Our Family Tree

"Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery In 1888, three local men bought land for use as a cemetery; the first burial was that of Houston Roberts. The Odd Fellows Lodge bought the grounds in 1894, adding land over the years. Watson Whittaker was killed during an 1898 train robbery and made headlines as a funeral train brought him to Mills County for burial here. The lodge sold the cemetery in 1943 to the city, and it became Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery. Local groups made improvements and placed memorials to honor the sacrifice of area veterans buried here. Today, the cemetery provides a link to area history." - Texas Historical Sign

"Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery In 1888, three local men bought land for use as a cemetery; the first burial was that of Houston Roberts. The Odd Fellows Lodge bought the grounds in 1894, adding land over the years. Watson Whittaker was killed during an 1898 train robbery and made headlines as a funeral train brought him to Mills County for burial here. The lodge sold the cemetery in 1943 to the city, and it became Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery. Local groups made improvements and placed memorials to honor the sacrifice of area veterans buried here. Today, the cemetery provides a link to area history." - Texas Historical Marker

2-67

Dear Lon & Lossie
Old sis is still here but lot more wrinkles on my horns. my poor Dorothy is gone, I cry at nothing no one but me knows the circumstances. I feel lost completely because she really looked after me I was flat on my back 6 weeks she was a constant night and day watcher and she I (loved) __eary. Im able to go and come yet thank god I am so thankful for that. My friend for 35 years lives a house the Peninsula they are wealthy people but like a sister to me Im sending you this shot of me she took in front of her apt a beautiful place they make me come down and stay 3 or 4 days her husband died one year ago Im going down Saturday for a week, so Lon & Lossie Im planning to come home for good, real soon Im waiting for my Dr to say If I can take the hot weather. Just want you to know I am the same old Sis no different.

If you don’t want the picture put it in the garden I want to see all of your pretty bad. Love Sis

M. Franco. Room 623,
Powell Hotel
San Francisco
Calif.
94102
Postmark 2 AUG 1967

Aug – 9 –67

Dear Lon & Lossie –
Got your letter and I was so glad to know you had not forgotten old Sis. So sorry Lossie has been in the Hospital sure hope she is better. I was there 6 weeks they don’t know yet how I lived. I have what they call ingina Pictaris [angina pectoris] hardning of the artries I take medicine 3 times a day but thank the good Lord I am spry and feel good pretty near all of the time Im coming home but will be independent my pension takes care of me I know Lina and I will get along O.K. I just want to be near ones that love me and I them

I came home this A M from my dear friend Bartlett she is staying at her son’s beautiful home while they are in Europe, Boy! I felt like a queen, I never saw such luxery in my life he is very wealthy and I have known them since they were teenagers just plain folks like us but you know I wouldn’t want to be rich like that I just wouldn’t, I hope you are all well just Let me hear from you. I burst out crying every time I think of Dot I still hear her muffled cry – Oh, Mother, when that murderer grabbed her you know she was in a booth talking to me the 16 of Nov 8 o’clock P.M – I must quit now I cant go on Love to both Sis

Return address:
M. Franco, Room 623
Powell St.
San Francisco
Calif.
94102
Postmark dated 10 AUG 1967