History of Texas, Together with a Biographical History of Milam, Williamson, Bastrop, Travis, Lee and Burleson Counties. Page: 586

HISTORY OF TEXAS.

later married Emily, one of the younger
members of this family, who shared the joys
and sorrows of this life with him for twentyodd
years. His marriage led to his permanent
settlement in Burleson county, which
occurred about 1838 or 1839, this being
about the time the seat of justice for " old
Milam county " was moved from Nashville
to the town of Caldwell. He was one of the
first settlers at the new county seat, and
probably opened the first store at this place.
He was actively identified with the history
of the place from the date of his settlement
here until his death some sixteen or eighteen
years later. His marriage took place June
6, 1842. After that date he assumed the
serious duties of life with steadiness and
equanimity, and became one of the thrifty,
industrious and public-spirited men of this
locality. He was engaged for several years
in merchandising in Caldwell, and later in
farming and stock-raising on a limited scale,
at which pursuits he accumulated some means
which he used with the facilities then at
hand for educating his children. He never
held any public office, but was active in local
and State politics, being a great admirer and
life-long friend of General Houston. Judge
R. E. B. Baylor, who was then prominent in
politics and church matters, was another of
his old-time friends, as were most of the
public men in this part of the Republic.
Although a devoted follower of General
Hloutton's personal political fortunes, he opposed
annexation in 1845-'46, believing that
Texas had territory enough for a separate
government, and would in due time become
sufficiently strong financially to support a
government of its own; but lie acquiesced in
the decision of the majority, and when the
secession question began to be abated in
1860-'61 he was as much opposed to Texas

withdrawing from the Union as he had been
to l)er entering it. When, however, his native
State of Virginia withdrew and cast her
lot with the Confederacy, he no longer stood
out against the movement, but entered with
spirit into the plans of the South, and until
his death, May 29, 1864, he gave to the
" lost cause" the best support of which he
was capable, being beyond the age of military
duty. He was fifty-three at the time of
his death and reasonably well preserved in
body and mind. He had led an active life,
especially in his earlier years; had been
brought in personal contact with the rugged
forces of nature as well as of society, but
these left no serious marks on his character.
When he married and assumed the responsibility
of a family his conduct became that of
the husband and father solicitous for the welfare
and good name of those under his charge,
and till the day of his death his chief concern
seemed to be for these. In 1856 he
became converted and united with the Baptist
Church at Caldwell, of which he was
soon elected Deacon, and held this position
as long as he lived. Next to his love for his
family and his church, Texas,-the home of
his adoption and whose history he had helped
to make,-stood supreme in his affections.
He was cast in the mold of the pioneer and
was well trained in the schools of experience.
Brave, honest, generous and hospitable, with
a scrupulous regard for what he conceived to
be right and a broad charity for the failings
of others, of sound intelligence on the common
affairs of life, he was well formed for
the life he led.
Emily Hitchcock, who, as above noted, becaine
the wife of Lewis L. Chiles, was a native
of Georgia, born Decbmber 13, 1824,
and was a daughter of James and Betsy
Hitchcock, who were natives of Virginia,