This
is copied here with permission from The
Weatherford Democrat, July 23, 1956 issue.
Little Known of Man for Whom County Seat Named
The City of Weatherford, County Seat
of Parker County, was named in honor of State Senator Jefferson
Weatherford. County historians learned little of this man's
life story. Grace and Jones recorded in their volume that
Mr. Weatherford was born in Illinois and came to Texas with
his family around 1845, and settled in Lancaster, Dallas
County.
They continue that prior to 1856 Parker
County Territory was considered "part of the counties west
of Tarrant." After county organization, Parker was in the
same Senatorial District with Tarrant and Dallas Counties.
Jefferson Weatherford was a member of the
State Senate in 1855, representing the above mentioned district,
and joined Representative Isaac parker of Tarrant County
in backing the bill which established Parker County.
Settlers here showed their appreciation
by naming this county for Parker, and later named the County
Seat after Senator Weatherford.
This information about Jefferson Weatherford
was provided by Emma.
Jefferson Weatherford
b. abt 1811 in Tennessee - this is based on census information. He
married 2 Mar. 1852 in Dallas Co., Texas to Sarah Martin.
Sarah Martin was born abt 1818 in KY and died abt 1870 in
Dallas Co., Texas. Sarah Martin was the daughter of William
Harvey Martin and Susan Abigail Whittaker.
Jefferson and Sarah had the following children:
Seth S. Weatherford
Ellen Weatherford
and 1 other
But... he was apparently married twice
because in the 1850 census of Dallas County he has this listing:
Jefferson Weatherford - 39 - farmer - Tn
Mary - 39 - Ohio
Harbird - 16 - Ill -(Harbird is probably the Harbire Weatherford who married
Margaret A. Neely on June 7, 1859 in Dallas Co.)
Burrell - 13 - Ill
Thomas J. - 9 - Ill
Milbery - 6 - Ill --(Milbery is probably the Milberry Weatherford (female)
who married A. G. Gillespie in Dallas Co. on Sept. 8, 1864.)
William - 2 - Tx.
I am working on the Clark, Neely, & Martin
lines that came to Texas from Illinois in 1846 through 1848.
I think the Weatherford family were also part of this group.
These families are also linked in Illinois with the Parker
family (Daniel, John, - the Cynthia * Quannah group). Contact Emma to
exchange information.
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