(Newspaper name and  date not identified)

SHOPPING CENTER WAS
200 MILES AWAY

CHILTON--SPL--In 1854 five families migrated to the Chilton area from Missouri.  These were the families of Newton B. Maxey, Tom Hailey, Frank Graham, and the Wethers-Cox family.  Mr. Wethers was a widower who married Mrs. Cox.  Both had children by previous marriage.

The nearest point of supplies was Galveston and Mr. Maxey established a wagon line to bring in things the settlers needed.  The nearest grist mill was at Millican near Bryan.

In 1854 tragedy struck the little group.  While hunting bear in the great thickets of Deer Creek near the present highway bridge on Highway 77 below the town of Chilton, John Wethers was accidentially mistaken for a bear because he wore a fur coat and cap, and was shot.  The man who shot him was so grieved he lost his mind and was taken back to his family in Missouri in an ox wagon.  Mr. Wethers' was the first grave in the cemetery now called Carolina.

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