Confederate and Texas Heroes Monuments Unveiled

In 1909, Gonzales County had a population of 28,955 with a town population of 3,139. On January 6, new iron fences were placed around the Courthouse and North Avenue Park to improve the area. On January 13, the Presbyterian manse was nearing completion, which was later razed. Excavation was also made for a cement fence to be placed around the Gonzales County Courthouse at a cost of $1,300. On April 10, the Confederate Monument by Frank Teich was unveiled, which included a wrought iron fence encircling the monument, and was built by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Number 545. Halley’s comet was visible on May 16. On August 10, F.A. Schlick was elected representative to the Texas Legislature, 56th District. On August 22, Mr. C.E. Dilworth let the contract for the building of a fine two-story brick home to be built on the site of his present home at 222 Saint Peter Street. His current residence (the G.W. Littlefield House, built in 1885) was purchased by T.F. Harwood and moved to the vacant lot at 510 Saint Matthew Street. Oleomargarine was touted as a substitute for butter on September 10. On September 14, the bronze Texas Hero statue was placed on its base but veiled until dedication in October. The house bought from C.E. Dilworth by Mrs. T.M. Harwood had been moved to its new location on September 20. 8,000 bales of cotton were received to date, beating last year’s total of 4,915 on September 21. On October 20, the corner stone was placed on the northeast corner of the new Post Office, and the bronze Texas Heroes monument by Pompeo Coppini was unveiled on what is now known as Texas Heroes Square (Block 18). The weather was inclement, causing the ceremony to be moved to the Gonzales Opera House. On November 14, the Honorable William Jennings Bryan spoke at the Opera House on November 23 at 9:30 a.m. under the sponsorship of the Mothers Club. Many local businesses advertised that they would close from 9:30 to 11:30 on the 23rd so that everyone could attend the W.J. Bryan lecture at that time. Tickets sold fast at $1 for a seat on the floor and $.050 for a balcony seat on November 21. Mr. Bryan was picked up in Harwood by a caravan of local citizens in automobiles on November 23. He was housed at the Plaza Hotel, and portions of his speech were printed in the Inquirer. It ended with “Speed the day when the badge of disgrace be put upon the idler.” On November 25, the cement foundation for the new Catholic Church was laid by contractor A.O. Newman. Typhoid fever was reported in the city on November 28, with suggestions to keep the city clean to prevent further spread. On December 10, the population of Texas was reported to be at 3,896,542. On December 17, a new Pound Master and City Scavenger were appointed by the City Council. On December 28, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Thomas Shelton Chapter (DAR) was formed. Fundraising for a metal fence to be placed around City Cemetery on College Street by the Ladies City Cemetery Society was also reported. Several houses were built during the year, including the M.H. Forgotston House at 218 St. George (Block 16), the Edward Lewis House at 605 St. Louis Street (Block 39), and the George Ewing House at 604 St. Michael street.