Nalle, Frances Higginbotham Duncan (Mrs George) 1969

Mrs. Nalle discusses the Higginbotham family and the development and growth of their business in Dublin, Texas, during the 1880s and 1890s.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Frances Higginbotham Duncan (Mrs. George) Nalle

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: June 19 and July 1969

Location: Austin, Texas

Interviewer: Fred A. Carpenter

Length: 2 hours 40 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Higginbotham family history and genealogy, Families move from Mississippi to Dublin, Texas, area after the Civil War, Rufus W. Higginbotham (father of Mrs. Nalle) moves to Dublin, Texas, Early employment, Rufus Higginbotham marries Hattie Louise Smith, Smith family ancestry, Smith family moves to Dublin, Texas, Higginbotham family moves to Texas, early 1880s, Higginbotham brothers open stores in West Central Texas towns, Personalities—Grandfather Smith, Grandmother Higginbotham and Rufus Higginbotham, Higginbotham’s house in Dublin.

Tape 1, Side 2: Higginbotham’s house in Dublin described, Nephew Tom Williams goes to work in Higginbotham business, Tom Williams’ marriage, Rufus Higginbotham’s children, Frances Higginbotham’s children, Many relatives employed in businesses, Close family relationship, Anecdotes about drummers and Indian scare, Dublin, Texas in the 1880s, Nephew managed store in De Leon, Credit given to farmers.

Tape 2, Side 1: Dublin, Texas, in the 1880s and 1890s, Railroads—excursion trips, Local fairs described, Higginbotham business and family.

Tape 2, Side 2: Anecdote about purchase of windmills, Higginbotham business develops and expands, Move to Dallas (March 1914), Business interests in Dallas, House in Dallas built, New company organized in Dallas, Partners and employees of company, Location of businesses—Business in Ballinger, Anecdotes about drummers, Items carried in stores.

Tape 3, Side 1: De Leon store run by Charlie Bartlett, Dallas businesses:, Boren-Stewart Co. (?)—wholesale grocery store, Higginbotham Millinery, Higginbotham, Bailey, Logan Co.—wholesale dry goods, Higginbotham-Bartlett Co.—chain of lumber yards, Trip to Europe (1926), Father’s personality, Trip to West Texas, Boren-Stewart Co.—hard times in early 1920s, Difficulties with Southwest Bank.

Tape 3, Side 2: Father liked to buy in large quantities, Brother played football in college, Owned ranches in West Texas and Mexico, Higginbotham businesses kept separate, Higginbotham relatives discussed, Father’s retirement, Christmas celebration recalled.

Tape 4, Side 1: Many relatives worked for R. W. Higginbotham, Justin McCarty—relationship and career, Discussion of old business records and papers, Discussion of Higginbotham relatives, Clay family members.

Tape 4, Side 2: R. W. Higginbotham—close relationship with family, Helped sisters, Discussion of Mrs. Nalle’s children and their careers, Discussion of Higginbotham relatives, Boggess and Lattimore families, J. M. Higginbotham family.

Range Dates: Early 1800s-1969

Bulk Dates: Early 1800s-1969

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