Hamilton B. Dickson
1890 - 1894
Wharton County Sheriff
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Hamilton B. Dickson
1890 - 1894
Wharton County Sheriff
Hamilton Bass Dickson
Three weeks after their marriage, Hamilton Dickson was murdered. His funeral was the largest funeral to ever take place in Wharton County.
Hamilton Dickson is perhaps one of the most remembered Sheriff's to serve in Wharton County. He was elected November 4, 1890, then re-elected November 8, 1892 and he served until November 2, 1886 when he was killed.
Eagle Lake Headlight December 22, 1923
INCIDENTS OF BLOODY BATTLE REMEMBERED BY OLD TIMERS
Last week's Weimer Mercury reprinted an article from its issue of February 17, 1894, giving an account of the battle which occurred in the bottom below Eagle Lake between officers from Colorado and Wharton Counties and H.H. Moore and Dee Braddock, in which the sheriff of Wharton County and Moore and Braddock were killed. Many of the older citizens of this section will recall the incidents of the battle, and the Headlight is reprinting the article as it appeared in the Mercury last week:
"From a gentleman at Columbus we learned the particulars of the killing of Dee Braddock and H.H. Moore, by sheriff's posses, in Wharton county, Wednesday evening of last week:
Sheriff J.L. Townsend Tuesday night just as he was on the eve of retiring was handed a telegram from Sheriff Dickson of Wharton County, stating that the time was ripe for them to capture Braddock (who had been located at H.H. Moore's, on Rancho Grande) and to come at once with trusted men and good horses.
Townsend immediately telegraphed Dickson to meet him at Northington's store, near Moore's place, the next day at 1 0'clock. He then summoned Deputies Sam Rees and W.E. Bridge, and at 4 o'clock Wednesday morning the posse left Columbus. They arrived at Northington's store at 12 o'clock, and Sheriff Dickson and posse came up about thirty minutes later. H.H. Moore was at the store at the time, and as it was known positively to the officers that he had been harboring Braddock, he was placed under arrest , and left in charge of Mr. Northington.
Soon afterwards the posse left the store, en route to Moore's place. They had gone but a short distance when they met two Negroes, who they turned back and forced to accompany them. A little further on they met another negro, riding very fast. He was stopped and questioned, but denied knowing anything, or that he was up to any mischief. This Negro was named Thornton Fry, and he was apparently known to Sheriff Dickson, who warned Townsend not to believe anything he said. Fry was turned around and forced to go with them.
After they had gone a short distance, the Negro Fry called Sheriff Dickson off to one side, when a conversation of some length took place. Townsend, becoming impatient, remarked to Dickson that they were losing time; to hurry up. Dickson then called Townsend over to where where he and the Negro were talking.
It developed then, through the conversation of the Negro that Fry was working for H.H. Moore, and acting as message carrier between Moore and Braddock. he told officers he had returned from Braddock's hiding place, where he had gone to carry a message from Moore to the effect that the officers were close upon him, and for him (Braddock) to "lay low and keep his eyes open". The officers then journeyed to the dense thicket wherein Braddock was hidden, and after a short parley made the Negro show them the slight trail through which Braddock could be reached.
After a few words of instruction to other members of the posse, Sheriff Dickson and Sheriff Townsend entered. They had not gone far, When Dickson motioned with his hand, and said in an undertone to Townsend (who was several steps away): "here he is." As Dickson raised himself slightly from his stooping posture, the sharp crack of a rifle was heard, and with a "Townsend, he has killed me!" Sheriff Dickson fell to the ground. Townsend, with the eyesight of a hawk, at once detected the spot from where the shot was fired, and caught a glimpse of Braddock. Quicker than a flash of lightning, his trust winchester went to his shoulder, the trigger was pressed, and the ball, true to it;s mark, struck Braddock in the neck. Braddock then fired several ineffectual shots at Townsend, but missed him every time, although the twigs around Townsend's head were clipped as if by a pair of shears.
Townsend, after firing several shots, circled around until he got in good range, when he sent a bullet crashing into the skull of the murderous desperado, and put an end to the battle.
Braddock's head was in a perfect pulp, from the effect of the numerous shots received. A closer investigation revealed the fact that what poor Sheriff Dickson had taken to be Braddock was simply a dummy lying on the ground near a log, which had been purposely been placed there by Braddock, who being several feet distant and almost entirely out of sight, could pick off his men one by one. But for Sheriff Townsend's keen sight and unerring aim, he. too would probably have been shot.
It was necessary to send some one back to Northington's store to procure a hack in which to carry the two dead bodies, and through a misapprehension on the part of one of the posse the Negro Fry was sent back. As soon as Sheriff Townsend learned that the Negro had gone back, he became uneasy, and finally he and Constable Heartt started back to the store. They had proceeded but a short distance when they espied two men coming toward them on horseback.
Townsend remarked then that one of the men was Moore, but Heartt was positive they were Negroes. As they came closer, both recognized Moore. Pulling their pistols, they ordered him to surrender. He made no reply, but endeavored to pull out his pistol, when the officers fired upon and killed him. Thus two well known desperado's were wiped off the face of the earth.
Sheriff Dickson's body was taken to Wharton for interment, while Moore was laid to rest at Eagle Lake, and Braddock at Flatonio.
Eagle Lake Headlight
Eagle Lake, Texas
December 22, 1923
Clementine "Clem" Hughes Dickson H.B. Hickson Wife
Priest Dickson H.B. Dickson's Father
Raymond Dickson Son of H.B. Dickson
Bernard and Dorothy Dickson, taken at the house on Oscar Street-House was torn down
H.B. Dickson Monument After it was moved from it's original place.
Wharton Journal Spectator Dec 17 1884 The Brave Honored A Monument to Ex-Sheriff Dickson
Unveiled at Wharton
To the Memory of the Dead
Perpetrated in Pure White Marble by
The Loving People Who Knew
Him - Pythian Ceremonies
Staff Correspondance Thrice this year have this people assembled to do honor to Wharton's most honored, loved and distiguished citizen, Hamilton B. Dickson. Last January there was a busy scene of activity; bright and happy faces awaited his coming from the sister city, Edna, to welcome with a festival the happy groom and his choosen bride; the notes of mirth and festivity, sweet music, a hall decorated with rare and choice flowers, the hum of hearts beating high in happiness, marked an event unequeled in the city before.One month later, when the body of the murdered hero was brought to his home, made desolate, a whole people with heads bowed in grief, with hearts wrung by sorrow for the life cut down, adorned with so many traits of noble manhood which had promised so much - loved by his country, by kindred and by friends.
Today on this calm December morning there stands in the public square a tall shaft of marble, pure and white under the bright sun, which marks a token of people's love and veneration for him who, loved and respected in life, will long be revered in memory after death. Here as on a common alter will they offer their sorrow, theri prayers of love and respect for his memory and his name. Truly an epoch encompassed within the 364 days.
The story of the tragedy, so well known, needs no recital here. Of how this respected citizen, the pride of this county with the confidence of a whole people, while at his post of duty, was slain by the hand of an assassin; how his death amounted to a public calamity these facts so recent seem but yesterday.
Hamilton Dickson was indeed born for a career of usefulness. Nature had been generous in her gifts and had mouled him out of that clay of which she was the most sparing. Tried by every standard he was every inch one of the noblest creations. To those who knew him best love of truth and honesty of purpose were his leading traits. When an ambition which had no mixture of cupidity, he strove to be at the head, and was by instinct a born leader. To do justice was the mainspring of his character, and with stern exactness he measured "right" alike to friend and foe.
The monument stands midway between the courthouse and the north gate, fronting Milam Street; all pure Italian marble, put together in six separate parts. The base stone is 5x5 feet of Texas granite; the cap surmounted by a handsome monolith eleven feet in length, the whole towering twenty-one feet from the ground. It was designed and executred by Messrs. Jaeggli and Martin of Brenham, who won the contract over several competitors. Mr. Jaeggli giving his personal superintendance during its erection. The die stone is crowned by a finishd cap set off on each side by the initial letter D. The whole as it stands in height, work and art, makes it the handsomest and largest monument in Southern Texas. On the die stone facing north, set on black marble, is a medallion, cut from pure white, the bust life size of the late laminated H.B. Dickson.
Inscribed on the monument are these words:
(one side) HAMILTON B. DICKSON Brave, gentle, faithful and beloved citizen and Sheriff of
Wharton County, who rose to the need of leadership in the
1880's and as sheriff cleaned the county of vicious criminal
elements and later was killed in the line of duty by a mur-
derer waiting in ambush
(one side)HAMILTON B. DICKSON
Born December 4, 1855
Died February 7, 1894
"Greater love hath no man than this: that he lay down his
life for a friend." John 15.13
He died a hero for the welfare of his county, a martyr in
the cause of justice, order, society
(one side)
Erected by the People of Texas
To the Memory of
A brave and noble officer who died at
the post of duty
December 17, 1894
"Without a sign his sword the true man draws,
And asks no omen but his country's cause."
Assassin of H.B. Dickson, Dee Braddock Headstone
The photo below taken and submitted to WCHM by Walter Braddock of West Columbia, Dee Braddock being his Grandfathers first cousin on 06/19/1984. The gravesite is located in Flatonia,Texas.The headstone reads:
Dee Braddock Born in Fayette Co, Tex. July 14, 1870
Killed in Wharton Co. Tex.
Feb. 7, 1894
3 O'Clock
15 M.P.M.
1889-1935
Wharton County Records of Inquest
H.B. Dickson NATURE OF INFORMATION:Information given by Mr. J.L. Townsend.DATE OF INQUEST: Feb 7, 1894 11pm
WHERE INQUEST HELD:Remains examined in Wharton.
DATE OF DECEASE, IF KNOWN: Feb 7, 1894
WHERE DIED OR WHERE BODY WAS FOUND: In the bottom two miles above Ranch A. Grandy
NAME OF DECEASED: H.B. Dickson
DESCRIPTION OF DECEASED:White Man
FINDING BY THE JUSTICE:I find that H.B. Dickson came to his death in Wharton County Texas on the 7th day of February AD 1894 from gunshot Wound inflicted by Dee Braddock While
restingresisting arrest.of said H.B. Dickson Sheriff of Wharton Cnty.NAMES OF SUSPECTED PERSONS: Dee Braddock
DATE OF ARREST: Feb 7, 1894
IN WHAT JAIL CONFINED: Killed by J.L. Townsend while resisting arrest for killing Constable Townsand at Minen Colorado Cnty
Dee Braddock
NATURE OF INFORMATION: Complaint made by G.E. SongmireDATE OF INQUEST: Feby 8, 1894 2 o'clo
WHERE INQUEST HELD:At Egypt in Prect No 2 Wharton Co Tex
DATE OF DECEASE, IF KNOWN: Feb 7, 1894
WHERE DIED OR WHERE BODY WAS FOUND: Near the Col. river Prect. No 2
NAME OF DECEASED: Dee Braddock
DESCRIPTION OF DECEASED: white man between 20 & 25 yrs of age and weighed about 160 pounds
FINDING BY THE JUSTICE:I find that Dee Braddock cause of his death from gun shot wounds inflicted by J.S. Townsend Feby 7th 1894, under circumstances which I consider justifyable
NAMES OF SUSPECTED PERSONS: J.S. Townsend, Principal, Colomubus Colorado Co Texas
DATE OF ARREST:Feby 8, 1894
IN WHAT JAIL CONFINED: out on bail Feby 8, 1894 $100 Columbus Colorado Co. Texas
NAMES OF SURITIES ON BOND: G.H. Northington, J.D. Wygall
RESIDENCES OF SURITIES:Egypt, Wharton Co.,Tex.
H.H. Moore
NATURE OF INFORMATION:Complaint made by Jeff AndersonDATE OF INQUEST:Feby 8, 1894 2:20
WHERE INQUEST HELD: Egypt Wharton Co Tex
DATE OF DECEASE, IF KNOWN:[blank]
WHERE DIED OR WHERE BODY WAS FOUND:[blank]
NAME OF DECEASED:H.H. Moore
DESCRIPTION OF DECEASED:white man
FINDING BY THE JUSTICE:I find that H.H. Moore cause of his death in Wharton County Texas on the 7th day of February AD 1894, from gun shot wounds inflicted by J.L. Townsend and C.W. Heartt under circumstances which I consider to be justifyable
NAMES OF SUSPECTED PERSONS: J.S. Townsend and C.W. Heartt., Colomubus Col.Co and Wharton, Wharton Co
DATE OF ARREST:[blank]
IN WHAT JAIL CONFINED: out on bail Feby 8, 1894 $100 each, at Columbus Col. Co. and at Wharton, Wharton Co.
NAMES OF SURITIES ON BOND: G.H. Northington, J.D. Wygall, J.B. Wygall
RESIDENCES OF SURITIES:Egypt, Wharton Co.,Tex.
WHITE MANS UNION ASSOCIATION RESOLUTION June 1894
From Minutes of meeting
Resolutions to the Memory of Hamilton B. Dickson
To the President and members of the White Mans Union Association
Your committee appoited to draft resolutions upon the death of our lamented member H.B. Dickson, beg to submit the following:
Whereas, it has pleased an all wise Providence to remove from us, in the zenith of his usefullness, our noble and beloved member Hamilton B. Dickson, while in the discharge of his official duty as Sheriff of Wharton County in trying to apprehend and bring to justice a merderer and fugitive from justice, therefore be it Resolved by the Officers and Members of the White Mans Union Association of Wharton County:
1st: That in the death of H.B. Dickson out association has lost one of it's cheif founders as well as one of its ablest and most ardent supporters
2nd:That our County had been deprived of one of its best citizens and of a Sheriff whose fearless and impartial discharge of duty has done much if not more than anything else, to bring about harmony and good government among our people
3rd: That out State has lost a brave and heroic officer, who was ever fearless and untiring in his zeal to enforce her laws and bring criminals to justice
4th: That his tragic death at the post of duty in our service demands from our whole people the deepest sense of gratitude and obligation for his heroic sacrifice for us
5th: Be it further resolved that individually and collectively we offer to his memory the sacred tribute of our love and admiration for his kindly nature and noble character
6th: That in token of our apprreciation of his great and unselfish services to our people, and in loving rememberance of him, that the members of this Association do by voluntary contribution procure a life sized bust oil painting of the deceased and hang the same in the courtroom of Wharton County, this his successors in office in looking upon his picture may be inspired to emulate his many virtues and noble character as a man and officer, as well as be reminded of his tragic end
7th: Be it further resolved that we tender to his widowed bride, aged mother, fond children and loving brother and sisters our tenderest sympathy and commend them to the care and keeping of "Him who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb" and who is able to sustain and comfort them in this bitter trial
8th: That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this Association, one sent to his bereaved and heartbroken widow and copy each sen t to The Wharton Spectator, Colorado Citizen, Edna Progress, and Shiner Gazette, with request that they be published.
G.G. Kelly, R.M. Brown, H.T. Compton, C.H. Waterhouse, W.C. Carpenter, Committee
[Note: An oil painting was never made of H.B. Dickson but in June 1894 the Commissioners Court authorized a committee to erect a monument to his memory at a site on the courthouse square of their choosing. Six months later it was completed and set in the center of the main walkway to the courthouse.
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This page researched and made by Janet Barrett Hobizal in July 2007, From records found at the Wharton County Historical Museum