Mayor Richard O. Faires, Sr.

Notes:

RICHARD O. FAIRES. A man's life work is the measure of his success, and he is truly the most successful man who, turning his powers in the channel of an honorable purpose, accomplishes the object of his endeavor. Such a man is Richard O. Faires, who was born in Fayette County, Texas, in 1841, the fourth of eight children born to William A. and Ada (McClure) Faires, who were born in Alabama and Tennessee respectively, their marriage taking place in the latter State. In 1883 [sic.], they came to Texas and settled in what is now Fayette County, on the Colorado River. In that early day, the Indians were quite troublesome, and while he was engaged in tilling his land and looking after stock, he was obliged to carry a rifle with him. He served in the Texas Revolution, and died on his farm, on which he first settled in 1885, his wife having crossed the river in 1874. They were worthy and consistent members of the Baptist Church. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in the county of his birth, and upon the bursting the war cloud which had so long hovered over the country, he, in 1861, enlisted in the Confederate service and was in the campaign in New Mexico, and a participant in the battle of Val Verde. He was a member of Company I, a private, Regimental Commissary Sergeant, Orderly Sergeant of the company, and Lieutenant of the company under Capt. Killough, Green's Regiment, Sibley?s Brigade, and took part in every principal engagement in which his regiment participated, except the retaking of Galveston. He was in the battles of the Red River Campaign and at the time of Lee's surrender was with his command in Texas. He at once returned home and turned his sword into a plowshare, and set energetically about tilling the soil with the consciousness of having been a faithful soldier during the war. In 1869 he was elected to the position of County Sheriff, and discharged his duties faithfully and well at the time when it demanded a more than ordinary degree of personal courage and determination. He entered upon his duties in May, 1870, and served one term of four years, declining to become a candidate for re-election on account of bad health. He has twice been elected Mayor of Flatonia, in which capacity he is now serving (1894). He was married in 1877 to Miss Eliza Killough, a daughter of his former Captain and a granddaughter of Col. John H. Moore, an early Indian fighter of the State of Texas and the founder of La Grange, capital of the county. Mrs. Faires was born in the Lone Star State, and has borne her husband three children: Ira G. and Fairie (daughter) and Richard O. Jr. In 1878, Mr. Faires came with his family to Flatonia, which is located on his father's headright, where he has since made his home. He has been somewhat active in politics, is a stanch Democrat, and is a member of the A. F. & A. M., I. O. O. F. and other secret societies. He is an agreeable and genial gentleman to meet, has a hospitable and comfortable home, and by his correct mode of living, has gathered about him numerous friends. ? p. 203

http://www.fayettecountyhistory.org/biographies_record_of_swtex.htm

Died:
R. O. FAIRES
Shiner Gazette, 24 Aug 1898, page 1

SUDDEN DEATH.
Mayor Faires of Flatonia Dies Suddenly of Heart Failure.

Flatonia, Fayette Co., Tex., Aug. 17. ? Mayor R. O. Faires of this place, who was seen on the streets yesterday in apparently vigorous health, died suddenly of heart failure last night at 9:30 o?clock. Mayor Faires was 57 years of age, a native of Fayette county and a prominent citizen here, where he has resided for the past twenty years. He leaves a wife and four children, besides a host of life-long friends to mourn his sudden death. Deceased was, at the time of death, high priest of Moulton chapter of Masonic lodge, and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Knights of Honor, American Legion of Honor, Independent Order of Odd Fellow lodges and Killough champ, U. C. V. He was sheriff of and tax collector of Fayette county in 1870-74 and has been elected mayor of Flatonia successively for three terms. An honored confederate veteran, prominent in political circles as an advocate of free silver, and endeared to all as a noble friend and useful citizen, his death has cast a gloom over the entire community. Mrs. Faires, who has been at Fort Davis, Tex., for some time, will reach Flatonia to-morrow in response to telegraphic notification of her husband?s demise. ? Galveston News.

[immediately below and carrying over to adjacent column]

R. O. FAIRES.
In the death of R. O Faires Flatonia has lost one of its most just and upright citizens. He was a man whose friendship could be counted on in adversity as well as prosperity. He had a kind word and a helping hand for all who approached him and were deserving of help. He was a man of the people, and was in touch with the humblest of his fellow creatures. He sought to oppress no one, and was ever ready to accord to others the same privileges he asked for himself. If he committed any errors they were of the head, not the heart, and no man was more ready to acknowledge an error than he. He was ever foremost to respond to the call of duty, and commanded a company in Green?s Texas Brigade throughout the civil war. He also volunteered to raise a company for the war with Spain, but failed to obtain the requisite number of men. He was a kind, loving and indulgent husband and father, and in his death his family and friends have suffered an irreparable loss. He was truly a man ?without fear and without reproach.?

Contributed by Matt Cross
http://www.fayettecountyhistory.org/obituaries_f.htm

Family/Spouse: Eliza Killough. Eliza was born about 1841 in of, Fayette Co, Texas; died after 1870. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]