Tillett, Henry A Jr 1974-11-21

Henry Tillett, a mechanical engineer and longtime resident of Abilene, discusses his family, including his father’s abstract company papers, and his own life.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Henry A. Tillett Jr.

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: November 21, 1974

Location: Abilene, Texas

Interviewer: Fred A. Carpenter

Length: 1 hour 10 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Discusses attorney father who settled in Abilene, Texas, in 1882, Father became first superintendent of schools, abstract maker, Gives details of family history, Recalls Abilene of his childhood, Attended kindergarten, public schools and Cooper School, Went to Simmons College and Rice Institute, Navy Training during World War I described, Flew airplanes, which he describes, Mentions Richard T. Byrd, Summarizes completion of schooling and beginning of career, A mechanical engineer, worked for Texas Power and Light, Opened a machine shop in Abilene, Drought and the Depression forced the shop to close, Names and birthdates of his children given.

Tape 1, Side 2: Continues with review of career, Gave manual training, entered goat business, Worked for State Board of Rehabilitation, Reentered Navy in 1942, Tells of his engineering work for the Navy, Recounts about machine shops and visit with eldest son.

Tape 2, Side 1: Finishes story of father and mother, Remembers his houses, Accounts for disposal of father’s estate.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1882-1974

Bulk Dates: Early 1900s-1974

Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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