This Week in Duval County History, October 14 — 20

 

POSTED BY: CARDENAS.AE@GMAIL.COM OCTOBER 14, 2019

October 14

From San Diego

Wool fleeced but no sales yet. Cotton keeps coming in faster than it can be baled.

October 14 – Politics is still the absorbing interest. The Bota or Mexican Texans Party, with about half candidates Mexican, and the Guarache Party. Democrats and Republicans in both groups. It seems to be some people want rotation in public offices while others feel that if officials are doing a good job they should be allowed to continue to serve. The election will be held on November 6. Meetings, dances, and speeches are being held throughout the county.

Laredo Daily Times, October 17, 1888

October 15

El Señor de la Carrera land grant

El Señor de la Carrera was granted to Dionisio Elizondo by the state of Tamaulipas on October 15, 1835. It consisted of 2 leagues, six labores, and 891,000 square varas. It was located about 55 miles southwest of Corpus Christi on the Laredo road which traversed the grand at the very northern tip. Also on the northeast corner of the grant was the Laguna Traviesa. 

Texas General Land Office

October 16

New Catholic Church at Hebbronville

The New Catholic Church at Hebbronville was dedicated in the presence of a large crowd. Bishop Vedaguer officiated, assisted by Father Puig of Hebbronville, Father Antonio Serra of Goliad and Father Donado of San Patricio. The dedication was held at 10 a.m. Father Serra celebrated the Mass. Father Donado gave a sermon in Spanish. Bishop gave sermon in English. Adjourned to large arbor set-up near depot for dinner of barbeque meats, turkeys, pies, etc. A concert followed at church at 3 p.m. More than 200 people from Laredo went on a special train. Great numbers also came from surrounding towns. Church under construction for a year and being planned by Father Puig for three years. Built on a hill on the east side of town. Made of white stone and stained glass windows. The church has a large bell donated by Carmen Morell Kenedy of Corpus Christi. The building will cost $3,000 when complete inside and out. (Note: Hebbronville was in Duval County at the time.)

Corpus Christi Caller, October  27, 1899

October 17

From San Diego

October 17 – Fire at the Parkman gin was extinguished without great damage. An old Mexican broke both legs above the ankles trying to put out the fire. Dr. J.S. Strickland set bones, will be okay.

Sheriff Rogers rounding up citizens for the district court

N. Pena repaired and painted old Gravis building. The Levy’s store, the drug store, post office, Cohn Grocery store, Saloon building and Frank Feuille’s office all have new coats of paint.

Corpus Christi Caller, October 18, 1901

October 18

Parr dynasty founder dies

Archie Parr died on October 18, 1942.

Death Index State Archives

October 19

San Diego wool notes

October 19 – William Adami of Fort Ewell sold his fall clip, 43 bags at 14,000 pounds, in San Diego to John T. Murphy at 17¢. Gravis Bros. sold 52 bags to D. Hirsch at 16¢. The Collins clip sold to Cox-Gusset at 15¢. Fred Frank sold to Murphy at 15¢. T.C. Wright sold to Hirsch at 14¢. Sheep raisers in Duval County preferred to take wool to San Diego and sell to Corpus Christi buyers at 17¢ than take it to San Antonio for 19¢. Corpus Christi buyers take wools as is, sacks and all.

E.N. Gray of Duval County raised 12,000 bushels of corn. He claims soil is as good as Kansas and Colorado but you have to work at your crop. He also has fruit trees – apple, peaches, etc.

Corpus Christi Caller, October 25, 1885

October 20

Tragedy in San Diego

About sundown on Saturday, October 20, Atanacio Gomez, a tailor in San Diego, was shot and killed by Francisco P. de Gonzales, editor of El Clarin. An inquest was conducted by William L. Rogers, Ignacio Gauna, Manuel Padros, and Dr. L.B. Wright. Facts as determined by inquest:

• Gonzales was in Encarnacion Yzaguirre’s barbershop on the old plaza; had received a shave and was putting on his coat;

• Gomez came in and said he did not understand why Mexicans were allowed to carry guns in San Diego;

• Gonzales told Gomez to report him;

• Gomez accused Gonzales of punching his boy with a pistol the previous evening. Gomez challenged Gonzales to a fistfight. He opened his vest and told Gonzales he was unarmed;

• Gonzales said he did not want to fight;

• Both men walked out of the barbershop;

• At the door, Gonzales stopped, turned and drew a 32 American five-shooter;

• Gomez advanced upon Gonzales, struck him with one hand and grabbed the pistol with the other;

• As they fought, the pistol went off hitting Gomez in the heart; he died five minutes later;

• Rogers jumped Gonzales and caught his hand with pistol;

• Gonzales said Let me go or I will shoot you;

• Deputy Culla arrived, took the pistol, arrested Gonzales and took him to jail. Placed double guard as it was rumored that Gonzales would be lynched.

Gonzales was a Guarache and Gomez a Bota. Once it became clear that the shooting was not political, people settled down.

This was the first killing in San Diego in four to five years. Both men were highly regarded. Gomez was survived by six children; his wife had died several months before. She was the daughter of one of the original heirs of the founders of San Diego.

Gonzales is a small man and Gomez is larger, so Gonzales’s friends are saying he shot in self-defense and the gun accidentally discharged.

Laredo Daily Times, October 24, 1888