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Go with us on our next excursion trip, Tuesday, June 21,
and see what our Red Oak People are doing in the Gulf
Coast country of Texas. Matt Pierce-- Red Oak
Express, Red Oak, Iowa, June 10, 1910
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A Great Excursion
Matt Pierce Takes Big Bunch to Collegeport, Texas
Military Band of Red Oak Gives Out Music on the Trip.
One of the biggest excursions,
distance and duration considered, as well as the number
who took the trip, which ever left Red Oak was that of
the Hurd Land Company which left Red Oak Tuesday evening
in two special cars bound for the Gulf Coast country.
The plans have been under the management of Matt Pierce,
a resident manager of the Burton D. Hurd Company, and
for the past two weeks he had been very active in his
efforts to make this the biggest thing of the kind ever
pulled off in this neck o’ the woods, and that he
succeeded is evidenced by the large and enthusiastic
bunch of representative citizens who went south with the
two fine private sleeping cars Tuesday evening. The trip
will extend over a period of ten days, and includes
numerous stops on the way to the Gulf, and several days
stay at Collegeport, with side trips in to Old Mexico
and by steamer out on the Gulf of Mexico, and all other
features—such as the possible opportunities of buying
land or town lots at prices which are “dirt” cheap, the
trip alone will be worth many times the amount it costs
those who go. Besides the following number from Red Oak
who took advantage of the opportunity and visited the
Gulf Coast Country with the excursionists, there are
several from other points in Iowa and Missouri:
The Red Oak Military
Band—composed of
John Kirkpatrick
Ivan Ellwood
Geo. Schadel
Clarence Miller
Chas. Hipwell
Ross Cramer
Pearl Hardwick
F. C. Rush
C. S. Lewis
Horace Beardsley
Coburn, Roy and Harvey Hazeleaf
Julius Feelander
Ralph Franklin and
R. C Shawver. |
The individuals who
went
E. M. Murphy
A. C. Taylor
W. H. Stafford
D. E. Powers
R. J. Seltzer
E. Evans
Chas. Turner
E. C. Cuter
R. O. Briggs
John Flood, Jr.
J. L. Palm
P. A. Peterson
A. Landis
Wm. Allison |
The
individuals who went
T. R. Williams
Alvin Drott
Chas. Anderson
F. H. Boggess
E. T. Yonder
Walter Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Gilmore
Grandma Gilmore
Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Cardiff
Mr. and Mrs. Fred White
Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Lackey
Mrs. Ivan Ellwood
Miss Rumsey
Miss Myra Heflin. |
The excursion was in charge of Mr. J.
V. Brasfield, who is employed by the Hurd Company to
accompany all such trips and see that everyone is
comfortable and happy, and it is hard to imagine his job
being a different one with the fine cars and service at
their disposal. At Kansas City the train was augmented
by the addition of several more coaches and an engine
especially allotted to the use of their train, and there
were to be no more delays until their destination was
reached. The taking of the band to Texas on a trip of
such a distance is rather a rare undertaking, and Mr.
Pierce, who engineered the project, is receiving
considerable praise for his enterprise. It will be a
fine trip, and with the sail on the briney, the oysters
and fish fresh from the deep, and many other nautical
and tropical features, will be one which will prove a
rare treat to many who are numbered among the fortunate
ones who went.--Red Oak Express, October 7, 1910
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Red Oak Express, Red Oak, Iowa, December 2,
1910
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Hotel Collegeport
Friday, Oct. 7, 1910
Matt Pierce, Red Oak, Ia.
This is a good time to remind the
public that the next excursion to Texas under the
auspices of the Burton D. Hurd Land Co., will be on
Tuesday, Dec. 6. Get busy with your plans for this fine
trip to a fine country. See Matt Pierce for
particulars.--Red Oak Express, November 18, 1910
Excursion to Texas.
Two parties left Red Oak Tuesday
evening bound for the southland. Those from Red Oak
accompanying Mr. Bogges to Dalhart and Middlewater in
the Panhandle district of Texas were T. C. Morrell, A.
J. Sourwine, Samuel Payne, Chas. Finley, Dr. B. F.
Spicer, and J. E. Cochenour. Many joined Mr. Boggess at
other points making up a large party. With Matt Pierce,
Mgr. of the Burton D. Hurd Land Co., were J. Velander,
Roy Hazelleaf and father from Kefanee [Kewanee?], Ill.,
John Burg, Jona Flood, Mrs. D. C. Powers and Amada
Anderson, Mrs. John Kirkpatrick and children accompanied
the party to Kansas City and will go later to Texas. The
latter party were bound for the Gulf Coast country their
destination being Collegeport, Texas. They were joined
at Pacific Junction by a car from Nebraska with the
Laurel band and by other parties at Kansas City. Both
Mr. Boggess and Mr. Pierce had special cars and a
pleasant trip is anticipated by the excursionists.--Red
Oak Express, December 9, 1910
Hunting Reserve.
Collegeport Chronicle, Feb. 2, 1911
While here last week Mr. L. S. Green
of Houston exhibited plans and drawings at the Hotel
Collegeport of a Club House to be built on Matagorda Bay
near Mud Island Lake, where it is proposed to set aside
some 1200 acres for a game and hunting reserved by the
Hurd Land Co. The designs and sketches are very
attractive looking and the plan of development is most
interesting to the lovers of sport and when worked out
as proposed will be a most attractive feature and
coupled with the natural resources of this incomparable
section will be sought after by a large class of well to
do people who spend a great deal of time and money to
find and enjoy such an outing as this will be presented.
Remember our next excursion date to
Collegeport, Matagorda County, Texas is Tuesday,
February 21, at which time we expect another large
party.
For further information call of phone
me. Have both phones.
MATT PIERCE, Red Oak, Ia.
Office opposite postoffice, 1st
door west of Griffith Inn.--Red Oak Express,
February 10, 1911
Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Withrow, F. P.
Liljedahl, Mrs. S. F. Shapcott, Lloyd Silkett, Mrs.
Swante Anderson, Rev. G. O. Gustafson, Frank Evans and
Frank Shires and family of Red Oak and with Mr. Fisher
of Villisca left Tuesday evening with Matt Pierce on an
excursion trip to Collegeport, Texas.--Red Oak
Express, February 10, 1911 |
Red Oak Express, Red Oak, Iowa, February 3,
1911
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Telegram Received.
From J. V. Brasfield,
Manager of The Burton D. Hurd Land Car
stating that he would arrive in Red Oak,
Friday morning and remain until Tuesday,
March 7th, at which time, we will
start for Collegeport, Texas, and other
points of interest in the south including
Matamoros, Old Mexico.
We leave on train No. 4,
at 12:25, Tuesday afternoon, via Villisca,
Clarinda and into Kansas City, arriving in
Kansas City at 8:30 the same evening. Your
object in making this trip is to see the
country, and for this reason, we are going
to leave Tuesday noon, in order to give you
a day-light ride to Kansas City, arriving
there in time to spend the evening in Kansas
City. This arrangement will prevent the
long, disagreeable wait at Pacific Junction,
which we would encounter if we started from
here at 9:00 in the evening and not arrive
in Kansas City until Wednesday morning.
See our ad on page 2
giving you full particulars about our entire
trip.
Those desiring to make
this trip call or phone me at once in order
to get the best accommodation.
Office opposite
postoffice, 1st door west of the
Griffith Inn.
Matt Pierce, Red Oak,
Ia.--Red Oak Express, March 3, 1911
A party of 45 land
excursionists from this vicinity left Red
Oak Tuesday noon bound for Collegeport,
Texas with an extension trip to Brownsville,
Texas, and Matamoros, Mexico. Matt Pierce
conducted the party having two cars, the
Burton D. Hurd special and a Pullman for the
accommodation of his party from Red Oak.--Red
Oak Express, March 10, 1911
Watch
for our ad in the next
week’s papers, announcing the particulars of
our next excursion to Collegeport and
Brownsville, Texas, on Tuesday April 4th,
at which time we will have a private car
leaving Red Oak. For further information
call or phone me. Office opposite postoffice
. 1st door west of Griffith
Inn.—Matt Pierce--Red Oak Express,
March 24, 1911
Facts About
Collegeport
Come and Hear a Free Speech and Music by the
Band.
Mr. Burton D. Hurd, of
Collegeport, Texas, president of the Burton
D. Hurd Land Co., will be in Red Oak,
Saturday, April 1. By the request of his
customers and friends of Red Oak and
vicinity he will give a free lecture at the
Beardsley opera house, commencing at 3:00
o’clock. Mr. Hurd, was formerly employed by
the United States government to make a
topographical survey of the entire Gulf
Coast country from Galveston to Brownsville.
He will tell you about the wonderful coast
country. And by hearing his lecture you will
be able to obtain more facts than you
possibly could do by riding over the country
looking out of the car windows.
Everybody invited and a
special invitation extended to the ladies.
Music by the Red Oak Military band and
remember, no admission, everything free.
For further information
call or phone me, we have both phones.
Office opposite postoffice, first door west
of Griffith Inn, ground floor.--Matt Pierce,
Red Oak, Ia.--Red Oak Express, March
31, 1911
Matt Pierce left Tuesday
with another excursion party for
Collegeport, Texas. Mr. Pierce is farming
quite extensively at Collegeport, having
under cultivation on his land, this year,
rice, corn, cotton and oranges. Not only is
he farming at Collegeport, Texas, but also
has under cultivation a large Montgomery
county farm which he has interest in.--Red
Oak Express, May 19, 1911 |
Red Oak Express, Red Oak, Iowa, March 3, 1911
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Red Oak Express, Red Oak, Iowa, April 7, 1911
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Red Oak Express, Red Oak, Iowa, June 16, 1911
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Is the Next Big Day
We Never Miss A Trip and We Never Fail to
Make Sales on Every Trip.
Our last purchasers from
Red Oak and vicinity who bought land from
the Burton D. Hurd Land Company of
Collegeport, Texas, are as follows: Axel
Eden, S. A. Thomas, Carl Hipple, Ed.
Roberts.
We are certainly pleased
with the beginning of our summer’s business
and on Tuesday, June 20th, will
be our next trip to Collegeport at which
time we expect a large party. Inquiries have
already been made regarding our next low
excursion rate. Don’t fail to see me if you
expect to make a trip to any point in the
Gulf Coast Country.
For further information
call or phone me, we have both phones.
Offices opposite
postoffice.
MATT PIERCE, Red Oak.
Ia.--Red Oak Express, June 2, 1911
Congratulations.
I want to congratulate
Ivan Ellwood, on his remarkable success in
his emigration work in so short a time. Ivan
accompanied his first excursion party to
Collegeport, Tex., on Tuesday, June 20, and
among the party were Mr. and Mrs. L. A.
Thomas, of Red Oak, whom we are pleased to
state purchased land of the Burton D. Hurd
Land Co., with the intention of making their
future home at Collegeport as soon as they
can make arrangements to move.
This record for Mr.
Ellwood, will certainly make the old time
real estate men wonder where his success
lays, but it is all in a nut shell, he talks
his own proposition and lets the other
fellow do the knocking.
Yet we are unable to tie
up acreage tracts in bunches and sell them
out like radishes through correspondence to
old time friends. We sell to men here at
home whom you meet most every day and who
will verify our statements.
Remember our next big
excursion date to Collegeport, Texas, is
Tuesday, July 18th. Don’t fail to
consult me about rates.
For further information
call or phone me. Office opposite postoffice.
Matt Pierce, Red Oak,
Ia.--Red Oak Express, July 7, 1911
Mr. Burton D. Hurd
Coming.
We are pleased to
announce that Mr. Burton D. Hurd, president
of the Burton D. Hurd Land Co., of
Collegeport, Texas, will be with us on
Saturday, and probably remain until Tuesday,
July 18th, which is our next
excursion date to Collegeport, Texas. Mr.
Hurd will be pleased to meet his old friends
or any one else desiring information
regarding our Collegeport development.
Office opposite postoffice.
Matt Pierce, Red Oak,
Ia.--Red Oak Express, July 14, 1911
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Off for Collegeport,
Texas.
Matt Pierce left Tuesday
with another excursion party of landseekers
from Red Oak and vicinity for Collegeport,
Texas.
Mr. Pierce will be back
in time to conduct another excursion party
to Collegeport, on Tuesday, August 1st.
Those desiring to join the party on the
above named date call on him for further
information and regarding low rates. There
are a number already reported going. Don’t
forget the date, Tuesday, August 1st.
Call at office opposite
postoffice.
Both phones. Red Oak,
Iowa.--Red Oak Express, July 21, 1911
Message Received.
Matt Pierce writes from
Collegeport, Texas as follows:
Monday, July 24.
“Sales good. Rice, corn,
cotton will make fine crop. Plenty of rain
and everyone feeling happy.”
Remember our next
excursion date to Collegeport, Texas, is
Tuesday, August 1st. There are a
number reported already going with us on
that date. For further information regarding
excursion and low rates, call on Matt
Pierce, office opposite postoffice, Red Oak,
Iowa.--Red Oak Express, July 28, 1911
Goes Quite Often.
Matt Pierce left last
Tuesday with another excursion party of
landseekers from Red Oak and vicinity for
Collegeport, Texas.
Look for the announcement
and particulars in the next week’s paper for
our next big excursion on Tuesday, August 15th.
It will be worth your while to investigate.
Write or phone, Matt
Pierce, office opposite postoffice, Red Oak.
Iowa.
Red Oak Express,
August 4, 1911 |
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Red Oak Express, Red Oak, Iowa, August 11,
1911
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Ho, For Texas.
A free trip to
Collegeport, Texas to all who will make the
trip on Tuesday, Sept. 5th:
If I fail to prove to you
that there are Iowa farmers at Collegeport,
Texas, who are raising a crop of rice this
year that will amount to as many dollars as
they paid for their land. This land was
bought about one and a half years ago and at
the price of not less than $50.00 per acre.
This statement should dismiss from our mind
all the knocking that you have heard from
“old has-been real estate men,” who are
trying to mislead the public. I am here to
stay and have put before the people but one
proposition and our settlers have made good.
Can you think of anyone else that can
compete with this record?
Our country is settled
with a high class of northern people and we
have no inferior class of people to contend
with, therefore, we are proud to say we have
no cheap labor. Our settlers can leave their
wives and children alone at home and feel
satisfied that they will not be molested.
Go with us on Tuesday,
September 5, and give me a chance to prove
all statements. Office opposite postoffice.
Both pones.
Matt Pierce, Red Oak,
Ia.--Red Oak Express, September 1,
1911
Gone Again.
Matt Pierce, left Tuesday
with another nice party of landseekers from
Red Oak and vicinity for Collegeport, Texas.
He will be back in time to conduct another
excursion party on Tuesday, September 19th,
at which time we expect another large party.
Don’t forget the date, Tuesday, September 19th.
For further information
call or phone. Office opposite postoffice.
Matt Pierce, Red Oak,
Ia.--Red Oak Express, September 8,
1911
Remember.
Our next excursion date
to Collegeport, Tex., is Tuesday, September
19, at which time we are going to have
another large party from Red Oak and
vicinity.
For further information
regarding the trip and low rates, call or
phone. Office opposite postoffice.
Matt Pierce, Red Oak,
Ia.--Red Oak Express, September 15,
1911
Had Another Party.
Matt Pierce left for
Collegeport, Texas, with another party of
landseekers from Red Oak and vicinity.
Those desiring to join
our next excursion party on Tuesday, Oct. 17th,
or wish further information regarding rates,
etc., call or phone.
Office opposite
Postoffice.
Matt Pierce, Red Oak,
Iowa.--Red Oak Express, October 6,
1911
Going to Texas.
Forty-two Have Already Promised To Go On Our
Big Land Band Excursion Trip To Collegeport
and Blessing, Texas
Don’t fail to make this
trip with us if you are contemplating to go
South to investigate the Gulf Coast Country.
You probably will never have another chance
to go on an excursion trip like this one. We
will have enough private cars so no one will
be crowded. Come and join the crowd, you
will never regret it.
For further information
regarding this Big Band Excursion, rates,
etc., call, wire, write or phone.
Matt Pierce
Opposite Postoffice, Red Oak, Ia.--Red
Oak Express, Nov. 3, 1911
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Red Oak Express, Red Oak, Iowa, October 27,
1911
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Fifty-Four in Iowa Party
Word was received here that Matt
Pierce’s BIG BAND EXCURSION PARTY, consisting of fifty
four people from Red Oak and vicinity and that by the
time he left Kansas City the party increased to three
card all bound for Collegeport and Blessing, Texas.
Red Oak Express, November 10,
1911
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Band Goes to Texas.
About fourteen members of the Red Oak
Military band were in the company of fifty or more who
departed Tuesday afternoon over the south branch train
for the south, their ultimate destination being
Collegeport, Texas, and their trip being one of those
ever-popular Burton D. Hurd excursions arranged by Matt
Pierce. A number of ladies were included in the party,
and it was expected that many others would join the
excursionists before they reached Kansas City.--Red
Oak Express, November 10, 1911
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Announcement
“My Hat is Now in the Ring.”
Just returned from a trip to
Collegeport, Texas, I have made arrangements with the
Burton D. Hurd Land Company, now acting as sales agents
for the South West State Corporation, a Syndicate of New
York capitalists who control the Collegeport lands.
I will open an office at Omaha, Neb.,
July 1st. for the purpose of handling the
territories of Western Iowa, State of Nebraska and South
Dakota. Office No. 701, Omaha National Bank Building.
Detailed information will be given
later.
Matt Pierce
Office, Opposite Postoffice, Red Oak.--Red Oak
Express, June 21, 1912
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The last party coming with the Hurd special car "Land"
was comprised mostly of their best agents from many
sections of the North. The list is as follows: J. E.
Hartenbower, Chicago; E. R. Bailey, Clarinda, Iowa; Matt
Pierce, Red Oak, Iowa; Howard N. Sholl, Upland,
California; C. D. Spielman, Kansas City, Missouri; J. H.
Mason, Clarinda, Iowa and others numbering 12 in all.
The result was a strong manifest spirit of co-operation
to be backed up with the best office and transportation
possible of determined and collective effort.--Palacios
Beacon, June 21, 1912
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Now is the Time.
On Tuesday, July 16th, I
will have an excursion party leaving for Collegeport
Matagorda county, Texas. Those desiring to join us,
call, write or phone.
Matt Pierce
Office, Opposite Post Office, Red Oak--Red Oak
Express, July 12, 1912
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Announcement.
On account of my personal holdings
and interests in the Texas Gulf Coast country and
Montgomery county, Iowa, I have been compelled to give
up the active immigration work and from now on will be
only interested in handling our own private properties.
I will be in position to make the
right prices to the purchaser as there are no expensive
land company’s profits to be added on our holdings which
means a great deal to the purchaser.
4,000 acres, as fine a tract of land
as there is in the Gulf Coast country of Texas, located
in Brazoria county. The very best of land for corn,
cotton, rice, potatoes and fruits of all kinds, and
extremely well located, 1 ¾ miles of this tract fronts
on the intercostals canal, which means high values in
the near future. Three miles from a good railroad town.
We will sell any part or the entire tract at a wholesale
price and will take a certain amount of Montgomery
county land as part payment.
300 acres, located 2 ½ miles from
Eagle Lake, Texas, one of the most up-to-date towns in
the Gulf Coast country. It is a good piece of prairie
and unimproved and at the right price.
40 acres, located ½ mile from the
town site of Blessing, Texas, and a choice tract of
land. Blessing is a town with two railroads and
up-to-date in every particular.
270 acres, well improved farm,
located near Collegeport, Texas, one of the most
desirable farms in Matagorda county. 200 acres in rice
this year, making a big yield.
If you are interested or thinking of
making a trip to the Gulf Coast country of Texas, don’t
fail to communicate with me as I have choice lands and
in position to make you prices that no land company can
or will compete with.
Address all mail to Red Oak,
Ia.--Matt Pierce--Red Oak Express, September 20,
1912
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Have Parties for Every Trip
Rev. Stokesbury took charge of the
Matt Pierce excursion party which left for Collegeport,
Tex., on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
Mr. Pierce, himself, will accompany
the next excursion party which will be on Tuesday,
October 3d. Those desiring to join this excursion or
with further information regarding rates, etc., call or
phone Matt Pierce, Red Oak, Ia. Office opposite
postoffice.--Red Oak Express, September 22, 1912
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Mr. and Mrs. Matt Pierce of Elliott, Iowa, are guests at
the Collegeport Hotel for an indefinite time.--Houston
Post, June 1, 1913
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Mr. and Mrs. Matt Pierce of Red Oak, Iowa ,
and Miss Margaret Gillespie went to Portsmouth Friday,
returning Saturday by launch "Ben Hur" of
Collegeport.-- Matagorda County Tribune, June
20, 1913
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The party
of Portsmouth visitors of last week have returned and
are most enthusiastic over the fishing. The party
included Messrs. and Mesdames T. J. Rogers of Barnsville,
O.; Matt Pierce, Red Oak, Ia.; Howard N. Sholl, E. A.
Holsworth, Mrs. J. J. Gillespie, Houston; Miss Margaret
Gillespie, Gertrude Gillespie and Dwight Sholl.
Houston
Post,
June 22, 1913
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Mr. and Mrs. Matt Pierce are so well pleased with our
city and its surroundings that they have prolonged their
visit an indefinite period--they say our climate is
simply great.-- Matagorda County Tribune, June
27, 1913
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Matt Pierce and wife of Red Oak, Iowa, who have been
spending their vacation in Collegeport, have decided to
remain yet some time with us on account of the intense
heat north.-- Matagorda County Tribune, July
4, 1913
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Mr. Matt Pierce of Red Oak, Iowa, who is spending his
vacation here, exchanged a farm at Eagle Lake with
Clarence Booze for fifty acres in Robbins ranch, near I.
P. Miller's farm.-- Matagorda County Tribune, July
11, 1913
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C. M. Hughes exchanged his farm just north of
Collegeport Tuesday with Matt Pierce of Red Oak, Iowa,
for a farm in Oklahoma near South McAlester. Both
parties are gainers so they believe. --
Matagorda County Tribune, July
11, 1913
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Mr. and Mrs. John L. Woodhouse entertained Mr. and Mrs.
Matt Pierce to dinner last Thursday.
Mr. Matt Pierce made a deal by which he becomes the
owner of the John Olsen farm in Bay Park .
This is the third farm Mr. Pierce has acquired near our
city during his sojourn in our midst. Matagorda County soil
looks good to him and it would be no surprise to have
him as a citizen very shortly.
Matt Pierce left Wednesday morning for Red Oak, Iowa ,
expecting to return here in about ten days.--
Matagorda County Tribune, July
18, 1913
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Matt Pierce of Red Oak, Iowa, who left for home ten days
ago, arrived here Sunday evening on his return and Miss
Emma Smaha, sister of Mrs. Pierce, came with him for a
few weeks' visit, enjoying our refreshing gulf
breezes.-- Matagorda County Tribune, August
1, 1913
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Miss Smaha of Red Oak, Ia., is at Hotel Collegeport, the
guest of her sister, Mrs. Matt Pierce.--Houston Post,
Sunday, August 5, 1913
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Miss Emma Smaha of Red Oak, Ia. ,
a sister of Mrs. Matt Pierce, who has been spending a
month in Collegeport, left Monday morning on her return
home. She is much in love with Collegeport and spoke
highly complimentary of this attractive place as a
delightful summer resort.-- Matagorda County Tribune, August
29, 1913
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Mrs. Robt. Price, entertained to cards last Thursday
evening Mr. and Mrs. Matt Pierce, Mr. and Mrs. W. L.
Green, Miss Myrtle and Miss Lena Corse.--
Matagorda County Tribune, September
5, 1913
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Matt Pierce was a Bay City visitor
on business last Friday.-- Matagorda County Tribune, September
12, 1913
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Mr. Matt Pierce was up to the county seat last Thursday,
a business trip merely--returning the same day.
Mrs. Frank E. Shires of Citrusgrove was a caller at
Hotel Collegeport on Tuesday, a guest of Mrs. Matt
Pierce.-- Matagorda County Tribune, September
19, 1913
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Mrs. Matt Pierce while fishing from the pavilion last
Monday caught several stingaree, one of which was quite
large. She first thought she had hooked a whale.
Matt Pierce was in the city Tuesday with Frank Shires by
which he gets 150 acres near Citrus Grove and a 10-acre
tract near Collegeport. This is the fourth farm Mr.
Pierce has become the owner of near here, all of them
fine improved tracts with artesian wells and other good
improvements. He intends to make his home here.--
Matagorda County Tribune, September
26, 1913.
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Mr. Matt Pierce left last Thursday morning for Red Oak, Iowa ,
to be gone about ten days. It is a business trip to
arrange his farm interests there so as to permanently
locate in Collegeport.-- Matagorda County Tribune, October
3, 1913
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Matt Pierce is arranging to sow a field to oats on his
Bayside (Hughes) farm. He believes in that crop for a
winter pasture.--
Matagorda County Tribune, October
10, 1913
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Mr. and Mrs. Matt Pierce returned Monday evening from a
trip in the South. They will remain about two weeks
looking after their business interests when they will
return to make their home at Collegeport, Texas.--Red
Oak Express, October 13, 1913
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Matt Pierce is sporting around now with a bran[d] new
auto, since last Friday. It's a touring Ford,
five-passenger, and a dandy.-- Matagorda County Tribune, October
17, 1913
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Mr. George D. Ross sold his home last Saturday on Central
Avenue to
Mr. Matt Pierce, who expects to occupy it about November
1. Mr. Ross is undecided as to his immediate future
plans, but it is thought he will not leave
Collegeport.-- Matagorda County Tribune, October
24, 1913
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Mr. and Mrs. Matt Pierce left Saturday morning for Red
Oak, Iowa ,
and will be absent three weeks. They expect to make
Collegeport their permanent home, when they return.--
Matagorda County Tribune, October
31, 1913
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Life in
Collegeport
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Mr. and Mrs. Matt Pierce, who have been at Red Oak,
Iowa, for a couple of weeks, to dispose of their farm,
stock, implements and other goods, returned Monday. They
expect to move into their bungalow on Central street in
a few days.-- The Matagorda News & Midcoast Farmer,
Matagorda, Texas, November 24, 1913
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Matt Pierce has purchased a fine saddle horse of Mr. Wm.
Hill.
Mr. Clarence Booze, who has been making his home in
Matagorda county for the past few years, has moved to
Eagle Lake, having traded for 160 acres of land about
two and a half miles north of Eagle Lake. This is the
property known as the Matt Pierce place, near the home
of L. F. Schulz. Mr. Booze will make this his home and
has already begun improvements on the property. His main
crop to be planted will be cotton, although he will
plant small acreages in corn, milo maize, potatoes and
Egyptian wheat. Mr. Booze is one of the latest additions
to our subscription list.—Eagle Lake Headlight.—Collegeport
New Era, January 8, 1914
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Matt Pierce and W. W. Wilkerson were visitors from
Collegeport on Wednesday.-- Matagorda County Tribune,
February 13, 1914
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Matt Pierce shipped a car load of hogs to Houston
Monday, one half of them topping the market at $9.15
Tuesday, the balance of the car bringing $8.50.--
Matagorda County News and Midcoast Farmer, September
18, 1914
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Community Fair
Committees
as follows:
Program—Matt Pierce, F. L. Hoffman, L. E. Liggett.
Collegeport New Era, Thursday, Oct. 15,
1914
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Matt Pierce left Tuesday morning for Houston to meet
Mrs. Pierce on her way home from Iowa.—Collegeport
New Era, Thursday, October 29, 1914
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Little Matt Pierce has been quite sick the past few days
with a severe cold.—Collegeport New Era,
Thursday, November 26, 1914
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Mr. Victor Brasfield came from Bay City and
was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Matt Pierce a few days
last week.-- Matagorda County Tribune, December
4, 1914
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Miss Margaret Holsworth entertained at “500” on Monday
night, at which eighteen guests were present, filling
four tables. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Matt
Pierce, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Logan, Mr. and Mrs. G. A.
Lake, Misses Lena Corse, Lucy and Leone Yerxa, Susie
Hoffman, Evelyn Kone, and Francis Brown, Messrs. J. H.
Adams, Leo Hoffman, Edward Morris, Orland and Roswald
Cary, Victor Yeamans, and Jack Holsworth. During the
evening the hostess served light refreshments, and the
occasion was much enjoyed by all present. --Collegeport
New Era, Thursday, January 7, 1915
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EXCHANGE--150 ACRES IN cultivation, making $40 per acre
in crop this year. Highly improved. Near Collegeport and
beautiful bay. $100 per acre. Owner non-resident. Wants
larger farm. Will assume or pay cash. Address Matt
Pierce, Collegeport, Matagorda county, Texas.
LEAVE THE COLD winters. Come to the Gulf Coast country.
Twelve months farming season. Prices reasonable. Terms
10 years. Write us, Matt Pierce Land Co., Collegeport,
Tex.—Hospers Tribune, Hospers, Iowa, October 8,
1915
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Matt Pierce, from Collegeport, Tex., arrived Tuesday for
a visit of a few days with friends.--Red Oak Sun,
Nov 5, 1915
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Mr. and Mrs. Matt Pierce and little son, of Collegeport,
Tex., who were visiting here for a month with Mr.
Pierce’s father, Geo. Smaha, and other relatives, left
Tuesday for their home. Miss Emma Smaha and Mrs. C. A.
Phillips accompanied them to Pacific Junction.--Red
Oak Sun, Jan 7, 1916
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Matt Pierce of Collegeport, Texas, is in Red Oak on
business this week.--Red Oak Express, August 4,
1916
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Mr. Matt Pierce is making some substantial improvements
about his residence in the way of transplanting trees
and vines and otherwise beautifying his home.--
Matagorda County Tribune, September
22, 1916
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Mrs. Chas. Van Remortel and Master Matt Pierce Jr., have
been on the sick list this week, but both are reported
as better.
Matt Pierce and Jack Holsworth were in Bay City Tuesday.
Matt Pierce made a business trip to Blessing Wednesday
afternoon.--Palacios Beacon, November 23, 1917
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Matt Pierce was a business visitor in Bay City Thursday.--
The Palacios Beacon, December 21, 1917
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Geo. Smaha came Monday from Sidney for a short visit
with his son, Fred Smaha. He will leave the latter part
of the week for Collegeport, Tex., for an indefinite
visit with his daughter, Mrs. Matt Pierce.--Red Oak
Sun, Jan 11, 1918
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Mr. Smaha of Red Oak, Iowa, came in last week to spend a
few weeks visiting his daughter here, Mrs. Matt Pierce.
Matt Pierce and family and Mr. Smaha, Mrs. Pierce's
father, were visitors in Blessing Sunday.-- Palacios
Beacon, January 18, 1918
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1920 Census
Texas, Matagorda County, Justice Precinct 7,
District 142, Collegeport
January 1, 1920
Matt Pierce, Head, owned house-free, M, W,
46, Married, OH, OH, OH, Real estate dealer
Frances S. Pierce, Wife, F, W, 38, Married,
NE, GER, GER
Matt D. Pierce, Jr., Son, M, W, 5, Single,
TX, OH, NE
Frances M. Pierce, Daughter, F, W, 3 10/12,
Single, TX, OH, NE
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1930 Census
Texas, Hidalgo County, Pharr
April 1, 1930
Matt Pierce, Head, rent $10.00, M, W, 54,
Married at 38, OH, OH, OH, Real estate
dealer, own office
Frances Pierce, Wife, F, W, 42, Married at
29, NE, GER, GER
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Mr. Matt Pierce, who has been in Chicago and
other cities in the North, has returned home after a few
weeks' absence.-- Matagorda County Tribune, March
12, 1920
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Fred Smaha received word recently of the death of his
niece, Frances Pierce, four-year-old daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Matt Pierce of Collegeport, Texas. The little one
died from the effects of measles and fever. Mr. and Mrs.
Pierce are former residents of Red Oak. The mother will
be remembered as Miss Frances Smaha.--Red Oak Express,
November 29, 1920
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Mr. and Mrs. Matt Pierce and son, Junior, of
Collegeport, Texas, returned this week from a visit at
Arvada, Colo., with her brother, Charles Smaha, and at
Broken Bow and Ravenna, Neb., with relatives. They are
visiting in Red Oak with Mrs. Pierce’s brother, Fred
Smaha.--Red Oak Express, August 17, 1922
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For Sale Or Trade
Want to hear direct from owners of
land and city property in Hidalgo County. I own
personally the following property in Matagorda County.
60 acres well improved cotton and
corn farm, 1 ½ miles of Collegeport, $150 per acre.
57 acres well improved farm 3 ½ miles of Collegeport,
$150 per acre.
Fine Bungalow residence with 10 acre tract in
cultivation with a long lease on 60 acre pasture in
connection with property, price $5,000.
15 head of Jersey milk stock, can go with property if
desired.
Will trade any or all if your property is priced right.
Give price and detail and information in first letter.
You are dealing directly with owner, no commissions and
mean business.
Matt Pierce, Collegeport, Matagorda County, Texas.—Mercedes
Tribune, May 9, 1923
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Mr. E. L. Hall, our conductor, is taking a vacation this
week and Mr. Black is taking his place. Mr. and Mrs.
Black are boarding in the home of Mr. Matt Pierce, and
are making a host of friends during their short stay
here.-- Palacios Beacon, December 28, 1923
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Mrs. Matt Pierce entertained some of the young people at
her home Friday night. Those present were Mr. and Mrs.
Pierce, Mr. and Mrs. Coffin, Mrs. Jules Ducros, Mrs. B.
P. English, the Misses Mary English, Lois Coffin,
Marjorie Berger, Merle Wainner, Helen Duckworth, Mary
Louise Clapp, and Anna Dell English, Masters Fleming
Chiles, Paul Braden and Howard Duckworth.--Palacios
Beacon, February 14, 1924
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A Glee Club party was given at the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Matt Pierce Friday night. Among those present were the
Misses Mary Louise Clapp, Lois Coffin, Mary English, Mae
Dickinson, Ella Mae Chiles, Helen Duckworth, Merle
Wainner, Beulah Price and Miss Dorothy Douglas of
Palacios, Masters Ed Frasier, Stanley Duckworth and Mrs.
Calvin Douglas of Palacios. After delicious refreshments
were served the guests retired.—Palacios Beacon,
February 21, 1924
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Mr. Jim they call him, but his full name is James Hale,
and he is the man who pulls the throttle on the
Collegeport Special. Well, anyway, Jim shakes a wicked
foot, but he never likes to dance alone, so the other
night he passed the word and about 20 folks, some as few
in years as 15 and some past the three score in life's
game, assembled at the Hale home and danced all the "fawncy
dances" and some old-time ones. One of the interesting
features of the evening was the interpretation of
old-time dances by Matt Pierce.
Mr. Pierce
proved by his easy steps that at one time he was not
only a graceful dancer but worthy of the master degree.
Mr. E. L. Hall stopped the clock with
his Charleston while John Merck showed all present that
his foot was light and frisky. Refreshments of cake and
coffee were provided, and served by Miss Cornelia
Raystein and those present voted that the party was a
great and enjoyable success.--Matagorda County Tribune, January
15, 1926 - from the Scrapbook of Harry Austin Clapp
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ROXANNA OIL AT COLLEGEPORT
50,000 Acres Leased for Geodetic Surveying; Other
Activities
COLLEGEPORT, Texas , Feb. 26.--Two announcements of
major importance to this place were made here this week.
One was that the Roxanna Petroleum Corporation has
leased 50,000 acres of land in this section and are
making geodetic survey. The second that the plans, for
this section, of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company
include a new hotel, a new cannery and an additional
planting of 100 acres of orchards which will bring the
actual bearing orchards of the company to 500 acres.
An
interview with Matt Pierce, of this place, who has
handled the business for the Roxanna people, breaks the
long silence regarding oil activity in this section. Mr.
Pierce revealed important information regarding
activities beginning August 4, 1917, when S. J. Hatch
of Kansas City, Missouri , a reliable geologist, was
employed to examine the above mentioned 50,000 acres and
four separate locations were made recommending drilling
for oil.
When asked
why the land had not been developed earlier Mr. Pierce
replied, "I have been trying all of this time to get a
reliable oil company interested, who would give the
country a good test, and am well pleased in securing the
Roxanna Petroleum Corporation to take over the area.
They are now here on the land making their geodetic
survey and carrying out all of their agreements.
Then Mr.
Pierce was asked that most embarrassing of all
questions, "Do you think we will get oil here?"
Of course
Mr. Pierce thinks so. He would not have put in all of
these months of work if he did not think there is oil in
this section but this is his answer: "This can not be
answered by judging by the report of reliable geologists
and the opinion of well posted oil men, together with
gas, sulphur and asphalt indications of the land, I am
led to think that the eyes of the country will soon be
turned on Collegeport."
The
Roxanna Petroleum Corporation is one of the oldest, most
successful and most productive oil concerns in the
world.
Mr. Pierce
made his statement after much pressure was brought to
bear. Every week and sometimes every day he has been
asked to give out information. This information was
given for the exclusive use of the Palacios Beacon and
the Bay City Tribune, his two home papers. It is
the first official statement regarding oil development
here.--Matagorda County Tribune, March
5, 1926
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An error in newspaper reports last week regarding the
presentation of the annual Mothers Day pageant was
corrected this week with the announcement that the
pageant would be presented Sunday evening., May 9,
instead of May 2.
Elaborate
plans for costuming and lighting the pageant have been
made. Lighting effects are in charge of Dean Merck and
Milburn McNeill; decoration, Mrs. Matt Pierce; in charge
of the Solomon Episode, Mrs. L. E. Liggett and Miss Lena
Corse; in charge of other episodes, Mrs. Pierce, Mrs.
Emmitt Chiles, Mrs. E. A. McCune, Mrs. T. G. McNeill,
and Mrs. H. Paul Janes.-- Matagorda County Tribune, April
30, 1926
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In charge of decorations were Mrs. Matt Pierce, Prof.
and Mrs. Thos. Hale, Misses Bachelder and Hewitt and Mr.
and Mrs. Frank King. Several special selections of music
were prepared and executed. Rev. H. Paul Janes gave the
address from the text, "The Fear of God is the Beginning
of Wisdom." Musical arrangements were in charge of Mrs.
L. E. Liggett, Homer Goff, and Miss Dorothy Crane.--
Matagorda County Tribune, Friday,
May 21, 1926
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Bay View High School Held its Graduation Exercises May
20.
Many
expressions of surprise and pleasure were given and the
credit belongs to Mrs. Matt Pierce, assisted by Mr. and
Mrs. Frank King, Mrs. Crane and Mrs. Roy Nelson. Mrs.
Pierce has the ability to visionalize a decoration
scheme and see it in its entirety before the various
parts are placed in position.--
Matagorda County Tribune, May 28, 1926
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Matt Pierce and wife are on an extended trip through
the Rio Grande Valley.-- Matagorda County Tribune, June
11, 1926
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Matt Pierce has left Collegeport to live in Edinburg.
Here he was the only real estate trader. Down in the
Valley fully 90 per cent of the people are real estate
bugs. Competition is the sauce of business and he will
have plenty of sauce. Glad he did not follow the example
of others and tear down his home. Collegeport is about
down to bedrock and her people ought to begin to
build.-- Matagorda County Tribune, November 26,
1926
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Mr. and Mrs. Matt Pierce have moved to the Valley.--
Matagorda County Tribune, December
17, 1926
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~
Life in the Valley
~
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HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE MONEY WITHOUT A DOLLAR
INVESTED.
WANTED---Salesman to sell town lots,
small and large acreage, in one of the best located
townsites on the new Southern Pacific Railroad, north of
Edinburg, Hidalgo County. You can sell in your own
territory; no experience required. Good commission paid.
Write for full particulars. Matt Pierce Company,
Edinburg, Texas.—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March
6, 1927
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Presbyterian Circles
Circle No. 2 at the home of Mrs. Matt
Pierce on the south highways. Mrs. L. A. McKinnon,
chairman of the circle, had charge of the meeting and
led the devotionals… Present
were Mesdames…to whom the hostess served cake and punch
at the close of the afternoon.—Valley Morning Star,
Harlingen, Texas, April 17, 1931
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All Day Quilting Bee Is Held By Edinburg Ladies
Edinburg,
June 25.—Mrs. Matt Pierce was hostess to an all day
quilting party at her new home on the south highway
Thursday. The ladies of the Presbyterian auxiliary
gathered early and at noon enjoyed a covered dish
luncheon.
Those
assisting with the work of the day were…During the
afternoon the hostess served iced watermelon.—Valley
Morning Star, Harlingen, Texas, June 26, 1931
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Presbyterian Circle Meetings Held Tuesday
Edinburg,
Aug. 13.—Circle number two met at the annex in an all
day session, where the ladies spent a part of the time
in quilting. The program was held in the forenoon and
the hostesses were…Present were Mesdames…Matt Pierce.—Valley
Morning Star, August 14, 1931
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Edinburg Has Many Love Hospitalities
Circle Two
met at the church annex for an all day session. Mrs. A.
G. Norris led the devotional and Mrs. Cooper Smith was
in charge of the lesson period. She was assisted by
Mesdames Matt Pierce…--The Brownsville Herald,
Brownsville, Texas, August 16, 1931
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Pharr News Notes
Pharr, May
1.—Mrs. Virginia Anderson entertained with a picnic
luncheon and party Thursday evening at her home,
honoring C. E. Pearson, in observance of his birthday
anniversary…Forming the personnel were…Mr. and Mrs. Matt
Pierce.—McAllen Daily Press, May 1, 1936
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