|
|
Libraries Home | Mobile | My Account | Renew Items | Sitemap | Help |
|
Select a method to view the page:
|
828
a store house for grain, and feed for the mules, oxen and horses was piled to the ceiling.
"When General Merritt and General Custer came to San Antonio in 1865, they were accompanied by 10,000 cavalrymen, the largest number of soldiers ever stationed here prior to this date," Mr. Fitzhenry said. They were en route to Mexico to drive out the French, who, in defiance of the Monroe Doctrine, had established an empire and enthroned Maximilian. The scheme, however, history relates, was abandoned and Maximilian was shot some time after that.
Mr. Fitzhenry loved the early days, but he says that the people of today have a better sense of fair dealing as well as a greater respect for the law. "Ido not believe the world is growing worse," was his optimistic assertion. "Just because we have all the crimes that are committed in the country, and all the wrongdoing dished up to us in the newspapers, makes us think the world is pretty bad. But in years gone by, a life wasn't worth a farthing in this part of the country, and news traveled so slowly that it was forgotten before it got in or out of the State."
Mr. Fitzhenry has seen the wild pigeons and the buffalo disappear from wild life in Texas. And he has seen the building of railroads and the steady advance of civilization that has made San Antonio today a law-abiding town. He has seen outlawry disappear and culture take its place. He has witnessed the passing of the "bandit," and watched wild days fade into the background of Texas history.
"San Antonio has been my home for over 50 years," said Mr. Fitzhenry, whose appearance defies time and who might pass as a middle-aged man. "And I'll stay on here till the end."
He has never married and has not a relative living. He makes his home at 239 Garden Street.— San Antonio Evening News, January 24, 1921.