Shootouts, Social Clubs, and New Development

In the early months of 1901, Henry Kane was chosen to build a cotton mill in Gonzales, Texas. By the end of January, the ground had been broken for the mill on St. Lawrence Street. In February, a gunfight broke out in Schleyer’s Saloon resulting in the death of the owner, Oscar Schleyer. The city saw several construction projects underway including a brick cotton mill, B.N. Peck’s three-story building, and Kleine’s eight buildings. Additionally, J.P. Randle and R.S. Dilworth began construction on six buildings on St. Paul Street while Coke Dilworth began construction on six buildings on St. Joseph Street. Willie Ben Peck’s building on the corner of St. James and St. Lawrence was completed and would later become known as the home of the Ara Brothers Pecan business for many years. The Women’s Literary Club was formed, later to be reformed in 1925 as The Woman’s Study Club. In March, the servant’s house on the G.N. Dilworth homestead was moved to the Dilworth’s new home. The city faced two cases of smallpox resulting in school being dismissed for a few days and all children requiring vaccination before returning. Construction projects continued with the F.O. Smith House built on Darst Street and the James F. Miller House begun on St. Joseph Street. The First Methodist Church completed construction of its brick church on the northwest corner of Church Square. The Beau-Not Club for young ladies was also organized. In April, the cornerstone was laid at the Cotton Mill at 1600 St. Lawrence Street. The mill cost $50,000, measured 104’x236′, had 5000 spindles, and employed 150 workers on day and night shifts. In July, Gregorio Cortez was placed in the Gonzales County Jail after being indicted for the murder of Sheriff R.M. Glover. In August, the City Council declared new ordinances, including prohibiting bicycles on sidewalks, removing utility posts from the streets, and enforcing the ordinance against littering. In September, the Gonzales Cotton Oil Manufacturing Company began buying up most of Block 3 to establish their business. President William McKinley was assassinated in September, and in November, the United Daughters of the Confederacy Chapter Number 545 was organized with 135 charter members. Finally, the Gonzales Inquirer listed all US cities with populations over 25,000, and the San Marcos River bridge was completed, replacing the 1880 bridge.