Beyond the Farm: A Story of Military Nicknames and a Dad's Military Journey

 

From the author’s personal collection; circa 1956 

Military nicknames are a time-honored tradition, stretching back at least to the Civil War. Soldiers often gave nicknames to themselves, their comrades, and even enemy units, drawing inspiration from physical traits, combat experiences, or regional roots. These nicknames served more than just a practical purpose; they fostered camaraderie, boosted morale, and made identification easier in the chaos of the battlefield.

Historians suggest that nicknames took on new importance with the advent of radio communication. Pilots, for example, adopted distinctive call signs, making it easier for ground controllers to identify them in the heat of combat. Whether on the ground or in the air, these names often reflected personality, appearance, or a defining action. A soldier from Texas might become “Tex,” while a grizzled commander might earn the moniker “Pappy.”
 
My adoptive dad, William Henry Meyer, proudly bore the nickname “Tex” during his time in the military. Born in Poteet, Atascosa County, Texas, on January 22, 1937, William came from humble beginnings. His parents, Herbert Meyer and Loudie Ferguson Meyer, ran a dairy farm in nearby Jourdanton. Tragedy struck early in his life when his mother passed away on January 15, 1938, just a week shy of his first birthday.
 
Henry’s early years were marked by a restless spirit. Growing up on the Meyer Dairy Farm, he often found himself yearning for adventure beyond the boundaries of rural Texas. A bit of a rebel, he sought to chart his own path. After graduating high school in May 1955, he decided to leave the farm behind and enlist in the U.S. Air Force on December 9, 1955.
 
Basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio shaped his discipline, while technical training in aircraft radio repair at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, honed his skills. He spent three years stationed in Germany, splitting his time between Hahn and Ramstein Air Force Bases. By the time he was honorably discharged on September 10, 1959, he had earned his enduring military nickname: "Tex." While perhaps not the most creative nickname, it reflected his deep Texas roots and undeniable charm.
 
After his first stint in the Air Force, Henry returned to Texas and married Barbara Jeane Crawford on January 10, 1961, in Cotulla, LaSalle County. Yet, the call of adventure still lingered, and rural life failed to satisfy his restless nature. On August 21, 1963, he reenlisted in the Air Force, embarking on a new chapter of service that would take him far from Texas.
 
In September 1966, Henry and Barbara were stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii, where I was born. My dad’s military career eventually took us to England, where we lived near Mildenhall and Lakenheath Air Force Bases. Our family settled in a quaint English village, and it was there that my younger brother, Christopher Michael, was born.

From the author’s personal collection; circa 1967 USAF Water Survival Training in Hawaii;

William Henry Meyer on the left with fingers clasped together  

After 24 years of dedicated service, my dad retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1981. We returned to Texas, where he and Barbara welcomed one final blessing: their youngest son, Trey Oliver, born shortly after their retirement.

My dad rarely spoke about his military nickname, though I knew it was “Tex.” Before his military days, among his friends back home, he had another nickname: “Diamond J.” Sadly, I never asked him about the story behind that name before he passed in 2013.

Though he’s no longer here, I cherish the stories he left behind and the legacy of “Tex,” a testament to his Texas roots and the adventurous spirit that defined his life.                  

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All primary source information referenced was gathered from historic newspapers, U.S. census schedules, vital records, probate files, and land documents, accessed through leading genealogical platforms such as Newspapers.com, Ancestry, FamilySearch, Find a Grave, and federal archival repositories. Interpretive narrative may also include Carol Anna Meyer Brooks' personal experiences or family stories shared with her throughout her lifetime.

©2024-2026 Unfolding the Story Genealogy.  All Rights Reserved.                             

A Legacy of Love and Resilience: The Story of Henry Sievers and Mary Ann Englert

 

   From the author’s personal collection; taken circa 1905

Both Henry Sievers and Mary Ann Englert were born in Germany, but their paths to America unfolded separately. Each family immigrated through the Port of Galveston, arriving on different dates and ships. The Sievers family reached Texas on 26 October 1884, aboard the SS Ohio, eventually settling in Gonzales County. The Englert family arrived later, on 1 October 1886, aboard the SS Weser, making their home in DeWitt County before migrating to Olfen in Runnels County.

Mary Ann was the eldest of six children, deeply cherished by her father, Michael Joseph Englert. In 1889, Mary Ann had a son, Frank Alois Englert, though it remains unclear whether she was married to Frank’s father. Michael sought to find a suitable husband for his daughter and chose Henry Sievers Jr. as a promising match. Henry came from a respectable German family and was known for being hardworking, ambitious, and polite. Although the Sievers family did not share the Catholic faith of the Englert’s, both families agreed that Henry would meet Mary Ann, and if they developed a mutual affection, they would have the families' blessing. What began as an arranged relationship blossomed into true love. On November 21, 1893, Henry and Mary Ann were married in DeWitt County, and Henry wholeheartedly embraced Frank as his own son.

Henry and Mary Ann’s first biological child, John Heinrich Sievers, was born on 10 September 1894, but tragically passed away just five months later. The loss devastated both families, and it would be a decade before Mary Ann gave birth again. Their second child, Klara Theresa Sievers, was born on 4 May 1905, in Gonzales County, but heartbreak struck again when Klara passed away on 15 May 1906, at only one year old. The couple’s third child, a baby girl, was stillborn on 14 March 1907. On 2 September 1909, Mary Ann gave birth to their fourth child, Michael Sievers, in Gonzales County. However, joy was once again overshadowed by sorrow, as Mary Ann passed away shortly after giving birth to him.

Henry was left to grapple with the overwhelming loss of his wife. The grief strained relationships between the Sievers and Englert families, particularly with Mary Ann’s firstborn, Frank, who blamed Henry for his mother’s death. Both families wanted to care for the infant Michael, leading to intense disagreements. Ultimately, Henry decided to entrust Michael to his sister, Minna Sievers Meyer, and her husband, Rheinhardt Meyer.

In 1900, nine-year-old Michael was legally adopted by Minna and Rheinhardt, who gave him the new name Herbert Meyer. Henry visited Herbert only a few times as he grew up. Each visit was bittersweet, as young Herbert longed to return home with his father. This made the visits emotionally difficult for both of them, and over time, they grew less frequent.

Minna instilled in Herbert a deep love for their German heritage, as well as a devotion to faith and family values. These principles became the foundation of Herbert’s life and were passed down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Despite the tragedies he endured, Henry never remarried, choosing instead to focus on the memory of Mary Ann and the legacy of their family. He lived quietly in Gonzales County and later in Atascosa County until his death in 1927.

Henry and Mary Ann shared just sixteen years together, marked by true love, heartbreaking loss, and resilience. Despite the many tragedies they endured while trying to grow their family, their legacy lives on through their descendants, a testament to the enduring strength of their bond.                  

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All primary source information referenced was gathered from historic newspapers, U.S. census schedules, vital records, probate files, and land documents, accessed through leading genealogical platforms such as Newspapers.com, Ancestry, FamilySearch, Find a Grave, and federal archival repositories. Interpretive narrative may also include Carol Anna Meyer Brooks' personal experiences or family stories shared with her throughout her lifetime.

©2024-2026 Unfolding the Story Genealogy.  All Rights Reserved.                         

Discovering My Paternal Roots: A Genealogical Journey

My journey into genealogy began with a deeply personal quest: uncovering the story of my biological father, William Earl Peerce, Jr. From an incredibly early age, I knew I was adopted. My adoptive parents, whom I cherish deeply, were open about my origins. They told me that my legal aunt was, in fact, my biological mother—a young, unmarried woman when she gave birth to me. She had left me a “Letter,” naming my biological father and his parents, a small but significant key to my past.

Although I had dabbled in genealogy with my adoptive father and biological grandfather during childhood, my personal journey truly began on my 18th birthday. Among my birthday gifts was the “Letter,” stored in an envelope in my adoptive father’s desk for my entire life. Opening it, I felt a surge of excitement and apprehension. For years, I had worried my biological father might be someone I already knew, but relief washed over me when his name was unfamiliar.

The First Steps

In January 1985, I took my first step toward uncovering the truth. I wrote to Mr. Peerce’s parents, as their address was the only contact information in the “Letter.” Not long after, I received a response from Mrs. William Earl Peerce, Sr. Her letter was kind yet distant. She expressed no knowledge of my existence, explained her own challenging upbringing in an orphanage, and shared her hope that I was happy with the family who raised me. I was—and remain—grateful for my adoptive parents, knowing that I was placed in a home filled with unconditional love.

Shortly after sending my letter, I received an operator-assisted, person-to-person phone call. A male voice, identifying himself as “Pepper,” instructed me to listen without asking questions. He told me to never contact Mr. Peerce’s parents again, citing their age and confusion. He claimed to be a close friend of Mr. Peerce and assured me he would facilitate future communications. The mysterious nature of the call left me both curious and uneasy.

A Peculiar Meeting

The second call came a few days later. Again, it was “Pepper.” This time, he spoke about Willie—Mr. Peerce—who was allegedly traveling for work. He instructed me to attend the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in February (1985), carry a red scarf in my left hand, and visit the Lone Star Brewery booth for further instructions. Reluctantly, I decided to go, curiosity winning out over caution.

On the designated night, my boyfriend and I arrived at the rodeo. At the booth, I was handed an envelope describing Willie’s appearance, including a description of his hair being “salt and pepper” color and stating he would walk by shortly. As promised, a man matching the description passed by without a word. Frustrated, I left, feeling the entire ordeal was an unnecessary charade.

The Truth Unfolds

The third call revealed the truth. The operator introduced the caller as Willie Peerce, and I immediately recognized the voice—it had been him all along. He hung up quickly, but not before confirming my suspicions. A follow-up letter from “Pepper” apologized for the abrupt call and promised more information. By then, I had grown weary of the games. I realized Willie was not a father figure in any sense, and I began to distance myself emotionally.

Despite my efforts, Willie’s erratic communication persisted. One drunken call after another revealed his irresponsibility for his behavior and decisions. In December 1987, he invited me to a Lone Star Brewery Christmas party, where he shared photos of an older half-sister and her son. That interaction was one of our last. By 1990, I had two sons of my own, and I chose to pause my genealogical journey to focus on my family.

A New Chapter in Research

In 1998, I joined the burgeoning online genealogy community through Ancestry.com. Records revealed three marriages for Mr. Peerce, along with timelines that painted a clearer picture of his life. My older half-sister was born six months after his first marriage in 1961. His second marriage took place mere days before my birth in 1967, and his third in 1983. Each discovery added depth to his story.

In 2016, I submitted an autosomal DNA test. The results confirmed my biological connection to Mr. Peerce’s family, removing any remaining doubt. In April 2019, a significant DNA match appeared—a half-sister born in 1956 and adopted at birth. Further research suggested Mr. Peerce’s involvement, as he had transferred from a private Catholic school to a public school during that time, likely due to the pregnancy.

Finding Peace

Today, I know of three daughters born to Mr. Peerce by three different women. I’ve formed a strong bond with my oldest half-sister, while the other prefers no contact. Over the years, my feelings toward Willie have shifted. Once filled with frustration and aversion, I now view him with forgiveness. I wrote him a letter expressing my unconditional love, despite our complicated history. Although I’ve received no response, I find peace in knowing I’ve done my part to extend understanding and closure.

My genealogical journey continues, but it is no longer about seeking validation. It’s about preserving my history, embracing my roots, and celebrating the family—biological and adoptive—that has shaped me into who I am today.

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All primary source information referenced was gathered from historic newspapers, U.S. census schedules, vital records, probate files, and land documents, accessed through leading genealogical platforms such as Newspapers.com, Ancestry, FamilySearch, Find a Grave, and federal archival repositories. Interpretive narrative may also include Carol Anna Meyer Brooks' personal experiences or family stories shared with her throughout her lifetime.

©2024-2026 Unfolding the Story Genealogy.  All Rights Reserved.                             

Name Change Fun - Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda

This is my name story, Carol Anna Meyer. Name changes have held significance throughout history, serving as a reflection of personal identity, societal shifts, and cultural evolution. Whether spurred by marriage, adoption, religious conversion, immigration, or personal preference, altering one’s name changes the course of genealogical history. Just for fun . . . let’s see if you follow:

• My original birth certificate has only a surname Meyer listed which is my biological mother’s maiden surname. When I was adopted by my biological half uncle my surname remained Meyer.
• I shoulda been a Christmas “Carol” expected to be born on Dec 25^th, I arrived in mid-January.
• My grandfather was born with the surname Sievers. When he was adopted by his aunt, he became a Meyer; so I woulda been a Sievers. If his other aunt had adopted him, I coulda been a Pape. I coulda been an Englert if one of his mother’s brothers adopted him or if one of his mother’s sisters I coulda been a Kloesel or Jost.
• Had my biological mother married my biological father, I woulda been a Peerce; had she raised me I coulda been a Young or a Bailey if either of her husbands woulda adopted me.
• My biological grandmother was a Knight and married a Peerce. She was raised in an orphanage and had she been adopted who knows what my surname coulda been.
• I married a Popham, a Gentry and a Brooks. Mr. Popham was adopted, so I coulda been an O’Kelley (his birth mother’s maiden surname and surname on his birth certificate) or a Hannah, his biological father’s surname.

What I know is the Lord ensured I had a place in this world that was in my best interest. I am thankful every day for all those historical decisions that brought me here! A family that I love tremendously and who loves me.

Name changes encompass a rich tapestry of personal, cultural, and social influences. Whether driven by tradition, legal obligation, or individual choice, each name change carries a unique narrative, reflecting the complexities of human identity and the ever-changing nature of society.                  

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All primary source information referenced was gathered from historic newspapers, U.S. census schedules, vital records, probate files, and land documents, accessed through leading genealogical platforms such as Newspapers.com, Ancestry, FamilySearch, Find a Grave, and federal archival repositories. Interpretive narrative may also include Carol Anna Meyer Brooks' personal experiences or family stories shared with her throughout her lifetime.

©2024-2026 Unfolding the Story Genealogy.  All Rights Reserved.                                

Heirlooms - Tangible Connections to My Family

Family heirlooms hold more than just material value; they encapsulate the essence of familial history, tradition, and sentimentality. These cherished possessions, passed down through generations, serve as tangible connections to our ancestors, providing insight into their lives, values, and experiences. These objects often serve as tangible reminders of the resilience and perseverance of our family, offering glimpses into the challenges they faced and the triumphs they celebrated. For my maternal family, a few of these precious connections include the following ...

Great grandparents' German Passports:

Great grandmother's Sugar Cookie Recipe:

Grandmother's German Bible:

Aunt Kathryn Meyer Coe Aguras & Adoptive Father, William Henry Meyer's Bluebonnet Blue Family Memoir:

Each of these items carry a unique story waiting to be shared with our new generations and periodically revisited in family conversations. 

Family heirlooms have the power to evoke powerful emotions and memories, serving as catalysts for storytelling and reminiscence. Whether it's gathering on Christmas Eve to read from the family bible or thumbing through a photo album filled with sepia-toned memories, these heirlooms create opportunities for intergenerational bonding and dialogue.

In preserving and cherishing family heirlooms, we honor not only the individuals who came before us but also the values and traditional they held dear. As custodians of these precious artifacts, it is our responsibility to ensure that they continue to be passed down with care and reverence, enriching the tapestry of our family history for generations to come.

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All primary source information referenced was gathered from historic newspapers, U.S. census schedules, vital records, probate files, and land documents, accessed through leading genealogical platforms such as Newspapers.com, Ancestry, FamilySearch, Find a Grave, and federal archival repositories. Interpretive narrative may also include Carol Anna Meyer Brooks' personal experiences or family stories shared with her throughout her lifetime.

©2024-2026 Unfolding the Story Genealogy.  All Rights Reserved.                              

Texas, the New Land of Opportunity; my 4th Great Grandfather's Immigration Story

Texas, the new land of opportunity opened the doors to a grandiose immigration era from France, Germany, and the east coast states.

In 1842, Henri Castro, empresario, negotiated Texas land grants with President Sam Houston of the Republic of Texas.[1] As the land agent, “a grant promised . . .  million acres . . .with the introduction of 600 families and/or single men within three years and the establishment of four towns. Each colonist would receive 620 acres family/320 acres single men if they built a cabin, cultivated at least 15 acres, and resided on the property for at least three years.”[2] Empresario Castro campaigned in France bringing many Catholic farmers from the Alsace Region. He established Castroville, Quihi, Vandenburg and D’Hanis Texas colonies during the period of 1844 through 1847.[3]

Adolphe Oge, age 53 and a native of Alsace, France, had endured devastating losses which likely influenced his decision to find a new life abroad:

§  1824, his first daughter, Catherine Oge, passed away[4]

§  1836, his son, Joseph Oge, passed away[5]

§  1840, his first wife, Catherine Thomann, passed away[6]

§  1844, his second wife, Elizabeth Gast, passed away[7]

He packed up his two youngest children and sailed to the United States. The journey from France began on  6 October 1844 and after the one hundred thirteen day journey, the ship, Brig Probus, docked at the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana.[8] Also on the ship’s passenger list, Catherine Oge (age 20), Adolphe’s adult daughter.[9] On 27 January 1845, Adolphe Oge, his daughter Catherine, his son, Louis Adolph (age 12), and his daughter, Elisabeth (age 2),  stepped onto American soil. On 3 October 1845, Adolphe’s oldest son, George, passed away in Alsace, France.

The family traveled to San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas and Adolphe was recorded on the 1846 Tax List in Bexar County.[10] On 29 April 1847, he married his third wife, Catherine Garteiser, in San Antonio.[11]  Their marriage was confirmed in the St Louis Catholic Church in Castroville, Medina County, Texas on 9 March 1849.[12] On the same day as his marriage confirmation, his daughter, Catherine Oge married Henry Huffmeyer.[13] 

On 28 February 1851, Adolphe sold his Castro Land Certificate No. 173 of 640 acres comprising of 374 acres in Medina County and 266 acres in Frio County.[14] The transaction of $100 means it sold for $0.156 an acre – my goodness!

In 1853, Adolphe’s brother, Abbe John Peter (Jean Pierre) Oge passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, and left Adolphe $200.[15] Adolphe returns to France at some point following his daughter’s marriage and his brother’s death. On 5 July 1875, Adolphe passed away.[16] With the life’s happiness came adversities and adventures, Adolphe came full circle by returning to his roots and ultimately resting in peace in his homeland.

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[1] Henri Castro; Wikipedia.org [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Castro : accessed 11 February 2024].

[2] Ahr, Wayne M; Lagarde, Francois (2003). “Henri Castro and Castroville.” The French in Texas: History, Migration, Culture University of Texas Press, p. 128.

[3] Castro Colonies Heritage Association; CastroColonies.us [https://www.castrocolonies.us/about.html : accessed 11 February 2024].

[4] Geneanet Community Tree; Goersdorf, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, France; researching source.

[5] Geneanet Community Tree; Goersdorf, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, France; researching source.

[6] Geneanet Community Tree; Goersdorf, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, France; researching source.

[7] Geneanet Community Tree; Goersdorf, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, France; researching source.

[8] Texas, Index Card Collections, 1800-1900; online database with images, Ancestry.com [https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/2265/images/33145_1020703347_0045-00399?pId=134956 : accessed 11 February 2024]; citing Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Austin, Texas.

[9] New Orleans, Passenger List Quarterly Abstracts, 1820-1875; Roll: M272; Group: 36; online database with images, Ancestry.com [ ]; citing U.S. Customs Service, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.

[10] Texas, U.S., Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1820-1890; online database with images, Ancestry.com [https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/58937643/person/132363964761/facts : accessed 11 February 2024].

[11] Texas, U.S., Marriage Index, 1824-2017; online database with images, Ancestry.com [https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/205872:8795?ssrc=pt&tid=58937643&pid=132363964761 : accessed 11 February 2024]; citing Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas.

[12] Texas, U.S., Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio Sacramental Records, 1700-1995; online database with images, Ancestry.com [https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/61845/images/61845_302022005540_0639-00632?pId=347129 : accessed 11 February 2024] citing St. Louis Castroville, Texas Combination Register 1846-1879; Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.

[13] Texas, U.S., Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio Sacramental Records, 1700-1995; online database with images, Ancestry.com [https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/61845/images/61845_302022005540_0639-00632?pId=347129 : accessed 11 February 2024] citing St. Louis Castroville, Texas Combination Register 1846-1879; Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.

[14] Texas General Land Office; online database with images, s3.glo.texas.gov [https://cdn.glo.texas.gov/ncu/SCANDOCS/archives_webfiles/arcmaps/webfiles/landgrants/PDFs/1/5/5/155945.pdf : accessed 11 February 2024].

[15] Louisiana, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1756-1984; Case No: 5351; Case Papers No 4658-4814, 1852; online database with images, Ancestry.com [https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/9067/images/007670949_01211?pId=3751343 : accessed 11 February 2024]; citing Louisiana District Court; Orleans Parish: Third Judicial District, Orleans, Louisiana.

[16] Geneanet Community Tree; Goersdorf, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, France; researching source.                  

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All primary source information referenced was gathered from historic newspapers, U.S. census schedules, vital records, probate files, and land documents, accessed through leading genealogical platforms such as Newspapers.com, Ancestry, FamilySearch, Find a Grave, and federal archival repositories. Interpretive narrative may also include Carol Anna Meyer Brooks' personal experiences or family stories shared with her throughout her lifetime.

©2024-2026 Unfolding the Story Genealogy.  All Rights Reserved.                            

The Mercantile Businessmen

 

Throughout the research on my paternal ancestors, there has been a theme of mercantile businessmen. My great grandfather, Thomas Chittim Knight, after returning from the 1^st Regiment Texas Calvary in the Spanish American War, dabbled in the laundry business.[1] He placed advertisements in the Southwest Texas State Normal Star School Newspaper from December 1911 through April 1912.[2]  My second great grandfather, George Washington Knight, started a mercantile business in Bladon Springs, Choctaw County, Alabama for boots & shoes as described in an advertisement published 6 October 1880.[3] Later he expanded his business endeavors by purchasing a drug store.[4] George moved to San Marcos, Texas circa 1886 and opened a jewelry business. He furthered his business acumen to include eye glasses, music instruments, sewing machines, razors, typewriters and china.[5]

After serving as a Texas Ranger in the Frontier Forces, my second great grandfather, Emil Huffmeyer, settled in Bandera, Texas.[6] He established the Huffmeyer Store in 1873 and later his brother joined him on this venture. This property is now a historical landmark.[7] He later relocated to San Marcos, Texas and again opened a mercantile business circa 1895 and then added a partner in 1899; the business known as Huffmeyer and Fourqurean.[8]

Henry Huffmeyer, my third great grandfather emigrated from Germany to the United States and settled in San Antonio, Texas. He was recorded as the first shoemaker of San Antonio.[9] Lastly, my third great grandfather, William “Bill” Jernigin settled in Cow Hill, Texas in the 1840s and served in the 2nd Regiment, Texas Calvary State Troops during the Civil War.[10] He built a store with his sons in 1873 in the area that became Commerce, Texas.[11] The Jernigin’s Store was designated a historical landmark in 1982.[12] Bill also donated land for the Commerce Town Square and property for the local Masonic Lodge.[13]

The mercantile entrepreneurial spirit raged within my paternal ancestors’ hearts and souls resulting in multiple successful businesses. In all their efforts, each one gave back to the community in the form of service or support driving economic growth and expansion for the benefit of the people in the area.

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[1] U.S., National Cemetery Interment Control Forms, 1928-1962, A1 2110-B; online database with images, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/2590/images/40479_2421401574_0447-01496?pId=2054417 : accessed 5 February 2024); citing Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, 1774-1985, Record Group 92; National Archives, College Park, MD.

[2] Knight, Thos. C., Laundry Advertisement; Normal Star Newspaper, San Marcos, Texas; 19 April 1912; Vol.2, Ed.1, Page 4 of 4; online database with images, The Portal of Texas History (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth614536/m1/4/?q=%22Thos%20C%20Knight%22 : accessed 5 February 2024).

[3] Knight, George Washington, Advertisement, Choctaw County News, Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama, 6 October, 1880, Vol. IV, No. 37, Page 2 of 2; online database with images, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/choctaw-county-news/112839541/ : accessed 5 February 2024).

[4] The Courier Newspaper, Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama, 7 December 1881, Vol. 1, No. 6, Page 3 of 4; online database with images, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/image/575967659/ : accessed 5 February 2024).

[5] Knight, George Washington, Christmas Advertisement; Normal Star Newspaper, San Marcos, Texas, 15 December 1916; Vol. 6, Ed. 1 Page 2 of 4; online database with images, The Portal of Texas History (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth614592/m1/2/  : accessed 5 February 2024).

[6] Stephens, Robert W., Texas Ranger Indian War Pensions, Nortex Press, 1975.

[7] Texas Historical Commission application, Old Huffmeyer Store, Bandera, Texas; online database with images, The Portal of Texas History (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth488953/?q=Huffmeyer  : accessed 5 February 2024).

[8] Huffmeyer & Fourqurean, Advertisement; The Hays County Times and Farmers Journal, 28 April 1899, Vol. 12, Page 4 of 8; online database with images, San Marcos Public Library, Community History Archive, (http://ttwc.advantage-preservation.com/viewer/?k=huffmeyer&i=f&by=1899&bdd=1890&d=01011873-12312020&m=between&ord=k1&fn=the_hays_county_times_and_farmers%27_journal_usa_texas_san_marcos_18990428_english_4&df=1&dt=9&cid=2852 : accessed 5 February 2024).

[9] Huffmeyer, Henry, Record ID No. LCJY-MNT; Memoranda by A Pioneer Family, unknown author; unknown publication; online database with images, FamilySearch (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth488953/?q=Huffmeyer : accessed 5 February 2024); contributed by Tim Huffmeyer.

[10] U.S., Civil War Solider Records and Profiles, 1861-1865; online database with images, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/4172900:1555?ssrc=pt&tid=58937643&pid=132362941033 : accessed 5 February 2024); citing American Civil War Research Database, Historical Data Systems, Inc.; Duxbury, Massachusetts.

[11] Welcome to Commerce, About Page; online database, CommerceTx.org (https://commercetx.org/contact-form/ : accessed 5 February 2024).

[12] Texas Historical Commission Marker, The Jernigin’s Store; online database with images, HMdb.org (https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=119793 : accessed 5 February 2024).

[13] Masonic Lodge marks 81^st Anniversary Here; Commerce Journal, Commerce, Hunt County, Texas, 7 June 1956, Vol. 87, No. 23, Page 1; Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/image/37173123/?clipping_id=105870529&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjM3MTczMTIzLCJpYXQiOjE3MDcxNTMyNTAsImV4cCI6MTcwNzIzOTY1MH0.v-AbwshQc2elh8JBtEdbcGwHdZU_p0KK-D8tyjehHIw : accessed 5 February 2024).

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All primary source information referenced was gathered from historic newspapers, U.S. census schedules, vital records, probate files, and land documents, accessed through leading genealogical platforms such as Newspapers.com, Ancestry, FamilySearch, Find a Grave, and federal archival repositories. Interpretive narrative may also include Carol Anna Meyer Brooks' personal experiences or family stories shared with her throughout her lifetime.

©2024-2026 Unfolding the Story Genealogy.  All Rights Reserved.