Our story begins with George and Mary Isbell in Hailfax County,
Virginia. They with three sons moved to Robertson County, Tennessee abaout
1800. One son, Thomas D. Isbell and wife Rebecca Yates Isbell became the
parents of my Grandfather Yearby Hudson Isbell in 1827. Next we find them
in Benton County Missouri before 1840 for when the county was organized
in 1840, Thomas D. was one of the first justices appointed; court sessions
and elections were held in the Isbell home. In 1846 Grandfather married
Caroline Elizabeth Lindsey, the daughter of John W. and Peggy Linn Lindsey,
born in Christian County, Kentucky in 1826. Sometimebefore 1858, Y.H. and
Caroline with their four children moved to Wise County Texaswhere my father
Yearby Hudson Isbell Jr. was born.March 5, 1858. It is thought that he
was the first white child born in Wise County. Later they moved to Parker
County, settling across the road from the old Veal Station Hall where later
the children attended school. Grandfather hauled the lumber from East Texas
to build the home which still stands and is known as the Billy Boyd place.
The War between the States came,Texas seceded, and a call for volunteers
was issued. Grandfather volunterred and was assigned to Fort Brunson. From
there he was transfered to the State service as a Texas Ranger in charge
of a group of Tonkawa Indians to patrol the Northern Border and to warn
of any renegade attacks. Grandfather was allowed to care for his home in
addition to his military duties. On one occasion, several Tonkawas accompanied
him to the farm and after the children recovered from their fear, they
and the Indians became good friends. After the War, Grandfather became
the repesentative for the Seth Thomas clocks which were shipped down the
Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, around to Galveston where he would get them
and other freight to be delivered. he would sell the clocks or trade one
for four head of cattle. In this way he built up a nice heard. Grandfather
died in 1873 to be followed in death by Caroline in 1889. Both are buried
at Veal Station as are sons John Thomas, Linn Boyd, Eli Shelton, Y.H. Jr.,
and Alfred Veal. Other Isbell children were Minerva, George, Caroline Elizabeth,
and William. My father married Mary Louella, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs.
W.S.Patterson, born 1862, died in 1890. Twin daughters were born in 1880.
Maude married Lee Ward in 1906. Their children are Mary Ruth Sharpe and
Yearby Henry Ward. Minnie married W.A. Woody in 1908. Their children are
Ina Mae Breese, Mildred Rogers, Louella Kelly, Willie Maude Harvey, and
W.A. Woody Jr. After the death of his first wife, he married a Miss Cumming.
For that record see "The Cumming-Isbell Family" My father served as Constable
in Springtown for several years. He served as Sheriff of Parker County
from 1896-1900. During World War I he served with Judge Temple and Dr.Heartstill
on the Selective Service Board. He passed away in 1926. From the obituary
in the Daily Hearld: "Mr. Isbell was one of the best known and highly respected
and honored citizens of our country. Aquite, unassuming man of rugged honesty
and upright character, he numbered his friends by the thousands. It is
with deep regret that our people will learn of his passing". (Credit to
Woody Kelly for some of the information) Lavinia Caroline Bell.
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"The Cumming-Isbell Family"
After the death of his first wife, Y.H. Isbell Jr. married Frances
Isabella Cumming in 1891. Their first child , Gertrude was born in Springton
while her father was Constable. She was the bookkeeper for John Hart's
Grocery before marrying Everett Ritch in 1918. They lived on the Isbell
farm and operated a large dairy. Gertrude died in 1960 and Everett in 1961.
Both are buried at Dicey. Their only child , Mary Frances Isbell was born
in Weatherford in 1919. While in Weaterford schools she was active with
the school publications. After graduating from Texas Woman's University
she taught for several years and was employed at the Tribune in Ft.Worth.
In 1948 she and Clyde Richards, an employee of the Missouri and Pacific
, were married in Weatherford.
Summer 1911. Back: Eva Woody, Gertrude Isbell, Ethel Isbell.
Front: Minnie Woody, holding Mildred, Ina Mae Woody.
