Criswell Community Pictures

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Criswell Community Pictures

      Marcus Thomas Durham came to Texas from Alabama after the Civil War, settling between Marlin and Riesel in 1867.

      Two years later he purchased property and a home in a community in northeastern Falls county that would later become known as Criswell.

      The Criswell Community, comprised of several hundred residents, was a thriving farming community during the late 1800's and early 1900's.

      On June 4, 1886, M. T. Durham deeded 10 acres of his property out of the Jonas Brewton survey (abstract #95 Falls Co., TX) to the community of Criswell for the sum of one dollar. The property was to be used for the purposes of a school, church and burial grounds.

      It appears that at the time the property was donated, 21 marked graves existed in what would become Criswell Cemetery. The oldest marked grave is that of C. M. Criswell who died February 27, 1873.

      The second oldest marked grave is that of M. T. Durham's father, Thomas Durham born March 1811 died March 1873.

      Not long after the property was deeded to the community, a building was built on the property east of the cemetery. This building served as a school during the week and as a church on the weekend. The original building burned in the late 1920's and was replaced approximately one year later with the building that is presently on the property. This building continued to be used as a school and a church until the early 1950's when the school consolidated with the Ben Hur School district.

      The Criswell Community has long since faded away and the cemetery and school house is the only remaining evidence of what was once a thriving community.

      The Criswell Cemetery is located on Falls County Road 159 in northeast Falls County. From the community of Otto, take FM 1240 south 3.8 miles to County Road 159. Turn left on 159, go 2.1 miles to the T in the road, turn left and go 1.2 miles, the cemetery is on the left.

      BIBLIOGRAPHY · Criswell Cemetery Association. Minutes 1951 - 2000. · Falls County Deed Records, abstract #95, Vol. W, page 318, Falls County, Texas. · Falls County Historical Commission. Families of Falls County, Texas (Austin: Eakin, 1987) p. 125 · Fox, Bill. Criswell Cemetery, Falls County, Texas Survey 1999 - 2000. Copy available at Nancy Nail Memorial Library, Mart, Texas.

TITLE	DESCRIPTION	CONTRIBUTED BY
Criswell Home Near Criswell Community	Criswell home in the country near the Criswell Community.	Jeanette Jordan
Thomas Leroy Criswell and Family	Thomas Leroy Criswell and Family ca 1905 Back Row: L - R Thomas Ellsbury, Bessie, and Johnnie Front Row: Myrtle, Whit, Marcus, Carl Jackson, Ree, and Mary Catherine holding Blanche See the bio of Thomas Leroy "Whit" Criswell submitted by Jeanette Jordan	Jeanette Jordan
Thomas "Whit" and Mary Catherine Criswell	Thomas "Whit" and Mary Catherine Criswell in their later years.	Jeanette Jordan
William G. "Willie" and Ida Pauline (Heine) Wolf	William G. "Willie" and Ida Pauline (Heine) Wolf on their Wedding Day in about 1901. They lived in Criswell Community about 1/2 mile from the Criswell Cemetery. The family still owns this land today. William G. "William" and Ida Pauline (Heine) Wolf are both buried in the St. John's Cemetery at Otto.	Joyce Shehorn Stone
Ida Pauline Heine Wolf	Ida Pauline (Heine) Wolf, wife of William G. "Willie" G. Wolf. This picture was taken by Sproul & Son in Taylor, Texas. The date is unknown at this time.	Joyce Shehorn Stone
Dan James, W. D. Wolf, Walter Wolf, John Maines	Written on back of photo: Left to Right Dan James, W. D. Wolf, Walter Wolf, John Maines Walter Wolf is the son of William Wolf, and Walter's family also lived on the Wolf property located about 1/2 mile from Criswell Cemetery. This picture was taken abt. 1941.	Joyce Shehorn Stone
Winnie, W. D. and Walter Wolf	Written on back of photo: Winnie, W. D. and Walter Wolf. This picture was taken at their home in Criswell abt. 1949 - 1950.	Joyce Shehorn Stone
Jacob Wolf	Jacob Wolf was born January 11, 1858 and he died July 15, 1913. He is buried in Criswell Cemetery 1st wife - Koroline D. Ulmer - buried at Mettina Cemetery Children of Jacob & Koroline D. (Ulmer) Wolf are: 1. William G. Wolf - buried at St. John’s Cemetery - married Ida Pauline Heine 2. Mary Wolf - died in 1909 and is buried at Goliad, Texas - married Wesley C. Groth 1902 in Falls Co. Marlin Democrat - September 11, 1902 - Locals Mary and Wesley’s son John Walter Groth died February 8, 1904 - buried at Criswell Cemetery inside Groth curbing 3. Albert Jacob Wolf - buried at Riesel Cemetery in McLennan Co. - married Lucy Louiza Caddell 4. Emma Wolf - buried at Criswell Cemetery married Jesse James Mercer 5. Eliesea Wolf - buried at Marlin - married Dan James 6. Sophie Wolf - buried at Hillcrest Cemetery in Falls Co. - married John Maines Also, several of Jacob and Koroline’s babies are buried at Mettina Cemetery There were no visible grave markers for these children during a survey of the Mettina cemetery in 2001 by Barbara (Caddell) Fox 2nd wife - Mary E. Johnson - buried at Criswell Cemetery Children of Jacob & Mary E. (Johnson) Wolf are: 1. Fred Wolf - buried at Lost Prairie Cemetery in Limestone Co. - married Myrtle D. Ellis 2. Ernest Wolf - buried at Marlin - married R. Jettie Ellis 3. "Little Child" Wolf - buried at Criswell Cemetery inside Wolf curbing - March 3, 1909 - The Daily Democrat Falls County News - Criswell Chirps: “We regret very much to note the death of Jacob Wolf’s little child, but let God’s will be done, not ours.” 4. Josie Wolf - buried at Criswell Cemetery inside Wolf curbing 5. Stella Wolf - buried at Criswell Cemetery - married Marshall Woods Several of Jacob and Mary’s children are buried inside the Wolf curbing in Criswell Cemetery including "little child" and Josie. Note from Barbara (Caddell) Fox: There are no visible grave markers for the children	Laura Emma Mercer Hasbrouck and Joyce Shehorn Stone
Emma Wolf Mercer	Emma Wolf Mercer was born March 11, 1891 and she died April 3, 1968. She is buried in Criswell Cemetery	Laura Emma Mercer Hasbrouck
Old Bradley Homeplace	Old Bradley Homeplace Located on Little Elm Road Between the Criswell & Odds Communities Limestone, County Texas Even though this home is located in Limestone County, this is the house W. D. Wolf was born in on February 27, 1937, and also Joyce (Shehorn) Stone was born here on September 24, 1933. The bedroom on far right was the room Grandpa Bradley was operated on for brain tumor and is where he died during this operation. Grandpa Bradley is John W. Bradley b June 23, 1862, d February 13, 1908 and is buried in Tidwell Cemetery, Limestone Co., Texas. Written on the back of this picture: Mrs. Lula Milton Mammie Simmons Alvis & Ethel Simmons Isom Chisum This picture was taken 1909 - 1910. W. D. Wolf was married to Mary Ellen (Martinez) Wolf, b October 16, 1942, d September 16, 2003 and she is buried in Criswell Cemetery of which W. D. Wolf is one of Criswell Cemetery Association Directors for the years 2004 - 2007. W. D. and Mary Ellen Wolf were married on November 17, 1962. Joyce (Shehorn) Stone married Marshall Stone, b September 7, 1926, d December 6, 1982 and he is also buried in Criswell Cemetery. They were married on February 1, 1949. Please see the Criswell Cemetery page for more pictures of Marshall Stone. This home is no longer standing, but the Wolf family owns the land. Bradley Family Photo taken 1906 Left to Right: John W., age 44; Sallie, age 40 Della Marie, age 16; Mamie, age 19; Clara, age 13 Sallie Bradley died April 2, 1952 & is buried at Ft. Parker Cemetery in Limestone Co., Tx Della married Wade Hamilton Simmons Both are buried at Big Hill Cemetery in Limestone Co., Tx. Mamie married Luther S. Simmons Clara married Frank Shields Della & Wade are Winnie Simmons Wolf's parents, & the grandparents of W. D. Wolf & Joyce Shehorn Stone & Bobbie Louise Patterson Stone Nehring & the great-grandparents of Paula M. Stone McIntosh. Bobbie is buried at Criswell Cemetery, Winnie and Paula are buried at Hillcrest Cemetery.	Joyce Shehorn Stone
Winnie Simmons (Wolf)	Written on back of photo: Winnie Simmons (Wolf) made at Commerce while at college 1931.	Joyce Shehorn Stone
Johnnie Leslie Caddell	Johnnie Leslie Caddell was the son of G. W. Caddell Ollie Caddell is on the back row without a hat, my grandpa (the baby on his mom's lap) said that Ollie died of typhoid fever. Ollie, Johnnie Caddell (boy in front of Ollie) & Jess Caddell (baby) are all buried in Criswell Cemetery. This picture was taken in abt. late 1905.	Barbara (Caddell) Fox
Eva G. Grisham	Eva G. Grisham was born September 23, 1896 and died January 5, 1982, and she was the wife of W. Oscar Grisham, born October 23, 1871, and died April 4, 1942. It is unknown at this time when this picture was taken. Eva and Oscar Grisham both are buried in Criswell Cemetery, Falls County, Texas. The obit of Eva G. Grisham is also on this site.	Barbara (Caddell) Fox
George Jefferson Caddell Sr. & Susie Helen (Walker) Caddell	George Jefferson Caddell Sr. & Susie Helen (Walker) Caddell. This picture was most likely taken in the 1940's. At the bottom of photo it reads: Peeler Bros. Studio Marlin, Texas The obits of George Jefferson Caddell, Sr., and Susie Helen (Walker) Caddell are also on this site.	Barbara (Caddell) Fox
Oscar Leldon Grisham	Oscar Leldon dressed in his Navy Uniform. It is not known when this picture was taken. Oscar Leldon was born November 1, 1927, in Limestone County and was reared and educated in the Criswell and Ben Hur communities. He married Betty Dempsey on November 8, 1958 and he is buried in Criswell Cemetery, Falls County, Texas and his tombstone picture and obit are on this site also.	Barbara (Caddell) Fox
Henry Fields Stone, Sr.	Henry Fields Stone, Sr. taken in 1969. Henry Fields Stone, Sr. was born January 20, 1906 in Limestone County, Texas and died August 11, 1972. Henry Fields Stone, Sr. and his wife Gertrude E. Stone, born December 18, 1908 and died January 23, 2000 are buried in Criswell Cemetery, Falls County, Texas and his obit is on this site too.	Joyce Shehorn Stone
Henry Fields Stone, Jr., Marshall Stone, Billy A. Stone	Henry Fields Stone, Jr., Marshall Stone, Billy A. Stone This picture was taken in about 1965. Henry Fields Stone, Jr. is buried in Criswell Cemetery, Falls County, Texas. He also has a Military tombstone and his obit is on this site too. Henry Fields Jr. & Billy are brothers, & Marshall is their cousin.	Joyce Shehorn Stone
Stone Boys	This picture was taken about 1931, probably at the old Stone homeplace which was about 1/2 mile SSE of Criswell Cemetery. The land is still in the Stone family. Written on back of picture: Stone Boys Charles Jr Marshall Peaches Billy Kyle Charles Jr is behind the chair, Marshall has his mouth open, Peaches, (whose name is G. Z.) is not looking at the camera, & Billy Kyle is the baby in the chair.	Joyce Shehorn Stone
Wesley Dee & Laura Stone	Wesley Dee & Laura Stone. Laura is feeding the chickens & Wesley is holding Rex. It is unknown at this time when this picture was taken. Wesley Dee Stone is buried in Criswell Cemetery and his obit is also on this site.	Joyce Shehorn Stone
Paula Stone McIntosh	Paula Stone McIntosh, daughter of Conrad & Bobbie Lou Stone, and wife of Danny G. McIntosh. Conrad & Bobbie Lou Stone are buried in Criswell Cemetery and Paula Stone McIntosh is buried in Hillcrest Cemetery.	Joyce Shehorn Stone
Carolyn Ann Ray	Carolyn Ann Ray was the daughter of J. E. & Louise Stone Ray. She was born June 2, 1944 and died Januray 17, 1951. This picture was taken when she was 4 yrs. old. This picture of Carolyn Ann was a school picture taken in 1950. She was 6 yrs. old at this time. Carolyn Ann is buried in Criswell Cemetery	Joyce Shehorn Stone
Charlie C. & Shirley Mae Stone	This is a picture of Charlie C. & Shirley Mae Stone taken in abt. 1968 at the Annual Stone Family Reunion that is held at Criswell Cemetery. Charlie C. Stone was born February 25, 1900, and died December 30, 1971. Shirley Mae Stone was born January 17, 1902 and died March 24, 1991. Both Charlie and Shirley are buried in Criswell Cemetery.	Joyce Shehorn Stone
Mary Elizabeth "Molly" Williams Stone & Newton Alexander "Alex" Stone	This picture of Mary Elizabeth "Molly" Williams Stone & Newton Alexander "Alex" Stone was taken taken at their home (the old Stone homeplace) near Criswell Cemetery in the early 1940's. Newton Alexander "Alex" was born November 1, 1871, and died April 19, 1941. Mary Elizabeth "Molly" Williams Stone was born July 11, 1877, and died March 23, 1946. Both Alex and Molly are buried in Criswell Cemetery.	Louise Stone Ray
John Allan Stone	John Allan Stone was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Kyle Stone. John Allan Stone was born July 16, 1956, and died August 12, 1957, and is buried in Criswell Cemetery.	Louise Stone Ray
Danny Lynn Stone	Danny Lynn Stone, about 4 years old, son of Charles Jr. & Eunice Mae Briggs Stone. Danny Lynn Stone was born December 30, 1953, and died November 24, 2003, and is buried in Criswell Cemetery.	Louise Stone Ray
Conrad Allen Stone	Conrad Allen Stone, Ben Hur School photo 1948-49, son of William Newell (Doodlebug) & Mina Mae Ray Stone. Conrad Allen Stone was born April 24, 1934, and died November 17, 1983, and is buried in Criswell Cemetery.	Louise Stone Ray
Bobbie Lou Patterson & Conrad Allen Stone - 1978	Bobbie Lou Patterson and Conrad Allen Stone. This picture was taken about 1978. Bobbie Lou was married to Conrad Allen Stone and Robert D. Nehring. She was born Januray 22, 1938 and died July 31, 2003. Conrad Allen Stone was born April 24, 1934 and died November 17, 1983. Both are buried at Criswell Cemetery.	Wanda Ray Havranek
Ola Fay Walts, Linnie Pelma Walts, Shirley Mae Stone, Nettie Smith	L - R Ola Fay Walts, Linnie Pelma Walts, Shirley Mae Stone, Nettie Estelle Smith. Photo taken at Criswell Cemetery, probably at a Stone Family Reunion in the early 1980's. Daughters of William H. "Bill" & Sarah "Alice" Smith Stone. Linnie Pelma (Stone) Walts was born September 6, 1912, and died July 11, 1986, and is buried in Criswell Cemetery.	Louise Stone Ray
Stone Family 1925	Photo taken about 1925 probably at Mary "Mollie" Stone's home. L - R: Laura Denton Stone (wife of Wesley Dee Stone) (little girl) - Lucille Stone (Williams) Nettie Estelle Stone Smith Mary Elizabeth "Mollie" Williams Stone (young girl) - Lois Stone (Warneke) Ola Fay Stone Walts (baby sitting) - Charles Stone Jr., & his mom, Shirley Mae Stone (little girl standing behind baby) - Louise Stone (Ray) Lula Mae Stone	Louise Stone Ray
Stone Cousins	This was probably taken at Kosse Cemetery in the late 1990's. Some of those in the photo are L - R: Maxine Stone Smith (in white jacket & skirt) G. Z. "Peaches" Stone (in dark brown suit) Dovie Stone Winkleman Mary Smith Potts (in brown and white polka dot dress) Charles Stone Jr. Billie Ruth Smith Vanek Bobbie Stone Kimble (purse strap across chest)	Louise Stone Ray
Caroline Ann Ray	Caroline Ann Ray 1st day of school September 1950 The school bus driver was her uncle, Billy Kyle Stone.	Louise Stone Ray
Murray Beverly Ray	Murray Beverly Ray was son of Jesse Felix & Odie Mae Williams Ray. This photo was taken in Marlin in late 1950's. Murray contracted polio before age 6 and as a result, used crutches all of his life. Murray Beverly Ray was born September 11, 1931 and died November 22, 1982 and is buried in Criswell Cemetery.	Louise Stone Ray
Jesse & Odie Mae Ray	Jesse & Odie Mae Ray. Photo was taken in the late 1940's or early 1950's.	Louise Stone Ray
Odie Mae Williams Ray & Jesse Felix Ray	Odie Mae Williams Ray & Jesse Felix Ray. This photo was taken in late 1940's or early 1950's. Odie May Williams Ray was born 1896 and died June 13, 1954. Jesse Felix Ray was born 1888 and died 1956, both are buried in Criswell Cemetery. They were married in 1912.	Louise Stone Ray
Wanda Ray Havranek	Wanda Ray Havranek is the daughter of Jess & Odie Ray. She was born near Criswell, Falls Co., Texas. This photo was taken in 1955 in Waco, McLennan Co., Texas.	Wanda Ray Havranek
Harvey & Virginia Patterson	Harvey & Virginia Patterson. Harvey is the son of Wanda Ray Havranek.	Wanda Ray Havranek
Elsie Faye (Wright) Williams	Elsie Faye (Wright) Williams. This photo was taken in Marlin about 1948 - 1949. Elsie Faye (Wright) Williams was born May 20, 1923 and died April 7, 1970. She was the daughter of Thomas G. & Elsie P. Walker Wright, and sister of Mildred Elizabeth Wright Stone (Climer), all are buried at Criswell Cemetery.	Louise Stone Ray
Johnny Edward & Bobbie Louise (Stone) Ray	Johnny Edward & Bobbie Louise (Stone) Ray Early Years Johnny Edward is buried in Criswell Cemetery.	Louise Stone Ray
Johnny Edward & Bobbie Louise (Stone) Ray	Johnny Edward & Bobbie Louise (Stone) Ray Later Years	Louise Stone Ray
Johnny Edward Ray Military Picture	Johnny Edward Ray Military Picture	Louise Stone Ray
Johnny Edward Ray Military Picture	Johnny Edward Ray Military Picture	Louise Stone Ray

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