Just a little to the south of the east entrance to the Rogers Texas Cemetery one can see the grave of Ella Whiteside Newton (1877-1901). She was the first wife of Dr. W. R. Newton, Sr. Where and how the Newtons got buried is a study in itself. Some people want to know where they are buried. Some want to know if they had any children. Some are not wanted in Oak Hill Cemetery. When Dr. Billy was lying in state in late June of 1982 Cameron legend has it that a man came to the funeral home, walked up to the coffin holding Dr. W. R. Newton, Jr. (Dr. Billy), looked in, and said, “I drove 200 miles just to make sure you are dead.” The unknown man then left without a word. Some just want to be sure they are dead. We have found in writing
Clovis Road II that the people of Cameron have great stories to tell about the 1940s, they are just afraid to let anyone know they did. Any comments?
There are always surprises to be found when researching the dead. All kinds of inaccuracies and mistakes placed on tombstones.
ReplyDeleteI imagine the people of Cameron had good reason to be afraid to share their stories. Maybe the hinted-at drug connection kept them silent.