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Joseph Josiah Dyches, son of Josiah Dyches and Lucinda Dyches, was born June 15, 1800 in South Carolina.  He was brought to St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana about 1806 and grew up on the Tangipahoa River.  He emigrated to Texas in 1832 and was married July 25, 1833 to Elizabeth Lewis, according to the family bible of his son William Dyches in which Joseph Josiah Dyches  was identified as "Joeseph Dyches, Sr."

 

Elizabeth Lewis was born in Mississippi in 1819 and was probably related to Harmon Lewis who appeared in the household of William C. Dyches in the 1850 enumeration.  At the same time, perhaps in a double ceremony David Hutcheson McFadin,his comrade-at-arms, was married to his sister, Jerusha D. Dyches .

 

They were enumerated in the Mexican census of Bevil District May 1, 1835:

 

          "Dykes,          Joseph                   34, farmer, married

            Lewis,          Elizabeth               15,

            Dykes,          Benjamin F.            1"

 

Fortunately for genealogists Mexican census returns showed the maiden names of the housewives enumerated.  Bevil District, which was named for John R. Bevil, was located between the Neches and Sabine Rivers in what was later Newton and Jasper counties.  Thirty families were living there in 1830.  Bevil Fort was located at a bend in the Neches River just south of present-day Zavala, Texas.  There were 23 municipal dis­tricts in Texas at the time of the Declaration of Independence.  On March 17, 1836, two weeks afterward each became one of the original 23 Texas counties.

 

Adjoining was the household of William Lewis and Elizabeth Noland Lewis , believed to be the parents of Elizabeth Lewis Dyches:

 

          "Lewis,           William                 56, married, farmer

            Noland,          Elizabeth               46, married

            Lewis,          Joyecy                  11,

            Lewis,           John 1"                  1"

 

Adjoining, was the household of Wesley Burgoyne Dyches and Harriet Dyches Dy­ches , younger sister of Joseph Josiah Dyches , who had married a cou­sin:

 

 "Dykes, Westley 25, married, farmer

 Dykes, Harriet 24, married

 Mary L. 1

 Charles 1/2"

 

None of the three householders was a slave owner.  Nearby were the households of John T. Lewis, age 27, Lewis P. Dyches, age 24, Samuel Lewis, age 50, and Martin B. Lewis, age 27. 

 

"Joshua Dykes," believed to be , applied for Texas citizenship June 18, 1835:

 

"Dykes, Joshua--Certificate of Entrance, Relative to admission to settle in Texas under colonization laws, 1825, page 107, #416--

 

We, the undersigned, certify that the foreigner Joshua Dykes is a man of good morality and habits, lover of the constitution and laws of the country and the Christian Religion, married with family, all of the above proof expressing that he is known as a good man.

 

Nacogdoches, Texas                              Adolphus Sterne

June 18, 1835                                   M. L. Choate"

 

At the same time he applied for a land grant.  The incomplete title is recorded in the Spanish Archives of the Texas State General Land Office, Volume 63, page 106:

 

"Sello I

para el bienio de 1834 & 1835

Dos Reales

Peticion No. 492

 

Sr. Ganido. Espl. de la empre. de S. E. Lorenzo de Zavala

 

Josiah Dikes, natural de los Estados Unidos del norte, con el Debido respieto:  Ante v. me presento y dijo: que atraido por las generosas disposiciones de las leyes de colonizacion de este Estado, he venido con mi familia quel consita de mi mujer y de un hijo Siendo casado; aradicanme en el, si en vista de la ad­jun­ta Certifon. v. tuvire a bien, admitirme en clase de Colono, con cediedome la cantidad de tieras que me corresponden en los baldios vital misma.

 

Postanto:  A. V. Suplico sedigme acceden a mi Solicitude, siendo cuanto espero suibir en la natura justifors. wv.

 

 Josiah Dyches

 

Nacogdoches, Junio 18 de 1835

 

Provendo: Vase el Inteserado pa. que la Certifon. que acompana al Sano. Emp. a qn. Corruponde pa. que informe sobre la solicitud que antecede.  Nacogdoches v. Julio 4, de 1835

 

 Jorge Antonio Nixon

 Comd.

 

Informe: Lan. Comisionado

 

Certifico que al Inteserado es uno de los Colonas que hal introducido me poder­dante en Cumplimito de la contrata que tiene celebrada con el Supma. Gobne. del Estado enfeihal de 12 del mes de Marco de 1829  Porsanto: A. V. Supleip sesinva atorgar como pide y espedir la orden de mensura de los terrinos que Solicita, Nacogdoches, Agosto 1, de 1835.

 

Lorenzo de Zavala

per de Ahodo

                                       Arthur Henrie

 

Decreto: Nacogdoches , Agosto 1, de 1835

Porfiresentad y admitido con los Documentos de Compana.  El Agrimandos Cuidada­no Arthur Henrie haia praitiar la medida del Terreno q. Senale el in­teresado, con tal que este enteramte. baldio y las notas las examinara tra­duis­iendose en esta oficinal, y reprocedera despices alomar que convenga, asi lode­termine y firme con los Tertigas Segn. la leg.

 

                                                De asista."

 

Joseph Josiah Dyches  was a private in Captain Logan's Third Company, Second Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the time of the Battle of San Jacinto April 21, 1836 along with his brother-in-law David Hutcheson McFadin , according to "San Ja­cinto Veterans."  Joseph Josiah Dyches  probably influenced other mem­bers of his family to remove to Texas.

 

He received an 18-day furlough from military duty April 18, 1836--three days before the momentous Battle of San Jacinto.

 

Joseph Josiah Dyches  gave a deed October 23, 1837 to Thomas B. Huling to one-half of  his land grant on Pine Island Bayou, according to Jefferson County Deed Book D, page 236.  The transfer was for "locating, surveying and obtaining title to my league.  In the deed he recited that he "emigrated here in 1832 and was a native of South Carolina."  Also recited was, "This instrument is given in lieu of one dated March 8, 1835 to aforesaid T. B. Huling.  The deed was witnessed by William C. V. Dashiell, H. D. Littlefield and D. J. Otho Millard, chief justice.

 

For some reason Joseph Josiah Dyches  and Elizabeth Lewis Dyches  el­ected to remarry; perhaps their earlier wedding was performed by a Catholic priest as required by Mexican law.  In any event they received a marriage license March 19, 1838:

 

"Marriage License

Republic of Texas

County of Jefferson

 

To any legally qualified officer whereas Joseph Dyches has this day applied to me, a qualified deputy clerk of the county court of Jefferson County for li­cense to marry Elizabeth Lewis of said county, you are therefore authorized to celebrate the rites of matrimony between said Joseph Dykes and Elizabeth Lewis.  According to law, you will return this to my office within 60 days after said celebration.

 

Hereunto I have set my hand the 19th day of March, 1838.

 

                                John C. Read, Deputy Clerk"

 

The ceremony was performed on the same date [?] by Col. Henry B. Millard, justice of the peace and the groom's commanding officer at the Battle of San Jacinto.  [The es­tate of Col. Henry B. Millard was administered March 7, 1845, according to Jefferson County Probate Book B, page 51.]  On the same date, perhaps in a double ceremony Jeru­sha D. Dyches  and David Hutcheson McFadin  were married [remarried?]  Descendants have no inkling as to why both couples were remarried--both on the same day.  The two marriages were recorded in Jefferson County Marriage Book A, page 13:

 

"The marriage of Joseph Dyches to Elizabeth Lewis was solemnized by me accord­ing to law and the usages of this Republic at the residence of said Dyches on Pine Island on the 19th day of March, 1838.  I do certify the above is a true copy of the original now on file in this office.  Given under my hand this 20th day of April 1838.

 

                                                John C. Read, Recorder"

 

He was listed in the 1840 tax list of Jefferson County as the owner of 25 head of cat­tle and 320 acres of land which had been surveyed and for which title was pending. It is believed that the grant lay in present-day Gonzales County.  On April 26, 1841 Jos­eph Josiah Dyches  received a patent and a bond assuring title to 2,214 acres on Pine Island Bayou from Thomas B. Huling, according to Jefferson County Deed Book D, page 236.  On May 11, 1841 he gave a release on a mortgage from Jeremiah Snel­son [or Sheson] for "improvements on homestead, house, kitchen and stable," according to Jef­ferson County Deed Book D, page 256.  On December 17, 1841 he witnessed a promissory note of $112 at seven percent payable to his mother.

 

Joseph Josiah Dyches  received a deed of trust to one labor March 8, 1843 from his mother "on behalf of Harriett Dyches, wife of Wesley B. Dyches of the value of $100, part of my headright on which Wesley and Harriett now live," according to Jef­ferson County Deed Book E, page 67.  The labor was "part of a 320-acre tract where Josiah Dyches now lives."  Joseph Josiah Dyches  sold a labor from his half section to his sister, and his mother paid for it or guaranteed payment.

 

He transferred 117 acres "in the J. Dyches Survey that Lowe lives on" from the Josiah Dyches Survey March 8, 1843 to Daniel Lowe for $100, according to Jefferson County Deed Book E, page 70.  The land "joins Bird's land on the east and William Dyches land on the north."  Alexander Calder and James Armstrong were witnesses to the deed.

 

On March 24, 1843 Joseph Josiah Dyches purchased from David Hutcheson McFadin , his brother-in-law, for $800 "the tract I now live on in the James Drake Survey on the west bank of the Neches River except 100 acres sold by me to James Armstrong and 50 acres sold by me to Isaiah Junker," according to Jefferson County Deed Book E, page 83.  The tract "joined the land of James McFadin on the north and William McFadin on the south." 

 

On the same date he purchased from his brother-in-law "a slave, Marrence" and about 150 head of cattle and horses for $2,000, according to Jefferson County Deed Book E, page 84.  The bill of sale was also recorded in Williamson County Deed Book 1, page 55 February 19, 1849.

 

Seven months later on November 13, 1843 "for natural love and affection" he gave a bill of sale to "my dear sister" Jerusha D. Dyches Mc­Fad­in  to "a female slave Marsene, aged about 16 years, a slave for life and all my stock of cattle and horses in the following brands," according to Jef­ferson County Deed Book E, page 132.  He indicated the cattle to be about 150 head, "number not exactly known."  Wesley D. Cotton was a witness to the bill of sale.

 

On October 27, 1843 he deeded to Pierre Lemone Lots 625 and 626, Block 19, in Beau­mont for $70, accord­ing to Jefferson County Deed Book E, page 132.  On January 1, 1844 he deeded 143 acres from the Josiah Dyches Headright to Wesley D. Cotton, according to Jefferson County Deed Book E, page 141.  At the same time in connection with a trade for 320 acres, known as the Gohens tract in the Bumstead Survey "on the west side of Village Creek," valued at $500 he gave a $500 bond to Cotton.  James Armstrong and Isaiah Junker witnessed the transaction.

 

On May 9, 1844 he deeded 900 acres in the James Drake Survey to William McFadin for $500, according to Jefferson County Deed Book E, page 158.  The land lay on the west bank of the Neches River "where David McFadin lately lived and now rented for the year to James Mitchell."  The land joined the property of James McFadin, William McFadin, Isaiah Junker, James Armstrong and B. F. Mott.

 

On May 28, 1844 he deeded 1,505.5 acres in the William Slade Headright to William McFadin, according to Jefferson County Deed Book E, page 158.  Witnesses to the transaction included A. D. Lancaster, Amos Thames and Joel Lewis .

 

On July 22, 1844 he deeded 219 acres in the William Slade Survey, "land valued at $2,000," to James Drake, according to Jefferson County Deed Book E, page 169.  The deed recited that "the same was heretofore conveyed to me by Drake by deed November 18, 1843 on the south side of Village Creek and west of Neches River."

 

On December 15, 1845 he received a patent to 4,219 acres, almost 24 labores of land, from the Republic of Texas signed by Pres. Anson Jones, ac­cording to Jefferson County Deed Book N, page 416.  Joseph Josiah Dyches  neglected to advise anyone that the land covered in the long-delayed patent was the same property on Pine Island Bayou he received in the Mexican land grant, which he had long since deeded away.

 

On May 6, 1846 he deeded to James Drake 320 acres in the M. W. Bumpstead Grant, "on Village Creek, valued at $50," according to Jefferson County Deed Book E, page 392.

 

These land transactions were apparently in preparation for a move to central Texas along with other members of his family.  William Roff Dyches , a great-grand­son of San Angelo, Texas related that once when Joseph Josiah Dyches  was digging post holes he turned up a conch shell.  Showing it to his wife, he stated, "This country was once under water and could be again; we've got to move to higher ground."

 

Joseph Josiah Dyches , "late of Jefferson County," gave power of attorney Sep­tember 18, 1846 to William P. Herring "to sell the land I now live on, on the south side of Pine Island Bayou, part of my own headright, including the homestead and im­provements," according to Jefferson County Deed Book H, page 353.  Witnesses were James Armstrong, William McFadin and H. Veallemet[?].  Herring sold the land, 320 ac­res, April 25, 1851 to Joseph Trahon for $150, according to Jefferson County Deed Book H, page 400.  The deed identified the property: "it being same land described in Dykes Survey, also in a title bond from Joseph Dykes to Wesley D. Cotton for 143 acres dated January 1, 1844, also in a deed from Harriet & Wesley Dykes to Wesley D. Cotton for 177 acres dated January 23, 1844, also in a bond from Wesley D. Cotton to James Drake dated May 12, 1844 for the aforesaid tracts of land: 320 acres of land sold by James Drake to William Wingate by title bond dated June 8, 1844, Book E, page 165; the same 320 acres sold by William Wingate to James Drake on May 12, 1845, Book E, page 370; the same 320 acres sold by Wesley D. Cotton to James Drake by bond, Book E, page 255; the same 320 acres sold by Jerusha Dykes to said Josiah Dyches January 10, 1846, Book E, page 392."  Alexander Calder witnessed the transaction.

 

He appeared as a taxpayer in the 1847 tax list of Milam County, paying $2.76 on a poll and four horses valued at $160, 170 head of cattle valued at $680 and a yoke of oxen rendered at $40, "total value, $880."  The Josiah Dyches Headright Certificate No. 117" located on Williamson Creek, was surveyed for him October 27, 1847.  In the fol­lowing year Williamson County was formed from land in Milam County, and Joseph Josiah Dyches  found himself in the new county.

 

He received a bill of sale February 19, 1849 from David Hutcheson McFadin , according to Williamson County Deed Book 1, page 55.

 

On March 25, 1850 he received an assignment of a military land warrant from William McFadin for 320 acres which had been granted April 17, 1840 to James McFadin , according to Williamson County Deed Book 1, page 314.

 

He was enumerated as the head of Household 8-8 in the 1850 census of Williamson Coun­ty:

 

        "Dykes, Josiah           50, born in South Carolina, farmer-stockman, $1,800

                      Elizabeth      31, born in Mississippi

                      Ben F.           15, born in Texas

                      Joycean         13, born in Texas, attending school

                      Lucinda           9, born in Texas, attending school

                      Elizabeth J.     7, born in Texas, attending school

                      Jeptha              4, born in Texas

                      Alexander        2, born in Texas

       Scruggs, Edward H.     50, born in Virginia

          Jewel, Phebe J.          13, born in Texas"

 

Believing that Joseph Josiah Dyches  was still the owner of his patent on Pine Island Bayou, the Jefferson County Tax Collector had the property sold for unpaid 1849 taxes at the courthouse door October 19, 1850, according to Jefferson County Deed Book H, page 274.  Joseph Trahon, seeking to protect his claim to the land, bought "4108 acres on Pine Island Bayou in the Joseph Dykes Survey" for $4.09, the amount of back taxes due.

 

He was mentioned as a recipient of a portion of his mother's headright in a deed from her dated October 30, 1854, according to Williamson County Deed Book 5, page 523.  He deeded 25 acres to Elisha Allen for $25 November 29, 1854, according to Williamson County Deed Book 5, page 562.

 

On March 22, 1858 Joseph Josiah Dyches , his brother-in-law Joseph Martin Fish  and Thomas B. Huling were bondsmen for the court appearance of James Clark Eaves , another brother-in-law.  Evans had been indicted for murder by the Williamson County grand jury, and when he failed to appear his $1,800 bond was for­feit­ed, according to Williamson District Court Minute Book 2, page 62.  On May 25, 1858 the bondsmen appealed the forfeiture to the Texas Supreme Court where the appeal was denied.

 

On July 16, 1858 Joseph Josiah Dyches.entered into an agreement with his son Benjamin Franklin Dyches  and others regarding 265 acres on Williamson Creek, according to Williamson County Deed Book 7, page 402.  Isaac Garner was a witness to the instrument which stipulated a price of $11 per acre on the land for which a patent was pending.

 

On December 29, 1858 Joseph Josiah Dyches  "of Williamson County" gave a deed to 4,108 acres in the Josiah Dyches Survey to Frederick S. Millard and Henry B. Mil­lard, "heirs at law of Henry B. Millard, deceased, once one of the firm of Thomas B. Huling & Co, according to Jefferson County Deed Book L, page 457.  The document fur­ther recited, "This deed is in lieu of transfer heretofore made by me to Thomas B. Hu­ling & Co."

 

"Josiah Dyches, Isaac Garner, Obadiah Cook, Charles C. Cook, Thomas Gardner, Gabriel Choat, John Dawson, Samuel Dawson, Riley Dawson and William B. Covington, defendants" were sued by Joseph Wofford, plaintiff of Fairfield County, Connecticut.  Judgment was rendered in Galveston, Texas March 26, 1859 in favor of the plaintiff.   Joseph Wof­ford gave an assignment of his judgment against the defendants to Edward Hanrick of Montgomery, Alabama January 21, 1860, according to Williamson County Deed Book 8, page 93.

 

Joseph Josiah Dyches  reappeared in the 1860 census of Williamson County as the head of Household No. 439-447:

 

        "Dykes, Josiah        60, born in South Carolina, farmer-stockman, $1,800

                                               real estate, $5,000 personal property

                     Eliza           43, born in Mississippi

                     Elizabeth    16, born in Texas

                     Jeptha         14, born in Texas

                     Alexander   12, born in Texas

                     Daniel D.    10, born in Texas

                     Phelix            7, born in Texas

                     William         2, born in Texas"

 

In adjoining Household 440-468 appeared the family of his son Benjamin Franklin Dyches .  It is believed that Elizabeth Lewis Dyches  died about 1862.

 

Joseph Josiah Dyches  gave a deed to Benjamin Franklin Dyches  April 15, 1863, according to Williamson County Deed Book 10, page 53.  Consideration of $1 purchased a "land warrant for 320 acres, less 20 acres."

 

Joseph Josiah Dyches , was married September 10, 1863 to Mrs. Mary Henry May , according to Williamson County Marriage Book 2, page 135.  His granddaughter Willie Mae Dyches  described the May family of Grenada, Mississippi as "aris­tocratic plantation people."  She reported, "Grandpa's old slaves, Enoch Hall and Ma­ria, stayed on with him after the Civil War.  Later they moved to Georgetown."

 

On November 3, 1866 he gave a deed to "the heirs of H. Millard, deceased" to 4,605 acres in Josiah Dyches Survey, according to Jefferson County Deed Book N, page 400.  In it he stated, "I made a bond to Thomas B. Huling for one-half of my league and la­bor headright for locating, surveying and securing title to it, and afterward, about 1835 or 1836 I conveyed to Thomas B. Huling & Co, said firm consisting of T. B. Hul­ing, Henry Millard and George W. Glasscock, a deed for all my headright situated on Pine Island Bayou except 320 acres which I reserved and afterwards sold to a Frenchman whose name I disremember.  Afterwards I sold all of the said headright to the heirs of Henry Millard and as I am informed that said deed has been lost, I give this replace­ment quit claim deed."

 

The conflicting claims to the land grant of Joseph Josiah Dyches finally were settled in Jefferson County District Court November 5, 1868, according to Deed Book O, page 464. The plaintiffs, "Henry B. Millard and Mary C. Millard who sues as natural guardian of her infant child and as their next friend, Henry H. Millard, Frederick S. Millard and Cordelia Dyches, Franklin Dyches, Alexander Dyches, Felix Dyches, Daniel Dyches, William Dyches by the next friend, Thomas P. Hughes, Jepthia Dyches and Joyce Stanton and Littleton Stanton" filed suit against Joseph Trahon, defendant, who had possession of the property.  Joseph Josiah Dyches  [wisely?] did not partici­pate in the suit.  The parties waived their right to a jury trial and submitted the case for the judge's decision. 

 

The judge ruled that Joseph Trahon had a valid claim to 640 acres "from the survey of 23 821430/100,000 labores of land granted to Josiah Dyches by Patent No. 13 in Volume 5 of the First Class Grants from the State of Texas on December 15, 1845."  He also ruled that the Millard heirs recover the remainder of the land and that the Dyches children take nothing and pay all court costs.

 

Joseph Josiah Dyches  appeared at Circleville as the head of a household in the 1870 census of Williamson County:

 

        "Dykes, Joseph            70, born in Tennessee

                      Mary              40, born in Mississippi

                      William         12, born in Texas

                      Felix              16, born in Texas

            May, Tabitha           12, born in Texas"

 

Joseph Josiah Dyches  received field notes June 20, 1874 on his headright from William Armstrong, according to Williamson County Deed Book 15, page 311.  He was a resident of Circleville at age 74, according to "San Jacinto Veterans."

 

Joseph Josiah Dyches  reappeared as the head of Household 222 in the 1880 cen­sus of Williamson County:

 

        "Dykes, Jos.          79, born in Alabama, father born in North Caro-

                                             lina, mother born in Georgia

                      Mary        53, born in South Carolina, father born in South

                                             Carolina, mother born in South Carolina"

 

He received a land grant of 1,280 acres November 12, 1881 on Veteran's Donation War­rant No. 882 for being a surviving veteran of the Texas Revolution.  The land was lo­cated in Greer County, Texas.  On January 4, 1882 he sold one-half interest in the warrant to his brother-in-law David Hutcheson McFadin and empowered McFadin to locate or sell the other half of the land for him.  On June 20, 1882 one half of the warrant was sold to John M. Swisher in return for locat­ing McFadin's section.  Swisher had the land located in two surveys of 640 acres each, both in Greer County, and both located June 9, 1883.  Greer County was organized in 1860 by the state legis­lature and included land that lay along the 100th Meridian as it was surveyed in 1818 for the Melish Map.  A dispute arose between the State of Tex­as and the U.S. Land Commission as to which tributary bed of the Red River and as to the exact location of the 100th Meridian that formed the boundary of Texas.  After a controversy of many years the case was decided against Texas in 1896 by the U.S. Su­preme Court which es­tablished the South Fork of the Red River as the true line of the 100th Meridian as the boundary of Texas.  Thus suddenly Greer County, Texas became Greer County, Oklahoma Territory.

 

Willie Mae Dyches  referred to him as "Joseph Dyches" and stated in an inter­view in 1971 that he died at age 83.  "He had a stroke and fell out of his chair."  The application for membership in the Daughters of the Republic of Texas sub­mitted by his great-granddaughter Grace Dyches Bailey  showed the date of his death as December 1883.  The will of Joseph Josiah Dyches was probated June 10, 1884 in Williamson County.  Mary Henry May Dyches  died May 7, 1894, ac­cording to the family bible.

 

Ten children, "seven sons and three daughters," were born to Joseph Josiah Dyches  and Elizabeth Lewis Dyches , according to Willie Mae Dyches  who reported that her father was the youngest.

 

        Benjamin Franklin Dyches        born March 17, 1835

        Joyce Ann Dyches                      born March 10, 1837

        Cordelia Lucinda Dyches          born March 26, 1841

        Elizabeth J. Dyches                    born October 6, 1843

        Jeptha Dyches                            born October 11, 1845

        Alexander B. Dyches                 born April 11, 1848

        Daniel D. Dyches                      born August 17, 1850

        Felix Dyches                              born March 31, 1853

        Sharp Dyches                             born about 1855

        William Dyches                         born July 26, 1858

 

Charles Augustus Lord  wrote in 1941, "Josiah Dyches had several children.  I do not recall ever having seen any of them, but I remember the names of some of them, as follows: Jeptha, Lucinda, Dan, Billie and Sharp.  I don't know who Dan married, but he had a daughter, Irene."

 

Benjamin Franklin Dyches , son of Joseph Josiah Dyches  and Elizabeth Lewis Dykes was born March 17, 1835 in Newton County, Texas.  He appeared in the Mex­ican census of that year as "Benjamin F. Dykes, age 1."  He was brought to Wil­liamson County in 1846 by his parents.  He appeared as a 15-year-old in the 1850 cen­sus of his father's household.  He purchased 265 acres on Williamson Creek, "patent to be received," from his father July 16, 1858, according to Williamson County Deed Book 7, page 402.

 

He was married March 1, 1860 to Permelia Ann Cargill  by John Newin McFadin , minister, his cousin, according to Williamson County Marriage Book 1, page 270.  He also performed a marriage ceremony for another cousin on the same day--per­haps a double wedding ceremony.  She, the daughter of Mary Cargill, was born in Clai­borne Parish, Louisiana December 16, 1845.

 

They were enumerated July 25, 1860 as the head of Household 440-448, adjoining his fa­ther's household, in the census of Williamson County.  Apparently her mother's family was living with them at that time:

 

        "Dykes, Franklin         25, born in Texas, $2,500 real estate, $2,000

                                                    personal property, beef tender

                     Malinda           16, born in Louisiana

        Corgal, Mary                45, born in Louisiana

                     Miles W.          24, born in Louisiana, common laborer

                     Dallas W.         15, born in Louisiana, common laborer

                     Julia                  12, born in Louisiana

                     Newton W.       10, born in Louisiana"

 

He received a deed from his father April 15, 1863 to 300 acres for $1, according to Williamson County Deed Book 10, page 53.  He was "drowned in Red River in late 1866," according to McGinty research.  It is believed that he was employed as a drover taking a herd of cattle up the Chisholm Trail which traversed Williamson County and crossed the Red River north of Ft. Worth, Texas.  Willie Mae Dyches  identifies the river as "either the Pease or the Canadian" and reports that "his body was never found." 

 

His estate was settled in Williamson County June 10, 1887.  "Franklin Dyches" was listed as a party to the Jefferson County land suit decision November 5, 1868.  It is possible that he was alive when the suit was initially filed, but his death occurred before the judge's ruling was made, or that he was drowned after "late 1866."

 

She was remarried May 18, 1870 to David Fletcher, according to Williamson County Marriage Book 3, page 186. They appeared as Household 949-949 in the 1870 census of Williamson County at Circle­ville:

 

 

        "Fletcher, David       19, born in Louisiana, farmer, $1,500 real

                                                   estate, $2,800 personal property

                         Amelia       26, born in Louisiana, wife

          Dyches, George          6, born in Texas, step-son

                        Mary             3, born in Texas, step-daughter

           Cargle, Martha        59, born in Kentucky, mother-in-law

        Fletcher, Narcissus    16, born in Arkansas, sister

                       Charles        12, born in Arkansas, brother"

 

She died at Davilla, Texas in Williamson County May 28, 1890.  Grace Dyches Bailey  wrote in her DRT application, "My mother, Mary Modena Franklin Dyches had two step-sisters, Ann Caskey Harris and Etta Caskey Harris."

 

Children born to Benjamin Franklin Dyches and Permelia Ann Cargill Dyches  include:

 

        George W. Dyches               born in 1864

        Mary Modena Franklin Dyches    born January 3, 1867

 

George W. Dyches , son of Benjamin Franklin Dyches  and Permelia Ann Cargill Dyches , was born in 1864, according to his 1870 census enumeration.  McGinty research shows that he was born in January 1861 in Williamson County.  He la­ter appeared there as an orphan.  He was married there October 6, 1892 to Clara Ed­wards , according to Williamson County Marriage Book 7, page 542.  She was born in March 1874.  Regarding him Grace Dyches Bailey  wrote, "George died as a young man, and the children of Mary Modena Franklin were the only grandchildren of Benjamin Franklin Dyches."

 

However other sources show children born to George W. Dyches  and Clara Edwards Dyches  to include:

 

        Walter Dyches                    born in May 1894

        Vinie Dyches                      born in February 1896

        Wallace Dyches                  born in January 1900

 

Mary Modena Franklin Dyches , daughter of Benjamin Franklin Dyches  and Permelia Ann Cargill Dyches , was born January 3, 1867 in Williamson Coun­ty, according to McGinty research.  She was married January 13, 1885 to Eli Bryant Bailey , according to Milam County Marriage Book 3, page 299.  He was born No­vember 21, 1862 in Sierra Valley, California.  She died May 18, 1939 at Holland, Texas in Bell County, and he died October 24, 1939 at Port Arthur, Texas.  Grace Dy­ches Bai­ley  wrote, "When mother died in 1939 we found her father's beautiful woolen broadcloth wedding suit neatly folded in her old trunk where it had been kept the 72 years of her life."

 

Children born to them include:

 

          Clarence Bailey                          born about 1887

          William Parker Bailey               born about 1889

          Ora Bailey                                  born about 1892

          Leo Bailey                                  born about 1893

          Ruth Bailey                                born about 1895

          Grace Dyches Bailey                  born October 21, 1897

          Annie May Bailey                      born about 1900

          Bernie Bailey                             born about 1903

          Jack Bailey                                 born about 1906

 

Clarence Bailey, son of Eli Bryant Bailey /1.1) and Mary Modena Franklin Dyches Bailey, was born about 1887 at Holland.  He died young.

 

William Parker Bailey , son of Eli Bryant Bailey

 and Mary Modena Franklin Dyches Bailey , was born at Davilla about 1889.  He was married about 1910 to Ida Foster .

 

Ora Bailey , daughter of Eli Bryant Bailey

 and Mary Modena Franklin Dyches Bailey , was born at Holland about 1892.  She was married about 1908 to Cliff Oliphant , according to the DRT application of Grace Dyches Bailey .

 

Leo Bailey , son of Eli Bryant Bailey and Mary Modena Franklin Dyches Bailey , was born at Holland about 1893.  He was married about 1916 to Nettie Sorrells .

 

Ruth Bailey , daughter of Eli Bryant Bailey  and Mary Modena Franklin Dyches Bailey , was born at Holland about 1895.  She was married about 1913 to Aubrey Gideon .

 

Grace Dyches Bailey , daughter of Eli Bryant Bailey  and Mary Modena Franklin Dyches Bailey , was born October 21, 1897 at Holland, according to her DRT application.  She attended Texas Christian University about 1918, probably in Waco, Texas.  She remained unmarried in July 1977 and lived in Houston, Texas.  I chose "Dyches" as my middle name she wrote in her DRT application.  She was one of the earliest Dyches descendants to begin researching the family's history.

 

Annie May Bailey , daughter of Eli Bryant Bailey  and Mary Modena Franklin Dyches Bailey , was born about 1900 and died in infancy.

 

Bernie Bailey , son of Eli Bryant Bailey  and Mary Modena Franklin Dy­ches Bailey , was born about 1903.  He was married about 1920 to Vera With­ers .

 

Jack Bailey , son of Eli Bryant Bailey  and Mary Modena Franklin Dy­ches Bailey , was born in Holland about 1906.  He was married about 1923 to Annabelle Hall .  They had a son, John Dyches Bailey  who became a medical doctor.

 

Joyce Ann Dyches , daughter of Joseph Josiah Dyches  and Elizabeth Lewis Dyches , was born March 10, 1837 in Jefferson County.  She was brought to Williamson County in 1846 by her father.  She appeared as a 13-year-old in the 1850 census of her father's household.  She was married December 20, 1855 to Littleton J. Stanton  in Williamson County.  He was born in Louisiana in 1828.

 

They appeared in the 1860 census of Williamson County as Household 443-451:

 

        "Stanton, Littleton         32, born in Louisiana, farmer, $350 real es-

                                                      estate, $450 personal property

                        Joycean           22, born in Texas

                        Emlia                2, daughter

                        Ambross     1/12, son"

 

They were named as participants in the Jefferson County land decision November 5, 1868.  She died about 1877 in Williamson County.  He reappeared as the head of a household in the 1880 census of Williamson County:

 

        "Stanton,  Littleton       2, born in Louisiana, father born in Mississippi farmer,

                         John L.        17, born in Texas, father born in Louisiana,

                                                    mother born in Texas, son

                        Sarah F.       14, born in Texas, father born in Louisiana,

                                                    mother born in Texas, daughter

                        Mary J.        10, born in Texas, father born in Louisiana,

                                                   mother born in Texas, daughter

                        Catherine     10, born in Texas, father born in Louisiana,

                                                   mother born in Texas, daughter

                        Guy M.         8, born in Texas, father born in Louisiana,

                                                   mother born in Texas, son

                        Luther         5, born in Texas, father born in Louisiana,

                                                 mother born in Texas, son"

 

Children born to them include:

 

        Emlia Stanton              born in 1858

        Ambrose Stanton         born in June 1860

        John L. Stanton            born in 1863

        Sarah F. Stanton           born in 1866

        Mary J. Stanton            born in 1870

        Catherine Stanton         born in 1870

        Guy M. Stanton            born in 1872

        Luther Stanton              born in 1875

 

Cordelia Lucinda Dyches , daughter of Joseph Josiah Dyches  and Eliz­abeth Lewis Dyches , was born in Jefferson County March 26, 1841, according to the family bible and was brought to Williamson County in 1846.  She appeared as a nine­year-old in the 1850 census.  She was married March 31, 1859 to John C. Curtis , ac­cording to Williamson County marriage records.  He was born in Mississippi in 1828. 

 

They appeared in the 1860 census of Williamson County, Household 442-450:

 

          "Curtis,       John            32, born in Mississippi, farmer, $600

                                                         real estate, $250 personal

                                                         property

                             Lucinda       19, born in Texas

                             Josiah C.        1, born in Texas

          Dykes,        John             18, born in Louisiana, Christian

                                                          preacher

                             Pelonides      18, born in Louisiana [Ellen Low

                                                          Dyches]

                              Nancy          10, born in Louisiana, orphan

                              Thomas          8, born in Louisiana"

 

"Cordelia Dyches" was listed [by her maiden name?] as a participant in the Jefferson County land suit decision November 5, 1868.

 

John C. Curtis  died about 1873, and while a widow Cordelia Lucinda Dyches Curtis  filed for a pre-emption land grant.  She was remarried prior to No­vember 5, 1877, husband's name Keel.  On that date she filed an affidavit of settle­ment stating that she "Lucinda Keel, formerly Curtis, is a resident citizen of Wil­liamson County and has settled on 108 acres of land."  This survey was patented to her July 29, 1884, accord­ing to Williamson County Deed Book 39, 391.

 

"Lucinda Keel is listed in the estate settlement of her father," according to a nota­tion written by Grace Dyches Bailey .

 

Children born to them include:

 

        Josiah C. Curtis                born in 1859

        James E. Curtis                 born about 1864

 

James E. Curtis , son of John C. Curtis  and Cordelia Lucinda Dyches Curtis , was born about 1864.  He lived in the home of his uncle William Dyches .  He died April 4, 1893.

 

Elizabeth J. Dyches , daughter of Joseph Josiah Dyches  and Elizabeth Lewis Dyches , was born in Jefferson County October 6, 1843, and was brought to Williamson County in 1846.  She appeared as a seven-year-old in the 1850 census and as a 16-year-old in the 1860 census.  She was married August 29, 1867 to Adolphus Car­gill , according to Williamson County Marriage Book 2, page 382.  It is sug­gested that he was the individual enumerated in the 1846 census as "Dallas Cargill."  He was born in Louisiana in 1846.  It is believed that she died prior to November 5, 1868 since she was not mentioned in the Jefferson County land suit decision of that date.

 

He was remarried April 14, 1870 to Mary Ann Pratt, according to Williamson County Mar­riage Book 3, page 179.  He appeared in the 1870 census of Williamson County at Cir­cleville as the head of Household 950-950 adjoining David Fletcher:

 

        "Corgill, Adolphus      24, born in Louisiana, farm laborer, $300

                                                    personal property

                       Augustus      19, born in Texas, female"

 

Jeptha Dyches , son of Joseph Josiah Dyches  and Elizabeth Lewis Dy­ches , was born October 11, 1845 in Jefferson County and was brought to Willi­amson County shortly after his birth.  He appeared as a four-year-old in the 1850 cen­sus and as a 14-year-old in the 1860 census of his father's household. 

 

He was married November 11, 1865 to Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Low , according to to Williamson County Marriage Book 2, page 195.  A license had been issued by adjoin­ing Bell County June 20, 1865 for "Jepthah Dyches to marry Miss Mary E. Low," but no minister's return had been made, according to Bell County Marriage Book D, page 107.

 

He was a party to the Jefferson County land suit decision given November 5, 1868.  Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Low Dyches  received a deed to 569 acres at $1.50 "on the headwaters of the Middle Tigua, part of the Henry Cook League" November 25, 1872 from J. B. Bracken of Navarro County for $853.50, according to Williamson County Deed Book 14, page 161.

 

Jeptha Dyches  received a deed July 11, 1773 from Isaac B. Low, Jr. and "his wife," P. A. Low for $35, according to Williamson County Deed Book 14, page 531.  The property was identified as "five acres out of the 10 deeded to I. B. Low, Jr. by David H. McFaden which adjoins the southwest corner of the William McFaden league."

 

Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Low Dyches  received a deed from Isaac B. Low to 175.5 acres, "part of the Pedro Zarza Grant on the south bank of the San Gabriel," on Jan­uary 6, 1883 for $3,000, according to Williamson County Deed Book 30, page 41.

 

Jeptha Dyches  and Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Low Dyches  on May 30, 1874 gave a deed to their "undivided interest in the land formerly owned by Joel Low dcsd. on Mustang Creek waters of Brushy Creek," to Charles Wilson for $75, according to Wil­liamson County Deed Book 15, page 262.  On June 12, 1874 Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Low Dyches  received a deed from I. B. Low and P. A. Low to the "north half of land sold to Jeptha Dyches by I. B. Low beginning on the William McFaden League west line" for $350, according to Williamson County Deed Book 15, page 305.

 

For payment of $35 they received the undivided interest of Isaac B. Low to land on Mustang Creek July 7, 1874, according to Williamson County Deed Book 15, page 335. "J. J. Dyches" [Joseph Josiah Dyches  was a witness to the transaction.

 

On July 10, 1874 Jeptha Dyches  gave a deed to R. W. Wilson to 60 acres, "land on Mustang Creek, part of the Joel Low farm," for $100, according to Williamson County Deed Book 15, page 340.

 

He was "shot to death by John Beard," according to a letter written in 1941 by Charles Augustus Lord .  His tombstone in McFadin Cemetery near Circleville reads, "October 11, 1845-October 18, 1875".  Grace Dyches Bailey  wrote, "Mrs. Jac­quelyn Morgan wrote me that there was a gunfight between Beard and Jeptha Dyches at a dance at someone's house, and Jeptha was killed at age 30.  She said she wondered about the Dyches-Beard feud since there was such a close relationship.  Mrs. Morgan is 31, has three boys and one daughter and lives in College Station."

 

Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Low Dyches  received a deed April 7, 1876 to 117 acres from Isaac B. Low, Jr. and "his wife, P. A. Low", according to Williamson County deed records.

 

She was enumerated in the 1880 census of Williamson County, Enumeration District 161, page 34, precinct 6 in the household of Edward Walls:

 

        "Walls,  Edward         50, born in Kentucky, father born in Ireland,

                                                   mother born in Ireland, farmer

         Dyches, Elizabeth      40, born in Texas, father born in Texas, moth-

                                                   er born in Louisiana, widow, farmer

                       Lucy             14, born in Texas, father born in Texas, moth-

                                                   er born in Texas, daughter

                       Eli                  9, born in Texas, father born in Texas, mother

                                                   born in Texas, son

                       Lillie              7, born in Texas, father born in Texas, mother

                                                   born in Texas, daughter

                       Andrew          5, born in Texas, father born in Texas, mother

                                                   born in Texas, son"

 

She received a deed January 5, 1883 to 175.5 acres from T. G. Low, according to Wil­liamson County Deed Book 79, page 227.  She died about 1887.  The will of "Mrs. M. E. Dykes" was probated July 20, 1887, according to Williamson County probate records.  The will of Jeptha Dyches  was probated in Williamson County September 29, 1888, according to McGinty research.  Mentioned were "minors, Eli, Mary and Andrew Dykes."

 

 

Children born to Jeptha Dyches  and Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Low Dyches  include:

 

        Lucinda E. "Lucy" Dyches                 born in 1866

        Thomas A. Dyches                              born July 7, 1869

        Eli Jack Dyches                                   born in March 1870

        Mary Lillius "Lillie" Dyches               born August 17, 1873

        Andrew Josiah "Bub" Dyches              born May 22, 1875

 

Lucinda E. "Lucy" Dyches , daughter of Jeptha Dyches  and Mary Eliza­beth "Lizzie" Low Dyches , was born in 1866 in Williamson County.  She was married October 17, 1883 to T. B. Gossett , according to Williamson County Marriage Book 5, page 397.  In 1897 he purchased the inheritance of Eli Jack Dyches .

 

Thomas A. Dyches , son of Jeptha Dyches  and Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Low Dyches , was born July 7, 1869 in Williamson County.  He died there May 11, 1871.

 

Eli Jack Dyches , son of Jeptha Dyches  and Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Low Dyches , was born about 1871.  He was married July 24, 1895 to Josie E. Yarborough , according to Williamson County Marriage Book 8, page 341.  She was born in November 1872.  He gave a deed to "my interest as one of the heirs of Mrs. M. E. Dyches, deceased, 1/4 of 569 acres," to T. B. Gossett  November 16, 1897 for $75, according to Williamson County Deed Book 76, page 397.  He received a deed from his sisters and their husbands to a one-third interest in Lots 11 and 12, Block 1, Taylor, Texas for $2, according to Williamson County Deed Book 78, page 412.

 

He joined in a partition agreement with Andrew Josiah "Bub" Dyches  and their sisters and their husbands, according to Williamson County Deed Book 79, page 227. Partitioned was the 175.5 acres their mother had received in 1883 and the 117 acres she had received in 1876.

 

Eli Jack Dyches  received 100 acres of land from J. I. Yarborough and his wife Mrs. M. E. Yarborough for $2,600 November 30, 1896, according to Williamson County Deed Book 76, page 41.  They are believed to be relatives of his wife. Children born to Eli Jack Dyches and Josie E. Yarborough Dyches  are unknown.

 

Mary Lillius "Lillie" Dyches , daughter of Jeptha Dyches  and Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Low Dyches , was born August 17, 1873 in Williamson County.  She was married December 3, 1891 to Martin E. "Mart" Harrell , according to Williamson County Marriage Book 7, page 437.  Martin E. "Mart" Harrell  was associated with the infamous "Harrell gang" which feuded during the 1870s in Lampasas County with the "Higgins gang" led by Pink Higgins.  Bluford S. Cox , a member of the Higgins gang, killed 25 men during the feud before he was smuggled out of the county by his brother James W. Cox  in a wagon under a load of hides after he was indicted for murder by the Williamson County District Attorney.  Shortly after the Civil War the Harrell gang had a shoot-out with negro Federal police in Round Rock, Texas to effect a jailbreak of one of the Harrells.

 

Andrew Josiah "Bub" Dyches , son of Jeptha Dyches  and Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Low Dyches , was born May 22, 1875 in Williamson County.  He was mar­ried April 15, 1895 to N. G. Stovall , according to Milam County Marriage Book 6, page 424.  In 1897 he sold his inheritance to T. B. Gossett , his bro­ther-in-law.  Children born to Andrew Josiah "Bub" Dyches  and N. G. Sto­vall Dyches are unknown.

 

Alexander B. Dyches , son of Joseph Josiah Dyches  and Elizabeth Lewis Dyches , was born April 11, 1848 in Williamson County.  He appeared as a two-year-old in the 1850 census and as a 12-year-old in the 1860 census.  He was married there April 29, 1869 to Julia Ann Cargill  who was born in Louisiana in 1848.  He participated in the Jefferson County land suit which was decided November 5, 1868.

 

They appeared in the 1870 census of Williamson County living at Circleville:

 

        "Dykes, Alexander      22, born in Texas

                      Julia               20, born in Texas

                      Evalina       1/12, born in Texas"

 

Alexander B. Dyches received a deed from Elisha Allen to "25 acres on Wil-liamson Creek adjoining James McFaddin" December 17, 1870 for $300, according to Wil-liamson County Deed Book 12, page 473.

 

Alexander B. Dyches  and Julia Ann Cargill Dyches  gave a deed to land on Williamson's Creek located 17.5 miles east of Georgetown March 9, 1879 to James M. House for $1,000, according to Williamson County Deed Book 21, page 581. 

 

They reappeared in the 1880 census of Williamson County, Enumeration District 161, page 18, precinct 5, Post Oak Hill community:

 

        "Dykes, A.      29, born in Texas, father born in North Carolina,

                                       mother born in [unknown], farmer

                     Julia   29, born in Louisiana, father born in [unknown],

                                       mother born in [unknown], wife

                     Annie    8, born in Texas, father born in Texas, mother born in

                                        Louisiana, daughter

         Dykes, Tabbie  22, born in New Jersey, father born in New Jersey,

                                         mother born in Pennsylvania, sister"

 

It is believed that "Tabbie Dykes" in the enumeration was Tabitha Allan May Dyches , his sister-in-law.

 

On September 9, 1890 "J. A. Dyches and husband A. Dyches" and Jacob Pruett gave a war­ranty deed to James P. Murrah to 60 acres in the Joel Moore Survey "on Little River," for $625, according to Milam County Deed Book 29, page 221.  They had purchased the property November 9, 1889 from W. H. Walton for $500, according to Milam County Deed Book 28, page 305.

 

Alexander B. Dyches  and Julia Ann Cargill Dyches  "of Milam County, Texas deeded Block 85 in the Town of Davilla" to Hubert S. Wilson for $150, according to Milam County Deed Book 32, page 237.  They had purchased the property from "Rister & Pope" November 26, 1886.

 

"J. Alex Dyches and Julia Ann Dyches" later lived in Llano County, Texas.

 

Children born to Alexander B. Dyches  and Julia Ann Cargill Dyches in­clude:

 

        Evaline Dyches                  born in 1870

        Annie Dyches                    born in 1872

 

Evaline Dyches , daughter of Alexander B. Dyches  and Julia Ann Car-gill Dyches , was born in May 1870 and appeared in the 1870 census at one month old.  She did not reappear in the 1880 census suggesting that she died during the decade.

 

Annie Dyches , daughter of Alexander B. Dyches  and Julia Ann Cargill Dyches , was born in 1872.  She appeared as an eight-year-old in the 1880 cen­sus of Williamson County.

 

Daniel D. Dyches , son of Joseph Josiah Dyches  and Elizabeth Lewis Dyches , was born August 17, 1850 in Williamson County.  He appeared as a 10- year-old in the 1860 census of his father's household.  He was listed as a party to the Jefferson County land suit decision rendered November 5, 1868.

 

In 1971 Willie Mae Dyches , a niece, reported that she had a tintype of him.  He was married March 18, 1870 to Kate Yarborough , according to Williamson County marriage records.  Later they lived in Bell County.

 

On May 24, 1879 they gave a deed to 160 acres, 14 miles east of Georgetown adjoining the William McFadin League, to J. W. Wayman for $1,200, according to Williamson County Deed Book 23, page 287.

 

Daniel D. Dyches  was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1880 census of Palo Pinto County, Texas, Enumeration District 156, page 25, precinct 2:

 

        "Dyches, Daniel D.      29, born in Texas

                        Kate              33, born in Texas

                        Iva I.                3, born in Texas, daughter"

 

Children born to Daniel D. Dyches  and Kate Yarborough Dyches  in­clude:

 

        Iva Irene Dyches                born in 1877

 

Iva Irene Dyches , daughter of Daniel D. Dyches  and Kate Yarborough Dyches , was born in 1877.  She appeared as a three-year-old in the 1880 cen­sus of her father's household.

 

Felix Dyches , son of Joseph Josiah Dyches  and Elizabeth Lewis Dyches , was born March 31, 1853 in Williamson County.  He appeared as a seven-year- old in the 1860 census.  He was a participant in the Jefferson County land suit which was settled November 5, 1868.  He was married July 21, 1871 to Sarah Elizabeth "Betty" Car­gyle according to Williamson County marriage records.

 

He was recorded as the head of a household in the 1880 census of Erath County, Texas, Enumeration District 152, page 18, precinct 4:

 

        "Dyckes, Felix           28, born in Texas

                       Sarah E.       27, born in Louisiana

                       Elnora            7, born in Texas, daughter

                       Robert            4, born in Texas, son

                       Lurily             2, born in Texas, daughter"

 

They were residents of Erath County January 10, 1881 when they deeded land in Lucinda Curtis Survey to his brother, William Dyches, according to Williamson County Deed Book 25, page 496.

 

Felix Dyches  gave a deed December 5, 1884 to R. S. Porter of Cameron, Texas to 50 acres located 18 miles northeast of Georgetown for $600, according to Williamson County Deed Book 42, page 216.  On November 30, 1885 they sold 50 acres located 18 miles northeast of Georgetown to John Farr for $750, according to Williamson County Deed Book 42, page 217.

 

Felix Dyches  and Sarah Elizabeth "Betty" Cargyle Dyches  deeded "our undivided interest in the Josiah Dyches  homestead, south side Williamson's Creek, 15 acres" to Eli Bryant Bailey , his brother-in-law for $100, according to Williamson County Deed Book 51, page 479.

 

Children born to Felix Dyches and Sarah Elizabeth "Betty" Cargyle Dyches  include:

 

          Elnora Dyches born in 1873

          Robert Dyches born in 1875

          Lurily Dyches born in 1877

          Jethey Dyches born in May 1884

          Stella Dyches born in August 1886

          Delanie Dyches born in July 1888

          Ivan Dyches born in October 1893

 

Sharp Dyches , son of Joseph Josiah Dyches,  and Elizabeth Lewis Dy­ches , was born about 1855 in Williamson County.  He was identified as a son by Judge Charles Augustus Lord  who taught school there, which is the only documentation found for this individual.  He did not appear in the 1860 census enum­eration of his father's household, and he did not participate in the Jefferson County land suit settled November 5, 1868, suggesting that he died young.

 

William Dyches , son of Joseph Josiah Dyches,  and Elizabeth Lewis Dyches , was born July 26, 1858 in Williamson County, according to the family bible.  He appeared as a two-year-old in the 1860 census of his father's household.  He, a minor, was represented by his attorney Thomas P. Hughes in the Jefferson County land suit decision of November 5, 1868.

 

He reappeared as a 12-year-old in the 1870 census of his father's household.  His bride-to-be, Tabitha Allan "Tabbie" May , his step-sister, age 12, was also enumer­ated in the household of his parents.  They were married August 27, 1877, ac­cording to Williamson County marriage records.  The family bible shows their wedding date as "Wednesday, August 22, 1877."  She was born May 16, 1859 in Mississippi, the only child of William May  and Mary Henry May .  Family records were deposited in "Southwest Collection," Texas Tech University, Lubbock.  Willie Mae Dy­ches  stated that her grandfather's bible was "stolen from her by a relative from Kansas," a son of Pinkney F. Dyches .

 

He received a deed January 10, 1881 from "Felix Dyches and Elizabeth Dyches of Erath County" to land in the Lucinda Curtis Survey, according to Williamson County Deed Book 25, page 496.  Consideration was $500.

 

William Dyches  and Tabitha Allan "Tabbie" May Dyches  gave a quit claim deed to J. W. Griffis February 21, 1881 to land in Lucinda Curtis Survey, ac­cording to Williamson County Deed Book 25, page 498.

 

William Dyches  purchased August 28, 1882 from G. D. Russell and his wife, E. M. Russell their pre-emption rights to 160 acres on San Gabriel Creek for $200, ac­cording to Williamson County Deed Book 28, page 398.  The quarter section was patented to William Dyches October 3, 1884.  On January 16, 1883 he received a deed from J. A. Abney to Lot 6, Block 27 in Taylor, Texas for $100, according to Williamson County Deed Book 30, page 86.  In 1884 he was named administrator of the estate of his father, according to Grace Dyches Bailey .

 

He owned 1,000 acres on Willis Creek, according to Willie Mae Dyches , his daughter.  On August 10, 1886 he purchased a cottongin and grist mill from Walter Tipps of Travis County, Texas, and on November 5, 1889 he was sued by Tipps to recover the property for non-payment.  On November 25, 1889 from his home on a 250-acre farm at Granger he wrote a letter to Tipps offering a new purchase offer. His letterhead read, "William Dyches, Breeder and Shipper of Thoroughbred Duroc, Jersey Red and Berk­shire Pigs and Pit Game Fowls."

 

On August 23, 1887 William Dyches  received a deed from E. H. Lott to "my un­divided 1/4 of 7/8 interest in land sold by Josiah Dyches to B. F. Dyches July 16, 1858" for $1,000, according to Williamson County Deed Book 64, page 308.

 

Tineva Ann Dyches  of San Angelo, Texas retains a receipt for taxes paid January 8, 1889 by William Dyches .  Taxes paid covered the following land:

 

"Abstract No. Original Grantee No. of Acres

 716 G. D. Russell 160

 93 W. C. Beard 163

 160 Lucinda Curtis 108

 176 J. Dyches 120

 206 F. Dyches  160

 A. Dyches    138"

 

He was murdered July 8, 1890, according to Williamson County court records.  The fam­ily bible shows his date of death as July 7, 1890 at age 35.  Willie Mae Dyches reported that he was killed by "Fisher and his partner, two horsethieves."  The killer was pursued by James E. Curtis  "out of the country," according to Wil­liam Roff Dyches  who reported that he eventually caught up with him and kill­ed him.  He was buried in McFadin Cemetery near Circleville.  Willie Mae Dyches referred to the cemetery as "Comanche Bluff Cemetery where lots of Dyches are buried."  Tabitha Allan "Tabbie" May Dyches , a sculptress, carved his tomb­stone.  "Josh and Betty Goins lived with us right after Daddy died," reported Willie Mae Dyches .

 

Tabitha Allan "Tabbie" May Dykes received a deed from Daniel D. Dyches "of Bell County for my undivided 1/8 interest in 120 acres, part of 385 acres surveyed for Josiah Dyches" for $100, according to Williamson County Deed Book 55, page 243.

 

On December 21, 1895 Tabitha Allan "Tabbie" May Dyches  received a deed from Luther Stanton  for $21.82 for his undivided interest in 120 acres, "part of the land patented to Josiah Dyches," according to Williamson County Deed Book 82, page 563.  At the same time she received the undivided interest of Ambrose Stanton  of Garfield County, Oklahoma Territory in the property for $25.45.  For $60 she re­ceived the undivided interest of Lucinda E. Dyches Gossett  and T. B. Gossett in the property.  For $50 she received the undivided interest of Andrew Josi­ah "Bub" Dyches  in the property November 8, 1895, according to Williamson County Deed Book 82, page 568.

 

On November 5, 1896 Tabitha Allan "Tabbie" May Dyches  received a deed from Andrew Josiah "Bub" Dyches , and Eli Jack Dyches  and wife, J. E. Yar­brough Dyches  for $29.25 for their interest in 117 acres, "part of the I. B. Low, Jr. Pre-emption Survey, according to Williamson County Deed Book 83, page 247.

 

In 1901 they lived in Georgetown, according to Willie Mae Dyches .  On Febru­ary 5, 1906 "Mrs. T. A. Dyches, a widow; Gertrude Dyches, feme sole; Mae Dyches, feme sole; Clyde W. Dyches, having minority disabilities removed, all of Williamson County and P. F. Dyches of Wilbarger County" executed a deed to J. A. Bird to 54.5 acres, "part of the Josiah Dyches Survey" February 5, 1906 for $3,270, according to William­son County Deed Book 118, page 184.  In February 1906 she removed to San Angelo and died there about 1940.  She was buried there in Fair­mont Cemetery. 

 

According to Williamson County probate records and the family bible children born to William Dyches  and Tabitha Allan "Tabbie" May Dyches  include:

 

        Gertrude Dyches                 born September 24, 1880

        Josiah Allan Dyches             born October 4, 1882

        Pinkney F. Dyches               born July 24, 1884

        Willie Mae Dyches               born August 21, 1886

        Clyde William Dyches            born June 18, 1888

 

Gertrude Dyches , daughter of William Dyches  and Tabitha Allan "Tabbie" May Dyches , was born September 24, 1882.  She attended Add-Ran Col­lege at Thorp Spring, Texas about 1900.  She joined her mother and siblings in execut­ing a deed February 5, 1906 to 54.5 acres, "part of the Josiah Dyches Survey," accord­ing to Williamson County Deed Book 118, page 184.  She died unmarried in San Angelo in 1960 and was buried beside her mother.  She was an outstanding horsewoman and an ex­pert markswoman with a pistol.

 

Josiah Allan Dyches , son of William Dyches  and Tabitha Allan "Tab­bie" May Dyches , was born October 4, 1884 in Williamson County, according to Charles Augustus Lord .  He removed with his mother to Tom Green County in February 1906.  He owned a ranch there "just outside the city limits on the Mertzon highway." 

 

At age 83 he was the subject of an article in the February 27, 1966 edition of the "San Angelo Standard-Times."  In it was mentioned, "He has his grandfather's shotgun, more than 100 years old.  He has a pair of silver mounted spurs which were made in 1910 in a penitentiary in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico by his brother who was im­prisoned there for stealing his own horse.  He was a Texas Ranger at the time of Pan­cho Villa."  He was married about 1918 to Tillie Leon Roff  in San Angelo.  He died there in July 1969 and was buried in Fairmount Cemetery.

 

Three children were born to Josiah Allan Dyches  and Tillie Leon Roff Dyches :

 

        Tabitha Alice Dyches             born about 1922

        Modena Jo Dyches                 born about 1924

        William Roff Dyches             born October 15, 1932

 

Tabitha Ann Dyches , daughter of Josiah Allan Dyches  and Tillie Leon Roff Dyches , was born about 1915 in San Angelo.  She was married there about 1942 to Carl Brooks .  She died near Los Angeles in 1984, and he remained there in June 1987. 

 

Children born to them include:

 

        Norman Brooks                   born about 1947

        Eddie Brooks                       born about 1950

        Johnny Brooks                     born about 1952

 

Modena Jo Dyches  daughter of Josiah Allan Dyches  and Tillie Leon Roff Dyches , was born about 1924 in San Angelo.  She was married there about 1942 to James Hoyt .  After three children the couple was divorced.  She was remarried about 1977 to Jerry Pompano .  No children were born to the second union.

 

William Roff Dyches , son of Josiah Allan Dyches  and Tillie Leon Roff Dyches , was born in San Angelo October 15, 1932.  Following graduation from San Angelo High School he enlisted in the U. S. Army and served in the Eleventh Airborne Division in Korea.  Following discharge in 1953 he returned to San Angelo and worked in the oilfield as a roughneck.  Later he worked in a frozen food business which was followed by a period of time in which he owned his own frozen food business.

 

He was married February 29, 1956 to Shirley Ann Wilhite , daughter of James Wilhite  and Geneva Wilhite.  Josiah Allan Dyches  presented them with a Shetland pony after the birth of their first child, and thus the family began a love affair with horses.  This interest grew into the operation of a commercial horse stable which the family operated for over 20 years.  They affiliated with various horse and rodeo organizations.  Shirley Ann Wilhite Dyches  developed an in­terest in barrel-racing and became an outstanding competitor in the sport, winning an extensive collection of trophies, saddles and cash awards.  When interviewed June 7, 1987 William Roff Dyches  and Shirley Ann Wilhite Dyches  lived near San Angelo in retirement.

 

Children born to them include:

 

        Tineva Ann Dyches               born May 5, 1957

        William Jay Dyches              born December 9, 1962

 

Tineva Ann Dyches ), daughter of William Roff Dyches and Shirley Ann Wilhite Dyches, was born in San Angelo May 5, 1957.  She was graduated from San Angelo High School in 1975.  In 1987 she continued there, employed in the office of M System Food Stores.

 

William Jay Dyches , son of William Roff Dyches  and Shirley Ann Wil­hite Dyches , was born in San Angelo December 9, 1962.  He was graduated from San Angelo High School in 1981.  He was married March 9, 1985 to Rebecca Jo Sharp .  In June 1987 he was a partner in J&T Feed Company.  William Jay Dyches  and Rebecca Jo Sharp Dyches  continued to live in San Angelo at that time.

 

Pinkney F. Dyches , son of William Dyches  and Tabitha Allan "Tab­bie" May Dyches ,was born in Williamson County July 24, 1884.  He at­tended Texas Christian University at Waco about 1903.  In 1906 he was a resi­dent of Wilbarger County, Texas.  In 1911 he was a Texas Ranger patrolling the Rio Grande River against the incursions of the raiders of Pancho Villa.  The Villaistas con­stantly conducted cattle-stealing raids into Texas in an effort to furnish food to the revolutionaries, and in 1918 Pinkney F. Dyches  continued as a river ran­ger.  Afterwards he served in law enforcement in various locations.  Even after turning in his badge he continued to wear his pistol. 

 

He was married July 21, 1930 at Lovington, New Mexico to Mrs. Susan Katherine Douglas Watson LeSueur .  Following a divorce he was remarried and divorced again.  He died in San Angelo September 10, 1955.  Children born to Pinkney F. Dyches  and Susan Katherine Douglas Watson LeSueur Dyches  are unknown.

 

Willie Mae Dyches , daughter of William Dyches  and Tabitha Allan "Tabbie" May Dyches , was born in Williamson County August 21, 1888.  She re­called school being dismissed "when Admiral Dewey came to Granger on the Katy Flyer and talked to the kids."  She mentioned that "Cousin Charley Lord rode horseback to teach our school which ran for five months."  She attended Texas Christian University in Waco in 1905-06.

 

She was interviewed by Fred A. Carpenter of Brownwood, Texas August 25, 1971 while living at 301 Van Buren Street in San Angelo.  In it she mentioned that she retained a gourd in which her grandfather Joseph Josiah Dyches  kept his gunpowder.  She mentioned that she had a picture of her grandfather, a picture of her mother's grand­mother, a picture of R. D. Yarbrough and a picture "of the Yarbrough family; they live at Sey­mour now."  She showed Carpenter a sculpture entitled "Scenes of the West" which her mother carved in 1881.  She contributed many family photographs and papers to South­west Collection.

 

Clyde William Dyches , son of William Dyches  and Tabitha Allan "Tabbie" May Dyches , was born in Williamson County June 18, 1888.  He contin­ued there in 1906 until he was brought to San Angelo by his widowed mother.  He was adventurous, a horse fancier and a rover, according to William Roff Dyches , a nephew.  "Frequently he went prospecting for gold.  Once he ran off with a circus.  He had a job tending the horses which he dearly loved."  When he was stricken with a per­sistent fever the circus officials called his brothers who came and returned him to San Angelo.

 

On May 8, 1909 he bought "Captain Stephens," a splendid racehorse which became the center of his life, but which brought great sorrow and misfortune to his new owner.  In February 1910 he rode "Captain Stephens" into Monterrey, Nuevo Leon.  A wealthy Mexican rancher there admired the horse and offered to buy him for stud service.  "Clyde refused to sell the horse," reported William Roff Dyches , "but they made a deal to lease the horse for six months.  When Clyde returned for his horse at the end of the period, the rancher said, 'What horse?'

 

"Clyde was furious and remained in the area plotting for weeks as to how to recover his horse.  His letters to his mother during that time revealed an insanely angry man, and each one ended with 'Send another $50.'  Finally when Clyde could stand it no longer he slipped out to the ranch and stole his own horse.  He rode as fast as he could, day and night, in the direction of the Texas border--128 kilometers to safety.  Within a few miles of the border the horse could run no more, and Clyde stopped to let him rest.  The Federales caught up with him, and he was returned to Monterrey where he was placed in prison for three years."

 

He was placed in a dungeon where he suffered immense ill-treatment.  His family tried every available means to secure his release--lawyers, petitions, bribes--nothing work­ed.  Finally the State Department intervened to secure his release.  The corrupt Mexi­can government released him with an apology and a small pension in recompense.  The dungeon had taken its toll; the prisoner was insane.

 

Despite the family's attempt to protect him he insisted on going prospecting for gold.  He located in Socorro, New Mexico and lived in a dugout.  There he searched for gold, living on his Mexican pension and what money he could earn raising strawberries.  Dur­ing this time he was married, wife's name Mildred.  In an attempt to steal his Mexican pension the sheriff placed him in jail which returned him to an uncontrollable mental condition.

 

The authorities called his brothers who came to bring him back to San Angelo.  After a series of runaways and trips to bring him back his family placed him in a mental in­stitution in Wichita Falls, Texas.  He died there in 1949 and was buried in the family plot in Fairmount Cemetery.  No children were born to Clyde William Dyches and Mildred Dyches.

 

 

Arlee Gowen                                               806/795-8758 or 795-9694

5708 Gary Avenue

Lubbock, Texas, 79413           DYCHES.004 11/23/98

 

Family Researchers:

 

ABBOTT, OLYVE H.          3737 Summercrest Dr. FT. WORTH      TX 76109

BAILEY, GRACE DYCHES      Treemont Apt. E-103  HOUSTON        TX 77063

BATES, MRS. CLARA         1131 Ridgeview Lane  LONGVIEW       TX 75604

CURTIS, ROSALEE MORRIS    Box 112              DOUGLASS       TX 75943

DYCHES, BILL & SHIRLEY    Rt. 2, 152 Valley Dr SAN ANGELO     TX 76901

DYCHES, PAULINE           318 Miller           BANGS          TX 76823

DYCHES, TINEVA            60 E. 25th St.       SAN ANGELO     TX 76901

DYCHES, TRAVIS & KAY      Box 665              AMITE          LA 70422

DYKES, MRS. TINA          802 Santa Rosa       VICKSBURG      MS 39180

GOWEN, ARLEE              5708 Gary Avenue     LUBBOCK        TX 79413

HAWLEY, LLOYD WAYNE       Route 1, B0x 189     PRAIRIEGROVE   AR 72753

HUNT, LAURA BERYL         Box 61               FT. SUMNER     NM 88109

KING, LOLA VICKERS        Box 312              LIBERTY HILL   TX 78642

KYLE, RICHARD             2704 Shelton Avenue  YAKIMA         WA 98902

LEWIS, BILL J.            11001 Blue Sage Road OKLAHOMA CITY  OK 73120

MANDAVILLE, THELMA D.     15922-F HamiltonPool AUSTIN         TX 78738

MCGINTY, PATTI            5231 Birdwood        BELLAIRE       TX 77402

MCPHERSON, NONA           712 W. 10th Street   PLAINVIEW      TX 79072

MORGAN, JACKIE            3531 LeBlanc         SAN ANTONIO    TX 78247

SMITH, BARBARA            Box 682              GAUTIER        MS 39553

VANCE, KIRBY & MARGARET   Box 352              TAYLOR         TX 76579

WHITE, BONNIE G.          4704 Firestone Dr.S. MOBILE         AL 36609

YOUNG, JOAN H.            981 Bridgegate Drive MARIETTA       GA 30068