Sue Courts

Sue married (..) McFarland [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1930, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1930, 825 Buford St, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1937, 751 Tilson, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1938, 751 Tilson, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; and 1939

Notes:

d.c. informant, Mrs. Barney S. Courts

Census:
residence 4 (379 Greer Street)
Jones, James H. 28 married at age 22 LA LA LA laborer American Pitch Pipe
Iola E. 31 married at age 24
Geraldine F. 5
James H. 3
Larita E. 1
Goff, Theodore father-in-law 61 wid MS MS MS watchman lumberyard

residence 9 (817 Buford)
Percell, E.W. 33 1897 married at age 33 Georgia Georgia Georgia
Thelma 26 married at age 15 Texas Texas Texas
Sterling, Margery stepdau 8 1922 Texas
Sterling, Fay 10 1920 Texas

residence 10 (823 Buford)
Henery C Court 75 1855 married at age 20 longshoreman on dock TX TX TN
Lena Court 59 1871 married at age 25 Texas Germany Texas
James C Court 27 1903 longshoreman on dock
Barney S Court 19 1811 longshoreman on dock
Kirby Court 34 1896 "son-ab" (looks like "ab" ??? single sailor on ship


Residence:
Name: Kirby Court
Age: 35
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1895
Birthplace: Texas
Race: White
Port in 1930: Beaumont, Jefferson, Texas
Page: 37A
Ship Name: Oakman
825 Buford Street
Mess Boy


Residence:
Court, Barney r 719 Tilson
Henry C (Lena) h 719 Tilson
Mixon r 719 Tilson

Residence:
Courts, Barney S lab h 751 Tilson

Barney married Irene Beatrice Billingsly about 1941 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. Irene was born on 23 Sep 1908 in Texas; died on 27 Mar 1949 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Magnolia Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Irene Billingsly shown in Jefferson Co Birth Records for birth of Eulela Lena Dec 20, 1942.
Irene Beatrice Burngsley for birth of Barney Self Jr.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 12 Jul 1860, Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 23 Jun 1870, Sparks and River Settlement, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jun 1880, Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 21 Jun 1900, Beaumont (Ward 3), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1904, 747 South Grand Ave, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1910, 760 Lamar, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 1920, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1920, 157 E Buford, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 1930, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1937, 719 Tilson, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

1880: Not listed in James' household. Listed independently as a raftsman, 25 years old, born TX, father b LA, mother b TN, next door to his father (212/227)

1900 census lists children Ola, Kirby, Mixon, Harry & Daniel
1910 census, lists children Coot, Kirby, Mixon, Harry, Deany, Sallym Bert and Colby
1921 city directory: Wife Lena, longshoreman, 157 E. Buford

Beaumont Enterprise card index shows Henry Clifton Courts, III 1940-5/2/95
_____________
(Notes of Kirby Courts:)
Henry Clifton "Cliff" was a cowboy as a young man. He was a Pony Express rider. He carried the mail between Sabine Pass and Harrisburg Houston), Texas. Most of his life was spent in the lumber industry with Reliance Lumber, Chris Grey L, and Kirby Lumber Co. He was a good friend of John Henry Kirby, the lumber tycoon. He named his oldest son Charles Kirby after him. Cliff was upset for the rest of his life because the Government had all the long leaf yellow pine trees cut down during the first World War. They were to be used to build wooden ships for the troops going to France. The ships were never built, but it spelled the end of the great lumber boom in ast and Southeast Texas. All of his sons worked in the timber industry at this time. Coley told me the Neches River was full of square timber all the way back to East Texas at this time.
Cliff had six children in a previous marriage. The family died of yellow fever in the epidemic of the 1880s. My father Coley said, his father would never talk about his first family.
The first record of Cliff on the census is 1880 in Jefferson Co, Texas. I believe, according to family history, that all the Courts lived in the Sabine Pass area. A masssive hurricane in the 1880s completely flooded this area. All of thes and kids were floated out of this area on feather matresses. The families ended up in the Nederland-Port Neches area. Cliff and his family eventually settled in the Beaumont area before the turn of the century. Many members of the Courts family still live in the Port Neches area.

Census:
12 Jul 1860 Precinct No. 5 Sabine Pass
residence 378
James Court 30 mail carrier 500 Louisiana
Julia 24 TN 1856 Tennessee
Mary E 8 1852 Texas
Henry C 6 1854 Texas
Julia A 4 1856 Texas
William F 2 1858 Texas
Elias M 6/12 1859 Texas

residence 379
John Sparks 49 1811 North Carolina farmer 320 2100
Malinda Sparks 41 1819 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 19 1841 Texas
John F Sparks 14 1856 Texas
Sarah C Sparks 11 1849 Texas
Arabella H Sparks 8 1852 Texas
James C Sparks 6 1854 Texas
Worthey C Sparks 4 1856 Texas
Henry E L Sparks 8/12 1859 Texas

residence 380
Samuel Lee 38 1822 Denmark stock raiser 4,000
Eliza 16 1844 Texas


Census:
Residence 77
Coats (Courts) J.M. 40 1830 Louisiana 400, 2,000 farmer
Julia 34 1836 Tennessee
Mary 18 1852 Texas
Clifton 16 1854 Texas
Nasthentha 14 1856 Texas
William 12 1858 Texas
Madison E. 10 1860 Texas
ekner 8 1862 Texas
James 5 1865 Texas
Anna 3 1867 Texas
Lisa 8 1862 Texas

residence 78
Sparks M (Melinda) 51 1819 at home Tennessee widow
James 17 1853 Texas farm laborer
Worthy 14 1856 Texas
John 27 1843 Texas farmer

residence 79
Spark, C (Caroline) 50 1820 SC keeping house widow
Edwin 23 1847 Louisiana
Joseph 16 1854 Texas
Oscar 14 Texas
Court T.J. 27 1843 Texas (Thomas Jefferson - bro of James Court)

residence 80
Brewton W.P. 33 1837 Tennessee
Sarah (Sparks) 22 1848 Texas (Dau of Melinda)
Grace 5 1865 TX
Silas F. 8/12 1869 TX

residence 81
Lee, Samuel 52 1818 farmer 1580 Denmark
Jane E. 27 1843 Texas
Emma 3 1867 Texas


residence 82
Smith. T.J. 34 farmer 500 Indiana (Later would marry Mary Ellen Courts
Sarah 25 Texas
Electra 3/12 Texas


Census:
12 Jun 1880 Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas

210 Court, William 21 work at saw mill TX - TX
Darinda, 22 wife Texas Georgia Texas
Danie 3 dau TX
Benton 1 son TX


211
J.M. COURT Self M Male W 50 LA Wagoning ENGLAND LA
Julia A. COURT Wife M Female W 43 TN Keeping House NC AL
Helma (Helmer) COURT Son S Male W 18 TX Wagoner LA TN
James COURT Son S Male W 15 TX At Home LA TN
Annie COURT Dau S FemaleW 12 TX At Home LA TN
Lillian COURT Dau S Female W 8 TX At Home LA TN
Fannie COURT Dau S Female W 5 TX At Home LA TN
Emmet COURT Son S Male W 3 TX At Home LA TN
Viola COURT Dau S Female W 11M TX At Home LA TN

213
Court, Clifton 25 1855 raftsman TX LA TN
Fannie 26 1854 TX TN TN
Ella M. 3 1877 TX


(Peter Stockholm & Pierre Frugia in this community. No Sparks or Blocks or Burrrells. Must be Beaumont proper.)




Census:
Courts Henry Head Jul 1854 45 Married 8 1892 Texas Texas Texas
Courts Lena Wife Feb 1871 29 Married 8 1892 Texas Germany Texas
Courts Ala Daughter May 1893 7 Texas Texas Texas
Courts Kirby Son Dec 1893 6 Texas Texas Texas
Courts Mixon Son Sep 1895 4 Texas Texas Texas
Courts Harry Son Oct 1897 2 Texas Texas Texas
Courts Daisey Daughter Jul 1899 10/12 Texas Texas Texas



Residence:
Court, Edgar B., wks United Lbr & Export Co, h. James F. Court.
Court, Emmett, wks United Lbr & Export Co., r. 1 blk w of same.
Court, Homer, wks United Lbr & Export Co. h. James F. Court
Court, H. Clifton, watchman mill, A, Kirby Lumber Co., r 747 South Grand ave, Cartwright add. 8
Court, James F., wks United Lbr & Export Co., r 1 blk w of same. 4
Court, Julia A. (wid James), h. Emmett Court
Court, S. Helmer, carp r 350 Jackson ave, 5
(five children - Bea, age 8; Hal age 6; Gladys age 3; abt 2; Lillian born 22 Jan 1904)

Residence:
Courts, Harry, driver h 760 Lamar.
Courts, H. Clifton, riverman Kirby Lbr Co, r 760 Lamar. 8
Courts, Kirby, wks Kirby Lbr Co, r 760 Lamar.
Courts, William, riverman Beaumont Saw Mill Co.
Courts, Fullar W. Mrs. slslady S.H. Kress & Co., h 430 Travis

Census:
157 Buford
H C Coart 65 1855
Lena Coart 48 1872
Kirby C Coart 26 1894
Harry C Coart 23 1897
Cotie Coart 17 1903
Bert Coart 13 1907
Barney Coart 9 1911


Census:
residence 4 (379 Greer Street)
Jones, James H. 28 married at age 22 LA LA LA laborer American Pitch Pipe
Iola E. 31 married at age 24
Geraldine F. 5
James H. 3
Larita E. 1
Goff, Theodore father-in-law 61 wid MS MS MS watchman lumberyard

residence 9 (817 Buford)
Percell, E.W. 33 1897 married at age 33 Georgia Georgia Georgia
Thelma 26 married at age 15 Texas Texas Texas
Sterling, Margery stepdau 8 1922 Texas
Sterling, Fay 10 1920 Texas

residence 10 (823 Buford)
Henery C Court 75 1855 married at age 20 longshoreman on dock TX TX TN
Lena Court 59 1871 married at age 25 Texas Germany Texas
James C Court 27 1903 longshoreman on dock
Barney S Court 19 1811 longshoreman on dock
Kirby Court 34 1896 "son-ab" (looks like "ab" ??? single sailor on ship


Residence:
Court, Barney r 719 Tilson
Henry C (Lena) h 719 Tilson
Mixon r 719 Tilson

note: two brothers, Barney Mabry and Barney Self; neither married by 1937; so unsure which Barney is listed here.


Died:
d.c. married, Lena Court,
address 719 Tilson, Beaumont
occupation, timberman, timber business
father James Court, born Sabine Pass; Julia Sparks, born Jefferson Co, Texas.
date last worked 1930, lifetime in occupation
informant: James C. Court (son)
1737 Sabine Pass, Bmt.

Henry married Ulalaya Lena Gentz on 24 Feb 1892 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. Ulalaya (daughter of Charles* Christopher Gentz, Sr (immigrant) and Matilda* Hayes) was born on 24 Feb 1870 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 08 Nov 1948 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 09 Nov 1948 in Magnolia Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 12 Jun 1880, Sabine Pass (District 42), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1920, 157 E Buford, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 1930, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1937, 719 Tilson, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1938, 751 Tilson, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; and 1939
• Census: 1940, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

Census:
12 Jun 1880 District 42, Sabine Pass, Texas
47 F. P. Hemmenway 26 engineer TX -- PA
Mary Hemmenway 25 wife TX LA LA
Arthur Hemmenway 4 son TX
Emily Hemmenway 1 dau TX
Missouri Hays 15 sis-in-law single TX LA TX
Mary Gallier 83 1797 G-mother widowed LA SC MS

49 Garner, J.H. 66
Matilda 63
S.A. 30
Bradley 19
Rachel 14 goddaughter TX (--) TX
Othneil 4 godson TX (--) TX

50 McCall, A.E. 40
Jacob 27 foreman
Frank 18 foreman
John 14
Robert 13
Mary 10
Claudie 8
Gibson J.E. 20 female single general housework

51
Wm Allen 78 1802 farmer Germany Germany
Ann (prev Mrs. Gibson) 40 1840 Texas Louisiana Louisiana
Emma 11 1869 Texas
Bettie 8 1872 Texas
Nettie 2 1878 Texas


52 Gantz, Charles C. 40 1840 farmer Germany Germany Germany
Matilda 30 1850 TX Louisiana Louisiana
C 12 1868 TX
Mary 11 1869 TX
Lena 9 1871 TX
Edna 6 1874 TX
Claudie 3 1877 TX
Hayes, James 50 father-in-law 1820 LA

53 Johnson Uriah 34 LA LA LA
L 33 LA LA MS
Rachel 13
Lizzie 12
Seth 10

55 McCall John 47 farmer IL -- Germany
M.A. 38 wife TX LA LA
D.E. 18 son
A.L. 15 dau
M.K. 13 dau
Eva 10 dau
Andrew 1 son


Census:
residence 4 (379 Greer Street)
Jones, James H. 28 married at age 22 LA LA LA laborer American Pitch Pipe
Iola E. 31 married at age 24
Geraldine F. 5
James H. 3
Larita E. 1
Goff, Theodore father-in-law 61 wid MS MS MS watchman lumberyard

residence 9 (817 Buford)
Percell, E.W. 33 1897 married at age 33 Georgia Georgia Georgia
Thelma 26 married at age 15 Texas Texas Texas
Sterling, Margery stepdau 8 1922 Texas
Sterling, Fay 10 1920 Texas

residence 10 (823 Buford)
Henery C Court 75 1855 married at age 20 longshoreman on dock TX TX TN
Lena Court 59 1871 married at age 25 Texas Germany Texas
James C Court 27 1903 longshoreman on dock
Barney S Court 19 1811 longshoreman on dock
Kirby Court 34 1896 "son-ab" (looks like "ab" ??? single sailor on ship


Residence:
Court, Barney r 719 Tilson
Henry C (Lena) h 719 Tilson
Mixon r 719 Tilson

note: two brothers, Barney Mabry and Barney Self; neither married by 1937; so unsure which Barney is listed here.


Residence:
Courts, Lena (wid Henry C) r 751 Tilson

Census:
751 Tilson
Mixon J Courts 45 widowed
Lena Courts 70 mother widowed


Died:
d.c. address 3347 Texas, Beaumont; widowed, age 78, 8 mos, 14 days; b Sabine Pass 24 Feb 1870
Parents: C.C. Gentz, Port Arthur, and Matilda Hayes, TX
informant Mrs. O.L.McCauley, 3347 Texas, Beaumont

Notes:

Married:
Name: Clifton Courts
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 24 Feb 1892

Spouse: Lena Gentze

Marriage City: Jefferson
Marriage State: Texas

Source: Texas Marriages, 1851-1900

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Abt 1831, Lavaca Bay Region, Texas
• Residence: Between 1836 and 1845, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; Republic of Texas
• Residence: Feb 1836, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 24 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jul 1860, Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: Between 1861 and 1865, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; Texas Confederate States
• Military: 28 May 1862, enlisted Company B (gunboat "Uncle Ben")
• Census: 23 Jun 1870, Sparks and River Settlement, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jun 1880, Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Other-Begin: 30 Sep 1952, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; court case: Smith graves
• Other-Begin: 10 Aug 1961, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; court case: Smith graves

Notes:

1865 listed in Confederate Indigent Families Lists of Texas 1863-1865 by Linda Mearse (avail thru Interlibrary loan)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Cloud"
The book "The Story of Beaumont" is on-line in html (web page)format with an index and list of illustrations that were created for it (it had neither). Published in 1925/26, it is a valuable reference for early East Texas researchers. The index has the actual page numbers where the reference is found to make citations more precise.

The table of contents can be found here:
http://www.mykindred.com/wiess/st-o-b/index.htm

It can be a lengthy download if on a dial-up connection, so it is also available without the graphics at:
http://www.mykindred.com/wiess/st-o-b/toc-old.html

There were numerous typographical errors and some grammatical errors. No corrections were made to the document. It is, so far as I can determine, true to the original.

If you find an error or want to make a suggestion, please
contact me at cloud@peaches.ph.utexas.edu.

"G. W. Hargraves, who was captain of a little Beaumont company of militia in August, 1835, had sixty-two men under him, twenty of whom took part in the battle of the Alamo. He also was at the head of twenty-one volunteers who started to join ston to stop the advance of Santa Anna, but the battle of San Jacinto was fought before they reached that place, and they were ordered to rout some hostile Indians north of the town. Men Mr. Hargraves could remember years after who were in his company, were;

William Clark, ____ Clark, John Coale, ____ Coale, Bill Ashworth, Aaron Ashworth, Tapler Ashworth, Luke Ashworth, Charles Cronier, Elisha Stephenson, Lige Stephenson, Tom Berwick, Batiste Pevito, Dave Harmon, George Medgar, William Beckham, d Garner, Isaac Garner, Jim McCall, John Allen, ____ Allen, Joe Linsicomb, Jake Hays, Jim Jett, ____ Jett, Clark Beach, ____ Powers, Archie Richie, Wash Tevis, Jack Tevis, ____ Williams, Tom Yoakum, Jim Foreman and Ben Johnson, and Jim Courts."

http://www.mykindred.com/wiess/st-o-b/16-Beaumont-in-the-Wars.html#457030
"The Story of Beaumont" on-line

(note: Jim Courts was born 1829; so, he would have been 6 yrs old.
_____________
Lived with John Sparks right after marriage (1850 Census - census date 24 Oct; marriage date, Oct 15), but must not have stayed there very long. They are also listed in 1850 living with James Eaves, a laborer, and his wife Eliza (ages 37), with the Eaves' children, Rachel, 8; Lazil, 5; and Joseph, 2, all from Louisiana except Joseph who was born in Texas. Julia was only 14. Listed as a farmer.
_____________
The marriage of James Courts, son of Thomas and Ann Johnson Court, and Julia Ann Sparks, 13 year old daughter of John Sidney and Melinda Jones Sparks, brought together two of the founding families of lower East Texas. Thomas and Ann, with James as a baby, came to Sabine Pass about 1829/30. The historical marker in Sabine Pass Lion's Club Parks states that our Court Family and another family named McGaffey were here "as early" as 1832. Not only were they in Texas before it became a state, they were here during the time that it was part of Mexico, and in 1836, when it became a Republic in its own right. Our family can truly say we are mutli-generation Texans.

The Sparks arrived in Texas, traveling by covered wagon from Tennessee, in 1838, when Julia Ann was just two. They settled on Pavel's Island first, then came ashore at Sabine Lake and became the first permanent anglo inhabitants of what was called "Aurora", and which eventually became Port Arthur.

The Pioneer Spirit prevailed as both families withstood early life on the Gulf Coast. Yellow Fever, mosquitos, hurricanes and tropical storms, alligators and other wild creatues combined to make life harrowing and an adventure at the same time. Some of those stories will be included in other history items.

James and Julia began their married life in Aurora, and eventually built their own cabin. Julia's brothers, sisters, and some cousins married and remained in the area of Aurora. James' siblings stayed in the area of Sabine Pass and Port Arthur as well, although several moved away after they reached adulthood.

James and Julia had 13 children, most of who have descendents still living here in the Golden Triangle. We have located descendents of the other children as well.

James and Julia are featured in the Museum of the Gulf Coast in the section on "Aurora." Pictures of both of them and several other family members (Sparks) are on display.

_____________________________
Transcript of a land transfer:
James M Court : The State of Texas : 18 April 1856
To Transfer : County of Jefferson : (vol A pg 113-114)
Wm Burgett :

Know All Men by these presents:
That I, James Madison Court, eldest son of Thomas Court, deceased, of Orange County State of Texas for and in consideration of Seventy-Eight dollars paid to me by William Burgett of the County of Jefferson and State of Texas, have bargained and sold and by these presents do bargain, sell, and convey unto the said William Burgett all the right, title, and interest which I have and hold in the headright League of Land Granted to Thomas Court, my Father now deceased whch Land is located on the waters of the Palo Pinto a tributary of the Brazos River, my interest being one seventh there being seven children of us of my Father's interest. The said William Burgett to have and to hold said interest in said land hereby conveyed to the said William Burgett his heirs and assigns forever for further description of said Land reference may be had to the field notes and Patent in testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal scrawl for seal this 18th day of April A.D. 1856.
In the Presence of Otis McGaffy (Notary Public)
_______________
1869

From: Debbie & Bryan Spurgeon
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2003 21:40:42
To: Sherry
Subject: Digging at the Orange Library


Hey Sherry,
I went digging at the Orange Library this evening. Actually came up with a book from the SE Texas Historical Society that showed some listings of civil cases filed in Beaumont in 1874/75.

James Courts and other family members were listed in several of them.

The files are in the Sam Houston Regional Library. They are:

File 106 - Case #517
Wesley Garner, administrator of Estate of Holland C.V. Edmondson vs. James Court - 1869

File 107 -
Wesley garner, administrator of Estate of Holland C.V. Edmondson vs. Lewis King (Lewis was Sarah Ann Court's husband) - 1869

File 108
same as above vs Sam Lee (Sam was married to Julia Ann's sister) -1869

Box 6
File #3 - Case 609
James Courts, C.C. Gientze vs. Charles W. Winn - 1874 - Postal Service (this one has me intriqued)

Case 610 has same infomration as Case 609

File # 51
Case #626
William Allison vs. James M. Court - 1875
______________

1865 listed in Confederate Indigent Families Lists of Texas 1863-1865 by Linda Mearse (avail thru Interlibrary loan)

______________

Civil War vet....he was a marksman in Speight's batallion Company B who served on the war-converted cotton boat steamer "Uncle Ben" and was involved in at least one Sabine Pass battle. (Frank Courts)

1870 Sparks and River Settlement:
res 95/77 val of real estate val of personal estate
Coats, Jim 40 Farmer, b. LA, 400, 2000
Julia, 34 keeping house TN
Mary, 18, at home TX
Clifton 16, mail rider
Nastebenthia 14 at home
William, 12, laborer
Madison 10, at home
Helmer 8, at home
Anne 3, at home
Lisa 8 at home TX

______________

1875 - listed in newspaper that he made a loan at a merchandise store in Beaumont so that he could farm that year and raise crops
______________

1880 census lists himself as wagoning age 50, from LA, father from Eng, mother from Louisiana. Household 211/220, next door to Clifton Court, his son. The children listed still living at home are Helmer, James, Anna, Lillian, Fannie, Emmet, and Viola.
____________

1890s, moved from Aurora upriver to around DuPont area. The family founded what became South Park ISD.
____________

Texas Revolution Page 2 p 9
listed: Courts, Jim Private, Captain Logans 3rd Company M.R. 43
____________

(Note from Kirby Courts:)
James "Jim" was one of the first Pony Express Riders in Texas. He carried mail from Sabine Pass to Harrisburg (Houston), Texas. He was also a farmer and cattleman. During the Texas Battle for Independence in 1836, James was on the muster Roll for Jefferson Co. George Hargraves organized the company. They were known as "Capt. Chessire's Company Volunteers." (Jefferson Co Historical Commission Veterans, Pt 1). The Book "Pioneer Remimscences of Jefferson County" by T.J. Russell, p 34, states in Sabine Pass "Thomas Courts and son, James Courts, were there with John McGaffey at an early day. Both are dead. Several children of James Courts are now in this county."
_________
To: archinfo@tsl.state.tx.us
8/19/98
Court, James M. 02271
Claimant: Court, James M.
Pension Number: 02271
County: Jefferson

Application approved Oct 7, 1899
Q. What is your name? Answer: James M. Courts
Q. What is your age? Answer: 69
Q. In what County do you reside? Answer: Jefferson
Q. How long have you resided in said County and what is your post office address?
Answer: 60 years, Beaumont.
Q. Have you applied for a pension under the Confederate Pension law heretofore, and been rejected? If so, state when and where. Answer: No sir
Q. What is your occupation if able to engage in one: Answer: Farmer when able
Q. What is your physical condition: Answer: Bad
Q. If your physical condition is such that you are unable by your own labor to earn a support, state what caused such disability. Answer: broken leg, rupture
Q. State in what company and regiment you enlisted in the Confederate army, and the time of your service. Answer: Company "B" Speight's Battalion,
first called Liberman Batal.
Q. State whether or not you have received any pension or veteran donation land certificate under any previous law, and if you answer in the affirmative, state what pension or veteran donation land certificate you have received. Answer: No sir
Q. What real and personal property do you now own, and what is the present value of such property? Give list of such property and value. Answer: Five horses, $50.00 value of
them all, bring with on range.
Q. What property, and what was the value thereof have you sold or conveyed within two years prior to the date of this application? Answer: none
Q. What income, if any, do you receive? Answer: none
Q. Are you in indigent circumstances; that is, are you in actual want, and destitute of property and means of substistence? Answer: Yes sir
Q. Are you unable by your labor to earn a support? Answer: Yes sir
Q. Have you transferred to others any property of value of any kind for the purpose of becoming a beneficiary under this law? Answer: No sir
Q. Did you ever desert the Confederacy? Answer: No sir
Q. Have you been continuously since the first day of January, 1880, a bona fide resident citizen of this State? Answer: Yes sir
Wherefore your petitioner prays that his application be approved and that such other proceedings be had in the premises as are required by law.
(Signature of Applicant) J.M. (X) Court
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28 day of July A.D. 1899.
George O'Brien
County Judge, Jefferson County, Texas
(Signature of Witness) C. E. Hillebrandt
(Signature of Witness) Pierce (X) Fuige

Affidavit of Physician (abbreviated)
Dr. J.W. Cruse, practicing physician of this County, duly sworn, examined James M. Court and finds him laboring under the following disabilities which render him unable to labor at any work or calling sufficient to earn a support for himself: Broken leg in the ankle, can't use his foot., inguinal hernia which is very severe. Sworn 15 day of Aug 1899

Certificate of County Commissioners: signed 15 Aug 1899
(commissioners signed: A. Jroard (?) Pnct #1; H.T. Bist 2nd Pnct; B.J. Johnson Pnct 3; S. Landrum 4th Pnct)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to Ruth McVey, Pierre Fruge (Pierce Fuige) Confederate App was witnessed the day before James', on July 27, and was witnessed by Hillebrandt & James; also Judge O'Brien.
________________________________________
From Frank Courts: I also checked the article on the removal of graves from the private cemetery where Dupont is now located on Port Arthur Road in the 60's. It states that James M. And Julia were both found there and moved to Forest Lawn. It also lists the other graves, 22 in all, including a James F. (as you stated) and a James C. Court as being moved from there. I dont know why your list is different. I have been to Forest Lawn and have seen the moved graves. The remains were grouped under four headstones which say "T. F. Smith Homestead Tract Cemetery" or something similar. Forest Lawn does have the names listed, and Carroll Wallace funeral home has other records of the move, which they coordinated. T. F. Smith was somehow connected with the Sparks, I believe.
________________________________________
From: mac@lcc.net (Ruth A McVey)
To: lumoto@aol.com (Sherry Sharp)
Hi Sherry,
I received this info from a friend who "lives" genealogy and has been very helpful to me. His name is James A. Johnson age 75 who lives in Bellaire but doesn't have a computer. He sent the following:

1850 St. Landry #1996-2361 #455-455

Vigel Frozia 45 Farmer $800 Pers. LA (1850 Fruge 40)
Mary 46 (35) LA
Artimese 14 LA (17 Pierre, 10 Louisa, Artimese 8)
Susan 12 (6) LA
Uzenie 10 (1) LA (Eugene)
Useph 8 LA (Joseph?)
Phitestine 5 LA (Celestine?)
Alzemah 7/12 TX (Azema?)

#456-456

Pier Frozia 23 farm laborer LA (#1996-2361 1850 St Landry age 17)
Elizabeth 17 H.K. LA (b. TX)

Sherry I've written the above just as Mr. Johnson wrote it to me. Hope it's not to confusing. Artemeas/Artimese and Susan were sisters of Pierre but I don't find Denise. Could she have been born later?

I know that my GGF Pierre Frugia (Fruge) married a second time and had a son Lyman Frugia and a dgt. named Goldie. Lyman Frugia, Jr. and his wife Doris Ann live in Vidor and I've written to her twice sending her my data in hopes she would share but she hasn't.

From marriage books for Jefferson County I have Pier Fruge m. Julia Courta 14 Jul 1897 and Pierre Fruge m. Mrs. Lidia Cuniff 31 Aug 1891. I know that my GGF Pierre called his son Pierre "Peter" but I have nothing else. So I don't know who married whom.

You can say I'm still a novice when it comes to genealogy but I'm learning. Do you know if copies of Successions from LA can be ordered by mail? I found several Fruge's listed in Imperial Calcasieu and St. Landry Parish. Also listed were some Hayes. There is a book written by Shirley Burwell of Lake Charles I presume listing all the successions.

Any tips or suggestions are most welcome. Keep in touch.

Ruth

_________________________________

Residence:
according to Historical marker, his father arrived in Sabine Pass in 1832, arriving from the Lavaca Bay region.

Residence:
his sister Sara Court said to be the first white child born in Aurora under the Mexican Flag

Census:
24 Oct 1850 Sabine Pass

residence 215:
Milton H Bloodworth 25 1825 Louisiana
Nancy (Holt) Bloodworth 18 1832 Texas
Benjamin P Bloodworth 2 1848 Louisiana
William Bloodworth 1 1849 Louisiana
Benjamin Holt 55 1795 Mississippi
Thomas C Holt 50 1800 Mississippi
Thomas D Holt 4 1846 Louisiana
William Holt 53 1797 Mississippi
Mary Ann Holt 17 1833 Texas
Thomas R Holt 26 1824 Louisiana
Charles Holt 28 1822 Louisiana
William C Holt 15 1835 Louisiana
Richard Holt 13 1837 Louisiana

Residence 216
Stockholm, Peter D. 31 1819 New York carpenter
Mary 17 1833 Louisiana
William 2 1848 Texas
Elizabeth 0 1850 Texas

Residence 217
Brewer, William 23 1827 Louisiana
Brewer, Caroline 22 1828 Louisiana

Residence 218
Solomon Sparks 30 1820 Tennessee
Martha C Sparks 30 1829 South Carolina
Lucy Ann Sparks 8 1842 Tennessee
John L Sparks 6 1844 Tennessee
James E Sparks 3 1847 Louisiana
Mary Susan Sparks 1 1849 Texas
Jacob Sparks 22 1828 Tennessee

Residence 219
John S. Sparks 39 1811 North Carolina
Melinda Sparks 29 1821 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 9 1841 Texas
Eliza J. Sparks 7 1843 Texas
John F. Sparks 4 1846 Texas
Sarah C. Sparks 1 1849 Texas
James Court 22 1828 Louisiana
Julia Ann (Sparks) Courts 14 1836 Tennessee



Census:
12 Jul 1860 Precinct No. 5 Sabine Pass
residence 378
James Court 30 mail carrier 500 Louisiana
Julia 24 TN 1856 Tennessee
Mary E 8 1852 Texas
Henry C 6 1854 Texas
Julia A 4 1856 Texas
William F 2 1858 Texas
Elias M 6/12 1859 Texas

residence 379
John Sparks 49 1811 North Carolina farmer 320 2100
Malinda Sparks 41 1819 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 19 1841 Texas
John F Sparks 14 1856 Texas
Sarah C Sparks 11 1849 Texas
Arabella H Sparks 8 1852 Texas
James C Sparks 6 1854 Texas
Worthey C Sparks 4 1856 Texas
Henry E L Sparks 8/12 1859 Texas

residence 380
Samuel Lee 38 1822 Denmark stock raiser 4,000
Eliza 16 1844 Texas


Military:
Name: J M Courts
Rank at enlistment: Private
State Served: Texas
Service Record: Enlisted in Company B, Texas 11th Cavalry Battalion.

Sources: Index to Compiled Confederate Military Service Records
--
Name: J M Courts
Rank at enlistment: Private
State Served: Texas
Service Record: Enlisted in Company I, Texas 13th Infantry Regiment.

Sources: Index to Compiled Confederate Military Service Records



Census:
Residence 77
Coats (Courts) J.M. 40 1830 Louisiana 400, 2,000 farmer
Julia 34 1836 Tennessee
Mary 18 1852 Texas
Clifton 16 1854 Texas
Nasthentha 14 1856 Texas
William 12 1858 Texas
Madison E. 10 1860 Texas
ekner 8 1862 Texas
James 5 1865 Texas
Anna 3 1867 Texas
Lisa 8 1862 Texas

residence 78
Sparks M (Melinda) 51 1819 at home Tennessee widow
James 17 1853 Texas farm laborer
Worthy 14 1856 Texas
John 27 1843 Texas farmer

residence 79
Spark, C (Caroline) 50 1820 SC keeping house widow
Edwin 23 1847 Louisiana
Joseph 16 1854 Texas
Oscar 14 Texas
Court T.J. 27 1843 Texas (Thomas Jefferson - bro of James Court)

residence 80
Brewton W.P. 33 1837 Tennessee
Sarah (Sparks) 22 1848 Texas (Dau of Melinda)
Grace 5 1865 TX
Silas F. 8/12 1869 TX

residence 81
Lee, Samuel 52 1818 farmer 1580 Denmark
Jane E. 27 1843 Texas
Emma 3 1867 Texas


residence 82
Smith. T.J. 34 farmer 500 Indiana (Later would marry Mary Ellen Courts
Sarah 25 Texas
Electra 3/12 Texas


Census:
12 Jun 1880 Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas

210 Court, William 21 work at saw mill TX - TX
Darinda, 22 wife Texas Georgia Texas
Danie 3 dau TX
Benton 1 son TX


211
J.M. COURT Self M Male W 50 LA Wagoning ENGLAND LA
Julia A. COURT Wife M Female W 43 TN Keeping House NC AL
Helma (Helmer) COURT Son S Male W 18 TX Wagoner LA TN
James COURT Son S Male W 15 TX At Home LA TN
Annie COURT Dau S Female W 12 TX At Home LA TN
Lillian COURT Dau S Female W 8 TX At Home LA TN
Fannie COURT Dau S Female W 5 TX At Home LA TN
Emmet COURT Son S Male W 3 TX At Home LA TN
Viola COURT Dau S Female W 11M TX At Home LA TN

213
Court, Clifton 25 1855 raftsman TX LA TN
Fannie 26 1854 TX TN TN
Ella M. 3 1877 TX


(Peter Stockholm & Pierre Frugia in this community. No Sparks or Blocks or Burrrells. Must be Beaumont proper.)



Other-Begin:
Court Cause No. 16107
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr., et al
vs
Unknown Heirs of Caroline Sparks, et al

Court Cause No. 18399
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr., et al
vs
Robert S. Frugia, et al


Court Cause No. 20324
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr. et al
vs.
Coy V. Courts, et al (Sr.)

On this 10th day of August 1961, came on to be heard the application of the plaintiffs in the above entitled and numbered cause for an order of the court showing that the plaintiffs have complied with the judgments previously entered in said cause and further showing that the plaintiffs or their successors in interest are entitled to the free and unrestricted use of the land hereinafter described, as set forth in plaintiff's petition in the above entitled and numbered causes...
(pgs 10-13 of attached pdf)

James* married Julia* Ann Sparks on 15 Oct 1850 in Jefferson Co, Texas. Julia* (daughter of John Sidney* Sparks and Melinda* Jones, (maybe dau?)) was born on 13 Oct 1836 in Franklin Co, Tennessee; died on 25 Jan 1925 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 26 Jan 1925 in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 24 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jul 1860, Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 23 Jun 1870, Sparks and River Settlement, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jun 1880, Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1904, 1 blk w of 747 South Grand Ave, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 23 May 1910, Beaumont (Precinct 6), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: Between 1913 and 1925, 1598 Cartright, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; D.C.
• Other-Begin: 22 Mar 1936, Port Arthur News, Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Other-Begin: 30 Sep 1952, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; court case: Smith graves
• Other-Begin: 10 Aug 1961, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; court case: Smith graves

Notes:

1910 Julia Courts, age 73; b TN; living w/
514/537 Thomas F. Smith 51 head
Mary E 57 wife TX father TX mother TN
Brewer Belle D - step-dau 26 TX LA TX
Smith James T son 22
Ella V dau 16
Court Julia A mother in law - 73
Sparks William E cousin 59

515/538 Courts Matt E head 49
Mary E wife 49
Coy G son 15
Emma S dau 8
Emmet M bro 34
_____________________
(Notes of Kirby Courts:)
Julia was the daughter of John and Melinda Sparks, who came to Texas from North Carolina in the 1850s. Julia was probably born in Tennessee in about 1836. She lived to be 89 years old and spent most of her life in Jefferson Co, Texas. Shried James M. Court when she was 13 years old. They lived in Sabine Pass, Texas, during their first years of marriage. The older family members state that they remained there until the late 1880s. Severe hurricanes at this time destroyed the settlement on a number of occasions. The family moved to the Nederland-Port Neches area, away from the beach area. They remained there till their deaths and were buried in the old Sparks Cemetry. The cemetery is the present site of the DuPont Chemical plant. In 1952 all the bodies were reburied at Magnolia (sic) Cemetery. -- they were reburied in Forest Lawn

To: archinfo@tsl.state.tx.us
8/19/98
Court, Julia Ann 11498
Claimant: Court, Julia Ann
Pension Number: 11498
County: Jefferson

Approved March 6, 1925
The State of Texas
County of Jefferson

To the Honorable County Judge of Jefferson County, Texas,
Your petition, Mrs. Julia Ann Court, respectfully represents that she is a resident citizen of Jefferson County, in the State of Texas; that she is the widow of Jas M Court, deceased, who was a Confederate soldier (or sailor), and that she ms this application for the purpose of obtaining a pension as the widow of said James M. Court, deceased...
Q. What is your name? Answer: Julia Ann Court
Q. What is your age? Answer: I will be 69 years old October
Q. In what County do you reside? Answer: Jefferson
Q. How long have you resided in said County and what is your post office address?
Answer: About 65 years. P.O. Beaumont, Texas
Q. Have you applied for a pension under the Confederate pension Law heretofore, and been rejected? If so, state when and where. Answer: No.
Q. What is your occupation if able to engage in one? Answer: Have ironed, unable to work Q. What is your physical condition? Answer: Enfebled by age
Q. What was the name of your deceased husband? Answer: James M Court
Q. Were you married to him anterior to March 1, 1866? Answer: I was married to my
husband in 1860 Orange Co, Tex
Q. What was the date of his death? Answer: He died in February 1891
Q. Are you unmarried, and have you so remained unmarried since the death of your said husband for whose services you claim a pension? Answer: Yes.
Q. In what State was your husband's command originally organized?
Answer: in Jefferson Co, Texas
Q. How long did your husband serve? Give date of enlistment and discharge.
Answer: about 4 years. He
enlisted about June 1961.
Q. What was the name or letter of your husband's company and name or number of his regiment? Answer: Don't know letter of Co.
Capt Keith's Co (Griffith?)
Q. State whether he served in the infantry, artillery, cavalry, or the navy.
Answer: infantry
Q. State wither or not you have received any pension or veteran donation land certificate under any previous law, and if you answer in the affirmative state what pension or veteran donation land certificate you hae received. Answer: None at all - my husband
drew a Confederate pension in his life time.
Q. What real and personal property do you now own, and what is the present value of such property? Give list of such property and value. Answer: Don't own any property.
Q. What property, and what was the value thereof, have you sold or conveyed within two years prior to the date of this application? Answer: None
Q. What income, if any, do you receive? Answer: Nothing
Q. Are you in indigent circumstances; that is, are you in actual want, and destitute of property and means of subsistence? Answer: Yes.
Q. Are you unable by your labor to earn a support? Answer: Yes.
Q. Have you transferred to others any property of value of any kind for the purpose of becoming a beneficiary under this law? Answer: No.
Q. Did your husband for whose services you claim a pension, ever desert the Confederacy?
Answer: No.
Q. Have you been continuously since the first day of March, 1880, a bona fide resident citizen of this State? Answer: Yes.
(Signature of Applicant) Julia Ann Court
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5th day of August, A.D. 1905
D.P. Wheat, County Judge, Jefferson Co, TX
Affidavit of Witnesses:
B.J. Johnson and R.D. Kent
sworn to 10 October 1905

Certificate of County Judge, D.P. Wheat, issued October 10, 1905.

Affidavit sworn to by C.E. Hillebrandt 10th day Oct, 1905
The State of Texas } Before me D.P.
County of Jefferson } Wheat, County Judge
Jefferson County Texas on this day personally appeared C.E. Hillebrandt known to me, who being by me duly sworn says that he was personally acquainted with James Court who is an applicant for a confederate pension, that he knew James Court for more than 50 years, that he served in the confederate army with James Court in the same company viz Capt. Keith's Company, Speight's Batallion, does not recollect letter of company, but he served with him in the years 1862-1863 when he was transferred to Capt. O'Brien's Company and he remained in Keith's Company where he served until the end of war and was finally discharged. He said that he never deserted and was finally discharged, and he had reputation of being fine soldier. He was in one of the battles of Sabine Pass, can't recollect, which, I know his wife is feeble and in indigent circumstances.
(signed) C.E. Hillebrandt
Sworn to & Subscribed before me this 10th day October, 1905.
(signed) D.P. Wheat, County Judge

Certificate of County Commissioners: Issued 13 November 1905.
(commissioners who signed: Mally Eastham, H.F. Bist, B.J. Johnson, S.C. Bigham)

Comptroller's Department, State of Texas, Austin Febry 12, 1906
To the Military Secretary, War Department, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to request the military record of James M. Court who was reported to have enlisted in Company Keith's 15 Regiment, Texas Infantry in the service of the Confederate States army.
Purpose: The widow of the person above named is an applicant for a Confederate pension granted by this State, and I desire to verify his proof of service.
Very respectfully,
J.W. Stephens, Comptroller

from: War Department,
The Military Secretary's Office,
Washington,
Feb. 17, 1906
1101576

Respectfully returned to
The Comptroller, State of Texas, Austin,

The name of James Court has not been found on the rolls, on file in this office, of the 15th Regiment Texas Infantry, C.S.A.
The records show, however, that one J.M. Court, private, Captain Keith's Company (B), Spaight's Battalion Texas Infantry, C.S.A. (subsequently designated Keith's Company (I), 13th Texas infantry, C.S.A.), enlisted May 28, 1862, at Sabine. On the company muster roll for May and June, 1863, he is reported absent, detailed on gunboat "Uncle Ben," January 10, 1863; and on the company muster roll for January and February, 1864, the next and last roll on file, he is reported "absent without leave." No record of his capture or parole has been found.
(signed) The Military Secretary
______
Application for Mortuary Warrant:
Submitted by Mrs. Mary E. Smith (daughter) 1598 Cartwright Avenue, P.O. Box 864, Beaumont, Texas, sworn to 11th day of March, 1925, stating she was "person to whom is entrusted the paying of the accounts and indebtedness of the late Mrs. Julia A. Court, who was a petitioner of the State of Texas, and whose file number was 11498, and whose original county was Jefferson.
"The said pensioner died in the home of Mrs. Mary E. Smith who was related to the pensioner as Daughter.

Certificate of Undertaker:
C.M. Saunders, undertaker, Beaumont, had charge of body of Julia Ann Court, who died 25 January 1925, Pipkin & Brulin Co, Undertakers.

Certificate of Physician:
Joe Record, M.D., "attended Mrs. Julia Ann Court in her last illness, and am of the opinion that her ailments were gangrenous appendicitis."
______
Death Certificate: (Registered No.: 45)
Mrs. Julia Ann Court 1598 Cartwright, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas Resident 12 years.
Personal:
Female, White, widow
Occupation: None
Date of Birth 13 Oct 1837.
Age: 88 yrs 3 mons, 11 days.
Birthplace: Tenn.
Name of Father: John Sparks, birthplace unknown
Maiden name of Mother: Melinda Jones, birth place Tenn.
Informant: Miss Vivian Smith, Beaumont, Tx.
Medical:
Date of Death: Jan 25, 1925
"I hereby certify that I attended deceased from Jan 21, 1925 to Jan 25, 1925, that I last saw her alive on Jan 25, 1925 and that death occurred on the date stated above at 12:45 pm." The cause of death was: Ruptured Chronic Appendicitis, duon 3 years.
Operation precede death: No.
Autopsy: No
Test confirmed diagnosis: Clinical
Signed: Joe Record, M.D. 1/26/1925
Place of Burial: McFaddin Cemetery 1/26/1925; Undertaker Pipkin & Brulin, Beaumont, Tx.

Census:
24 Oct 1850 Sabine Pass

residence 215:
Milton H Bloodworth 25 1825 Louisiana
Nancy (Holt) Bloodworth 18 1832 Texas
Benjamin P Bloodworth 2 1848 Louisiana
William Bloodworth 1 1849 Louisiana
Benjamin Holt 55 1795 Mississippi
Thomas C Holt 50 1800 Mississippi
Thomas D Holt 4 1846 Louisiana
William Holt 53 1797 Mississippi
Mary Ann Holt 17 1833 Texas
Thomas R Holt 26 1824 Louisiana
Charles Holt 28 1822 Louisiana
William C Holt 15 1835 Louisiana
Richard Holt 13 1837 Louisiana

Residence 216
Stockholm, Peter D. 31 1819 New York carpenter
Mary 17 1833 Louisiana
William 2 1848 Texas
Elizabeth 0 1850 Texas

Residence 217
Brewer, William 23 1827 Louisiana
Brewer, Caroline 22 1828 Louisiana

Residence 218
Solomon Sparks 30 1820 Tennessee
Martha C Sparks 30 1829 South Carolina
Lucy Ann Sparks 8 1842 Tennessee
John L Sparks 6 1844 Tennessee
James E Sparks 3 1847 Louisiana
Mary Susan Sparks 1 1849 Texas
Jacob Sparks 22 1828 Tennessee

Residence 219
John S. Sparks 39 1811 North Carolina
Melinda Sparks 29 1821 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 9 1841 Texas
Eliza J. Sparks 7 1843 Texas
John F. Sparks 4 1846 Texas
Sarah C. Sparks 1 1849 Texas
James Court 22 1828 Louisiana
Julia Ann (Sparks) Courts 14 1836 Tennessee



Census:
12 Jul 1860 Precinct No. 5 Sabine Pass
residence 378
James Court 30 mail carrier 500 Louisiana
Julia 24 TN 1856 Tennessee
Mary E 8 1852 Texas
Henry C 6 1854 Texas
Julia A 4 1856 Texas
William F 2 1858 Texas
Elias M 6/12 1859 Texas

residence 379
John Sparks 49 1811 North Carolina farmer 320 2100
Malinda Sparks 41 1819 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 19 1841 Texas
John F Sparks 14 1856 Texas
Sarah C Sparks 11 1849 Texas
Arabella H Sparks 8 1852 Texas
James C Sparks 6 1854 Texas
Worthey C Sparks 4 1856 Texas
Henry E L Sparks 8/12 1859 Texas

residence 380
Samuel Lee 38 1822 Denmark stock raiser 4,000
Eliza 16 1844 Texas


Census:
77 Coats (Courts) J.M. 40 1830 Louisiana 400, 2,000 farmer
Julia 34 1836 Tennessee
Mary 18 1852 Texas
Clifton 16 1854 Texas
Nasthentha 14 1856 Texas
William 12 1858 Texas
Madison E. 10 1860 Texas
Helmer 8 1862 Texas <<<
James 5 1865 Texas
Anna 3 1867 Texas
Lisa 8 1862 Texas

residence 78
Sparks M (Melinda) 51 1819 at home Tennessee widow
James 17 1853 Texas farm laborer
Worthy 14 1856 Texas
John 27 1843 Texas farmer

residence 79
Spark, C (Caroline) 50 1820 SC keeping house widow
Edwin 23 1847 Louisiana
Joseph 16 1854 Texas
Oscar 14 Texas
Court T.J. 27 1843 Texas (Thomas Jefferson - bro of James Court)

residence 80
Brewton W.P. 33 1837 Tennessee
Sarah (Sparks) 22 1848 Texas (Dau of Melinda)
Grace 5 1865 TX
Silas F. 8/12 1869 TX

residence 81
Lee, Samuel 52 1818 farmer 1580 Denmark
Jane E. 27 1843 Texas
Emma 3 1867 Texas


residence 82
Smith. T.J. 34 farmer 500 Indiana (Later would marry Mary Ellen Courts
Sarah 25 Texas
Electra 3/12 Texas


Census:
12 Jun 1880 Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas

210 Court, William 21 work at saw mill TX - TX
Darinda, 22 wife Texas Georgia Texas
Danie 3 dau TX
Benton 1 son TX


211
J.M. COURT Self M Male W 50 LA Wagoning ENGLAND LA
Julia A. COURT Wife M Female W 43 TN Keeping House NC AL
Helma (Helmer) COURT Son S Male W 18 TX Wagoner LA TN
James COURT Son S Male W 15 TX At Home LA TN
Annie COURT Dau S Female W 12 TX At Home LA TN
Lillian COURT Dau S Female W 8 TX At Home LA TN
Fannie COURT Dau S Female W 5 TX At Home LA TN
Emmet COURT Son S Male W 3 TX At Home LA TN
Viola COURT Dau S Female W 11M TX At Home LA TN

213
Court, Clifton 25 1855 raftsman TX LA TN
Fannie 26 1854 TX TN TN
Ella M. 3 1877 TX


(Peter Stockholm & Pierre Frugia in this community. No Sparks or Blocks or Burrrells. Must be Beaumont proper.)


Residence:
Court, Edgar B., wks United Lbr & Export Co, h. James F. Court.
Court, Emmett, wks United Lbr & Export Co., r. 1 blk w of same.
Court, Homer, wks United Lbr & Export Co. h. James F. Court
Court, H. Clifton, watchman mill, A, Kirby Lumber Co., r 747 South Grand ave, Cartwright add. 8
Court, James F., wks United Lbr & Export Co., r 1 blk w of same. 4
Court, Julia A. (wid James), h. Emmett Court
Court, S. Helmer, carp r 350 Jackson ave, 5
(five children - Bea, age 8; Hal age 6; Gladys age 3; abt 2; Lillian born 22 Jan 1904)

Census:
(Near McFaddin)
residence 537
Smith, Thomas F. 51 1859 Texas USA USA m1 23 yrs farmer truck and corn
Mary E. wife 57 57 1853 Texas m2 7 births 6 living
Brewer, Bella D. stepdaughter 26 1884 single
Smith, James T. son 22 1888 Texas laborer oil fields
Smith Ella V. daughter 16 1894 Texas
Courts Julia A. mother-in-law 73 1837 widow TN USA USA
Sparks, William E. cousin 59 1851 single Texas Texas Texas
laborer truck farm

residence 538
Courts Matte E. 49 1861 Texas Texas Texas m2 21 yrs farmer truck farm
Mary E. wife 49 1861 m2 10 births 8 living Texas NY Texas
Coy G. son 16 1894 Texas
Emma S. daughter 8 1902 Texas
Emmet M. brother 34 1876 single Texas Texas Texas farmer truck farm


Other-Begin:
Court Cause No. 16107
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr., et al
vs
Unknown Heirs of Caroline Sparks, et al

Court Cause No. 18399
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr., et al
vs
Robert S. Frugia, et al

Court Cause No. 20324
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr. et al
vs.
Coy V. Courts, et al (Sr.)

On this 10th day of August 1961, came on to be heard the application of the plaintiffs in the above entitled and numbered cause for an order of the court showing that the plaintiffs have complied with the judgments previously entered in said cause and further showing that the plaintiffs or their successors in interest are entitled to the free and unrestricted use of the land hereinafter described, as set forth in plaintiff's petition in the above entitled and numbered causes...
(pgs 10-13 of attached pdf)


Buried:
d.c. widowed, res 1598 Cartwright
residence there 12 yrs.
88 yr. 3 mos 11 days
birthplace, TN, Father: John Sparks, birthplace unk;
mother Melinda Jones, birthplace, Tenn.
cause of death, ruptured chronic appendicitis
died at 12:45 p.m.
informant, Miss Vivian Smith


Died:
Mrs. Julia Ann Court.

Funeral services for Julia Ann (Sparks) Court, 88, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mary Smith, 1598 Cartwright, at 12:45 p.m. Sunday. Services were held at the late residence at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon with Rev. J. W. Goodwin of the Roberts Avenue Methodist church officiating. Burial was in McFaddin cemetery at Port Arthur under direction of Pipkin & Burlin Company. (Note - Should have been called Sparks Cemetery as it was a Sparks Cemetery first) Mrs. Court was a pioneer Beaumonter, and had lived here 86 years. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Messie Brewton of Beaumont and Mrs. Jane Lee of Port Neches; one brother, W. C. Sparks Beaumont; three daughter Mrs. Mary Smith, Mrs. J. L Sparks and Mrs. Annie Willis all of Beaumont, and 57 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

I'm sure Solomon Sparks and a number of other kinfolks or buried in the Sparks's Cemetery. Do not know for sure when the Sparks's Cemetery was closed.
(cemetery was exhumed and moved to Forest Lawn, see Cemeteries section)

shared by James Willis Sparks29 -- author?

Notes:

Married:
Name: James Courts
Marriage Date: 15 Oct 1850

Spouse: Julia Ann Sparks

Marriage County: Jefferson
Marriage State: Texas

Source: County Court Records - FHL microfilm # 1311466


license 12th day of October 1850 by I.K. Robertsosn, county clerk
marriage 15th day of October 1850 by William Chisholm, Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 5.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Birth: 28 May 1840, Usedom, Prussia
• Immigration: 13 Jun 1850, "Bark Neptune," Bremen, Germany; Galveston
• Census: 2 Nov 1850, Tyler Co, Texas
• Census: 18 Dec 1850, Jasper, Jasper Co, Texas
• Census: 13 Jul 1860, Grigsby Bluff, Port Neches, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Military: 14 May 1862, Civil War - Company B (achieved corporal)
• Census: 1870, Grigsby Bluff, Port Neches, Jefferson Co, Texas; ag census
• Residence: 1870, Smith's Bluff, Port Neches, Jefferson Co, Texas; near Central Gardens Addition
• Census: 24 Jun 1870, River Settlement (Port Neches), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jun 1880, Sabine Pass (District 42), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Other-Begin: 12 Oct 1886, Hurricane of 1886, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 11 Jun 1900, Jefferson Co (Precinct 2), Texas
• Will: 27 Sep 1902, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; written
• Residence: Bef 1904, Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1904, Central Gardens Addition, Nederland, Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

Carl Friedrich August Gentzen

~~ Born Usedom, Germany (Prussia), migrated to US 13 June 1850 on BARK NEPTUNE with parents, George Christian and Charlotte Gentz. Listed on the passenger list with the name of Carl Friedrick, age 10.

1850 Chambers Co census - taken Dec 18th. (Yellowed Pages Vol 7) Shows Charles, age 10, and Ferninana, male, age 6, as "residence 190." "Residence 189" is William Maass, age 30, farmer from Prussia, Charlotte, age 23 from Prussia, Celina, age 4, born in Louisiana, and Alvina, age 1, born in Texas.

Enlisted Civil War 6/14/1862. Served Co E, 11th (Spaight's) Batt'n. Promoted to cprl c. late 1863. AWOL 9/29/1864.

Married after he was discharged from the Confederate Army, They farmed in the area now known as Central Gardens Addition, north of Nederland.

1870 Census (taken 16 June 1870), lived in River Settlement (Post Office - Bmt) , town of Sabine Pass, Pct 3. Prussian (German) families comprised about 54 of the 65-70 residents of 1870. Charles was listed in the 1870 Grigsby's Bluff agricultural census with 160 acres worth $160. He and his brothers also had sugar mills on their farms, producing 200 gallons each in 1879. Fred Gentz farmed 20 acres worth $150; Sam Lee, 80 acres worth $500; James Sparks, 160 acres, $500. Along with three other farmers, they produced 1.700 bushels of corn, 420 bushles of sweet potatoes, 250 gallons of syrup, and Lee grew 4 1/2 bales of cotton. Three of the six owned 210 bearing peach trees, while two others had already picked 170 bushels of peaches. The same six owned 416 range cattle, 145 horses, 245 hogs, and 13 oxen. (ag census 1880) William Gentz was counted in the Smith and Grigsby's ag census with 200 acres worth $500.

1880 census: Charles C. Gantz, 40 farmer, born in Germany, parents in Germany
Matilda - 30, born in TX, parents in LA
C. (male) 12 son, TX
Mary 11 dau, TX
Lena 9, dau, TX
Edna 6, dau, TX
Claudie 3, dau, TX
James Hays 50, father-in-law
(next door to Urian Johnson)

They eventually left Sabine Pass when the hurricanes ran them out and settled on a farm sough of the present-day Dupont Chemical Co. In 1900, the Charles Gentz household was No. 207 in the county census, with five minor children living in the family. Gentz died in 1904, and both he and his wife are buried in Magnolia Cemetery. (Pipkin & Brulin Funeral Home)

NOTE: Other Gentz not placed:
Alfred W; tank bldr Mag Pet Co 1923
Fred (Lizzie) 572 Corley Ave
Thos E (Lillian) fireman Mag Pet 285 Elgie

Immigration:
92 Johann Knickkel 61 M Farmer Lassan
93 Louise Knickkel 50 F
94 Ferdinand Knickkel 26 M
95* Ernst Knickkel 24 F
96* Friedr. Hillert 27 M Carpenter Stellin
97* Friedr. Koch 48 M Farmer Lassan
98 Augusto Koch 34 M
99 Augusto Koch 12 M
100* Cristine Koch 8 M
101 Alwine Koch 6 M
102 Frederich Koch 5 M
103 Peter Koch 2 M
104* Christian Koch 9m M
105* Christo Gentz 56 M Farmer Usedam
106 Charlotte Gentz 54 F
107 Fredinke Gentz 17 F
108* Alwine Gentz 12 M
109* Johann Gentz 12 M
110* Carl Friedr Gentz 10 M
111 Carl Ferdin Gentz 6 M


Census:
must have moved to his sisters in Jasper shortly after census taken in Tyler. Was counted in both places.


2 Nov 1850 Tyler County
res 118/118
A Knuppel 28 28 Germany Farmer
John Knupple 61 Germany
Louisa 57 Germany
Ernest 24 Germany

res 119/119
Chas Maass 40 Germany Farmer
Mary 25 Germany
Eliza Deurand 38
Henry Durand 6 PA
M Prieto 37

res 120/120
Chas D Maass 66 Germany Carpenter
Mary Maass 62 Germany

res 121/121
Fred Koch 49 Germany Farmer
Augusta 35 Germany
Augusto 13 Germany
Amistine 8 Germany
Alvena 7 Germany
Fred 5 Germany
Peter 3 Germany
Reinholt 1 Germany
Charles 2/12 TX

res 122/122
Christian Gentz 55 Germany Farmer
Charlotte 50 Germany
William 13 Germany
Charles 11 Germany
Ferdinand 5 Germany


Census:
Living with his sister Charlotte, and her husband, along with his brother Ferdinand. parents and other siblings are in Tyler Co, Texas, and sister Frederica is in Jefferson Co, Texas

Census:
Residence 392
Behlke Frederick 64 1796 Germany
Behlke Menah 36 1824 Germany
Behlke Henry 14 1846 Germany
Behlke Menah 10 1850 Germany

Residence 393
Gantz Christian 66 1794 Germany
Gantz Charlotte 62 1798 Germany
Gantz William 22 1838 Germany
Gantz Charles 20 1840 Germany
Gantz Ferdinand 16 1844 Germany

Residence 394
Beaumont John 53 1807 Pennsylvania
Frederica 26 1834 Germany
Josephine 17 1843 Texas

Residence 394
Beaumont Jacob 23 1837 Pennsylvania
Beaumont Luiza 6 1854 Texas
Beaumont Hellen 4 1856 Texas
Beaumont James A 3 1857 Texas
Beaumont John C 1 1859 Texas

Military:
Name: Charles C Gentz
Rank at enlistment: Corporal
State Served: Texas
Service Record: Enlisted in Company E, Texas 11th Cavalry Battalion.

Sources: Index to Compiled Confederate Military Service Records



Census:
Listed in Grigsby Bluff Agriculture census

Residence:
Another family (res. 112, 1870 census) were Charles and Matilda Gentz (of Prussia), who married after Gentz discharge from the Confederate Army, and who farmed in the vicinity of present-day Central Gardens Addition, north of Nederland. Another partly German family at Smith's Bluff in 1870 (res. 115) was B. Stewart, whose wife was the former Wilhelmina Wiltz, born in Germany. As late as 1900, there were still children from those early German families, who were attending school in Nederland, as follows: Frank, Margaret, Gelder, and Ida Gentz; and John, May, and Emma Staffen.[19]
(W.T. Block)

Census:
residence 87
Block, G.F. 66 1804 Prussia
Augusta 53 1817 Prussia
Leopold 23 1847 Prussia
Adolph 21 1849 Texas
August 18 1852 Texas
Joseph 16 1854 Texas

residence 88
Block, G.L. 26 1844 Prussia
Jane 23 1847 Louisiana
Myrta 4 1866 Louisiana
Ihmer 2 1868 Louisiana
Westly 7/12 1869 Texas

residence 90:
Gtz Charles 30 1840 farmer
Matilda 20 1850
Christopher 3 1867
Mary E. 1 1869
Charlotte 62 boarding Prussia

Block, Wm 35 1835 Prussia
Mary 28 1842 Indiana
George 11 1859 Texas
Flora 6 1864 Texas
John 5 1865 Louisiana
Edward 2 1868 Texas



Census:
12 Jun 1880 District 42, Sabine Pass, Texas
47 F. P. Hemmenway 26 engineer TX -- PA
Mary Hemmenway 25 wife TX LA LA
Arthur Hemmenway 4 son TX
Emily Hemmenway 1 dau TX
Missouri Hays 15 sis-in-law single TX LA TX
Mary Gallier 83 1797 G-mother widowed LA SC MS

49 Garner, J.H. 66
Matilda 63
S.A. 30
Bradley 19
Rachel 14 goddaughter TX (--) TX
Othneil 4 godson TX (--) TX

50 McCall, A.E. 40
Jacob 27 foreman
Frank 18 foreman
John 14
Robert 13
Mary 10
Claudie 8
Gibson J.E. 20 female single general housework

51
Wm Allen 78 1802 farmer Germany Germany
Ann (prev Mrs. Gibson) 40 1840 Texas Louisiana Louisiana
Emma 11 1869 Texas
Bettie 8 1872 Texas
Nettie 2 1878 Texas


52 Gantz, Charles C. 40 1840 farmer Germany Germany Germany
Matilda 30 1850 TX Louisiana Louisiana
C 12 1868 TX
Mary 11 1869 TX
Lena 9 1871 TX
Edna 6 1874 TX
Claudie 3 1877 TX
Hayes, James 50 father-in-law 1820 LA

53 Johnson Uriah 34 LA LA LA
L 33 LA LA MS
Rachel 13
Lizzie 12
Seth 10

55 McCall John 47 farmer IL -- Germany
M.A. 38 wife TX LA LA
D.E. 18 son
A.L. 15 dau
M.K. 13 dau
Eva 10 dau
Andrew 1 son


Census:
Gentz Chas Mar 1843 57 married 36 yrs, Germany Germany Germany - can read, write, speak English Farmer
own, farm, 3 acres
Matilda Dec 1849 50 10 births, 10 living Texas Louisiana Texas
Chas Dec 1881 18 Texas farm laborer
Frank July 1887 12 farm laborer
Maggie Oct 1884 15
Gilder Sep 1889 10
Flavia Jun 1893 6

Will:
will:
The State of Texas:
County of Jefferson:
In the Name of God, Amen,
Know all men by these presents, that I, Charles Christopher Gentz, of the County of Jefferson and State of Texas, being in good health and of sound and disposing mind and memory, calling to mind the frailty and uncertainty of life, and being irous of setting my worldly affairs and directing how the estate with which it has pleased God to bless me, shall be disposed of after my decease, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all wills by me at any time heretofore made.
First,
I direct that all my just debts, together with funeral expenses, shall be paid, and that the legacies hereafter given shall after the payment of my debts, be paid out of my estate.
Second,
I give, bequeath and grant to each of my beloved children, to-wit: Christopher Gentz, Mary Cline, wife of Ed Cline, Lena Courts, wife of Clifton Courts, Claude Courts, wife of Helmer Courts, Edde Gray, wife of Hugh Gray, Charlie Gentz, Maggie ntz, Franklin Gentz, Gilder Gentz, and Flavian Gentz, the sum of Ten ($10.00) Dollars, to be paid to each of them in cash as soon after my decease as conveniently may be done.
Third,
I give, bequeath and grant unto my beloved wife, Matilda Gentz, all the remainder and residue of my property, real, personal and mixed, including my house hold furniture, cattle, notes, accounts, and cash whersoever found. The real estate I eby give, bequeath and grant to her is situated in Jefferson County, State of Texas, designated as follows, to-wit: One hundred and seventy seven (177) acres on which I now live, known as the McFadden ranch, located about nine miles South East of Beaumont; all one Block in the Cartwright Addition to the City of Beaumont, known as the C.C. Gentz homestead; three lots in Neches River Park Addition, known as lots Nos. 13, 14, and 15, in Block No. Nine (9), Neches River Park Addition to the City of Beaumont.
Fourth,
It is my further wish, desire and will, that after the death of my beloved wife and myself, that whatever property remains it shall be sold and the proceeds divided equeally between our beloved children.
Fifth,
I hereby make, constitute and appoint my beloved wife, Matilda Gentz, my sole executrix of this my last Will and Testament without bond, and desire that no Court proceedings be had upon my estate save and except the probating and proving of s will.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the 27th day of Sept A.D. 1902, in the presence of R.G. Dawson and P.A. Dowlen, who attest the same at my request.
C.C. Gentz
We at the request of the testator and in his presence, and the presence of each other, sign our names hereto as attesting witnesses.
(signed R.G. Dawson and P.A. Dowlen)
(Notarized by R.A.Dowlen 27 Sept 1902.)
(typed on stationery of R.A.Dowlen, Attorney at Law)

Inventory:
No. 487
Estate of C.C. Gentz, Deceased * In the matter of probating the will,
* upon the application of Matilda Gentz.

Inventory and appraisement of the estate of C.C. Gentz, deceased, produced before the undersigned appraisers on the 27th day of April, A.D. 1905, by Matilda Gentz, executrix of the estate of said C.C. Gentz, deceased.
Separate property of the said C.C. Gentz, Deceased:
None
Community Property, as follows, to wit:
Real Estate
106-1/10 acres, O'Montee survey, Abst. No.
177 $2,000.00
43-8/10 acres, A.J. Stewart survey, Abst. No. 399 500.00
22-42/100 acres, W.W. Carroll survey, Abst. No. 13 400.00
22-42/100 acres, Wm. McFaddin survey, Abst. No. 166 100.00
All said land situated in Jefferson County, Texas
Personal Property:
8 head gentle cattle 80.00
2 mules and one wagon 110.00
Total Value............................................3190.00

We the undersigned appraisers, solemnly swear that the foregoing is a full and fair appraisement of the estate of C.C. Gentz, deceased, produced before us by Matilda Gentz, executrix.
(signed Jean Pipkin and C.C. Bulgies (?)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of April, A.D., 1905.
(signed Hal G. Land, Co Clerk Jefferson Co, Texas
By T.J. Coplin, Deputy.


Residence:
Gentz Chris cattleman rms 2946 Procter Model

Residence:
They farmed in the vicinity of present-day Central Gardens Addition, north of Nederland.


Died:
Headlines date of death:
Beaumont Enterprise: Demands Explanation and Prepares for War. Russians must wait for Admiral's Report.

Beaumont Journal: Emperor Nicholas makes unsatisfactory apology.

Beaumont Daily Journal Wednesday, 26 October 1904 Beaumont, Texas

DEATH OF CHAS. GENTZ

Will Be Laid to Rest in This City This Afternoon

Chas. Gentz, an old and respected citizen and rice farmer living about nine miles from the city on the Kansas City Southern railroad between this city and Port Arthur, died yesterday evening from a protracted illness. Undertaker A. E. Brulins called to take charge of the body and the remains will be laid to rest this afternoon in Magnolia cemetery, the funeral occurring from the Pipkin & Brulin undertaking parlors. Mr. Gentz was about 60 years of age and leaves a wife and several grown children. (10/26/04 p 2, Col 4 Bmt Journal)

Charles* married Matilda* Hayes on 18 Sep 1865 in Jefferson Co, Texas. Matilda* (daughter of James* H. Hayes, Jr and Emily* Burrell) was born on 17 Dec 1849 in Taylor Bayou Settlement, Labelle, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 17 Sep 1930 in Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 18 Sep 1930 in Magnolia Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 25 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 11 Jul 1860, Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 24 Jun 1870, River Settlement (Port Neches), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jun 1880, Sabine Pass (District 42), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 11 Jun 1900, Port Arthur (Precinct 2), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1910, 1227 Houston Ave, Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 20 Apr 1910, Port Arthur, Ward 2, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 3 Jan 1920, Port Arthur (Ward 3), Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

Mother Emily died sometime before 1860, the children were taken in by other family members, at least at the time of the Census, which was on July 11th. . Matilda was 10; and she

1860 Census: Listed age 10, living with Jacob Garner & Matilda Hayes, her aunt, sister to her father.
Housekeeper, 1870, Sabine Pass River Settlement, boarded with Charles Gentz.

Moved to Port Arthur 1895
Member of Methodist church

Gantz, Matilda 45870
Claimant: Gantz, Matilda
Pension Number: 45870
County: Jefferson

Widow's Application for a Pension: Filed Jul 13, 1929; Approved July 22, 1929; Pension allowed from June 1st, 1929.
She stated she is the widow of Chas. C. Gentz, who passed away 25 Oct 1906 [sic] and was married to him on 18 September 1863 (sic] in Jefferson Co.
1. What is your age and date of birth? Answer: 79 years old. Dec 17th.
2. Where were you born? Answer: Dec 17th, 1850
3. How long have you resided in the State of Texas? Answer: 79 years.
4. How long have you resided in the county of your present residence? Answer: 79 years.
5. What is your postoffice address? Answer: 2001-16th Street, Port Arthur, Texas
6. Have you applied for a pension under the Confederate pension law and been rejected?
Answer: No
7. Did your husband draw a pension? Answer: No
8. Give, if possible, the postoffice address of your deceased husband at the time of his enlistment. Answer: Sabine Pass, Texas
9. What is your husband's full name? Answer: Charles Christopher Gentz
10. In what State was your husband's command originally organized? Answer: Texas
11. How long did your husband serve? Answer: 3 years & 10 months. If known to to you, give date of enlistment and discharge. Answer: Later part of 1861.
12. What was the name or letter of the company or number of the regiment in which your husband served? Answer: Co. E & Consolidation with Co. B
13. Name branch of service in which your husband sesrved, whether infantry, cavalry, artillery, or the navy, or if commissioned as an officer by the President, his rank and line of duty, or if detailed for special service, under the law of conscription, the nature of such service, and time of service. Answer: Infantry about 3 years & 10 months
14. Do you own any property other than that rendered for taxes in your county? If so, state value of same and county where located Answer: Own no property
15. Have you transferred to another any property of any kind for the purpose of becoming a beneficiary under this law? Answer: No
(Signature of applicant) Matilda (X) Gantz
Sworn to and subscribed - 8 July 1929, County Judge

Affidavit of Witnesses:
swearing they know Matilda Gentz and that she is the widow of Chas. C. Gentz and that she has not remarried, that she has been a bona fide resident citizen of the state of Texas.
Jacob Gallier and Mrs. Floy Guidry. Signed 8 July 1929

Certificate of State and County Assessor
I, A. L. Leonard, State and County Assessor in the Count of Jefferson, State of Texas, do certify that Mrs. Matilda Gentz whose name is signed to the foregoing application for a pension is charged on the tax rolls of said county with a homestd of the value of "nothing" Dollars, and, in addition to homestead, of other property, real or personal, or both, of the value of "nothing' Dollars.
Given under my hand, this 8 day of July, A.D. 1929.
(signed) A.L. Leonard, State and County Assessor
By Chas L. King, Dep.

from: Comtroller's Department, State of Texas, Austin
July 13, 1929
to: The Adjutant General, War Department, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to request the Military record of Charles C. Gantz, who is reported to have enlisted in Company "E" and later consolidated with Company "B" Texas infantry.
In service in the Confederate States Army.
Very respectfully,
(signed) S.H. Terrell, Comptroller of State of Texas.

from War Department, the Adjutant General's Office, Washington
July 18, 1929
to: Comptroller, State of Texas, Austin, Texas.
The records show that Charles C. Gentz, not found as Charles C. Gantz, Private, Company E, 11 (Spaight's) Battalion Texas Volunteers (Cavalry, Artillery and Infantry), Confederate States Army, enlisted May 14, 1862, at Beaumont for the perf the war. This battalion was broken up November 20, 1864, when Artillery Company B was assigned to the 13th Regiment Texas Infantry as Company I and the other companies assigned to the 21st Regiment Texas Infantry.
Muster Roll of January and February, 1864, last on file, shows him present, a corporal. On the Regimental Return of te organization for the month of September, 1864, one Corporal Gentz is shown absent without leave, September 29, 1864.
No later record has been found.
(signed) C.H. Bridges, Major General
The Adjutant General


Census:
residence 221
John Railey 51 1799 Georgia laborer <<
Delinda Railey 34 1816 LA (Malinda Cole Johnson)
Elisabeth Railey 17 1833 LA
James Railey 14 1836 TX (step-son James Johnson)
Nancy Railey 13 1837 TX (step-dau Nancy Johnson)
Sally Railey 12 1838 TX (step-dau Sally Johnson)
Moses Railey 7 1843 TX (step-son Moses Johnson)
Christian Railey 2 1848 TX
James Hayes 23 1827 LA laborer
Emily Hayes 21 1829 TX
Alzena Hayes 2 1848 2
Matilda Hayes 0 6/12 TX 1850


residence 223
Clubb, Thos B. 32 1818 SC laborer
Clubb Maria 24 1826 TX
Clubb William C. 1846
Clubb Sarah 1 1849
Burris Enos 1801 Canada blacksmith
Gibson Robert 20 1830 England laborer
Willis John 16 1834 TX laborer (relation unk)
Willis William 49 1801 TN laborer (relation unk)
Willis William J. 14 1836 LA laborer (relatin unk)
Wilson John 27 1823 LA laborer (relation unk)
Taylor John 39 1811 TN laborer (relation unk)

residence 224
Thomas F. Smith 31 1819 carpenter Tennessee
Ella A. 26 1824 Pennsylvania
Nancy F. 4 1846 Louisiana
William M. 2 1848 Texas
Sarah L. Lawrey 14 1836 Ohio (relation unk)
James Penrod 18 1832 laborer Illinois (relation unk)
James Dyson 57 1793 saddler Mississippi (relation unk)


Census:
11 Jul 1860 Sabine Pass (Precinct 5) page 60
Residence 355
Heminway Edward P 1808 Massachusetts engineer
Heminway Mary N 43 1817 Massachusetts
Heminway Sarah L 15 1845 South Carolina
Heminway William H 10 1850 Texas
Heminway Franklin T 7 1853 Texas
Heminway Charles A 4 1856 Texas
Heminway Eustace 1 1859 Texas

Residence 356
Stockholmn Peter D 45 1815 New York pilot steamboat 2500, 300
Stockholmn Mary 27 1833 Louisiana
Stockholmn William 12 1848 Texas
Stockholmn Elisabeth 10 1850 Texas
Stockholmn Peter D 8 1852 Texas
Stockholmn George W 5 1855 Texas
Stockholmn Mary E 6/12 1859 Texas
Miller Wm 25 1835 New York carpenter
Keith Ellen 15 1845 Texas student

Residence 357
Mass William 40 1820 Germany farmer 1,000; 2,000
Mass Charlottie 27 1833 Germany
Mass Sellenah 13 1847 Louisiana
Mass Almina 11 1849 F Texas
Mass Charles 8 1852 Texas
Mass Henry 6 1854 Me Texas
Mass Roadolph 4 1856 Texas
Mass Martha 2 1858 Texas
Mass Jessee 11/12 1859 Texas } twins
Mass Sarah 11/12 1859 Texas }
Cha Patrick 18 1842 Ireland laborer

Residence 358
Mccall James 29 1831 Illinois laborer 400; 1,000
Mccall Anny 20 1840 Texas
Mccall Theresah 3 1857 Texas
Mccall Jacob 1 1859 Texas
Hayes Nancy 8 1852 Texas <
Johnson John 17 1843 Louisiana laborer

Residence 359
Garner Jacob 46 1814 Louisiana farmer 3,000; 4,000
Garner Matilda 43 1817 Louisiana
Garner Mary A 15 1845 Texas
Garner Leonard 13 1847 Texas
Garner Sally A 10 1850 Texas
Garner Millon 7 1853 Texas
Garner Alliee 5 1855 Texas

next page, Page 61
residence 359 cont.
Garner, Bradley 10/12 1859 Texas
Hayes, Matilda* 10 1850 Texas <


residence 361
McCall John 27 1833 Illinois laborer 200; 1,000
Hayes, Alzina 12 1848 Texas <
Hayes, Mary 6 1854 Texas <
Gallier, Mary* 64 1796 Louisiana midwife

residence 362
Robert Gibson 30 steam boating England 200
Ann 18 Louisiana
Jesse E. 8/12 Texas

residence: 363
Morgan, Alvin 21 1839 Louisiana stock minder
Eliza 17 1843 Texas
Almond 2 1858
Leonard 3/12 1860
Myers, Malissa 15 1845 Texas spinster
Gallier, Frances 65 1795 Louisiana laborer

residence 364
Johnson, Benjamin 1815 Louisiana farmer 200
Bradley 20 1840 Texas laborer 600; 6,000
John 17 1843 Texas
Uriah 14 1846 Texas
Joseph 13 1847 Texas
Benjamin 11 1849 Texas
Isaac 9 1851 Texas
Elizabeth 7 1853 Texas
Rachel 5 1855 Texas
Myers, Matilda 28 1832 Louisiana
White, George 25 1835 Louisiana laborer

residence 365
McGaffey, Neal Jr. 22 farmer 5690; 1,000
Rachel J. 17
John W. 1/12
Sarah McGaffey 57 "lady of Leashure" 2,000; 5,400 Louisiana


Census:
residence 87
Block, G.F. 66 1804 Prussia
Augusta 53 1817 Prussia
Leopold 23 1847 Prussia
Adolph 21 1849 Texas
August 18 1852 Texas
Joseph 16 1854 Texas

residence 88
Block, G.L. 26 1844 Prussia
Jane 23 1847 Louisiana
Myrta 4 1866 Louisiana
Ihmer 2 1868 Louisiana
Westly 7/12 1869 Texas

residence 90:
Gtz Charles 30 1840 farmer
Matilda 20 1850
Christopher 3 1867
Mary E. 1 1869
Charlotte 62 boarding Prussia

Block, Wm 35 1835 Prussia
Mary 28 1842 Indiana
George 11 1859 Texas
Flora 6 1864 Texas
John 5 1865 Louisiana
Edward 2 1868 Texas


Census:
12 Jun 1880 District 42, Sabine Pass, Texas
47 F. P. Hemmenway 26 engineer TX -- PA
Mary Hemmenway 25 wife TX LA LA
Arthur Hemmenway 4 son TX
Emily Hemmenway 1 dau TX
Missouri Hays 15 sis-in-law single TX LA TX
Mary Gallier 83 1797 G-mother widowed LA SC MS

49 Garner, J.H. 66
Matilda 63
S.A. 30
Bradley 19
Rachel 14 goddaughter TX (--) TX
Othneil 4 godson TX (--) TX

50 McCall, A.E. 40
Jacob 27 foreman
Frank 18 foreman
John 14
Robert 13
Mary 10
Claudie 8
Gibson J.E. 20 female single general housework

52 Gantz, Charles C. 40 1840 farmer Germany Germany Germany
Matilda 30 1850 TX <<<<
C 12 1868 TX
Mary 11 1869 TX
Lena 9 1871 TX
Edna 6 1874 TX
Claudie 3 1877 TX
Hayes, James 50 father-in-law 1820 LA

53 Johnson Uriah 34 LA LA LA
L 33 LA LA MS
Rachel 13
Lizzie 12
Seth 10

55 McCall John 47 farmer IL -- Germany
M.A. 38 wife TX LA LA
D.E. 18 son
A.L. 15 dau
M.K. 13 dau
Eva 10 dau
Andrew 1 son



Census:
Gentz Chas Mar 1843 57 married 36 yrs, Germany Germany Germany - can read, write, speak English Farmer
own, farm, 3 acres
Matilda Dec 1849 50 10 births, 10 living Texas Louisiana Texas
Chas Dec 1881 18 Texas farm laborer
Frank July 1887 12 farm laborer
Maggie Oct 1884 15
Gilder Sep 1889 10
Flavia Jun 1893 6

Census:
residence 145
1227 Houston Avenue, Port Arthur
Matilda Gentz 58 1852 widow 12 births 9 living Texas Texas Texas own income owns home, free a house
Frank Gentz 22 1888 Texas Texas Texas stockman, ranch
Maggie Gentz 24 dau 1886 M1 m 7 yrs, 2 births 2 living Texas Texas servant boarding
Liller Gentz 20 son 1890 Texas Texas stockman ranch
Leavie Gentz 16 dau 1894 Texas Texas
William Manovich 6 grandson 6 1904 Texas USA Texas
Frank Manovich 3 grandson 3 1907 Texas USA Texas
Charles Garity 28 son 1882 M1 1 yr Texas Texas Texas stockman
Mary Garity 25 1885 dau Texas M1 1 yr 0 births 0 living Tennessee Texas
Charles Rogers 22 lodger 22 1888 Louisiana house carpenter


Census:
250 Shreveport Avenue, Port Arthur
Henry Hill 33 1887 Texas Germany Germany manager tool house, oil co.
Flay 26 1894 Texas
Dorothy M. dau 3 1917 Texas
Gentz, Matilda mother-in-law 69 1851 widowed, Texas Texas Texas
Saffer, Vick, roomer male white 28 1892 divorced, Texas Texas Texas


Died:
Name: Matilda Gantz
Death Date: 16 Sep 1930
Death County: Jefferson
Certificate: 44913

At time of death, living with daughter, Mrs. J.D. Guidry, 2001-16th St., Port Arthur.
Time of death 4:30 a.m.

Headlines date of death: Journal: Boulder Dam Work starts. Ceremony is staged in Nevada.

Beaumont Enterprise
Wednesday, 17 September 1930 (p 2, col 5)

Mrs. Matilda Gantz

PORT ARTHUR, Texas, Sept. 16--Mrs. Matilda Gantz, 80, widow of one of Dick Dowling's 40 fighting Irishmen who turned back a federal fleet which attempted to invade Texas at Sabine Pass during the Civil War, died at 4:30 o'clock this morning ahe residence of a daughter, Mrs. J.D. Guidry, 2001 Sixteenth Street, after a six months' illness. Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Guidry home. Rev. Glenn Flinn, pastor of the First Methodist church, south, will officiate. Burial will be in Magnolia cemetery in Beaumont, under direction of J.E. Grammier, mortician.
Mrs. Gantz had lived in Port Arthur for 45 years and had spent all her life in Jefferson county. Her husband served in the Civil war under Captain O'Brian. Two men were killed on each side of him in the Sabine Pass battle but he came out ofe entire Civil War without a scratch. He died in 1904.
Surviving Mrs. Gantz who was a member of the Methodist church, are three sons, Chris and Frank Gantz of Fannett and Gilder Gantz of Nederland; three daughters, Mrs. Guidry of Port Arthur, Mrs. Lena Court of Beaumont and Mrs. W. O. Minshew of t Arthur: 31 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Notes:
The Port Arthur News lists the pall-bearers as O. W. Kieth, A. M. Grayson, H. W. Hied, W. D. Smith, Glenn Lawrence and A. D. McDonald.

There is no mention of the war stories in Charles C. Gentz's obituary, nor did I find him in a list of the "40 Fighting Irishmen." This isn't to say that he wasn't there; he probably was. Still, the omissions seem . . . curious.
_____
Application for Mortuary Warrant:
Mrs. J.D. Guidry states "do hereby certify that I am the person to whom is entrusted the paying of the accounts and indebtedness of the late Mrs. Matilda Gantz, who was a pensioner of the State of Texas, and whose file number was 45870 and we original county was Jefferson, stated she died on 16 September 1930 in the town of Port Arthur, in the home of Mrs. J.D. Guidry, daughter, address 2001-16th Street, Port Arthur.

Statement of Undertaker:
J.E. Grammier, Port Arthur, undertaker.

Certificate of Physician:
J. Milton White, states that he attended Mrs. Matilda Gantz in his last illness and am of the opinion that his ailments were mitral regurgation (illegible) broken "confusolen"
________________________________
Death Certificate: (Registrar's No. 220) (stamped 44913 and 42210)
Matilda Gantz, 2001 16th St. Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas
(Length at Residence: ____)
Personal:
Female, white, widow
Occupation: Retired
Date of Birth Dec 17 1850
Age: 79 yrs 8 mons, 30 days.
Birthplace: Sabine, Texas
Name of Father: Jim Hayes, birthplace Texas
Maiden name of Mother: Emily Burl, birthplace, Texas
Informant: Mrs. J.D. Guidry 2001 16th Street.
Medical:
Date of Death: Sept 16, 1930
"I hereby certify that I attended the deceased from Aug 1929 to Sept 16, 1930, that I last saw her on Sept 14, 1930 and that death occurred on the date stated above at 4:30 a.m.
The cause of death was: Mitral Regurgation, broken (illegible) "confibration"
Duration: 6 yrs
Operation precede death:
Autopsy: No
What test confirmed diagnosis: Physical examination
Signed: J. Milton White, M.D.
Place of Burial: Magnolia Cemetery, Sept 18, 1930; Undertaker J.E. Grammier, Port Arthur.
__________________________________________________

Notes:

Married:
Name: Charles Gentz
Marriage Date: 18 Sep 1865

Spouse: Matilda Hayes

Marriage County: Jefferson
Marriage State: Texas

Source: Texas Marriages, 1814-1909

license recorded 11th Sep by H.E. Simpson, county clerk.