Francitas, Texas

Newspaper Articles
1932 - 1933
 

Big Land Sale in Francitas District

The sheriff's sale of Francitas farm tracts Tuesday drew a large crowd and there was some lively bidding in several instances. The land was sold to satisfy tax judgments.

There were 5,600 acres all sold, most of which were in 5-acre tracts. There were many buyers, but the bulk of the tracts went to Mauritz Brothers who bought from the commissioners' court after the sale by the sheriff.

The main buyers, the acres secured and the price paid follows: (In addition to the price there was accumulated taxes for 1930 and 1931, amounting to about $1.00 per acre.)

R. E. Holloway, 208 acres, $2.00 per acre.
Jno. W. Bolling, 227 acres, $2 to $4 per acre.
A. Oliver, 30 acres, $2.00 per acre.
S. G. Drushel, et al., 360 acres, $2.00 per acre.
J. W. Ragsdale, 700 to 1000 acres ___ to $4 per acre.
Olin Culberson, 30 acres, $2.00 per acre.
J. V. Brocker, 40 acres, $2.00 per acre.
W. H. Wingart, 15 acres, $2.00 per acre.

Between 2,500 and 3,000 acres were bid in by the State at $2.00 per acre through County Attorney Cobb, who was acting by order of the commissioners' court. This land was later sold to Mauritz Bros. by the court at $1.50 and $1.75 per acre in order to get it back on the tax rolls.

There were a number of one, two and three lot buyers whose names we did not get.--Edna Herald.

Palacios Beacon, January 14, 1932
 

M. T. Miller

M. T. Miller died January 8, 1932, at his home in Francitas, Texas. He was born in Morgan County, West Va., Feb. 13, 1849. When he was thirty-four years old he moved to Nebraska, where he became one of the pioneer settlers and homesteaders of Dawson County. In 1887 he was married to Miss Sadie Lenker.

To this union was born six children, one daughter and five sons, all of whom survive him. Those who are left to mourn his departure are his wife, Mrs. Sadie Miller, of Francitas, Texas; Mrs. Effie Furgeson, Eddie, Tice and Ramon Miller, of Eddyville, Neb.; Frank Miller of Gravette, Ark.; and George Miller, of Palacios, Texas. Together with eight grand-children, and a host of friends, who have known and loved, both he and Mrs. Miller since their coming to Francitas in 1917.

Mr. Miller had been in pour health for several years, and was seldom seen away from home, but after he became an invalid, in July, 1931, those of us who knew him best missed the few cheery words with which he had always addressed us on those rare occasions of his coming to town.

Through all these long months of his illness, he was constantly attended by his faithful wife, whom he wanted always near him.

Palacios Beacon, January 21, 1932
 

Francitas Facts.

Mr. and Mrs. B. E. Collins have moved onto the Schwind ranch and Mr. and Mrs. E. Linton will move into the residence which they vacated.

The young people enjoyed a forty-two party at the W. L. Linton home Saturday night.

Some of our young people attended preaching services at Deutschburg Sunday night.

Misses Pearce and Howell were week end visitors at home this week.

Miss Alma Heyne went to Ganado Saturday to visit her brother A. A. Heyne.

Watts Langston is home again for a while.

Mrs. F. N. Miller and Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Wingart motored to Bay City Monday.

Miss Vivian Collins was a dinner guest of Miss Lucille Buck Sunday.

Farmers are getting the ground ready for tomatoes and other truck. Those who have no farms are using town lots for the purpose.

H. Bentz is located now in his new store next to the Land Office.

We are glad to state that Mrs. E. Koenig is much improved.

Chas. Koenig is home again, helping his father erect the blacksmith shop.

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Manning of Edna were visiting relatives here last week.

"Aunt Mattie" Campbell spent the afternoon with friends in town last Wednesday.

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Strauss visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Pearce Sunday evening.

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Skria and daughter, Dixie, from the Gaines Farm, attended church at Deutschburg Sunday night.

Mr. and Mrs. T. N. Dahlstrom, Mrs. Lizzie Pearce and Mrs. E. T. Joines of Buhler were visitors at the home of W. R. Joines Sunday.

Mrs. R. L. Parish visited Mrs. W. L. Linton Saturday.

LILY-OR-THE-VALLEY

The Edna Weekly Herald, February 18, 1932
 

Francitas School News

On Monday a holiday was given in memory of George Washington. During the day many evergreen trees and flowers were set out on the school grounds in his memory. A pecan tree was set out several weeks ago, also to be dedicated for him. We are looking forward to the time when our school grounds will be as attractive as any in the county.

Perfect Spellers:

Sixth Grade:

Morgan Pearce

Fifth Grade:

Valline Landin

Third Grade:

Lula Linton

Marvin Joines

Silvester Vickers

Edna Harris

Thelma Linton

Second Grade:

Elizabeth Carvell

Lenn Page

First Grade:

Mary Mildred Bentz

Lula Maud Hawkins

Mary Louise Carvell

The Edna Weekly Herald, February 25, 1932
 

Francitas Facts.

Mrs. T. Kellogg returned to Houston last week.

Miss Alma Heyne visited her brother in Ganado Friday afternoon.

Miss Lydia Koch was also a Ganado visitor Friday.

Miss Edna Lubben spent the past week end with homefolks.

Miss Elsie Lubben went to Austin Monday to be at the bedside of her sister, Miss Sophia, who underwent an operation for appendicitis Sunday last.

Floyd Martin spent a few days in Palacios last week.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Smith with Wm. Clark and Wendell Jones, have moved onto Mrs. Carmichael's farm. They intend to attend cucumber growing _____.

Mrs. C. D. Payne is among the ailing at this time.

Miss Lena Koch has been ill for several days, but we are glad to state that she is better.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carvell made Palacios a visit Saturday. Mrs. Carvell made a visit to the dentist while there.

Mesdames Robert Joines and W. L. Linton visited in Buhler Saturday.

Mrs. Calvin Joines of Buhler spent Saturday night with Mrs. Robert Joines.

The little babe of Mrs. W. R. Joines is ailing this week.

Mr. Buck gave his sister, Miss Lucille with Misses Vivian Collins, Clara Bentz, Gladys Harper and Opal Price a treat by taking them into Houston to see "Old Ironsides."

Mesdames L. L. Stahl and Metcalf of Blessing were mingling with friends here Sunday.

Mrs. M. T. Miller went to Bay City Monday.

Mr. Williams of Harlingen met a dozen or more of the farmers here Monday, Feb. 29th and they pledged and signed contracts for planting 42 acres of cucumbers. Quite a bit of enthusiasm is shown here in this line of farming and here's hoping they succeed in making good. The growing of tomatoes is not to be carried on to a great extent here, but some plants are already in the fields, some have been put into the cold frame and still others are waiting in the hot beds to be transplanted as soon as the soil can be prepared for them.

The Edna Weekly Herald, March 3, 1932
 

Francitas Facts.

Mr. and Mrs. J. V. Brocker visited Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Pearce Monday evening.

Sid Lowrance of LaWard was over getting acquainted with Francitas folks Thursday.

Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Joines of Houston stopped for a short visit in Francitas Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Styles of Port Lavaca were riding around our town Wednesday.

Our old friend R. H. Gordon of Bay City was here Friday with Paul Lanham, Groce Parrish's salesman.

Our boys went to LaWard again Friday and got beaten in a baseball game.

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Skria, B. H. Pearce, Floyd Martin and Morgan Pearce attended the play at Deutschburg Saturday night.

C. E. Buck with Misses Vivian McGee and Lucille Buck were Bay City visitors Saturday.

Watts Langston and sister, Miss Jewel were also in Bay City Saturday.

C. D. Payne is among the ailing this week.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Smith visited the Jones home Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Robt. Joines accompanied the school children to LaWard to witness the ball game Friday.

Miss Lena Koch is among the ailing.

Mrs. E. Koenig went to Sealy Wednesday for medical treatment.

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Manning of Edna came down Monday to be at the bedside of Mrs. Manning's sister, Mrs. Carvell.

Dr. Sauls? of Edna made a professional call here Monday.

The Edna Weekly Herald, March 24, 1932

Francitas School News.

The children are working hard on their various events for our county meet.

We had a very enjoyable time at LaWard last Friday evening, even though we did not win in either of the two games.

Perfect Spellers.

Seventh Grade: Devodin Landin

Sixth Grade: Morgan Pearce, Alice Jones

Fifth Grade: Valline Landin

Fourth Grade: Frank Pearce

Third Grade: Silvester Vickers, Edna Harris

Second Grade: Elizabeth Carvell

First Grade: Mary Mildred Bentz, Mary Louise Carvell, Lula Maud Hawkins

The Edna Weekly Herald, March 24, 1932
 

William Charles Huskin Marshall

W. C. H. Marshall was born in Princeston, Ill., Sept. 16, 1842, and died at his home in Palacios, Texas, March 23, 1932.

Brother Marshall was married to Eunice Goodale of Peoria, Ill, in 1864; to them were born ten children, five of them having passed on before their father. The mother died on April 28, 1902.

In 1906 he married to Lucinda Wood of El Paso, Ill., and returned to his home in Norton, Kansas, where they lived on their farm until 1910, when they moved to Francitas, Texas, began at their advanced age to improve a small fruit farm, in this new territory. Within a few years, they had one of the best fruit farms in this section of the country.

In 1924 Mrs. Marshall died and her remains were taken to her former home in Illinois.

After this, Brother Marshall sold his farm at Francitas and moved to Palacios, Texas, where he again took up the work of raising fruit on the small plot of ground he bought in the edge of the city.

In 1926 he married Mary Jane LeCompte, and for the past six years they have lived on the little place planting and reaping their fruits and vegetables.

Of much more concern to Brother Marshall than the raising of fruit, or in fact, than anything else in this life, was his service to his Master. Obeying the gospel at about the age of 30 years, he was tireless in his religious duties. Wherever he lived he was zealous and earnest in his teaching of God's word. In the Church, in homes, in country school houses and everywhere the opportunity was offered he talked of things eternal.

He believed the words of the Lord, "Be thou faithful until death" and on his death bed he bade his friends and relatives good bye saying, "The Lord is calling and I must go." Then began the long hard struggle with death, after which he slowly sank away.

When those who watched were expecting the last breath of this noble Christian, he suddenly arose in bed, looked around and said, "It seems I've been somewhere," then presently, "Yes, I believe I was in Heaven." To his daughter he said I believe I saw your mother and our children (naming the five that were dead) and some old friends, and I heard beautiful singing, and saw the most wonder things." Then he sang one verse of "O Happy Day."

Turning to the doctor, who had just entered, he said, "I'm so happy, I don't need any medicine today, I'm going home.'

After this he began slowly sinking, and as the noon hour was striking the following day, went home.

Thus ended the earthly career of one of the noblest, yet most lowly of God's servants.

He leaves his wife, ten children, 28 grand-children, 37 great-grand-children and 5 great-great-grand-children.

Funeral services, conducted by C. F. Conner, were held last Thursday morning at the Church of Christ, in Palacios, after which the body was sent to Norton, Kansas, to be laid by that of his first wife.

Palacios Beacon, March 31, 1932
 

Francitas Notes

The farmers of this section are all busy preparing their land for planting. Some of the crops are planted and coming up.

Our Main Street farmers are also very busy preparing the soil for tomatoes and cucumbers, some have corn and potatoes coming up and in connection have had very nice winter gardens, such as head-lettuce, cabbage, beets, carrots, turnips, etc. We believe Mr. Wingart took first prize as a Main Street farmer.

Mrs. MacKay, Mrs. Langlos and Mrs. Wingart are and have been very busy fixing their flower gardens and beautifying their premises in general, with shrubs and rose bushes. It is expected that a good many more of our citizenship will follow suit and go them one better in the effort of having their home places look beautiful.

Our Union Sunday School membership got together and gave the church floor a good oil dressing and the mothers and young ladies are determined not to stop, but to go ahead and give all the church furniture a good cleaning and polishing and call it spring house cleaning.

Rev. C. B. Ray from Palacios, was on our program last Sunday afternoon at three o'clock which was sponsored by our four Sunday School classes, honoring class No. 3 for having read the most Bible verses for the last quarter. That class, with their teacher, Mrs. Ruth Hardy and a class membership of ten boys and girls, all seniors, read in the neighborhood of 50,000 verses of Bible. Class No. 2, all Junior boys, in the neighborhood of 40,000 Bible verses, six in the class, with Mrs. Hudson as teacher. Class No. 4, which is the age of 25 and up to 70 years of age, read something like 21,000 verses, with Mr. H. Bentz as teacher. At this occasion Bro. Ray brought us a great message on the subject "Christian Character," in which was stressed the value of Sunday School and Bible reading, and the very important matter of character building. We are very grateful to Rev. Ray for the message and as everyone present, which was a very nice congregation, enjoyed the services very much and so did the preacher, as he remarked, to the writer afterwards, "How these people listened so attentively, was a pleasure to be witnessed." We, as a Sunday School, are looking forward to the fourth Sunday of each month, for on that day Rev. Carrol B. Ray will bring us a message at 3 o'clock p. m., and we are welcoming everybody, that will, to come and worship with us.

Mr. Payne of our city has been on the sick list, but at this writing we are glad to say that he is up and around and feeling better.

We had the eliminations in Declamation Saturday, March 26, and the following were victorious:--Junior Girls, Gladys Collins; Junior Boys, Henry Bentz; Senior Girls, Clara Bentz, and Senior Boys, Albert Bentz, the last three winning by default, since they did not have anyone to speak against.

The Girl's Volley Ball team had a game with LaWard March 28, and Francitas came out victorious.

The County Meet will take place in Ganado, April 1st and 2nd.

Palacios Beacon, March 31, 1932
 

Francitas Facts.

Farmers are all busy over here planting cucumbers and tomatoes. We are all hoping this Easter norther is the last for this year.

A. D. Thompson of Van Vleck was here Sunday.

Mrs. Roth Hardy and son, Luther, went to Belton Friday night to spend the Easter holidays with Vesta.

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Miller of El Campo were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Vest last week.

Miss Mildred Helander of Palacios was a week end guest of Miss Gladys Harper.

Mrs. Robt. Carvell is home from Edna and we are able to note she is very muchly improved in health.

Friday afternoon the school boys and girls, with all the little pre-school kiddies enjoyed an egg hunt on the Schwind farm. Francis Pearce and Edison Carvell were awarded the first and second prizes for finding most eggs.

Sunday afternoon Miss Buck gave the members of her Sunday School class a party at her home. The little folks all went home happy with a basket of pretty eggs.

Gladys Collins was the winner of the junior girls declamation in the elimination try out here Saturday night.

Brother Ray of Palacios was over Sunday afternoon and conducted the Easter program at the church.

LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY

The Edna Weekly Herald, March 31, 1932
 

Francitas Notes

The County grader is doing work in this part of the county this week.

Miss Gladys Harper spent the last week end with home folks at LaWard.

The Bentz family, as usual, attended church services at Palacios last Sunday night.

Mr. R. G. Pilgrim, the termite control man, is treating the W. H. Wingert home for termites.

Mrs. W. F. Schwind is spending a week's vacation with her daughter, Mrs. Fay Summers, at Houston.

Mrs. Julia Hudson, the sister of Mr. Wm. F. Schwind is keeping house for her brother, while Mrs. Schwind is on her vacation.

Isadore C. Bentz, who is attending Rice Institute, in Houston, his second year, spent the week end at home with homefolks and friends in general.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Langlos and son, took a flying trip on the Hug-the-Cost Highway to the city of Port Lavaca and back last Sunday afternoon.

Mr. Peaters, our present County Commissioner, is here in and around Francitas, tending to his road business and also chatting with the people in general.

A goodly number of Francitas people attended Sunday School last Sunday morning at the usual 10 o'clock hour. There were 35 regular members and five visitors present.

The two daughters, grand-son, and son-in-law, Mrs. Nellie Bocock and Mrs. Hooleck and husband and Billy Bocock, of Houston, were here to visit their father and grandfather, Mr. Wm. Baer, last Sunday.

A good many fathers and mothers of our Francitas community do not fully realize the importance of Sunday School and its influence upon the lives of any boy and girl. If they would really realize the value and the importance, they not only would persuade or induce their children, but they would set the good example themselves and go with them and bring them to that place. Some one said, "Why, I don't see no such great value in attending S. School. I know so much more than anyone attending that Sunday School--"Why Would I go?" The answer to a statement of that nature would be this: somewhere down the line something is lacking, it may be an over-estimation of self and an under-estimation of what a Sunday School stands for and what the teaching of the Bible really and truly will do for a girl and boy, especially when you start in your early boy and girlhood days. There is an old German saying: "Jung gervant, alt gethin," in other words, "Habits formed when young, become deeds when old." Good habits are always an asset and there are many Christian people who realize that fact. How grateful we ought to be to God, for those mothers who devote a part of their time free and without charge in the training of your and my boy and girl. Oftentimes, those Sainted mothers are compelled to deal with mine and your child trying to teach and train them, out of the bad into the good habit-forming and character-building channel. What a help, what an aid, we have in the Sunday School is far more than we realize.

School News

The Francitas school is well pleased with the outcome of the County Meet, having won several first, second and minor places. The Bentz children, Albert, Clara and Henry, were again victorious in declamation, respectfully in the senior, senior and junior decisions. Gladys Collins won second place in the junior girl decision, this being her first year to compete. She gives promise of being a first place winner another year. Albert Bentz was also the first place winner again in the mile run. He did not place in the district contest in the mile run last year, but won the unanimous decision of the judges for first place in declamation and took fourth place in the State Meet. The school and community are very proud of all the children that entered any of the events in the County Meet this year and hope that next year we may win many more places.

The children are busy this week taking their seventh month examinations. We have only one month remaining in the school term.

The perfect spellers of the week are:
Seventh Grade: Devodia Landin
Sixth Grade, Alice Jones, Tommy Hawkins
Fifth Grade, Valline Lindin, Juanita Rendon
Third Grade, Silvester Vickers, Marvin Joines, Lula Linton, Edna Harris
Second Grade, Lena Page, Elizabeth Carvelle
First Grade: Mary Mildred Bentz, Lula Maud Hawkins, Mary Louise Carvelle

Palacios Beacon, April 7, 1932
 

Francitas Notes
(Too Late For Last Week)

The corn, potatoes and cucumber fields are looking very well, in spite of the cold dry and high winds, we have been having this past week.

Our main street farmers are also keeping busy and apparently in good spirits. There is an old saying, which still is true, "Labor Sweetens Life," but some one answered and said, "and laziness strengthens the body," but is hard on the seat of the pants.

Mr. C. D. Brewton and sister, of Kingsville, were guests of the P. A. Langloss [Langston?] family this last week end.

Mr. Bock and his sister, Miss Bock, and Miss Harper are again elected as teachers for the next term of school of our Francitas school.

Several of the young people are reported as being on the sick list. We hope they soon will be well again.

36 regular Sunday School members were present and two visitors last Sunday morning and the score for the four classes in Bible reading was as follows for the last quarter:--

Class No. 1, read 3,014 Bible verses.
Class No. 2, read 39,352 Bible verses.
Class No. 3, read 36,957 Bible verses.
Class No. 4, read 26,493 Bible verses.

Palacios Beacon, April 21, 1932
 

Francitas Notes

Our Blacksmith is kept quite busy this week.

We are glad to report that Mrs. W. F. Schwind is back home all well.

Everybody seems to be at work doing something in and around our little city.

The depression is passing and soon will be a thing of the past and we are hoping it has taught us all a lesson, that otherwise we never would have learned.

This part of Texas could use a little rain very nicely, however, crops are not suffering any yet, but we are hoping to receive a little of it in the near future.

Our Lakeland and Standard Poultry Farms are both entertaining thousands of little baby chicks these days and are also shipping a good many cases of eggs to the markets.

Our Union Sunday School is making progress and is growing in membership. A new class of junior girls with their teacher, Miss Clara Bentz, was called into being a week ago last Sunday.

Here in Francitas people can do things that can not be done in any other town in Texas, that we know of, namely to farm on Main street.

It will be just a matter of a few year's time and Francitas will have oil wells, is the optimistic prophecy of our Francitas prophet.

Palacios Beacon, April 21, 1932
 

Francitas Notes

Our teachers are now preparing for the closing of school exercises.

Mrs. W. H. Wingart was a caller on Mrs. Hawkins last Saturday afternoon.

Most of our people keep themselves busy doing something and rightly so, because an idle mind is the devil's workshop.

Mr. A. J. Peters, our present County Commissioner, is in and around Francitas, looking after his road business, this week.

Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Landine and children were guests at their brother and sisters, Mr. and Mrs. N. H. Landine of Blessing last Sunday.

Charlie Keonig is back again from Sealy, visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Keonig. We are glad to see Charlie because he is a model man in character and being ambitious.

The out-of-town visitors who were present at our fourth Sunday preaching hour, were, Mr. Russell and Mr. Teller, both of Palacios. We say, thank you, boys, come again.

A Sunday School is a training school but the Home is the foundation of all training and the foundation you give your children is the platform they stand on when they come to the day or Sunday School.

Rev. C. B. Ray, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Palacios, as usual, filled his regular appointment and will continue to do so each fourth Sunday of the month, at the regular 3 o'clock hour in the afternoon at the Francitas Church. Everybody welcome to come and worship with us during that hour.

"That we may see Jesus" was the very important as well as very timely subject or theme brought as a message to a gathering of about seventy-five earnest listeners by Brother Ray. We all say "blessings on thee" and may we all strive to possess like the Greeks of old, "That we may see Jesus" and as the song writer says, "That you may see Jesus in me or us."

Our Union Sunday School is still growing. Quite a change from two years ago, when at one time there were just five members left, who proved to be loyal and whose desire is and was not to build around themselves, but whose only ambition and desire was to build only around Christ, the Lord of all. 40 members present and two visitors last Sunday morning.

School News

Albert Bentz, who won fourth place in the State Meet last year in Senior Boys Rural Declamation, again won first place in the District Meet held at Victoria last Friday and Saturday. His sister, Clara, won first in Junior Girls Declamation last year at the District Meet and won second place in Senior Girls Declamation this year. Henry, brother to Albert and Clara, won second place this year in Junior Boys Declamation. Gladys Collins, our Junior Girl contestant in the District Meet, did not place, but this being her first year to enter, gives promise of being a winner next year.

The teachers and pupils are very proud of the contestants and hope that they will continue to bring honor to our school.

The pupils are busy this week reviewing and taking final examinations.

Our school will be out May 3. The school will give an entertainment at the church on Tuesday night, May 3, and the graduation exercises will be given the following night at 8 o'clock. Everyone is cordially invited to be present both nights.

Perfect spellers for the week are:--
First Grade--Mary Mildred Bentz, Louise Carville [Carvell?], Lula Maud Hawkins.
Second Grade--Elizabeth Carvell, Annie Griffith.
Third Grade--Edna Harris, Silvester Vickers, Thelma Linton.

Palacios Beacon, April 28, 1932
 

Francitas Notes

We have had just a little too much rain for the good of some growing crops.

Our drainage commissioner gave employment to several of our unemployed men here in Francitas, by having the drainage ditches cleaned out.

When we call depression here in Francitas is really and truly no depression at all, but rather a schoolmaster trying to give us a practical education in finances and to cause us to become more efficient as a workman in all vocations of life.

Isadore Bentz came home Saturday of last week and returned to Houston Monday. He loves his family, enough reason for him to come home ever so often.

Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Gillespie, former citizens of Francitas, are now living in San Perlita, where Mr. Gillespie is a regular operator. They are well and doing fine.

Our Union Sunday School continues gaining in membership and we are very proud of all of our young people. They are the ones who make up the majority of the membership. We might say this to them, "Bring your parents with you."

The road bond election Saturday resulted in a big majority for the bonds.

___________________

A delegation of Francitas road boosters went to Bay City Tuesday to confer with the County Commissioners of Matagorda County on the matter of getting a hard surfaced road built between Blessing and LaWard. They were joined at Blessing by Abel Pierce and a delegation representing the Chamber of Commerce of Blessing. Allen Burdett if LaWard and C. S. Mitchell of Lolita were also in the party.

The purpose of the meeting with the Matagorda County Commissioners' Court was to advise them that the bond issue necessary to finance this district's part of such a road down the Brownsville Railroad thru Francitas has been voted; that the LaWard district has voted; that the LaWard district has voted bonds for such a road; and that in view of the fact that Matagorda County has had the necessary funds for the construction of the road in Matagorda County available for some time, to secure the co-operation of Matagorda County before the Highway Commission to hasten the construction of the road.

Arrangements are being made for a delegation favorable to the project to present its merits to the State Highway Commission at the next meeting of the body. Commissioner A. J. Peters from this Precinct accompanied the delegation and gave assurance of the co-operation of Jackson County.

Those from Francitas who were in the party were H. Bentz, W. H. Wingert, Wm. F. Schwind, W. R. Joines, J. D. Langston and Watts Langston.

Francitas School News

Our school closed Wednesday nite, May 4th, with the graduation exercises. We were pleased to have Rev. David Roberts and wife of Ganado with us on this occasion. Mr. Roberts made a very interesting talk to the graduates.

The High School graduates were: Albert Bentz, Helen Parish, Lawrence Carroll.

The Grammar School graduates were:--Devodia Landin, Luther Hardy, Myrtle Harris, Fred Price, Harry Landin.

Those honored for highest grade average were:--Lawrence Carroll, Albert Bentz, Opal Price, Clyde Payne, Francis Harris, Gladys Collins, Devodia Landin, Franklin Pearce, Morgan Pearce, Tommy Hawkins, Mary Mildred Bentz, Mary Louise Carville, Edna Harris, Sylvester Vickers.

Honors were awarded the following students for neither being absent nor tardy during the school term:--Lula Maud Hawkins, Mary Louise Carvell.

Albert Bentz and his teacher, C. E. Buck, have returned from a trip to Austin, where Albert participated in the State Interscholastic League Meet, as Rural Senior Declaimer. Albert won first place, bringing home both the large cup and gold medal. We are very proud of him and wish him equal success in the future. He is the third student of our school to bring back a cup from Austin. Charles Brown in Rural Declamation and Vesta Hardy in Essay Writing.

Palacios Beacon, May 12, 1932
 

Francitas Notes

Our Main street farmers are busy cultivating their crops.

Mr. Wm. F. Schwind went to Austin on business the first of this week.

Mr. Ray Vickers is on the sick list and we hope he soon will be well again.

Mr. Taylor Duffy shipped two carloads of calves from our city this week.

W. H. Wingart received a car load of gravel and sand over the M. P. Ry. this week.

Mr. W. H. Wingart sold the first cucumbers from this part of Francitas section at 50c per bushel.

Our motto among all the Main street farmers is: Raise what you can and eat what you can and what you can't eat--why can that! By so doing we all will have plenty to eat this coming winter.

Theme for our last Sunday's church service was "Crown Him King." It's needless to say that Rev. Ray gave the hearers, about eighty in number, a very earnest sermon. Many of the hearers expressed thanks and remarked that they were glad to have heard a message of God. Our Sunday school as usual was well attended and we had four visitors.

Palacios Beacon, May 26, 1932
 

Mighty Good, Izzy

Isadore Bentz, of Francitas, a Palacios High School graduate, was one of two hundred and twenty-two Rice Institute students whose scholastic standing merited special mention of commendation in connection with scholarship award named in a list made public by the registrar's office.

These students received none of the monetary awards offered by several of the scholarships, but attained high ranking.

Isadore was a sophomore at Rice last year and his many Palacios friends are watching his progress with interest.

Palacios Beacon, August 25, 1932
 

Henry Bentz, of Francitas, has purchased the Charles Harriman farm on East bay and will move his family here before school begins. The sale was made through A. G. Skinner and Mr. Bentz has acquired one of the most attractive urban homes in the Palacios community.

Palacios Beacon, September 1, 1932
 

Carancahua

Mrs. Wilson and children have moved to Francitas to keep house for Wilford, who has rented a farm there, and raise chickens on a large scale. We will miss these good people, but hope they will have an enjoyable and prosperous year in their new home.

Palacios Beacon, February 23, 1933
 

Church Reunion Held at Francitas Sunday

During the summer months is a time for picnics, family reunions and homecomings and the Sunday School at Francitas pulled off a homecoming of former officers, teachers and pupils on last Sunday. The weather was ideal for such a day and while many of the pioneer workers in the Sunday School were unable to attend, the few who were there certainly enjoyed being back with those who had remained at the post there more than 20 years also meeting ones who had come later and were striving together to keep the work of the Bible School abreast with the times.

There was a good attendance of the home people Sunday and the special program arranged was enjoyed by all. Former teachers present who were given the honor to act as teachers of their respective classes, were Mrs. J. W. Dismukes, Adults; Mrs. H. C. Ellis, Intermediate, and Mrs. J. L. Stall, primary. At the close of Sunday School Mr. Thompson, who will be superintendent of the Francitas schools the coming year, made a splendid talk, using for his subject, "The Lawlessness of the Present Age." After adjourning we were invited to wait for dinner and such a feast as was spread. A long table in the rear was loaded with plates of fried chicken, dressing, salads, cakes, buttered buns, etc., besides hot coffee, ice cold lemonade and water to your heart's content. Did we enjoy being there, well I should say so, and when Mrs. Ruth Hardy, who is superintendent of the Sunday School, Mr. Bentz, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson or any of the other workers decided to put on a homecoming let us know about it, we will surely be there.

Pioneer guests were Mrs. J. L. Stall, of Blessing, Mrs. H. C. Ellis and son Glenn and niece, Miss Ruth Dopps of Bay City, Mrs. J. W. Dismukes, and son Jesse, of Palacios, and Mr. and Mrs. Williams and son of Bay City, some of whom remained for the evening service, a little playlet given under the direction of Mrs. Hardy.

The entire day was a success, both morning and evening services a delight to all who could attend and those responsible are to be congratulated for their efforts and the way in which it was put over. Small communities have a way of doing things that can not be emulated by towns and cities of larger population.

Palacios Beacon, April 24, 1933
 

Miss Jewel Langston, of Francitas and Arvid Swanson, of Olivia, were united in marriage here last Wednesday, May 17, at the home of the officiating minister, Rev. C. F. Conner. On May 5, a brother of Wednesday's bride, Watts Langston and Miss Lucile Buck were united in marriage by Mr. Conner. The Beacon joins the many friends of both enjoying couples in extending congratulations and best wishes.

Palacios Beacon, May 25, 1933
 

Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Kellogg and Mrs. Alice MacKay of Francitas were over Thursday on business and the latter took home with her a supply of job printing  she had recently had done at the Beacon office for the Francitas Land and Improvement Company.

Palacios Beacon, October 12, 1933
 

Palacios Beacon, November 16, 1933
 

This Week in Palacios History
From Our Early Files
20 Years Ago

Married, Wednesday, Dec. 10, by Judge Feather in his office, C. J. Hansen and Miss Bolette Johnson, both of Francitas.

Palacios Beacon, December 14, 1933