History of Texas, Together with a Biographical History of Milam, Williamson, Bastrop, Travis, Lee and Burleson Counties. Page: 749

HISTORY OF TEXAS. -49

and New Orleans. In 1853 he came to
Texas, was engaged as clerk iu a country store
near Paris, Lamar county, until 1858, and in
that year embarked in business for himself
at Gabriel Mills, Williamson county. In
1867 Mr. Grant came to Liberty Hill, and
since 1870 has been the leading merchant of
the town. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in
Company G, Seventeenth Texas Infantry, was
soon promoted Second Lieutenant, and later
served as Captain of his company until peace
was declared. He remained on the west side
of the Mississippi river, and his services
were marked with faithfulness and efficiency.
In his political relations, Mr. Grant is a
Democrat. He is Treasurer of the Masonic
fraternity, and is a Steward and zealous
worker in the Methodist Church, also a
teacher in the Sunday-school.
Captain Grant was married in Lamnar
county, Texas, May 10, 1855, to Melvina T.
Casbeer. They have had nine children,
namely: J. M., in charge of the express
office at Fort Worth; Sarah L., a teacher in
the preparatory department of the Southwestern
University at Georgetown; Rebecca
wife of Mr. Harris, of Goldthwaite, Texas;
Thomas C., depot agent of the Austin &
Northwestern Railroad at Liberty Hill;
James B., who died October 31, 1892; Lillie,
a teacher in the public school of Goldthwaite;
Melvina, wife Prof. J. H. Moorly,
of Liberty Hill; Kate and Margie, at home.
RS. MARY J. PHEGLEY, an estimable
lady and widely known resident
of Burleson county, Texas, is
one of the largest property owners
in the county, being the widow of Merifield
Phegley, who was for many years an ener

getie and progressive citizen of this vicinity,
and who contributed in various ways to the
advancement and welfare of the community.
Merifield Phegley was born in Kentucky,
April 1, 1818, where he grew to manhood.
He was there married, and his first child was
born in that State. In 1847 he moved to
Texas and settled in Burleson county, where,
after one or two moves, he took up his residence
near Caldwell, where the remainder of
his life was passed. He was poor when he
came to the Lone Star State, but by prudent
management and hard work he acquired a
comfortable inheritance, and left his family
comfortably provided for. At the time of
his death, he had about 1800 acres of valuable
land, there being more than 500 acres
under cultivation on his five or six farms.
He spent most of his life in farming and
stock-raising, hogs being his principal production.
He was -endowed with more than
ordinary energy and enterprise, and being
retired and domestic in his tastes, gave his
attention strictly to his home interests. He
was not active in politics, other than casting
his influence in favor of worthy and capable
men for office. He joined the Baptist Church
in early life and was ever a worthy member
of that denomination. Of thorough integrity,
industrious and kind-hearted, he made
many warm friends in his community, by
whom he was greatly mourned on his death,
August 8, 1892. his memory being still
cherished by those among whom so many
useful years of his life was spent.
Mr. Phegley was first married to Miss
Sarah A Porter, daughter of Benjamin Porter,
of Kentucky, who removed to Texas in
1847, and in 1848 settled in Mr. Phegley's
neighborhood. By this marriage there were
ten children, six daughters and four sons,
three of whom died young. and. seven attained

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-H-1-STOR OP TEXAS