Page 2
November, 2014
Texas Twister
One evening, a young woman came home from a date, rather sad. She told her mother, “Anthony proposed to me an hour ago.” “Then why are you so sad?” her mother asked. “Because he also told me he is an atheist. Mom, he doesn’t even believe there’s a Hell.” Her mother replied, “Marry him anyway. Between the two of us, we’ll show him just how wrong he is.” ***** After being with her all evening, the man couldn’t take another minute with his blind date. Earlier, he had secretly arranged to have a friend call him to the phone so he would have an excuse to leave if something like this happened. When he returned to the table, he lowered his eyes, put on a grim expression and said, “I have some bad news. My grandfather just died.” “Thank heavens,” his date replied. “If yours hadn’t, mine would have had to!” ***** There was a Kentucky redneck and an Ohio buckeye, fishing on their respective sides of the Ohio river. Just as soon as the redneck put his line in the water, he slung a fish onto the bank, and the buckeye was catching nothing, so he yelled across to the redneck, ‘’Buddy, I’d sure like to be on your side of the river!’’ ‘’Aight, tell ya whut, I’ll shine my flashlight ‘cross this river, and you can walk across this little beam of light!’’ the redneck yelled back. The buckeye replied, ‘’Hain’t no way, buddy. I know you think I’m a fool! When I get halfway ‘cross, you’ll turn your flashlight off!’’
903-883-5263
November, 2014
Senior Wedding
Page 3
Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, living in Miami, are all excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way they pass a drugstore. Jacob suggests they go in. Jacob addresses the man behind the counter: “Are you the owner?” The pharmacist answers, “Yes.” Jacob: “We’re about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?” Pharmacist: “Of course, we do.” Jacob: “How about medicine for circulation?” Pharmacist: “All kinds.” Jacob: “Medicine for rheumatism?” Pharmacist: “Definitely.” Jacob: “How about suppositories?” Pharmacist: “You bet!” Jacob: “Medicine for memory problems, arthritis and Alzheimer’s?” Pharmacist: “Yes, a large variety. The Works.” Jacob: “What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson’s disease?” Pharmacist: “Absolutely.” Jacob: “Everything for heartburn and indigestion?” Pharmacist: “We sure do.” Jacob: “You sell wheelchairs and walkers and canes?” Pharmacist: “All speeds and sizes.” Jacob: “Adult diapers?” Pharmacist: “Sure.” Jacob:Â “We’d like to use this store as our Bridal Registry.”
903-883-5263
November, 2014
Page 5
Page 6
November, 2014 THESE ARE THE GOOD OLD DAYS!
By Ginger Lane
I remember playing at my grandmother’s house when I was a child. We played outside all day long. The only ‘toy’ I can ever remember playing with at her house was a spoon. Yep! My sister and I sat outside digging with spoons. They weren’t special spoons that lit up or did anything by themselves, just some of her old spoons she didn’t care about. Hours and hours we spent piling sand into one form or another and mixing in some water for a really good time. We’d also go on adventures in the heavily wooded acres that surrounded her house in the country. I have no idea how we never got lost and somehow knew how to get back to her house. We were very young and I can’t remember one time that anyone came looking for us. We must have had a built in homing radar and clock to tell us when it was time to get back or maybe we just went in when we got hungry! There were no self service gas stations, and the full service ones always vacuumed your car, washed your windshield, cleaned out the ash tray and gave the kids candy. There were free ‘counter checks’ that the stores kept on hand from all the local banks and you just went in and signed the check with no account number. Life was so simple and I liked it. I can remember when someone said we would one day be paying for water to drink. I flatly told them they had no idea what they were talking about. I was told by someone that it would be free to call long distance. “Ridiculous!”, I said. In about 1994, a phone call to Ft. Worth from Greenville was over $.50 per minute! Well, things have changed and so have I. It was only about seven years ago that I thought sending text messages was just about the rudest thing I’d ever heard of! Today, it is the most efficient way to communicate for business and personal matters. I love it! I am a fully fledged member of all things technology! I was meeting a couple of my sales reps a few
Texas Twister
903-883-5263
November, 2014 days ago and when I got to our meeting place I realized that I had left my cell phone at home. I just froze. I had no idea what to do when no one was there to meet me. I was lost. I just sat in my truck and was thinking that I was totally cut off from the world. After a few minutes, I came to my senses and thought that I’d just use a pay phone…Duh! … There are no pay phones anymore. I did finally go inside and borrow a store’s phone, but the sense of “I’m alone in the world” made me realize that I’m no longer the little girl that would be happy playing with a spoon in my grandmother’s yard. That made me a little sad until today as I’m writing this article on my computer and not having to use a manual typewriter and an eraser with those little brushes or a dictionary. Change is good!
Page 7
Page 8
November, 2014 WORDS WOMEN USE … Fine : This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up. Five Minutes : If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house. Nothing : This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine. Go Ahead : This is a dare, not permission. Don’t Do It! Loud Sigh : This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to the meaning of nothing.) That’s Okay : This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. That’s okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake. Thanks : A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you’re welcome. Whatever : Is a women’s way of saying Big Trouble Coming! Don’t worry about it, I’ll do it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking: ‘What’s wrong?’ For the woman’s response refer to definition of Nothing. Then you RUN!
Texas Twister
903-883-5263
November, 2014
FUMC LORD’S ACRE 3RD ANNUAL RUN FOR THE SON 5K INFORMATION SHEET
Event: The First United Methodist Church of Quinlan has a yearly Lord’s Acre event. This 5K Fun Run/Walk is one of the many activities we are sponsoring this year. All of the proceeds from this event go to the First United Methodist Church fund. Our church helps to serve our community and beyond in as many ways as possible all year long. Come and join us for a morning of exercising your body by walking or running and your mind as we fellowship with each other and Run for the Son! Date: Saturday November 15, 2014 Time: 9:00 A.M. Where: Ford High School Parking Lot 10064 Business Hwy 34, Quinlan, TX 75474 Parking is Free Race Fee: Race and shirt $20 Race without a shirt $15 Line of Events: *8:00A.M. Registration for anyone who still wishes to run And packet pick up *9:00A.M. Runners and walkers start (strollers and wagons wel comed) *10:00A.M. Awards announced Breakfast snacks and water bottles provided to all partici pants Payment: Please attach cash or check with the registration form and return to Christina Seigler, or the Church office. Please make checks payable to FUMC. If mailing back registration forms, please mail to this address: FUMC (Attention Fun Run) P.O. Box 2590 Quinlan, TX 75474 Please have money turned in by Sunday November 2, 2014 to ensure a T-shirt.
Page 9
Page 10
November, 2014
Texas Twister
A woman went to the doctors office, where she was seen by one of the new doctors, but after about 4 minutes in the examination room, she burst out, screaming as she ran down the hall. An older doctor stopped her and asked what the problem was, and she told him her story. After listening, he had her sit down and told her to go relax in another room. The older doctor marched down hallway to the back where the first doctor was and demanded, “What’s the matter with you? Mrs. Terry is 63 years old, she has four grown children and seven grandchildren, and you told her she was PREGNANT?” The new doctor continued to write on his clipboard and without looking up said, “Well, yes I did! But I bet her hiccups are gone now!”
903-883-5263
November, 2014
One night a guy dropped his girlfriend at her home. As they were about to wish each other goodnight at the front door, the guy started feeling a little in the mood. With an air of confidence, he leaned with his hand against the wall and smiling, he said to her: “Honey, would you give me a kiss?” Horrified, she replied, “Are you mad? My parents will see us!” “Oh come on! Who’s gonna see us at this hour?” He asked grinning at her. “No, please. Can you imagine if we get caught?” “Oh come on! There’s nobody around, they’re all sleeping!” “No way, it’s just too risky!” “Oh please, please, I love you so much?!?” “No, no, and no. I love you too, but I just can’t!” “Oh yes you can. Please?” “No, no. I just can’t” “I’m begging you … ” Out of the blue, the light on the stairs went on, and the girl’s elder sister showed up in her pajamas, hair disheveled, and in a sleepy voice she said, “Dad says to go ahead and give him a kiss, or I can do it. Or if need be, mom says she can come down herself and do it, but for all of ours sakes … TELL HIM TO TAKE HIS HAND OFF THE INTERCOM!!” ***** It was her first date, and she’d shown the patience of a saint as he babbled on and on about his hobbies, his pet peeves, his driving techniques, and even the standards he used to choose his barber. Finally, he came up for air and said, “But enough about me. Let’s talk about you.” She breathed a sigh of relief. He went on, “What do you think about me?”
Page 11
Page 12
November, 2014
RELATIONSHIP ADVICE FOR DAUGHTERS: o
Don’t imagine you can change a man, unless
he’s in diapers. o
What do you do if your boyfriend walks out?
You shut the door. o
If they put a man on the moon, they should be
able to put them all up there. o
Never let your man’s mind wander, it’s too little
to be out alone. o
Go for younger men. You might as well, they
never mature anyway. o
Men are all the same, they just have different
faces, so that you can tell them apart. o
Definition of a bachelor; a man who has missed
Texas Twister
the opportunity to make some woman miserable. o
Women don’t make fools of men, most of them
are the ‘do it yourself’ types. o
Best way to get a man to do something is to sug-
gest they are too old for it. o
Love is blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener.
o
If you want a committed man, look in a mental
hospital. o
The children of Israel wandered around the des-
ert for 40 years. Even in biblical times, men wouldn’t ask for directions. o
If he asks what sort of books you’re interested
in, tell him check books. o
Remember a sense of humor does not mean that
you tell him jokes, it means that you laugh at his. o
Sadly, all men are created equal.
903-883-5263
November, 2014
Page 13
ROOFING Deal direct with the Roofer. 30 yrs experience call for Free Lowest estimate! Rickey Casey 903-356-5001 cell 903-850-0463
INSURANCE Motorcycle Insurance Looking for Low Rates? We’ve Got Them! 903-356-6500 adam@trustsia.com www.trustsia.com 108 W Main St ( Down Town ) Quinlan
LAWN & TREE SERVICE ONE CALL DOES IT ALL! Residential and Farm Service TRACTOR & BACKHOE WORK TREE TRIMMING & REMOVAL FENCING * GRAVEL DRIVEWAYS PROPERTY CLEAN UP & HAUL OFF FALL LEAF CLEAN UP 903-474-5130
SELLING YOUR PROPERTY? Check out our newest magazine: East Texas Properties or go online at: www.easttexaspropertiesmagazine.com
Answers on Page 23
Answers on Page 23
Page 16
November, 2014 A despondent woman was walking along the beach when she saw a bottle on the sand. She picked it up and pulled out the cork. Whoosh! A big puff of smoke appeared. “You have released me from my prison,” the genie told her. “To show my thanks, I grant you three wishes. But take care, for with each wish, your mate will receive double of whatever you request.” “Why?” the woman asked. “That bum left me for another woman.” “That is how it is written,” replied the genie. The woman shrugged and then asked for a million dollars. There was a flash of light, and a million dollars appeared at her feet. At the same instant, in a far-off place, her wayward husband looked down to see twice that amount at his feet. “And your second wish?” “Genie, I want the world’s most expensive diamond necklace.” Another flash of light, and the woman was holding the precious treasure. And, in that distant place, her husband was looking for a gem broker to buy his latest bonanza. “Genie, is it really true that my husband has two million dollars and more jewels that I do, and that he gets double of whatever I wish for?” The genie said it was indeed true. “Okay, genie, I’m ready for my last wish,” the woman said. “Scare me half to death.”
Texas Twister
903-883-5263
November, 2014
Page 17
2014-2015 Student Council Members Griffis Elementary President: Macie Poteet Vice President: Henry Wright Secretary: Alissa Fowler Treasurer: Olivia Woodard
Middle School Drill Team having fun at the “Drive a Buick” day at Caddo Mills ISD.
Griffis Elementary recently held an election for new Student Council members. Students who ran for office presented campaign speeches to the student body and created posters to promote their ideas. Griffis students then cast their votes at a voting booth ran by school volunteers. Griffis Elementary is proud to announce the members of the 2014 – 2015 Student Council.
Fifth Grade Class Representatives: Logan Habluetzal Connor Gee David Cantu Mika Niimi Fourth Grade Class Representatives: Koen Parks Jilliann Munson Ruby Lynn Stout Sarah Wylie Third Grade Class Representatives: Susanna Rupe Skyler Panos Ta’Rhea Taylor
Our Homecoming Court was (from left to right) Freshman Brianna Clements, Freshman Mollee Carr, Senior Ashley Hudson, Homecoming Queen Senior Hallie Smith, Senior Jordan Mize, Junior Kristin Newell and Sophomore Kaitlyn Clements
Middle School Students had their Decades Dance.
Page 18
November, 2014
Texas Twister
903-883-5263
November, 2014
Page 19
Quinlan ISD...There’s an App for That! Easier, Faster, Quicker Communications Right on your Smart Phone...Download our New App Today!
Quinlan-Ford Band
Quinlan-Ford Band Seniors traveled to Ste-
Quinlan-Ford Band Alumni Photo (Classes of 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015)
phen F. Austin State University on Saturday, September 13th to visit with admissions and tour the campus. In addition, they were able to visit with the Lumberjack Marching Band, Director of the Bands, and attend the SFA football game against Texas A&M - Commerce.
Region 4 All Region HS Mixed Choir Contest
FHS Choir students competed in the Region 4
All Region HS Mixed Choir Contest in October at Pine
The students had the opportunity to participate with the SFA band in the stands during the game. During their tour of campus and visit with the admissions office, they were able to explore the admissions process, academic majors, and campus life.
Tree Junior High. They competed on two different tracks
- Large School Choir and Small School Choir. The fol-
Ford Band Alumni that attend SFA together for a brief
lowing students won places in the Region Choir:
reunion and photo shoot. In the picture below, members
Small school track students are:
We had an opportunity to get several Quinlan-
of the Quinlan-Ford Classes of 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and our current seniors, Class of 2015 can be seen. Many of the Quinlan Alumni spoke about their experi-
Jaycob Pritchett - 1st Chair Bass
ence at SFA and several shared they are close to gradua-
Jonathan Allen - 1st alternate to Area
tion, internships, and/or student teaching. As you can see
Large school track students will compete at Pre-Area in November: Miguel Serrano - 1st chair tenor 1
in the picture several are part of the Lumberjack Marching Band.
Director of Bands at SFA, Fred J. Allen, spoke
Tad Serrano - 4th chair tenor 2
briefly with me and expressed his excitement that we are
Michael Ross - 3rd chair bass 2
able to provide our students in Quinlan with this type
Kourtney McCloud - 7th chair Alto 1 Melanie Lim - 12th chair Soprano 2
of opportunity. We are “changing lives,” he said. He thought it was a great experience for our current students to reunite with our alumni and see how they are doing and
“These students have worked so hard on this music and I
learn from their experiences. We are building tradition
am very proud of them!” exclaimed Judith McCarty.
and prepping our students for College Readiness.
Thank you for providing us with the resources
to have this type of experience. Oh, and by the way, the final score of the game was SFA 38 - TAMUC 17. GO JACKS!!!!!
Region and Area Jazz Band
Page 20
November, 2014
I’d like to wish all the Texas Twister readers a Happy Thanksgiving Day. I’m sure there is something we all can be thankful for. I know I’m thankful for my family, friends and our Texas Twister Fans. I pray all have a great day. Aunt Pat I want to take this time to thank all our service men and women and their family, for all they do for us and the sacrifices they’ve made for us. So, if you see one, past or present, tell them how much you appreciate them and their service to this country. ***** THANKSGIVING CRANBERRY COMPOTE Prep time: 10 min. Cook time: 20 min. Servings:16 Ingredients 1 tsp vegetable oil 1 medium onion 8 oz fresh cranberries 1/2 tsp ground allspice 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
10 oz orange marmalade 8 oz Pineapple, crushed, canned, with juice drained Directions 1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes or until soft. 2. Add all remaining ingredients and cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes. 3. Serve this compote warm or cold with roast turkey or pork. Nutritional Values per serving Calories 38.7, Total Carbs 9.3 g, Sugars 7.9 g, Total Fat 0.3 g, Unsaturated Fat 0.2 g, Potassium 47.8 mg Protein 0.2 g, Sodium 2.6 mg Dietary Exchanges: 1/2 Vegetables, 1/2 Fruits, 1/2 Other Carbs ***** CAPPUCCINO ANGEL FOOD CAKE Prep Time: 30 min Cook Time: 35 min. Servings 16 Ingredients: 1 cup Flour, cake, white, enriched, unsifted 1/2 cup Confectioners sugar 1 Tbsp Confectioners Sugar 12 each egg whites 4 tsp Instant coffee 1 1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar 1/2 tsp Salt 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Texas Twister 1 1/4 cup sugar Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. On waxed paper, mix flour and 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar; set aside. 2. Use a large bowl, with mixer at high speed, beat egg whites, espresso, cream of tartar, salt and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until soft peaks form. Beat in vanilla. Beating at high speed, sprinkle in granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, until sugar completely dissolves and whites stand in stiff, glossy peaks. 3. Sift flour mixture over egg whites, one-third at a time, folding in with rubber spatula after each addition. 4. Spoon batter into ungreased 10-inch tube pan. Bake cake until top springs back when lightly touched with finger, 35 to 40 minutes. Invert cake in pan on funnel or bottle and cool completely in pan. 5. With metal spatula, carefully loosen cake from pan, place on cake plate. In cup, mix remaining 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar with remaining 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon; sprinkle over top of cake. Nutritional Values Amount Per Serving Calories 99.2, Total Carbs 22.6 g, Dietary Fiber 0.2 g, Sugars 15.4 g, Total Fat 0.1 g, Potassium 104.8 mg, Protein 3.5 g, Sodium 114.8 mg Dietary Exchanges 1 Other Carbs , 1/2 Starch , 1/2 Lean Meat
903-883-5263
. November is here! Where has this year gone? Thanksgiving is so traditional. Everyone uses their mom’s or grandmother’s dressing recipe; the green bean casserole is there. Each family member has something they AlWAYS bring. (Except for my sister, Ginger, and that’s because we beg her not to bring anything) So I thought, “What is something new that I can do?” Nothing! So instead of trying to improve on Mom’s or my grandmother’s recipe, which isn’t possible, I’m going for cold weather, finger foods and a surprise that will knock your socks off!!! Of course if you read my recipes and think, well that soup would be better if I added so and so, please add it! ***** SLOW COOKER BBQ CHICKEN SOUP 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast 1/3 C diced onion 1 clove garlic finely chopped 1 can (15.25 oz) corn with peppers 1 can (15.5 oz) white beans, drained, rinsed 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed 5 C chicken broth (low sodium) 1 C favorite BBQ sauce 1 tsp salt ½ tsp pepper Shredded Cheddar cheese (or favorite cheese if desired) In 6-quart slow cooker, add chicken breast, onion, garlic, corn and beans. In a large bowl, mix broth, BBQ sauce, salt & pepper. Pour into slow cooker and cook on low heat setting for 6 hours (over night or while at work) Remove chicken breast from slow cooker, and shred using two forks. Place back in slow cooker. Cover and cook for additional 30 minutes. Serve soup topped with shredded cheese. Oh So YUMMM!!!! ***** CRUNCHY HONEY ROASTED CHICKEN FINGERS 2/3 C Original Bisquick™ mix 1/3 C very finely chopped honey-roasted peanuts ½ tsp salt or garlic salt 3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut crosswise into ½ inch strips 1 egg slightly beaten 3 Tbs Butter or margarine, melted
November, 2014 Heat oven to 450°. Line cookie sheet with foil; spray with cooking spray. Mix Bisquick mix, peanuts and slat in 1-gallon resealable plastic food-storage bag. Dip half the chicken strips into the egg; place in bag of Bisquick mixture. Seal bag; shake to coat. Place chicken on cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken. Drizzle butter over chicken. Bake 12 to 14 minutes, turning after 6 minutes with pancake turner, until on long pink in center. While cooking mix in separate small bowls, the sauce for each dip until well blended. Serve with chicken fingers. And this is so YUMMM!!!! Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: ¼ C honey or real maple syrup 1 ½ Tbs Dijon or yellow mustard. Creamy honey Dipping Sauce: 2 Tbs honey ¼ C mayonnaise (I used Miracle Whip) or sour cream ***** DEB’S SWEET TATER SURPRISE 1 ½ C granulated sugar 1/3 C brown sugar ¾ C vegetable oil 2 large eggs 2 C flour ¾ tsp baking powder ¾ tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
Page 21
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice mix 3 C finely chopped/grated sweet potatoes ¾ C finely chopped pecans ¾ C finely chopped coconut The Surprise: 11 oz cream cheese, softened ½ C powdered sugar 1 egg 1 Tbsp milk Preheat oven to 350°. Combine sugar, oil, and eggs and mix well. In a larger bowl, mix flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. Stir well. Slowly add your sugar, oil and eggs, mix well. Add finely chopped/grated sweet potatoes, pecans and coconut to batter. Divide half of mixture into 2 large loaf pans (or three smaller pans). Mix the surprise on low mixer setting until smooth and creamy, if stiff, add a little more milk, and mix well. Place 3 heaping spoons of the surprise mixture onto the batter already in your pan. Top with remaining mixture. Bake at 350° for 55-60 minutes until knife inserted into center comes out clean. Cool before taking out of pan. Sooo YUMMMMM when served warm, but keeps in freezer well with the extras for when company comes!
Page 22
November, 2014
THE GREAT HANGING Gainesville, Texas
Forty suspected Unionists in Confederate Texas were hanged at Gainesville in October 1862. Two others were shot as they tried to escape. Although the affair reached its climax in Cooke County, men were killed in neighboring Grayson, Wise, and Denton counties. Most were accused of treason or insurrection, but evidently few had actually conspired against the Confederacy, and many were innocent of the abolitionist sentiments for which they were tried. The Great Hanging was the result of several years of building tension. The completion of the Butterfield Overland Mail route from St. Louis through Gainesville brought many new people from the upper South and Midwest into Cooke County. By 1860 fewer than 10 percent of the heads of households owned slaves. The slaveholders increasingly feared the influence of Kansas abolitionists in every unrest. In the summer of 1860 several
slaves and a northern Methodist minister were lynched in North Texas. Cooke and the surrounding counties voted against secession and thus focused the fears of planters on the nonslaveholders in the region. Rumors of Unionist alliances with Kansas Jayhawkers and Indians along the Red River, together with the petition of E. Junius Foster, editor of the Sherman Patriot, to separate North Texas as a new free state, brought emotions to a fever pitch. Actual opposition to the Confederacy in Cooke County began with the Conscription Acts of April 1862. Thirty men signed a petition protesting the exemption of large slaveholders from the draft and sent it to the Congress at Richmond. Brig. Gen. William Hudson, commander of the militia district around Gainesville, exiled their leader, but others who remained used the petition to enlist a nucleus for a Union League in Cooke and nearby counties. The members were not highly unified, and their purposes differed with each clique. Most joined to resist the draft and provide common defense against roving Indians and renegades. Rumors began to circulate, however, of a membership of over 1,700 and of plans for an assault when the group had recruited enough men. Fearing that the stories of Unionist plots to storm the militia arsenals at Gainesville and Sherman might prove to be true, Hudson activated the state troops in North Texas in late September 1862 and ordered the arrest of all able-bodied men who did not report for duty. Texas state troops led by Col. James G. Bourland arrested more than 150 men on the morning of October 1. In Gainesville he and Col. William C. Young of the Eleventh Texas Cavalry, home on sick leave, supervised the collection of a “citizen’s court” of twelve jurors. Bourland and Young together owned nearly a fourth of the slaves in Cooke County, and seven of the jurors chosen were slaveholders. Their decision to convict on a majority vote was a bad omen for the prisoners, all of whom were accused of insurrection or treason and none of whom owned slaves. The military achieved its goal of eliminating the leadership of the Union League in Cooke County when the jury condemned seven influential Unionists, but an angry mob took matters into its own hands and lynched fourteen more before the jurors recessed. Violence in Gainesville peaked the next week when unknown assassins killed Young and James Dickson. The decision already made to release the rest of the prisoners was reversed, and many were tried again. Nineteen more men were convicted and hanged. Their execution was supervised by Capt. Jim Young, Colonel Young’s son. Brig. Gen. James W. Throckmorton prevented the execution of all but five men in Sherman, but in Decatur, Capt. John Hale supervised a committee that hanged five suspects. A Southern partisan shot a prisoner in Denton. Texas newspapers generally applauded the hangings, disparaged the Unionists as traitors and common thieves, and insisted they had material support from Kansas abolitionists and the Lincoln administration. The state government condoned the affair. Gov. Francis Richard Lubbock, an ardent Confederate, praised Hudson for his actions, and the legislature paid the expenses of the troops in Gainesville. Articles from the Texas press were reprinted across the South. President Jefferson Davis, embarrassed, abandoned his demand for an inquiry into a similar incident involving northern troops in Palmyra, Missouri, and dismissed Gen. Paul Octave Hébert as military commander of Texas for his improper use of martial law in several instances, including the hangings.
Texas Twister The northern press heralded the story as another example of Rebel barbarism. Andrew Jackson Hamilton, a former congressman from Texas and a Unionist, had been speaking in the North warning of the danger to loyal citizens in Texas. Reports of the Great Hanging and other incidents lent support to his campaign and led to his appointment as military governor of Texas and the disastrous Red River campaign of 1864. The unrest did not end with the hangings in North Texas. Albert Pike, Confederate brigadier general in charge of Indian Territory, was implicated in testimony and arrested. Although later released, Pike continued to be regarded with suspicion and served the rest of the war in civilian offices. Capt. Jim Young killed E. Junius Foster for applauding the death of his father. He also tracked down Dan Welch, the man he believed to be his father’s assassin, then returned with him to Cooke County and had him lynched by some of the family slaves. The Union League was powerless to exact revenge; many members fled along with the families of the slain prisoners, leaving bodies unclaimed for burial in a mass grave. A North Texas company of Confederate soldiers in Arkansas learned of the executions and almost mutinied, but tempers were defused by Brig. Gen. Joseph O. Shelby, their commander. Several men later deserted to return home, but Shelby prevented a mass assault on Gainesville. The half-hearted prosecution of those responsible for the hangings after the war, resulting in the conviction of only one man in Denton, increased resentment among the remaining Unionists in North Texas, but the failure of a Union League march on Decatur indicated the futility of further attempts at retaliation. Richard B. McCaslin, “GREAT HANGING AT GAINESVILLE,” Handbook of Texas Online (http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/jig01), accessed October 19, 2014. Uploaded on June 15, 2010. Published by the Texas State Historical Association.
903-883-5263
November, 2014
many custom options available. They are known for excellent quality embroidery for logo apparel, so be sure to contact them to help you show off your team or business logo! Name badges or corporate gifts? They’ve got them. Greenville Trophies is still locally owned and operated – consistently serving the Hunt County area for almost 40 years. When quality and personalized service counts, Greenville Trophies & Awards is the place to be. Visit their new location at the NW Corner of Wesley and Aileen Streets.
Hoyt Breathing Air Products is a professional breathing air products and service firm committed to providing technical excellence in the areas of Municipal and Industrial Fire and Rescue since 1992. We specialize in the sales and service of breathing air compressors, SCBA Air Paks and parts, Fit/Flow and Hydro testing, and air quality testing and certification. Hoy Breathing Air Products currently employs 12 office/technicians personnel in the West Tawakoni office and 4 technicians in the Houston area. Hoyt Breathing Air Products is a family business and has been located in West Tawakoni since its inception in 1992. The Hoyts have resided in West Tawakoni for over 30 years. We never forget that lives depend on how well we do our job. Our reliability and prompt service mean safety to hundreds of firefighting professionals across Texas. Greenville Trophies & Awards http://www.greenvilletrophies.com Pizza Hut 8755 State Hwy 34 S Quinlan, TX 903-356-3500 “Quinlan Pizza Hut is thrilled to be featured as a Business Of the Month! We are working hard to provide a great place to eat and we are doing as much as we can to make a positive impact on our community. Our goals are simple: we want to provide excellent food, outstanding service, and a welcoming atmosphere. We are always trying to find ways to stay relevant to our community, whether through donations/sponsorships, great Greenville Trophies & Awards 5412 Wesley St Greenville, TX 75402 903.455.5441 903.455.5443 fax Our Hours are: Monday-Friday: 9-5pm Closed Saturday & Sunday At Greenville Trophies & Awards, they make it their mission to find the best product to fit your needs. Whether you are shopping for promotional items to market your business or looking for an award for a stand-out employee, athlete, or team member for a job well done, they have
Page 23
discounts for businesses in the area, or awesome deals only available at our location. Simply put, we want to be the best place in town to get a fresh pizza, made by people who care and served with a smile. That is what we work towards and what we will always strive for. Please come by and see us!”
Sunset Resort took 15 acres of wooded land on the south western side of the Lake Tawakoni and has remodeled a once densely wooded area into the beautiful tranquil resort it is now. Sunset Resort on Lake Tawakoni offers a calm, beautiful relaxing environment where you can set your mind at ease. We offer everything from Long Term and Short Term Waterfront and Interior Shaded RV Sites to Fully Furnished Cabins allowing you to choose the setting that’s ideal for your weekend getaway. • Gated Community with Key Code Access • 24 Hour Recorded Video Surveillance Systems • Bath House • Laundry Facilities • Grocery Items, Drinks and Snacks • Ice • Spectacular Sunsets • Fishing Pier • Public Boat Ramp Directly Across the Street • 40 X 80 Pavilion with Full Kitchen • Wi-Fi Throughout the Park • 150 Unit Storage Facility We thoroughly enjoy sharing with others what we have been blessed with here at Sunset Resort.
903-883-5263
November, 2014
Page 25
SEEDS OF HOPE Is someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? I John 4:20 We live in a country where risk-taking is a national hobby. We sky-dive, swim with sharks, and race cars and motorcycles at insane speeds. We bungee-jump, tightrope-walk, climb mountains, and crawl through dark dangerous caves. Yet, that said, many of us won’t take the biggest risk of all: loving our neighbors. You know, like the beggar at the intersection, the mentally impaired person on the street, the elderly person on your block who can’t maintain their home, the struggling family member who can’t manage their finances. It’s loving all of these, our neighbors, which seems to frighten us. And yet we’ve been commanded to look after our neighbors, to love those around us, to be willing to be uncomfortable is Jesus’ name. Why can’t we seem to overcome our discomfort with others? Fear, pride, or feelings of being busy or overwhelmed are all part of the equation. Mistrust and prejudice may also have a portion. So how can we move beyond ourselves and look after our neighbors? In the Bible, Mark 12:30 gives us two directives: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Scripture gives us an example of this love being practiced in the story of the Good Samaritan. In Luke 10, verses 30-37, we see two church-goers pass by a beaten robbery victim on the street. A third man, one of society’s outcasts, stops to help. He not only tends to the man’s injuries, but pays for a room in which the robbery victim can recuperate, and offers to pay for his medical care until he is well. Upon telling this story, Jesus asks “Which of these three men was a neighbor to the one who was attacked?” The answer is obvious. The question, then, becomes “What would our world and our communities look like today, if we had the courage to, take the risk, and love our neighbors with actions instead of words? “Dear children, let us not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 4:18 This is the challenge for us today, to demonstrate God’s love as we tangibly care for our neighbors. Think about it. Bertram Cooper-Community Seeds Jennifer Vanderstok-Marketing Support
903-883-5263
November, 2014
FREE CANCER SCREENING!
Dr. Gene Hamil
In 2013, 232,340 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed. That year approximately 39,620 women in the United States were expected to die from breast cancer. Only lung cancer accounts for more cancer deaths in women. The death rate has gone down significantly due to public awareness and early treatment, but nearly 40,000 deaths is just not acceptable. The survival rate is about 83%. We must work harder. We completely support breast cancer awareness, but I have to say I was a little bit jealous that the pink ribbons were everywhere and there was no awareness of oral cancer. There is not enough public awareness & checking by the dental professionals with about 54,000 oral cancers diagnosed annually with approximately 13,400 deaths. The 5 year survival rate is about 53%. The survival rate is the worst of all cancers. At Parkway Dental we offer free cancer screening. Just call and make an appointment. For more information, visit www.oralcancerfoundation.org
Page 27
A married couple was in a terrible accident where the man’s face was severely burned. The doctor told the husband that they couldn’t graft any skin from his body because he was too skinny. So the wife offered to donate some of her own skin. However, the only skin on her body that the doctor felt was suitable would have to come from her buttocks. The husband and wife agreed that they would tell no one about where the skin came from, and they requested that the doctor also honor their secret. After all, this was a very delicate matter. After the surgery was completed, everyone was astounded at the man’s new face. He looked more handsome than he ever had before! All his friends and relatives just went on and on about his baby face! One day, he was alone with his wife, and he was overcome with emotion at her sacrifice. He said, “Dear, I just want to thank you for everything you did for me. How can I possibly repay you?” My darling,” she replied, “I get all the thanks I need every time I see your mother kiss you on the cheek.”