McNabb Ranch
 

John Francis McNabb
By Catherine McNabb Anderson

John Francis McNabb was born in Scotland, and as a young man immigrated to the United States, carrying with him a letter of introduction from his minister dated May 22, 1829.

These do certify that John McNabb, unmarried, has resided in this parish from his infancy, and for anything known to us, conducts himself soberly, honestly, and inoffensively, and leaves this place free from all scandal or grounds of church censure.

Given and attested at Callander this 22^nd May 1829 years by

Peter Robertson, Minister
Robert McArthur, Elder

John married Mary Ann Brocklehurst from England in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and they had two children, John F. and Mary Ann. In 1839, John traveled to Texas and deciding to settle in Matagorda, sent for his family. When they arrived after the long journey, they were told he had died and was buried in the Matagorda Cemetery. His epitaph reads, His family who immigrated shortly after him found only his grave instead of a fond husband and father.

His daughter, Mary, was a tutor for many years in private homes around Texas. She died in 1917, and is buried in the Matagorda Cemetery.

His son, John F. McNabb, learned his carpentry trade, apprenticing to Conrad Dietrich. He began buying cattle and land in the vicinity of Matagorda, including what is known as Battle Island, the site of the battle between the Karankawa Indians and the white settlers. When he went to the Civil War in 1861, he left his property in the care of Lewis Bankston, a free Negro man. John R. McNabb served in Company D, 6^th Texas Infantry Regiment. When the Civil War ended, Company D disbanded in Arkansas and John F. walked home to Matagorda.

John married Amanda Jane Carter on November 19, 1868 and they had five children:

1. Allan  (September 7, 1871 - August 17, 1899) married Mabel Claire Ladd (October 16, 1876 - February 11, 1899) September 11, 1898 in Matagorda County and they were both buried at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

2. Angella (January 5, 1873 - May 4, 1908) married Robert Hill Traylor and both are buried at Matagorda Cemetery

3. William Edward (March 29, 1875 - June 23 1956) married Jennie L. Baxter (July 27, 1879 - January 28, 1965) on June 21, 1899 in Matagorda and both are buried at Matagorda Cemetery

4. Delia Evelyn (September 10, 1877 - February 8, 1964) married Edwin P. Layton (April 13, 1881 - June 1, 1974) on February 28, 1907 in Matagorda County and they are both buried at Matagorda Cemetery.

5. Albert Wadsworth (October 27, 1879 - April 15, 1965), married Annie Alberta Brashear (January 14, 1883 - October 22, 1971) on January 18, 1906 in Matagorda and both are buried Matagorda Cemetery.

Albert Wadsworth McNabb, a rancher and businessman, married Annie Brashear, and they had two children, John Brashear and Alberta Wadsworth. Alberta Wadsworth McNabb died in 1912, John Brashear McNabb in 1926, Albert Wadsworth McNabb in 1965, and were buried in the Matagorda Cemetery.

Amanda Jane died in 1882 at the age of thirty-three and John F. reared his five young children.

Historic Matagorda County, Volume II, 1984, pages 352-353

At some point in 1839, a house was built at 517 Fisher Street in Matagorda for the McNabb family. Succeeding generations lived in the house continuously until 2014. A pink rose bush planted in front of the house by Mary Ann Brocklehurst McNabb was still growing in front of the house in 2014.

After the death of John Francis McNabb in 1839, Mary Ann married Joseph Smith on March 10, 1842 in Matagorda.

They had three children:

1. Rachel Ingram Smith born December 30, 1842 in Matagorda and baptized at Christ Episcopal Church on March 19, 1843. She married James Smith (July 24, 1835 Brazoria County, TX - March 7, 1871 Caldwell County, TX) on July 7, 1859 in Brazoria County, Texas and they had three children:

     a. George Washington Smith (September 9, 1860 Brazoria County, TX - October 3, 1864 Brazoria County, TX

     b. John Francis (Smith) McSmith (January 8, 1862 Brazoria County, TX - February 12, 1940 Socorro County, NM)

     c. Mary Elizabeth Smith (November 24, 1864 Brazoria County, TX - March 1, 1865 Brazoria County, TX.

Rachel died February 25, 1865 in Brazoria, County.

1860 Census - Texas - Brazoria County
James Smith, age 23, b TX, Planter
Rachel Smith, age 16, b TX

2. James Knox Polk Smith born March 29, 1845 and baptized at Christ Church on May 29, 1845

3. Oliver Smith born February 18, 1847 and baptized at Christ Church  on August 29, 1847.

Mary Ann "Ann" died between the birth of Oliver in 1847 and June 1850 when the 1850 census was taken.

Census records reveal Joseph Smith was living in Matagorda with the McNabb children and his three children.

1850 Census - Texas - Matagorda County - Matagorda
Joseph Smith, age 41, b NY
Mary A. McNabb, age 13, b PA
J. F. McNabb, age 12, b PA
R. J. Smith, age 8, b TX
J. K. P. Smith, age 6, b TX
Oliver Smith, age 4, b TX
 

Mary McNabb
January 8, 1838 - June 30, 1917

Matagorda, Texas, July 9.--In the passing away of Miss Mary McNabb June 30, 1917, a noble and useful woman is now at rest from her earthly pilgrimage.

Twelve days before her demise she was apparently well, had been sitting on the porch the greater part of the afternoon conversing with relatives who had dropped in and about 8 o'clock her nephew, A. W. McNabb, brought over some refreshing buttermilk of which she was very fond. She insisted on taking it from him and entered the house. A moment later A. W. and his father hearing a noise as of some one falling ran in and found her on the floor of the dining room unconscious and still clasping the empty bucket in her hand.

The doctor was hastily summoned and all done that could be to make her comfortable and although she recovered consciousness and conversed at times for a few moments, she continued to grow gradually worse until the end came.

Although every situation was given her, recovery from the apoplectic stroke was not to be and as the day waned and the sun sank to rest she passed away as gently as a babe falls to sleep and the soul took its flight to where, for her, the morning breaks, eternal bright and fair, to abide with Him, where there is no sunset, nor sorrows and where all tears are wiped away.

A few hours afterwards the remains were placed in the casket and taken to the Episcopal Church, of which denomination she was a faithful member, and where they lay in state until 5 o'clock the next afternoon when Rev. John Sloan of Bay City began the funeral service.

From the church that poor semblance of one who had gone was taken to its final resting place in the Matagorda cemetery and lowered into is narrow bed of evergreen, symbolical of the eternal life she now enjoys. The grave was covered with pretty flowers contributed by sympathizing friends of the family. The minister concluded the service here and all turned away leaving the body to rest until the resurrection morn, for she has faithfully earned a well merited rest from her labors. As far back as can be remembered Miss McNabb had been known and loved by the preceding and present generation of Matagorda and she leaves a splendid record of sweetness, purity and usefulness to be remembered by all who came in contact with her.

She was a superior woman in every way, has taught school practically all of her life, imparting from her great store of knowledge to others, helping them on their upward way, and words of commendation have always been spoken of her on every hand.

Even so she was not satisfied but thirsted continually to attain yet higher goals and even at her death, was just completing a chautauqua course and it is perfectly wonderful how she accomplished so much when we consider her age.

This subject was of Scotch-English descent, her mother's maiden name being Miss Brockleyhurst [Brocklehurst] and both parents came direct from the British isles to the United States.

She was born at Philadelphia, January 8, 1837, and came with her parents to Matagorda when quite a little girl and here she spent most of her life ___ ___ ___ ___.

Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

John F. McNabb [Jr.]

Matagorda, Texas, November 6.--An old land mark and Matagorda pioneer is gone, in the passing away of Mr. John F. McNabb Monday morning, November 3, 1919, at 5 o'clock after an illness of several weeks, caused from a breakdown brought on by the ravages of influenza last winter.

In order that the might have every attention of his children in his last days, his daughter, Mrs. E. P. Layton had him removed from his old family home to her residence when he began to feel so badly and that was where he died.

The funeral services were partly performed at the house and concluded at the cemetery and conducted by Rev. Mervin Pettit of the Episcopal faith of which Mr. McNabb was a member.

Many friends both from Bay City and Matagorda showed their regret and sympathy by assembling at the home to attend the burial services and look their last upon the face of him whom they had called "friend" all down the years

A large procession of automobiles followed the hearse to the cemetery and as is usual, evidence of faithful friendship was carried out in the lining of the grave with florals and evergreens over a white background and here he was lowered and covered for his last long sleep. The beautiful floral offerings were splendid and the grave was a solid mass of ferns and flowers with tall potted snow white chrysanthemums at the head and foot.

The Rev. Pettit in a beautiful way implored the protection of the Divine One over the grave and offered the blessing found in Num. 6:24-26.

Allan McNabb

IN MEMORIAM

DIED—In this city Thursday morning, August 17^th of erysipelas, Allen McNabb, age twenty-four years.

Our citizen and friend, Allen McNabb, was born in the town of Matagorda, September 7^th, 1870.

Allen, as a friend, was one to be appreciated; one ever true and loyal. He counted not the trouble to himself, but the pleasure of his associates, ever kind, sympathetic and obliging. He laughed with those who were merry; his tears flowed with those of the distressed and bereaved. He aided the unfortunate; helped to raise the fallen; administered to the sick and afflicted. Those noble traits of character—love, sympathy and charity—were so thoroughly a part of himself, that his friends, who to-day mourn his untimely demise, are to be counted by the hundreds.

As a citizen, he was ever ready to aid in the advancement of his county; ever a patriot and helper; true to all duties given him; farseeing and progressive. As an individual, his ambition was to excel. This trait was shown when a youth, in school, his lessons were always learned; in business every duty performed. As a son, he was ever dutiful, obedient and attentive; as a brother, kind and loving. And while we mourn his departure, we bow in humble submission to the will of Him who doeth all things well; and can but exclaim “The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Our deepest sympathies are with the bereaved father, brother and sisters. May God’s richest blessing be given them to soothe the broken heart and drive away these burning tears of distress. Allen, “Good-by, and farewell; Peace! Peace! Be to thee and thine.” Amen. –A. L.

RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT

Whereas, the Supreme Commander of the Universe has seen fit to remove from our midst our Sovereign Brother Allen McNabb, therefore be it

Resolved by Bay City Camp No. 168 W. O. W. that in the death of this, our brother, we are made to mourn the loss of one who was ever ready to extend the hand of friendship to the unfortunate; ever ready to assist the needy; ever ready to labor and assist in any charitable undertaking; always ready and willing to throw on his armor and stand in the post of duty as a W. O. W., there exemplifying those noble attributes that did abound and exist in his heart. He was in every way a worthy citizen; true to his country; faithful to his people; and an honorable upright and faithful guardian of one little city for a number of years. When we were wrapped in slumber, Allen McNabb faithful to duty was watching our Camp. His life was cut off in the fullness of his power; in the bloom of youth. He bore up and endured the sufferings with the fortitude of a hero that he was.

Resolved, that we offer the family, and especially to his much bereaved father, the assurance of our sincere sympathy.

Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of our camp; a copy furnished the family, also a copy be furnished to each of our county papers and that each member of the Camp wear the usual mourning emblem for thirty days.

Weekly Visitor, August 18, 1899
 

ALLAN McNABB’S FUNERAL.

The remains of Allen McNabb were followed to their last resting place in Cedarvale cemetery, last Friday morning by the largest concourse of people that ever followed a corpse out of our little city, and laid to rest beside those of his wife who departed this life February 11^th.

The funeral services were conducted by the Woodmen of the World, of which order he had only been a member about three months, and Rev. Dr. Burkhead, Episcopal minister of Matagorda, of which church deceased was a member.

Deceased carried a thousand dollar policy in the Woodmen of the World, made payable to his brother, W. A. McNabb.

Matagorda County Tribune, August 25, 1899

Mabel Claire McNabb

A Father’s Tribute

DIED—At 3:30 o’clock on Saturday morning, February 11^th, Mabel Clare, wife of Anna McNabb, in the 23^rd year of her age.

This is just such a simple, formal announcement as we read almost any day, with scarcely a thought of the aching breasts whose every heart-strings have been snapped in twain.

And yet, what a flood of tender memories it brings to this writer. His first vision is of a laughing, bright-eyed infant extending her chubby little arms in token of her chubby little arms in token of her earnest desire to come to him as he enters his home at the close of the day’s duties in the office. Then he sees her as a winsome, dark-haired little girl, at once the most willful and most affectionate of all his children. Later he sees her as an ambitious school girl, seeming to have two leading aims in life—to excel all her classmates and to please her father. And she usually succeeded in both. And we remember vividly all the cunning arts and tender little attentions by which she sought to obtain her father’s praise and approval. Her school days ended, we see her bud into womanhood—a womanhood embellished with more than ordinary natural endowments and acquired accomplishments, and we see her, with rare tact and effectiveness, using her gifts for the public good. A little later we see her forsake father and mother and cleave unto the man to whom she had plighted her troth. And five months later, to a day, and after weeks of intense suffering, we see her breathe her last with her arms about his neck and his name upon her lips.

And then we cry, “Oh, the pity of it, the pity of it! Lord God of Hosts, we have seen clearly the beneficence of hundreds of the dispensations of thy providence; give us faith to trust thee for the beneficence of those that we cannot fathom!”

Faults she had, yes. None knew them better than the writer, from whom most of them descended upon her as a natural heritage.

But they are to be no more mentioned, save as they may serve to teach useful lessons to the living.

For her virtues far outweighed her faults, and she leaves, all too soon, a world that was made better for her having lived in it.

May God cherish her fair spirit and comfort the loved ones left behind, till
“We shall meet beyond the river--
Meet beyond the rolling river;
Meet and know and love each other, in that happy land.”
 

Final Rites Held For W. E. McNabb, Former Judge Here

Final rites for William Edward McNabb, 81, former county judge, were held Sunday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home with Father C. J. Martin officiating.

Mr. McNabb died Saturday. He is survived by his wife of Matagorda; one daughter, Mrs. Don Haley of BAy City; one sister, Mrs. E. P. Layton of Matagorda and one brother, A. W. of Matagorda.

The Bay City News, June 28, 1956

Mrs. Jennie McNabb Passes Away At 85

Mrs. Jennie L. McNabb, 85, widow of the late County Judge William E. McNabb, passed away in Matagorda General Hospital at 11 a. m. Thursday.

A lifetime member of the Matagorda Methodist Church, and one of its oldest members, her funeral service will be held there Saturday morning at 10 a. m. Burial in the Matagorda Cemetery will follow. The services will be conducted by the Rev. Jack Cox and the Rev. T. Walter Moore.

She was born Jennie L. Baxter on Baxter Island, just across the river from Matagorda on July 27, 1879. Her fther, William, supplied the town of Matagorda with goods from Indianola by boat. Raised through early childhood on the island, she was one of 9 children. One sister, Mrs. Lida Moberly of Matagorda, still survives.

Jennie Baxter married a rising young Matagorda townsman, William McNabb, when she was not quite 20. The wedding was performed June 21, 1899 in the Matagorda Methodist Church.

The McNabbs considered Matagorda home, although they moved to Bay City several times when Mr. McNabb became county judge. He was named judge twice, and also spent 18 years as a county commissioner.

Two daughters were born to them, Evelyn and Enone. Enone died when still a young woman, leaving a daughter, Catherine Lawhon. The McNabbs took the bereaved widower and granddaughter into their home and hearts, and helped raise Catherine. In later years, Mrs. McNabb lived with the now Mrs. Catherine Lawhon Anderson and her husband and family in the old McNabb home (built in 1839) in Matagorda.

A quiet, unassuming woman, Jennie McNabb lived a simple Christian life. She spent the last few years living with Evelyn, now Mrs. Don Haley, here in Bay City.

Mrs. McNabb is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Haley, and two grandchildren, Mrs. Anderson and Charles Bryan Baker of Wichita Falls. There are three great grandchildren, Nonie Anderson, Bill Anderson and Bryan Baker. Her sister, Mrs. Moberley, also survives her.

Daily Tribune, January 29, 1965
 

Photo courtesy of Find A Grave Volunteers Suzy & Rob #46950534
 

Pioneer A. W. McNabb, 85, Of Matagorda Dies Thursday

Albert Wadsworth McNabb, 85 years old and a native of Matagorda, died late Thursday afternoon in Matagorda General Hospital following a brief illness.

Affectionately known to his many friends as “Mr. Ward,” he was a life-long resident of Matagorda County. The prominent cattleman and lifelong civic leader built the first telephone line from Bay City to Matagorda.

He was a devout member of Christ Episcopal Church where he held the title of Honorary Senior Warden. He was very active in the Go-Men, a layman’s organization of the Episcopal Church. He was a 33^rd Degree Mason, a Shriner of the Galveston Consistory, and a member of the Matagorda A. F. & A. M. #7.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 3 p. m. at Christ Church Matagorda with the rector, Rev. J. Raymond Fisher and the Rev. Milton E. McWilliams, rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church officiating. Burial will be made in the Matagorda Cemetery under the direction of the Bay City Funeral Home. Graveside rites will be conducted by the Matagorda Masonic Lodge A. F. & A. M. #7.

Survivors include his widow, Mrs. A. W. McNabb of Matagorda, two nieces, Mrs. Don Haley of Bay City and Mrs. Carl Anderson of Matagorda; two nephews, R. R. Traylor of Matagorda and Charles Baker of Wichita Falls.

Pallbearers will be Norman G. Bissett, Ernest Ryman, Gardner Serrill, J. F. Williams, Gene Lawhon, and J. D. Sutherland.

Daily Tribune, April 16, 1965

Mrs. Annie Brashear McNabb

MCNABB, Mrs. Annie Brashear passed away October 22 in Matagorda General Hospital. She is survived by a niece, Mrs. C. T. Newton of Austin and two members, Roy Traylor of Matagorda and Thomas Brashear of El Paso. Services were held Sunday, October 24, at 2:30 p. m. in Christ Episcopal Church, Matagorda, with the Rev. James Abernathy officiating. Interment was in Matagorda Cemetery. Pallbearers were Tom Ward, Gene Lawhon, Thomas Brashear, Doug Havard, Carl Anderson and W. W. Rugeley. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Daily Tribune, October 25, 1971
 

Copyright 2014 - Present by the McNabb Family & Source Newspapers
All rights reserved

HOME