Wilson Terry Betts
SURNAMES: BETTS TERRY, WILSON, LAMBWilson Terry Betts, b August 25,1893 in Forest Home, Butler County, Alabama, d December, 1986 in Marlin, Falls County, Texas - was a son of Isaac Franklin and Mary (Terry) Betts. On June 6, 1920 in Jewett, Leon County, Texas, Wilson married Lettie Estelle Wilson, b October 27, 1889 in Jewett, Leon County, Texas - a daughter of Peter George and Rhoda Ella (Lamb) Wilson.
Wilson Terry Betts began his education in the Elementary Schools of Chico, California, continued in the Middle Schools of Bryan, Texas and Pittsburg, Texas, and subsequently entered Marlin, Texas High School as a Freshman - graduating in the Class of 1912. He entered Rice University Electrical School of Engineering in September 1912, and received his B.S. and M.A. degrees from Southwestern University. His advanced graduate study toward the Doctor of Education degree was in The University of Colorado, Washington and Lee University, Baylor University, and Texas Technological University.
Known throughout his life in Falls County as "Professor" Betts, he was also talented in the world of music. He was in the Band and Orchestra of Marlin High School, and graduated from the School of Music at Baylor University. He was in the Band and Orchestra School at Southern Methodist University, and attended the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) Bandmasters and Musicians School, and the Paris, France Conservatory of Music - graduating as a Commissioned Officer Bandmaster, U.S. Army, which was the equivalent of the American Civilian Doctor of Music degree.
"Professor" Betts served in the military during both World Wars. He had 13 months of service in World War I, with Infantry training in Headquarters Company, 19th Infantry in the Regular Army at Fort Sam Houston, and the Headquarters Company, 358th Infantry, 90th Division; Minot, France - final preparation for combat. His overseas service in combat during World War I included: Reduction of St. Mihiel salient, 90th Division; Meuse -Argonne offensive, 90th Division; and Army of Occupation, 358th Infantry. He also served four years during World War II, in Tank Destroyer Training at the Camp Hood, Texas Unit Training Center, and in the Transportation Corps, during re-deployment period.
During his outstanding career in the field of Education, Professor Betts served as Principal in Marlin High School - the school from which he graduated in 1912, and in which he starred on the football team.
The Betts returned to Marlin to make their after his retirement, and resided in The Allen House - a Marlin civic landmark. They have established a Foundation, in support of the arts and cultural advancement in the city.
The Betts are held in high esteem in their community, and by all who ever knew him during his professional days in Marlin, and throughout their lives. They had no children.
Some biographies from "Families of Falls County", compiled and edited by the Falls County Historical Commission.
Permission granted to Theresa Carhart by the Falls County Historical Commission, for use on this page.
