This Week in Duval County History, September 16 — 22
September 16
Politics heats up
Large political meetings held in Concepcion, Mendieta, and La Rosita on September 16, 1888. Not much fighting but intense. Close contest expected.
Laredo Daily Times, September 19, 1888
September 17
Artesian wells discussed by Stock Associations
The Nueces and Rio Grande Livestock Associations met in Corpus Christi to discuss the possibility of drilling artesian wells for livestock and agriculture use. The well site proposed was either in Nueces or Duval Counties. The members raised $10,000 for the effort and if it offered promise there was no doubt whatever amount was needed could be easily raised. The Corpus Christi Caller surmised that irrigation farming would be in vogue within five years.
The Daily Herald (Brownsville), September 17, 1892
September 18
Cabbage crop
Some individuals are interested in planting 100 acres of cabbage on an experimental basis. They have sent for an expert to see if it is not too late in the season.
Corpus Christi Caller, September 20, 1901
September 19
Catarino Garza arrested in Realitos
On September 19, excitement spread in Realitos as the westbound train pulled in. Rangers John Hughes and Charles H. Fusselman stepped aboard and arrested Catarino Garza on a charge of libel. Garza consented to arrest but refused to be ironed in the train car, saying he would rather die than be handcuffed and shackled. He reached for his pistol, but rangers made him throw up his hands and disarmed him. They took him to the depot where he sent a number of telegrams.
Rangers told Garza that they disliked being rude but they had orders to handcuff him. A large crowd gathered and the rangers ordered them out of the depot and locked the doors. The rangers handcuffed Garza and put him on a wagon and took him to the ranger camp at Barronena, a few miles away. The following day, Garza was taken to Rio Grande City by Col. Aten, J.R. Robertson, W.W. Jones, and Charles Barton.
From then on all parties arrested by rangers Company D would be chained at once to prevent an attempt at escape and avoid for rangers to kill them and be charged with murder as in Abraham Resendes case.
Realitos was improving with six to seven new houses and a Catholic Church built. A water well was just being finished which had good water for benefit of the town. Everyone enjoys themselves with dances, etc.
Corpus Christi Caller, September 30, 1888
September 20
Benavides area weddings
On September 20, 1900, Judge S.R. Peters performed a wedding for Apolonio Garza and Dolores Garcia at Jose Angel Gonzales ranch before a large crowd. Judge Peters also married Pedro Hernandez and Clara Gonzales at Benavides.
Corpus Christi Caller, September 21, 1900
September 21
News from San Diego
A refreshing rain was followed by an agreeable norther and everyone was singing the popular melody, “when the skeeters homeward fly.”
The public school for boys opened under the superintendence of Professor Hart who had recently returned from Saltillo, Mexico, where he had been for the benefit of his health.
The losses that hit the stockmen were not as heavy as first believed, although the last storm cut them up heavily. The grass was growing beautifully and if the winter did not set in too soon and citizens still had a chance to make up their misfortune.
The wool clip had not begun to come in. Judging from appearances a late and unsatisfactory season was expected. Mr. M.C. Spann, who of late years had been the town’s most prominent local buyer, is in town drumming up the interest of Hickey & Spann of Corpus Christi.
Dr. Taylor, the town’s popular druggist, who was quite an authority on antebellum relics sold out to Drs. Wright and Hannelley. The latter gentlemen, both of whom are favorably known in the county, have formed a partnership as doctors and druggists. Dr. Wright imparts dignity to the new firm, while the jovial Hannelley believed in and was substantial proof of the old adage, “laugh and grow fat.”
A popular idea going around was to dam up San Diego Creek and thus afford facilities for steamboat communication with the Fort Ewell country. Hope was that such a scheme would not follow in the footsteps of many of its predecessors and die for lack of proper nourishment and nurturing.
Corpus Christi Caller, September 23, 1883
September 22
New saloon in San Diego
Pena and Miret have named their saloon “The True Blue.” Mr. Yzaguirre painted the sign.
Corpus Christi Caller, September 24, 188
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