning his own farm free of a mortgage and living in Val Verde Co., TX. Living with him is his wife of 20 years, Arrie Doak (age 38) born in Texas to Texas-born parents, with the only child born to her still living. Also living at home is daughter Edna M. Doak (age 12) born in Texas to Texas-born parents.

The San Antonio Light and Gazette, San Antonio, TX, Sunday, August 7, 1910

Additional Southwest Texas News

Mrs. D. G. Franks has returned from a month's stay in Las Cruces, N. M., where she went to visit her daughter, Mrs. E. P. Roberts.

Charles Henley "Charley" Brite died August 9, 1911, at age 58.

Daniel Gandy "Dan" Franks died September 4, 1913, in Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX at age 64.

Penny Franks was from Del Rio, TX, and was a junior at Southwest Texas Normal School in San Marcos, TX in 1916 when this photo was taken.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 19, 1920, shows Alva Franks (age 62) born in Texas to Texas-born parents is a widowed Hotel Keeper who owns her own home free of a mortgage and is living at 124 E. Martin, City of Del Rio,, Val Verde Co., TX. Living with her is her unmarried daughter, Pennie Franks (age 22) born in Texas to Texas-born parents. Also living there is her grandson, Dan Abbey (age 9) born in Texas to Texas and Louisiana-born parents. Others also living there: Evans, Young, Gray, Johnson, Wall, De Base, and Cuello.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on February 9, 1920, shows John Doak (age 59) born in Texas to Texas-born parents is a Ranch Farmer owning his own farm free of a mortgage and living in the City of Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX. Living with him is his wife, Ara Doak (age 48) born in Texas to Texas-born parents.

In 1920 Sidney M. Deering is an unmarried Automobile Salesman living at home with his parents in Kerrville, Kerr Co., TX.

Betty Jane Deering: Born November 29, 1921, in Val Verde Co., TX.

Name: Penny Lee Franks Deering
Death date: 25 Apr 1923
Death place: Del Rio, Val Verde, Texas
Gender: Female
Race or color (on document): White
Age at death: 25 years 10 months 2 days
Estimated birth year:
Birth date: 24 Jun 1897
Birth place: Del Rio, Tex.
Marital status: Married
Spouse name:
Father name: D. G. Franks
Father birth place: Mississippi
Mother name: Alva Thompson
Mother birth place: Texas
Occupation:
Residence:
Cemetery name: Oddfellows Cemetery
Burial place: Del Rio, Tex.
Burial date: 26 Apr 1923
Additional relatives:
Film number: 2074802
Digital GS number: 4170539
Image number: 1202
Reference number: cn 13674
Collection: Texas Deaths, 1890-1976
 

San Antonio Express, San Antonio, TX, Thursday, July 20, 1922

RANCHER FATALLY INJURED BY FALL OF HORSE ON HIM

ARRANGEMENTS for the shipping of the body of David Brite, age 30, Pleasanton cattle rancher, to Leming, probably will be completed today. Mr. Brite died last night following internal injuries received when his horse fell, crushing the rancher beneath. Mr. Brite's skull and breast were badly crushed. Mr. Brite was herding cattle when his horse stepped into a hole and fell. He was brought to San Antonio by Dr. R. E. Mann and S. D. Luse of Pleasanton, but died en route here. Survivors of mr. Brite are: His mother, Mrs. Texana Brite of Pleasanton; three brothers, Houston of San Antonio and Terry and Charles Brite of Pleasanton; two half brothers, Dan and Charles Brite of Del Rio; and three sisters, Mrs. Luke Collins of Tahoka, Mrs. Wallace Woodles of Pleasanton, and Miss Morris Brite of Pleasanton.

Penelope Lee "Penny" (Franks) Deering died April 25, 1923, at the Franks Hotel, Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX, at age 25.

The Franks Hotel, Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX, at it appeared about 1979. Photo courtesy of Robert Gerstenberg.

San Antonio Express, San Antonio, TX, Thursday, April 26, 1923

Man Shoots Wife, Turns Gun on Self

Special Telegram to The Express. DEL RIO, April 25. - Sidney M. Deering, 27, shot and killed his former wife, Mrs. Penny Franks Deering, 24, at the Franks Hotel, in this city Wednesday at 2:30 p. m. and immediately killed himself. Deering had been separated from his wife since last September and she had recently brought suit for a divorce, alleging cruel treatment. The tragedy occurred in the bath room at the hotel where Mrs. Deering was living. Deering used a 45-calibre automatic pistol and after firing two shots into the left breast of Mrs. Deering, one of which pierced the heart, placed the muzzle of the gun to his head just behind the right ear and fired one shot. When the door was broken immediately after the shots were heard, Mrs. Deering was dead and Deering was dying. Deering was not known to have been in the city, but it is thought had been lurking near the hotel watching an opportunity, and when Mrs. Deering came out on the rear gallery and entered the bath room, he was seen to cross the street and enter the bath room immediately after. The shots were heard within a minute after Deering had entered the room and closed the door. Deering formerly lived at Kerrville, where his parents now reside. He came to Del Rio about four years ago and made this city his home until last year, when he and his wife removed to Laredo. He met and married Penny Franks during his residence here. A letter written by Deering and found near his body, indicated an intention to commit the crime. They are survived by a baby daughter.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 2, 1930, shows Alva A. Franks (age 74) born in Texas to Missouri and Louisiana-born parents is a widowed Hotel Proprietor owning the hotel valued at $40,000 and living at 216 Main Street, City of Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX. Living there are several family members: granddaughter, Betty J. Franks (age 8) born in Texas to Texas-born parents; divorced daughter, Bennie B. Hays (age 48) a Trained Nurse born in Texas to Texas-born parents; unmarried grandson, Dennis E. Hays (age 23) an Auto Parts Salesman born in Texas to Texas-born parents; unmarried grandson, Dan R. Abby (age 19) born in New Mexico to Louisiana and Texas-born parents; and widowed brother, John H. Thompson (age 71) a Hotel Manager born in Texas to Missouri and Louisiana-born parents. Several other lodgers also live at that address.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 5, 1930, shows John M. Doak (age 71) born in Texas to Mississippi and Texas-born parents and first married at age 31 is Retired and owning his own home at 313 Pecan Street, City of Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX. Living with him is his wife, Arrie Doak (age 58) born in Texas to Texas-born parents and first married at age 18.

Alva Allison (Thompson) (Brite) Franks died December 10, 1933, in Del Rio, Val Verde Co., TX, at age 77.

Name: Alva Allison Franks
Death date: 10 Dec 1933
Death place: Del Rio, Texas
Gender: Female
Race or color (on document):
Age at death: 77 years 9 months 4 days
Estimated birth year: 1856
Birth date:
Birth place:
Marital status: Married
Spouse name: D. G. Franks
Father name: Hiram L Thompson
Father birth place:
Mother name: Louisiana J Dever
Mother birth place:
Occupation:
Residence:
Cemetery name:
Burial place:
Burial date:
Additional relatives:
Film number: 2115947
Digital GS number: 4165957
Image number: 1457
Reference number: 57834
Collection: Texas Deaths, 1890-1976

The San Antonio Express, San Antonio, TX, Thursday, July 23, 1936

BURKE FUNERAL RITES TO BE HELD FRIDAY

Funeral services will be held Friday morning for Mrs. Louisa Drake Burke, 82, who died at her home, 134 Topeka Boulevard, Wednesday morning. Rev. Frank Charlton of Alamo Heights Methodist Church, will officiate. Mrs. Burke was a native of Tennessee, and had lived in San Antonio 40 years. She is survived by two sons, Roberts S. Burke of New Braunfels and Orville G. Burke of Tucumcari, N. M.; a daughter, Mrs. Oscar B. Franks of San Antonio, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

The San Antonio Express, San Antonio, TX, Saturday, November 7, 1936

PLEASANTON MAN DIES IN SAN ANTONIO HOSPITAL

Terry J. Brite, 28, died in a San Antonio hospital Friday morning. He was a native of Verdi, a resident of Pleasanton and had been in San Antonio 14 days. Funeral services will be held at the home of his brother, Sam H. Brite, 1815 West Ashby Place, Saturday afternoon, followed by services at the Brite family cemetery at Leming, at 3:30 o'clock, Rev. E. S. Fitzgerald of Beacon Hill Church of Christ officiating. Survivors are the mother, Mrs. Texana Brite of Pleasanton; thw brothers, Sam H. Brite of San Antonio, and Charles H. Brite of Pleasanton; three sisters, Mrs. B. F. Collins of San Antonio, Mrs. Arch Woodlee of McCoy, Tex., and Mrs. Carroll Pruett of Pleasanton.

The San Antonio Express, San Antonio, TX, Sunday, December 20, 1936

GULF OIL OFFICIAL BURIED HERE TODAY

Rites for Oscar Bertrand Franks, 60, who died in a hospital here Friday, will be held Sunday afternoon. Franks, a native of Atascosa County, had been in the city about a month and during recent years had spent most of his time in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and Tampico, Mex., as an official of the Gulf Oil Company. He was a member of the Blue lodge, A. F. & A. M. and of the Commandry No. 1, Knights of Templar of Tampico. He also belonged to the Arabia Shrine at Houston, the Scottish Rite bodies here and was a member of the Elks. San Antonio Commandry No. 7, Knights Templar, will be in charge of the services. Survivors are his widow, Mrs. Jennie Burke Franks, who lives at 134 Topeka street; two sisters, Mrs. John M. Doak of Del Rio and Mrs. Dannie Shields of El Paso; four nieces, Mrs. Walter Fricke of San Antonio; Mrs. Lela Neal Pirtle of San Antonio, Mrs. Mitchell Waldrop of Del Rio and Miss Zorilda Shields of El Paso; also three nephews, Leslie Neal of San Antonio; Doak Heard of New Mexico and Frank Heard of the United States Army.

The San Antonio Light, San Antonio, TX, Sunday, December 20, 1936

OSCAR FRANKS RITES SLATED

Funeral services for Oscar Bertrand Franks, 60, an official of the Gulf Oil Company, of 134 Topeka street will be held at 2 p. m. Sunday at Porter Loring chapel under auspices of the San Antonio Commandry No. 7, Knights Templar. Franks, a native of Atascosa county spent a large part of his time in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and Tampico, Mexico. Survivors are: widow, Mrs. Jennie Burke Franks; sisters, Mrs. John M. Doak, Del Rio, and Mrs. Dannie Shields, El Paso; nieces, Mrs. Walter Fricke and Mrs. Lela Neal Pertle, San Antonio, Mrs. Mitchell Waldrop, Del Rio and Miss Zarilla Shields, El Paso; nephews, Leslie Neal, San Antonio; Doak Heard, New Mexico; Frank Heard, U. S. navy. Interment will be in City Cemetery No. 4.

Westlawn Cemetery, Del Rio, Texas
A thru M by surname
Compiled by John M. Longoria, johnl@webnology.com

1st column:        LAST NAME
2nd column         FIRST NAME
3rd column         MIDDLE NAME
4th column         DATE OF BIRTH
5th column         DATE OF DEATH
6th column         INSCRIPTION

Abbey             Alva            Franks         1889              1919
Brite             Dan             Henry          Apr. 18, 1884     Apr. 16, 1976
Brite             J.              W.             1873              1955
Brite             Mattie          Bell           1874              1966
Brite             Philo B.        Owen           Jan. 23, 1906     Aug. 22, 1974
Brite             S.              Myrtle         1896              1980
Brite             Thomas          R.             1895              1966
Brite, Jr.        Thomas          R.             1916              1999
Franks            Alva            A.             1856              1933
Franks            Chas.           E.             June 10, 1873     May 7, 1929
Franks            Dan.            G.             1848              1913
Franks            Edmond                         1847             1921               Father
Franks            Penny                          1897              1923
Franks            Robt.           I.             1891              1930
Franks            Roy             W.             1900             1941               Faithful to his trust
Franks            Talitha                        1851               1927               Mother
Franks            Viola                          1873              1952
Hays              Bennie          B.             1882              1972
 

Index to Probate Cases of Atascosa County Texas

September 28, 1857 to March 6, 1939

Contributed by Terri Goins Lorenz

Indian Pioneer History Project for Oklahoma
Date: September 29,1937
Name: Eliza Elmore (Mrs.)
Post Office: , Oklahoma
Date of Birth: 1866
Place of Birth: Fall County, Texas
Father: C. A. Wells
Place of Birth:
Information on father:
Mother:
Place of birth:
Information on mother:
Field Worker: Charline M. Culbertson, Interviewer
Interview #7776  

Interview with Mrs. Eliza Elmore
Limestone Gap, Oklahoma

I was born in Fall County, Texas, in 1866. My Parents were C. A. and P. A. WELLS.

I came to the Indian Territory with my sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Bradford HAYES and their family in 1885. Mr. Hayes was a Methodist missionary both Territorial days and after statehood. He worked as a missionary in Indian Territory and Oklahoma for thirty years.

Our trip was made in a covered wagon. We did not travel with other groups but only with my sisters immediate family.

We located on the bank of the Washita River near Tishomingo.

We leased land from Edmond PORTER a Chickasaw Indian. My sister and I did all the farming while her husband preached among the Indians.

We lived in a little log house, eighteen by twenty feet. It had a fire place at one end and there were no windows, only small shutters.

At Tishomingo, at this time there was one log store and post office. I do not recall who was postmaster or who operated the store.

All we brought with us from Texas was our household goods. The only thing I am in possession of today is some old cotton garters. These had belonged to my mother. I also have a cast iron skillet that I brought from Texas.

We went to Whitesboro, Texas to get our supplies. It took two days to make the trip there. We crossed the Washita River at COLBERT’s Ferry.

We went to BYRDS mill to get out corn and wheat ground.

I had no personal friends among the Indians. I never attended any of their dances nor pow-wows.

We always had a fine gardens and orchards, also lots of wild game such as turkey, deer and hogs, and there were big flocks of prairie chickens.

I plowed and did a man’s work for eleven years and knew very little of what was going on in the outside world. I stayed at home and took care of my parents as they were invalids and did not marry until I was forty-five.

Submitted to OKGenWeb by Rusty Stroup <m2759@chickasaw.com> 03-1999.

Also submitted by  Reba Morgan Alsup  RAlsup2@aol.com    March 2004 with the following note: Rev. John Bradford Hays was a well known Baptist Missionary. Interview from Vol. 23, pages 406-407, Indian Pioneer History, Grant Foreman Collection, Indian Archives Division, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.