GREAT GRANDSON OF FIRST MATAGORDA CO. SHERIFF DIES HERE
JOHN WHARTON BATES DIES SATURDAY FOLLOWING BRIEF ILLNESS

Mr. John Wharton Bates, age 45, farmer, son of the late Sidney Johnson Bates and scion of one of the oldest families in our county, his great-grandfather, Isaac Van Dorn, having been the first sheriff of Matagorda County, passed away here Saturday evening, June 12 at 11:00 o'clock at the home of his sister, Mrs. Belle Bates. Death came following an illness of about a week. Pneumonia was the cause of the death.

Mr. Bates, son of John Wharton Bates and Susan Amanda Matthews, was born in Brazoria, January 6, 1892 . He was the grandson of General Joseph Bates. He had lived in this county most of his life, having been engaged in farming.

The deceased is survived by his wife, four sons, Morris Henry, Guy Van Dorn, Ernest Monroe and John Wharton, Jr., four daughters Ruby Love, Betty Gene, Febee Amanda and Alice Bell. His mother, Mrs. Amanda Bates also survives besides three sisters, Mrs. Bell Bates, Mrs. Guy Jones, Mrs. Anderson Gladney and one brother, Morris S. Bates.

THE MATAGORDA COUNTY TRIBUNE , Thursday, June 17, 1937

[Corrections submitted by Robert Bates (grandnephew of John Wharton Bates) Parents of John Wharton Bates were Sidney Johnston Bates and Susan Amanda Matthews Bates.]

BATES

Funeral services for Maude V. Bates, 71, of Bay City are scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, with the Rev. LeRoy Stanton officiating. Interment will be at Matthews Cemetery.

Mrs. Bates, born May 29, 1912, died Feb. 15, 1984, at Matagorda General Hospital. She was a long-time resident of Bay City and a member of First United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, February 20, 1984
 

BATES 

Sidney Bates, age 16 years, 5 months and 1 day, died in a hospital in San Antonio , Texas , Friday night at 9:30 pm . He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Bates who have lived a lifetime on Caney.

The body was brought overland from San Antonio Saturday night by Walker-Matchett.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon with interment in the family cemetery at Matthews, Rev. Odis Rainer conducting the religious services.

THE MATAGORDA COUNTY TRIBUNE, Thursday, March 7, 1935  

Funeral Notice
Mrs. Susan Amanda Bates

Age 78 years, 11 months and 3 days, died at the residence
of her daughter, Mrs. Maude Bates, in Bay City
Wednesday morning, October 15th [1941]

The funeral services will be held from the Taylor Bros.
Funeral Home this (Wednesday) afternoon at 4:30.
Interment in Matthew's Cemetery near Caney.

[Corrections submitted by Robert Bates (great-grandson of Susan Amanda Bates): Maude was a granddaughter of Susan Amanda Bates. Susan did not live with Maude, but did live with her son, Morris Bates, and his wife, Lola Grimes Bates.  Susan Amanda Matthews Bates' parents were John
Matthews and Isabella Van Dorn Matthews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney Johnston Bates.]

GRIFFITH

Funeral services for Roy Morrett Griffith III, 46, of Cedar Lane will be held 2 p.m. Friday at Cedar Lane Baptist Church with the Rev. Ron George officiating. Burial will follow at the Matthews Family Cemetery in Bay City .

Mr. Griffith was born March 1, 1945 , to Roy Morrett Griffith, Jr. and Verna Lee Estill Griffith in Bay City and died July 1, 1991 in Cedar Lane .

A lifelong resident of Cedar Lane , he was a member of the Cedar Lane Baptist Church .

He is survived by his wife, Sherry Denbow Griffith of Cedar Lane; two daughters, Mikki Renee Griffith of Houston and Mitzi Roanne Griffith of Cedar Lane; a son, Steven Roy Griffith of Bay City; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jo A. Wyse of Cedar Lane; and two brothers, Joe Estill Wyse of Sugar Land and Richard Lee Wyse of Cedar Lane.

Pallbearers are Jerry Coble, Bill Wilson, Dase Wilson, Bill Bona, David O'Rear and John Hazely.

Contributions can be made to the Cedar Lane Baptist Church Van Fund.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City .

THE DAILY TRIBUNE
 

Mrs. Tommie Katuria Hamilton

Mrs. Tommie Katuria Hamilton , age 73 years, 5 months and 8 days, died at the Newgulf hospital Saturday afternoon at 3:15 .

Mrs. Hamilton is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ira Clements and Mrs. Johnnie Worley and four sons Brown, Jimmie, Walter and Jack Hamilton all of Buckner Prairie.

Funeral services were held Sunday at the three p.m. at the Matthews cemetery with Rev. G. W. Lee of Newgulf Baptist Church officiating. Taylor Brothers was in charge of arrangements.

MATAGORDA COUNTY TRIBUNE, Thursday, February 24, 1937
  

OBITUARY

Walter C. "Harry" Hamilton, farmer and cattleman of Cedar Lane, died at his home Saturday afternoon at 2:20 o'clock and was buried at the Matthews Cemetery Sunday morning at 9 o'clock.

Mr. Hamilton was born in South Carolina , September 17, 1877 , moved to Texas when three months old. He has lived in Matagorda County since 1904.

In 1901 he was united in marriage to Miss Tinnie Washburn. To this union seven children were born, six of whom survive and all were present when the end came.

Mr. Hamilton, is survived by his wife, four sons, Harry, Jim, Walter and Jack; two daughters, Susie Ruth and Mrs. Ira Clements; one sister, Mrs. W. A. Moore of Bay City and three grandchildren.

Of a large heart, generous nature, and self-sacrificing spirit, Mr. Hamilton possessed those lovable qualities that have endeared him to all who knew him. Here are legions of friends who mourn his passing with his grief stricken family.

Pallbearers were Mr. J. Bruce, Mr. Geo. Culver, Mr. E. J. Werlla, Mr. Marion Byars, Mr. Hubert and Phillip Bowie.

THE MATAGORDA COUNTY TRIBUNE, Thursday, Aug 24, 1933
 

Mrs. Gertrude Matthews

Mrs. Gertrude Matthews, age 61 years, 8 months and 5 days, died on Monday afternoon at 5 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hy. Estill in Cedar Lane

Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 3 o'clock at Cedar Lane with Rev. P. T. Ramsey officiating. She is survived by two sons, Rodney and James and two daughters, Mrs. Hy. Estill and Mrs. Gertrude Gresham. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Walker-Matchett.

THE MATAGORDA COUNTY TRIBUNE, Thursday, November 10, 1932
  

OLD RESIDENT PASSES AWAY

Mrs. John Matthews, one of Matagorda county's oldest and most highly respected residents passed away suddenly this morning, after a long and serious illness.

Decedent was the relict of John Matthews, a pioneer citizen, who passed away some years ago. The family has resided at Caney, the old home for more than a half century, were prominent in the affairs of the county from it's earliest period until now, and have been held in esteem by everyone all through the long space of years.

Mrs. Matthews was the mother of Judge Jesse Matthews and W. A. Matthews, who survive her.

The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon in the family burial grounds near the old home, following religious services which will be held at the residence at 4 o'clock Saturday afternoon.

THE MATAGORDA COUNTY TRIBUNE, Thursday, May 18, 1923
 

John Matthews

Mr. John Matthews one of Matagorda county's oldest and most highly respected citizens died at his home at Caney at 9:17 o'clock a.m. Wednesday December 10th, and was buried in the Caney cemetery on Thursday afternoon December 11th, with religious services conducted by M. H. Reed.

Deceased was born in Hillsboro, London County, Virginia, February 23, 1835 and was, therefore, 78 years, 9 months and 17 days of age when death occurred.

In 1855 Mr. Matthews came to Matagorda county and began merchandising at Caney continuing in business and residing in the same place since that time. He has been very prosperous all of his life and was numbered amongst the most prominent of the citizens of the Gulf Coast of Texas.

"Matthews Store," as his place has been known for generations, is one of the historic spots of historic Matagorda and for years was the leading business house of the country.

Mr. Matthews was loved and honored by all who knew him, took a prominent part in the upbuilding and advancement of his county and country, was an honored Confederate veteran, a pioneer and was a man of honor and sincere integrity.

Besides his wife, who is ten years his junior, Mr. Matthews leaves five living children. They are Mrs. Amanda Bates of Caney, Judge Jesse Matthews of Glen Flora, and former county judge of that county, R. V. Matthews of Caney, Mrs. Mary Lawson of Matagorda and W. A. Matthews of Caney.

The Tribune joins the hundreds of friends in this county and section of the state in extending to the family the deepest and most sincere sympathy.

MATAGORDA COUNTY TRIBUNE, December 19, 1913


MATTHEWS

Madelyn Lee Matthews went to her peaceful repose April 16, 2002 at the Legacy. Born September 22, 1910, in Hempstead, Texas to Thomas and Mamie Hawkins Lipscomb.

She graduated from San Jacinto High School in Houston in 1928. She married Sylvain A. "Jack" Matthews in 1935 and moved to Van Vleck where her husband farmed rice and raised cattle. She and her husband reared four children in the family home on Allenhurst Road.

She is preceded in death by her husband in 1967 and her son, Charles Eugene, in February of this year. She leaves behind a large family. Survivors include: sons, Jack A. and wife Ollie of Bay City, Robert A. of the family home; daughter, Bonnie Socha of Van Vleck, and daughter-in-law, Betty Matthews of Bay City; grandchildren are Nancy, James and Ernie of Fairbanks, Alaska, Robert Reed of Huntsville, Lacy Gilbert and Steven of El Maton, Nina Reeser and Greg of Santa Rosa, California, Gary Matthews of Santa Rosa, Leanne Sliva and Paul of Bay City, Trey Rugeley and Debra of Bay City, Sherri Harvey of Goliad, Jerry Machacek and Daniel of Goliad, Pattie Stelec and Willie Jr. of Edna, Samantha Hudgins and Kyle of Van Vleck, Yvonne Bartz and husband of North Dakota. Great grandchildren are Ken George, Brian, Stephanie and Jason Harvey, Vance Ashley and Tyler Strelec, Cayce and Ethan Sliva, Ben Meier, Walker and Faith Rugeley, Brandi and Alex Reed, Katherine Taylor, Samantha James, and Ashley Gilbert. Great-great grandchild is Adriana George. Also Mrs. Anne Terry, her roommate and special friend for these last two years, and the loving staff of the Legacy who took wonderful care of her above and beyond the call of duty, and the support group of caring people from Hospice Support Care of El Campo. Also she leaves a host of friends who will miss her sorely.

Visitation was 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bay City Funeral Home in Bay City. Services for Mrs. Matthews will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Bay City with the Dr. Michael Zimmerman officiating.

Interment will follow at the historic Matthews Family Cemetery on FM 2540 in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers were Michael Grisham, Mark Grisham, Trey Rugeley, Paul Sliva, Willie Strelec Jr., Daniel Machacek, Brian Harvey, Darrin Wiends and Gary Matthews. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Wyse, Thomas Matthews, Smokey Rouse, Gerald Ussery, Dr. James Ely, Art Richardson, Freddie Lipscomb, Marty Lipscomb, and Ken Lipscomb.

Madelyn Matthews was a true lady of her era. May she rest in peace while we who love her look forward to seeing her again in eternity.

Arrangements were under the direction of Bay City Funeral Home. A00014B2002AR21

THE BAY CITY TRIBUNE, Sunday, April 21, 2002
   

R. V. Matthews

The belated news of the death of Mr. R. V. Matthews, which occurred at his home at Caney last Thursday, reached this office today.

Mr. Matthews was a life-long citizen of Matagorda County and was a member of one of the foremost and oldest families of the country. His death came as a distinct shock and surprise to the many friends of the family.

Decedent was about 46 years of age and leaves a wife and several children. He was a brother of Judge Jesse and W. A. Matthews.

The remains were laid to rest in the family burial grounds on Friday.

The Tribune extends its deepest sympathy to the bereaved ones.

MATAGORDA COUNTY TRIBUNE, November 3, 1916  
 

MATTHEWS

MATTHEWS, Rodney Green, 73, of Rt. 1, Box 69 , Bay City , died Tuesday at his home. Funeral services set for 4 p.m. Thursday at the Bay City Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Bill Baker, pastor of the First Baptist Church , will officiate. Burial will be in the Caney Cemetery . Matthews was a life-long resident of Matagorda County . He was a farmer-rancher and a member of the Southwest Cattlemen's Association. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Vinnie Zula Matthews; two daughters, Mrs. Zula Weaver of Houston and Mrs. Caroline Culpepper of Corpus Christi; two sons, Steve Matthews and Rodney E. Matthews, both of Bay City; one brother, Jim Matthews of Bay City; two sisters, Mrs. Madge Estill of Cedar Lane and Mrs. Eaton Grisham of Caney; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Ira Clements Jr., Clyde Ashcraft, Joe A. Wyse, Ray Griffin, James Griffin, Bobby Matthews, Kenneth Joice and Vernon Harrison.

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Wednesday, May 29, 1968
   

Weldon

Celia Jane Scott Weldon, 89, of Hillje, passed away June 10, 1997 at El Campo Memorial Hospital in El Campo.

She was born Sept. 6, 1907 in Crum Creek, Indian Territory to Aaron Harrison and Amanda Sisson Scott. She was a member of the Cedar Lane Baptist Church and was a resident of Cedar Lane from 1935 to 1991 when she moved to Hillje.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Peggy Weldon of Bay City and by six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband H. N. Weldon in 1970 and by two sons Paul Elmore Weldon in 1985 and Larry Leon Weldon in 1989.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 14 at Taylor Brothers Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at the Matthews Cemetery in Van Vleck.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City .

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, June 12, 1997
 

WELDON

WELDON, Hiram Newton, age 62, passed away Saturday at his home. Service is scheduled for 3 p.m. today at Cedar Lane Baptist Church with Rev. Victor Edge officiating. Interment will be in the Matthews Cemetery . He is survived by his widow, three sons N. W. Weldon of Lafayette, La., Paul of Freeport and Larry of Wadsworth, two sisters, Mrs. S. W. Renfrow of Van Vleck, and Mrs. Otis O'Neal of Palestine; three brothers, Joe Weldon of Boteau, Okla., J. T. of Lubbock and E. __ of Havana, Ark., also five grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Don Ross, Glenn Robertson, Cecil Pruett, James Grisham, Charles Branstetter, Joe Wyse. Honorary pallbearers George Ratliff, Elmer Billington, M. T. Walker, B. T. Cross, Eaton Grisham, Tom Shannon, Jack Moon, Elo Werlla, Levi Wheat and C. R. Allen. Arrangements are by Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Weldon was a resident of Cedar Lane for 35 years and a member of the Baptist Church.

THE DAILY TRIBUNE
   

Wyse

Funeral services for Richard Lee "Dick" Wyse, 30, of Cedar Lane will be held 2 p.m. Friday at Taylor Brothers Funeral chapel with the Rev. Bill Haskell officiating. Burial will follow at Matthews Family Cemetery in Bay City .

Mr. Wyse was born Dec. 12, 1961 in Bay City to Jo A. and Verna Lee Estill Wyse and died May 6, 1992 in Cedar Lane .

A lifelong resident of the area, Mr. Wyse was a member of Cedar Lane Baptist Church .

Survivors include his parents; a daughter, Krystle Wyse of Rosenberg ; and a brother, Jody Wyse of Sugar Land . He was preceded in death by a brother, Roy M. Griffith III in July 1991.

Pallbearers will be Barry Weathers, David Weathers, Lee Weathers, Danny Andel, Bill Bona and James Dancer.

In lieu of usual gifts or contributions, donations may be made to the Cedar Lane Baptist Church youth fund.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City .

THE DAILY TRIBUNE

Jo A. Wyse

SUGAR LAND - Jo A. Wyse, 72, of Sugar Land and formerly of Cedar Lane, died Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004.

He was born March 14, 1921, in Texarkana, to the late James Alfred and Carrie Morris Wyse. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Air Force. He was a member of Cedar Lane Baptist Church.

Survivors: son, Joe E. Wyse of Sugar Land; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: wife, Verna Wyse; sons, Richard Lee Wyse and Roy M. Griffith III; and brother, Morris Wyse.

Services will be 2 p.m. today at Cedar Lane Baptist Church, the Rev. Bob Whitchurch officiating.

Burial will be at Matthews Cemetery in Van Vleck. Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-4613.

Pallbearers: Lois Willy, Danny Andel, Frank Baker, Charles Dacke, Dr. Robert Coburn, and Ted Hobby.

Memorials: Cedar Lane Baptist Church or Ft. Bend Baptist Academy, 1250 7th St., Sugar Land, Texas 77478.

The Victoria Advocate, February 10, 2004                       Picture courtesy of Jody Wyse


Wyse

Verna L. Wyse, 70, of Cedar Lane , passed away on Thursday, December 21, 1995 at her residence.

She was born September 5, 1925 in Sargent to Henry Watterson and Madge Bell Matthews Estill. She was a lifelong resident of Cedar Lane and a member of the Cedar Lane Baptist Church , serving as Church Treasurer, a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas , and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She was employed as a bookkeeper for Coastal Automotive Service.

She is survived by her husband Jo A. Wyse of Cedar Lane , a son and daughter-in-law, Joe Estill "Jody" Wyse and wife Lesley of Sugarland, and by six grandchildren, Mikki Renee Griffith, Steven Roy Griffith and Lisa Griffith, Mitzi Roanne Griffith, Tamra Dawn Wyse, and Krystle Wyse. She is preceded in death by her parents Henry W. and Madge M. Estill, and by two sons, Richard L. Wyse in 1992 and Roy M. Griffith in 1991.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, 1995 at the Cedar Lane Baptist Church with Rev. Wayne Ramsey officiating.

Interment will be at the Matthews Family Cemetery , Bay City .

THE DAILY TRIBUNE                                                  Picture courtesy of Jody Wyse