Yesteryears
140 years Ago (July 15, 1886)
A costly theft
A daring theft was committed in this city last Saturday night, Dr. Huguenin’s costly new buggy and a set of harness being stolen from the Doctor's place, near the eastern corporate limit. So far as the Sun is aware, neither buggy nor thief has yet been located.
Successful Fourth of July barbecue
There was a large attendance, last Saturday, at the barbecue on Brushy creek. Maj. T. J. Crosby was master of ceremonies, and every thing passed off in first-rate order. A platform for dancers had been erected, a string band was in attendance, a good deal of dinner was disposed of, and some time was spent in dancing to lively music.
As to the literary and intellectual features of the occasion, the Declaration of Independence was read by Mr. Hardy Black.
Citizens seem well pleased with the success of their “Fourth of July” barbecue this year, and speak of having another one next year.
An ice bonanza
Here is an item given to a reporter of the San Antonio Express:
The people in Kimball County have discovered a big bonanza in the shape of an ice mine on the Johnson fork of the Llano river. The ice covered about two acres of ground, from one to three feet thick, forming about 200 tons of the best and purest ice. It came down in the floods two months ago, lodged at its present locality and was covered with a heavy mass of drift. Hence its complete preservation. Neighbors are carrying it off by the wagon load. There is enough of it to last all summer. Though the ice mine may not be as big a bonanza as a gold or silver mine, it provides solid comfort for those who have rarely had a chance to enjoy such a luxury in the summer months.
125 years Ago (July 11, 1901)
Ex-Confederates attention!
A general reunion of ex-Confederate veterans from Williamson and adjoining counties will be held at Jonah on July 20. All ex-soldiers of either the Confederate or Federal army are invited. Rev. M. C. Hulton will preach a special sermon to the old soldiers, and Congressman Lanham will deliver an address.
Veterans are encouraged to bring their wives, children and well-filled baskets, while young people are invited to attend and learn lessons of patriotism from those who have been tried in the furnace of war. A warm welcome will be extended to all.
Jury gave her $7000
Yesterday in the district court a jury gave Mrs. A. M. Bearden $7000 damages for the killing of her husband, J. B. Bearden, a car inspector of the I. & G. N. Railroad. Bearden was swept from a car ladder by a switch rod and was run over by the train and crushed to death.
110 years Ago (July 13, 1916)
The Fair burglary solved
On Saturday Mr. W. D. Whitesides of The Fair noticed a man wearing a fine silk shirt that resembled some The Fair lost in a burglary of the store two or three months ago. He hunted up Marshal Brady and pointed out the man, Mr. Brady then arrested the man, who proved to be L. Marquito. When questioned as to where he got the shirt, Marquito told conflicting tales.
Mr. Brady and Constable Henry Purl then went to the Marquito’s home on Mr. John Swenson's farm. Here Marquito and three other men have been batching in the same house. A search of the premises resulted in finding some fine suits of clothes, large quantities of fine socks, shoes, and other articles. Four men were arrested and placed in jail.
A pair of socks was found in one man’s pocket that proved to have come from the Stromberg-Hoffman Company. As the socks had not been sold, he had probably picked them up in the store.
The arrest of these burglars and shoplifters is a great thing for the community.
Explosive discovery follows Fair burglary
Marshal Brady and Constable Purl, upon information derived from a man associated with the burglars recently arrested at Mr. Swenson’s farm, went back out to Mr. Swenson's place Monday. Goods stolen from The Fair were found at the farm Saturday, and after Brady and Purl searched the property again, they found a quantity of dynamite, fuses and caps in a barn.
This is certainly a dangerous discovery, and shows that officers and people should be alert. The stuff was left out there. Is there no law for confiscating such articles found under such circumstances? If not, there ought to be.
75 years Ago (July 12, 1951)
60 answer Chamber ad for seamstresses
The Chamber of Commerce request of names of local seamstresses, which ran in the Sun last week, has been answered by over sixty Georgetown area women, but more names are wanted.
"The more women who are interested in this type of work that we have, the better chance we have of moving a garment factory to Georgetown," chamber president Grady Watkins said today.
Any women interested in operating a sewing machine in the event that a factory can be moved to Georgetown is urged to obtain an information form at the Chamber of Commerce office and fill it out.
Courthouse workers petition for salary raises
Williamson County employees petitioned Commissioners Court for a 10 percent pay increase, citing rising living costs. Clerical workers earn as little as $137.50 per month, while chief deputies receive up to $231.
County employees received a 10 percent raise two years ago and are seeking another increase before August budget hearings. The county employs 44 people, and the monthly payroll totals about $9,099, excluding precinct workers.
50 years Ago (July 11 & 15, 1976)
Expect lower county taxes in ’77
Williamson County's property tax rate was lowered a nickel Monday.
County commissioners approved reduction of the 1976 rate from 80 cents to 75 cents per $100 assessed property value during their regular meeting Monday morning. The state will continue to receive 12 cents per $100.
This little piggy didn’t stay home
Sheriff's Department officers also investigated an unusual theft June 27.
Lawrence Peterson went to Deputy Mike Harrell's home June 27 and reported one of his hogs had been stolen.
Peterson said he had four hogs in the pen when he fed them June 26, but when he went back to feed them the next day, one was missing.
The hog, a white sow, weighed 190-200 pounds.
25 years Ago (July 11 & 15, 2001)
Sun City sues appraisers over amenities value
The Sun City Community Association sues the Williamson County Appraisal District, arguing that the appraisal of the retirement community's amenities, including golf courses, clubhouses, restaurants and recreational facilities, results in double taxation of residents.
The appraisal district initially values the facilities at $20 million before reducing the figure to $12.1 million after protests. Sun City contends the amenities should be appraised at market value and not as stand-alone assets created for tax purposes.
Water rates are going up, but the quality’s good
Georgetown officials are considering the city's first water rate increase in 10 years. Residential rates could rise by as much as 18 cents per 1,000 gallons, increasing a typical monthly bill by about $1.91.
City officials say the increase would help cover utility costs while maintaining a water system rated a "superior water supply provider" by state regulators. Annual testing finds no detectable e. coli or fecal coliform contamination, and all measured compounds remain within federal standards.