Brenham weekly banner. [volume] (Brenham, Tex.) 1877-1907, 1878-06-28
DEATH OF J. D. a1ppINes.

WdS OilC Va Xix OA0Soe SieAESho Va
BRENNAN, having resided here
since the organization of the
town. He was universally
known and respected, being one
of our:.wealthiest and.most enter
prising citizens. His death was
almost unexpected, no serious
consequences being apprehend-
ed until Monday evening. There
was an universal expression of
regret and sorrow at the loss of
a good and useful man. In all
matters of public enterprise Col.
J. D. Giddings took the lead,
and he, in connection with his
brother, Hon. D. c. Giddinys,
and others, was mainly instru-
mental in building the Washing
ton county railroad from Hemp
stead to Brennan, thus develop
ing the great agricultural re-
sources of this county. The
railroad subsequently passed in
to the hands of the Central rail-
road and-was by it constructed
to Austin, and is now the well
known Western Branch of the
H. & T. c. railroad. The fol-
lowing particulars of his life are
compiled from such information
as could be hastily obtained:
Jabez D. Giddings was born
in Pennsylvania. in October,
1874, consequently he was in
his sixty-fourth year. He came
to Texas in 1887, stopping at
Rutersville, Fayette county.
In 1888 he removed to indie
pendence, where he engaged in
teaching. In 1870 he was elect
ed District Clerk, which position
he held until 1874; the county
seat then being at Mount Yer
non, six miles north of this
place. In 1892 he served in
company in the Sum-
campaign. In the fall
of 1874 Brennan was laid out,
and the county seat removed
here, Mr.. Giddings coming at
the same time. While District |
Clerk he studied law and was |
admitted to the bar in IS45. He |
Joined the Masonic Lodge at |
independence in IS43 and was
one of the most active men, |
bers the remainder of his life. |
In the fall of 1874 he married |
Miss Ann Tarver, daughter of |
Mr.. E. D. Tarver, one of the |
most prominent men of the Re- |
public, by whom he had four
two of whom, a son |
and a daughter, survive. |
Mrs. Giddihgs still lives to |
the loss of her husband.
He came to Texas a member
Of the Methodist church, and |
was one of its most consistent
members. 1t is said that he has
done more for the Masonic or
der and the Methodist church
than perhaps, any other two or
three men in the State. He
the first Sunday
School in Brennan, and was
superintendent up to the time
Of his death. He was ever
-eady with his purse to assist
he needy and was noted for
lis charitable disposition. Dur
ng his long career he amassed
| considerable fortune, but was
never of a purse-proud or hauty
disposition. He possessed a
nost-equitable temper, and was
noted for the sauvity of his
manners. In connection with
lis brother, Hon.. DC. Gid
iings he has been engaged in
he banking business since the
lose of the war. He continu-
ID the practice of the law until
800 when he retired, his large
business requiring all his time
\ few weeks ago he returned
rom the General Conference of
he M. E. Church South, which
vas held at Atlanta, Ga. At
he meeting of the Democratic
ounty convention held on the
5th inst, he served as chair .
nan; hislast appearance at any
'ublic meeting. He was a loving
usband and a kind indulgent ;
aren't.
The Mayor, Mr.. Kerr, issued
proclamation calling upon the
usiness men of the city to sus-
end business during the funer-
which took place at $50 :
clock on Tuesday evening {